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Fakhro KA, Awwad J, Garibova S, Saraiva LR, Avella M. Conserved genes regulating human sex differentiation, gametogenesis and fertilization. J Transl Med 2024; 22:473. [PMID: 38764035 PMCID: PMC11103854 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05162-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of the functional genome in mice and humans has been instrumental for describing the conserved molecular mechanisms regulating human reproductive biology, and for defining the etiologies of monogenic fertility disorders. Infertility is a reproductive disorder that includes various conditions affecting a couple's ability to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing and CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing technologies have facilitated the identification and characterization of genes and mechanisms that, if affected, lead to infertility. We report established genes that regulate conserved functions in fundamental reproductive processes (e.g., sex determination, gametogenesis, and fertilization). We only cover genes the deletion of which yields comparable fertility phenotypes in both rodents and humans. In the case of newly-discovered genes, we report the studies demonstrating shared cellular and fertility phenotypes resulting from loss-of-function mutations in both species. Finally, we introduce new model systems for the study of human reproductive biology and highlight the importance of studying human consanguineous populations to discover novel monogenic causes of infertility. The rapid and continuous screening and identification of putative genetic defects coupled with an efficient functional characterization in animal models can reveal novel mechanisms of gene function in human reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid A Fakhro
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Johnny Awwad
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Vincent Memorial Obstetrics & Gynecology Service, The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Luis R Saraiva
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Matteo Avella
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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2
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Sahota JS, Thakur RS, Guleria K, Sambyal V. RAD51 and Infertility: A Review and Case-Control Study. Biochem Genet 2024; 62:1216-1230. [PMID: 37563467 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10469-8] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
RAD51 is a highly conserved recombinase involved in the strand invasion/exchange of double-stranded DNA by homologous single-stranded DNA during homologous recombination repair. Although a majority of existing literature associates RAD51 with the pathogenesis of various types of cancer, recent reports indicate a role of RAD51 in maintenance of fertility. The present study reviews the role of RAD51 and its interacting proteins in spermatogenesis/oogenesis and additionally reports the findings from the molecular genetic screening of RAD51 135 G > C polymorphism in infertile cases and controls. Fifty-nine articles from PubMed and Google Scholar related to the reproductive role of RAD51 were reviewed. For case-control study, the PCR-RFLP method was used to screen the RAD51 135 G > C polymorphism in 201 infertile cases (100 males, 101 females) and 201 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (100 males, 101 females) from Punjab, North-West India. The review of literature shows that RAD51 is indispensable for spermatogenesis and oogenesis in animal models. Reports on the role of RAD51 in human fertility are limited, however it is involved in the pathogenesis of infertility in both males and females. Molecular genetic analyses in the infertile cases and healthy controls showed no statistically significant difference in the genotypic and allelic frequencies for RAD51 135 G > C polymorphism, even after segregation of the cases by type of infertility (primary/secondary). Therefore, the present study concluded that the RAD51 135 G > C polymorphism was neither associated with male nor female infertility in North-West Indians. This is the first report on RAD51 135 G > C polymorphism and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatinder Singh Sahota
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, 143005, Punjab, India
| | - Ranveer Singh Thakur
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, 143005, Punjab, India
| | - Kamlesh Guleria
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, 143005, Punjab, India
| | - Vasudha Sambyal
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, 143005, Punjab, India.
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3
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Bakhshalizadeh S, Bird AD, Sreenivasan R, Bell KM, Robevska G, van den Bergen J, Asghari-Jafarabadi M, Kueh AJ, Touraine P, Lokchine A, Jaillard S, Ayers KL, Wilhelm D, Sinclair AH, Tucker EJ. A Human Homozygous HELQ Missense Variant Does Not Cause Premature Ovarian Insufficiency in a Mouse Model. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:333. [PMID: 38540391 PMCID: PMC10970702 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Disruption of meiosis and DNA repair genes is associated with female fertility disorders like premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). In this study, we identified a homozygous missense variant in the HELQ gene (c.596 A>C; p.Gln199Pro) through whole exome sequencing in a POI patient, a condition associated with disrupted ovarian function and female infertility. HELQ, an enzyme involved in DNA repair, plays a crucial role in repairing DNA cross-links and has been linked to germ cell maintenance, fertility, and tumour suppression in mice. To explore the potential association of the HELQ variant with POI, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to create a knock-in mouse model harbouring the equivalent of the human HELQ variant identified in the POI patient. Surprisingly, Helq knock-in mice showed no discernible phenotype, with fertility levels, histological features, and follicle development similar to wild-type mice. Despite the lack of observable effects in mice, the potential role of HELQ in human fertility, especially in the context of POI, should not be dismissed. Larger studies encompassing diverse ethnic populations and alternative functional approaches will be necessary to further examine the role of HELQ in POI. Our results underscore the potential uncertainties associated with genomic variants and the limitations of in vivo animal modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Bakhshalizadeh
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (S.B.); (R.S.); (K.M.B.); (G.R.); (J.v.d.B.); (K.L.A.); (A.H.S.)
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Anthony D. Bird
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.D.B.); (D.W.)
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular & Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Rajini Sreenivasan
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (S.B.); (R.S.); (K.M.B.); (G.R.); (J.v.d.B.); (K.L.A.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Katrina M. Bell
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (S.B.); (R.S.); (K.M.B.); (G.R.); (J.v.d.B.); (K.L.A.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Gorjana Robevska
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (S.B.); (R.S.); (K.M.B.); (G.R.); (J.v.d.B.); (K.L.A.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Jocelyn van den Bergen
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (S.B.); (R.S.); (K.M.B.); (G.R.); (J.v.d.B.); (K.L.A.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Mohammad Asghari-Jafarabadi
- Biostatistics Unit, School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Kueh
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Philippe Touraine
- Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Pitie Salpetriere Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne University Medicine, 75013 Paris, France;
| | - Anna Lokchine
- IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), INSERM/EHESP/Univ Rennes/CHU Rennes–UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France; (A.L.); (S.J.)
- CHU Rennes, Service de Cytogénétique et Biologie Cellulaire, 35033 Rennes, France
| | - Sylvie Jaillard
- IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), INSERM/EHESP/Univ Rennes/CHU Rennes–UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France; (A.L.); (S.J.)
- CHU Rennes, Service de Cytogénétique et Biologie Cellulaire, 35033 Rennes, France
| | - Katie L. Ayers
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (S.B.); (R.S.); (K.M.B.); (G.R.); (J.v.d.B.); (K.L.A.); (A.H.S.)
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Dagmar Wilhelm
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.D.B.); (D.W.)
| | - Andrew H. Sinclair
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (S.B.); (R.S.); (K.M.B.); (G.R.); (J.v.d.B.); (K.L.A.); (A.H.S.)
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Elena J. Tucker
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (S.B.); (R.S.); (K.M.B.); (G.R.); (J.v.d.B.); (K.L.A.); (A.H.S.)
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
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4
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Chen W, Cui Y, Li C, He C, Du L, Liu W, He Z. KLF2 controls proliferation and apoptosis of human spermatogonial stem cells via targeting GJA1. iScience 2024; 27:109024. [PMID: 38352225 PMCID: PMC10863320 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109024] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, molecular mechanisms regulating fate determinations of human SSCs remain elusive. In this study, we revealed that KLF2 decreased the proliferation, DNA synthesis, and colonization of human SSCs as well as increased apoptosis of these cells. We identified and demonstrated that GJA1 was a target gene for KLF2 in human SSCs. Notably, KLF2 overexpression rescued the reduction of proliferation of human SSCs caused by GJA1 silencing as well as the enhancement of apoptosis of human SSCs. Abnormalities in the higher level of KLF2 and/or KIF2 mutations might lead to male infertility. Collectively, these results implicate that KLF2 inhibits proliferation of human SSCs and enhances their apoptosis by targeting GJA1. This study thus provides novel genetic mechanisms underlying human spermatogenesis and azoospermia, and it offers new endogenous targets for treating male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yinghong Cui
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Chunyun Li
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Caimei He
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Li Du
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Zuping He
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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Yi S, Wang W, Su L, Meng L, Li Y, Tan C, Liu Q, Zhang H, Fan L, Lu G, Hu L, Du J, Lin G, Tan YQ, Tu C, Zhang Q. Deleterious variants in X-linked RHOXF1 cause male infertility with oligo- and azoospermia. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae002. [PMID: 38258527 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae002] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Oligozoospermia and azoospermia are two common phenotypes of male infertility characterized by massive sperm defects owing to failure of spermatogenesis. The deleterious impact of candidate variants with male infertility is to be explored. In our study, we identified three hemizygous missense variants (c.388G>A: p.V130M, c.272C>T: p.A91V, and c.467C>T: p.A156V) and one hemizygous nonsense variant (c.478C>T: p.R160X) in the Rhox homeobox family member 1 gene (RHOXF1) in four unrelated cases from a cohort of 1201 infertile Chinese men with oligo- and azoospermia using whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing. RHOXF1 was absent in the testicular biopsy of one patient (c.388G>A: p.V130M) whose histological analysis showed a phenotype of Sertoli cell-only syndrome. In vitro experiments indicated that RHOXF1 mutations significantly reduced the content of RHOXF1 protein in HEK293T cells. Specifically, the p.V130M, p.A156V, and p.R160X mutants of RHOXF1 also led to increased RHOXF1 accumulation in cytoplasmic particles. Luciferase assays revealed that p.V130M and p.R160X mutants may disrupt downstream spermatogenesis by perturbing the regulation of doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1) promoter activity. Furthermore, ICSI treatment could be beneficial in the context of oligozoospermia caused by RHOXF1 mutations. In conclusion, our findings collectively identified mutated RHOXF1 to be a disease-causing X-linked gene in human oligo- and azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibing Yi
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center for Biology Post-Doctoral studies, College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lilan Su
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chen Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liqing Fan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproduction Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproduction Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
| | - Liang Hu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center for Biology Post-Doctoral studies, College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproduction Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproduction Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center for Biology Post-Doctoral studies, College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproduction Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center for Biology Post-Doctoral studies, College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproduction Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qianjun Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center for Biology Post-Doctoral studies, College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproduction Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
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Bahrami N, Nazari A, Afshari Z, Aftabsavad S, Moini A, Noormohammadi Z. Gene expression and demographic analyses in women with the poor ovarian response: a computational approach. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2627-2638. [PMID: 37642817 PMCID: PMC10643739 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02919-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Poor response to ovarian stimulation (POR) typically is reflected as decreased follicular response and low estradiol (E2) levels following ovarian stimulation by FSH/HMG. Many genes are involved in oocyte maturation, and demographic features and lifestyle can affect the oocyte maturity and developmental competence. The present study was conducted to investigate the magnitude of gene expression and lifestyle habits in POR women as compared to healthy women, using different statistical and computational methods. METHODS Fifty women in the two groups were studied. The study groups included POR women (n = 25) with 1-9 released oocytes, and the control group (normal women, n = 25) with 9-15 released oocytes. Quantitative PCR was used to estimate the expression of FIGLA, ZAR1, WNT4, LHX8, APC, H1FOO, MOS, and DMC1 genes in granulosa cells. RESULTS The results showed no significant difference in the magnitude of the studied genes' expression and linear discriminant analysis did not differentiate the studied groups based on all the genes together. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and latent factor mixed model (LFMM) results produce no significant association between the genes' expression magnitude and the geographical variables of the patients' local habitat. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) of the demographic features differentiated the two groups of women. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that demographic features may have an effect on sample gene expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Bahrami
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arnoosh Nazari
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Afshari
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Aftabsavad
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Moini
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Breast Disease Research Center (BDRC), Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Noormohammadi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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Ding X, Gong X, Fan Y, Cao J, Zhao J, Zhang Y, Wang X, Meng K. DNA double-strand break genetic variants in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:135. [PMID: 37430352 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01221-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a clinically heterogeneous disease that may seriously affect the physical and mental health of women of reproductive age. POI primarily manifests as ovarian function decline and endocrine disorders in women prior to age 40 and is an established cause of female infertility. It is crucial to elucidate the causative factors of POI, not only to expand the understanding of ovarian physiology, but also to provide genetic counselling and fertility guidance to affected patients. Factors leading to POI are multifaceted with genetic factors accounting for 7% to 30%. In recent years, an increasing number of DNA damage-repair-related genes have been linked with the occurrence of POI. Among them, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), one of the most damaging to DNA, and its main repair methods including homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) are of particular interest. Numerous genes are known to be involved in the regulation of programmed DSB formation and damage repair. The abnormal expression of several genes have been shown to trigger defects in the overall repair pathway and induce POI and other diseases. This review summarises the DSB-related genes that may contribute to the development of POI and their potential regulatory mechanisms, which will help to further establish role of DSB in the pathogenesis of POI and provide theoretical guidance for the study of the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechun Ding
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xiaowei Gong
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yingying Fan
- Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jinghe Cao
- Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jingyu Zhao
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.
| | - Kai Meng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.
- Lin He's Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.
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Tang F, Gao Y, Li K, Tang D, Hao Y, Lv M, Wu H, Cheng H, Fei J, Jin Z, Wang C, Xu Y, Wei Z, Zhou P, Zhang Z, He X, Cao Y. Novel deleterious splicing variant in HFM1 causes gametogenesis defect and recurrent implantation failure: concerning the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1689-1702. [PMID: 36864181 PMCID: PMC10352197 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02761-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Poor ovarian response (POR) affects approximately 9% to 24% of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, resulting in fewer eggs obtained and increasing clinical cycle cancellation rates. The pathogenesis of POR is related to gene variations. Our study included a Chinese family comprising two siblings with infertility born to consanguineous parents. Poor ovarian response (POR) was identified in the female patient who had multiple embryo implantation failures occurring in subsequent assisted reproductive technology cycles. Meanwhile, the male patient was diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). METHODS Whole-exome sequencing and rigorous bioinformatics analyses were conducted to identify the underlying genetic causes. Moreover, the pathogenicity of the identified splicing variant was assessed using a minigene assay in vitro. The remaining poor-quality blastocyst and abortion tissues from the female patient were detected for copy number variations. RESULTS We identified a novel homozygous splicing variant in HFM1 (NM_001017975.6: c.1730-1G > T) in two siblings. Apart from NOA and POI, biallelic variants in HFM1 were also associated with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Additionally, we demonstrated that splicing variants caused abnormal alternative splicing of HFM1. Using copy number variation sequencing, we found that the embryos of the female patients had either euploidy or aneuploidy; however, both harbored chromosomal microduplications of maternal origin. CONCLUSION Our results reveal the different effects of HFM1 on reproductive injury in males and females, extend the phenotypic and mutational spectrum of HFM1, and show the potential risk of chromosomal abnormalities under the RIF phenotype. Moreover, our study provides new diagnostic markers for the genetic counseling of POR patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - KuoKuo Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - DongDong Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huiru Cheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jia Fei
- Peking Jabrehoo Med Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Zhiping Jin
- Peking Jabrehoo Med Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Xiaojin He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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9
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Llano E, Pendás AM. Synaptonemal Complex in Human Biology and Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1718. [PMID: 37443752 PMCID: PMC10341275 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131718] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a meiosis-specific multiprotein complex that forms between homologous chromosomes during prophase of meiosis I. Upon assembly, the SC mediates the synapses of the homologous chromosomes, leading to the formation of bivalents, and physically supports the formation of programmed double-strand breaks (DSBs) and their subsequent repair and maturation into crossovers (COs), which are essential for genome haploidization. Defects in the assembly of the SC or in the function of the associated meiotic recombination machinery can lead to meiotic arrest and human infertility. The majority of proteins and complexes involved in these processes are exclusively expressed during meiosis or harbor meiosis-specific subunits, although some have dual functions in somatic DNA repair and meiosis. Consistent with their functions, aberrant expression and malfunctioning of these genes have been associated with cancer development. In this review, we focus on the significance of the SC and their meiotic-associated proteins in human fertility, as well as how human genetic variants encoding for these proteins affect the meiotic process and contribute to infertility and cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Llano
- Departamento Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Biologıía Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Alberto M. Pendás
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Biologıía Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
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10
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He J, Su L, Wang W, Li Y, Meng L, Tan C, Lin G, Tan YQ, Zhang Q, Tu C. C9orf131 and C10orf120 are not essential for male fertility in humans or mice. Dev Biol 2023; 497:11-17. [PMID: 36871790 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility affects approximately 7% of childbearing couples and is a major health issue. Although nearly 50% idiopathic infertile men are assumed to have a genetic basis, the underlying causes remain largely unknown in most infertility cases. Here, we report two rare homozygous variants in two previously uncharacterized genes, C9orf131 and C10orf120, identified in two unrelated men with asthenozoospermia. Both genes were predominantly expressed in the testes. Furthermore, C9orf131 and C10orf120 knockout mice were successfully generated using the CRISPR-Cas9 technology. However, both C9orf131-/- and C10orf120-/- adult male mice were fertile, with testis-to-body weight ratios comparable to those of wild-type mice. No overt differences were found between wild-type, C9orf131-/-, and C10orf120-/- mice regarding testicular/epididymal tissue morphology, sperm count, sperm motility, or sperm morphology. Moreover, TUNEL assays indicated that the number of apoptotic germ cells in testes was not significantly different between the three groups. In summary, these findings suggest that C9orf131 and C10orf120 are redundant genes in male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin He
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Lilan Su
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Yong Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Chen Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Qianjun Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410000, China.
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410000, China.
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11
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Ozturk S. Genetic variants underlying spermatogenic arrests in men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:1021-1061. [PMID: 36740861 PMCID: PMC10081088 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2171544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenic arrest is a severe form of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), which occurs in 10-15% of infertile men. Interruption in spermatogenic progression at premeiotic, meiotic, or postmeiotic stage can lead to arrest in men with NOA. Recent studies have intensively focused on defining genetic variants underlying these spermatogenic arrests by making genome/exome sequencing. A number of variants were discovered in the genes involving in mitosis, meiosis, germline differentiation and other basic cellular events. Herein, defined variants in NOA cases with spermatogenic arrests and created knockout mouse models for the related genes are comprehensively reviewed. Also, importance of gene panel-based screening for NOA cases was discussed. Screening common variants in these infertile men with spermatogenic arrests may contribute to elucidating the molecular background and designing novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
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12
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Chen Y, Liu X, Zhang L, Zhu F, Yan L, Tang W, Zhang Z, Liu Q, Jiang H, Qiao J. Deciphering the Molecular Characteristics of Human Idiopathic Nonobstructive Azoospermia from the Perspective of Germ Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023:e2206852. [PMID: 37083227 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is one of the most important causes of male infertility, accounting for 10-15% of infertile men worldwide. Among these, more than 70% of cases are idiopathic NOA (iNOA), whose pathogenesis and molecular basis remain unknown. This work profiles 3696 human testicular single-cell transcriptomes from 17 iNOA patients, which are classified into four classes with different arrest periods and variable cell proportions based on the gene expression patterns and pathological features. Genes related to the cell cycle, energy production, and gamete generation show obvious abnormalities in iNOA germ cells. This work identifies several candidate causal genes for iNOA, including CD164, LELP1, and TEX38, which are significantly downregulated in iNOA germ cells. Notably, CD164 knockdown promotes apoptosis in spermatogonia. Cellular communications between spermatogonial stem cells and Sertoli cells are disturbed in iNOA patients. Moreover, BOD1L2, C1orf194, and KRTCAP2 are found to indicate testicular spermatogenic capacity in a variety of testicular diseases, such as Y-chromosome microdeletions and Klinefelter syndrome. In general, this study analyzes the pathogenesis of iNOA from the perspective of germ cell development, transcription factor (TF) regulatory networks, as well as germ cell and somatic cell interactions, which provides new ideas for clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidong Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xixi Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Feiyin Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Liying Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wenhao Tang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Beijing, 100871, China
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Balagannavar G, Basavaraju K, Bajpai AK, Davuluri S, Kannan S, S Srini V, S Chandrashekar D, Chitturi N, K Acharya K. Transcriptomic analysis of the Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) to address gene expression regulation in human testis. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2023; 69:196-214. [PMID: 36883778 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2023.2176268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
There is a need to understand the molecular basis of testes under Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA), a state of failed spermatogenesis. There has been a lack of attention to the transcriptome at the level of alternatively spliced mRNAs (iso-mRNAs) and the mechanism of gene expression regulation. Hence, we aimed to establish a reliable iso-mRNA profile of NOA-testes, and explore molecular mechanisms - especially those related to gene expression regulation. We sequenced mRNAs from testicular samples of donors with complete spermatogenesis (control samples) and a failure of spermatogenesis (NOA samples). We identified differentially expressed genes and their iso-mRNAs via standard NGS data analyses. We then listed these iso-mRNAs hierarchically based on the extent of consistency of differential quantities across samples and groups, and validated the lists via RT-qPCRs (for 80 iso-mRNAs). In addition, we performed extensive bioinformatic analysis of the splicing features, domains, interactions, and functions of differentially expressed genes and iso-mRNAs. Many top-ranking down-regulated genes and iso-mRNAs, i.e., those down-regulated more consistently across the NOA samples, are associated with mitosis, replication, meiosis, cilium, RNA regulation, and post-translational modifications such as ubiquitination and phosphorylation. Most down-regulated iso-mRNAs correspond to full-length proteins that include all expected domains. The predominance of alternative promoters and termination sites in these iso-mRNAs indicate their gene expression regulation via promoters and UTRs. We compiled a new, comprehensive list of human transcription factors (TFs) and used it to identify TF-'TF gene' interactions with potential significance in down-regulating genes under the NOA condition. The results indicate that RAD51 suppression by HSF4 prevents SP1-activation, and SP1, in turn, could regulate multiple TF genes. This potential regulatory axis and other TF interactions identified in this study could explain the down-regulation of multiple genes in NOA-testes. Such molecular interactions may also have key regulatory roles during normal human spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govindkumar Balagannavar
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.,Research Scholar, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Kavyashree Basavaraju
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.,BdataA: Biological data Analyzers' Association (virtual organization http://startbioinfo.com/BdataA/), India
| | - Akhilesh Kumar Bajpai
- BdataA: Biological data Analyzers' Association (virtual organization http://startbioinfo.com/BdataA/), India
| | - Sravanthi Davuluri
- BdataA: Biological data Analyzers' Association (virtual organization http://startbioinfo.com/BdataA/), India
| | - Shruthi Kannan
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Vasan S Srini
- Manipal Fertility, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Neelima Chitturi
- BdataA: Biological data Analyzers' Association (virtual organization http://startbioinfo.com/BdataA/), India
| | - Kshitish K Acharya
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.,BdataA: Biological data Analyzers' Association (virtual organization http://startbioinfo.com/BdataA/), India
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14
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Chen M, Jiang H, Zhang C. Selected Genetic Factors Associated with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054423. [PMID: 36901862 PMCID: PMC10002966 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a heterogeneous disease resulting from non-functional ovaries in women before the age of 40. It is characterized by primary amenorrhea or secondary amenorrhea. As regards its etiology, although many POI cases are idiopathic, menopausal age is a heritable trait and genetic factors play an important role in all POI cases with known causes, accounting for approximately 20% to 25% of cases. This paper reviews the selected genetic causes implicated in POI and examines their pathogenic mechanisms to show the crucial role of genetic effects on POI. The genetic factors that can be found in POI cases include chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., X chromosomal aneuploidies, structural X chromosomal abnormalities, X-autosome translocations, and autosomal variations), single gene mutations (e.g., newborn ovary homeobox gene (NOBOX), folliculogenesis specific bHLH transcription factor (FIGLA), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), forkhead box L2 (FOXL2), bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), etc., as well as defects in mitochondrial functions and non-coding RNAs (small ncRNAs and long ncRNAs). These findings are beneficial for doctors to diagnose idiopathic POI cases and predict the risk of POI in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchi Chen
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Haotian Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Chunping Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
- Correspondence:
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15
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Bi-allelic MEI1 variants cause meiosis arrest and non-obstructive azoospermia. J Hum Genet 2023; 68:383-392. [PMID: 36759719 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-023-01119-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is characterized by the failure of sperm production due to testicular disorders and represents the most severe form of male infertility. Growing evidences have indicated that gene defects could be the potential cause of NOA via genome-wide sequencing approaches. Here, bi-allelic deleterious variants in meiosis inhibitor protein 1 (MEI1) were identified by whole-exome sequencing in four Chinese patients with NOA. Testicular pathologic analysis and immunohistochemical staining revealed that spermatogenesis is arrested at spermatocyte stage, with defective programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) homoeostasis and meiotic chromosome synapsis in patients carrying the variants. In addition, our results showed that one missense variant (c.G186C) reduced the expression of MEI1 and one frameshift variant (c.251delT) led to truncated proteins of MEI1 in in vitro. Furthermore, the missense variant (c.T1585A) was assumed to affect the interaction between MEI1 and its partners via bioinformatic analysis. Collectively, our findings provide direct genetic and functional evidences that bi-allelic variants in MEI1 could cause defective DSBs homoeostasis and meiotic chromosome synapsis, which subsequently lead to meiosis arrest and male infertility. Thus, our study deepens our knowledge of the role of MEI1 in male fertility and provides a novel insight to understand the genetic aetiology of NOA.
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Li Y, Li Y, Wang Y, Meng L, Tan C, Du J, Tan YQ, Nie H, Zhang Q, Lu G, Lin G, Li H, Zhang H, Tu C. Identification of novel biallelic LRRC6 variants in male Chinese patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia and infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:41-51. [PMID: 36515799 PMCID: PMC9840726 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02681-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: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to identify the genetic cause of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and male infertility in two unrelated Han Chinese families. METHODS We performed whole-exome sequencing in two unrelated male Han Chinese patients suffering from infertility and PCD to identify the pathogenic variants. Ultrastructural and immunostaining analyses of patient's spermatozoa were performed to characterize the effect of the variants. The pathogenicity of the variants was validated using patient's spermatozoa by western blotting and immunostaining analysis. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was conducted in the affected families. RESULTS Three variants in leucine-rich repeat containing 6 (LRRC6) [patient 1(compound heterozygote): NM_012472: c.538C > T, (p.R180*) and c.64dupT, (p.S22Ffs*19); patient 2 (homozygote): c.863C > A, (p.P288H)] were identified in two unrelated patients with PCD and male infertility. These variants were predicated deleterious and were absent or rare in human population genome data. LRRC6-mutant spermatozoa showed a highly aberrant morphology and ultrastructure with lacked inner and outer dynein arms. The LRRC6 protein was present along the normal sperm flagella, and was significantly decreased in the mutated spermatozoa. Interestingly, both patients were able to conceive through ICSI and birthed a healthy baby. CONCLUSION Our results extend the LRRC6 variant spectrum and provide reproductive guidance to families suffering from PCD-linked infertility caused by LRRC6 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhao Li
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Yong Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Chen Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Qianjun Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Huanzhu Li
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China.
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.
| | - Huan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China.
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Xie X, Khan M, Zubair M, Khan A, Khan R, Zhou J, Zhang Y, Said M, Khan SA, Zaman Q, Murtaza G, Khan MA, Liu W, Hou X, Zhang H, Xu B, Jiang X, Bai S, Shi Q. A homozygous missense variant in DND1 causes non-obstructive azoospermia in humans. Front Genet 2022; 13:1017302. [PMID: 36246621 PMCID: PMC9561125 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1017302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe factor of male infertility; it affects approximately 1% of the global male population and accounts for 40% of male infertility cases. However, the majority of NOA cases remain idiopathic. This is the first study using whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify a novel missense mutation in the DND1 gene (c.212A>C, p. E71A) from a Pakistani family, that includes three males with NOA. This mutation is predicted to cause DND1 protein misfolding and weaken the DND1 interaction with NANOS2, a significant regulator in primordial germ cell development. Our study identified a DND1 pathogenic mutation in NOA patients and highlighted its critical role in male fertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Xei Xuefeng, ; Mazhar Khan, ; Shun Bai, ; Qinghua Shi,
| | - Mazhar Khan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Xei Xuefeng, ; Mazhar Khan, ; Shun Bai, ; Qinghua Shi,
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Abbas Khan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ranjha Khan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jianteng Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Muzafar Said
- Malka Andrology, Fertility and IVF Center, Roshan Specialized Hospital, saidu sharif, Pakistan
| | - Sher Ali Khan
- Malka Andrology, Fertility and IVF Center, Roshan Specialized Hospital, saidu sharif, Pakistan
| | - Qamar Zaman
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Muzamil Ahmad Khan
- Gomal Centre of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
| | - Wei Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoning Hou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Bo Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Shun Bai
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Xei Xuefeng, ; Mazhar Khan, ; Shun Bai, ; Qinghua Shi,
| | - Qinghua Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Xei Xuefeng, ; Mazhar Khan, ; Shun Bai, ; Qinghua Shi,
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Wang Y, Liu L, Tan C, Meng G, Meng L, Nie H, Du J, Lu GX, Lin G, He WB, Tan YQ. Novel MEIOB variants cause primary ovarian insufficiency and non-obstructive azoospermia. Front Genet 2022; 13:936264. [PMID: 35991565 PMCID: PMC9388730 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.936264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Infertility is a global health concern. MEIOB has been found to be associated with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), but its variants have not been reported in Chinese patients. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic aetiology of POI or NOA in three Han Chinese families.Methods: Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used to identify candidate pathogenic variants in three consanguineous Chinese infertile families with POI or NOA. Sanger sequencing was performed to validate these variants in the proband of family I and her affected family members. In vitro functional analyses were performed to confirm the effects of these variants.Results: Two novel homozygous frameshift variants (c.258_259del and c.1072_1073del) and one novel homozygous nonsense variant (c.814C > T) in the MEIOB gene were identified in three consanguineous Han Chinese families. In vitro functional analyses revealed that these variants produced truncated proteins and affected their function.Conclusion: We identified three novel MEIOB loss-of-function variants in local Chinese patients for the first time and confirmed their pathogenicity using in vitro functional analyses. These results extend the mutation spectrum of the MEIOB gene and have important significance for genetic counselling in these families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Wang
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chen Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guiquan Meng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Guang-Xiu Lu
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Bin He
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Wen-Bin He, ; Yue-Qiu Tan,
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Wen-Bin He, ; Yue-Qiu Tan,
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19
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Huang Y, Tian R, Xu J, Ji Z, Zhang Y, Zhao L, Yang C, Li P, Zhi E, Bai H, Han S, Luo J, Zhao J, Zhang J, Zhou Z, Li Z, Yao C. Novel copy number variations within SYCE1 caused meiotic arrest and non-obstructive azoospermia. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:137. [PMID: 35718780 PMCID: PMC9208180 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01288-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe disease in male infertility, but the genetic causes for majority of NOA remain unknown. Methods Two Chinese NOA-affected patients were recruited to identify the genetic causal factor of infertility. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was conducted in the two patients with NOA. Sanger sequencing and CNV array were used to ascertain the WES results. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunofluorescence (IF) were carried out to evaluate the stage of spermatogenesis arrested in the affected cases. Results Novel heterozygous deletion (LOH) within SYCE1 (seq[GRCh37] del(10)(10q26.3)chr10:g.135111754_135427143del) and heterozygous loss of function (LoF) variant in SYCE1 (NM_001143763: c.689_690 del:p.F230fs) were identified in one NOA-affected patient. While homozygous deletion within SYCE1 (seq[GRCh37] del(10)(10q26.3)chr10:g.135340247_135379115del) was detected in the other patient with meiotic arrest. H&E and IF staining demonstrated that the spermatogenesis was arrested at pachytene stage in the two patients with NOA, suggesting these two novel CNVs within SYCE1 could lead to meiotic defect and NOA. Conclusions We identified that two novel CNVs within SYCE1 are associated with meiotic arrest and male infertility. Thus, our study expands the knowledge of variants in SYCE1 and provides a new insight to understand the genetic etiologies of NOA. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-022-01288-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Huang
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Junwei Xu
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Zhiyong Ji
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yuxiang Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Haowei Bai
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Sha Han
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jiaqiang Luo
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jingpeng Zhao
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510620, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China. .,State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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Du L, Chen W, Li C, Cui Y, He Z. RNF144B stimulates the proliferation and inhibits the apoptosis of human spermatogonial stem cells via the FCER2/NOTCH2/HES1 pathway and its abnormality is associated with azoospermia. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3565-3577. [PMID: 35699595 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Studies on gene regulation and signaling transduction pathways of human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are of the utmost significance for unveiling molecular mechanisms underlying human spermatogenesis and gene therapy of male infertility. We have demonstrated, for the first time, that RNF144B stimulated cell proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of human SSCs. The target of RNF144B was identified as FCER2 by RNA sequencing. We revealed that RNF144B interacted with FCER2 by immunoprecipitation. Consistently, overexpression of FCER2 reversed the phenotype of proliferation and apoptosis of human SSCs caused by RNF144B knockdown. Interestingly, FCER2 pulled down N2ICD (NOTCH2 intracellular domain), while N2ICD could bind to FCER2 in human SSCs. The levels of NOTCH2, FCER2, HES1, and HEY1 were reduced by RNF144B siRNA in human SSCs. Significantly, RNF144B was expressed at a lower level in nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients than in the obstructive azoospermia (OA) patients with normal spermatogenesis, and 52 patients with heterozygous mutations of RNF144B were detected in 1,000 NOA patients. These results implicate that RNF144B promotes the proliferation of human SSCs and suppresses their apoptosis via the FCER2/NOTCH2/HES1 pathway and that the abnormality of RNF144B is associated with spermatogenesis failure. This study thus provides novel molecular mechanisms regulating the fate determinations of human SSCs, and it offers new biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Du
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University; The Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University; The Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Chunyun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University; The Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yinghong Cui
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University; The Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Zuping He
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University; The Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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21
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Wang X, Chen ZJ. A decade of discovery: the stunning progress of premature ovarian insufficiency research in China. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:27-39. [PMID: 35639630 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one of key aspects of ovarian infertility. Due to early cession of ovarian function, POI imposes great challenges on the physiological and psychological health of women, and becomes a common cause of female infertility. In the worldwide, there has been a special outpouring of concern for about four million reproductive-aged women suffering from POI in China. Driven by advances in new technologies and efforts invested by Chinses researchers, understanding about POI has constantly been progressing over the past decade. Here, we comprehensively summarize and review the landmark development and achievements from POI studies in China spanning 2011 to 2020, which aims to provide key insights from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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22
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Wu X, Zhou L, Shi J, Cheng CY, Sun F. Multiomics analysis of male infertility. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:118-134. [PMID: 35639635 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects 8-12% of couples globally, and the male factor is a primary cause in approximately 50% of couples. Male infertility is a multifactorial reproductive disorder, which can be caused by paracrine and autocrine factors, hormones, genes, and epigenetic changes. Recent studies in rodents and most notably in humans using multiomics approach have yielded important insights into understanding the biology of spermatogenesis. Nonetheless, the etiology and pathogenesis of male infertility are still largely unknown. In this review, we summarized and critically evaluated findings based on the use of advanced technologies to compare normal and obstructive azoospermia (OA) versus non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) men, including whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), whole exome sequencing (WES), and ATAC-seq. It is obvious that the multiomics approach is the method of choice for basic research and clinical studies including clinical diagnosis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Liwei Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Jie Shi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
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23
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Homozygous missense mutation in CCDC155 disrupts the transmembrane distribution of CCDC155 and SUN1, resulting in non-obstructive azoospermia and premature ovarian insufficiency in humans. Hum Genet 2022; 141:1795-1809. [PMID: 35587281 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02459-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) represent the most serious forms of human infertility caused by gametogenic failure. Although whole-exome sequencing (WES) has uncovered multiple monogenic causes of human infertility, our knowledge of the genetic basis of human gametogenesis defects remains at a rudimentary stage. Coiled-coil-domain-containing protein 155 (CCDC155) encodes a core component of the linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton complex that is essential for modulating telomere-led chromosome movements during the meiotic prophase of mice. Additionally, Ccdc155 deficiency in mice causes infertility in both sexes with meiotic arrest. In this study, we applied WES to identify the pathogenic genes for 15 NOA and POI patients whose parents were consanguineous and identified a novel homozygous missense mutation in CCDC155 [c.590T>C (p.Leu197Pro)] in a pair of familial NOA and POI patients whose parents were first cousins. The affected spermatocytes were unable to complete meiotic division coupled with unresolved repair of the DNA double-strand break. This rare missense mutation with lesions in the conserved CC domain of CCDC155 blocked nuclear envelope (NE) distribution and subsequently prevented NE-specific enrichment of Sad1- and UNC84-domain-containing 1 either ex vivo or in vitro, eventually leading to disruptive NE anchoring of chromosome-induced meiotic arrest in both sexes. This study presents the first evidence of the necessity of the SUN1-CCDC155 complex during human meiosis and provides insight into the CCDC155 CC domain, thereby expanding the genetic spectrum of human NOA and POI and promoting adequate genetic counselling and appropriate fertility guidance for these patients.
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24
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Yatsenko SA, Gurbuz F, Topaloglu AK, Berman AJ, Martin PM, Rodríguez-Escribà M, Qin Y, Rajkovic A. Pathogenic Variants in ZSWIM7 Cause Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e2359-e2364. [PMID: 35218660 PMCID: PMC9113820 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a genetically heterogeneous condition associated with infertility and an increased risk of comorbidities. An increased number of genes implicated in DNA damage response pathways has been associated with POI as well as predisposition to cancers. OBJECTIVE We sought to identify and characterize patients affected by POI caused by pathogenic variants in genes involved in DNA damage response during meiosis. SETTING Study subjects were recruited at academic centers. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Individuals with a diagnosis of POI and their family members were enrolled for genetic analysis. Clinical findings, family history, and peripheral blood samples were collected. RESEARCH DESIGN Exome sequencing was performed on the study participants and their family members (when available). Protein conservation analysis and in silico modeling were used to obtain the structural model of the detected variants in the ZSWIM7 gene. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Rare deleterious variants in known and candidate genes associated with POI. RESULTS Homozygous deleterious variants in the ZSWIM7 gene were identified in 2 unrelated patients with amenorrhea, an absence of puberty, and prepubertal ovaries and uterus. Observed variants were shown to alter the ZSWIM7 DNA-binding region, possibly affecting its function. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the pivotal role of the ZSWIM7 gene involved in DNA damage response during meiosis on ovarian development and function. Characterization of patients with defects in DNA repair genes has important diagnostic and prognostic consequences for clinical management and reproductive decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana A Yatsenko
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213,USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213,USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213,USA
| | - Fatih Gurbuz
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana 1380,Turkey
| | - Ali Kemal Topaloglu
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana 1380,Turkey
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216,USA
| | - Andrea J Berman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213,USA
| | - Pierre-Marie Martin
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143,USA
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Escribà
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143,USA
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan Shandong 250100, China
| | - Aleksandar Rajkovic
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143,USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143,USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143,USA
- Correspondence: Aleksandar Rajkovic, MD, PhD, Departments of Pathology, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, HSW 518, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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25
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Novel STAG3 variant associated with primary ovarian insufficiency and non-obstructive azoospermia in an Iranian consanguineous family. Gene 2022; 821:146281. [PMID: 35176428 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) present the most severe forms of male and female infertility. In the last decade, the increasing use of whole exome sequencing (WES) in genomics studies of these conditions has led to the introduction of a number of novel genes and variants especially in meiotic genes with restricted expression to gonads. In this study, exome sequencing of a consanguineous Iranian family with one POI and two NOA cases in three siblings showed that all three patients were double homozygous for a novel in-frame deletion and a novel missense variant in STAG3 (NM_001282717.1:c.1942G > A: p.Ala648Thr; NM_001282717.1:c.1951_1953del: p. Leu652del). Both variants occur within a short proximity of each other affecting the relatively conserved armadillo-type fold superfamily feature. STAG3 is a specific meiotic cohesin complex component that interacts with the α-kleisin subunit through this feature. Protein homology modeling indicated that the in-frame deletion destabilizes kleisin biding by STAG3. Although the missense variant did not seem to affect the binding significantly, protein homology modeling suggests that it further destabilizes kleisin binding when in double homozygous state with the deletion. Our findings are in line with several other studies having associated deleterious variants affecting this region with male and female infertility in humans and mouse models. This is the first report associating an in-frame STAG3 variant with NOA and POI in a single family. SUMMARY SENTENCE: A patient with primary ovarian failure and her two brothers with non-obstructive azoospermia were double homozygous for a novel in-frame deletion and a novel missense variant in STAG3 that potentially disrupt the protein's meiotic functions.
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26
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Wang W, Meng L, He J, Su L, Li Y, Tan C, Xu X, Nie H, Zhang H, Du J, Lu G, Luo M, Lin G, Tu C, Tan YQ. Bi-allelic variants in SHOC1 cause non-obstructive azoospermia with meiosis arrest in humans and mice. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6575911. [PMID: 35485979 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is pivotal to gametogenesis and fertility. Meiotic recombination is a mandatory process that ensures faithful chromosome segregation and generates genetic diversity in gametes. Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) caused by meiotic arrest is a common cause of male infertility and has many genetic origins, including chromosome abnormalities, Y chromosome microdeletion and monogenic mutations. However, the genetic causes of the majority of NOA cases remain to be elucidated. Here, we report our findings of three Shortage in chiasmata 1 (SHOC1) bi-allelic variants in three NOA patients, of which two are homozygous for the same loss-of-function variant (c.231_232del: p. L78Sfs*9), and one is heterozygous for two different missense variants (c.1978G>A: p.A660T; c.4274G>A: p.R1425H). Testicular biopsy of one patient revealed impairment of spermatocyte maturation. Both germ-cell-specific and general Shoc1-knockout mice exhibited similar male infertility phenotypes. Subsequent analysis revealed comprehensive defects in homologous pairing and synapsis along with abnormal expression of DMC1, RAD51 and RPA2 in Shoc1-defective spermatocyte spreads. These findings imply that SHOC1 may have a presynaptic function during meiotic recombination apart from its previously identified role in crossover formation. Overall, our results provide strong evidence for the clinical relevance of SHOC1 mutations in patients with NOA and contribute to a deeper mechanistic understanding of the role of SHOC1 during meiotic recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain
| | - Jiaxin He
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lilan Su
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chen Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xilin Xu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain
| | - Huan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain.,NHC Key Laboratory of human stem cell and reproductive engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Mengcheng Luo
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain.,NHC Key Laboratory of human stem cell and reproductive engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of human stem cell and reproductive engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
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27
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Zhang H, Li W, Jiang Y, Li J, Chen M, Wang R, Zhao J, Peng Z, Huang H, Liu R. Whole Exome Sequencing Identifies Genes Associated With Non-Obstructive Azoospermia. Front Genet 2022; 13:872179. [PMID: 35495142 PMCID: PMC9043847 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.872179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) affects nearly 1% of men; however, the landscape of the causative genes is largely unknown. Objective: To explore the genetic etiology which is the fundamental cause of NOA, a prospective case-control study and parental–proband trio linkage analysis were performed. Materials: A total of 133 patients with clinicopathological NOA and 343 fertile controls were recruited from a single large academic fertility center located in Northeast China; in addition, eleven trio families were available and enrolled. Results: Whole exome sequencing-based rare variant association study between the cases and controls was performed using the gene burden association testing. Linkage analysis on the trio families was also interrogated. In total, 648 genes were identified to be associated with NOA (three of which were previously reported), out of which six novel genes were found further associated based on the linkage analysis in the trio families, and involved in the meiosis-related network. Discussion and Conclusion: The six currently identified genes potentially account for a fraction (3.76%, 5 out of 133 patients) of the heritability of unidentified NOA, and combining the six novel genes and the three previously reported genes together would potentially account for an overall 6.77% (9 out of 133 patients) heritability of unidentified NOA in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Li
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuting Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jia Li
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Ruixue Wang
- Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiyu Peng
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Huang
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Huang, ; Ruizhi Liu,
| | - Ruizhi Liu
- Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Huang, ; Ruizhi Liu,
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28
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Bai RQ, He WB, Peng Q, Shen SH, Yu QQ, Du J, Tan YQ, Wang YH, Liu BJ. A novel FAM83H variant causes familial amelogenesis imperfecta with incomplete penetrance. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e1902. [PMID: 35212465 PMCID: PMC9000937 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is known to be a monogenic genetic disease caused by a variety of genes demonstrating a wide spectrum of penetrance. FAM83H is reported to be involved in AI: however, whether FAM83H causes AI with incomplete penetrance is unclear. Methods Whole‐exome sequencing was performed on two patients with AI, and putative disease‐related variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. Bioinformatic and in vitro functional analyses were performed to functionally characterize the identified disease‐causing variants. Results We identified a novel heterozygous nonsense variant of FAM83H (NM_198488: c.1975G > T, p.Glu659Ter); in vitro functional analysis showed that this mutant produced mislocalized proteins and was deleterious. Surprisingly, the clinical manifestations of each of the six individuals carrying this variant were different, with one carrier appearing to be completely asymptomatic for AI. Conclusion Our findings expand the variant spectrum for FAM83H and the phenotypic spectrum for FAM83H‐associated AI and suggest that FAM83H‐mediated AI exhibits incomplete penetrance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Qi Bai
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research & Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care & Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Bin He
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation base of Development and carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Qian Peng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research & Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care & Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Su-Hui Shen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research & Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care & Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian-Qian Yu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research & Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care & Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Du
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation base of Development and carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation base of Development and carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Hong Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research & Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care & Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin-Jie Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research & Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care & Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
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29
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Kherraf ZE, Cazin C, Bouker A, Fourati Ben Mustapha S, Hennebicq S, Septier A, Coutton C, Raymond L, Nouchy M, Thierry-Mieg N, Zouari R, Arnoult C, Ray PF. Whole-exome sequencing improves the diagnosis and care of men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Am J Hum Genet 2022; 109:508-517. [PMID: 35172124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2022.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe and frequent cause of male infertility, often treated by testicular sperm extraction followed by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The aim of this study is to improve the genetic diagnosis of NOA, by identifying new genes involved in human NOA and to better assess the chances of successful sperm extraction according to the individual's genotype. Exome sequencing was performed on 96 NOA-affected individuals negative for routine genetic tests. Bioinformatics analysis was limited to a panel of 151 genes selected as known causal or candidate genes for NOA. Only highly deleterious homozygous or hemizygous variants were retained as candidates. A likely causal defect was identified in 16 genes in a total of 22 individuals (23%). Six genes had not been described in man (DDX25, HENMT1, MCMDC2, MSH5, REC8, TDRKH) and 10 were previously reported (C14orf39, DMC1, FANCM, GCNA, HFM1, MCM8, MEIOB, PDHA2, TDRD9, TERB1). Seven individuals had defects in genes from piwi or DNA repair pathways, three in genes involved in post-meiotic maturation, and 12 in meiotic processes. Interestingly, all individuals with defects in meiotic genes had an unsuccessful sperm retrieval, indicating that genetic diagnosis prior to TESE could help identify individuals with low or null chances of successful sperm retrieval and thus avoid unsuccessful surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000 Grenoble, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble 38000, France
| | - Caroline Cazin
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000 Grenoble, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble 38000, France; Laboratoire Eurofins Biomnis, Département de Génétique Moléculaire, 69 007 Lyon, France
| | - Amine Bouker
- Polyclinique les Jasmins, Centre d'Aide Médicale à la Procréation, Centre Urbain Nord, 1003 Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Sylviane Hennebicq
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000 Grenoble, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM laboratoire d'aide à la procréation-CECOS, 38 000 Grenoble, France
| | - Amandine Septier
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, UMR5525, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000 Grenoble, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Laure Raymond
- Laboratoire Eurofins Biomnis, Département de Génétique Moléculaire, 69 007 Lyon, France
| | - Marc Nouchy
- Laboratoire Eurofins Biomnis, Département de Génétique Moléculaire, 69 007 Lyon, France
| | | | - Raoudha Zouari
- Polyclinique les Jasmins, Centre d'Aide Médicale à la Procréation, Centre Urbain Nord, 1003 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000 Grenoble, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble 38000, France.
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Hou D, Yao C, Xu B, Luo W, Ke H, Li Z, Qin Y, Guo T. Variations of C14ORF39 and SYCE1 Identified in Idiopathic Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and Nonobstructive Azoospermia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:724-734. [PMID: 34718620 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) are the most severe diseases causing irreversible infertility in females and males, respectively. The contribution of synaptonemal complex (SC) gene variations in the pathogenesis of sporadic patients with POI and NOA has not been systematically illustrated. OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of SC genes in the pathogenesis of sporadic POI and NOA. DESIGN Genetic and functional study. SETTING University-based reproductive medicine center. PATIENT(S) A total of 1030 patients with sporadic POI and 400 patients with sporadic NOA. INTERVENTION(S) The variations of SC genes were filtered in the in-house database of whole exome sequencing performed in 1030 patients with sporadic POI and 400 patients with sporadic NOA. The pathogenic or likely pathogenic variations following recessive inheritance mode were selected according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The pathogenic effects of the variations were verified by functional studies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) ACMG classification and functional characteristics. RESULT(S) Two homozygous variations of C14ORF39 and 2 recessive variations of SYCE1 were first identified in sporadic patients with POI and NOA, respectively. Functional studies showed the C14ORF39 variations significantly accelerated the protein degradation and the variations in SYCE1 disrupted its interaction with SYCP1 or C14ORF39, both of which affected SC assembly and meiosis. CONCLUSION(S) Our study identified novel pathogenic variations of C14ORF39 and SYCE1 in sporadic patients with POI or NOA, highlighting the essential role of SC genes in the maintenance of ovarian and testicular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Shanghai General Hospital; Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital; Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Bingying Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Hanni Ke
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Shanghai General Hospital; Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital; Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
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Li P, Ji Z, Zhi E, Zhang Y, Han S, Zhao L, Tian R, Chen H, Huang Y, Zhang J, Chen H, Zhao F, Zhou Z, Li Z, Yao C. Novel bi-allelic MSH4 variants causes meiotic arrest and non-obstructive azoospermia. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:21. [PMID: 35090489 PMCID: PMC8796546 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00900-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is one of the most severe type in male infertility, and the genetic causes of NOA with meiotic arrest remain elusive. METHODS Four Chinese families with NOA participated in the study. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) for the four NOA-affected patients in four pedigrees. The candidate causative gene was further verified by Sanger sequencing. Hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were carried out to evaluate the stage of spermatogenesis arrested in the patients with NOA. RESULTS We identified two novel homozygous frameshift mutations of MSH4 and two novel compound heterozygous variants in MSH4 in four pedigrees with NOA. Homozygous loss of function (LoF) variants in MSH4 was identified in the NOA-affected patient (P9359) in a consanguineous Chinese family (NM_002440.4: c.805_812del: p.V269Qfs*15) and one patient with NOA (P21504) in another Chinese family (NM_002440.4: c.2220_2223del:p.K741Rfs*2). Also, compound heterozygous variants in MSH4 were identified in two NOA-affected siblings (P9517 and P9517B) (NM_002440.4: c.G1950A: p.W650X and c.2179delG: p.D727Mfs*11), and the patient with NOA (P9540) (NM_002440.4: c.G244A: p.G82S and c.670delT: p.L224Cfs*3). Histological analysis demonstrated lack of spermatozoa in seminiferous tubules of all patients and IHC showed the spermatogenesis arrested at the meiotic prophase I stage. Consistent with the autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, all of these mutations were inherited from heterozygous parental carriers. CONCLUSIONS We identified that six novel mutations in MSH4 responsible for meiotic arrest and NOA. And these results provide researchers with a new insight to understand the genetic etiology of NOA and to identify new loci for genetic counselling of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Zhiyong Ji
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211116, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yuxiang Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Sha Han
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Huixing Chen
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- The Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510620, China
| | - Huirong Chen
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Fujun Zhao
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China.
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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Feng K, Ge H, Chen H, Cui C, Zhang S, Zhang C, Meng L, Guo H, Zhang L. Novel exon mutation in SYCE1 gene is associated with non-obstructive azoospermia. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:1245-1252. [PMID: 35023261 PMCID: PMC8831938 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a common cause of male infertility, and genetic problems, such as chromosomal abnormalities and gene mutations, are important causes of NOA. Our centre received a case of NOA, in which no mature sperm was found during microdissection testicular sperm extraction. A postoperative pathological examination revealed that testicular spermatogenesis was blocked. Target region capture combined with high‐throughput sequencing was used to screen for male infertility‐related gene mutations. Sanger sequencing further confirmed that the SYCE1 gene, a central component of the synaptonemal complex (SC) during meiosis, had a homozygous deletion mutation in the tenth exon (c.689_690del; p.F230fs). Through molecular biological studies, we discovered altered expression and nuclear localization of the endogenous mutant SYCE1. To verify the effects in vitro, wild‐ and mutated‐type SYCE1 vectors were constructed and transfected into a human cell line. The results showed that the expression and molecular weight were decreased for SYCE1 containing c.689_690del. In addition, mutated SYCE1 was abnormally located in the cytoplasm rather than in the nucleus. In summary, our research suggests that the novel homozygous mutation (c.689_690del; p.F230fs) altered the SYCE1 expression pattern and may have disturbed SC assembly, leading to male infertility and to a barrier to gamete formation. We reported for the first time that a frameshift mutation occurred in the exon region of SYCE1 in an NOA patient. This study is beneficial for accurate NOA diagnosis and the development of corresponding gene therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Feng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hengtao Ge
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huanhuan Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenchen Cui
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Xinxiang Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Cuilian Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li Meng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haibin Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
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33
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Zhang Y, Li P, Liu N, Jing T, Ji Z, Yang C, Zhao L, Tian R, Chen H, Huang Y, Zhi E, Ou N, Bai H, Zhou Y, Li Z, Yao C. Novel Bi-Allelic Variants of FANCM Cause Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome and Non-Obstructive Azoospermia. Front Genet 2022; 12:799886. [PMID: 34976027 PMCID: PMC8714797 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.799886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe disease in male infertility, but the genetic causes for the majority of NOA remain unknown. FANCM is a member of Fanconi Anemia (FA) core complex, whose defects are associated with cell hypersensitivity to DNA interstrand crosslink (ICL)-inducing agents. It was reported that variants in FANCM (MIM: 609644) might cause azoospermia or oligospermia. However, there is still a lack of evidence to explain the association between different FANCM variants and male infertility phenotypes. Herein, we identified compound heterozygous variants in FANCM in two NOA-affected brothers (c. 1778delG:p. R593Qfs*76 and c. 1663G > T:p. V555F), and a homozygous variant in FANCM (c. 1972C > T:p. R658X) in a sporadic case with NOA, respectively. H&E staining and immunohistochemistry showed Sertoli cell-only Syndrome (SCOS) in the three patients with NOA. Collectively, our study expands the knowledge of variants in FANCM, and provides a new insight to understand the genetic etiology of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Zhang
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Li
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Nachuan Liu
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Jing
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyong Ji
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huixing Chen
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ningjing Ou
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haowei Bai
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchuan Zhou
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Xie C, Wang W, Tu C, Meng L, Lu G, Lin G, Lu LY, Tan YQ. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:763-797. [PMID: 35613017 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chunbo Xie
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin-Yu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is determined by exhaustion of follicles in the ovaries, which leads to infertility before the age of 40 years. It is characterized by a strong familial and heterogeneous genetic background. Therefore, we will mainly discuss the genetic basis of POI in this review. We identified 107 genes related to POI etiology in mammals described by several independent groups. Thirty-four of these genes (AARS2, AIRE, ANTXR1, ATM, BMPR1B, CLPP, CYP17A1, CYP19A1, DCAF17, EIF2B, ERAL1, FANCA, FANCC, FMR1, FOXL2, GALT, GNAS, HARS2, HSD17B4, LARS2, LMNA, MGME1, NBN, PMM2, POLG, PREPL, RCBTB1, RECQL2/3/4, STAR, TWNK, and XRCC4/9) have been linked to syndromic POI and are mainly implicated in metabolism function and meiosis/DNA repair. In addition, the majority of genes associated with nonsyndromic POI, widely expanded by high-throughput techniques over the last decade, have been implicated in ovarian development and meiosis/DNA repair pathways (ATG7, ATG9, ANKRD31, BMP8B, BMP15, BMPR1A, BMPR1B, BMPR2, BNC1, BRCA2, CPEB1, C14ORF39, DAZL, DIAPH2, DMC1, ERCC6, FANCL, FANCM, FIGLA, FSHR, GATA4, GDF9, GJA4, HELQ, HSF2BP, HFM1, INSL3, LHCGR, LHX8, MCM8, MCM9, MEIOB, MSH4, MSH5, NANOS3, NOBOX, NOTCH2, NR5A1, NUP107, PGRMC1, POLR3H, PRDM1, PRDM9, PSMC3IP, SOHLH1, SOHLH2, SPIDR, STAG3, SYCE1, TP63, UBR2, WDR62, and XRCC2), whereas a few are related to metabolic functions (EIF4ENIF1, KHDRBS1, MRPS22, POLR2C). Some genes, such as STRA8, FOXO3A, KIT, KITL, WNT4, and FANCE, have been shown to cause ovarian insufficiency in rodents, but mutations in these genes have yet to be elucidated in women affected by POI. Lastly, some genes have been rarely implicated in its etiology (AMH, AMHR2, ERRC2, ESR1, INHA, LMN4, POF1B, POU5F1, REC8, SMC1B). Considering the heterogeneous genetic and familial background of this disorder, we hope that an overview of literature data would reinforce that genetic screening of those patients is worthwhile and helpful for better genetic counseling and patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Malheiros França
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Section of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Berenice Bilharinho Mendonca
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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36
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Qu W, Liu C, Xu YT, Xu YM, Luo MC. The formation and repair of DNA double-strand breaks in mammalian meiosis. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:572-579. [PMID: 34708719 PMCID: PMC8577251 DOI: 10.4103/aja202191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are necessary for meiosis in mammals. A sufficient number of DSBs ensure the normal pairing/synapsis of homologous chromosomes. Abnormal DSB repair undermines meiosis, leading to sterility in mammals. The DSBs that initiate recombination are repaired as crossovers and noncrossovers, and crossovers are required for correct chromosome separation. Thus, the placement, timing, and frequency of crossover formation must be tightly controlled. Importantly, mutations in many genes related to the formation and repair of DSB result in infertility in humans. These mutations cause nonobstructive azoospermia in men, premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian dysgenesis in women. Here, we have illustrated the formation and repair of DSB in mammals, summarized major factors influencing the formation of DSB and the theories of crossover regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Qu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ya-Ting Xu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yu-Min Xu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Meng-Cheng Luo
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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Wu H, Zhang X, Shen Q, Liu Y, Gao Y, Wang G, Lv M, Hua R, Xu Y, Zhou P, Wei Z, Tao F, He X, Cao Y, Liu M. A homozygous loss-of-function mutation in FBXO43 causes human non-obstructive azoospermia. Clin Genet 2021; 101:55-64. [PMID: 34595750 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents one of the most serious forms of male infertility caused by spermatogenic failure. Despite multiple genes found to be associated with human NOA, the genetic basis of this idiopathic disease remains largely unknown. FBXO43 is a direct inhibitor of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) E3 ligase and crucially important in mouse spermatogenesis. In this study, for the first time, we identified a homozygous nonsense mutation in FBXO43 c.1747C > T:p.Gln583X in two NOA brothers from a Chinese consanguineous family via whole-exome sequencing. FBXO43 was absent from testicular tissue of the proband, and FBXO43-immunostaining signals were invisible in the affected seminiferous tubules. Furthermore, in humans, FBXO43 defects cause meiotic arrest within early diplotene of prophase I. The results here demonstrate the pathogenicity of this loss-of-function mutation and confirmed that spermatocytes were unable to complete meiotic divisions without FBXO43 in humans. In mouse testicular protein extracts, three subunits of the APC/C, including ANAPC2, ANAPC8 and ANAPC10, were validated to interact directly with FBXO43, whereas no interactions were detected for FBXO43 and SKP1. This study furthers our understanding of the genetic basis of human NOA and provides insights into FBXO43 and male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qunshan Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yiyuan Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guanxiong Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Rong Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Cao D, Shi F, Guo C, Liu Y, Lin Z, Zhang J, Li RHW, Yao Y, Liu K, Ng EHY, Yeung WSB, Wang T. A pathogenic DMC1 frameshift mutation causes nonobstructive azoospermia but not primary ovarian insufficiency in humans. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6369522. [PMID: 34515795 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) are two disorders that can lead to infertility in males and females. Genetic factors have been identified to contribute to NOA and DOR. However, the same genetic factor that can cause both NOA and DOR remains largely unknown. To explore the candidate pathogenic gene that causes both NOA and DOR, we conducted whole-exome sequencing (WES) in a non-consanguineous family with two daughters with DOR and a son with NOA. We detected one pathogenic frameshift variant (NM_007068:c.28delG, p. Glu10Asnfs*31) following a recessive inheritance mode in a meiosis gene DMC1 (DNA meiotic recombinase 1). Clinical analysis showed reduced antral follicle number in both daughters with DOR, but metaphase II oocytes could be retrieved from one of them. For the son with NOA, no spermatozoa were found after microsurgical testicular sperm extraction. A further homozygous Dmc1 knockout mice study demonstrated total failure of follicle development and spermatogenesis. These results revealed a discrepancy of DMC1 action between mice and humans. In humans, DMC1 is required for spermatogenesis but is dispensable for oogenesis, although the loss of function of this gene may lead to DOR. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the homozygous frameshift mutation as causative for both NOA and DOR and demonstrating that DMC1 is dispensable in human oogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fu Shi
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chenxi Guo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zexiong Lin
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Juanhui Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Raymond Hang Wun Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuanqing Yao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kui Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ernest Hung Yu Ng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - William Shu Biu Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tianren Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
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Saebnia N, Neshati Z, Bahrami AR. Role of microRNAs in etiology of azoospermia and their application as non-invasive biomarkers in diagnosis of azoospermic patients. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2021; 50:102207. [PMID: 34407467 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2021.102207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Azoospermia is a common cause of male infertility without any sperm in the semen and consists of ∼1% of all males and ∼15% of infertile ones. Currently, no accurate non-invasive diagnostic method exists for patients with azoospermia and testis biopsy is mandatory to determine if any spermatozoa exist in the testes. Studies have clarified that the expression of some distinct microRNAs shows alterations in azoospermic patients. MicroRNAs play critical roles during spermatogenesis and their dysregulation can defect this process. Here, we review studied microRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of azoospermia and their target genes. Moreover, we will imply the utility of seminal plasma microRNAs as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for azoospermia. We hope such studies could help patients with azoospermia in both diagnosis and treatment, in order that they could father their own biological children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Saebnia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zeinab Neshati
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Reza Bahrami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Industrial Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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40
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Cloke B, Rymer J. Premature ovarian insufficiency - the need for a genomic map. Climacteric 2021; 24:444-452. [PMID: 34308731 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2021.1945025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a life-long disorder of heterogeneous etiology, presenting as adolescent primary amenorrhea in its most severe form, with an overall incidence of 1%. Idiopathic POI accounts for up to 70% of women with POI; and genomic, genetic, epidemiological, familial and cohort studies demonstrate a genetic component to this condition. Currently, the only genetic tests routinely performed in non-syndromic POI are FMR1 premutation and cytogenetics, the latter specifically for X-chromosome abnormalities. However, a myriad of genetic aberrations has been identified and implicated, some of which act in a monogenic Mendelian fashion. The presence of multiple genetic aberrations and the complexity of POI genomics are hardly surprising since the embryological formation of the primordial oocyte pool, postnatal oogenesis and folliculogenesis are all highly complex pathways. With this review, the aim is to discuss the current genetic etiologies in the emerging field of POI genomics. Promising candidate genes include STAG3, SYCE1, FIGLA, NOBOX, FSHR, BMP15 and INHA. This area has the potential to progress rapidly in light of advances in genomic technologies. The development of a POI genomic map not only will assist in understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms affecting ovarian function but will also be essential in designing predictive and diagnostic gene panels as well as future novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Cloke
- Menopause Research Unit, McNair Gynaecology Centre, Guy's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - J Rymer
- Menopause Research Unit, McNair Gynaecology Centre, Guy's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK.,School of Medical Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
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Robert N, Yan C, Si-Jiu Y, Bo L, He H, Pengfei Z, Hongwei X, Jian Z, Shijie L, Qian Z. Expression of Rad51 and the histo-morphological evaluation of testis of the sterile male cattle-yak. Theriogenology 2021; 172:239-254. [PMID: 34298284 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Meiotic recombination is key to the repair of DNA double-strand break damage, provide a link between homologs for proper chromosome segregation as well as ensure genetic diversity in organisms. Defects in recombination often lead to sterility. The ubiquitously expressed Rad51 and the meiosis-specific DMC1 are two closely related recombinases that catalyze the key strand invasion and exchange step of meiotic recombination. This study cloned and sequenced the coding region of cattle-yak Rad51 and determined its mRNA and protein expression levels, evaluated its molecular and evolutionary relationship as well as evaluated the histo-morphological structure of testes in the yellow cattle, yak and the sterile cattle-yak hybrid. The Rad51 gene was amplified using PCR, cloned and sequenced using testicular cDNA from yak and cattle-yak. Real-time PCR was used to examine the expression levels of Rad51/DMC1 mRNA in the cattle, yak and cattle-yak testis while western blotting, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the protein expression and localization of Rad51/DMC1 protein in the testicular tissue sections. The results revealed that the mRNA and protein expression of Rad51 and DMC1 are extremely low in the male cattle-yak testis with a corresponding higher incidence of germ cell apoptosis. There was also thinning of the germinal epithelium possibly due to the depletion of the germ cells leading to the widening of the lumen area of the cattle-yak seminiferous tubule. Our findings provide support for the hypothesis that the low expression of Rad51 and DMC1 may contribute to the male hybrid sterility in the cattle-yak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niayale Robert
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Cui Yan
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Yu Si-Jiu
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Liao Bo
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Honghong He
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhao Pengfei
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xu Hongwei
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhang Jian
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Li Shijie
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhang Qian
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
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Verrilli L, Johnstone E, Allen-Brady K, Welt C. Shared genetics between nonobstructive azoospermia and primary ovarian insufficiency. F&S REVIEWS 2021; 2:204-213. [PMID: 36177363 PMCID: PMC9518791 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfnr.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) both represent disease states of early, and often complete, failure of gametogenesis. Because oogenesis and spermatogenesis share the same conserved steps in meiosis I, it is possible that inherited defects in meiosis I could lead to shared causes of both POI and NOA. Currently, known genes that contribute to both POI and NOA are limited. In this review article, we provide a systematic review of genetic mutations in which both POI and NOA phenotypes exist. EVIDENCE REVIEW A PubMed literature review was conducted from January 1, 2000 through October 2020. We included all studies that demonstrated human cases of POI or NOA due to a specific genetic mutation either within the same family or in separate families. RESULTS We identified 33 papers that encompassed 10 genes of interest with mutations implicated in both NOA and POI. The genes were all involved in processes of meiosis I. CONCLUSION Mutations in genes involved in processes of meiosis I may cause both NOA and POI. Identifying these unique phenotypes among shared genotypes leads to biologic plausibility that the key error occurs early in gametogenesis with an etiology shared among both male and female offspring. From a clinical standpoint, this shared relationship may help us better understand and identify individuals at high risk for gonadal failure within families and suggests that clinicians obtain history for opposite sex family members when approaching a new diagnosis of POI or NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Verrilli
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 30 N 1900 E #2B200, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
| | - Erica Johnstone
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 30 N 1900 E #2B200, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
| | - Kristina Allen-Brady
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, 296 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
| | - Corrine Welt
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
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43
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Sun B, Yeh J. Onco-fertility and personalized testing for potential for loss of ovarian reserve in patients undergoing chemotherapy: proposed next steps for development of genetic testing to predict changes in ovarian reserve. FERTILITY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 7:13. [PMID: 34193292 PMCID: PMC8244159 DOI: 10.1186/s40738-021-00105-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Women of reproductive age undergoing chemotherapy face the risk of irreversible ovarian insufficiency. Current methods of ovarian reserve testing do not accurately predict future reproductive potential for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Genetic markers that more accurately predict the reproductive potential of each patient undergoing chemotherapy would be critical tools that would be useful for evidence-based fertility preservation counselling. To assess the possible approaches to take to develop personalized genetic testing for these patients, we review current literature regarding mechanisms of ovarian damage due to chemotherapy and genetic variants associated with both the damage mechanisms and primary ovarian insufficiency. The medical literature point to a number of genetic variants associated with mechanisms of ovarian damage and primary ovarian insufficiency. Those variants that appear at a higher frequency, with known pathways, may be considered as potential genetic markers for predictive ovarian reserve testing. We propose developing personalized testing of the potential for loss of ovarian function for patients with cancer, prior to chemotherapy treatment. There are advantages of using genetic markers complementary to the current ovarian reserve markers of AMH, antral follicle count and day 3 FSH as predictors of preservation of fertility after chemotherapy. Genetic markers will help identify upstream pathways leading to high risk of ovarian failure not detected by present clinical markers. Their predictive value is mechanism-based and will encourage research towards understanding the multiple pathways contributing to ovarian failure after chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Sun
- Sackler School of Medicine, New York State/American Program of Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - John Yeh
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, UMass Memorial Medical Center, 119 Belmont Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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44
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Sha Y, Liu W, Wei X, Zhu X, Tang B, Zhang X, Yang X, Wang Y, Wang X. Pathogenic variants of ATG4D in infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia identified using whole-exome sequencing. Clin Genet 2021; 100:280-291. [PMID: 33988247 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe form of male infertility, and it is primarily associated with genetic defects. We performed whole-exome sequencing of 236 patients with NOA and identified a homozygous pathogenic variant of autophagy-related 4D cysteine peptidase (ATG4D) in two siblings from a consanguineous family and compound heterozygous pathogenic variants of ATG4D in two sporadic cases. The expression of LC3B, a regulator of autophagic activity, was significantly decreased, and the apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells in testicular tissues was increased. Transfection of GC-2spd cells with a ATG4D mutant plasmid (Flag-Atg4dmut ) significantly decreased the expression level of Lc3b and increased the rate of apoptosis. Moreover, a pathogenic variant in X-linked ATG4A and compound heterozygous pathogenic variants of ATG4B were identified in one patient each. All novel variants were segregated by disease phenotype and were predicted to be pathogenic. Our findings revealed that autophagy-related cysteine peptidase family genes may play crucial roles in human spermatogenesis and identified ATG4D as a novel candidate gene for male infertility due to NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, United Diagnostic and Research Centre for Clinical Genetics, School of Public Health & Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wensheng Liu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xingshen Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Bowen Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoya Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Centre of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifeng Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiong Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
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45
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Cao J, He Y, Cai W, Zhou W, Cong J, Tan R, Ge H, Pu D, Wu J. Analysis of the MCL-1 gene in Chinese women with idiopathic premature ovarian insufficiency. Climacteric 2021; 24:521-525. [PMID: 34008462 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2021.1921727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Animal studies have demonstrated that myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) gene deficiency leads to premature ovarian failure and decreased reproductive ability in mice. This study investigated the relationship between MCL-1 gene variation and idiopathic premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in Chinese women. METHODS A total of 200 idiopathic POI patients and 100 healthy controls were recruited for this study, and peripheral blood was collected. First, genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes. Then, the entire coding region and splice sites of the MCL-1 gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Chi-squared tests were used to compare the genotype distribution and allele frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms between the POI and control groups. RESULTS Three mutations of the MCL-1 gene (c.-36C > T, c.-131C > T and c.78C > T) were identified. After data analysis, c.-36C > T and c.-131C > T in the 5'-untranslated region were both found in the POI group and the control group. No difference was found in the genotype distribution or allelic frequency of either variant between the POI group and the control group (p > 0.05). The synonymous variant (c.78C > T) in exon 1 was discovered in only one of the control subjects and did not result in a change in amino acid sequence (p.Gly26Gly). CONCLUSION MCL-1 gene mutation may not be associated with idiopathic POI in Chinese women.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Y He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - W Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - W Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - J Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - R Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - H Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - D Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - J Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Shukla V, Høffding MK, Hoffmann ER. Genome diversity and instability in human germ cells and preimplantation embryos. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 113:132-147. [PMID: 33500205 PMCID: PMC8097364 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Genome diversity is essential for evolution and is of fundamental importance to human health. Generating genome diversity requires phases of DNA damage and repair that can cause genome instability. Humans have a high incidence of de novo congenital disorders compared to other organisms. Recent access to eggs, sperm and preimplantation embryos is revealing unprecedented rates of genome instability that may result in infertility and de novo mutations that cause genomic imbalance in at least 70% of conceptions. The error type and incidence of de novo mutations differ during developmental stages and are influenced by differences in male and female meiosis. In females, DNA repair is a critical factor that determines fertility and reproductive lifespan. In males, aberrant meiotic recombination causes infertility, embryonic failure and pregnancy loss. Evidence suggest germ cells are remarkably diverse in the type of genome instability that they display and the DNA damage responses they deploy. Additionally, the initial embryonic cell cycles are characterized by a high degree of genome instability that cause congenital disorders and may limit the use of CRISPR-Cas9 for heritable genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vallari Shukla
- DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miya Kudo Høffding
- DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva R Hoffmann
- DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Tan GX, Jiang L, Li GQ, Bai K. Evaluation of association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and azoospermia: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e24523. [PMID: 33847607 PMCID: PMC8051989 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000024523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility affects childbearing age couples all over the world. One of the important reasons for infertility is genetic factors. Our study evaluated the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and azoospermia. METHODS Multiple databases like MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and China journal full-text database were used to search for relevant studies, and full-text articles involved in the evaluation of MTHFR and azoospermia. The results were evaluated using STATA 12.0. Heterogeneity analysis, sensitivity analysis, and bias analysis were also performed on the data. RESULTS Thirteen related studies eventually met the inclusion criteria. Significant association between C677T polymorphism and azoospermia (relative risk [RR] = 0.94 [0.90, 0.99], I2 = 60.9%, P = .002), and between A1298C polymorphism and azoospermia (RR = 0.98 [0.94, 1.02], I2 = 56.3%, P = .011) was observed. Meanwhile, in subgroup analysis, Caucasians had higher risk than Mongolians in association between MTHFR and azoospermia. CONCLUSION There was association between MTHFR polymorphism and azoospermia. Caucasian populations had higher risk than Mongolian populations in association between MTHFR and azoospermia.
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Genetics of Azoospermia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063264. [PMID: 33806855 PMCID: PMC8004677 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Azoospermia affects 1% of men, and it can be due to: (i) hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, (ii) primary quantitative spermatogenic disturbances, (iii) urogenital duct obstruction. Known genetic factors contribute to all these categories, and genetic testing is part of the routine diagnostic workup of azoospermic men. The diagnostic yield of genetic tests in azoospermia is different in the different etiological categories, with the highest in Congenital Bilateral Absence of Vas Deferens (90%) and the lowest in Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) due to primary testicular failure (~30%). Whole-Exome Sequencing allowed the discovery of an increasing number of monogenic defects of NOA with a current list of 38 candidate genes. These genes are of potential clinical relevance for future gene panel-based screening. We classified these genes according to the associated-testicular histology underlying the NOA phenotype. The validation and the discovery of novel NOA genes will radically improve patient management. Interestingly, approximately 37% of candidate genes are shared in human male and female gonadal failure, implying that genetic counselling should be extended also to female family members of NOA patients.
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Akbari A, Padidar K, Salehi N, Mashayekhi M, Almadani N, Sadighi Gilani MA, Bashambou A, McElreavey K, Totonchi M. Rare missense variant in MSH4 associated with primary gonadal failure in both 46, XX and 46, XY individuals. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1134-1145. [PMID: 33448284 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can whole-exome sequencing (WES) reveal a shared pathogenic variant responsible for primary gonadal failure in both male and female patients from a consanguineous family? SUMMARY ANSWER Patients with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) were homozygous for the rare missense variant p. S754L located in the highly conserved MSH4 MutS signature motif of the ATPase domain. An oligozoospermic patient was heterozygous for the variant. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY MSH4 is a meiosis-specific protein expressed at a certain level in the testes and ovaries. Along with its heterodimer partner MSH5, it is responsible for double-strand Holliday junction recognition and stabilization, to ensure accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis. Knockout male and female mice for Msh4 and Msh5 are reportedly infertile due to meiotic arrest. In humans, MSH4 is associated with male and female gonadal failure, with distinct variations in the MutS domain V. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a retrospective genetics study of a consanguineous family with multiple cases of gonadal failure in both genders. The subject family was recruited in Iran, in 2018. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The proband who is affected by POI, an NOA brother, a fertile sister and their parents were subjected to WES. The discovered variant was validated in these individuals, and the rest of the family was also genotyped by Sanger sequencing. The variant was not detected in 800 healthy Iranian individuals from the Iranome database nor in 30 sporadic NOA and 30 sporadic POI patients. Suggested effect in aberrant splicing was studied by RT-PCR. Moreover, protein homology modeling was used to further investigate the amino acid substitution in silico. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The discovered variant is very rare and has never been reported in the homozygous state. It occurs in the ATPase domain at Serine 754, the first residue within the highly conserved MutS signature motif, substituting it with a Leucine. All variant effect prediction tools indicated this variant as deleterious. Since the substitution occurs immediately before the Walker B motif at position 755, further investigations based on protein homology were conducted. Considering the modeling results, the nature of the substituted amino acid residue and the distances between p. S754L variation and the residues of the Walker B motif suggested the possibility of conformational changes affecting the ATPase activity of the protein. LARGE SCALE DATA We have submitted dbSNP entry rs377712900 to ClinVar under SCV001169709, SCV001169708 and SCV001142647 for oligozoospermia, NOA and POI, respectively. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Studies in model organisms can shed more light on the role of this variant as our results were obtained by variant effect prediction tools and protein homology modeling. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Identification of variants in meiotic genes should improve genetic counseling for both male and female infertility. Also, as two of our NOA patients underwent testicular sperm extraction (TESE) with no success, ruling out the existence of pathogenic variants in meiotic genes in such patients prior to TESE could prove useful. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was financially supported by Royan Institute in Tehran, Iran, and Institut Pasteur in Paris, France. The authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvand Akbari
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimiya Padidar
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| | - Najmeh Salehi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehri Mashayekhi
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Almadani
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anu Bashambou
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Ken McElreavey
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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Novel Gene Regulation in Normal and Abnormal Spermatogenesis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030666. [PMID: 33802813 PMCID: PMC8002376 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex and dynamic process which is precisely controlledby genetic and epigenetic factors. With the development of new technologies (e.g., single-cell RNA sequencing), increasingly more regulatory genes related to spermatogenesis have been identified. In this review, we address the roles and mechanisms of novel genes in regulating the normal and abnormal spermatogenesis. Specifically, we discussed the functions and signaling pathways of key new genes in mediating the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of rodent and human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), as well as in controlling the meiosis of spermatocytes and other germ cells. Additionally, we summarized the gene regulation in the abnormal testicular microenvironment or the niche by Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cells, and Leydig cells. Finally, we pointed out the future directions for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying human spermatogenesis. This review could offer novel insights into genetic regulation in the normal and abnormal spermatogenesis, and it provides new molecular targets for gene therapy of male infertility.
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