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Zhang P, Yang Y, Xu Y, Cui Z. Analyses of the Dmrt family in a decapod crab, Eriocheir sinensis uncover new facets on the evolution of DM domain genes. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1201846. [PMID: 37304820 PMCID: PMC10252143 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1201846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
DM domain genes are a group of transcription factors that are integral to sexual development and its evolution in metazoans. Their functions and regulatory mechanisms are not well understood in Malacostraca (crabs and crayfish) while these sex regulators have been widely identified in the past decade. In this study, the Dmrt family was investigated in the decapod crab, Eriocheir sinensis. We find that most members of the EsDmrt family begin to enrich around the juvenile 1 stage. In reproductive organs, EsDsx1, EsDsx2, EsiDMY and EsiDmrt1a highly express in the male-specific androgenic gland (AG), while EsDmrt-like, EsDsx-like, EsDmrt11E, and EsiDmrt1b show relatively high expression in testis. Also, we find the highly aberrant expression of EsiDMY and EsiDmrt1a in the chimeric AG, strongly indicating their function in AG development. Moreover, RNA interference of EsDsx1, EsiDMY, and EsiDmrt1a results in a significant decrease in transcription of the Insulin-like androgenic hormone (IAG), respectively. Our findings suggest that Dmrt genes in E. sinensis primarily function in male sexual differentiation, especially in AG development. Besides, this study identifies two unique groups of Dmrt genes in Malacostraca: Dsx and iDmrt1. In Malacostraca Dsx, we uncover a cryptic mutation in the eight zinc motif-specific residues, which were firmly believed to be invariant across the Dmrt family. This mutation sets the Malacostraca Dsx apart from all the other Dmrt genes and implies a different way of transcriptional regulation. Genes from the iDmrt1 group show phylogenetical limitation to the malacostracan species and underwent positive selection, suggesting their highly specialized gene function to this class. Based on these findings, we propose that Dsx and iDmrt1 in Malacostraca have developed unique transcriptional regulation mechanisms to facilitate AG development. We hope that this study would contribute to our understandings of sexual development in Malacostraca and provide new insights into the evolutionary history of the Dmrt family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yanan Yang
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yuanfeng Xu
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Zhaoxia Cui
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, China
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2
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Functional assessment of DMRT1 variants and their pathogenicity for isolated male infertility. Fertil Steril 2023; 119:219-228. [PMID: 36572623 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the impact of Doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1) gene variants on the encoded protein's function and the variants' pathogenic relevance for isolated male infertility caused by azoospermia. DESIGN This study established a novel luciferase assay for DMRT1 missense variants using 2 different target promotors and validated the assay by analyzing previously published variants associated with differences in sex development. SETTING University genetics research institute and tertiary referral center for couples' infertility. PATIENT(S) Eleven infertile men with severely impaired spermatogenesis resulting in crypto- or azoospermia and carrying rare heterozygous missense variants in DMRT1 were identified within the Male Reproductive Genomics study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Luciferase assays with human DMRT1 variants to test functional effects on the CYP19A1 and Stra8 target promoters. RESULT(S) We first developed and refined luciferase assays to reliably test the functional impact of DMRT1 missense variants. Next, the assay was validated by analyzing 2 DMRT1 variants associated with differences in sex development, of which c.240G>C p.(Arg80Ser) displayed highly significant effects on both target promoters compared with the wild-type protein (-40% and +100%, respectively) and c.331A>G p.(Arg111Gly) had a significant effect on the Stra8 promoter (-76%). We then systematically characterized 11 DMRT1 variants identified in infertile men. The de novo variant c.344T>A p.(Met115Lys) showed a pronounced loss of function in both DMRT1 target promoters (-100% and -86%, respectively). Variants c.308A>G p.(Lys103Arg) and c.991G>C p.(Asp331His) showed a significant gain of function exclusively for the CYP19A1 promoter (+15% and +19%, respectively). Based on these results, 3 variants were reclassified according to clinical guidelines. CONCLUSION(S) The present study highlights the importance of functionally characterizing DMRT1 variants of uncertain clinical significance. Using luciferase assays for diagnostic purposes enables an improved causal diagnosis for isolated male infertility.
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Casado-Navarro R, Serrano-Saiz E. DMRT Transcription Factors in the Control of Nervous System Sexual Differentiation. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:937596. [PMID: 35958734 PMCID: PMC9361473 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.937596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual phenotypic differences in the nervous system are one of the most prevalent features across the animal kingdom. The molecular mechanisms responsible for sexual dimorphism throughout metazoan nervous systems are extremely diverse, ranging from intrinsic cell autonomous mechanisms to gonad-dependent endocrine control of sexual traits, or even extrinsic environmental cues. In recent years, the DMRT ancient family of transcription factors has emerged as being central in the development of sex-specific differentiation in all animals in which they have been studied. In this review, we provide an overview of the function of Dmrt genes in nervous system sexual regulation from an evolutionary perspective.
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Hayashi S, Suda K, Fujimura F, Fujikawa M, Tamura K, Tsukamoto D, Evans BJ, Takamatsu N, Ito M. Neofunctionalization of a non-coding portion of a DNA transposon in the coding region of the chimerical sex-determining gene dm-W in Xenopus frogs. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:6613159. [PMID: 35763822 PMCID: PMC9250109 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Most vertebrate sex-determining genes (SDGs) emerge as neofunctionalized genes through duplication and/or mutation of ancestral genes that are involved with sexual differentiation. We previously demonstrated dm-W to be the SDG in the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis and found that a portion of this gene emerged from the masculinization gene dmrt1 after allotetraploidization by interspecific hybridization between two ancestral species around 17–18 Ma. dm-W has four exons consisting of a noncoding exon 1, dmrt1-derived exons 2 and 3, and an orphan exon 4 (Ex4) of unknown origin that includes coding sequence (CDS). In this study, we searched for the origin of Ex4 and investigated the function of the CDS of this exon. We found that the Ex4-CDS is derived from a noncoding portion of the hAT-10 family of DNA transposon. Evolutionary analysis of transposons and determination of the Ex4 sequences from three other species indicated that Ex4 was generated before the diversification of most or all extant allotetraploid species in subgenus Xenopus, during which time we hypothesize that transposase activity of this hAT superfamily was active. Using DNA–protein binding and transfection assays, we further demonstrate that the Ex4-encoded amino acid sequence increases the DNA-binding ability and transrepression activity of DM-W. These findings suggest that the conversion of the noncoding transposon sequence to the CDS of dm-W contributed to neofunctionalization of a new chimeric SDG in the ancestor of the allotetraploid Xenopus species, offering new insights into de novo origin and functional evolution of chimerical genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Hayashi
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Kosuke Suda
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Fuga Fujimura
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Makoto Fujikawa
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Kei Tamura
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Daisuke Tsukamoto
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Ben J Evans
- Department of Biology, Life Sciences Room 328, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4K1
| | - Nobuhiko Takamatsu
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Michihiko Ito
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
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Zarkower D, Murphy MW. DMRT1: An Ancient Sexual Regulator Required for Human Gonadogenesis. Sex Dev 2022; 16:112-125. [PMID: 34515237 PMCID: PMC8885888 DOI: 10.1159/000518272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional regulators related to the invertebrate sexual regulators doublesex and mab-3 occur throughout metazoans and control sex in most animal groups. Seven of these DMRT genes are found in mammals, and mouse genetics has shown that one, Dmrt1, plays a crucial role in testis differentiation, both in germ cells and somatic cells. Deletions and, more recently, point mutations affecting human DMRT1 have demonstrated that its heterozygosity is associated with 46,XY complete gonadal dysgenesis. Most of our detailed knowledge of DMRT1 function in the testis, the focus of this review, derives from mouse studies, which have revealed that DMRT1 is essential for male somatic and germ cell differentiation and maintenance of male somatic cell fate after differentiation. Moreover, ectopic DMRT1 can reprogram differentiated female granulosa cells into male Sertoli-like cells. The ability of DMRT1 to control sexual cell fate likely derives from at least 3 properties. First, DMRT1 functionally collaborates with another key male sex regulator, SOX9, and possibly other proteins to maintain and reprogram sexual cell fate. Second, and related, DMRT1 appears to function as a pioneer transcription factor, binding "closed" inaccessible chromatin and promoting its opening to allow binding by other regulators including SOX9. Third, DMRT1 binds DNA by a highly unusual form of interaction and can bind with different stoichiometries.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zarkower
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mark W. Murphy
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Kikkawa T, Osumi N. Multiple Functions of the Dmrt Genes in the Development of the Central Nervous System. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:789583. [PMID: 34955736 PMCID: PMC8695973 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.789583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Dmrt genes encode the transcription factor containing the DM (doublesex and mab-3) domain, an intertwined zinc finger-like DNA binding module. While Dmrt genes are mainly involved in the sexual development of various species, recent studies have revealed that Dmrt genes, which belong to the DmrtA subfamily, are differentially expressed in the embryonic brain and spinal cord and are essential for the development of the central nervous system. Herein, we summarize recent studies that reveal the multiple functions of the Dmrt genes in various aspects of vertebrate neural development, including brain patterning, neurogenesis, and the specification of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takako Kikkawa
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, United Centers for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine (ART), Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Noriko Osumi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, United Centers for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine (ART), Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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7
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Poulat F. Non-Coding Genome, Transcription Factors, and Sex Determination. Sex Dev 2021; 15:295-307. [PMID: 34727549 DOI: 10.1159/000519725] [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: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, gonadal sex determination is the process by which transcription factors drive the choice between the testicular and ovarian identity of undifferentiated somatic progenitors through activation of 2 different transcriptional programs. Studies in animal models suggest that sex determination always involves sex-specific transcription factors that activate or repress sex-specific genes. These transcription factors control their target genes by recognizing their regulatory elements in the non-coding genome and their binding motifs within their DNA sequence. In the last 20 years, the development of genomic approaches that allow identifying all the genomic targets of a transcription factor in eukaryotic cells gave the opportunity to globally understand the function of the nuclear proteins that control complex genetic programs. Here, the major transcription factors involved in male and female vertebrate sex determination and the genomic profiling data of mouse gonads that contributed to deciphering their transcriptional regulation role will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Poulat
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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8
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Estermann MA, Major AT, Smith CA. Genetic Regulation of Avian Testis Development. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1459. [PMID: 34573441 PMCID: PMC8470383 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As in other vertebrates, avian testes are the site of spermatogenesis and androgen production. The paired testes of birds differentiate during embryogenesis, first marked by the development of pre-Sertoli cells in the gonadal primordium and their condensation into seminiferous cords. Germ cells become enclosed in these cords and enter mitotic arrest, while steroidogenic Leydig cells subsequently differentiate around the cords. This review describes our current understanding of avian testis development at the cell biology and genetic levels. Most of this knowledge has come from studies on the chicken embryo, though other species are increasingly being examined. In chicken, testis development is governed by the Z-chromosome-linked DMRT1 gene, which directly or indirectly activates the male factors, HEMGN, SOX9 and AMH. Recent single cell RNA-seq has defined cell lineage specification during chicken testis development, while comparative studies point to deep conservation of avian testis formation. Lastly, we identify areas of future research on the genetics of avian testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Craig Allen Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (M.A.E.); (A.T.M.)
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Identification of Sex-Related Genes from the Three-Spot Swimming Crab Portunus sanguinolentus and Comparative Analysis with the Crucifix Crab Charybdis feriatus. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071946. [PMID: 34209957 PMCID: PMC8300171 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Crabs within the family Portunidae are important marine species in both aquaculture and fishery sectors. The current aquaculture status of most portunids still relies on wild-caught fisheries due to the lack of essential knowledge regarding their reproductive biology and underlying governing mechanism. In the present study, we compared the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the different sexes of Portunus sanguinolentus based on their gonadal transcriptome profiles and subsequently contrasted them with the gonadal DEGs of Charybdis feriatus, the other member of the family Portunidae. In total, 40,964 DEGs between the ovaries and testes of P. sanguinolentus were uncovered, with 27,578 up-regulated and 13,386 down-regulated in females. After comparison, C. feriatus has approximately 63.5% of genes in common with P. sanguinolentus, with 62.6% showing similar expression patterns. Interestingly, the DMRT gene was specifically expressed in male P. sanguinolentus, while its homologous gene—doublesex (DSX)—was specifically expressed in male C. feriatus. The DEGs obtained from the gonadal transcriptome of P. sanguinolentus are a beneficial resource for future genetic and genomic research in P. sanguinolentus and its close species. The transcriptomic comparison analysis might provide references for better understanding the sex determination and differentiation mechanisms among portunids. Abstract Crabs within the family Portunidae are important marine species in both aquaculture and fishery sectors. The current aquaculture status of most portunids, however, still relies on wild-caught fisheries due to the lack of essential knowledge regarding their reproductive biology and underlying governing mechanism. With the advancement of sequencing technology, transcriptome sequencing has been progressively used to understand various physiological processes, especially on non-model organisms. In the present study, we compared the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between sexes of Portunus sanguinolentus based on their gonadal transcriptome profiles and subsequently contrasted them with the gonadal DEGs of Charybdis feriatus, the other member of Family Portunidae. In total, 40,964 DEGs between ovaries and testes were uncovered, with 27,578 up- and 13,386 down-regulated in females. Among those, some sex-related DEGs were identified, including a dmrt-like (DMRT) gene which was specifically expressed in males. C. feriatus has approximately 63.5% of genes common with P. sanguinolentus, with 62.6% showing similar expression patterns. Interestingly, the DMRT gene was specifically expressed in male P. sanguinolentus while its homologous gene—doublesex (DSX)—was specifically expressed in male C. feriatus. The DEGs obtained from the gonadal transcriptome of P. sanguinolentus are a beneficial resource for future genetic and genomic research in P. sanguinolentus and its close species. The transcriptomic comparison analysis might provide references for better understanding the sex determination and differentiation mechanisms among portunids.
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Lindeman RE, Murphy MW, Agrimson KS, Gewiss R, Bardwell V, Gearhart M, Zarkower D. The conserved sex regulator DMRT1 recruits SOX9 in sexual cell fate reprogramming. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:6144-6164. [PMID: 34096593 PMCID: PMC8216462 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sexual development commences when fetal bipotential progenitor cells adopt male Sertoli (in XY) or female granulosa (in XX) gonadal cell fates. Differentiation of these cells involves extensive divergence in chromatin state and gene expression, reflecting distinct roles in sexual differentiation and gametogenesis. Surprisingly, differentiated gonadal cell fates require active maintenance through postnatal life to prevent sexual transdifferentiation and female cell fate can be reprogrammed by ectopic expression of the sex regulator DMRT1. Here we examine how DMRT1 reprograms granulosa cells to Sertoli-like cells in vivo and in culture. We define postnatal sex-biased gene expression programs and identify three-dimensional chromatin contacts and differentially accessible chromatin regions (DARs) associated with differentially expressed genes. Using a conditional transgene we find DMRT1 only partially reprograms the ovarian transcriptome in the absence of SOX9 and its paralog SOX8, indicating that these factors functionally cooperate with DMRT1. ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq show that DMRT1 induces formation of many DARs that it binds with SOX9, and DMRT1 is required for binding of SOX9 at most of these. We suggest that DMRT1 can act as a pioneer factor to open chromatin and allow binding of SOX9, which then cooperates with DMRT1 to reprogram sexual cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin E Lindeman
- Developmental Biology Center and Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Mark W Murphy
- Developmental Biology Center and Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Kellie S Agrimson
- Developmental Biology Center and Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Rachel L Gewiss
- Developmental Biology Center and Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Vivian J Bardwell
- Developmental Biology Center and Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
- University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Micah D Gearhart
- Developmental Biology Center and Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - David Zarkower
- Developmental Biology Center and Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
- University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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11
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Dai S, Qi S, Wei X, Liu X, Li Y, Zhou X, Xiao H, Lu B, Wang D, Li M. Germline sexual fate is determined by the antagonistic action of dmrt1 and foxl3/foxl2 in tilapia. Development 2021; 148:dev.199380. [PMID: 33741713 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Germline sexual fate has long been believed to be determined by the somatic environment, but this idea is challenged by recent studies of foxl3 mutants in medaka. Here, we demonstrate that the sexual fate of tilapia germline is determined by the antagonistic interaction of dmrt1 and foxl3, which are transcriptionally repressed in male and female germ cells, respectively. Loss of dmrt1 rescued the germ cell sex reversal in foxl3Δ7/Δ7 XX fish, and loss of foxl3 partially rescued germ cell sex reversal but not somatic cell fate in dmrt1Δ5/Δ5 XY fish. Interestingly, germ cells lost sexual plasticity in dmrt1Δ5/Δ5 XY and foxl3Δ7/Δ7 XX single mutants, as aromatase inhibitor (AI) and estrogen treatment failed to rescue the respective phenotypes. However, recovery of germ cell sexual plasticity was observed in dmrt1/foxl3 double mutants. Importantly, mutation of somatic cell-specific foxl2 resulted in testicular development in foxl3Δ7/Δ7 or dmrt1Δ5/Δ5 mutants. Our findings demonstrate that sexual plasticity of germ cells relies on the presence of both dmrt1 and foxl3. The existence of dmrt1 and foxl3 allows environmental factors to influence the sex fate decision in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengfei Dai
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Shuangshuang Qi
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xueyan Wei
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xingyong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yibing Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hesheng Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Baoyue Lu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Minghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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12
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Wang Q, Lin F, He Q, Huang Q, Duan X, Liu X, Xiao S, Yang H, Zhao H. Cloning and characterization of rec8 gene in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) and Dmrt1 regulation of rec8 promoter activity. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2021; 47:393-407. [PMID: 33547601 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-020-00920-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division critical for gamete production during sexual reproduction in eukaryotes. The meiotic recombination protein Rec8 has been identified as an important factor in germ cell meiotic initiation in vertebrates; however, its equivalent role in teleosts is poorly characterized. In this study, we cloned and sequenced the rec8 gene from orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides). The cDNA sequence consisted of 2244 base pairs (bp), including a 5' untranslated region (UTR) of 198 bp and a 3'UTR of 284 bp. The open reading frame of grouper rec8 was 1752 bp, encoding 584 amino acids. Expression levels of rec8 were higher in the ovary, intersex gonad, and testis. A neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree based on the deduced amino acid sequence indicated a common origin for grouper and other teleost rec8 molecules. Immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal anti-Rec8 antibody localized the protein in the oogonia and primary oocytes in the ovary and in spermatogonia and spermatocytes in the intersex gonad and testis, suggesting that Rec8 may play an important role in the meiotic division and the development of grouper germ cells. In addition, we found that the transcription factor Dmrt1 increased rec8 promoter activity through the second binding site, based on dual-luciferase assays. Together, these results suggest that Rec8 plays a crucial role in meiosis and may be regulated by Dmrt1 to affect meiosis in groupers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangmei Lin
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi He
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Qifeng Huang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuzhuo Duan
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaochun Liu
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiqiang Xiao
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Huirong Yang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China.
| | - HuiHong Zhao
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China.
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China.
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Ono K, Hata K, Nakamura E, Ishihara S, Kobayashi S, Nakanishi M, Yoshida M, Takahata Y, Murakami T, Takenoshita S, Komori T, Nishimura R, Yoneda T. Dmrt2 promotes transition of endochondral bone formation by linking Sox9 and Runx2. Commun Biol 2021; 4:326. [PMID: 33707608 PMCID: PMC7952723 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01848-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endochondral bone formation is fundamental for skeletal development. During this process, chondrocytes undergo multiple steps of differentiation and coordinated transition from a proliferating to a hypertrophic stage, which is critical to advance skeletal development. Here, we identified the transcription factor Dmrt2 (double-sex and mab-3 related transcription factor 2) as a Sox9-inducible gene that promotes chondrocyte hypertrophy in pre-hypertrophic chondrocytes. Epigenetic analysis further demonstrated that Sox9 regulates Dmrt2 expression through an active enhancer located 18 kb upstream of the Dmrt2 gene and that this enhancer's chromatin status is progressively activated through chondrocyte differentiation. Dmrt2-knockout mice exhibited a dwarf phenotype with delayed initiation of chondrocyte hypertrophy. Dmrt2 augmented hypertrophic chondrocyte gene expression including Ihh through physical and functional interaction with Runx2. Furthermore, Dmrt2 deficiency reduced Runx2-dependent Ihh expression. Our findings suggest that Dmrt2 is critical for sequential chondrocyte differentiation during endochondral bone formation and coordinates the transcriptional network between Sox9 and Runx2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Ono
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Orthopedics, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Hata
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Eriko Nakamura
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shota Ishihara
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sachi Kobayashi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masako Nakanishi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Michiko Yoshida
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Takahata
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Murakami
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan
| | - Seiichi Takenoshita
- Advanced Clinical Research Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Toshihisa Komori
- Department of Cell Biology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Riko Nishimura
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Toshiyuki Yoneda
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan
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Li T, Zhang H, Wang X, Yin D, Chen N, Kang L, Zhao X, Ma Y. Cloning, Molecular Characterization and Expression Patterns of DMRTC2 Implicated in Germ Cell Development of Male Tibetan Sheep. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072448. [PMID: 32244802 PMCID: PMC7177445 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The double sex and mab-3-related transcription factors like family C2 (DMRTC2) gene is indispensable for mammalian testicular function and spermatogenesis. Despite its importance, what expression and roles of DMRTC2 possesses and how it regulates the testicular development and spermatogenesis in sheep, especially in Tibetan sheep, remains largely unknown. In this study, DMRTC2 cDNA from testes of Tibetan sheep was firstly cloned by the RT-PCR method, and its molecular characterization was identified. Subsequently, the expression and localization patterns of DMRTC2 were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), Western blot, and immunofluorescence. The cloning and sequence analysis showed that the Tibetan sheep DMRTC2 cDNA fragment contained 1113 bp open reading frame (ORF) capable of encoding 370 amino acids, and displayed high identities with some other mammals, which shared an identical DM domain sequence of 47 amino acids ranged from residues 38 to 84. qPCR and Western blot results showed that DMRTC2 was expressed in testes throughout the development stages while not in epididymides (caput, corpus, and cauda), with higher mRNA and protein abundance in Tibetan sheep testes of one- and three-year-old (post-puberty) compared with that of three-month-old (pre-puberty). Immunofluorescence results revealed that immune staining for DMRTC2 protein was observed in spermatids and spermatogonia from post-puberty Tibetan sheep testes, and gonocytes from pre-puberty Tibetan sheep testes. Together, these results demonstrated, for the first time, in sheep, that DMRTC2, as a highly conserved gene in mammals, is essential for sheep spermatogenesis by regulating the proliferation or differentiation of gonocytes and development of spermatids in ram testes at different stages of maturity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taotao Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (T.L.); (H.Z.); (X.W.); (D.Y.); (N.C.); (L.K.)
- Sheep Breeding Biotechnology Engineering Laboratory of Gansu Province, Minqin 733300, China
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (T.L.); (H.Z.); (X.W.); (D.Y.); (N.C.); (L.K.)
| | - Xia Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (T.L.); (H.Z.); (X.W.); (D.Y.); (N.C.); (L.K.)
| | - De′en Yin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (T.L.); (H.Z.); (X.W.); (D.Y.); (N.C.); (L.K.)
| | - Nana Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (T.L.); (H.Z.); (X.W.); (D.Y.); (N.C.); (L.K.)
| | - Lingyun Kang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (T.L.); (H.Z.); (X.W.); (D.Y.); (N.C.); (L.K.)
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China;
| | - Youji Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (T.L.); (H.Z.); (X.W.); (D.Y.); (N.C.); (L.K.)
- Sheep Breeding Biotechnology Engineering Laboratory of Gansu Province, Minqin 733300, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-931-763-1225
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Ogita Y, Mawaribuchi S, Nakasako K, Tamura K, Matsuda M, Katsumura T, Oota H, Watanabe G, Yoneda S, Takamatsu N, Ito M. Parallel Evolution of Two dmrt1-Derived Genes, dmy and dm-W, for Vertebrate Sex Determination. iScience 2019; 23:100757. [PMID: 31884166 PMCID: PMC6941857 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.100757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal sex-determining genes, which bifurcate for female and male development, are diversified even among closely related species. Most of these genes emerged independently from various sex-related genes during species diversity as neofunctionalization-type genes. However, the common mechanisms of this divergent evolution remain poorly understood. Here, we compared the molecular evolution of two sex-determining genes, the medaka dmy and the clawed frog dm-W, which independently evolved from the duplication of the transcription factor-encoding masculinization gene dmrt1. Interestingly, we detected parallel amino acid substitutions, from serine (S) to threonine (T), on the DNA-binding domains of both ancestral DMY and DM-W, resulting from positive selection. Two types of DNA-protein binding experiments and a luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that these S-T substitutions could strengthen the DNA-binding abilities and enhance the transcriptional regulation function. These findings suggest that the parallel S-T substitutions may have contributed to the establishment of dmy and dm-W as sex-determining genes. We detected parallel amino acid substitutions in two sex-determining genes, dmy and dm-W Both the substitutions from dmrt1 duplication are under positive selection These substitutions enhanced their DNA-binding activity as transcription factors These substitutions might have contributed to the establishment of dmy and dm-W
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusaku Ogita
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Shuuji Mawaribuchi
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, National Institute of AIST, Central 6, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8566, Japan
| | - Kei Nakasako
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Kei Tamura
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Masaru Matsuda
- Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya 321-8505, Japan
| | - Takafumi Katsumura
- Laboratory of Genome Anthropology, Department of Anatomy, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kitasato 1-15-1, Minamiku, Sagamihara 252-0674, Japan
| | - Hiroki Oota
- School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyoku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Go Watanabe
- Department of Physics, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Shigetaka Yoneda
- Department of Physics, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Takamatsu
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Michihiko Ito
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan.
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Jeng SR, Wu GC, Yueh WS, Kuo SF, Dufour S, Chang CF. Dmrt1 (doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor 1) expression during gonadal development and spermatogenesis in the Japanese eel. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 279:154-163. [PMID: 30902612 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Dmrt1, doublesex- and mab-3-related transcription factor-1, has been suggested to play critical roles in male gonadogenesis, testicular differentiation and development, including spermatogenesis, among different vertebrates. Vasa is a putative molecular marker of germ cells in vertebrates. In this study, we cloned the full-length dmrt1 cDNA from Japanese eel, and the protein comprised 290 amino acids and presented an extremely conserved Doublesex and Mab-3 (DM) domain. Vasa proteins were expressed in gonadal germ cells in a stage-specific manner, and were expressed at high levels in PGC and spermatogonia, low levels in spermatocytes, and were absent in spermatids and spermatozoa of Japanese eels. Dmrt1 proteins were abundantly expressed in spermatogonia B cells, spermatocytes, spermatids, but not in spermatozoa, spermatogonia A and Sertoli cells. To our knowledge, this study is the first to show a restricted expression pattern for the Dmrt1 protein in spermatogonia B cells, but not spermatogonia A cells, of teleosts. Therefore, Dmrt1 might play vital roles at the specific stages during spermatogenesis from spermatogonia B cells to spermatids in the Japanese eel. Moreover, the Dmrt1 protein exhibited a restricted localization in differentiating oogonia in the early differentiating gonad (ovary-like structure) of male Japanese eels and in E2-induced feminized Japanese eels. We proposed that dmrt1 may be not only required for spermatogenesis but might also play a role in oogenesis in the Japanese eel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Ru Jeng
- Department of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Chung Wu
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan; Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Shiun Yueh
- Department of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fen Kuo
- Department of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan
| | - Sylvie Dufour
- Laboratory Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems (BOREA), Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, IRD, Sorbonne Université, Université de Caen Normandie, Université des Antilles, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Ching-Fong Chang
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan; Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan.
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17
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Jiang DN, Mustapha UF, Shi HJ, Huang YQ, Si-Tu JX, Wang M, Deng SP, Chen HP, Tian CX, Zhu CH, Li MH, Li GL. Expression and transcriptional regulation of gsdf in spotted scat (Scatophagus argus). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 233:35-45. [PMID: 30980893 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gonadal soma-derived factor (Gsdf) is critical for testicular differentiation and early germ cell development in teleosts. The spotted scat (Scatophagus argus), with a stable XX-XY sex-determination system and the candidate sex determination gene dmrt1, provides a good model for understanding the mechanism of sex determination and differentiation in teleosts. In this study, we analyzed spotted scat gsdf tissue distribution and gene expression patterns in gonads, as well as further analysis of transcriptional regulation. Tissue distribution analysis showed that gsdf was only expressed in testis and ovary. Real-time PCR showed that both gsdf and dmrt1 were expressed significantly higher in testes at different phases (phase III, IV and V) compared to ovaries at phase II, III and IV, while gsdf was expressed significantly higher in phase II ovaries than those of phase III and IV. Western blot analysis also showed that Gsdf was more highly expressed in the testis than ovary. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that Gsdf was expressed in Sertoli cells surrounding spermatogonia in the testis, while it was expressed in the somatic cells surrounding the oogonia of the ovary. Approximately 2.7 kb of the 5' upstream region of gsdf was cloned from the spotted scat genomic DNA and in silico promoter analysis revealed the putative transcription factor binding sites of Dmrt1 and Sf1. The luciferase reporter assay, using the human embryonic kidney cells, demonstrated that Dmrt1 activated gsdf expression in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of Sf1 in spotted scat. These results suggest that Gsdf could play a role in regulating the development of spermatogonia and oogonia, and also participate in male sex differentiation by acting as a downstream gene of Dmrt1 in spotted scat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Neng Jiang
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Umar Farouk Mustapha
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Hong-Juan Shi
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yuan-Qing Huang
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Jia-Xin Si-Tu
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Mei Wang
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Si-Ping Deng
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Hua-Pu Chen
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chang-Xu Tian
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chun-Hua Zhu
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Ming-Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Guang-Li Li
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
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18
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DMRT5, DMRT3, and EMX2 Cooperatively Repress Gsx2 at the Pallium-Subpallium Boundary to Maintain Cortical Identity in Dorsal Telencephalic Progenitors. J Neurosci 2018; 38:9105-9121. [PMID: 30143575 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0375-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Specification of dorsoventral regional identity in progenitors of the developing telencephalon is a first pivotal step in the development of the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. Previously, we demonstrated that the two zinc finger doublesex and mab-3 related (Dmrt) genes, Dmrt5 (Dmrta2) and Dmrt3, which are coexpressed in high caudomedial to low rostrolateral gradients in the cerebral cortical primordium, are separately needed for normal formation of the cortical hem, hippocampus, and caudomedial neocortex. We have now addressed the role of Dmrt3 and Dmrt5 in controlling dorsoventral division of the telencephalon in mice of either sex by comparing the phenotypes of single knock-out (KO) with double KO embryos and by misexpressing Dmrt5 in the ventral telencephalon. We find that DMRT3 and DMRT5 act as critical regulators of progenitor cell dorsoventral identity by repressing ventralizing regulators. Early ventral fate transcriptional regulators expressed in the dorsal lateral ganglionic eminence, such as Gsx2, are upregulated in the dorsal telencephalon of Dmrt3;Dmrt5 double KO embryos and downregulated when ventral telencephalic progenitors express ectopic Dmrt5 Conditional overexpression of Dmrt5 throughout the telencephalon produces gene expression and structural defects that are highly consistent with reduced GSX2 activity. Further, Emx2;Dmrt5 double KO embryos show a phenotype similar to Dmrt3;Dmrt5 double KO embryos, and both DMRT3, DMRT5 and the homeobox transcription factor EMX2 bind to a ventral telencephalon-specific enhancer in the Gsx2 locus. Together, our findings uncover cooperative functions of DMRT3, DMRT5, and EMX2 in dividing dorsal from ventral in the telencephalon.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We identified the DMRT3 and DMRT5 zinc finger transcription factors as novel regulators of dorsoventral patterning in the telencephalon. Our data indicate that they have overlapping functions and compensate for one another. The double, but not the single, knock-out produces a dorsal telencephalon that is ventralized, and olfactory bulb tissue takes over most remaining cortex. Conversely, overexpressing Dmrt5 throughout the telencephalon causes expanded expression of dorsal gene determinants and smaller olfactory bulbs. Furthermore, we show that the homeobox transcription factor EMX2 that is coexpressed with DMRT3 and DMRT5 in cortical progenitors cooperates with them to maintain dorsoventral patterning in the telencephalon. Our study suggests that DMRT3/5 function with EMX2 in positioning the pallial-subpallial boundary by antagonizing the ventral homeobox transcription factor GSX2.
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19
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Gonen N, Futtner CR, Wood S, Garcia-Moreno SA, Salamone IM, Samson SC, Sekido R, Poulat F, Maatouk DM, Lovell-Badge R. Sex reversal following deletion of a single distal enhancer of Sox9. Science 2018; 360:1469-1473. [PMID: 29903884 PMCID: PMC6034650 DOI: 10.1126/science.aas9408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cell fate decisions require appropriate regulation of key genes. Sox9, a direct target of SRY, is pivotal in mammalian sex determination. In vivo high-throughput chromatin accessibility techniques, transgenic assays, and genome editing revealed several novel gonadal regulatory elements in the 2-megabase gene desert upstream of Sox9 Although others are redundant, enhancer 13 (Enh13), a 557-base pair element located 565 kilobases 5' from the transcriptional start site, is essential to initiate mouse testis development; its deletion results in XY females with Sox9 transcript levels equivalent to those in XX gonads. Our data are consistent with the time-sensitive activity of SRY and indicate a strict order of enhancer usage. Enh13 is conserved and embedded within a 32.5-kilobase region whose deletion in humans is associated with XY sex reversal, suggesting that it is also critical in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitzan Gonen
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Chris R Futtner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Sophie Wood
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | | | - Isabella M Salamone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shiela C Samson
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Ryohei Sekido
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Francis Poulat
- Department of Genetics and Development, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS-University of Montpellier UMR9002, Montpellier, France
| | - Danielle M Maatouk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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20
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Schartl M, Schories S, Wakamatsu Y, Nagao Y, Hashimoto H, Bertin C, Mourot B, Schmidt C, Wilhelm D, Centanin L, Guiguen Y, Herpin A. Sox5 is involved in germ-cell regulation and sex determination in medaka following co-option of nested transposable elements. BMC Biol 2018; 16:16. [PMID: 29378592 PMCID: PMC5789577 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-018-0485-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sex determination relies on a hierarchically structured network of genes, and is one of the most plastic processes in evolution. The evolution of sex-determining genes within a network, by neo- or sub-functionalization, also requires the regulatory landscape to be rewired to accommodate these novel gene functions. We previously showed that in medaka fish, the regulatory landscape of the master male-determining gene dmrt1bY underwent a profound rearrangement, concomitantly with acquiring a dominant position within the sex-determining network. This rewiring was brought about by the exaptation of a transposable element (TE) called Izanagi, which is co-opted to act as a silencer to turn off the dmrt1bY gene after it performed its function in sex determination. Results We now show that a second TE, Rex1, has been incorporated into Izanagi. The insertion of Rex1 brought in a preformed regulatory element for the transcription factor Sox5, which here functions in establishing the temporal and cell-type-specific expression pattern of dmrt1bY. Mutant analysis demonstrates the importance of Sox5 in the gonadal development of medaka, and possibly in mice, in a dmrt1bY-independent manner. Moreover, Sox5 medaka mutants have complete female-to-male sex reversal. Conclusions Our work reveals an unexpected complexity in TE-mediated transcriptional rewiring, with the exaptation of a second TE into a network already rewired by a TE. We also show a dual role for Sox5 during sex determination: first, as an evolutionarily conserved regulator of germ-cell number in medaka, and second, by de novo regulation of dmrt1 transcriptional activity during primary sex determination due to exaptation of the Rex1 transposable element. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12915-018-0485-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Schartl
- Physiological Chemistry, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.,Texas Institute for Advanced Study and Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Susanne Schories
- Physiological Chemistry, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Yuko Wakamatsu
- Physiological Chemistry, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Yusuke Nagao
- Bioscience and Biotechnology Center, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hisashi Hashimoto
- Bioscience and Biotechnology Center, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Chloé Bertin
- INRA, UR1037 Fish Physiology and Genomics, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Brigitte Mourot
- INRA, UR1037 Fish Physiology and Genomics, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Cornelia Schmidt
- Physiological Chemistry, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wilhelm
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Lazaro Centanin
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yann Guiguen
- INRA, UR1037 Fish Physiology and Genomics, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Amaury Herpin
- Physiological Chemistry, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany. .,INRA, UR1037 Fish Physiology and Genomics, F-35000, Rennes, France.
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21
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Rahmoun M, Lavery R, Laurent-Chaballier S, Bellora N, Philip GK, Rossitto M, Symon A, Pailhoux E, Cammas F, Chung J, Bagheri-Fam S, Murphy M, Bardwell V, Zarkower D, Boizet-Bonhoure B, Clair P, Harley VR, Poulat F. In mammalian foetal testes, SOX9 regulates expression of its target genes by binding to genomic regions with conserved signatures. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:7191-7211. [PMID: 28472341 PMCID: PMC5499551 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammalian embryonic gonads, SOX9 is required for the determination of Sertoli cells that orchestrate testis morphogenesis. To identify genetic networks directly regulated by SOX9, we combined analysis of SOX9-bound chromatin regions from murine and bovine foetal testes with sequencing of RNA samples from mouse testes lacking Sox9. We found that SOX9 controls a conserved genetic programme that involves most of the sex-determining genes. In foetal testes, SOX9 modulates both transcription and directly or indirectly sex-specific differential splicing of its target genes through binding to genomic regions with sequence motifs that are conserved among mammals and that we called ‘Sertoli Cell Signature’ (SCS). The SCS is characterized by a precise organization of binding motifs for the Sertoli cell reprogramming factors SOX9, GATA4 and DMRT1. As SOX9 biological role in mammalian gonads is to determine Sertoli cells, we correlated this genomic signature with the presence of SOX9 on chromatin in foetal testes, therefore equating this signature to a genomic bar code of the fate of foetal Sertoli cells. Starting from the hypothesis that nuclear factors that bind to genomic regions with SCS could functionally interact with SOX9, we identified TRIM28 as a new SOX9 partner in foetal testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massilva Rahmoun
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS-University of Montpellier UMR9002, 34396 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - Rowena Lavery
- The Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Anatomy, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sabine Laurent-Chaballier
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, IRCM, INSERM U1194, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier F-34298, France
| | - Nicolas Bellora
- Instituto Andino Patagónico de Tecnologías Biológicas y Geoambientales (IPATEC), Universidad Nacional del Comahue - CONICET, Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Gayle K Philip
- VLSCI, LAB-14, 700 Swanston Street, Carlton 3053, Victoria, Australia
| | - Moïra Rossitto
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS-University of Montpellier UMR9002, 34396 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - Aleisha Symon
- The Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Anatomy, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eric Pailhoux
- INRA Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Domaine de Vilvert, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas Cedex, France
| | - Florence Cammas
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, IRCM, INSERM U1194, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier F-34298, France
| | - Jessica Chung
- VLSCI, LAB-14, 700 Swanston Street, Carlton 3053, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- The Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Anatomy, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark Murphy
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson hall, 321 Church St, SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Vivian Bardwell
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson hall, 321 Church St, SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - David Zarkower
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson hall, 321 Church St, SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Brigitte Boizet-Bonhoure
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS-University of Montpellier UMR9002, 34396 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - Philippe Clair
- University of Montpellier, Montpellier GenomiX, bat 24, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - Vincent R Harley
- The Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Anatomy, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Francis Poulat
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS-University of Montpellier UMR9002, 34396 Montpellier cedex 5, France
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22
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Zhang T, Zarkower D. DMRT proteins and coordination of mammalian spermatogenesis. Stem Cell Res 2017; 24:195-202. [PMID: 28774758 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
DMRT genes encode a deeply conserved family of transcription factors that share a unique DNA binding motif, the DM domain. DMRTs regulate development in a broad variety of metazoans and they appear to have controlled sexual differentiation for hundreds of millions of years. In mice, starting during embryonic development, three Dmrt genes act sequentially to help establish and maintain spermatogenesis. Dmrt1 has notably diverse functions that include repressing pluripotency genes and promoting mitotic arrest in embryonic germ cells, reactivating prospermatogonia perinatally, establishing and maintaining spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), promoting spermatogonial differentiation, and controlling the mitosis/meiosis switch. Dmrt6 acts in differentiating spermatogonia to coordinate an orderly exit from the mitotic/spermatogonial program and allow proper timing of entry to the meiotic/spermatocyte program. Finally, Dmrt7 takes over during the first meiotic prophase to help choreograph a transition in histone modifications that maintains transcriptional silencing of the sex chromosomes. The combined action of these three Dmrt genes helps ensure robust and sustainable spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, and Developmental Biology Center, University of Minnesota Medical School, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - David Zarkower
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, and Developmental Biology Center, University of Minnesota Medical School, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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23
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The doublesex-related Dmrta2 safeguards neural progenitor maintenance involving transcriptional regulation of Hes1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E5599-E5607. [PMID: 28655839 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1705186114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms that determine whether a neural progenitor cell (NPC) reenters the cell cycle or exits and differentiates are pivotal for generating cells in the correct numbers and diverse types, and thus dictate proper brain development. Combining gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches in an embryonic stem cell-derived cortical differentiation model, we report that doublesex- and mab-3-related transcription factor a2 (Dmrta2, also known as Dmrt5) plays an important role in maintaining NPCs in the cell cycle. Temporally controlled expression of transgenic Dmrta2 in NPCs suppresses differentiation without affecting their neurogenic competence. In contrast, Dmrta2 knockout accelerates the cell cycle exit and differentiation into postmitotic neurons of NPCs derived from embryonic stem cells and in Emx1-cre conditional mutant mice. Dmrta2 function is linked to the regulation of Hes1 and other proneural genes, as demonstrated by genome-wide RNA-seq and direct binding of Dmrta2 to the Hes1 genomic locus. Moreover, transient Hes1 expression rescues precocious neurogenesis in Dmrta2 knockout NPCs. Our study thus establishes a link between Dmrta2 modulation of Hes1 expression and the maintenance of NPCs during cortical development.
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24
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Jiang DN, Yang HH, Li MH, Shi HJ, Zhang XB, Wang DS. gsdf
is a downstream gene of dmrt1
that functions in the male sex determination pathway of the Nile tilapia. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:497-508. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Neng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education); Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing; School of Life Sciences; Southwest University; Beibei Chongqing China
| | - Hui-Hui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education); Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing; School of Life Sciences; Southwest University; Beibei Chongqing China
| | - Ming-Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education); Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing; School of Life Sciences; Southwest University; Beibei Chongqing China
| | - Hong-Juan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education); Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing; School of Life Sciences; Southwest University; Beibei Chongqing China
| | - Xian-Bo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education); Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing; School of Life Sciences; Southwest University; Beibei Chongqing China
| | - De-Shou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education); Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing; School of Life Sciences; Southwest University; Beibei Chongqing China
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25
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Leng XQ, Du HJ, Li CJ, Cao H. Molecular characterization and expression pattern of dmrt1 in the immature Chinese sturgeon Acipenser sinensis. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2016; 88:567-579. [PMID: 26706998 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the cDNA of dmrt1 gene from the Chinese sturgeon Acipenser sinensis was isolated and its expression pattern was characterized in different tissues of immature A. sinensis. By real-time quantitative PCR (qrtPCR) analysis, the A. sinensis dmrt1 mRNA was detected mainly in gonad and with a higher level in the testis than the ovary, especially in 3 and 4 year-old samples. This indicated that the dmrt1 expression exhibited gradual testis specificity with development. The subcellular localization analysis indicated that the Dmrt1 protein exists only in germ cells and not in somatic cells. These results suggest that A. sinensis dmrt1 might be a highly specific sex differentiation gene for testis development and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Q Leng
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Project for Conservation of Fishes, Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute, China Three Gorges Corporation, Yichang 443100, China
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization of Agriculture Ministry of China, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan 430223, China
| | - H J Du
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Project for Conservation of Fishes, Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute, China Three Gorges Corporation, Yichang 443100, China
| | - C J Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization of Agriculture Ministry of China, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan 430223, China
| | - H Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Project for Conservation of Fishes, Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute, China Three Gorges Corporation, Yichang 443100, China
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26
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Autosomal gsdf acts as a male sex initiator in the fish medaka. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19738. [PMID: 26813267 PMCID: PMC4728440 DOI: 10.1038/srep19738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex is pivotal for reproduction, healthcare and evolution. In the fish medaka, the Y-chromosomal dmy (also dmrt1bY) serves the sex determiner, which activates dmrt1 for male sex maintenance. However, how dmy makes the male decision via initiating testicular differentiation has remained unknown. Here we report that autosomal gsdf serves a male sex initiator. Gene addition and deletion revealed that gsdf was necessary and sufficient for maleness via initiating testicular differentiation. We show that gsdf transcription is activated directly by dmy. These results establish the autosomal gsdf as the first male sex initiator. We propose that dmy determines maleness through activating gsdf and dmrt1 without its own participation in developmental processes of sex initiation and maintenance. gsdf may easily become a sex determiner or other autosomal genes can be recruited as new sex determiners to initiate gsdf expression. Our findings offer new insights into molecular mechanisms underlying sex development and evolution of sex-controlling genes in vertebrates.
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27
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Su L, Zhou F, Ding Z, Gao Z, Wen J, Wei W, Wang Q, Wang W, Liu H. Transcriptional variants of Dmrt1 and expression of four Dmrt genes in the blunt snout bream, Megalobrama amblycephala. Gene 2015; 573:205-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Revised: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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28
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Abstract
Domestic animals are unique models for biomedical research due to their long history (thousands of years) of strong phenotypic selection. This process has enriched for novel mutations that have contributed to phenotype evolution in domestic animals. The characterization of such mutations provides insights in gene function and biological mechanisms. This review summarizes genetic dissection of about 50 genetic variants affecting pigmentation, behaviour, metabolic regulation, and the pattern of locomotion. The variants are controlled by mutations in about 30 different genes, and for 10 of these our group was the first to report an association between the gene and a phenotype. Almost half of the reported mutations occur in non-coding sequences, suggesting that this is the most common type of polymorphism underlying phenotypic variation since this is a biased list where the proportion of coding mutations are inflated as they are easier to find. The review documents that structural changes (duplications, deletions, and inversions) have contributed significantly to the evolution of phenotypic diversity in domestic animals. Finally, we describe five examples of evolution of alleles, which means that alleles have evolved by the accumulation of several consecutive mutations affecting the function of the same gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leif Andersson
- Correspondence: Professor Leif Andersson, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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29
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Drabkin HJ, Christie KR, Dolan ME, Hill DP, Ni L, Sitnikov D, Blake JA. Application of comparative biology in GO functional annotation: the mouse model. Mamm Genome 2015; 26:574-83. [PMID: 26141960 PMCID: PMC4602061 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-015-9580-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The Gene Ontology (GO) is an important component of modern biological knowledge representation with great utility for computational analysis of genomic and genetic data. The Gene Ontology Consortium (GOC) consists of a large team of contributors including curation teams from most model organism database groups as well as curation teams focused on representation of data relevant to specific human diseases. Key to the generation of consistent and comprehensive annotations is the development and use of shared standards and measures of curation quality. The GOC engages all contributors to work to a defined standard of curation that is presented here in the context of annotation of genes in the laboratory mouse. Comprehensive understanding of the origin, epistemology, and coverage of GO annotations is essential for most effective use of GO resources. Here the application of comparative approaches to capturing functional data in the mouse system is described.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mary E Dolan
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
| | - David P Hill
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
| | - Li Ni
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
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30
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Murphy MW, Lee JK, Rojo S, Gearhart MD, Kurahashi K, Banerjee S, Loeuille GA, Bashamboo A, McElreavey K, Zarkower D, Aihara H, Bardwell VJ. An ancient protein-DNA interaction underlying metazoan sex determination. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2015; 22:442-51. [PMID: 26005864 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.3032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
DMRT transcription factors are deeply conserved regulators of metazoan sexual development. They share the DM DNA-binding domain, a unique intertwined double zinc-binding module followed by a C-terminal recognition helix, which binds a pseudopalindromic target DNA. Here we show that DMRT proteins use a unique binding interaction, inserting two adjacent antiparallel recognition helices into a widened DNA major groove to make base-specific contacts. Versatility in how specific base contacts are made allows human DMRT1 to use multiple DNA binding modes (tetramer, trimer and dimer). Chromatin immunoprecipitation with exonuclease treatment (ChIP-exo) indicates that multiple DNA binding modes also are used in vivo. We show that mutations affecting residues crucial for DNA recognition are associated with an intersex phenotype in flies and with male-to-female sex reversal in humans. Our results illuminate an ancient molecular interaction underlying much of metazoan sexual development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Murphy
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - John K Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sandra Rojo
- Unit of Human Developmental Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Micah D Gearhart
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kayo Kurahashi
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Surajit Banerjee
- Northeastern Collaborative Access Team, Cornell University, Argonne, Illinois, USA
| | - Guy-André Loeuille
- Service de Pédiatrie, Centre Hospitalier de Dunkerque, Dunkerque, France
| | - Anu Bashamboo
- Unit of Human Developmental Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - David Zarkower
- 1] Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. [2] Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. [3] Developmental Biology Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Hideki Aihara
- 1] Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. [2] Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Vivian J Bardwell
- 1] Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. [2] Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. [3] Developmental Biology Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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31
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Sex- and tissue-specific functions of Drosophila doublesex transcription factor target genes. Dev Cell 2015; 31:761-73. [PMID: 25535918 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2014.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Primary sex-determination "switches" evolve rapidly, but Doublesex (DSX)-related transcription factors (DMRTs) act downstream of these switches to control sexual development in most animal species. Drosophila dsx encodes female- and male-specific isoforms (DSX(F) and DSX(M)), but little is known about how dsx controls sexual development, whether DSX(F) and DSX(M) bind different targets, or how DSX proteins direct different outcomes in diverse tissues. We undertook genome-wide analyses to identify DSX targets using in vivo occupancy, binding site prediction, and evolutionary conservation. We find that DSX(F) and DSX(M) bind thousands of the same targets in multiple tissues in both sexes, yet these targets have sex- and tissue-specific functions. Interestingly, DSX targets show considerable overlap with targets identified for mouse DMRT1. DSX targets include transcription factors and signaling pathway components providing for direct and indirect regulation of sex-biased expression.
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32
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DMRT1 is required for Müllerian duct formation in the chicken embryo. Dev Biol 2015; 400:224-36. [PMID: 25684667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
DMRT1 is a conserved transcription factor with a central role in gonadal sex differentiation. In all vertebrates studied, DMRT1 plays an essential function in testis development and/or maintenance. No studies have reported a role for DMRT1 outside the gonads. Here, we show that DMRT1 is expressed in the paired Müllerian ducts in the chicken embryo, where it is required for duct formation. DMRT1 mRNA and protein are expressed in the early forming Müllerian ridge, and in cells undergoing an epithelial to mesenchyme transition during duct morphogenesis. RNAi-mediated knockdown of DMRT1 in ovo causes a greatly reduced mesenchymal layer, which blocks caudal extension of the duct luminal epithelium. Critical markers of Müllerian duct formation in mammals, Pax2 in the duct epithelium and Wnt4 in the mesenchyme, are conserved in chicken and their expression disrupted in DMRT1 knockdown ducts. We conclude that DMRT1 is required for the early steps of Müllerian duct development. DMRT1 regulates Müllerian ridge and mesenchyme formation and its loss blocks caudal extension of the duct. While DMRT1 plays an important role during testis development and maintenance in many vertebrate species, this is the first report showing a requirement for DMRT1 in Müllerian duct development.
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33
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Poulain M, Frydman N, Tourpin S, Muczynski V, Mucsynski V, Souquet B, Benachi A, Habert R, Rouiller-Fabre V, Livera G. Involvement of doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factors in human female germ cell development demonstrated by xenograft and interference RNA strategies. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:960-71. [PMID: 25082981 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We identified three doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factors (DMRT) that were sexually differentially expressed in human fetal gonads and present in the ovaries at the time of meiotic initiation. These were also identified in murine embryonic female germ cells. Among these, we focused on DMRTA2 (DMRT5), whose function is unknown in the developing gonads, and clarified its role in human female fetal germ cells, using an original xenograft model. Early human fetal ovaries (8-11 weeks post-fertilization) were grafted into nude mice. Grafted ovaries developed normally, with no apparent overt changes, when compared with ungrafted ovaries at equivalent developmental stages. Appropriate germ cell density, mitotic/meiotic transition, markers of meiotic progression and follicle formation were evident. Four weeks after grafting, mice were treated with siRNA, specifically targeting human DMRTA2 mRNA. DMRTA2 inhibition triggered an increase in undifferentiated FUT4-positive germ cells and a decrease in the percentage of meiotic γH2AX-positive germ cells, when compared with mice that were injected with control siRNA. Interestingly, the expression of markers associated with pre-meiotic germ cell differentiation was also impaired, as was the expression of DMRTB1 (DMRT6) and DMRTC2 (DMRT7). This study reveals, for the first time, the requirement of DMRTA2 for normal human female embryonic germ cell development. DMRTA2 appears to be necessary for proper differentiation of oogonia, prior to entry into meiosis, in the human species. Additionally, we developed a new model of organ xenografting, coupled with RNA interference, which provides a useful tool for genetic investigations of human germline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Poulain
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France University Paris-Sud, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France AP-HP, University Paris-Sud, Reproductive Biology Unit, Clamart F-92140, France
| | - Nelly Frydman
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France University Paris-Sud, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France AP-HP, University Paris-Sud, Reproductive Biology Unit, Clamart F-92140, France
| | - Sophie Tourpin
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France University Paris-Sud, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
| | - Vincent Muczynski
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France University Paris-Sud, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
| | - Vincent Mucsynski
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France University Paris-Sud, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
| | - Benoit Souquet
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France University Paris-Sud, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
| | - Alexandra Benachi
- AP-HP, University Paris-Sud, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clamart F-92140, France
| | - René Habert
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France University Paris-Sud, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
| | - Virginie Rouiller-Fabre
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France University Paris-Sud, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
| | - Gabriel Livera
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France University Paris-Sud, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
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Bellefroid EJ, Leclère L, Saulnier A, Keruzore M, Sirakov M, Vervoort M, De Clercq S. Expanding roles for the evolutionarily conserved Dmrt sex transcriptional regulators during embryogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:3829-45. [PMID: 23463235 PMCID: PMC11113232 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1288-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Revised: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Dmrt genes encode a large family of transcription factors characterized by the presence of a DM domain, an unusual zinc finger DNA binding domain. While Dmrt genes are well known for their important role in sexual development in arthropodes, nematodes and vertebrates, several new findings indicate emerging functions of this gene family in other developmental processes. Here, we provide an overview of the evolution, structure and mechanisms of action of Dmrt genes. We summarize recent findings on their function in sexual regulation and discuss more extensively the role played by these proteins in somitogenesis and neural development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Bellefroid
- Laboratoire de Génétique du Développement, Institut de Biologie et de Médecine Moléculaires (IBMM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, rue des Profs. Jeener et Brachet 12, 6041, Gosselies, Belgium,
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Moioli B, Scatà MC, Steri R, Napolitano F, Catillo G. Signatures of selection identify loci associated with milk yield in sheep. BMC Genet 2013; 14:76. [PMID: 24004915 PMCID: PMC3844358 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2156-14-76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Identification of genomic regions that have been targets of selection for phenotypic traits is one of the most challenging areas of research in animal genetics, particularly in livestock where few annotated genes are available. In this study a genome-wide scan using the Illumina SNP50K Beadchip was performed in the attempt to identify genomic regions associated with milk productivity in sheep. The ovine genomic regions encoding putative candidate genes were compared with the corresponding areas in Bos taurus, as the taurine genome is better annotated. Results A total of 100 dairy sheep were genotyped on the Illumina OvineSNP50K Beadchip. The Fisher’s exact test of significance of differences of allele frequency between each pair of the two tails of the distribution of top/worse milk yielders was performed for each marker. The genomic regions where highly divergent milk yielders showed different allele frequencies at consecutive markers was extracted from the OAR v3.1 Ovine (Texel) Genome Assembly, and was compared to the corresponding areas in Bos taurus, allowing the detection of two genes, the Palmdelphin and the Ring finger protein 145. These genes encoded non-synonymous mutations correlated with the marker alleles. Conclusion The innovation of this study was to show that the DNA genotyping with the Illumina SNP50K Beadchip allowed to detect genes, and mutations in the genes, which have not yet been annotated in the livestock under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Moioli
- Consiglio per la Ricerca e la sperimentazione in Agricoltura, via Salaria 31, Monterotondo 00015, Italy.
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Herpin A, Adolfi MC, Nicol B, Hinzmann M, Schmidt C, Klughammer J, Engel M, Tanaka M, Guiguen Y, Schartl M. Divergent expression regulation of gonad development genes in medaka shows incomplete conservation of the downstream regulatory network of vertebrate sex determination. Mol Biol Evol 2013; 30:2328-46. [PMID: 23883523 PMCID: PMC3888023 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/mst130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic control of male or female gonad development displays between different groups of organisms a remarkable diversity of "master sex-determining genes" at the top of the genetic hierarchies, whereas downstream components surprisingly appear to be evolutionarily more conserved. Without much further studies, conservation of sequence has been equalized to conservation of function. We have used the medaka fish to investigate the generality of this paradigm. In medaka, the master male sex-determining gene is dmrt1bY, a highly conserved downstream regulator of sex determination in vertebrates. To understand its function in orchestrating the complex gene regulatory network, we have identified targets genes and regulated pathways of Dmrt1bY. Monitoring gene expression and interactions by transgenic fluorescent reporter fish lines, in vivo tissue-chromatin immunoprecipitation and in vitro gene regulation assays revealed concordance but also major discrepancies between mammals and medaka, notably amongst spatial, temporal expression patterns and regulations of the canonical Hedgehog and R-spondin/Wnt/Follistatin signaling pathways. Examination of Foxl2 protein distribution in the medaka ovary defined a new subpopulation of theca cells, where ovarian-type aromatase transcriptional regulation appears to be independent of Foxl2. In summary, these data show that the regulation of the downstream regulatory network of sex determination is less conserved than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaury Herpin
- University of Wuerzburg, Physiological Chemistry, Biocenter, Am Hubland, Wuerzburg, Germany
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von Schalburg KR, Gowen BE, Rondeau EB, Johnson NW, Minkley DR, Leong JS, Davidson WS, Koop BF. Sex-specific expression, synthesis and localization of aromatase regulators in one-year-old Atlantic salmon ovaries and testes. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2013; 164:236-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2013.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2012] [Revised: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Krentz AD, Murphy MW, Zhang T, Sarver AL, Jain S, Griswold MD, Bardwell VJ, Zarkower D. Interaction between DMRT1 function and genetic background modulates signaling and pluripotency to control tumor susceptibility in the fetal germ line. Dev Biol 2013; 377:67-78. [PMID: 23473982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Revised: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Dmrt1 (doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor (1) is a regulator of testis development in vertebrates that has been implicated in testicular germ cell tumors of mouse and human. In the fetal mouse testis Dmrt1 regulates germ cell pluripotency in a strain-dependent manner. Loss of Dmrt1 in 129Sv strain mice results in a >90% incidence of testicular teratomas, tumors consisting cells of multiple germ layers; by contrast, these tumors have never been observed in Dmrt1 mutants of C57BL/6J (B6) or mixed genetic backgrounds. To further investigate the interaction between Dmrt1 and genetic background we compared mRNA expression in wild type and Dmrt1 mutant fetal testes of 129Sv and B6 mice at embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5), prior to overt tumorigenesis. Loss of Dmrt1 caused misexpression of overlapping but distinct sets of mRNAs in the two strains. The mRNAs that were selectively affected included some that changed expression only in one strain or the other and some that changed in both strains but to a greater degree in one versus the other. In particular, loss of Dmrt1 in 129Sv testes caused a more severe failure to silence regulators of pluripotency than in B6 testes. A number of genes misregulated in 129Sv mutant testes also are misregulated in human testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), suggesting similar etiology between germ cell tumors in mouse and man. Expression profiling showed that DMRT1 also regulates pluripotency genes in the fetal ovary, although Dmrt1 mutant females do not develop teratomas. Pathway analysis indicated disruption of several signaling pathways in Dmrt1 mutant fetal testes, including Nodal, Notch, and GDNF. We used a Nanos3-cre knock-in allele to perform conditional gene targeting, testing the GDNF coreceptors Gfra1 and Ret for effects on teratoma susceptibility. Conditional deletion of Gfra1 but not Ret in fetal germ cells of animals outcrossed to 129Sv caused a modest but significant elevation in tumor incidence. Despite some variability in genetic background in these crosses, this result is consistent with previous genetic mapping of teratoma susceptibility loci to the region containing Gfra1. Using Nanos3-cre we also uncovered a strong genetic interaction between Dmrt1 and Nanos3, suggesting parallel functions for these two genes in fetal germ cells. Finally, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP-seq) analysis to identify a number of potentially direct DMRT1 targets. This analysis suggested that DMRT1 controls pluripotency via transcriptional repression of Esrrb, Nr5a2/Lrh1, and Sox2. Given the strong evidence for involvement of DMRT1 in human TGCT, the downstream genes and pathways identified in this study provide potentially useful candidates for roles in the human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D Krentz
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, Developmental Biology Center, and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson Laboratory, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Xu S, Xia W, Zohar Y, Gui JF. Zebrafish dmrta2 regulates the expression of cdkn2c in spermatogenesis in the adult testis. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:14. [PMID: 23175770 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.105130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The exact function of the doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor-like family a2 gene (dmrta2) has remained largely unknown possibly because of its functional redundancy with dmrta1 in most vertebrates. In this study, dmrta1 was demonstrated to likely be absent in the zebrafish genome, which facilitated our functional analysis of dmrta2 in this model organism. To analyze its gene function in embryos and adults, we generated a mutant form of Dmrta2 (R106Q, Dmrta2(RQ)) with its in vitro DNA-binding capacity abolished and a transgenic line for the inducible expression of this mutant Dmrta2(RQ) upon doxycycline (Dox) treatment. Preferential dmrta2 expression was detected in the developing brain during embryogenesis and in the adult testis. During embryogenesis, Dmrta2(RQ) expression caused severe embryonic development defects and dramatic expression changes of two telencephalic marker genes, fibroblast growth factor 8a (fgf8a), and empty spiracles homolog 1 (emx1). In adults, the inducible Dmrta2(RQ) expression occurred specifically in the adult testis and recapitulated the endogenous dmrta2 expression in this organ. Intriguingly, adult males expressing dmrta2(RQ) showed normal spermatogenesis and were fertile, but the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2C (cdkn2c), which is evolutionarily clustered with dmrta2, was significantly suppressed during spermatogenesis. Further protein-binding and promoter mutation analysis indicated that a putative Dmrta2-binding site on the cdkn2c promoter was required for sustaining the normal expression of cdkn2c during zebrafish spermatogenesis, suggesting that Dmrta2 might regulate the expression of cdkn2c.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Xu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Johnsen H, Andersen Ø. Sex dimorphic expression of five dmrt genes identified in the Atlantic cod genome. The fish-specific dmrt2b diverged from dmrt2a before the fish whole-genome duplication. Gene 2012; 505:221-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2012.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Revised: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 06/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Giese S, Hossain H, Markmann M, Chakraborty T, Tchatalbachev S, Guillou F, Bergmann M, Failing K, Weider K, Brehm R. Sertoli-cell-specific knockout of connexin 43 leads to multiple alterations in testicular gene expression in prepubertal mice. Dis Model Mech 2012; 5:895-913. [PMID: 22699423 PMCID: PMC3484871 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.008649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A significant decline in human male reproductive function has been reported for the past 20 years but the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. However, recent studies showed that the gap junction protein connexin-43 (CX43; also known as GJA1) might be involved. CX43 is the predominant testicular connexin (CX) in most species, including in humans. Alterations of its expression are associated with different forms of spermatogenic disorders and infertility. Men with impaired spermatogenesis often exhibit a reduction or loss of CX43 expression in germ cells (GCs) and Sertoli cells (SCs). Adult male transgenic mice with a conditional knockout (KO) of the Gja1 gene [referred to here as connexin-43 (Cx43)] in SCs (SCCx43KO) show a comparable testicular phenotype to humans and are infertile. To detect possible signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms leading to the testicular phenotype in adult SCCx43KO mice and to their failure to initiate spermatogenesis, the testicular gene expression of 8-day-old SCCx43KO and wild-type (WT) mice was compared. Microarray analysis revealed that 658 genes were significantly regulated in testes of SCCx43KO mice. Of these genes, 135 were upregulated, whereas 523 genes were downregulated. For selected genes the results of the microarray analysis were confirmed using quantitative real-time PCR and immunostaining. The majority of the downregulated genes are GC-specific and are essential for mitotic and meiotic progression of spermatogenesis, including Stra8, Dazl and members of the DM (dsx and map-3) gene family. Other altered genes can be associated with transcription, metabolism, cell migration and cytoskeleton organization. Our data show that deletion of Cx43 in SCs leads to multiple alterations of gene expression in prepubertal mice and primarily affects GCs. The candidate genes could represent helpful markers for investigators exploring human testicular biopsies from patients showing corresponding spermatogenic deficiencies and for studying the molecular mechanisms of human male sterility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Giese
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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Kopp A. Dmrt genes in the development and evolution of sexual dimorphism. Trends Genet 2012; 28:175-84. [PMID: 22425532 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2012.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2011] [Revised: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Most animals are sexually dimorphic, but different taxa have different sex-specific traits. Despite major differences in the genetic control of sexual development among animal lineages, the doublesex/mab-3 related (Dmrt) family of transcription factors has been shown to be involved in sex-specific differentiation in all animals that have been studied. In recent years the functions of Dmrt genes have been characterized in many animal groups, opening the way to a broad comparative perspective. This review focuses on the similarities and differences in the functions of Dmrt genes across the animal kingdom. I highlight a number of common themes in the sexual development of different taxa, discuss how Dmrt genes have acquired new roles during animal evolution, and show how they have contributed to the origin of novel sex-specific traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artyom Kopp
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616 USA.
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Yoshizawa A, Nakahara Y, Izawa T, Ishitani T, Tsutsumi M, Kuroiwa A, Itoh M, Kikuchi Y. Zebrafish Dmrta2 regulates neurogenesis in the telencephalon. Genes Cells 2012; 16:1097-109. [PMID: 22023386 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2443.2011.01555.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although recent findings showed that some Drosophila doublesex and Caenorhabditis elegans mab-3 related genes are expressed in neural tissues during development, their functions have not been fully elucidated. Here, we isolated a zebrafish mutant, ha2, that shows defects in telencephalic neurogenesis and found that ha2 encodes Doublesex and MAB-3 related transcription factor like family A2 (Dmrta2). dmrta2 expression is restricted to the telencephalon, diencephalon and olfactory placode during somitogenesis. We found that the expression of the proneural gene, neurogenin1, in the posterior and dorsal region of telencephalon (posterior-dorsal telencephalon) is markedly reduced in this mutant at the 14-somite stage without any defects in cell proliferation or cell death. In contrast, the telencephalic expression of her6, a Hes-related gene that is known to encode a negative regulator of neurogenin1, expands dramatically in the ha2 mutant. Based on over-expression experiments and epistatic analyses, we propose that zebrafish Dmrta2 controls neurogenin1 expression by repressing her6 in the posterior-dorsal telencephalon. Furthermore, the expression domains of the telencephalic marker genes, foxg1 and emx3, and the neuronal differentiation gene, neurod, are downregulated in the ha2 posterior-dorsal telencephalon during somitogenesis. These results suggest that Dmrta2 plays important roles in the specification of the posterior-dorsal telencephalic cell fate during somitogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akio Yoshizawa
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, Kagamiyama 1-3-1, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8526 Japan
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Matson CK, Zarkower D. Sex and the singular DM domain: insights into sexual regulation, evolution and plasticity. Nat Rev Genet 2012; 13:163-74. [PMID: 22310892 PMCID: PMC3595575 DOI: 10.1038/nrg3161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Most animals reproduce sexually, but the genetic and molecular mechanisms that determine the eventual sex of each embryo vary remarkably. DM domain genes, which are related to the insect gene doublesex, are integral to sexual development and its evolution in many metazoans. Recent studies of DM domain genes reveal mechanisms by which new sexual dimorphisms have evolved in invertebrates and show that one gene, Dmrt1, was central to multiple evolutionary transitions between sex-determining mechanisms in vertebrates. In addition, Dmrt1 coordinates a surprising array of distinct cell fate decisions in the mammalian gonad and even guards against transdifferentiation of male cells into female cells in the adult testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton K Matson
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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Siehr MS, Koo PK, Sherlekar AL, Bian X, Bunkers MR, Miller RM, Portman DS, Lints R. Multiple doublesex-related genes specify critical cell fates in a C. elegans male neural circuit. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26811. [PMID: 22069471 PMCID: PMC3206049 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In most animal species, males and females exhibit differences in behavior and morphology that relate to their respective roles in reproduction. DM (Doublesex/MAB-3) domain transcription factors are phylogenetically conserved regulators of sexual development. They are thought to establish sexual traits by sex-specifically modifying the activity of general developmental programs. However, there are few examples where the details of these interactions are known, particularly in the nervous system. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, we show that two C. elegans DM domain genes, dmd-3 and mab-23, regulate sensory and muscle cell development in a male neural circuit required for mating. Using genetic approaches, we show that in the circuit sensory neurons, dmd-3 and mab-23 establish the correct pattern of dopaminergic (DA) and cholinergic (ACh) fate. We find that the ETS-domain transcription factor gene ast-1, a non-sex-specific, phylogenetically conserved activator of dopamine biosynthesis gene transcription, is broadly expressed in the circuit sensory neuron population. However, dmd-3 and mab-23 repress its activity in most cells, promoting ACh fate instead. A subset of neurons, preferentially exposed to a TGF-beta ligand, escape this repression because signal transduction pathway activity in these cells blocks dmd-3/mab-23 function, allowing DA fate to be established. Through optogenetic and pharmacological approaches, we show that the sensory and muscle cell characteristics controlled by dmd-3 and mab-23 are crucial for circuit function. Conclusions/Significance In the C. elegans male, DM domain genes dmd-3 and mab-23 regulate expression of cell sub-type characteristics that are critical for mating success. In particular, these factors limit the number of DA neurons in the male nervous system by sex-specifically regulating a phylogenetically conserved dopamine biosynthesis gene transcription factor. Homologous interactions between vertebrate counterparts could regulate sex differences in neuron sub-type populations in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan S. Siehr
- Department of Biology, Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Pamela K. Koo
- Department of Biology, Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Amrita L. Sherlekar
- Department of Biology, Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Xuelin Bian
- Department of Biology, Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Meredith R. Bunkers
- Department of Biology, Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Renee M. Miller
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, Center for Neural Development and Disease, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Douglas S. Portman
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, Center for Neural Development and Disease, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Robyn Lints
- Department of Biology, Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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DMRT1 prevents female reprogramming in the postnatal mammalian testis. Nature 2011; 476:101-4. [PMID: 21775990 PMCID: PMC3150961 DOI: 10.1038/nature10239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 409] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2011] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Sex in mammals is determined in the foetal gonad by the presence or absence of the Y chromosome gene Sry, which controls whether bipotential precursor cells differentiate into testicular Sertoli cells or ovarian granulosa cells1. This pivotal decision in a single gonadal cell type ultimately controls sexual differentiation throughout the body. Sex determination can be viewed as a battle for primacy in the foetal gonad between a male regulatory gene network in which Sry activates Sox9 and a female network involving Wnt/β-catenin signaling (Supplemental Fig. 1)2. In females the primary sex-determining decision is not final: loss of the FOXL2 transcription factor in adult granulosa cells can reprogramme granulosa cells into Sertoli cells2. Here we show that sexual fate is also surprisingly labile in the testis: loss of the DMRT1 transcription factor3 in mouse Sertoli cells, even in adults, activates Foxl2 and reprogrammes Sertoli cells into granulosa cells. In this environment, theca cells form, oestrogen is produced, and germ cells appear feminized. Thus Dmrt1 is essential to maintain mammalian testis determination, and competing regulatory networks maintain gonadal sex long after the foetal choice between male and female. Dmrt1 and Foxl2 are conserved throughout vertebrates4,5 and Dmrt1-related sexual regulators are conserved throughout metazoans3. Antagonism between Dmrt1 and Foxl2 for control of gonadal sex may therefore extend beyond mammals. Reprogramming due to loss of Dmrt1 also may help explain the etiology of human syndromes linked to DMRT1, including disorders of sexual differentiation6 and testicular cancer7.
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Krentz AD, Murphy MW, Sarver AL, Griswold MD, Bardwell VJ, Zarkower D. DMRT1 promotes oogenesis by transcriptional activation of Stra8 in the mammalian fetal ovary. Dev Biol 2011; 356:63-70. [PMID: 21621532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.05.658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2011] [Revised: 04/11/2011] [Accepted: 05/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Dmrt1 belongs to the DM domain gene family of conserved sexual regulators. In the mouse Dmrt1 is expressed in the genital ridge (the gonadal primordium) in both sexes and then becomes testis-specific shortly after sex determination. The essential role of DMRT1 in testicular differentiation is well established, and includes transcriptional repression of the meiotic inducer Stra8. However Dmrt1 mutant females are fertile and the role of Dmrt1 in the ovary has not been studied. Here we show in the mouse that most Dmrt1 mutant germ cells in the fetal ovary have greatly reduced expression of STRA8, and fail to properly localize SYCP3 and γH2AX during meiotic prophase. Lack of DMRT1 in the fetal ovary results in the formation of many fewer primordial follicles in the juvenile ovary, although these are sufficient for fertility. Genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitiation (ChIP-chip) and quantitative ChIP (qChIP) combined with mRNA expression profiling suggests that transcriptional activation of Stra8 in fetal germ cells is the main function of DMRT1 in females, and that this regulation likely is direct. Thus DMRT1 controls Stra8 sex-specifically, activating it in the fetal ovary and repressing it in the adult testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D Krentz
- Dept. of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Fleming NI, Knower KC, Lazarus KA, Fuller PJ, Simpson ER, Clyne CD. Aromatase is a direct target of FOXL2: C134W in granulosa cell tumors via a single highly conserved binding site in the ovarian specific promoter. PLoS One 2010; 5:e14389. [PMID: 21188138 PMCID: PMC3004790 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Granulosa cell tumors (GCT) of the ovary often express aromatase and synthesize estrogen, which in turn may influence their progression. Recently a specific point mutation (C134W) in the FOXL2 protein was identified in >94% of adult-type GCT and it is likely to contribute to their development. A number of genes are known to be regulated by FOXL2, including aromatase/CYP19A1, but it is unclear which are direct targets and whether the C134W mutation alters their regulation. Recently, it has been reported that FOXL2 forms a complex with steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) which is a known regulator of aromatase in granulosa cells. Methodology/Principal Findings In this work, the human GCT-derived cell lines KGN and COV434 were heterozygous and wildtype for the FOXL2:C134W mutation, respectively. KGN had abundant FOXL2 mRNA expression but it was not expressed in COV434. Expression of exogenous FOXL2:C134W in COV434 cells induced higher expression of a luciferase reporter for the ovarian specific aromatase promoter, promoter II (PII) (−516bp) than expression of wildtype FOXL2, but did not alter induction of a similar reporter for the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) promoter (−1300bp). Co-immunoprecipitation confirmed that FOXL2 bound SF-1 and that it also bound its homologue, liver receptor homologue 1 (LRH-1), however, the C134W mutation did not alter these interactions or induce a selective binding of the proteins. A highly conserved putative binding site for FOXL2 was identified in PII. FOXL2 was demonstrated to bind the site by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) and site-directed mutagenesis of this element blocked its differential induction by wildtype FOXL2 and FOXL2:C134W. Conclusions/Significance These findings suggest that aromatase is a direct target of FOXL2:C134W in adult-type GCT via a single distinctive and highly conserved binding site in PII and therefore provide insight into the pathogenic mechanism of this mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin C. Knower
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kyren A. Lazarus
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter J. Fuller
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Evan R. Simpson
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Colin D. Clyne
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Zhang L, Lu H, Xin D, Cheng H, Zhou R. A novel ncRNA gene from mouse chromosome 5 trans-splices with Dmrt1 on chromosome 19. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 400:696-700. [PMID: 20816665 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.08.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2010] [Accepted: 08/27/2010] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Dmrt1 (Dsx- and Mab3-related transcription factor-1), a conserved transcription factor in different phyla, is a key regulator in sex determination. Here, we report the novel ncRNA gene Dmr (Dmrt1-related gene), from mouse chromosome 5 that trans-splices with Dmrt1 from chromosome 19 to generate a Dmrt1 protein that lacks the C-terminus. Dmr is mouse and rat specific, and the surrounding genes are also conserved in both species. Dmr is alternatively spliced, and three isoforms, Dmr a, b and c, are detected in the testis. Further, Dmr serves mainly as a 3' UTR, promotes trans-splicing and down-regulates the Dmrt1 protein. These results suggest that Dmr might play a negative regulatory role for Dmrt1 in male sexual development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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