1
|
Gizer M, Önen S, Korkusuz P. The Evolutionary Route of in vitro Human Spermatogenesis: What is the Next Destination? Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:1406-1419. [PMID: 38684571 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10726-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Malfunction in spermatogenesis due to genetic diseases, trauma, congenital disorders or gonadotoxic treatments results in infertility in approximately 7% of males. The behavior of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) within three-dimensional, multifactorial, and dynamic microenvironment implicates a niche that serves as a repository for fertility, since can serve as a source of mature and functional male germ cells. Current protocols enable reprogramming of mature somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their limited differentiation to SSCs within the range of 0-5%. However, the resulting human iPSC-derived haploid spermatogenic germ cell yield in terms of number and functionality is currently insufficient for transfer to infertility clinic as a therapeutic tool. In this article, we reviewed the evolution of experimental culture platforms and introduced a novel iPSCs-based approach for in vitro spermatogenesis based on a niche perspective bearing cellular, chemical, and physical factors that provide the complex arrangement of testicular seminiferous tubules embedded within a vascularized stroma. We believe that bioengineered organoids supported by smart bio-printed tubules and microfluidic organ-on-a-chip systems offer efficient, precise, personalized platforms for autologous pluripotent stem cell sources to undergo the spermatogenetic cycle, presenting a promising tool for infertile male patients with complete testicular aplasia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merve Gizer
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
- METU MEMS Center, 06530, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Petek Korkusuz
- METU MEMS Center, 06530, Ankara, Turkey.
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Qu M, Liu X, Wang X, Li Z, Zhou L, Li H. Palmitoylation of vacuole membrane protein 1 promotes small extracellular vesicle secretion via interaction with ALIX and influences intercellular communication. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:150. [PMID: 38403678 PMCID: PMC10895845 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01529-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small extracellular vesicles (EVs), exemplified by exosomes, mediate intercellular communication by transporting proteins, mRNAs, and miRNAs. Post-translational modifications are involved in controlling small EV secretion process. However, whether palmitoylation regulates small EV secretion, remains largely unexplored. METHODS Vacuole Membrane Protein 1 (VMP1) was testified to be S-palmitoylated by Palmitoylation assays. VMP1 mutant plasmids were constructed to screen out the exact palmitoylation sites. Small EVs were isolated, identified and compared between wild-type VMP1 or mutant VMP1 transfected cells. Electron microscope and immunofluorescence were used to detect multivesicular body (MVB) number and morphology change when VMP1 was mutated. Immunoprecipitation and Mass spectrum were adopted to identify the protein that interacted with palmitoylated VMP1, while knock down experiment was used to explore the function of targeted protein ALIX. Taking human Sertoli cells (SCs) and human spermatogonial stem cell like cells (SSCLCs) as a model of intercellular communication, SSCLC maintenance was detected by flow cytometry and qPCR at 12 days of differentiation. In vivo, mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection with palmitoylation inhibitor, 2-bromopalmitate (2BP) for 3 months. RESULTS VMP1 was identified to be palmitoylated at cysteine 263,278 by ZDHHC3. Specifically, palmitoylation of VMP1 regulated its subcellular location and enhanced the amount of small EV secretion. Mutation of VMP1 palmitoylation sites interfered with the morphology and biogenesis of MVBs through suppressing intraluminal vesicle formation. Furthermore, inhibition of VMP1 palmitoylation impeded small EV secretion by affecting the interaction of VMP1 with ALIX, an accessory protein of the ESCRT machinery. Taking SCs and SSCLCs as a model of intercellular communication, we discovered VMP1 palmitoylation in SCs was vital to the growth status of SSCLCs in a co-culture system. Inhibition of VMP1 palmitoylation caused low self-maintenance, increased apoptosis, and decreased proliferation rate of SSCLCs. In vivo, intraperitoneal injection of 2BP inhibited VMP1 palmitoylation and exosomal marker expression in mouse testes, which were closely associated with the level of spermatogenic cell apoptosis and proliferation. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed a novel mechanism for small EV secretion regulated by VMP1 palmitoylation in Sertoli cells, and demonstrated its pivotal role in intercellular communication and SSC niche.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Qu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
- The Reproduction Medical Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital), 47 Youyi Road, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zili Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Liquan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
- Wuhan Huake Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li Z, Fang F, Zafar MI, Wu X, Liu X, Tan X, Luo J, Ye Z, Xiong C, Li H. RNA m 6A modification regulates L1 retrotransposons in human spermatogonial stem cell differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:92. [PMID: 38363375 PMCID: PMC10873452 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05119-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The maintenance of genome integrity in the germline is crucial for mammalian development. Long interspersed element type 1 (LINE-1, L1) is a mobile genetic element that makes up about 17% of the human genome and poses a threat to genome integrity. N6-methyl-adenosine (m6A) plays an essential role in regulating various biological processes. However, the function of m6A modification in L1 retrotransposons and human germline development remains largely unknown. Here we knocked out the m6A methyltransferase METTL3 or the m6A reader YTHDF2 in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and discovered that METTL3 and YTHDF2 are crucial for inducing human spermatogonial stem cells (hSSCs) from hESCs in vitro. The removal of METTL3 or YTHDF2 resulted in increased L1 retrotransposition and reduced the efficiency of SSC differentiation in vitro. Further analysis showed that YTHDF2 recognizes the METTL3-catalyzed m6A modification of L1 retrotransposons and degrades L1 mRNA through autophagy, thereby blocking L1 retrotransposition. Moreover, the study confirmed that m6A modification in human fetal germ cells promotes the degradation of L1 retrotransposon RNA, preventing the insertion of new L1 retrotransposons into the genome. Interestingly, L1 retrotransposon RNA was highly expressed while METTL3 was significantly downregulated in the seminal plasma of azoospermic patients with meiotic arrest compared to males with normal fertility. Additionally, we identified some potentially pathogenic variants in m6A-related genes in azoospermic men with meiotic arrest. In summary, our study suggests that m6A modification serves as a guardian of genome stability during human germline development and provides novel insights into the function and regulatory mechanisms of m6A modification in restricting L1 retrotransposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zili Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Wuhan Huake Reproductive Hospital, 128 Sanyang Road, Wuhan, 430013, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Mohammad Ishraq Zafar
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, N1 Shangcheng Avenue, Yiwu, China
| | - Xunwei Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xia Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jingwen Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhen Ye
- Wuhan Huake Reproductive Hospital, 128 Sanyang Road, Wuhan, 430013, China
| | - Chengliang Xiong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Wuhan Huake Reproductive Hospital, 128 Sanyang Road, Wuhan, 430013, China.
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Preparation, Application and Preservation of Human Stem Cells, Wuhan, 430013, China.
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Wuhan Huake Reproductive Hospital, 128 Sanyang Road, Wuhan, 430013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hong Y, Zhou X, Li Q, Chen J, Wei Y, Wang S, Zheng X, Zhao J, Yu C, Pei J, Zhang J, Long C, Shen L, Wu S, Wei G. Wnt10a downregulation contributes to MEHP-induced disruption of self-renewal and differentiation balance and proliferation inhibition in GC-1 cells: Insights from multiple transcriptomic profiling. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 333:122091. [PMID: 37364752 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), one of phthalic acid esters, has been widely used in daily products. Its main metabolite, mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) was reported to possess higher testicular toxicity than DEHP. To explore the precise mechanism in MEHP-induced testis damage, multiple transcriptomic sequencing was employed in spermatogonia cell line GC-1 cells treated with MEHP (0, 100, and 200 μM) for 24 h. Integrative omics analysis and empirical validation revealed that Wnt signaling pathway was downregulated and wnt10a, one of hub genes, may be the key player in this process. Similar results were observed in DEHP-exposed rats. MEHP-induced disturbance of self-renewal and differentiation was dose-dependent. Moreover, self-renewal proteins were downregulated; the differentiation level was stimulated. Meanwhile, GC-1 proliferation was decreased. Stable transformation strain of wnt10a overexpression GC-1 cell line constructed from lentivirus was utilized in this study. The upregulation of Wnt10a significantly reversed the dysfunction of self-renewal and differentiation and promoted the cell proliferation. Finally, retinol, predicted to be useful in CONNECTIVITY MAP (cMAP), failed to rescue the damage caused by MEHP. Cumulatively, our findings revealed that the downregulation of Wnt10a induced the imbalance of self-renew and differentiation, and inhibition of cell proliferation in GC-1 cells after MEHP exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Hong
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Xiazhu Zhou
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Yuexin Wei
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Xiangqin Zheng
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Chengjun Yu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Jun Pei
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Chunlan Long
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Lianju Shen
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| | - Shengde Wu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China.
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wu LJ, Lin W, Liu JJ, Chen WX, He WJ, Shi Y, Liu X, Li K. Transplantation of human induced pluripotent stem cell derived keratinocytes accelerates deep second-degree burn wound healing. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:713-733. [PMID: 37545758 PMCID: PMC10401420 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i7.713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current evidence shows that human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can effectively differentiate into keratinocytes (KCs), but its effect on skin burn healing has not been reported.
AIM To observe the effects of hiPSCs-derived KCs transplantation on skin burn healing in mice and to preliminarily reveal the underlying mechanisms.
METHODS An analysis of differentially expressed genes in burn wounds based on GEO datasets GSE140926, and GSE27186 was established. A differentiation medium containing retinoic acid and bone morphogenetic protein 4 was applied to induce hiPSCs to differentiate into KCs. The expression of KCs marker proteins was detected using immunofluorescence staining. A model of a C57BL/6 mouse with deep cutaneous second-degree burn was created, and then phosphate buffered saline (PBS), hiPSCs-KCs, or hiPSCs-KCs with knockdown of COL7A1 were injected around the wound surface. The wound healing, re-epithelialization, engraftment of hiPSCs-KCs into wounds, proinflammatory factor level, and the NF-κB pathway proteins were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, carboxifluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) fluorescence staining, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting on days 3, 7, and 14 after the injection, respectively. Moreover, the effects of COL7A1 knockdown on the proliferation and migration of hiPSCs-KCs were confirmed by immunohistochemistry, EdU, Transwell, and damage repair assays.
RESULTS HiPSCs-KCs could express the hallmark proteins of KCs. COL7A1 was down-regulated in burn wound tissues and highly expressed in hiPSCs-KCs. Transplantation of hiPSCs-KCs into mice with burn wounds resulted in a significant decrease in wound area, an increase in wound re-epithelialization, a decrease in proinflammatory factors content, and an inhibition of NF-κB pathway activation compared to the PBS group. The in vitro assay showed that COL7A1 knockdown could rescue the inhibition of hiPSCs-KCs proliferation and migration, providing further evidence that COL7A1 speeds up burn wound healing by limiting cell proliferation and migration.
CONCLUSION In deep, second-degree burn wounds, COL7A1 can promote KC proliferation and migration while also suppressing the inflammatory response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jun Wu
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jian-Jiang Liu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei-Xin Chen
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen-Jun He
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuan Shi
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zeng S, Chen L, Liu X, Tang H, Wu H, Liu C. Single-cell multi-omics analysis reveals dysfunctional Wnt signaling of spermatogonia in non-obstructive azoospermia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1138386. [PMID: 37334314 PMCID: PMC10273265 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1138386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe type that leads to 1% of male infertility. Wnt signaling governs normal sperm maturation. However, the role of Wnt signaling in spermatogonia in NOA has incompletely been uncovered, and upstream molecules regulating Wnt signaling remain unclear. Methods Bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of NOA was used to identify the hub gene module in NOA utilizing weighted gene co-expression network analyses (WGCNAs). Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of NOA was employed to explore dysfunctional signaling pathways in the specific cell type with gene sets of signaling pathways. Single-cell regulatory network inference and clustering (pySCENIC) for Python analysis was applied to speculate putative transcription factors in spermatogonia. Moreover, single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (scATAC-seq) determined the regulated genes of these transcription factors. Finally, spatial transcriptomic data were used to analyze cell type and Wnt signaling spatial distribution. Results The Wnt signaling pathway was demonstrated to be enriched in the hub gene module of NOA by bulk RNA-seq. Then, scRNA-seq data revealed the downregulated activity and dysfunction of Wnt signaling of spermatogonia in NOA samples. Conjoint analyses of the pySCENIC algorithm and scATAC-seq data indicated that three transcription factors (CTCF, AR, and ARNTL) were related to the activities of Wnt signaling in NOA. Eventually, spatial expression localization of Wnt signaling was identified to be in accordance with the distribution patterns of spermatogonia, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells. Conclusion In conclusion, we identified that downregulated Wnt signaling of spermatogonia in NOA and three transcription factors (CTCF, AR, and ARNTL) may be involved in this dysfunctional Wnt signaling. These findings provide new mechanisms for NOA and new therapeutic targets for NOA patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengjie Zeng
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liuxun Chen
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xvdong Liu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haibin Tang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chuan Liu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Choi J, Hwang J, Ramalingam M, Jeong HS, Jang S. Effects of HDAC inhibitors on neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell differentiation into mature neurons via the Wnt signaling pathway. BMC Neurosci 2023; 24:28. [PMID: 37127577 PMCID: PMC10152798 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-023-00798-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors affect cell homeostasis, gene expression, and cell cycle progression and promote cell terminal differentiation or apoptosis. However, the effect of HDAC inhibition on SH-SY5Y cells, which are neuroblastoma cells capable of differentiating into neurons under specific conditions, such as in the presence of retinoic acid (RA), is unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that HDAC inhibitors induced the neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells. To test this hypothesis, we used phase contrast microscopy, immunocytochemistry (ICC), qPCR, and western blotting analysis. MS-275 and valproic acid (VPA), two HDAC inhibitors, were selected to evaluate neuronal differentiation. It was confirmed that cells treated with MS-275 or VPA differentiated into mature neurons, which were distinguished by bipolar or multipolar morphologies with elongated branches. In addition, the mRNA expression of neuronal markers (Tuj1 and NEFH) and the oligodendrocyte marker (CNP) was significantly increased with MS-275 or VPA treatment compared to that with RA treatment. In addition, the protein expression of the other neuronal markers, Tuj1 and NeuN, was highly increased with HDAC inhibitor treatments compared to that with RA treatment. Furthermore, we confirmed that noncanonical Wnt signaling was upregulated by HDAC inhibitors via MAPK signaling and the Wnt/JNK pathway. Therefore, both MS-275 and VPA promoted the differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells into mature neurons via the Wnt signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiyun Choi
- Department of Physiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun-gun, Jellanamdo, 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsu Hwang
- Department of Physiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun-gun, Jellanamdo, 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Mahesh Ramalingam
- Department of Physiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun-gun, Jellanamdo, 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Seong Jeong
- Department of Physiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun-gun, Jellanamdo, 58128, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sujeong Jang
- Department of Physiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun-gun, Jellanamdo, 58128, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang X, Liu X, Qu M, Li H. Sertoli cell-only syndrome: advances, challenges, and perspectives in genetics and mechanisms. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:67. [PMID: 36814036 PMCID: PMC11072804 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04723-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility can be caused by quantitative and/or qualitative abnormalities in spermatogenesis, which affects men's physical and mental health. Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) is the most severe histological phenotype of male infertility characterized by the depletion of germ cells with only Sertoli cells remaining in the seminiferous tubules. Most SCOS cases cannot be explained by the already known genetic causes including karyotype abnormalities and microdeletions of the Y chromosome. With the development of sequencing technology, studies on screening new genetic causes for SCOS are growing in recent years. Directly sequencing of target genes in sporadic cases and whole-exome sequencing applied in familial cases have identified several genes associated with SCOS. Analyses of the testicular transcriptome, proteome, and epigenetics in SCOS patients provide explanations regarding the molecular mechanisms of SCOS. In this review, we discuss the possible relationship between defective germline development and SCOS based on mouse models with SCO phenotype. We also summarize the advances and challenges in the exploration of genetic causes and mechanisms of SCOS. Knowing the genetic factors of SCOS offers a better understanding of SCO and human spermatogenesis, and it also has practical significance for improving diagnosis, making appropriate medical decisions, and genetic counseling. For therapeutic implications, SCOS research, along with the achievements in stem cell technologies and gene therapy, build the foundation to develop novel therapies for SCOS patients to produce functional spermatozoa, giving them hope to father children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Mengyuan Qu
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China.
- Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, 430000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang X, Li Z, Qu M, Xiong C, Li H. A homozygous PIWIL2 frameshift variant affects the formation and maintenance of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived spermatogonial stem cells and causes Sertoli cell-only syndrome. STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY 2022; 13:480. [PMID: 36153567 PMCID: PMC9509617 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03175-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background The most serious condition of male infertility is complete Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS), which refers to the lack of all spermatogenic cells in the testes. The genetic cause of SCOS remains to be explored. We aimed to investigate the genetic cause of SCOS and assess the effects of the identified causative variant on human male germ cells. Methods Whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify potentially pathogenic variants in a man with complete SCOS, and Sanger sequencing was performed to verify the causative variant in this man and his father and brother. The pathogenic mechanisms of the causative variant were investigated by in vitro differentiation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into germ cell-like cells. Results The homozygous loss-of-function (LoF) variant p.His244ArgfsTer31 (c.731_732delAT) in PIWIL2 was identified as the causative variant in the man with complete SCOS, and the same variant in heterozygosis was confirmed in his father and brother. This variant resulted in a truncated PIWIL2 protein lacking all functional domains, and no PIWIL2 expression was detected in the patient’s testes. The patient and PIWIL2−/− hiPSCs could be differentiated into primordial germ cell-like cells and spermatogonial stem cell-like cells (SSCLCs) in vitro, but the formation and maintenance of SSCLCs were severely impaired. RNA-seq analyses suggested the inactivation of the Wnt signaling pathway in the process of SSCLC induction in the PIWIL2−/− group, which was validated in the patient group by RT-qPCR. The Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor hindered the formation and maintenance of SSCLCs during the differentiation of normal hiPSCs. Conclusions Our study revealed the pivotal role of PIWIL2 in the formation and maintenance of human spermatogonial stem cells. We provided clinical and functional evidence that the LoF variant in PIWIL2 is a genetic cause of SCOS, which supported the potential role of PIWIL2 in genetic diagnosis. Furthermore, our results highlighted the applicability of in vitro differentiation models to function validation experiments. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03175-6.
Collapse
|
10
|
Gao X, Shi X, Zhou S, Chen C, Hu C, Xia Q, Li X, Gao W, Ding Y, Zuo Q, Zhang Y, Li B. DNA hypomethylation activation Wnt/TCF7L2/TDRD1 pathway promotes spermatogonial stem cell formation. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3640-3650. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Gao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri‐Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
| | - Xiang Shi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri‐Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
| | - Shujian Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri‐Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
| | - Chen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri‐Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
| | - Cai Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri‐Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
| | - Qian Xia
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri‐Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
| | - Xinlin Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri‐Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
| | - Wen Gao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri‐Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
| | - Ying Ding
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri‐Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
| | - Qisheng Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri‐Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
| | - Yani Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri‐Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
| | - Bichun Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri‐Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China Yangzhou University Yangzhou China
| |
Collapse
|