1
|
Gao Y, Wang Z, Long Y, Yang L, Jiang Y, Ding D, Teng B, Chen M, Yuan J, Gao F. Unveiling the roles of Sertoli cells lineage differentiation in reproductive development and disorders: a review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1357594. [PMID: 38699384 PMCID: PMC11063913 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1357594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In mammals, gonadal somatic cell lineage differentiation determines the development of the bipotential gonad into either the ovary or testis. Sertoli cells, the only somatic cells in the spermatogenic tubules, support spermatogenesis during gonadal development. During embryonic Sertoli cell lineage differentiation, relevant genes, including WT1, GATA4, SRY, SOX9, AMH, PTGDS, SF1, and DMRT1, are expressed at specific times and in specific locations to ensure the correct differentiation of the embryo toward the male phenotype. The dysregulated development of Sertoli cells leads to gonadal malformations and male fertility disorders. Nevertheless, the molecular pathways underlying the embryonic origin of Sertoli cells remain elusive. By reviewing recent advances in research on embryonic Sertoli cell genesis and its key regulators, this review provides novel insights into sex determination in male mammals as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying the genealogical differentiation of Sertoli cells in the male reproductive ridge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Zican Wang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Yue Long
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Lici Yang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Yongjian Jiang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Dongyu Ding
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Baojian Teng
- College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxiang Yuan
- The Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
- Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jiang K, Jorgensen JS. Fetal Leydig cells: What we know and what we don't. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23739. [PMID: 38480999 PMCID: PMC11135463 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23739] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
During male fetal development, testosterone plays an essential role in the differentiation and maturation of the male reproductive system. Deficient fetal testosterone production can result in variations of sex differentiation that may cause infertility and even increased tumor incidence later in life. Fetal Leydig cells in the fetal testis are the major androgen source in mammals. Although fetal and adult Leydig cells are similar in their functions, they are two distinct cell types, and therefore, the knowledge of adult Leydig cells cannot be directly applied to understanding fetal Leydig cells. This review summarizes our current knowledge of fetal Leydig cells regarding their cell biology, developmental biology, and androgen production regulation in rodents and human. Fetal Leydig cells are present in basement membrane-enclosed clusters in between testis cords. They originate from the mesonephros mesenchyme and the coelomic epithelium and start to differentiate upon receiving a Desert Hedgehog signal from Sertoli cells or being released from a NOTCH signal from endothelial cells. Mature fetal Leydig cells produce androgens. Human fetal Leydig cell steroidogenesis is LHCGR (Luteinizing Hormone Chronic Gonadotropin Receptor) dependent, while rodents are not, although other Gαs -protein coupled receptors might be involved in rodent steroidogenesis regulation. Fetal steroidogenesis ceases after sex differentiation is completed, and some fetal Leydig cells dedifferentiate to serve as stem cells for adult testicular cell types. Significant gaps are acknowledged: (1) Why are adult and fetal Leydig cells different? (2) What are bona fide progenitor and fetal Leydig cell markers? (3) Which signaling pathways and transcription factors regulate fetal Leydig cell steroidogenesis? It is critical to discover answers to these questions so that we can understand vulnerable targets in fetal Leydig cells and the mechanisms for androgen production that when disrupted, leads to variations in sex differentiation that range from subtle to complete sex reversal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keer Jiang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Joan S. Jorgensen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xiong YW, Zhu HL, Zhang J, Geng H, Tan LL, Zheng XM, Li H, Fan LL, Wang XR, Zhang XD, Wang KW, Chang W, Zhang YF, Yuan Z, Duan ZL, Cao YX, He XJ, Xu DX, Wang H. Multigenerational paternal obesity enhances the susceptibility to male subfertility in offspring via Wt1 N6-methyladenosine modification. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1353. [PMID: 38355624 PMCID: PMC10866985 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45675-4] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
There is strong evidence that obesity is a risk factor for poor semen quality. However, the effects of multigenerational paternal obesity on the susceptibility to cadmium (a reproductive toxicant)-induced spermatogenesis disorders in offspring remain unknown. Here, we show that, in mice, spermatogenesis and retinoic acid levels become progressively lower as the number of generations exposed to a high-fat diet increase. Furthermore, exposing several generations of mice to a high fat diet results in a decrease in the expression of Wt1, a transcription factor upstream of the enzymes that synthesize retinoic acid. These effects can be rescued by injecting adeno-associated virus 9-Wt1 into the mouse testes of the offspring. Additionally, multigenerational paternal high-fat diet progressively increases METTL3 and Wt1 N6-methyladenosine levels in the testes of offspring mice. Mechanistically, treating the fathers with STM2457, a METTL3 inhibitor, restores obesity-reduced sperm count, and decreases Wt1 N6-methyladenosine level in the mouse testes of the offspring. A case-controlled study shows that human donors who are overweight or obese exhibit elevated N6-methyladenosine levels in sperm and decreased sperm concentration. Collectively, these results indicate that multigenerational paternal obesity enhances the susceptibility of the offspring to spermatogenesis disorders by increasing METTL3-mediated Wt1 N6-methyladenosine modification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Wei Xiong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Hua-Long Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Geng
- 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
| | - Lu-Lu Tan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Xin-Mei Zheng
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Long-Long Fan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Xin-Run Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Xu-Dong Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Kai-Wen Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Chang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Yu-Feng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Zhi Yuan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Zong-Liu Duan
- 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
| | - Yun-Xia 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
| | - Xiao-Jin He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China.
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, 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.
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, 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.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xiong YW, Li DX, Ling ZJ, Tan LL, Zhang YF, Zhang J, Li H, Chang W, Zhu HL, Zhang J, Gao L, Xu DX, Yang L, Wang H. Loss of Atg5 in Sertoli cells enhances the susceptibility of cadmium-impaired testicular spermatogenesis in mice. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 179:113967. [PMID: 37506864 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), one of the most common contaminants in diet and drinking water, impairs testicular germ cell development and spermatogenesis. Autophagy is essential for maintaining Sertoli cell function and Sertoli-germ cell communication. However, the role of Sertoli cell autophagy in Cd-caused spermatogenesis disorder remains unclear. Here, the mice of autophagy-related gene 5 (Atg5) knockouts in Sertoli cells were used to investigate the effect of autophagy deficiency on Cd-impaired spermatogenesis and its underlying mechanisms. Results showed that Sertoli cell-specific knockout of Atg5 exacerbated Cd-reduced sperm count and MVH (a specific marker for testicular germ cells) level in mice. Additionally, Sertoli cell Atg5 deficiency reduced the number of spermatocytes and decreased the level of meiosis-related proteins (SYCP3 and STRA8) in Cd-treated mouse testes. Loss of Atg5 in Sertoli cell exacerbated Cd-reduced the level of retinoic acid (RA) and retinal dehydrogenase (ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A) in mouse testes. Meanwhile, we found that the level of transcription factor WT1 was significantly downregulated in Atg5-/- plus Cd-treated testes. Further experiments showed that Wt1 overexpression restored Cd-decreased the levels of ALDH1A1 in Sertoli cells. Collectively, the above data suggest that knockout of Atg5 in Sertoli cell enhances the susceptibility of Cd-impaired testicular spermatogenesis. These findings provide new insights into autophagy of Sertoli cell preventing environmental toxicants-impaired testicular spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Wei Xiong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Dai-Xin Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Zheng-Jia Ling
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 214002, Wuxi, China
| | - Lu-Lu Tan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Yu-Feng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Wei Chang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Hua-Long Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Lan Gao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, China
| | - Lan Yang
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 214002, Wuxi, China.
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li Z, Bao X, Liu X, Wang W, Yang J. Gene network analyses of larvae under different egg-protecting behaviors provide novel insights into immune response mechanisms of Amphioctopus fangsiao. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 136:108733. [PMID: 37028690 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.108733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Amphioctopus fangsiao was a representative economic species in cephalopods, which was vulnerable to marine bacteria. Vibrio anguillarum was a highly infectious pathogen that have recently been found to infect A. fangsiao and inhibit its growth and development. There were significant differences in the immune response mechanisms between egg-protected and egg-unprotected larvae. To explore larval immunity under different egg-protecting behaviors, we infected A. fangsiao larvae with V. anguillarum for 24 h and analyzed the transcriptome data about egg-protected and egg-unprotected larvae infected with 0, 4, 12, and 24 h using weighted gene co-expression networks (WGCNA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Network analyses revealed a series of immune response processes after infection, and identified six key modules and multiple immune-related hub genes. Meanwhile, we found that ZNF family, such as ZNF32, ZNF160, ZNF271, ZNF479, and ZNF493 might play significant roles in A. fangsiao immune response processes. We first creatively combined WGCNA and PPI network analysis to deeply explore the immune response mechanisms of A. fangsiao larvae with different egg-protecting behaviors. Our results provided further insights into the immunity of V. anguillarum infected invertebrates, and laid the foundation for exploring the immune differences among cephalopods with different egg protecting behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zan Li
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Xiaokai Bao
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Xiumei Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Weijun Wang
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Jianmin Yang
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gu X, Heinrich A, Li SY, DeFalco T. Testicular macrophages are recruited during a narrow fetal time window and promote organ-specific developmental functions. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1439. [PMID: 36922518 PMCID: PMC10017703 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37199-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence demonstrates that fetal-derived tissue-resident macrophages have developmental functions. It has been proposed that macrophages promote testicular functions, but which macrophage populations are involved is unclear. Previous studies showed that macrophages play critical roles in fetal testis morphogenesis and described two adult testicular macrophage populations, interstitial and peritubular. There has been debate regarding the hematopoietic origins of testicular macrophages and whether distinct macrophage populations promote specific testicular functions. Here our hematopoietic lineage-tracing studies in mice show that yolk-sac-derived macrophages comprise the earliest testicular macrophages, while fetal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) generate monocytes that colonize the gonad during a narrow time window in a Sertoli-cell-dependent manner and differentiate into adult testicular macrophages. Finally, we show that yolk-sac-derived versus HSC-derived macrophages have distinct functions during testis morphogenesis, while interstitial macrophages specifically promote adult Leydig cell steroidogenesis. Our findings provide insight into testicular macrophage origins and their tissue-specific roles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Gu
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Anna Heinrich
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Shu-Yun Li
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Tony DeFalco
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Role of mesonephric contribution to mouse testicular development revisited. Differentiation 2023; 129:109-119. [PMID: 35000816 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The role of the mesonephros in testicular development was re-evaluated by growing embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5) mouse testes devoid of mesonephros for 8-21 days in vivo under the renal capsule of castrated male athymic nude mice. This method provides improved growth conditions relative to previous studies based upon short-term (4-7 days) organ culture. Meticulous controls involved wholemount examination of dissected E11.5 mouse testes as well as serial sections of dissected E11.5 mouse testes which were indeed shown to be devoid of mesonephros. As expected, grafts of E11.5 mouse testes with mesonephros attached formed seminiferous tubules and also contained mesonephric derivatives. Grafts of E11.5 mouse testes without associated mesonephros also formed seminiferous tubules and never contained mesonephric derivatives. The consistent absence of mesonephric derivatives in grafts of E11.5 mouse testes grafted alone is further proof of the complete removal of the mesonephros from the E11.5 mouse testes. The testicular tissues that developed in grafts of E11.5 mouse testes alone contained canalized seminiferous tubules composed of Sox9-positive Sertoli cells as well as GENA-positive germ cells. The seminiferous tubules were surrounded by α-actin-positive myoid cells, and the interstitial space contained 3βHSD-1-positive Leydig cells. Grafts of E11.5 GFP mouse testes into wild-type hosts developed GFP-positive vasculature indicating that E11.5 mouse testes contain vascular precursors. These results indicate that the E11.5 mouse testis contains precursor cells for Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, myoid cells and vasculature whose development and differentiation are independent of cells migrating from the E11.5 mesonephros.
Collapse
|
8
|
Targeted Disruption of Lats1 and Lats2 in Mice Impairs Testis Development and Alters Somatic Cell Fate. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113585. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hippo signaling plays an essential role in the development of numerous tissues. Although it was previously shown that the transcriptional effectors of Hippo signaling Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) can fine-tune the regulation of sex differentiation genes in the testes, the role of Hippo signaling in testis development remains largely unknown. To further explore the role of Hippo signaling in the testes, we conditionally deleted the key Hippo kinases large tumor suppressor homolog kinases 1 and -2 (Lats1 and Lats2, two kinases that antagonize YAP and TAZ transcriptional co-regulatory activity) in the somatic cells of the testes using an Nr5a1-cre strain (Lats1flox/flox;Lats2flox/flox;Nr5a1-cre). We report here that early stages of testis somatic cell differentiation were not affected in this model but progressive testis cord dysgenesis was observed starting at gestational day e14.5. Testis cord dysgenesis was further associated with the loss of polarity of the Sertoli cells and the loss of SOX9 expression but not WT1. In parallel with testis cord dysgenesis, a loss of steroidogenic gene expression associated with the appearance of myofibroblast-like cells in the interstitial space was also observed in mutant animals. Furthermore, the loss of YAP phosphorylation, the accumulation of nuclear TAZ (and YAP) in both the Sertoli and interstitial cell populations, and an increase in their transcriptional co-regulatory activity in the testes suggest that the observed phenotype could be attributed at least in part to YAP and TAZ. Taken together, our results suggest that Hippo signaling is required to maintain proper differentiation of testis somatic cells.
Collapse
|
9
|
Gao Y, Wang C, Wang K, He C, Hu K, Liang M. The effects and molecular mechanism of heat stress on spermatogenesis and the mitigation measures. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:331-347. [PMID: 35722894 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2074325] [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: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Under normal conditions, to achieve optimal spermatogenesis, the temperature of the testes should be 2-6 °C lower than body temperature. Cryptorchidism is one of the common pathogenic factors of male infertility. The increase of testicular temperature in male cryptorchidism patients leads to the disorder of body regulation and balance, induces the oxidative stress response of germ cells, destroys the integrity of sperm DNA, yields morphologically abnormal sperm, and leads to excessive apoptosis of germ cells. These physiological changes in the body can reduce sperm fertility and lead to male infertility. This paper describes the factors causing testicular heat stress, including lifestyle and behavioral factors, occupational and environmental factors (external factors), and clinical factors caused by pathological conditions (internal factors). Studies have shown that wearing tight pants or an inappropriate posture when sitting for a long time in daily life, and an increase in ambient temperature caused by different seasons or in different areas, can cause an increase in testicular temperature, induces testicular oxidative stress response, and reduce male fertility. The occurrence of cryptorchidism causes pathological changes within the testis and sperm, such as increased germ cell apoptosis, DNA damage in sperm cells, changes in gene expression, increase in chromosome aneuploidy, and changes in Na+/K+-ATPase activity, etc. At the end of the article, we list some substances that can relieve oxidative stress in tissues, such as trigonelline, melatonin, R. apetalus, and angelica powder. These substances can protect testicular tissue and relieve the damage caused by excessive oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Gao
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaixian Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaofan He
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Hu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Liang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang R, Liu X, Li L, Yang M, Yong J, Zhai F, Wen L, Yan L, Qiao J, Tang F. Dissecting Human Gonadal Cell Lineage Specification and Sex Determination Using A Single-cell RNA-seq Approach. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2022; 20:223-245. [PMID: 35513251 PMCID: PMC9684167 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal somatic cells are the main players in gonad development and are important for sex determination and germ cell development. Here, using a time-series single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) strategy, we analyzed fetal germ cells (FGCs) and gonadal somatic cells in human embryos and fetuses. Clustering analysis of testes and ovaries revealed several novel cell subsets, including POU5F1+SPARC+ FGCs and KRT19+ somatic cells. Furthermore, our data indicated that the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway plays cell type-specific and developmental stage-specific roles in testis development and promotes the gonocyte-to-spermatogonium transition (GST) in late-stage testicular mitotic arrest FGCs. Intriguingly, testosterone synthesis function transitioned from fetal Sertoli cells to adult Leydig cells in a stepwise manner. In our study, potential interactions between gonadal somatic cells were systematically explored and we identified cell type-specific developmental defects in both FGCs and gonadal somatic cells in a Turner syndrome embryo (45, XO). Our work provides a blueprint of the complex yet highly ordered development of and the interactions among human FGCs and gonadal somatic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xixi Liu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Li Li
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jun Yong
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Fan Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Lu Wen
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liying Yan
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Corresponding authors.
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China,Corresponding authors.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Patel SK, Singh SK. Pyroglutamylated RFamide peptide (QRFP): Role in early testicular development in relation to Sertoli cell maturation in prepubertal mice. Neuropeptides 2022; 91:102215. [PMID: 34883413 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2021.102215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
QRFP, an orexigenic neuropeptide, binds to its cognate receptor GPR103 and regulates various biological functions. We have recently shown that QRFP and its receptor are present in mice testes and that their expression is high during early postnatal period. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of sustained high level of QRFP on Sertoli cells proliferation and differentiation and to relate these events with germ cell differentiation and lumen formation in the seminiferous tubules in mice testes during prepubertal period. QRFP was injected intraperitoneally to male mice from postnatal day 5 to 16. Morphometric analysis and various markers related to Sertoli cell maturation (WT1, p27kip1, AMH, AR and CYP19A1) and germ cell proliferation and differentiation (PCNA, GDNF and c-Kit) were evaluated. QRFP administration caused an early lumen formation in the seminiferous tubules in testis of treated mice. Further, there was a significant increase in p27kip1 expression and a marked decrease in AMH expression in QRFP-treated mice compared to controls. However, no appreciable change was noted in AR expression in treated mice. QRFP treatment also caused an increase in c-Kit expression in treated mice compared to controls, suggesting an accelerated spermatogonial differentiation in testis of QRFP-treated mice. Taken together, the present results suggest that the prolonged high level of QRFP increases Sertoli cell maturation, which, in turn, plays a contributory role in increasing the pace of germ cell differentiation and formation of lumen in the seminiferous tubules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shishir Kumar Patel
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Shio Kumar Singh
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abe K, Kon S, Kameyama H, Zhang J, Morohashi KI, Shimamura K, Abe SI. VCAM1-α4β1 integrin interaction mediates interstitial tissue reconstruction in 3-D re-aggregate culture of dissociated prepubertal mouse testicular cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18332. [PMID: 34526555 PMCID: PMC8443749 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97729-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Roles of interstitial tissue in morphogenesis of testicular structures remain less well understood. To analyze the roles of CD34+ cells in the reconstruction of interstitial tissue containing Leydig cells (LCs), and testicular structures, we used 3D-reaggregate culture of dissociated testicular cells from prepubertal mouse. After a week of culture, adult Leydig cells (ALCs) were preferentially incorporated within CD34+ cell-aggregates, but fetal LCs (FLCs) were not. Immunofluorescence studies showed that integrins α4, α9 and β1, and VCAM1, one of the ligands for integrins α4β1 and α9β1, are expressed mainly in CD34+ cells and ALCs, but not in FLCs. Addition of function-blocking antibodies against each integrin and VCAM1 to the culture disturbed the reconstruction of testicular structures. Antibodies against α4 and β1 integrins and VCAM1 robustly inhibited cell-to-cell adhesion between testicular cells and between CD34+ cells. Cell-adhesion assays indicated that CD34+ cells adhere to VCAM1 through the interaction with α4β1 integrin. Live cell imaging showed that CD34+ cells adhered around ALC-aggregates. CD34+ cells on the dish moved toward the aggregates, extending filopodia, and entered into them, which was disturbed by VCAM1 antibody. These results indicate that VCAM1-α4β1 integrin interaction plays pivotal roles in formation of testicular interstitial tissues in vitro and also in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuko Abe
- Faculty of Health Science, Kumamoto Health Science University, 325 Izumi-machi, Kita-ku, Kumamoto, 861-5598, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Kon
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuyama University, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kameyama
- Faculty of Health Science, Kumamoto Health Science University, 325 Izumi-machi, Kita-ku, Kumamoto, 861-5598, Japan
| | - JiDong Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, ZunYi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ken-Ichirou Morohashi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kenji Shimamura
- Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Abe
- Faculty of Health Science, Kumamoto Health Science University, 325 Izumi-machi, Kita-ku, Kumamoto, 861-5598, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
O'Donnell L, Smith LB, Rebourcet D. Sertoli cells as key drivers of testis function. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:2-9. [PMID: 34229950 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells are the orchestrators of spermatogenesis; they support fetal germ cell commitment to the male pathway and are essential for germ cell development, from maintenance of the spermatogonial stem cell niche and spermatogonial populations, through meiosis and spermiogeneis and to the final release of mature spermatids during spermiation. However, Sertoli cells are also emerging as key regulators of other testis somatic cells, including supporting peritubular myoid cell development in the pre-pubertal testis and supporting the function of the testicular vasculature and in contributing to testicular immune privilege. Sertoli cells also have a major role in regulating androgen production within the testis, by specifying interstitial cells to a steroidogenic fate, contributing to androgen production in the fetal testis, and supporting fetal and adult Leydig cell development and function. Here, we provide an overview of the specific roles for Sertoli cells in the testis and highlight how these cells are key drivers of testicular sperm output, and of adult testis size and optimal function of other testicular somatic cells, including the steroidogenic Leydig cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liza O'Donnell
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Lee B Smith
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sararols P, Stévant I, Neirijnck Y, Rebourcet D, Darbey A, Curley MK, Kühne F, Dermitzakis E, Smith LB, Nef S. Specific Transcriptomic Signatures and Dual Regulation of Steroidogenesis Between Fetal and Adult Mouse Leydig Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:695546. [PMID: 34262907 PMCID: PMC8273516 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.695546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells (LC) are the main testicular androgen-producing cells. In eutherian mammals, two types of LCs emerge successively during testicular development, fetal Leydig cells (FLCs) and adult Leydig cells (ALCs). Both display significant differences in androgen production and regulation. Using bulk RNA sequencing, we compared the transcriptomes of both LC populations to characterize their specific transcriptional and functional features. Despite similar transcriptomic profiles, a quarter of the genes show significant variations in expression between FLCs and ALCs. Non-transcriptional events, such as alternative splicing was also observed, including a high rate of intron retention in FLCs compared to ALCs. The use of single-cell RNA sequencing data also allowed the identification of nine FLC-specific genes and 50 ALC-specific genes. Expression of the corticotropin-releasing hormone 1 (Crhr1) receptor and the ACTH receptor melanocortin type 2 receptor (Mc2r) specifically in FLCs suggests a dual regulation of steroidogenesis. The androstenedione synthesis by FLCs is stimulated by luteinizing hormone (LH), corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) whereas the testosterone synthesis by ALCs is dependent exclusively on LH. Overall, our study provides a useful database to explore LC development and functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Sararols
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Stévant
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yasmine Neirijnck
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Annalucia Darbey
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael K Curley
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Françoise Kühne
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emmanouil Dermitzakis
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lee B Smith
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang X, Meng K, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Lin F, Liu X, Zhang Y, Quan F. Wilms' tumor (WT1) (±KTS) variants decreases the progesterone secretion of bovine ovarian theca cells. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2021; 74:106521. [PMID: 32739762 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Wilms' tumor gene WT1 encodes a nuclear transcriptional factor, which has been shown to regulate granulosa cell steroidogenesis in bovine; however, it is not known whether the functions of theca cells are regulated by WT1. Here, we determined the effects of this gene on theca cell proliferation, apoptosis, and steroidogenesis in vitro. In cultured bovine theca cells, the downregulation of WT1 increased the secretion of progesterone but had no effect on proliferation and apoptosis. WT1 includes the variants WT1(+KTS) and WT1(-KTS), which differ by 3 amino acids KTS (lysine, threonine, and serine). WT1(±KTS) upregulation increased the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of STAR and CYP17A1 and decreased the progesterone secretion and CYP11A1 mRNA expression. In contrast to WT1(+KTS), WT1(-KTS) upregulation also decreased the mRNA expression of 3β-HSD. In both variants, WT1(-KTS) has more obvious effects. In conclusion, WT1 can decrease progesterone secretion, likely due in part to the inhibition of CYP11A1 and 3β-HSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - K Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Y Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Y Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - F Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - X Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Y Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
| | - F Quan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zomer HD, Reddi PP. Characterization of rodent Sertoli cell primary cultures. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:857-870. [PMID: 32743879 PMCID: PMC7685524 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells play a vital role in spermatogenesis by offering physical and nutritional support to the differentiating male germ cells. They form the blood-testis barrier and secrete growth factors essential for germ cell differentiation. Sertoli cell primary cultures are critical for understanding the regulation of spermatogenesis; however, obtaining pure cultures has been a challenge. Rodent Sertoli cell isolation protocols do not rule out contamination by the interstitial or connective tissue cells. Sertoli cell-specific markers could be helpful, but there is no consensus. Vimentin, the most commonly used marker, is not specific for Sertoli cells since its expression has been reported in peritubular myoid cells, mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, and endothelial cells, which contaminate Sertoli cell preparations. Markers based on transcription and growth factors also have limitations. Thus, the impediment to obtaining pure Sertoli cell cultures pertains to both the method of isolation and marker usage. The aim of this review is to discuss improvements to current methods of rodent Sertoli cell primary cultures, assess the properties of prepubertal versus mature Sertoli cell cultures, and propose steps to improve cellular characterization. Potential benefits of using contemporary approaches, including lineage tracing, specific cell ablation, and RNA-seq for obtaining Sertoli-specific transcript markers are discussed. Evaluating the specificity and applicability of these markers at the protein level to characterize Sertoli cells in culture would be critical. This review is expected to positively impact future work using primary cultures of rodent Sertoli cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena D Zomer
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Prabhakara P Reddi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
GLI3 resides at the intersection of hedgehog and androgen action to promote male sex differentiation. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008810. [PMID: 32497091 PMCID: PMC7297385 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Urogenital tract abnormalities are among the most common congenital defects in humans. Male urogenital development requires Hedgehog-GLI signaling and testicular hormones, but how these pathways interact is unclear. We found that Gli3XtJ mutant mice exhibit cryptorchidism and hypospadias due to local effects of GLI3 loss and systemic effects of testicular hormone deficiency. Fetal Leydig cells, the sole source of these hormones in developing testis, were reduced in numbers in Gli3XtJ testes, and their functional identity diminished over time. Androgen supplementation partially rescued testicular descent but not hypospadias in Gli3XtJ mutants, decoupling local effects of GLI3 loss from systemic effects of androgen insufficiency. Reintroduction of GLI3 activator (GLI3A) into Gli3XtJ testes restored expression of Hedgehog pathway and steroidogenic genes. Together, our results show a novel function for the activated form of GLI3 that translates Hedgehog signals to reinforce fetal Leydig cell identity and stimulate timely INSL3 and testosterone synthesis in the developing testis. In turn, exquisite timing and concentrations of testosterone are required to work alongside local GLI3 activity to control development of a functionally integrated male urogenital tract. Disorders in male sex differentiation (DSD) are among the most common defects in all live births, yet in many cases, pediatric patient families are reluctant to address the issue and endure lifelong consequences. Urogenital tract development, as in many organ systems, depends on exquisite timing among layers of a number of signaling pathways. Here, we show that interactions between the hedgehog and androgen signaling pathways are required for the development of internal and external male sex characteristics, but results for each tissue is distinct. This new knowledge will aid in discovering the means by which congenital malformations might occur, identify potential developmental targets that might be vulnerable to environmental exposures, and promote new ideas for how they might be prevented.
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang YQ, Cheng JM, Wen Q, Tang JX, Li J, Chen SR, Liu YX. An exploration of the role of Sertoli cells on fetal testis development using cell ablation strategy. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:223-230. [PMID: 32011766 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) are presumed to be the center of testis differentiation because they provide both structural support and biological regulation for spermatogenesis. Previous studies suggest that SCs control germ cell (GC) count and Leydig cell (LC) development in mouse testes. However, the regulatory role of SCs on peritubular myoid (PTM) cell fate in fetal testis has not been clearly reported. Here, we employed Amh-Cre; diphtheria toxin fragment A (DTA) mouse model to selectively ablate SCs from embryonic day (E) 14.5. Results found that SC ablation in the fetal stage caused the disruption of testis cords and the massive loss of GCs. Furthermore, the number of α-smooth muscle actin-labeled PTM cells was gradually decreased from E14.5 and almost lost at E18.5 in SC ablation testis. Interestingly, some Ki67 and 3β-HSD double-positive fetal LCs could be observed in Amh-Cre; DTA testes at E16.5 and E18.5. Consistent with this phenomenon, the messenger RNA levels of Hsd3b1, Cyp11a1, Lhr, Star and the protein levels of 3β-HSD and P450Scc were significantly elevated by SC ablation. SC ablation appears to induce ectopic proliferation of fetal LCs although the total LC number appeared reduced. Together, these findings bring us a better understanding of SCs' central role in fetal testis development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Mei Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qing Wen
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
| | - Ji-Xin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Shima Y. Development of fetal and adult Leydig cells. Reprod Med Biol 2019; 18:323-330. [PMID: 31607792 PMCID: PMC6780029 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In mammals, two distinct Leydig cell populations, fetal Leydig cells (FLCs) and adult Leydig cells (ALCs), appear in the prenatal and postnatal testis, respectively. Although the functional differences between these cell types have been well described, the developmental relationship between FLCs and ALCs has not been fully understood. In this review, I focus on the cellular origins of FLCs and ALCs as well as the developmental and functional links between them. METHODS I surveyed previous reports about FLC and/or ALC development and summarized the findings. MAIN FINDINGS Fetal Leydig cells and ALCs were identified to have separate origins in the fetal and neonatal testis, respectively. However, several studies suggested that FLCs and ALCs share a common progenitor pool. Moreover, perturbation of FLC development at the fetal stage induces ALC dysfunction in adults, suggesting a functional link between FLCs and ALCs. Although the lineage relationship between FLCs and ALCs remains controversial, a recent study suggested that some FLCs dedifferentiate at the fetal stage, and that these cells serve as ALC stem cells. CONCLUSION Findings obtained from animal studies might provide clues to the causative mechanisms of male reproductive dysfunctions such as testicular dysgenesis syndrome in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Shima
- Department of AnatomyKawasaki Medical SchoolKurashikiOkayamaJapan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Meng K, Wang X, He Y, Wang H, Xie X, Zhang Y, Quan F. Evidence that downregulation of Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) is involved in cortical stromal cell differentiation into theca cells in adult bovine ovaries. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1731-1740. [PMID: 31490589 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Bovine theca cells are thought to differentiate from cortical stromal cells, and ovary-derived Wilms' tumor 1+ (WT1+ ) cells are the primary source of mouse theca cells. However, it is not known whether the differentiation of cortical stromal cells is regulated by WT1. Here, we identified WT1 in the cortical stroma and theca layer of the bovine ovary and analyzed the theca cell functional markers in cortical stromal cells and theca cells; in addition, we determined the effects of this gene on the secretion of androstenedione and progesterone by cortical stromal cells and the responsiveness of cortical stromal cells to luteinizing hormone (LH) in vitro. We used quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry to discover that the cortical stroma had higher WT1 expression than the theca layer. We used RT-qPCR and ELISA analyses to determine that the cortical stromal cells had lower levels of androstenedione and progesterone secretion and LHR messenger RNA expression than the levels of the theca cells. In cultured bovine cortical stromal cells, we found that WT1 downregulation increased androstenedione and progesterone secretion but had no effect on the LH responsiveness. Notably, the increase in androstenedione and progesterone secretion was associated with an increase in 3-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase expression. In conclusion, the results suggest that WT1 is involved in the differentiation of cortical stromal cells into cells with characteristics similar to theca cells of antral follicles in adult bovine ovaries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yuanyuan He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Hengqin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Xiaogang Xie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Fusheng Quan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Singh S, Singh SK. Effect of gestational exposure to perfluorononanoic acid on neonatal mice testes. J Appl Toxicol 2019; 39:1663-1671. [PMID: 31389053 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are widely used in commercial products and are found in many goods of daily use. Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) is one of the PFAAs that possesses endocrine disrupting properties and we have recently shown that PFNA affects testicular functions in Parkes mice. Exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors during fetal life is believed to affect gonadal development and they might produce reproductive abnormalities in males. Therefore, the present study examined the effect of gestational exposure to PFNA on the testes of neonatal mice offspring. Pregnant Parkes mice were orally administered PFNA (2 and 5 mg/kg body weight) or distilled water from gestational day 12 until parturition. Male pups were killed on postnatal day 3. PFNA treatment decreased testosterone biosynthesis by inhibiting expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cytochrome P450scc, and 3β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; proliferation of testicular cells was also affected in treated mice. Furthermore, a marked decrease in expression of Wilms tumor 1, steroidogenic factor 1 and insulin-like factor 3 was noted in neonatal mice testes, indicating that the PFNA treatment may affect the development of the testis. Moreover, observation of the dose-related expression of anti-müllerian hormone and c-Kit in neonatal mice testes is also suggestive of an interference with gonadal development by PFNA exposure. In conclusion, the results suggest that the gestational exposure to PFNA decreased testosterone biosynthesis and altered the expression of critical factors involved in the development of the testis, thereby advocating a potential risk of PFNA to male reproductive health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilpi Singh
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Shio Kumar Singh
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Jauregui EJ, Mitchell D, Garza SM, Topping T, Hogarth CA, Griswold MD. Leydig cell genes change their expression and association with polysomes in a stage-specific manner in the adult mouse testis. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:722-738. [PMID: 29408990 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis in mammals occurs in a very highly organized manner within the seminiferous epithelium regulated by different cell types in the testis. Testosterone produced by Leydig cells regulates blood-testis barrier formation, meiosis, spermiogenesis, and spermiation. However, it is unknown whether Leydig cell function changes with the different stages of the seminiferous epithelium. This study utilized the WIN 18,446 and retinoic acid (RA) treatment regime combined with the RiboTag mouse methodology to synchronize male germ cell development and allow for the in vivo mapping of the Leydig cell translatome across the different stages of one cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. Using microarrays analysis, we identified 11 Leydig cell-enriched genes that were expressed in stage-specific manner such as the glucocorticoid synthesis and transport genes, Cyp21a1 and Serpina6. In addition, there were nine Leydig cell transcripts that change their association with polysomes in correlation with the different stages of the spermatogenic cycle including Egr1. Interestingly, the signal intensity of EGR1 and CYP21 varied among Leydig cells in the adult asynchronous testis. However, testosterone levels across the different stages of germ cell development did not cycle. These data show, for the first time, that Leydig cell gene expression changes in a stage-specific manner during the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium and indicate that a heterogeneous Leydig cell population exists in the adult mouse testis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Estela J Jauregui
- School of Molecular Biosciences and the Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Debra Mitchell
- School of Molecular Biosciences and the Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Savanna M Garza
- School of Molecular Biosciences and the Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Traci Topping
- School of Molecular Biosciences and the Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Cathryn A Hogarth
- School of Molecular Biosciences and the Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Michael D Griswold
- School of Molecular Biosciences and the Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rebourcet D, Monteiro A, Cruickshanks L, Jeffery N, Smith S, Milne L, O’Shaughnessy PJ, Smith LB. Relationship of transcriptional markers to Leydig cell number in the mouse testis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219524. [PMID: 31291327 PMCID: PMC6619764 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The current study aims to identify markers that would reflect the number of Leydig cells present in the testis, to help determine whether labour-intensive methods such as stereology are necessary. We used our well-characterised Sertoli cell ablation model in which we have empirically established the size of the Leydig cell population, to try to identify transcriptional biomarkers indicative of population size. Results Following characterisation of the Leydig cell population after Sertoli cell ablation in neonatal life or adulthood, we identified Hsd3b1 transcript levels as a potential indicator of Leydig cell number with utility for informing decision-making on whether to engage in time-consuming stereological cell counting analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diane Rebourcet
- Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Ana Monteiro
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Lyndsey Cruickshanks
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan Jeffery
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Milne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J. O’Shaughnessy
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Lee B. Smith
- Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Candelaria NR, Padmanabhan A, Stossi F, Ljungberg MC, Shelly KE, Pew BK, Solis M, Rossano AM, McAllister JM, Wu S, Richards JS. VCAM1 Is Induced in Ovarian Theca and Stromal Cells in a Mouse Model of Androgen Excess. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1377-1393. [PMID: 30951142 PMCID: PMC6507908 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian theca androgen production is regulated by the pituitary LH and intrafollicular factors. Enhanced androgen biosynthesis by theca cells contributes to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, but the ovarian consequences of elevated androgens are not completely understood. Our study documents the molecular events that are altered in the theca and stromal cells of mice exposed to high androgen levels, using the nonaromatizable androgen DHT. Changes in ovarian morphology and function were observed not only in follicles, but also in the stromal compartment. Genome-wide microarray analyses revealed marked changes in the ovarian transcriptome of DHT-treated females within 1 week. Particularly striking was the increased expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (Vcam1) specifically in the NR2F2/COUPTF-II lineage theca cells, not granulosa cells, of growing follicles and throughout the stroma of the androgen-treated mice. This response was mediated by androgen receptors (ARs) present in theca and stromal cells. Human theca-derived cultures expressed both ARs and NR2F2 that were nuclear. VCAM1 mRNA and protein were higher in PCOS-derived theca cells compared with control theca and reduced markedly by the AR antagonist flutamide. In the DHT-treated mice, VCAM1 was transiently induced by equine chorionic gonadotropin, when androgen and estrogen biosynthesis peak in preovulatory follicles, and was potently suppressed by a superovulatory dose of human chorionic gonadotropin. High levels of VCAM1 in the theca and interstitial cells of DHT-treated mice and in adult Leydig cells indicate that there may be novel functions for VCAM1 in reproductive tissues, including the gonads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholes R Candelaria
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Correspondence: Nicholes R. Candelaria, PhD, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030. E-mail:
| | - Achuth Padmanabhan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Fabio Stossi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Integrated Microscopy Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - M Cecilia Ljungberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurologic Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Katharine E Shelly
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Braden K Pew
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Minerva Solis
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Ayane M Rossano
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jan M McAllister
- Department of Pathology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Sheng Wu
- Department of Pediatrics and Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - JoAnne S Richards
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Rebourcet D, O'Shaughnessy PJ, Smith LB. The expanded roles of Sertoli cells: lessons from Sertoli cell ablation models. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coemr.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
|
26
|
Meng K, Wang X, He Y, Yang J, Wang H, Zhang Y, Quan F. The Wilms tumor gene (WT1) (+/−KTS) isoforms regulate steroidogenesis by modulating the PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 pathways in bovine granulosa cells†. Biol Reprod 2019; 100:1344-1355. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yuanyuan He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jiashu Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hengqin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Fusheng Quan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bio-Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Tan W, Zhang X, Wang Z, Chen Y, Wang A, Chu M, Tang B, Li Z. Differential expression of Wilms' tumour 1 gene in porcine urogenital organs during development. Anat Histol Embryol 2018; 48:102-109. [PMID: 30450614 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Wilms' tumour 1 gene (WT1) is essential for the development of mammalian urogenital system. However, the expression pattern of WT1 in the development of porcine urogenital organs is still unclear. Here, we examined the expression of WT1 mRNA and protein in porcine kidneys, ovaries and testes from embryonic days 35 and 60 (E35d, E60d, n = 3) to the newborn (0d, n = 4) and adult (210d, n = 3) stages, using real-time PCR and immunofluorescent staining. Real-time PCR analysis showed that porcine kidneys, ovaries and testes all expressed high level of WT1 mRNAs, especially in adult testes (p < 0.05 or 0.01 vs. kidney and ovary, respectively). Morphologically, characteristic microstructures of the kidneys, ovaries and testes were observed and discerned at all four stages. Immunofluorescently, WT1 expression was detected in a dynamic and context-specific pattern during the development of these organs. Taken together, porcine urogenital organs express relatively high levels of WT1 mRNA. Dynamical and context-specific expression profile of WT1 in these organs occurs during their development, implying its close association with the development and function of porcine kidney, ovary and testis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Tan
- The First Bethune Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xueming Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhengzhu Wang
- The First Bethune Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yue Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Aibing Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Meiran Chu
- The First Bethune Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bo Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ziyi Li
- The First Bethune Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Su DM, Feng Y, Wang L, Wu YL, Ge RS, Ma X. Influence of fetal Leydig cells on the development of adult Leydig cell population in rats. J Reprod Dev 2018. [PMID: 29515056 PMCID: PMC6021611 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells are the main endogenous testosterone synthesis cells in the body. Testosterone is an essential hormone in males that affects metabolism, emotion, and pubertal development.
However, little is known about the development of Leydig cells and relationship between fetal Leydig cells (FLCs) and adult Leydig cells (ALCs). The aims of this study were to investigate
the effect of (FLCs) on ALC development. Our study showed that FLCs in neonatal rat testis can be eliminated by 100 mg/kg ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS) treatment without affecting the
health of newborn rats. Immunohistological results showed that eliminating FLCs led to early re-generation of the ALC population (progenitor Leydig cells [PLCs] and ALCs) accompanied at
first by increased and then by decreased serum testosterone, indicating that ALCs which appeared after neonatal EDS treatment were degenerated or had attenuated functions. Our results showed
that FLCs were eliminated 4 days after EDS treatment, the ALC population regenerated by 21 days, and serum testosterone levels dramatically decreased at 56 days. Collectively, our results
indicate that the ablation of FLCs in neonatal rat results in abnormal development of ALCs. Our study further indicates that abnormal development of Leydig cells in the fetal stage leads to
steroid hormone disorders, such as testosterone deficiency, in the adult stage. Therefore, studies of Leydig cell development are important for understanding the pathogenesis of testosterone
deficiency or pubertas praecox.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Mei Su
- West China Hospital, West China School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ying Feng
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yi-Lun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Center of Scientific Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xue Ma
- Department of Pediatric Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Li XY, Zhang Y, Wang XX, Jin C, Wang YQ, Sun TC, Li J, Tang JX, Batool A, Deng SL, Chen SR, Cheng CY, Liu YX. Regulation of blood-testis barrier assembly in vivo by germ cells. FASEB J 2018; 32:1653-1664. [PMID: 29183964 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700681r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The assembly of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) during postnatal development is crucial to support meiosis. However, the role of germ cells in BTB assembly remains unclear. Herein, KitW/KitWV mice were used as a study model. These mice were infertile, failing to establish a functional BTB to support meiosis due to c-Kit mutation. Transplantation of undifferentiated spermatogonia derived from normal mice into the testis of KitW/KitWV mice triggered functional BTB assembly, displaying cyclic remodeling during the epithelial cycle. Also, transplanted germ cells were capable of inducing Leydig cell testosterone production, which could enhance the expression of integral membrane protein claudin 3 in Sertoli cells. Early spermatocytes were shown to play a vital role in directing BTB assembly by expressing claudin 3, which likely created a transient adhesion structure to mediate BTB and cytoskeleton assembly in adjacent Sertoli cells. In summary, the positive modulation of germ cells on somatic cell function provides useful information regarding somatic-germ cell interactions.-Li, X.-Y., Zhang, Y., Wang, X.-X., Jin, C., Wang, Y.-Q., Sun, T.-C., Li, J., Tang, J.-X., Batool, A., Deng, S.-L., Chen, S.-R., Cheng, C. Y., Liu, Y.-X. Regulation of blood-testis barrier assembly in vivo by germ cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Changsha Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Changsha, China; and
| | - Xiu-Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tie-Cheng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Xin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Alia Batool
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shou-Long Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Rudigier LJ, Dame C, Scholz H, Kirschner KM. Ex vivo cultures combined with vivo-morpholino induced gene knockdown provide a system to assess the role of WT1 and GATA4 during gonad differentiation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176296. [PMID: 28426816 PMCID: PMC5398674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonad morphogenesis relies on the correct spatiotemporal expression of a number of genes that together fulfill the differentiation of the bipotential gonad into testes or ovaries. As such, the transcription factors WT1 and GATA4 are pivotal for proper gonadal development. Here we address the contributions of GATA4 and WT1 to the sex differentiation phase in testes and ovaries. We applied an ex vivo technique for cultivating gonads in hanging droplets of media that were supplemented with vivo-morpholinos to knockdown WT1 and GATA4 either alone or in combination at the same developmental stage. We show that WT1 is equally important for both, the initial establishment and the maintenance of the sex-specific gene expression signature in testes and ovaries. We further identified Foxl2 as a novel putative downstream target gene of WT1. Moreover, knockdown of WT1 reduced mRNA levels of several molecular components of the hedgehog signaling pathway in XY gonads, whereas Gata4 vivo-morpholino treatment increased transcripts of Dhh and Ptch1 in embryonic testes. The data suggest that for its proper function, WT1 relies on the correct expression of the GATA4 protein. Furthermore, GATA4 down-regulates several ovarian promoting genes in testes, such as Ctnnb1, Fst, and Bmp2, suggesting that this repression is required for maintaining the male phenotype. In conclusion, this study provides novel insights into the role of WT1 and GATA4 during the sex differentiation phase and represents an approach that can be applied to assess other proteins with as yet unknown functions during gonadal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas J. Rudigier
- Institut für Vegetative Physiologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christof Dame
- Klinik für Neonatologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Holger Scholz
- Institut für Vegetative Physiologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Karin M. Kirschner
- Institut für Vegetative Physiologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Guerra MT, Sanabria M, Leite GAA, Borges CS, Cucielo MS, Anselmo-Franci JA, Foster WG, Kempinas WG. Maternal exposure to butyl paraben impairs testicular structure and sperm quality on male rats. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2017; 32:1273-1289. [PMID: 27444704 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Parabens are hormonally active chemicals widely used as preservatives in foods and are frequently detected in human fluids and tissues. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of maternal butyl paraben (BP) exposure on male sexual development. Pregnant Wistar rats received corn oil (control group), or BP at doses of 10, 100, or 200 mg/kg, subcutaneously, from gestational day 12 until postnatal day 21. Our results demonstrated that developmental BP exposure significantly increased the number of adult Leydig cells and the circulating concentrations of testosterone and attenuated FSH and LH concentrations at 200 mg/kg. BP exposure adversely affected spermatogenesis kinetics at doses of 10 and 200 mg/kg and provoked a decrease in the immunostaining of EsR1 and AR at 200 mg/kg. The sperm motility was impaired at the 10 mg/kg dose, and sperm head abnormalities were increased in all BP dose groups. We suggest that BP impairs testicular structure and function in the rat, affecting sperm quality. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1273-1289, 2017.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina T Guerra
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito De Rubião Jr S/N, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Marciana Sanabria
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito De Rubião Jr S/N, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Gabriel A A Leite
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito De Rubião Jr S/N, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Cibele S Borges
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito De Rubião Jr S/N, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Maira S Cucielo
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito De Rubião Jr S/N, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Janete A Anselmo-Franci
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Morphology, Stomatology and Physiology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, USP, Avenida Do Café S/N, Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo, 14040904, Brazil
| | - W G Foster
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - W G Kempinas
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito De Rubião Jr S/N, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, 18618-970, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wen Q, Wang Y, Tang J, Cheng CY, Liu YX. Sertoli Cell Wt1 Regulates Peritubular Myoid Cell and Fetal Leydig Cell Differentiation during Fetal Testis Development. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167920. [PMID: 28036337 PMCID: PMC5201236 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells play a significant role in regulating fetal testis compartmentalization to generate testis cords and interstitium during development. The Sertoli cell Wilms’ tumor 1 (Wt1) gene, which encodes ~24 zinc finger-containing transcription factors, is known to play a crucial role in fetal testis cord assembly and maintenance. However, whether Wt1 regulates fetal testis compartmentalization by modulating the development of peritubular myoid cells (PMCs) and/or fetal Leydig cells (FLCs) remains unknown. Using a Wt1-/flox; Amh-Cre mouse model by deleting Wt1 in Sertoli cells (Wt1SC-cKO) at embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5), Wt1 was found to regulate PMC and FLC development. Wt1 deletion in fetal testis Sertoli cells caused aberrant differentiation and proliferation of PMCs, FLCs and interstitial progenitor cells from embryo to newborn, leading to abnormal fetal testis interstitial development. Specifically, the expression of PMC marker genes α-Sma, Myh11 and Des, and interstitial progenitor cell marker gene Vcam1 were down-regulated, whereas FLC marker genes StAR, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1 and Hsd3b1 were up-regulated, in neonatal Wt1SC-cKO testes. The ratio of PMC:FLC were also reduced in Wt1SC-cKO testes, concomitant with a down-regulation of Notch signaling molecules Jag 1, Notch 2, Notch 3, and Hes1 in neonatal Wt1SC-cKO testes, illustrating changes in the differentiation status of FLC from their interstitial progenitor cells during fetal testis development. In summary, Wt1 regulates the development of FLC and interstitial progenitor cell lineages through Notch signaling, and it also plays a role in PMC development. Collectively, these effects confer fetal testis compartmentalization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yuqian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jixin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - C. Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (YXL); (CYC)
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (YXL); (CYC)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Wen Q, Cheng CY, Liu YX. Development, function and fate of fetal Leydig cells. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 59:89-98. [PMID: 26968934 PMCID: PMC5016207 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
During fetal testis development, fetal Leydig cells (FLCs) are found to be originated from multiple progenitor cells. FLC specification and function are under tight regulation of specific genes and signaling proteins. Furthermore, Sertoli cells play a crucial role to regulate FLC differentiation during fetal testis development. FLC progenitor- and FLC-produced biomolecules are also involved in the differentiation and activity of rodent FLCs. The main function of FLCs is to produce androgens to masculinize XY embryos. However, FLCs are capable of producing androstenedione but not testosterone due to the lack of 17β-HSD (17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase), but fetal Sertoli cells express 17β-HSD which thus transforms androstenedione to testosterone in the fetal testis. On the other hand, FLCs produce activin A to regulate Sertoli cell proliferation, and Sertoli cells in turn modulate testis cord expansion. It is now generally accepted that adult Leydig cells (ALCs) gradually replace FLCs during postnatal development to produce testosterone to support spermatogenesis as FLCs undergo degeneration in neonatal and pre-pubertal testes. However, based on studies using genetic tracing mouse models, FLCs are found to persist in adult testes, making up ∼20% of total Leydig cells. In this review, we evaluate the latest findings regarding the development, function and fate of FLCs during fetal and adult testis development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065, United States.
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Liu C, Rodriguez K, Yao HHC. Mapping lineage progression of somatic progenitor cells in the mouse fetal testis. Development 2016; 143:3700-3710. [PMID: 27621062 DOI: 10.1242/dev.135756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Testis morphogenesis is a highly orchestrated process involving lineage determination of male germ cells and somatic cell types. Although the origin and differentiation of germ cells are known, the developmental course specific for each somatic cell lineage has not been clearly defined. Here, we construct a comprehensive map of somatic cell lineage progression in the mouse testis. Both supporting and interstitial cell lineages arise from WT1+ somatic progenitor pools in the gonadal primordium. A subpopulation of WT1+ progenitor cells acquire SOX9 expression and become Sertoli cells that form testis cords, whereas the remaining WT1+ cells contribute to progenitor cells in the testis interstitium. Interstitial progenitor cells diversify through the acquisition of HES1, an indication of Notch activation, at the onset of sex determination. HES1+ interstitial progenitors, through the action of Sertoli cell-derived Hedgehog signals, become positive for GLI1. The GLI1+ interstitial cells eventually develop into two cell lineages: steroid-producing fetal Leydig cells and non-steroidogenic cells. The fetal Leydig cell population is restricted by Notch2 signaling from the neighboring somatic cells. The non-steroidogenic progenitor cells retain their undifferentiated state during fetal stage and become adult Leydig cells in post-pubertal testis. These results provide the first lineage progression map that illustrates the sequential establishment of somatic cell populations during testis morphogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Karina Rodriguez
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Humphrey H-C Yao
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hao XX, Chen SR, Tang JX, Li J, Cheng JM, Jin C, Wang XX, Liu YX. Selective deletion of Smad4 in postnatal germ cells does not affect spermatogenesis or fertility in mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:615-23. [PMID: 27265621 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
SMAD4 is the central component of canonical signaling in the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily. Loss of Smad4 in Sertoli cells affects the expansion of the fetal testis cords, whereas selective deletion of Smad4 in Leydig cells alone does not appreciably alter fetal or adult testis development. Loss of Smad4 in Sertoli and Leydig cells, on the other hand, leads to testicular dysgenesis, and tumor formation in mice. Within the murine testes, Smad4 is also expressed in germ cells of the seminiferous tubules. We therefore, crossed Ngn3-Cre or Stra8-Cre transgenic mice with Smad4-flox mice to generate conditional knockout animals in which Smad4 was specifically deleted in postnatal germ cells to further uncover cell type-specific requirement of Smad4. Unexpectedly, these germ-cell-knockout mice were fertile and did not exhibit any detectable abnormalities in spermatogenesis, indicating that Smad4 is not required for the production of sperm; instead, these data indicate a cell type-specific requirement of Smad4 primarily during testis development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 615-623, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xia Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Xin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Mei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiu-Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hippo Signaling Mediators Yap and Taz Are Required in the Epicardium for Coronary Vasculature Development. Cell Rep 2016; 15:1384-1393. [PMID: 27160901 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Formation of the coronary vasculature is a complex and precisely coordinated morphogenetic process that begins with the formation of epicardium. The epicardium gives rise to many components of the coronary vasculature, including fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and endothelium. Hippo signaling components have been implicated in cardiac development and regeneration. However, a role of Hippo signaling in the epicardium has not been explored. Employing a combination of genetic and pharmacological approaches, we demonstrate that inhibition of Hippo signaling mediators Yap and Taz leads to impaired epicardial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and a reduction in epicardial cell proliferation and differentiation into coronary endothelial cells. We provide evidence that Yap and Taz control epicardial cell behavior, in part by regulating Tbx18 and Wt1 expression. Our findings show a role for Hippo signaling in epicardial cell proliferation, EMT, and cell fate specification during cardiac organogenesis.
Collapse
|
37
|
Kloehn I, Pillai SB, Officer L, Klement C, Gasser PJ, Evans JA. Sexual Differentiation of Circadian Clock Function in the Adrenal Gland. Endocrinology 2016; 157:1895-904. [PMID: 27007073 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences in glucocorticoid production are associated with increased responsiveness of the adrenal gland in females. However, the adrenal-intrinsic mechanisms that establish sexual dimorphic function remain ill defined. Glucocorticoid production is gated at the molecular level by the circadian clock, which may contribute to sexual dimorphic adrenal function. Here we examine sex differences in the adrenal gland using an optical reporter of circadian clock function. Adrenal glands were cultured from male and female Period2::Luciferase (PER2::LUC) mice to assess clock function in vitro in real time. We confirm that there is a pronounced sex difference in the intrinsic capacity to sustain PER2::LUC rhythms in vitro, with higher amplitude rhythms in adrenal glands collected from males than from females. Changes in adrenal PER2::LUC rhythms over the reproductive life span implicate T as an important factor in driving sex differences in adrenal clock function. By directly manipulating hormone levels in adult mice in vivo, we demonstrate that T increases the amplitude of PER2::LUC rhythms in adrenal glands of both male and female mice. In contrast, we find little evidence that ovarian hormones modify adrenal clock function. Lastly, we find that T in vitro can increase the amplitude of PER2::LUC rhythms in male adrenals but not female adrenals, which suggests the existence of sex differences in the mechanisms of T action in vivo. Collectively these results reveal that activational effects of T alter circadian timekeeping in the adrenal gland, which may have implications for sex differences in stress reactivity and stress-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Kloehn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233
| | - Savin B Pillai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233
| | - Laurel Officer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233
| | - Claire Klement
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233
| | - Paul J Gasser
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233
| | - Jennifer A Evans
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Martin LJ. Cell interactions and genetic regulation that contribute to testicular Leydig cell development and differentiation. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:470-87. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luc J. Martin
- Department of Biology; Université de Moncton; Moncton New-Brunswick Canada
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Different fixative methods influence histological morphology and TUNEL staining in mouse testes. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 60:53-61. [PMID: 26820454 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Society of Toxicologic Pathology has recommended mDF to fix testes since 2002. However, subsequent studies showed that false TUNEL-positive cells were observed in mDF-fixed testes. This study compared the effects of different fixation methods on histology and TUNEL staining in mouse testes. Results showed that fixation for 24 or 36h in mDF provided better morphologic details in untreated testes, but markedly enhanced false TUNEL-positive staining. To optimize the fixation, testes were fixed using mDF for 6h and then PFA for 18h. Interestingly, fixation using mDF/PFA manifested better morphologic details, and rarely caused false TUNEL-positive cells in testes. Finally, we examined germ cell apoptosis in testes using mDF/PFA fixation in cadmium-treated mice. As expected, cadmium triggered germ cell apoptosis which was well visualized in the mDF/PFA fixed testes. Taken together, mDF plus PFA fixation not only minimizes false TUNEL-positive cells, but also provides integrated morphologic details in testes.
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
The Wilms' tumor suppressor gene 1 (Wt1) is critically involved in a number of developmental processes in vertebrates, including cell differentiation, control of the epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype, proliferation, and apoptosis. Wt1 proteins act as transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators, in mRNA splicing and in protein-protein interactions. Furthermore, Wt1 is involved in adult tissue homeostasis, kidney function, and cancer. For these reasons, Wt1 function has been extensively studied in a number of animal models to establish its spatiotemporal expression pattern and the developmental fate of the cells expressing this gene. In this chapter, we review the developmental anatomy of Wt1, collecting information about its dynamic expression in mesothelium, kidney, gonads, cardiovascular system, spleen, nervous system, lung, and liver. We also describe the adult expression of Wt1 in kidney podocytes, gonads, mesothelia, visceral adipose tissue, and a small fraction of bone marrow cells. We have reviewed the available animal models for Wt1-expressing cell lineage analysis, including direct Wt1 expression reporters and systems for permanent Wt1 lineage tracing, based on constitutive or inducible Cre recombinase expression under control of a Wt1 promoter. Finally we provide a number of laboratory protocols to be used with these animal models in order to assess reporter expression.
Collapse
|
41
|
Kaftanovskaya EM, Huang Z, Lopez C, Conrad K, Agoulnik AI. Conditional deletion of the relaxin receptor gene in cells of smooth muscle lineage affects lower reproductive tract in pregnant mice. Biol Reprod 2015; 92:91. [PMID: 25715795 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.127209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Relaxin hormone secreted into the circulation during pregnancy was discovered through its effects on pubic symphysis relaxation and parturition. Genetic inactivation of the relaxin gene or its cognate relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) in mice caused failure of parturition and mammary nipple enlargement, as well as increased collagen fiber density in the cervix and vagina. However, the relaxin effect on discrete cells and tissues has yet to be determined. Using transgenic mice with a knockin LacZ reporter in the Rxfp1 allele, we showed strong expression of this gene in vaginal and cervical stromal cells, as well as pubic ligament cells. We produced a floxed Rxfp1 allele that was used in combination with the Tagln-cre transgene to generate mice with a smooth muscle-specific gene knockout. In pregnant females, the ROSA26 reporter activated by Tagln-cre was detected in smooth muscle cells of the cervix, vagina, uterine artery, and in cells of the pubic symphysis. In late pregnant females with conditional gene ablation, the length of pubic symphysis was significantly reduced compared with wild-type or heterozygous Rxfp1(+/-) females. Denser collagen content was revealed by Masson trichrome staining in reproductive tract organs, uterine artery, and pubic symphysis. The cervical and vaginal epithelium was less developed than in heterozygous or wild-type females, although nipple size was normal and the dams were able to nurse their pups. In summary, our data indicate that relaxin/RXFP1 signaling in smooth muscle cells is important for normal collagen turnover and relaxation of the pubic symphysis during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena M Kaftanovskaya
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Zaohua Huang
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Carolina Lopez
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Kirk Conrad
- Departments of Physiology and Functional Genomics, and of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Alexander I Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kaftanovskaya EM, Lopez C, Ferguson L, Myhr C, Agoulnik AI. Genetic ablation of androgen receptor signaling in fetal Leydig cell lineage affects Leydig cell functions in adult testis. FASEB J 2015; 29:2327-37. [PMID: 25713029 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-263632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
It is commonly accepted that androgen-producing fetal Leydig cells (FLC) are substituted by adult Leydig cells (ALC) during perinatal testis development. The mechanisms influencing this process are unclear. We used mice with a retinoid acid receptor 2 promoter-Cre recombinase transgene (Rarb-cre) expressed in embryonic FLC precursors, but not in postnatal testis, and a dual fluorescent Cre recombinase reporter to label FLC and ALC in vivo. All FLC in newborn testis had the recombinant, whereas the majority of LC in adult testis had the nonrecombinant reporter. Primary LC cultures from adult testis had either recombinant (20%) or nonrecombinant (80%) cells, demonstrating that the FLC survive in adult testis and their ontogeny is distinct from ALC. Conditional inactivation of androgen receptor (AR) allele using the Rarb-cre transgene resulted in a 50% increase of AR-negative LC in adult testis. The mutant males became infertile with age, with all LC in older testis showing signs of incomplete differentiation, such as a large number of big lipid droplets, an increase of finger-like protrusions, and a misexpression of steroidogenic or FLC- and ALC-specific genes. We propose that the antiandrogenic exposure during early development may similarly result in an increase of FLC in adult testis, leading to abnormal LC differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena M Kaftanovskaya
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA; and
| | - Carolina Lopez
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA; and
| | - Lydia Ferguson
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA; and
| | - Courtney Myhr
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA; and
| | - Alexander I Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|