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Baalbaki G, Lim V, Gillet AP, Verner MA, Vaillancourt C, Caron-Beaudoin E, Delbes G. Trace elements alone or in mixtures associated with unconventional natural gas exploitation affect rat fetal steroidogenesis and testicular development in vitro. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124393. [PMID: 38901820 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Biomonitoring studies have shown that pregnant women living in regions of unconventional natural gas (UNG) exploitation have higher levels of trace elements. Whether developmental endocrine disruption can be expected at these exposure levels during pregnancy is unclear. In this study, we aimed to test the impact of five trace elements alone or in mixtures using in vitro cell- and tissue-based assays relevant to endocrine disruption and development. Manganese, aluminum, strontium, barium, and cobalt were tested at concentrations including those representatives of human fetal exposure. Using transactivation assays, none of the tested elements nor their mixture altered the human estrogen receptor 1 or androgen receptor genomic signalling. In the rat fetal testis assay, an organ culture system, cobalt (5 μg/l), barium (500 μg/l) and strontium (500 μg/l) significantly increased testosterone secretion. Cobalt and strontium were associated with hyperplasia and/or hypertrophy of fetal Leydig cells. Mixing the five elements at concentrations where none had an effect individually stimulated testosterone secretion by the rat fetal testis paralleled by the significant increase of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase protein level in comparison to the vehicle control. The mechanisms involved may be specific to the fetal testis as no effect was observed in the steroidogenic H295R cells. Our data suggest that some trace elements in mixture at concentrations representative of human fetal exposure can impact testis development and function. This study highlights the potential risk posed by UNG operations, especially for the most vulnerable populations, pregnant individuals, and their fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghida Baalbaki
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Victoria Lim
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Antoine P Gillet
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Marc-André Verner
- Université de Montréal, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada; Research Center, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Elyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Geraldine Delbes
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada.
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Lee R, Lee WY, Park HJ. Diuron-induced fetal Leydig cell dysfunction in in vitro organ cultured fetal testes. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 123:108497. [PMID: 37949197 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108497] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Diuron is a phenylurea herbicide widely used in the agricultural industry. In recent years, the risk of infertility and developmental defects has increased due to exposure to environmental pollutants. In this study, we investigated the toxicity of diuron in fetal mouse testes using three-dimensional organ cultures. Fetal testes derived from embryonic day (E) 14.5 were cultured with 200 µM diuron for 5 days. The results revealed that diuron did not impair fetal germ cell proliferation or the expression levels of germ cell markers such as Ddx4, Dazl, Oct 4, Nanog, Plzf, and TRA 98. Similarly, the gene or protein expression of the Sertoli cell markers Sox9 and Wt1 in diuron-exposed fetal testes did not change after 5 days of culture. In contrast, diuron increased fetal Leydig cell markers (FLC), Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, Thbs2, and Pdgf α, and decreased adult Leydig cell (ALC) markers, Sult1e1, Hsd173, Ptgds, and Vcam1. However, 3-βHSD, an FLC and ALC marker, was consistently maintained upon exposure to diuron in fetal testes compared to non-treated groups. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that diuron negatively impacts Fetal Leydig cell development, although it does not affect germ and Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Lee
- Department of Livestock, Korea National College of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jeonbuk 54874, Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Sangji University, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do 26339, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Young Lee
- Department of Livestock, Korea National College of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jeonbuk 54874, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jung Park
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Sangji University, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do 26339, Republic of Korea.
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Choi HJ, Jung KM, Rengaraj D, Lee KY, Yoo E, Kim TH, Han JY. Single-cell RNA sequencing of mitotic-arrested prospermatogonia with DAZL::GFP chickens and revealing unique epigenetic reprogramming of chickens. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:64. [PMID: 35659766 PMCID: PMC9169296 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00712-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Germ cell mitotic arrest is conserved in many vertebrates, including birds, although the time of entry or exit into quiescence phase differs. Mitotic arrest is essential for the normal differentiation of male germ cells into spermatogonia and accompanies epigenetic reprogramming and meiosis inhibition from embryonic development to post-hatch. However, mitotic arrest was not well studied in chickens because of the difficulty in obtaining pure germ cells from relevant developmental stage. Results We performed single-cell RNA sequencing to investigate transcriptional dynamics of male germ cells during mitotic arrest in DAZL::GFP chickens. Using differentially expressed gene analysis and K-means clustering to analyze cells at different developmental stages (E12, E16, and hatch), we found that metabolic and signaling pathways were regulated, and that the epigenome was reprogrammed during mitotic arrest. In particular, we found that histone H3K9 and H3K14 acetylation (by HDAC2) and DNA demethylation (by DNMT3B and HELLS) led to a transcriptionally permissive chromatin state. Furthermore, we found that global DNA demethylation occurred gradually after the onset of mitotic arrest, indicating that the epigenetic-reprogramming schedule of the chicken genome differs from that of the mammalian genome. DNA hypomethylation persisted after hatching, and methylation was slowly re-established 3 weeks later. Conclusions We found a unique epigenetic-reprogramming schedule of mitotic-arrested chicken prospermatogonia and prolonged hypomethylation after hatching. This will provide a foundation for understanding the process of germ-cell epigenetic regulation in several species for which this process is not clearly described. Our findings on the biological processes related to sex-specific differentiation of prospermatogonia could help studying germline development in vitro more elaborately. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-022-00712-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Jeong Choi
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Kyung Min Jung
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Deivendran Rengaraj
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Kyung Youn Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Eunhui Yoo
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Tae Hyun Kim
- Department of Animal Science, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, 16801, USA
| | - Jae Yong Han
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea.
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Lecante LL, Gaye B, Delbes G. Impact of in Utero Rat Exposure to 17Alpha-Ethinylestradiol or Genistein on Testicular Development and Germ Cell Gene Expression. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:893050. [PMID: 35722060 PMCID: PMC9201280 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.893050] [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: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the decline in male fertility is believed to partially result from environmental exposures to xenoestrogens during critical developmental windows, the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Experimental in utero exposures in rodents have demonstrated the negative impact of xenoestrogens on reproductive development, long-term adult reproductive function and offspring health. In addition, transcriptomic studies have demonstrated immediate effects on gene expression in fetal reproductive tissues, However, the immediate molecular effects on the developing germ cells have been poorly investigated. Here, we took advantage of a transgenic rat expressing the green fluorescent protein specifically in germ cells allowing purification of perinatal GFP-positive germ cells. Timed-pregnant rats were exposed to ethinylestradiol (EE2, 2 μg/kg/d), genistein (GE, 10 mg/kg/d) or vehicle by gavage, from gestational days (GD) 13–19; testes were sampled at GD20 or post-natal (PND) 5 for histological analysis and sorting of GFP-positive cells. While EE2-exposed females gained less weight during treatment compared to controls, neither treatment affected the number of pups per litter, sex ratio, anogenital distance, or body and gonadal weights of the offspring. Although GE significantly decreased circulating testosterone at GD20, no change was observed in either testicular histology or germ cell and sertoli cell densities. Gene expression was assessed in GFP-positive cells using Affymetrix Rat Gene 2.0 ST microarrays. Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (p < 0.05; fold change 1.5) identified expression changes of 149 and 128 transcripts by EE2 and GE respectively at GD20, and 287 and 207 transcripts at PND5, revealing an increased effect after the end of treatment. Only about 1% of DEGs were common to both stages for each treatment. Functional analysis of coding DEG revealed an overrepresentation of olfactory transduction in all groups. In parallel, many non-coding RNAs were affected by both treatments, the most represented being small nucleolar and small nuclear RNAs. Our data suggest that despite no immediate toxic effects, fetal exposure to xenoestrogens can induce subtle immediate changes in germ cell gene expression. Moreover, the increased number of DEGs between GD20 and PND5 suggests an effect of early exposures with latent impact on later germ cell differentiation.
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Sanou I, van Maaren J, Eliveld J, Lei Q, Meißner A, de Melker AA, Hamer G, van Pelt AMM, Mulder CL. Spermatogonial Stem Cell-Based Therapies: Taking Preclinical Research to the Next Level. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:850219. [PMID: 35444616 PMCID: PMC9013905 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.850219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertility preservation via biobanking of testicular tissue retrieved from testicular biopsies is now generally recommended for boys who need to undergo gonadotoxic treatment prior to the onset of puberty, as a source of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). SSCs have the potential of forming spermatids and may be used for therapeutic fertility approaches later in life. Although in the past 30 years many milestones have been reached to work towards SSC-based fertility restoration therapies, including transplantation of SSCs, grafting of testicular tissue and various in vitro and ex vivo spermatogenesis approaches, unfortunately, all these fertility therapies are still in a preclinical phase and not yet available for patients who have become infertile because of their treatment during childhood. Therefore, it is now time to take the preclinical research towards SSC-based therapy to the next level to resolve major issues that impede clinical implementation. This review gives an outline of the state of the art of the effectiveness and safety of fertility preservation and SSC-based therapies and addresses the hurdles that need to be taken for optimal progression towards actual clinical implementation of safe and effective SSC-based fertility treatments in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Sanou
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jillis van Maaren
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jitske Eliveld
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Qijing Lei
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Andreas Meißner
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Urology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Annemieke A de Melker
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Callista L Mulder
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Robaire B, Delbes G, Head JA, Marlatt VL, Martyniuk CJ, Reynaud S, Trudeau VL, Mennigen JA. A cross-species comparative approach to assessing multi- and transgenerational effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112063. [PMID: 34562476 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A wide range of chemicals have been identified as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in vertebrate species. Most studies of EDCs have focused on exposure of both male and female adults to these chemicals; however, there is clear evidence that EDCs have dramatic effects when mature or developing gametes are exposed, and consequently are associated with in multigenerational and transgenerational effects. Several publications have reviewed such actions of EDCs in subgroups of species, e.g., fish or rodents. In this review, we take a holistic approach synthesizing knowledge of the effects of EDCs across vertebrate species, including fish, anurans, birds, and mammals, and discuss the potential mechanism(s) mediating such multi- and transgenerational effects. We also propose a series of recommendations aimed at moving the field forward in a structured and coherent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Robaire
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Geraldine Delbes
- Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de La Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Jessica A Head
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Vicki L Marlatt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christopher J Martyniuk
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Stéphane Reynaud
- Univ. Grenoble-Alpes, Université. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, Grenoble, 38000, France
| | - Vance L Trudeau
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jan A Mennigen
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Hayashi Y, Matsui Y. Metabolic Control of Germline Formation and Differentiation in Mammals. Sex Dev 2022:1-16. [PMID: 35086109 PMCID: PMC10389803 DOI: 10.1159/000520662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The germ cell lineage involves dynamic epigenetic changes during its formation and differentiation that are completely different from those of the somatic cell lineage. Metabolites and metabolic pathways have been reported as key factors related to the regulation of epigenetics as cofactors and substrates. However, our knowledge about the metabolic characteristics of germ cells, especially during the fetal stage, and their transition during differentiation is quite limited due to the rarity of the cells. Nevertheless, recent developments in omics technologies have made it possible to extract comprehensive metabolomic features of germ cells. SUMMARY In this review, we present the latest researches on the metabolic properties of germ cells in 4 stages: primordial germ cell specification, fetal germ cell differentiation, spermatogenesis, and oogenesis. At every stage, extensive published data has been accumulated on energy metabolism, and it is possible to describe its changes during germ cell differentiation in detail. As pluripotent stem cells differentiate into germ cells, energy metabolism shifts from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation; however, in spermatogenesis, glycolytic pathways are also temporarily dominant in spermatogonial stem cells. Although the significance of metabolic pathways other than energy metabolism in germ cell differentiation is largely unknown, the relation of the pentose phosphate pathway and Ser-Gly-one-carbon metabolism with germ cell properties has been suggested at various stages. We further discuss the relationship between these characteristic metabolic pathways and epigenetic regulation during germ cell specification and differentiation. Finally, the relevance of dietary and supplemental interventions on germ cell function and epigenomic regulation is also discussed. Key Messages: Comprehensive elucidation of metabolic features and metabolism-epigenome crosstalk in germ cells is important to reveal how the characteristic metabolic pathways are involved in the germ cell regulation. The accumulation of such insights would lead to suggestions for optimal diets and supplements to maintain reproductive health through modulating metabolic and epigenetic status of germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Hayashi
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Matsui
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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Rwigemera A, El Omri-Charai R, Lecante LL, Delbes G. Dynamics in the expression of epigenetic modifiers and histone modifications in perinatal rat germ cells during de novo DNA methylation†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:361-373. [PMID: 33324985 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic reprogramming during perinatal germ cell development is essential for genomic imprinting and cell differentiation; however, the actors of this key event and their dynamics are poorly understood in rats. Our study aimed to characterize the expression patterns of epigenetic modifiers and the changes in histone modifications in rat gonocytes at the time of de novo DNA methylation. Using transgenic rats expressing Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) specifically in germ cells, we purified male gonocytes by fluorescent activated cell sorting at various stages of perinatal development and established the transcriptomic profile of 165 epigenetic regulators. Using immunofluorescence on gonad sections, we tracked six histone modifications in rat male and female perinatal germ cells over time, including methylation of histone H3 on lysines 27, 9, and 4; ubiquitination of histone H2A on lysine119; and acetylation of histone H2B on lysine 20. The results revealed the dynamics in the expression of ten-eleven translocation enzymes and DNA methyltransferases in male gonocytes at the time of de novo DNA methylation. Moreover, our transcriptomic data indicate a decrease in histone ubiquitination and methylation coinciding with the beginning of de novo DNA methylation. Decreases in H2AK119Ub and H3K27me3 were further confirmed by immunofluorescence in the male germ cells but were not consistent for all H3 methylation sites examined. Together, our data highlighted transient chromatin remodeling involving histone modifications during de novo DNA methylation. Further studies addressing how these dynamic changes in histone posttranslational modifications could guide de novo DNA methylation will help explain the complex establishment of the male germ cell epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlette Rwigemera
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Laetitia L Lecante
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Geraldine Delbes
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
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Sakib S, Voigt A, Goldsmith T, Dobrinski I. Three-dimensional testicular organoids as novel in vitro models of testicular biology and toxicology. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2019; 5:dvz011. [PMID: 31463083 PMCID: PMC6705190 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvz011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Organoids are three dimensional structures consisting of multiple cell types that recapitulate the cellular architecture and functionality of native organs. Over the last decade, the advent of organoid research has opened up many avenues for basic and translational studies. Following suit of other disciplines, research groups working in the field of male reproductive biology have started establishing and characterizing testicular organoids. The three-dimensional architectural and functional similarities of organoids to their tissue of origin facilitate study of complex cell interactions, tissue development and establishment of representative, scalable models for drug and toxicity screening. In this review, we discuss the current state of testicular organoid research, their advantages over conventional monolayer culture and their potential applications in the field of reproductive biology and toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadman Sakib
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Anna Voigt
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Taylor Goldsmith
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
- Correspondence address. Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Room 404, Heritage Medical Research Building, 3300 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada. Tel: 4032106523; Fax: 4032108821; E-mail:
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Oblette A, Rondeaux J, Dumont L, Delessard M, Saulnier J, Rives A, Rives N, Rondanino C. DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications in the mouse germline following in-vitro maturation of fresh or cryopreserved prepubertal testicular tissue. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:383-401. [PMID: 31315814 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Do cryopreservation and in-vitro culture procedures affect the expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) and histone-modifying enzymes, as well as the establishment of DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications (PTM) in germ cells in prepubertal mouse testicular tissue? DESIGN This study investigated the expression of epigenetic modification enzymes, DNA methylation and histone PTM, and the spermatogenic progression after in-vitro maturation of fresh or cryopreserved mouse prepubertal testicular tissue. Fresh or cryopreserved testicular fragments from 6-7 days post-partum mice were cultured for 30 days in the presence of retinol with or without FSH. RESULTS The in-vitro maturation of fresh or cryopreserved tissue allowed the differentiation of spermatogonia into spermatozoa. Differences in the levels of transcripts encoding epigenetic modification enzymes (Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Jarid1b, Src1, Sirt1, Hdac1) were found between 30-day tissue cultures and age-matched in-vivo controls. DNMT1/DNMT3a expression and the presence of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) were detected in spermatogonia and leptotene/zygotene spermatocytes in cultures. The relative 5mC fluorescence intensity was similar in spermatozoa produced in cultures of cryopreserved tissues or in vivo. H3K4me3, H3K9ac and H4K8ac were present in all germ cell types but differences in the proportion of germ cells containing these epigenetic marks were found after cultures. CONCLUSIONS Despite differences with the in-vivo situation, DNA methylation and histone methylation and acetylation occur in the mouse germline in in-vitro matured fresh or cryopreserved mouse prepubertal testicular tissue, and the expression of the enzymes catalysing these epigenetic modifications are maintained in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Oblette
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Rouen F 76000, France
| | - Julie Rondeaux
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Rouen F 76000, France
| | - Ludovic Dumont
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Rouen F 76000, France
| | - Marion Delessard
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Rouen F 76000, France
| | - Justine Saulnier
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Rouen F 76000, France
| | - Aurélie Rives
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Rouen F 76000, France
| | - Nathalie Rives
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Rouen F 76000, France
| | - Christine Rondanino
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality', Rouen University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Rouen F 76000, France.
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Norouzitallab P, Baruah K, Vanrompay D, Bossier P. Can epigenetics translate environmental cues into phenotypes? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 647:1281-1293. [PMID: 30180336 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Living organisms are constantly exposed to wide ranges of environmental cues. They react to these cues by undergoing a battery of phenotypic responses, such as by altering their physiological and behavioral traits, in order to adapt and survive in the changed environments. The adaptive response of a species induced by environmental cues is typically thought to be associated with its genetic diversity such that higher genetic diversity provides increased adaptive potential. This originates from the general consensus that phenotypic traits have a genetic basis and are subject to Darwinian natural selection and Mendelian inheritance. There is no doubt about the validity of these principles, supported by the successful introgression of specific traits during (selective) breeding. However, a range of recent studies provided fascinating evidences suggesting that environmental effects experienced by an organism during its lifetime can have marked influences on its phenotype, and additionally the organism can pass on the acquired phenotypes to its subsequent generations through non-genetic mechanisms (also termed as epigenetic mechanism) - a notion that dates back to Lamarck and has been controversial ever since. In this review, we describe how the epigenetics has reshaped our long perception about the inheritance/development of phenotypes within organisms, contrasting with the classical gene-based view of inheritance. We particularly highlighted recent developments in our understanding of inheritance of parental environmental induced phenotypic traits in multicellular organisms under different environmental conditions, and discuss how modifications of the epigenome contribute to the determination of the adult phenotype of future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Norouzitallab
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium; Laboratory of Aquaculture &Artemia Reference Center, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
| | - Kartik Baruah
- Laboratory of Aquaculture &Artemia Reference Center, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium; Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Peter Bossier
- Laboratory of Aquaculture &Artemia Reference Center, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
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