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Zeng Q, Jiang T. The role of FHL1 in tumors. Gene 2024; 911:148347. [PMID: 38458365 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Qun Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Tingting Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China.
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Qi T, Zhang J, Zhang K, Zhang W, Song Y, Lian K, Kan C, Han F, Hou N, Sun X. Unraveling the role of the FHL family in cardiac diseases: Mechanisms, implications, and future directions. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 694:149468. [PMID: 38183876 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Heart diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases is essential for the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The FHL family consists of five members: FHL1, FHL2, FHL3, FHL4, and FHL5/Act. These members exhibit different expression patterns in various tissues including the heart. FHL family proteins are implicated in cardiac remodeling, regulation of metabolic enzymes, and cardiac biomechanical stress perception. A large number of studies have explored the link between FHL family proteins and cardiac disease, skeletal muscle disease, and ovarian metabolism, but a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the specific molecular mechanisms targeting FHL on cardiac disease is lacking. The aim of this review is to explore the structure and function of FHL family members, to comprehensively elucidate the mechanisms by which they regulate the heart, and to explore in depth the changes in FHL family members observed in different cardiac disorders, as well as the effects of mutations in FHL proteins on heart health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongbing Qi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China; Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China; Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China
| | - Kexin Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China; Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China
| | - Wenqiang Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China; Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China; Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China
| | - Yixin Song
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China; Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China
| | - Kexin Lian
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China
| | - Chengxia Kan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China; Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China
| | - Fang Han
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China; Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China; Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China
| | - Ningning Hou
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China.
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China; Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261031, China.
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Sánchez-Jasso DE, López-Guzmán SF, Bermúdez-Cruz RM, Oviedo N. Novel Aspects of cAMP-Response Element Modulator (CREM) Role in Spermatogenesis and Male Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12558. [PMID: 37628737 PMCID: PMC10454534 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a very complex process with an intricate transcriptional regulation. The transition from the diploid to the haploid state requires the involvement of specialized genes in meiosis, among other specific functions for the formation of the spermatozoon. The transcription factor cAMP-response element modulator (CREM) is a key modulator that triggers the differentiation of the germ cell into the spermatozoon through the modification of gene expression. CREM has multiple repressor and activator isoforms whose expression is tissue-cell-type specific and tightly regulated by various factors at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational level. The activator isoform CREMτ controls the expression of several relevant genes in post-meiotic stages of spermatogenesis. In addition, exposure to xenobiotics negatively affects CREMτ expression, which is linked to male infertility. On the other hand, antioxidants could have a positive effect on CREMτ expression and improve sperm parameters in idiopathically infertile men. Therefore, CREM expression could be used as a biomarker to detect and even counteract male infertility. This review examines the importance of CREM as a transcription factor for sperm production and its relevance in male fertility, infertility and the response to environmental xenobiotics that may affect CREMτ expression and the downstream regulation that alters male fertility. Also, some health disorders in which CREM expression is altered are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Eduardo Sánchez-Jasso
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (D.E.S.-J.); (S.F.L.-G.); (R.M.B.-C.)
| | - Sergio Federico López-Guzmán
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (D.E.S.-J.); (S.F.L.-G.); (R.M.B.-C.)
| | - Rosa Maria Bermúdez-Cruz
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (D.E.S.-J.); (S.F.L.-G.); (R.M.B.-C.)
| | - Norma Oviedo
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Immunología e Infectología, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City 02990, Mexico
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Heinen T, Xie C, Keshavarz M, Stappert D, Künzel S, Tautz D. Evolution of a New Testis-Specific Functional Promoter Within the Highly Conserved Map2k7 Gene of the Mouse. Front Genet 2022; 12:812139. [PMID: 35069705 PMCID: PMC8766832 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.812139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Map2k7 (synonym Mkk7) is a conserved regulatory kinase gene and a central component of the JNK signaling cascade with key functions during cellular differentiation. It shows complex transcription patterns, and different transcript isoforms are known in the mouse (Mus musculus). We have previously identified a newly evolved testis-specific transcript for the Map2k7 gene in the subspecies M. m. domesticus. Here, we identify the new promoter that drives this transcript and find that it codes for an open reading frame (ORF) of 50 amino acids. The new promoter was gained in the stem lineage of closely related mouse species but was secondarily lost in the subspecies M. m. musculus and M. m. castaneus. A single mutation can be correlated with its transcriptional activity in M. m. domesticus, and cell culture assays demonstrate the capability of this mutation to drive expression. A mouse knockout line in which the promoter region of the new transcript is deleted reveals a functional contribution of the newly evolved promoter to sperm motility and the spermatid transcriptome. Our data show that a new functional transcript (and possibly protein) can evolve within an otherwise highly conserved gene, supporting the notion of regulatory changes contributing to the emergence of evolutionary novelties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chen Xie
- Max-Plank Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Maryam Keshavarz
- Max-Plank Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Dominik Stappert
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Sven Künzel
- Max-Plank Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Diethard Tautz
- Max-Plank Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
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5
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Liu H, Wang L, Guo Z, Xu Q, Fan W, Xu Y, Hu J, Zhang Y, Tang J, Xie M, Zhou Z, Hou S. Genome-wide association and selective sweep analyses reveal genetic loci for FCR of egg production traits in ducks. Genet Sel Evol 2021; 53:98. [PMID: 34930109 PMCID: PMC8690979 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-021-00684-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As a major economic trait in poultry, egg production efficiency attracts widespread interest in breeding and production. However, limited information is available about the underlying genetic architecture of egg production traits in ducks. In this paper, we analyzed six egg production-related traits in 352 F2 ducks derived from reciprocal crosses between mallard and Pekin ducks. Results Feed conversation ratio (FCR) was positively correlated with feed intake but negatively correlated with egg-related traits, including egg weight and egg production, both phenotypically and genetically. Estimates of pedigree-based heritability were higher than 0.2 for all traits investigated, except hip-width. Based on whole-genome sequencing data, we conducted genome-wide association studies to identify genomic regions associated with these traits. In total, 11 genomic regions were associated with FCR. No genomic regions were identified as significantly associated with hip-width, total feed intake, average daily feed intake, and total egg production. Analysis of selective sweeps between mallard and Pekin ducks confirmed three of these genomic regions on chromosomes 13, 3 and 6. Within these three regions, variants in candidate genes that were in linkage disequilibrium with the GWAS leader single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (Chr13:2,196,728, P = 7.05 × 10–14; Chr3:76,991,524, P = 1.06 × 10–12; Chr6:20,356,803, P = 1.14 × 10–10) were detected. Thus, we identified 31 potential candidate genes associated with FCR, among which the strongest candidates are those that are highly expressed in tissues involved in reproduction and nervous system functions of ducks: CNTN4, CRBR, GPR63, KLHL32, FHL5, TRNT1, MANEA, NDUFAF4, and SCD. Conclusions For the first time, we report the identification of genomic regions that are associated with FCR in ducks and our results illustrate the genomic changes that occurred during their domestication and are involved in egg production efficiency. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12711-021-00684-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hehe Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition; Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 613000, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 613000, China
| | - Zhanbao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition; Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 613000, China
| | - Wenlei Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition; Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yaxi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition; Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jian Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition; Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yunsheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition; Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jing Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition; Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ming Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition; Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhengkui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition; Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shuisheng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition; Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Li JY, Liu YF, Xu HY, Zhang JY, Lv PP, Liu ME, Ying YY, Qian YQ, Li K, Li C, Huang Y, Xu GF, Ding GL, Mao YC, Xu CM, Liu XM, Sheng JZ, Zhang D, Huang HF. Basonuclin 1 deficiency causes testicular premature aging: BNC1 cooperates with TAF7L to regulate spermatogenesis. J Mol Cell Biol 2021; 12:71-83. [PMID: 31065688 PMCID: PMC7052986 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjz035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Basonuclin (BNC1) is expressed primarily in proliferative keratinocytes and gametogenic cells. However, its roles in spermatogenesis and testicular aging were not clear. Previously we discovered a heterozygous BNC1 truncation mutation in a premature ovarian insufficiency pedigree. In this study, we found that male mice carrying the truncation mutation exhibited progressively fertility loss and testicular premature aging. Genome-wide expression profiling and direct binding studies (by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing) with BNC1 in mouse testis identified several spermatogenesis-specific gene promoters targeted by BNC1 including kelch-like family member 10 (Klhl10), testis expressed 14 (Tex14), and spermatogenesis and centriole associated 1 (Spatc1). Moreover, biochemical analysis showed that BNC1 was associated with TATA-box binding protein-associated factor 7 like (TAF7L), a germ cell-specific paralogue of the transcription factor IID subunit TAF7, both in vitro and in testis, suggesting that BNC1 might directly cooperate with TAF7L to regulate spermatogenesis. The truncation mutation disabled nuclear translocation of the BNC1/TAF7L complex, thus, disturbing expression of related genes and leading to testicular premature aging. Similarly, expressions of BNC1, TAF7L, Y-box-binding protein 2 (YBX2), outer dense fiber of sperm tails 1 (ODF1), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, spermatogenic (GAPDHS) were significantly decreased in the testis of men with non-obstructive azoospermia. The present study adds to the understanding of the physiology of male reproductive aging and the mechanism of spermatogenic failure in infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yi-Feng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Hai-Yan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Jun-Yu Zhang
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ping-Ping Lv
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Miao-E Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yan-Yun Ying
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Ye-Qing Qian
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Kun Li
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Cheng Li
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Gu-Feng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Guo-Lian Ding
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yu-Chan Mao
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Chen-Ming Xu
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xin-Mei Liu
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jian-Zhong Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.,Department of Pathology & Pathophysiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - He-Feng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.,International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
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Gustafson EA, Seymour KA, Sigrist K, Rooij DGDE, Freiman RN. ZFP628 Is a TAF4b-Interacting Transcription Factor Required for Mouse Spermiogenesis. Mol Cell Biol 2020; 40:e00228-19. [PMID: 31932482 PMCID: PMC7076252 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00228-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
TAF4b is a subunit of the TFIID complex that is highly expressed in the ovary and testis and required for mouse fertility. TAF4b-deficient male mice undergo a complex series of developmental defects that result in the inability to maintain long-term spermatogenesis. To decipher the transcriptional mechanisms upon which TAF4b functions in spermatogenesis, we used two-hybrid screening to identify a novel TAF4b-interacting transcriptional cofactor, ZFP628. Deletion analysis of both proteins reveals discrete and novel domains of ZFP628 and TAF4b protein that function to bridge their direct interaction in vitro Moreover, coimmunoprecipitation of ZFP628 and TAF4b proteins in testis-derived protein extracts supports their endogenous association. Using CRISPR-Cas9, we disrupted the expression of ZFP628 in the mouse and uncovered a postmeiotic germ cell arrest at the round spermatid stage in the seminiferous tubules of the testis in ZFP628-deficient mice that results in male infertility. Coincident with round spermatid arrest, we find reduced mRNA expression of transition protein (Tnp1 and Tnp2) and protamine (Prm1 and Prm2) genes, which are critical for the specialized maturation of haploid male germ cells called spermiogenesis. These data delineate a novel association of two transcription factors, TAF4b and ZFP628, and identify ZFP628 as a novel transcriptional regulator of stage-specific spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A Gustafson
- Brown University, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kimberly A Seymour
- Brown University, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kirsten Sigrist
- Brown University, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Dirk G D E Rooij
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard N Freiman
- Brown University, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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8
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Abstract
Male infertility is a major and growing problem and, in most cases, the specific root cause is unknown. Here we show that the transcription factor SOX30 plays a critical role in mouse spermatogenesis. Sox30-null mice are healthy and females are fertile, but males are sterile. In the absence of Sox30 meiosis initiates normally in both sexes but, in males, germ cell development arrests during the post-meiotic round spermatid period. In the mutant testis, acrosome and axoneme development are aberrant, multinucleated germ cells (symplasts) form and round spermatids unable to process beyond step 3 of spermiogenesis. No elongated spermatids nor spermatozoa are produced. Thus, Sox30 represents a rare example of a gene for which loss of function results in a complete arrest of spermatogenesis at the onset of spermiogenesis. Our results suggest that SOX30 mutations may underlie some instances of unexplained non-obstructive azoospermia in humans.
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9
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Coarfa C, Zhang Y, Maity S, Perera DN, Jiang W, Wang L, Couroucli X, Moorthy B, Lingappan K. Sexual dimorphism of the pulmonary transcriptome in neonatal hyperoxic lung injury: identification of angiogenesis as a key pathway. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2017; 313:L991-L1005. [PMID: 28818871 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00230.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is characterized by impaired alveolar secondary septation and vascular growth. Exposure to high concentrations of oxygen (hyperoxia) contributes to the development of BPD. The male sex is considered an independent risk factor for the development of BPD. The reasons underlying sexually dimorphic outcomes in premature neonates are not known. We hypothesized that sex-specific modulation of biological processes in the lung under hyperoxic conditions contributes to sex-based differences. Neonatal male and female mice (C57BL/6) were exposed to hyperoxia [95% [Formula: see text], postnatal day (PND) 1-5: saccular stage of lung development] and euthanized on PND 7 or 21. Pulmonary gene expression was studied using RNA-Seq on the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Analysis of the pulmonary transcriptome revealed differential sex-specific modulation of crucial pathways such as angiogenesis, response to hypoxia, inflammatory response, and p53 pathway. Candidate genes from these pathways were validated at the mRNA level by qPCR. Analysis also revealed sex-specific differences in the modulation of crucial transcription factors. Focusing on the differential modulation of the angiogenesis pathway, we also showed sex-specific differential activation of Hif-1α-regulated genes using ChIP-qPCR and differences in expression of crucial genes (Vegf, VegfR2, and Phd2) modulating angiogenesis. We demonstrate the translational relevance of our findings by showing that our murine sex-specific differences in gene expression correlate with those from a preexisting human BPD data set. In conclusion, we provide novel molecular insights into differential sex-specific modulation of the pulmonary transcriptome in neonatal hyperoxic lung injury and highlight angiogenesis as one of the crucial differentially modulated pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Coarfa
- Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; and.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Yuhao Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Suman Maity
- Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; and
| | - Dimuthu N Perera
- Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; and
| | - Weiwu Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Lihua Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Xanthi Couroucli
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Bhagavatula Moorthy
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Krithika Lingappan
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas;
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10
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Testis Transcriptome Modulation in Klinefelter Patients with Hypospermatogenesis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45729. [PMID: 28361989 PMCID: PMC5374630 DOI: 10.1038/srep45729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The main genetic cause of male infertility is represented by the Klinefelter Syndrome (KS), a condition accounting for 3% of all cases of infertility and up to15% of cases of azoospermia. KS is generally characterized by azoospermia; approximately 10% of cases have severe oligozoospermia. Among these, the 30-40% of patients show hypospermatogenesis. The mechanisms leading to adult testis dysfunctions are not completely understood. A microarray transcriptome analysis was performed on testis biopsies obtained from three KS patients with hypospermatogenesis and three control subjects. KS testis showed a differential up- and down-regulation of 303 and 747 transcripts, respectively, as compared to controls. The majority of down-regulated transcripts were involved in spermiogenesis failure and testis morphological defects, whereas up-regulated genes were responsible for testis apoptotic processes. Functional analysis of the transcriptionally altered genes indicated a deregulation in cell death, germ cell function and morphology as well as blood-testis-barrier maintenance and Leydig cells activity. These data support a complex scenario in which spermatogenic impairment is the result of functional and morphological alterations in both germinal and somatic components of KS testis. These findings could represent the basis for evaluating new markers of KS spermatogenesis and potential targets of therapeutic intervention to preserve residual spermatogenesis.
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Grozdanov PN, Amatullah A, Graber JH, MacDonald CC. TauCstF-64 Mediates Correct mRNA Polyadenylation and Splicing of Activator and Repressor Isoforms of the Cyclic AMP-Responsive Element Modulator (CREM) in Mouse Testis. Biol Reprod 2015; 94:34. [PMID: 26700942 PMCID: PMC4787626 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.134684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is coordinated by the spatial and temporal expression of many transcriptional and posttranscriptional factors. The cyclic AMP-responsive element modulator (CREM) gene encodes both activator and repressor isoforms that act as transcription factors to regulate spermiogenesis. We found that the testis-expressed paralog of CstF-64, tauCstF-64 (gene symbol Cstf2t), is involved in a polyadenylation site choice switch of Crem mRNA and leads to an overall decrease of the Crem mRNAs that are generated from internal promoters in Cstf2t(-/-) mice. More surprisingly, loss of tauCstF-64 also leads to alternative splicing of Crem exon 4, which contains an important activation domain. Thus, testis-specific CREMtau2 isoform protein levels are reduced in Cstf2t(-/-) mice. Consequently, expression of 15 CREM-regulated genes is decreased in testes of Cstf2t(-/-) mice at 25 days postpartum. These effects might further contribute to the infertility phenotype of these animals. This demonstrates that tauCstF-64 is an important stage-specific regulator of Crem mRNA processing that modulates the spatial and temporal expression of downstream stage-specific genes necessary for the proper development of sperm in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petar N Grozdanov
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Atia Amatullah
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Joel H Graber
- Center for Genome Dynamics, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine
| | - Clinton C MacDonald
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
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Abstract
During the past 2 years, considerable progress in the field of four and a half LIM domain protein 1 (FHL1)-related myopathies has led to the identification of a growing number of FHL1 mutations. This genetic progress has uncovered crucial pathophysiological concepts, thus redefining clinical phenotypes. Important new characterizations include 4 distinct human myopathies: reducing body myopathy, X-linked myopathy with postural muscle atrophy, Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, and scapuloperoneal myopathy. Additionally, FHL1 mutations have been discovered in rigid spine syndrome and in a single family with contractures, rigid spine, and cardiomyopathy. In this review, we focus on the clinical phenotypes, which we correlate with the novel genetic and histological findings encountered within FHL1-related myopathies. This correlation will frequently lead to a considerably expanded clinical spectrum associated with a given FHL1 mutation.
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