1
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Simons E, Camidge DR. Lung Cancer Oncogene-Directed Therapy, Fertility, and Pregnancy. J Thorac Oncol 2024; 19:866-876. [PMID: 38185202 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2024.01.003] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alterations in the highly actionable lung cancer oncogenes, EGFR, ALK, and ROS1, occur across the age spectrum. Pregnancy and plans for motherhood consequently overlap with diagnoses of advanced oncogene-driven NSCLC. Guidelines for cytotoxic agents and pregnancy are well established. Nevertheless, accessible data on targeted lung cancer therapy during pregnancy or egg retrieval has not been collated previously, nor have the issues of reproduction in the setting of specific oncogene-addicted advanced NSCLC been widely discussed. METHODS We performed a narrative review of ex vivo placenta perfusion studies, pharmacologic characteristics, mutagenicity, animal embryo-fetal development studies, and case reports of pathways to motherhood, pregnancies, and egg retrieval while on EGFR-, ALK-, or ROS1-targeted therapy. RESULTS EGFR inhibitors may reduce female fertility while on therapy owing to decrease in corpora lutea. Odds of pregnancy in women on EGFR and ALK inhibitors may be reduced owing to potential increase in postimplantation loss found in animals. Crizotinib and entrectinib exhibit in vitro mutagenic potential. Several effects on human pregnancies have been noted; however, 11 EGFR and ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor-exposed infants have been documented free of substantial adverse health effects by ages 4 months to 2 years. Successful gestational surrogacy has been reported in two women treated with crizotinib. Adoption and termination approaches have also been undertaken by some patients. CONCLUSIONS Reproduction may not be out of reach for some patients with advanced NSCLC. Additional explorations of the impact and optimal timing of targeted therapy in egg capture and pregnancy are needed. Wider scientific and societal discussion about the issues of reproduction in advanced NSCLC is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Simons
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado; Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Loveland, Colorado.
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2
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Khan MS, Altwaijry N, Al-Bagmi MS, Alafaleq NO, Alokail MS, Shahwan M, Shamsi A. Structure-guided identification of potent inhibitors of ROS1 kinase for therapeutic development against non-small cell lung cancer. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:3837-3847. [PMID: 37254309 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2217450] [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: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase ROS (ROS1) is a member of the sevenless receptor, which affects epithelial cell differentiation and is highly expressed in a variety of tumor cells. The elevated expression and dysfunction of ROS1 have been involved in various malignancies, such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), stomach cancer, ovarian, breast cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal cancer, adenosarcoma, oesophageal cancer, etc. ROS1 has been postulated as a potential drug target in anticancer therapeutics. In this study, we carried out a virtual screening of phytochemicals against ROS1 to identify its potential inhibitors. The virtual screening process was performed on the ROS1 structure, where two phytochemicals, Helioscopinolide C and Taiwanin C, were identified. These compounds resulted from filters like Lipinski rule of five, PAINS filter, binding affinities values, and all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations followed by principal component analysis (PCA) and essential dynamics. The findings of this study highlight the role of ROS1 in multiple physiological candidates and its therapeutic targeting using phytochemicals. This study suggests Helioscopinolide C and Taiwanin C as potential compounds for therapeutic development targeting ROS1-associated non-small cell lung cancer for clinical applications. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments are required to validate these findings.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Shahnawaz Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, KSA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nojood Altwaijry
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, KSA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moneera Saud Al-Bagmi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, KSA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf Omar Alafaleq
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, KSA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed S Alokail
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, KSA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moyad Shahwan
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anas Shamsi
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
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3
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Toriseva M, Björkgren I, Junnila A, Mehmood A, Mattsson J, Raimoranta I, Kim B, Laiho A, Nees M, Elo L, Poutanen M, Breton S, Sipilä P. RUNX transcription factors are essential in maintaining epididymal epithelial differentiation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:183. [PMID: 38630262 PMCID: PMC11023966 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05211-5] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Apart from the androgen receptor, transcription factors (TFs) that are required for the development and formation of the different segments of the epididymis have remained unknown. We identified TF families expressed in the developing epididymides, of which many showed segment specificity. From these TFs, down-regulation of runt related transcription factors (RUNXs) 1 and 2 expression coincides with epithelial regression in Dicer1 cKO mice. Concomitant deletion of both Runx1 and Runx2 in a mouse epididymal epithelial cell line affected cell morphology, adhesion and mobility in vitro. Furthermore, lack of functional RUNXs severely disturbed the formation of 3D epididymal organoid-like structures. Transcriptomic analysis of the epididymal cell organoid-like structures indicated that RUNX1 and RUNX2 are involved in the regulation of MAPK signaling, NOTCH pathway activity, and EMT-related gene expression. This suggests that RUNXs are master regulators of several essential signaling pathways, and necessary for the maintenance of proper differentiation of the epididymal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mervi Toriseva
- Institute of Biomedicine, Cancer Research Unit and FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Ida Björkgren
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Arttu Junnila
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Arfa Mehmood
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Jesse Mattsson
- Institute of Biomedicine, Cancer Research Unit and FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Inka Raimoranta
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Bongki Kim
- Program in Membrane Biology/Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Simches Research Center, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Chungcheongnam-do, Yesan, 32439, Republic of Korea
| | - Asta Laiho
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Matthias Nees
- Institute of Biomedicine, Cancer Research Unit and FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Elo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology/Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Simches Research Center, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center-CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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4
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Kiyozumi D. Distinct actions of testicular endocrine and lumicrine signaling on the proximal epididymal transcriptome. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:40. [PMID: 38600586 PMCID: PMC11005294 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01213-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The epididymal function and gene expression in mammals are under the control of the testis. Sex steroids are secreted from the testis and act on the epididymis in an endocrine manner. There is another, non-sex steroidal secreted signaling, named lumicrine signaling, in which testis-derived secreted proteins go through the male reproductive tract and act on the epididymis. The effects of such multiple regulations on the epididymis by the testis have been investigated for many genes. The recent development of high-throughput next-generation sequencing now enables us a further comparative survey of endocrine and lumicrine action-dependent gene expression. In the present study, testis-derived endocrine and lumicrine actions on epididymal gene expression were comparatively investigated by RNA-seq transcriptomic analyses. This investigation utilized experimental animal models in which testis-derived endocrine and/or lumicrine actions were interfered with, such as unilateral or bilateral orchidectomy. By bilateral orchidectomy, which interferes with both endocrine and lumicrine actions, 431 genes were downregulated. By unilateral orchidectomy, which also interferes with endocrine and lumicrine actions by the unilateral testis, but the endocrine action was compensated by the contralateral testis, 283 genes were downregulated. The content of such genes downregulated by unilateral orchidectomy was like those of lumicrine action-interfered efferent duct-ligation, W/Wv, and Nell2-/- mice. When genes affected by unilateral and bilateral orchidectomy were compared, 154 genes were commonly downregulated, whereas 217 genes were specifically downregulated only by bilateral orchidectomy, indicating the distinction between endocrine and lumicrine actions on the proximal epididymal transcriptome. Comparative transcriptome analyses also showed that the expressions of genes emerging since Amniota were notably impacted by bilateral orchidectomy, unilateral orchidectomy, and lumicrine action-interfering treatments; the degree of influence from these treatments varied based on the evolutionary stage beyond Amniota. These findings unveil an evolutional transition of regulated gene expression in the proximal epididymis by two different testis-derived signaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiji Kiyozumi
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, 7, Gobancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0076, Japan.
- Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan.
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-2, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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5
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Kiyozumi D. Expression of NELL2/NICOL-ROS1 lumicrine signaling-related molecules in the human male reproductive tract. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:3. [PMID: 38169386 PMCID: PMC10759339 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01175-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The maturation of spermatozoa is a regulated process, influenced by genes expressing essential secreted proteins in the proximal epididymis. Recent genetic studies in rodents have identified the non-sex steroidal molecular signals that regulate gene expression in the proximal epididymis. Germ cells in the testis secrete ligand proteins into the seminiferous tubule lumen The ligand proteins travel through the male reproductive tract lumen to the epididymis, where they bind to receptors, triggering the differentiation of the luminal epithelium for sperm maturation. It is, however, not fully unveiled if such a testis-epididymis trans-luminal signaling mechanism exists in other species, especially humans. In the present study, the rodent-type testis-epididymis trans-luminal signaling in the human male reproductive tract was evaluated in a step-by-step manner by analyzing testis and epididymis gene expression and signaling mediator protein function. There was a significant correlation between the epididymal expressions of mouse genes upregulated by the trans-luminal signaling and those of their human orthologs, as evaluated by the correlation coefficient of 0.604. The transcript expression of NELL2 and NICOL encoding putative ligand proteins was also observed in human testicular cells. In vitro experiments demonstrated that purified recombinant human NELL2 and NICOL formed a molecular complex with similar properties to rodent proteins, which was evaluated by a dissociation equilibrium constant of 110 nM. Recombinant human NELL2 also specifically bound to its putative receptor human ROS1 in vitro. Collectively, these findings suggest that the rodent-type testis-epididymis secreted signaling mechanism is also possible in the human male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiji Kiyozumi
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, 7, Gobancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0076, Japan.
- Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan.
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6
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Meyer C, McCoy M, Li L, Posner B, Westover KD. LIMS-Kinase provides sensitive and generalizable label-free in vitro measurement of kinase activity using mass spectrometry. CELL REPORTS. PHYSICAL SCIENCE 2023; 4:101599. [PMID: 38213501 PMCID: PMC10783653 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2023.101599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Measurements of kinase activity are important for kinase-directed drug development, analysis of inhibitor structure and function, and understanding mechanisms of drug resistance. Sensitive, accurate, and miniaturized assay methods are crucial for these investigations. Here, we describe a label-free, high-throughput mass spectrometry-based assay for studying individual kinase enzymology and drug discovery in a purified system, with a focus on validated drug targets as benchmarks. We demonstrate that this approach can be adapted to many known kinase substrates and highlight the benefits of using mass spectrometry to measure kinase activity in vitro, including increased sensitivity. We speculate that this approach to measuring kinase activity will be generally applicable across most of the kinome, enabling research on understudied kinases and kinase drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Meyer
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Melissa McCoy
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lianbo Li
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Bruce Posner
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Kenneth D. Westover
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- X (formerly Twitter): @KENWESTOVER
- Lead contact
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7
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Kiyozumi D, Ikawa M. Adhesion G protein-coupled receptor G2 is dispensable for lumicrine signaling regulating epididymal initial segment differentiation and gene expression†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:474-481. [PMID: 37531264 PMCID: PMC10577274 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian epididymis is the organ for functional sperm maturation. In rodents, the initial segment, the most proximal region of the epididymis, plays a critical role in sperm maturation. The luminal epithelial differentiation and the following gene expression of the initial segment are regulated by the lumicrine signaling, a testis-epididymis transluminal secreted signaling. Adhesion G protein-coupled receptor G2 (ADGRG2) is expressed in the efferent duct and the initial segment epididymis. In the preceding study, Adgrg2 ablation decreased the expression of several genes expressed in the initial segment. Such downregulated genes include those known to be regulated by lumicrine signaling, suggesting the involvement of ADGRG2 in lumicrine signaling. The present study examined whether ADGRG2 is associated with the lumicrine signaling regulating epididymal initial segment differentiation and gene expression. Adgrg2-null mice were generated by CRISPR/CAS9-mediated genome editing. The postnatal differentiation of the Adgrg2-null male epididymal initial segment was histologically comparable with that of control wild-type animals. The RNA-seq of Adgrg2-null mice was performed together with those of efferent duct-ligated and W/Wv mice in both of which lumicrine signaling is defective. The comparative transcriptome analyses clarified that the expressions of genes expressed in the initial segment and regulated by lumicrine signaling were decreased by Adgrg2 nullification. However, the extent of such downregulations observed in Adgrg2-null epididymis was not so prominent compared with those of lumicrine signaling deficient Nell2-/-, efferent duct-ligated, or W/Wv mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that ADGRG2 is dispensable for the lumicrine regulation of epididymal initial segment differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiji Kiyozumi
- Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi
, Japan
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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8
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Crossen MJ, Wilbourne J, Fogarty A, Zhao F. Epithelial and mesenchymal fate decisions in Wolffian duct development. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2023; 34:462-473. [PMID: 37330364 PMCID: PMC10524679 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Wolffian ducts (WDs) are the paired embryonic structures that give rise to internal male reproductive tract organs. WDs are initially formed in both sexes but have sex-specific fates during sexual differentiation. Understanding WD differentiation requires insights into the process of fate decisions of epithelial and mesenchymal cells, which are tightly coordinated by endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine signals. In this review, we discuss current advances in understanding the fate-decision process of WD epithelial and mesenchymal lineages from their initial formation at the embryonic stage to postnatal differentiation. Finally, we discuss aberrant cell differentiation in WD abnormalities and pathologies and identify opportunities for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKenna J Crossen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jillian Wilbourne
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Allyssa Fogarty
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Comparative Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Comparative Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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9
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Kiyozumi D, Shimada K, Chalick M, Emori C, Kodani M, Oura S, Noda T, Endo T, Matzuk MM, Wreschner DH, Ikawa M. A small secreted protein NICOL regulates lumicrine-mediated sperm maturation and male fertility. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2354. [PMID: 37095084 PMCID: PMC10125973 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37984-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian spermatozoa produced in the testis require functional maturation in the epididymis for their full competence. Epididymal sperm maturation is regulated by lumicrine signalling pathways in which testis-derived secreted signals relocate to the epididymis lumen and promote functional differentiation. However, the detailed mechanisms of lumicrine regulation are unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that a small secreted protein, NELL2-interacting cofactor for lumicrine signalling (NICOL), plays a crucial role in lumicrine signalling in mice. NICOL is expressed in male reproductive organs, including the testis, and forms a complex with the testis-secreted protein NELL2, which is transported transluminally from the testis to the epididymis. Males lacking Nicol are sterile due to impaired NELL2-mediated lumicrine signalling, leading to defective epididymal differentiation and deficient sperm maturation but can be restored by NICOL expression in testicular germ cells. Our results demonstrate how lumicrine signalling regulates epididymal function for successful sperm maturation and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiji Kiyozumi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan.
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 3320012, Japan.
| | - Kentaro Shimada
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan
| | - Michael Chalick
- Shmunis School for Biomedicine and Cancer Research, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Chihiro Emori
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan
| | - Mayo Kodani
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan
| | - Seiya Oura
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan
| | - Taichi Noda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Endo
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Daniel H Wreschner
- Shmunis School for Biomedicine and Cancer Research, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978, Israel.
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan.
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan.
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan.
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 1088639, Japan.
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 3320012, Japan.
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10
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Male sterility in ROS1 receptor tyrosine kinase conditionally deleted in epididymal epithelial. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119413. [PMID: 36535370 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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11
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Alves MBR, Girardet L, Augière C, Moon KH, Lavoie-Ouellet C, Bernet A, Soulet D, Calvo E, Teves ME, Beauparlant CJ, Droit A, Bastien A, Robert C, Bok J, Hinton BT, Belleannée C. Hedgehog signaling regulates Wolffian duct development through the primary cilium†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:241-257. [PMID: 36525341 PMCID: PMC9930401 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac210] [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: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cilia play pivotal roles in embryonic patterning and organogenesis through transduction of the Hedgehog signaling pathway (Hh). Although mutations in Hh morphogens impair the development of the gonads and trigger male infertility, the contribution of Hh and primary cilia in the development of male reproductive ductules, including the epididymis, remains unknown. From a Pax2Cre; IFT88fl/fl knock-out mouse model, we found that primary cilia deletion is associated with imbalanced Hh signaling and morphometric changes in the Wolffian duct (WD), the embryonic precursor of the epididymis. Similar effects were observed following pharmacological blockade of primary cilia formation and Hh modulation on WD organotypic cultures. The expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix, mesenchymal-epithelial transition, canonical Hh and WD development was significantly altered after treatments. Altogether, we identified the primary cilia-dependent Hh signaling as a master regulator of genes involved in WD development. This provides new insights regarding the etiology of sexual differentiation and male infertility issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Bianchi Rodrigues Alves
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Laura Girardet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Céline Augière
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Kyeong Hye Moon
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Camille Lavoie-Ouellet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Agathe Bernet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Denis Soulet
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Neurosciences, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Ezequiel Calvo
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Maria E Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Charles Joly Beauparlant
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Bastien
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Department of Animal Sciences—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Claude Robert
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Department of Animal Sciences—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jinwoong Bok
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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12
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Drilon A, Jenkins C, Iyer S, Schoenfeld A, Keddy C, Davare MA. ROS1-dependent cancers - biology, diagnostics and therapeutics. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2020; 18:35-55. [PMID: 32760015 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-020-0408-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The proto-oncogene ROS1 encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase with an unknown physiological role in humans. Somatic chromosomal fusions involving ROS1 produce chimeric oncoproteins that drive a diverse range of cancers in adult and paediatric patients. ROS1-directed tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are therapeutically active against these cancers, although only early-generation multikinase inhibitors have been granted regulatory approval, specifically for the treatment of ROS1 fusion-positive non-small-cell lung cancers; histology-agnostic approvals have yet to be granted. Intrinsic or extrinsic mechanisms of resistance to ROS1 TKIs can emerge in patients. Potential factors that influence resistance acquisition include the subcellular localization of the particular ROS1 oncoprotein and the TKI properties such as the preferential kinase conformation engaged and the spectrum of targets beyond ROS1. Importantly, the polyclonal nature of resistance remains underexplored. Higher-affinity next-generation ROS1 TKIs developed to have improved intracranial activity and to mitigate ROS1-intrinsic resistance mechanisms have demonstrated clinical efficacy in these regards, thus highlighting the utility of sequential ROS1 TKI therapy. Selective ROS1 inhibitors have yet to be developed, and thus the specific adverse effects of ROS1 inhibition cannot be deconvoluted from the toxicity profiles of the available multikinase inhibitors. Herein, we discuss the non-malignant and malignant biology of ROS1, the diagnostic challenges that ROS1 fusions present and the strategies to target ROS1 fusion proteins in both treatment-naive and acquired-resistance settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Drilon
- Early Drug Development and Thoracic Oncology Service, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Chelsea Jenkins
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sudarshan Iyer
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Adam Schoenfeld
- Early Drug Development and Thoracic Oncology Service, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Clare Keddy
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Monika A Davare
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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13
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Kiyozumi D, Noda T, Yamaguchi R, Tobita T, Matsumura T, Shimada K, Kodani M, Kohda T, Fujihara Y, Ozawa M, Yu Z, Miklossy G, Bohren KM, Horie M, Okabe M, Matzuk MM, Ikawa M. NELL2-mediated lumicrine signaling through OVCH2 is required for male fertility. Science 2020; 368:1132-1135. [PMID: 32499443 PMCID: PMC7396227 DOI: 10.1126/science.aay5134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The lumicrine system is a postulated signaling system in which testis-derived (upstream) secreted factors enter the male reproductive tract to regulate epididymal (downstream) pathways required for sperm maturation. Until now, no lumicrine factors have been identified. We demonstrate that a testicular germ-cell-secreted epidermal growth factor-like protein, neural epidermal growth factor-like-like 2 (NELL2), specifically binds to an orphan receptor tyrosine kinase, c-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1), and mediates the differentiation of the initial segment (IS) of the caput epididymis. Male mice in which Nell2 had been knocked out were infertile. The IS-specific secreted proteases, ovochymase 2 (OVCH2) and A disintegrin and metallopeptidase 28 (ADAM28), were expressed upon IS maturation, and OVCH2 was required for processing of the sperm surface protein ADAM3, which is required for sperm fertilizing ability. This work identifies a lumicrine system essential for testis-epididymis-spermatozoa (NELL2-ROS1-OVCH2-ADAM3) signaling and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiji Kiyozumi
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Taichi Noda
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Ryo Yamaguchi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Tobita
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Takafumi Matsumura
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Kentaro Shimada
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Mayo Kodani
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Takashi Kohda
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Yamanashi 4008510, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Fujihara
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Manabu Ozawa
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 1088639, Japan
| | - Zhifeng Yu
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Gabriella Miklossy
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kurt M Bohren
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Masato Horie
- Department of CNS Research, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Kawauchi-cho, Tokushima 771-0192, Japan
| | - Masaru Okabe
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan.
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 1088639, Japan
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14
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Hippo kinases MST1 and MST2 control the differentiation of the epididymal initial segment via the MEK-ERK pathway. Cell Death Differ 2020; 27:2797-2809. [PMID: 32332916 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-0544-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the roles of the Hippo pathway in organogenesis and tumorigenesis have been well studied in multiple organs, its role in sperm maturation and male fertility has not been investigated. The initial segment (IS) of the epididymis plays a critical role in sperm maturation. IS differentiation is governed by ERK1/2, but the mechanisms of ERK1/2 activation in IS are not fully understood. Here we show that double knockout (dKO) of mammalian sterile 20-like kinases 1 and 2 (Mst1 and Mst2), homologs of Hippo in Drosophila, in the epididymal epithelium led to male infertility in mice. Sperm in the cauda epididymides of mutant mice were immotile with flagellar angulation and severely disorganized structures. Loss of Mst1/2 activated YAP and increased proliferation and cell death in all the segments of epididymis. The mutant mice showed substantially suppressed MEK/ERK signaling in the IS and failed IS differentiation. Deletion of Yap restored the reduced MEK/ERK signaling, and partially rescued the defective IS differentiation and fertility in Mst1/2 dKO mice. Our results demonstrate that YAP inhibits the MEK/ERK pathway in IS epithelial cells, and MST1/2 control IS differentiation and fertility at least partially by repressing YAP. Taken together, the Hippo pathway is essential for sperm maturation and male fertility.
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15
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A framework for high-resolution phenotyping of candidate male infertility mutants: from human to mouse. Hum Genet 2020; 140:155-182. [PMID: 32248361 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02159-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility is a heterogeneous condition of largely unknown etiology that affects at least 7% of men worldwide. Classical genetic approaches and emerging next-generation sequencing studies support genetic variants as a frequent cause of male infertility. Meanwhile, the barriers to transmission of this disease mean that most individual genetic cases will be rare, but because of the large percentage of the genome required for spermatogenesis, the number of distinct causal mutations is potentially large. Identifying bona fide causes of male infertility thus requires advanced filtering techniques to select for high-probability candidates, including the ability to test causality in animal models. The mouse remains the gold standard for defining the genotype-phenotype connection in male fertility. Here, we present a best practice guide consisting of (a) major points to consider when interpreting next-generation sequencing data performed on infertile men, and, (b) a systematic strategy to categorize infertility types and how they relate to human male infertility. Phenotyping infertility in mice can involve investigating the function of multiple cell types across the testis and epididymis, as well as sperm function. These findings will feed into the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility as well as male health broadly.
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16
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Park YJ, Kim JH, Kim HY, Park HB, Choe J, Kim GW, Baek SY, Chung HJ, Park YJ, Kim B. The expression and localization of V-ATPase and cytokeratin 5 during postnatal development of the pig epididymis. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2019; 33:1077-1086. [PMID: 32054197 PMCID: PMC7322665 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.19.0587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective We examined the localization and expression of H+ pumping vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) and cytokeratin 5 (KRT5) in the epididymis of pigs, expressed in clear and basal cells, respectively, during postnatal development. Methods Epididymides were obtained from pigs at 1, 7, 21, 60, 120, and 180 days of age; we observed the localization and expression patterns of V-ATPase and KRT5 in the different regions of these organs, namely, the caput, corpus, and cauda. The differentiation of epididymal epithelial cells was determined by immunofluorescence labeling using cell-type-specific markers and observed using confocal microscopy. Results At postnatal day 5 (PND5), the localization of clear cells commenced migration from the cauda toward the caput. Although at PND120, goblet-shaped clear cells were detected along the entire length of the epididymis, those labeled for V-ATPase had disappeared from the corpus to cauda and were maintained only in the caput epididymis in adult pigs. In contrast, whereas basal cells labeled for KRT5 were only present in the vas deferens at birth, they were detected in all regions of the epididymis at PND60. These cells were localized at the base of the epithelium; however, no basal cells characterized by luminally extending cell projections were observed in any of the adult epididymides examined. Conclusion The differentiation of clear and basal cells progressively initiates in a retrograde manner from the cauda to the caput epididymis. The cell-type-specific distribution and localization of the epithelial cells play important roles in establishing a unique luminal environment for sperm maturation and storage in the pig epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Jae Park
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
| | - Ji-Hyuk Kim
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
| | - Hack-Youn Kim
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
| | - Hee-Bok Park
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
| | - Juhui Choe
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
| | - Gye-Woong Kim
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
| | - Sun-Young Baek
- Division of Swine Science, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31172, Korea
| | - Hak-Jae Chung
- Division of Swine Science, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31172, Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Korea
| | - Bongki Kim
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
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17
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Breton S, Ruan YC, Park YJ, Kim B. Regulation of epithelial function, differentiation, and remodeling in the epididymis. Asian J Androl 2016; 18:3-9. [PMID: 26585699 PMCID: PMC4736353 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.165946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The epididymis is a single convoluted tubule lined by a pseudostratified epithelium. Specialized epididymal epithelial cells, the so-called principal, basal, narrow, and clear cells, establish a unique luminal environment for the maturation and storage of spermatozoa. The epididymis is functionally and structurally divided into several segments and sub-segments that create regionally distinct luminal environments. This organ is immature at birth, and epithelial cells acquire their fully differentiated phenotype during an extended postnatal period, but the factors involved in this complex process remain incompletely characterized. In the adult epididymis, the establishment of an acidic luminal pH and low bicarbonate concentration in the epididymis contributes to preventing premature activation of spermatozoa during their maturation and storage. Clear cells are proton-secreting cells throughout the epididymis, but principal cells have distinct acid/base transport properties, depending on their localization within the epididymis. Basal cells are located in all epididymal segments, but they have a distinct morphology depending on the segment and species examined. How this structural plasticity of basal cells is regulated is discussed here. Also, the role of luminal factors and androgens in the regulation of epithelial cells is reviewed in relation to their respective localization in the proximal versus distal regions of the epididymis. Finally, we describe a novel role for CFTR in tubulogenesis and epithelial cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Breton
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology/Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA,
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18
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Xu B, Washington AM, Hinton BT. Initial Segment Differentiation Begins During a Critical Window and Is Dependent upon Lumicrine Factors and SRC Proto-Oncogene (SRC) in the Mouse. Biol Reprod 2016; 95:15. [PMID: 27281706 PMCID: PMC5029432 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.138388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Without a fully developed and functioning initial segment, the most proximal region of the epididymis, male infertility results. Therefore, it is important to understand the development of the initial segment. During postnatal development of the epididymis, many cellular processes of the initial segment are regulated by lumicrine factors, which are produced by the testis and enter the epididymis with testicular luminal fluid. In this report, we showed that prior to Postnatal Day 15 (P15), the initial segment was lumicrine factor independent in the mouse. However, from P19 onward, lumicrine factors were essential for the proliferation and survival of initial segment epithelial cells. Therefore, P15 to P19 was a critical window that established the dependency of lumicrine factors in the initial segment epithelium. The initial segment-specific kinase activity profile, a marker of initial segment differentiation, was also established during this window. The SFK (SRC proto-oncogene family kinases), ERK pathway (known as the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway) components, and AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinases) pathway components had increased activities from P15 to P19, suggesting that lumicrine factors regulated SFK/ERK/AMPK signaling to initiate differentiation of the initial segment from P15 to P19. Compared with litter mate controls, juvenile Src null mice displayed lower levels of MAPK3/1 (mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1) activity and a reduced level of differentiation in the initial segment epithelium, a similar phenotype resulting from inhibition of SRC activity within the window of P15 to P19. Therefore, lumicrine factor-dependent SRC activity signaling through MAPK3/1 is important for the initiation of initial segment differentiation during a critical window of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingfang Xu
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Angela M Washington
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
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19
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Domeniconi RF, Souza ACF, Xu B, Washington AM, Hinton BT. Is the Epididymis a Series of Organs Placed Side By Side? Biol Reprod 2016; 95:10. [PMID: 27122633 PMCID: PMC5029429 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.138768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian epididymis is more than a highly convoluted tube divided into four regions: initial segment, caput, corpus and cauda. It is a highly segmented structure with each segment expressing its own and overlapping genes, proteins, and signal transduction pathways. Therefore, the epididymis may be viewed as a series of organs placed side by side. In this review we discuss the contributions of septa that divide the epididymis into segments and present hypotheses as to the mechanism by which septa form. The mechanisms of Wolffian duct segmentation are likened to the mechanisms of segmentation of the renal nephron and somites. The renal nephron may provide valuable clues as to how the Wolffian duct is patterned during development, whereas somitogenesis may provide clues as to the timing of the development of each segment. Emphasis is also placed upon how segments are differentially regulated, in support of the idea that the epididymis can be considered a series of multiple organs placed side by side. One region in particular, the initial segment, which consists of 2 or 4 segments in mice and rats, respectively, is unique with respect to its regulation and vascularity compared to other segments; loss of development of these segments leads to male infertility. Different ways of thinking about how the epididymis functions may provide new directions and ideas as to how sperm maturation takes place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel F Domeniconi
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
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20
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Kumar M, Syed SM, Taketo MM, Tanwar PS. Epithelial Wnt/βcatenin signalling is essential for epididymal coiling. Dev Biol 2016; 412:234-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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21
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Tyrosine kinase-mediated axial motility of basal cells revealed by intravital imaging. Nat Commun 2016; 7:10666. [PMID: 26868824 PMCID: PMC4754344 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cells are generally considered to be static relative to their neighbours. Basal cells in pseudostratified epithelia display a single long cytoplasmic process that can cross the tight junction barrier to reach the lumen. Using in vivo microscopy to visualize the epididymis, a model system for the study of pseudostratified epithelia, we report here the surprising discovery that these basal cell projections--which we call axiopodia--periodically extend and retract over time. We found that axiopodia extensions and retractions follow an oscillatory pattern. This movement, which we refer to as periodic axial motility (PAM), is controlled by c-Src and MEK1/2-ERK1/2. Therapeutic inhibition of tyrosine kinase activity induces a retraction of these projections. Such unexpected cell motility may reflect a novel mechanism by which specialized epithelial cells sample the luminal environment.
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PTEN signaling through RAF1 proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase (RAF1)/ERK in the epididymis is essential for male fertility. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:18643-8. [PMID: 25512490 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1413186112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Without a fully developed initial segment, the most proximal region of the epididymis, male infertility results. Therefore, it is important to understand the development and regulation of this crucial region. In addition to distinctively high activity levels of the components of the ERK pathway, which are essential for initial-segment differentiation, the initial segment exhibits high protein and activity levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). To understand the role of PTEN in the regulation of the initial segment, we generated a mouse model with a conditional deletion of Pten from the epithelial cells of the proximal epididymis from postnatal day 17 (P17) onward. Shortly after Pten deletion, hypertrophy of the proximal epididymis became evident. Loss of Pten resulted in activation of the AKT (protein kinase B) pathway components from P28 onward, which in turn gradually suppressed RAF1 proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase (RAF1)/ERK signaling through the interaction between AKT and RAF1. Consistent with progressive changes in RAF1/ERK signaling, loss of Pten progressively altered cell shape, size, organization, proliferation, and survival in the initial-segment epithelium and resulted in dedifferentiation and extensive epithelial folding. Most importantly, knockout males progressively lost fertility and became infertile from 6 to 12 mo. Spermatozoa from older knockout mice showed a lower percentage of motility and a higher percentage of flagellar angulation compared with controls, suggesting compromised sperm maturation. Therefore, under normal physiological conditions, PTEN suppresses AKT activity to maintain activation of the RAF1/ERK signaling pathway, which in turn maintains normal function of the initial segment and therefore, normal sperm maturation.
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23
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Kim B, Roy J, Shum WWC, Da Silva N, Breton S. Role of testicular luminal factors on Basal cell elongation and proliferation in the mouse epididymis. Biol Reprod 2014; 92:9. [PMID: 25411392 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.123943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A subset of basal cells (BCs) in the initial segment (IS) of the mouse epididymis has a slender body projection between adjacent epithelial cells. We show here that these projections occasionally cross the apical tight junctions and are in contact with the luminal environment. Luminal testicular factors are critical for the establishment of the IS epithelium, and we investigated their role in the regulation of this luminal sensing property. Efferent duct ligation (EDL) was performed to block luminal flow from the testis without affecting blood flow. Cytokeratin 5 (KRT5) labeling showed a time-dependent reduction of the percentage of BCs with intercellular projections from 1 to 5 days after EDL, compared to controls. Double labeling for caspase-3 and KRT5 showed that a subset of BCs undergoes apoptosis 1 day after EDL. Ki67/KRT5 double labeling showed a low rate of BC proliferation under basal conditions. However, EDL induced a marked increase in the proliferation rate of a subset of BCs 2 days after EDL. A 2-wk treatment with the androgen receptor antagonist flutamide did not affect the number of BCs with intercellular projections, but reduced BC proliferation. Flutamide treatment also reduced the increase in BC proliferation induced 2 days after EDL. We conclude that, in the adult mouse IS, 1) luminal testicular factors play an important role in the ability of BCs to extend their body projection towards the lumen, and are essential for the survival of a subset of BCs; 2) androgens play an important role in the proliferation of some of the BCs that survive the initial insult induced by EDL; and 3) the formation and elongation of BC intercellular projections do not depend on androgens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongki Kim
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeremy Roy
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Winnie W C Shum
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nicolas Da Silva
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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