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Fu Y, Lai D, Xu Y, Liu J, Wang Y, Jiang D, Pan J, Ouyang H, Tian Y, Huang Y, Shen X. The DNA methylation status of the vitamin A signaling associated with testicular degeneration induced by long-day photoperiods in Magang geese. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103769. [PMID: 38917605 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103769] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Magang geese are typical short-day breeders whose reproductive behaviors are significantly influenced by photoperiod. Exposure to a long-day photoperiod results in testicular regression and spermatogenesis arrest in Magang geese. To investigate the epigenetic influence of DNA methylation on the seasonal testicular regression in Magang geese, we conducted whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and transcriptome sequencing of testes across 3 reproductive phases during a long-day photoperiod. A total of 250,326 differentially methylated regions (DMR) were identified among the 3 comparison groups, with a significant number showing hypermethylation, especially in intronic regions of the genome. Integrating bisulfite sequencing with transcriptome sequencing data revealed that DMR-associated genes tend to be differentially expressed in the testes, highlighting a potential regulatory role for DNA methylation in gene expression. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between changes in the methylation of CG DMRs and changes in the expression of their associated genes in the testes. A total of 3,359 DMR-associated differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified; functional enrichment analyses revealed that motor proteins, MAPK signaling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, phagosome, TGF-beta signaling pathway, and calcium signaling might contribute to the testicular regression process. GSEA revealed that the significantly enriched activated hallmark gene set was associated with apoptosis and estrogen response during testicular regression, while the repressed hallmark gene set was involved in spermatogenesis. Our study also revealed that methylation changes significantly impacted the expression level of vitamin A metabolism-related genes during testicular degeneration, with hypermethylation of STRA6 and increased calmodulin levels indicating vitamin A efflux during the testicular regression. These findings were corroborated by pyrosequencing and real-time qPCR, which revealed that the vitamin A metabolic pathway plays a pivotal role in testicular degeneration under long-day conditions. Additionally, metabolomics analysis revealed an insufficiency of vitamin A and an abnormally high level of oxysterols accumulated in the testes during testicular regression. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that testicular degeneration in Magang geese induced by a long-day photoperiod is linked to vitamin A homeostasis disruption, which manifests as the hypermethylation status of STRA6, vitamin A efflux, and a high level of oxysterol accumulation. These findings offer new insights into the effects of DNA methylation on the seasonal testicular regression that occurs during long-day photoperiods in Magang geese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Fu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Diyu Lai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Yanglong Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Yushuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, Guangdong, China
| | - Danli Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Jianqiu Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Hongjia Ouyang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Yunbo Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Yunmao Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Xu Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China.
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Zhao L, Chen C, Wang L, Liu Y, Gong F, Wang J, Sun H, Wang D, Wang Z. Photoperiod-regulated mitophagy in the germ cells of Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii). Integr Zool 2024. [PMID: 38556617 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Photoperiod is a pivotal factor in affecting testicular function and spermatogenesis in seasonal-breeding animals. Mitophagy is essential for spermatogenesis, but its association with seasonal photoperiods has not been studied extensively. To explore this, we exposed male Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) to long-photoperiod (LP, 16 h/day) and short-photoperiod (SP, 8 h/day) conditions from their embryonic stages. Our results indicated that testis weight, volume, and relative testes weight were all significantly increased in LP compared to SP. Additionally, blood testosterone levels were markedly higher in LP than SP. Histological examination revealed that seminiferous diameter and epithelium thickness were greater in LP, with an increased abundance of germ cell types and cell numbers compared to SP. RT-qPCR analysis showed that mitophagy-promoting genes, such as Pink1, Prkn, Tomm7, Mnf2, Lc3, Optn, Gabarap, and Nbr1 were all upregulated in LP. Fluorescence in situ hybridization indicated that Pink1 expression was present in spermatogonia in SP, while in LP, Pink1 expression extended to almost all germ cell types with significantly higher mean optical density. Prkn expression was found in all germ cell types in both LP and SP, with a significantly higher mean optical density of 10-week-old LP males. Transmission electron microscopy showed normal mitochondrial morphology with clear membranes in SP, while the LP group had reduced cristae in mitochondria and damaged mitochondria undergoing autophagy. This study suggests that mitophagy may be involved in the photoperiodic spermatogenesis in Brandt's voles, providing insights into the role of photoperiod in seasonal reproduction in wild animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Chunxiao Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lewen Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Science, Changji, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yan Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Fanglei Gong
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jingou Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hong Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Centre for Sport Nutrition and Health, School of Physical Education (Main Campus), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Science, Changji, Xinjiang, China
| | - Zhenlong Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Xie W, Zhang C, Gao Q, Liu Y, Zhang H, Weng Q. Seasonal expressions of COX-1, COX-2, and EP4 in the scent glands of muskrats ( Ondatra zibethicus). Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2023; 325:R238-R247. [PMID: 37358350 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00113.2023] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Prostaglandins (PGs) serve as signaling molecules that regulate various physiological processes, including inflammation, immune response, blood clotting, and reproduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunolocalizations and expression patterns of prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, and COX-2, as well as its receptor subtypes 4 (EP4) in the scent glands of muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) during the breeding and nonbreeding periods. There were significant seasonal differences in the scent glandular mass, with higher values in the breeding season and relatively low in the nonbreeding season. PGE2, EP4, COX-1, and COX-2 have been immunolocalized in the scent glandular and epithelial cells in both breeding and nonbreeding seasons, whereas no immunostaining was observed in the interstitial cells. The protein and mRNA expression levels of EP4, COX-1, and COX-2 were higher in the scent glands of the breeding season than those of the nonbreeding season. The mean mRNA levels of EP4, COX-1, and COX-2 were positively correlated with the scent glandular weights. The circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), and PGE2, as well as scent glandular PGE2 and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations, were also significantly higher in the breeding season. In addition, the transcriptomic study in the scent glands identified that differentially expressed genes might be related to fatty carboxylic monocarboxylic acid, steroidogenic-related pathways, and prostanoid metabolic processes. These findings suggested that prostaglandin-E2 might play an essential autocrine or paracrine role in regulating seasonal changes in the scent glandular functions of the muskrats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqian Xie
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Chaoran Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingjing Gao
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuning Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Weng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
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Li J, Sun Y, Wang R, Ma S, Shi L, Wang K, Zhang H, Wang T, Liu L. Seasonal differences in intestinal flora are related to rats' intestinal water metabolism. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1109696. [PMID: 36910220 PMCID: PMC9999011 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1109696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Many studies have reported obvious seasonal differences in the intestinal flora of rats, and this stable distribution of the seasonal flora helps in maintaining the normal physiological function of the host. However, the mechanism underlying these seasonal differences in intestinal flora remains unclear. To explore the correlation among seasonal factors and intestinal water metabolism and intestinal flora, 20 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into spring, summer, autumn, and winter groups. The environment for the four seasons was simulated using the Balanced Temperature and Humidity Control system. The intestinal water metabolism was evaluated by determining the intestinal transmission function, fecal water content, water content of colonic tissue, and the colonic expression levels of AQP3, AQP4, and AQP8. The composition and relative abundance of intestinal microflora in rats in each season were assessed through 16S rDNA amplifier sequencing, and the relationship between the dominant flora and intestinal water metabolism in each season was analyzed using Spearman correlation analysis. The high temperature and humidity season could lead to an increase in intestinal water metabolism and intestinal water content in rats, whereas the low temperature and humidity season could lead to a decrease, which was closely related to the change in microflora. To explore the molecular mechanism of seasonal changes in intestinal water metabolism, the concentration of colonic 5-HT, VIP, cAMP, and PKA associated with intestinal water metabolism in rats were also examined. Seasonal changes could affect the concentration of colonic 5-HT and VIP in rats, and then regulate AQPs through cAMP/PKA pathway to affect the intestinal water metabolism. These results suggest that seasonal factors affect the level of intestinal water metabolism in rats and result in seasonal differences in intestinal flora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yike Sun
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ruochong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shuran Ma
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Emergency, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hairong Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Leilei Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Seasonal Change in Adiponectin Associated with Ovarian Morphology and Function in Wild Ground Squirrels ( Citellus dauricus Brandt). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314698. [PMID: 36499026 PMCID: PMC9741246 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of this study is to explore the relationship between altered circulating adiponectin concentration, ovarian tissue morphology, ovarian steroidogenesis, and sex hormone production in ovaries of wild ground squirrels. The ovarian mass differed significantly during the breeding and non-breeding seasons, and the circulating estradiol and progesterone concentrations were significantly higher in the breeding season, while the circulating adiponectin level was significantly lower. The expression levels of gonadotropin receptors (FSHR and LHR) and steroidogenic enzymes (StAR, P450scc, P450arom, and 3β-HSD) were significantly higher during the breeding season. Comparing the ovarian transcriptome data of wild ground squirrels between the two periods, we found that some differentially expressed genes were enriched for ovarian steroidogenesis and the adipocytokine signaling pathway, which correlated with our present results. Notably, the MAPK signaling pathway was also enriched and its related genes (Erk1, p38 Mapk, Jnk) were up-regulated by qPCR during the non-breeding season. These findings suggested that adiponectin may be involved in the regulation of seasonal changes in the ovarian function of wild ground squirrels, possibly by acting on the MAPK signaling pathway to regulate sex steroidogenesis in the ovaries.
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Zhang H, Chen P, Liu Y, Xie W, Fan S, Yao Y, Han Y, Yuan Z, Weng Q. Estrogen signaling regulates seasonal changes of the prostate in wild ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 218:106058. [PMID: 35017044 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2022.106058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies found that testosterone was converted to dihydrotestosterone under the catalysis of 5α-reductase in the prostate of the wild ground squirrels. As a result, this study explored further whether testosterone could be converted to estrogen to affect the prostate gland function in wild ground squirrels. Histological observation showed that the area of epithelial cells and the prostatic secretory lumen were enlarged significantly during the breeding period. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes in the prostate were concentrated in the estrogen signaling pathway. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the immunoreactivities of P450arom were detected in the stromal cells during the breeding and non-breeding periods, indicating the possible conversion of androgen into estrogen locally. Moreover, the immunolocalizations of ERα and ERβ were detected mainly in the epithelial or stromal cells. Additionally, qPCR analysis displayed that the mRNA expression level of P450arom in the prostate was significantly higher during the breeding period than that in the non-breeding period. Consistently, the concentration of 17β-estradiol (E2) was higher in the prostate during the breeding period than the non-breeding period, which is positively correlated with the seasonal changes of prostatic weight. In conclusion, the present results indicated that estrogen produced by P450arom presented in stromal cells might regulate the growth and function of the prostate gland via the locally expressed estrogen receptors in wild ground squirrels. The results of this study were momentous for further uncovering the mechanism of the seasonal regulated by signal pathways in the prostate of wild ground squirrels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolin Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Pengyu Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuxin Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wenqian Xie
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Sijie Fan
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuchen Yao
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yingying Han
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qiang Weng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
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Zhao S, Heng N, Wang H, Wang H, Zhang H, Gong J, Hu Z, Zhu H. Mitofusins: from mitochondria to fertility. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:370. [PMID: 35725948 PMCID: PMC9209398 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04386-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Germ cell formation and embryonic development require ATP synthesized by mitochondria. The dynamic system of the mitochondria, and in particular, the fusion of mitochondria, are essential for the generation of energy. Mitofusin1 and mitofusin2, the homologues of Fuzzy onions in yeast and Drosophila, are critical regulators of mitochondrial fusion in mammalian cells. Since their discovery mitofusins (Mfns) have been the source of significant interest as key influencers of mitochondrial dynamics, including membrane fusion, mitochondrial distribution, and the interaction with other organelles. Emerging evidence has revealed significant insight into the role of Mfns in germ cell formation and embryonic development, as well as the high incidence of reproductive diseases such as asthenospermia, polycystic ovary syndrome, and gestational diabetes mellitus. Here, we describe the key mechanisms of Mfns in mitochondrial dynamics, focusing particularly on the role of Mfns in the regulation of mammalian fertility, including spermatogenesis, oocyte maturation, and embryonic development. We also highlight the role of Mfns in certain diseases associated with the reproductive system and their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanjiang Zhao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Nuo Heng
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Huan Wang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Haoyu Wang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Haobo Zhang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Jianfei Gong
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Zhihui Hu
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Huabin Zhu
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 China
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