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Whiley PAF, Nathaniel B, Stanton PG, Hobbs RM, Loveland KL. Spermatogonial fate in mice with increased activin A bioactivity and testicular somatic cell tumours. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1237273. [PMID: 37564373 PMCID: PMC10409995 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1237273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult male fertility depends on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) which undergo either self-renewal or differentiation in response to microenvironmental signals. Activin A acts on Sertoli and Leydig cells to regulate key aspects of testis development and function throughout life, including steroid production. Recognising that activin A levels are elevated in many pathophysiological conditions, this study investigates effects of this growth factor on the niche that determines spermatogonial fate. Although activin A can promote differentiation of isolated spermatogonia in vitro, its impacts on SSC and spermatogonial function in vivo are unknown. To assess this, we examined testes of Inha KO mice, which feature elevated activin A levels and bioactivity, and develop gonadal stromal cell tumours as adults. The GFRA1+ SSC-enriched population was more abundant and proliferative in Inha KO compared to wildtype controls, suggesting that chronic elevation of activin A promotes a niche which supports SSC self-renewal. Intriguingly, clusters of GFRA1+/EOMES+/LIN28A- cells, resembling a primitive SSC subset, were frequently observed in tubules adjacent to tumour regions. Transcriptional analyses of Inha KO tumours, tubules adjacent to tumours, and tubules distant from tumour regions revealed disrupted gene expression in each KO group increased in parallel with tumour proximity. Modest transcriptional changes were documented in Inha KO tubules with complete spermatogenesis. Importantly, tumours displaying upregulation of activin responsive genes were also enriched for factors that promote SSC self-renewal, including Gdnf, Igf1, and Fgf2, indicating the tumours generate a supportive microenvironment for SSCs. Tumour cells featured some characteristics of adult Sertoli cells but lacked consistent SOX9 expression and exhibited an enhanced steroidogenic phenotype, which could arise from maintenance or acquisition of a fetal cell identity or acquisition of another somatic phenotype. Tumour regions were also heavily infiltrated with endothelial, peritubular myoid and immune cells, which may contribute to adjacent SSC support. Our data show for the first time that chronically elevated activin A affects SSC fate in vivo. The discovery that testis stromal tumours in the Inha KO mouse create a microenvironment that supports SSC self-renewal but not differentiation offers a strategy for identifying pathways that improve spermatogonial propagation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny A. F. Whiley
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Benedict Nathaniel
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter G. Stanton
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin M. Hobbs
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate L. Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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2
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Houston BJ, O'Connor AE, Wang D, Goodchild G, Merriner DJ, Luan H, Conrad DF, Nagirnaja L, Aston KI, Kliesch S, Wyrwoll MJ, Friedrich C, Tüttelmann F, Harrison C, O'Bryan MK, Walton K. Human INHBB Gene Variant (c.1079T>C:p.Met360Thr) Alters Testis Germ Cell Content, but Does Not Impact Fertility in Mice. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6504015. [PMID: 35022746 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Testicular-derived inhibin B (α/β B dimers) acts in an endocrine manner to suppress pituitary production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), by blocking the actions of activins (β A/B/β A/B dimers). Previously, we identified a homozygous genetic variant (c.1079T>C:p.Met360Thr) arising from uniparental disomy of chromosome 2 in the INHBB gene (β B-subunit of inhibin B and activin B) in a man suffering from infertility (azoospermia). In this study, we aimed to test the causality of the p.Met360Thr variant in INHBB and testis function. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate InhbbM364T/M364T mice, where mouse INHBB p.Met364 corresponds with human p.Met360. Surprisingly, we found that the testes of male InhbbM364T/M364T mutant mice were significantly larger compared with those of aged-matched wildtype littermates at 12 and 24 weeks of age. This was attributed to a significant increase in Sertoli cell and round spermatid number and, consequently, seminiferous tubule area in InhbbM364T/M364T males compared to wildtype males. Despite this testis phenotype, male InhbbM364T/M364T mutant mice retained normal fertility. Serum hormone analyses, however, indicated that the InhbbM364T variant resulted in reduced circulating levels of activin B but did not affect FSH production. We also examined the effect of this p.Met360Thr and an additional INHBB variant (c.314C>T: p.Thr105Met) found in another infertile man on inhibin B and activin B in vitro biosynthesis. We found that both INHBB variants resulted in a significant disruption to activin B in vitro biosynthesis. Together, this analysis supports that INHBB variants that limit activin B production have consequences for testis composition in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J Houston
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Anne E O'Connor
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Degang Wang
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- The Affiliated Zhongshan Boai Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Georgia Goodchild
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - D Jo Merriner
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Haitong Luan
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Don F Conrad
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
- Genetics of Male Infertility Initiative, GEMINI, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Liina Nagirnaja
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
- Genetics of Male Infertility Initiative, GEMINI, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Genetics of Male Infertility Initiative, GEMINI, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Surgery (Urology Division) University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Margot J Wyrwoll
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Corinna Friedrich
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Craig Harrison
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Kelly Walton
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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Fujisawa Y, Ono H, Konno A, Yao I, Itoh H, Baba T, Morohashi K, Katoh-Fukui Y, Miyado M, Fukami M, Ogata T. Intrauterine hyponutrition reduces fetal testosterone production and postnatal sperm count in the mouse. J Endocr Soc 2022; 6:bvac022. [PMID: 35265782 PMCID: PMC8901363 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvac022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Although intrauterine hyponutrition is regarded as a risk factor for the development of "testicular dysgenesis syndrome" (TDS) in the human, underlying mechanism(s) remain largely unknown. To clarify the underlying mechanism(s), we fed vaginal plug-positive C57BL/6N female mice with regular food ad libitum throughout the pregnant course (control females) (C-females) or with 50% of the mean daily intake of the C-females from 6.5 dpc (calorie-restricted females) (R-females), and compared male reproductive findings between 17.5-dpc-old male mice delivered from C-females (C-fetuses) and those delivered from R-females (R-fetuses) and between 6-week-old male mice born to C-females (C-offspring) and those born to R-females (R-offspring). Compared with the C-fetuses, the R-fetuses had (1) morphologically normal external genitalia with significantly reduced anogenital distance index, (2) normal numbers of testicular component cells, and (3) significantly low intratesticular testosterone, in association with significantly reduced expressions of steroidogenic genes. Furthermore, compared with the C-offspring, the R-offspring had (1) significantly increased TUNEL-positive cells and normal numbers of other testicular component cells, (2) normal intratesticular testosterone, in association with normal expressions of steroidogenic genes, (3) significantly reduced sperm count, and normal testis weight and sperm motility, and (4) significantly altered expressions of oxidation stress-related, apoptosis-related, and spermatogenesis-related genes. The results, together with the previous data including the association between testosterone deprivation and oxidative stress-evoked apoptotic activation, imply that reduced fetal testosterone production is the primary underlying factor for the development of TDS in intrauterine hyponutrition, and that TDS is included in the clinical spectrum of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuko Fujisawa
- Departments of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ono
- Departments of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Aru Konno
- Departments of Medical Spectroscopy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Ikuko Yao
- Departments of Optical Imaging, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Itoh
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Takashi Baba
- Department of Molecular Biology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Yuko Katoh-Fukui
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mami Miyado
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maki Fukami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Ogata
- Departments of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
- Departments of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu Medical Center, Hamamatsu, Japan
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4
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Wijayarathna R, Genovese R, Meinhardt A, Loveland KL, Groome NP, Hinton BT, Hedger MP. Examination of testicular lumicrine regulation of activins and immunoregulatory genes in the epididymal caput. Andrology 2021; 10:190-201. [PMID: 34415685 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunoregulatory genes encoding activin A (Inhba) and B (Inhbb), and indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (Ido1) are highly expressed in the murine caput epididymidis, which also has a network of intraepithelial mononuclear phagocytes. This environment is postulated to promote immunological tolerance to epididymal sperm. The factors regulating the immunoregulatory agents in the epididymal caput are poorly understood. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the potential role of testicular lumicrine factors in regulating activin and other immune-related genes in the caput epididymidis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The efferent ducts in adult C57/Bl6 mice were exposed and ligated bilaterally. Serum and tissues were collected seven days later. Animals with bilateral sham ligation and animals with no ligations (collectively referred to as the "intact" group) were used as controls. RESULTS Pressure-induced seminiferous epithelial damage due to intratubular fluid accumulation was observed in all ligated testes. Testicular inhibin was significantly increased and testosterone was elevated in some animals following bilateral ligation, but serum testosterone, serum LH, and serum inhibin were normal. Ligation caused epithelial regression in the initial segment, with similar but less severe effects in other caput segments. Activin A staining by immunohistochemistry in the epithelium was reduced in bilateral ligation, particularly in the initial segment, with moderately reduced staining intensity in the rest of the caput. Inhba expression within the caput was not significantly affected by bilateral ligation, but Inhbb was reduced by more than 60%. Transcripts encoding the macrophage-specific receptor Cx3cr1 were significantly reduced following bilateral ligation, but other immune cell markers, Ido1, and inflammatory genes were unaffected. CONCLUSION These data indicate that testicular lumicrine secretion regulates several genes that are preferentially expressed in the initial segment, but has marginal effects on genes such as those encoding activin A and IDO1, which are expressed more widely in the caput.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukmali Wijayarathna
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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5
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Juma AR, Hall NE, Wong J, Gasperoni JG, Watanabe Y, Sahota A, Damdimopoulou PE, Grommen SVH, De Groef B. PLAG1 expression and target genes in the hypothalamo-pituitary system in male mice. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 478:77-83. [PMID: 30048678 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Knockout of pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) in mice results in reduced fertility. To investigate whether PLAG1 is involved in reproductive control by the hypothalamo-pituitary system in males, we determined PLAG1 expression sites and compared gene expression between hypothalami and pituitary glands from Plag1 knockout and wildtype animals. Abundant expression of PLAG1 was detected throughout the pituitary gland, including gonadotropes and somatotropes. The hypothalamus also contained a large number of PLAG1-expressing cells. PLAG1 was expressed in some gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons, but not in kisspeptin neurons. Gene ontology analysis indicated upregulation of cell proliferation in both structures, and of cholesterol biosynthesis in the hypothalamus, but functional confirmation is required. Expression levels of pituitary gonadotropins and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor, and of brain gonadotropin-releasing hormone and kisspeptin mRNA were unaffected in knockout mice. We conclude that PLAG1 deficiency does not have a major impact on the reproductive control by the hypothalamo-pituitary system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almas R Juma
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Nathan E Hall
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics and La Trobe Institute for Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Joanne Wong
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Jemma G Gasperoni
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Yugo Watanabe
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Akashdeep Sahota
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Pauliina E Damdimopoulou
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, 14183, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Sylvia V H Grommen
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Bert De Groef
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia.
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6
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Wijayarathna R, de Kretser DM, Meinhardt A, Middendorff R, Ludlow H, Groome NP, Loveland KA, Hedger MP. Activin over-expression in the testis of mice lacking the inhibin α-subunit gene is associated with androgen deficiency and regression of the male reproductive tract. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 470:188-198. [PMID: 29111388 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Regionalised interaction of the activins, follistatin and inhibin was investigated in the male reproductive tract of mice lacking the inhibin α-subunit (Inha-/-). Serum and intratesticular activin B, although not activin A and follistatin, were increased in Inha-/- mice at 25 days of age, but all three proteins were elevated at 56 days. None of these proteins were altered within the epididymis and vas deferens at either age. At 25 days, histology of the epididymis and vas deferens was similar to wild-type. At 56 days, the testis contained extensive somatic cell tumours, leading to Leydig cell regression and testosterone deficiency. The epididymis and vas deferens showed epithelial regression and increased prominence of the interstitial stroma. Immunoregulatory and fibrotic gene expression in the epididymis and vas deferens were unchanged. Thus, absence of the inhibin α-subunit has marginal effects on activins in the epididymis and vas deferens, and regression of these tissues is associated with androgen deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukmali Wijayarathna
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
| | - David M de Kretser
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ralf Middendorff
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | | | - Kate A Loveland
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Morais RDVS, Crespo D, Nóbrega RH, Lemos MS, van de Kant HJG, de França LR, Male R, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Antagonistic regulation of spermatogonial differentiation in zebrafish (Danio rerio) by Igf3 and Amh. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017. [PMID: 28645700 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Fsh-mediated regulation of zebrafish spermatogenesis includes modulating the expression of testicular growth factors. Here, we study if and how two Sertoli cell-derived Fsh-responsive growth factors, anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh; inhibiting steroidogenesis and germ cell differentiation) and insulin-like growth factor 3 (Igf3; stimulating germ cell differentiation), cooperate in regulating spermatogonial development. In dose response and time course experiments with primary testis tissue cultures, Fsh up-regulated igf3 transcript levels and down-regulated amh transcript levels; igf3 transcript levels were more rapidly up-regulated and responded to lower Fsh concentrations than were required to decrease amh mRNA levels. Quantification of immunoreactive Amh and Igf3 on testis sections showed that Fsh increased slightly Igf3 staining but decreased clearly Amh staining. Studying the direct interaction of the two growth factors showed that Amh compromised Igf3-stimulated proliferation of type A (both undifferentiated [Aund] and differentiating [Adiff]) spermatogonia. Also the proliferation of those Sertoli cells associated with Aund spermatogonia was reduced by Amh. To gain more insight into how Amh inhibits germ cell development, we examined Amh-induced changes in testicular gene expression by RNA sequencing. The majority (69%) of the differentially expressed genes was down-regulated by Amh, including several stimulators of spermatogenesis, such as igf3 and steroidogenesis-related genes. At the same time, Amh increased the expression of inhibitory signals, such as inha and id3, or facilitated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signaling. Evaluating one of the potentially inhibitory signals, we indeed found in tissue culture experiments that PGE2 promoted the accumulation of Aund at the expense of Adiff and B spermatogonia. Our data suggest that an important aspect of Fsh bioactivity in stimulating spermatogenesis is implemented by restricting the different inhibitory effects of Amh and by counterbalancing them with stimulatory signals, such as Igf3.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D V S Morais
- Reproductive Biology Group (R.D.V.S.M., D.C., R.H.N., H.J.G.v.d.K., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - D Crespo
- Reproductive Biology Group (R.D.V.S.M., D.C., R.H.N., H.J.G.v.d.K., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R H Nóbrega
- Reproductive Biology Group (R.D.V.S.M., D.C., R.H.N., H.J.G.v.d.K., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Morphology (R.H.N.), Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University, 18618-970 Botucatu, Brazil
| | - M S Lemos
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology (L.R.F., M.S.L.), Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - H J G van de Kant
- Reproductive Biology Group (R.D.V.S.M., D.C., R.H.N., H.J.G.v.d.K., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - L R de França
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology (L.R.F., M.S.L.), Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil; National Institute of Amazonian Research (L.R.F.), Manaus, Brazil
| | - R Male
- Department of Molecular Biology (R.M.), University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - J Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology Group (R.D.V.S.M., D.C., R.H.N., H.J.G.v.d.K., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - R W Schulz
- Reproductive Biology Group (R.D.V.S.M., D.C., R.H.N., H.J.G.v.d.K., J.B., R.W.S.), Division of Developmental Biology, Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology (R.W.S.), Institute of Marine Research, 5817 Bergen, Norway.
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8
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Duan P, Hu C, Butler HJ, Quan C, Chen W, Huang W, Tang S, Zhou W, Yuan M, Shi Y, Martin FL, Yang K. 4-Nonylphenol induces disruption of spermatogenesis associated with oxidative stress-related apoptosis by targeting p53-Bcl-2/Bax-Fas/FasL signaling. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2017; 32:739-753. [PMID: 27087316 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
4-Nonylphenol (NP) is a ubiquitous environmental chemical with estrogenic activity. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that pubertal exposure to NP leads to testicular dysfunction. Herein, 24 7-week-old rats were randomly divided into four groups and treated with NP (0, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg body weight every 2 days for 20 consecutive days) by intraperitoneal injection. Compared to untreated controls, the parameters of sperm activation rate, curvilinear velocity, average path velocity, and swimming velocity were significantly lower at doses of 100 mg/kg, while sperm morphological abnormalities were higher, indicating functional disruption and reduced fertilization potential. High exposure to NP (100 mg/kg) resulted in disordered arrangement of spermatoblasts and reduction of spermatocytes in seminiferous tubules, while tissues exhibited a marked decline in testicular fructose content and serum FSH, LH, and testosterone levels. Oxidative stress was induced by NP (50 or 100 mg/kg) as evidenced by elevated MDA, decreased SOD and GSH-Px, and inhibited antioxidant gene expression (CAT, GPx, SOD1, and CYP1B1). In addition, NP treatment decreased proportions of Ki-67-positive cells and increased apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Rats treated with 100 mg/kg NP exhibited significantly increased mRNA expression of caspase-1, -2, -9, and -11, decreased caspase-8 and PCNA1 mRNA expression, downregulation of Bcl-2/Bax ratios and upregulation of Fas, FasL, and p53 at the protein and mRNA levels. Taken together, NP-induced apoptosis, hormonal deficiencies, and depletion of fructose potentially impairs spermatogenesis and sperm function. p53-independent Fas/FasL-Bax/Bcl-2 pathways may be involved in NP-induced oxidative stress-related apoptosis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 739-753, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Duan
- MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chunhui Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China
| | - Holly J Butler
- Centre for Biophotonics, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - Chao Quan
- MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wei Chen
- MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wenting Huang
- MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Sha Tang
- MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Meng Yuan
- MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuqin Shi
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Francis L Martin
- Centre for Biophotonics, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - Kedi Yang
- MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
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9
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Wang Y, Bilandzic M, Ooi GT, Findlay JK, Stenvers KL. Endogenous inhibins regulate steroidogenesis in mouse TM3 Leydig cells by altering SMAD2 signalling. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 436:68-77. [PMID: 27465829 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that inhibins act in an autocrine manner on Leydig cells using a pre-pubertal Leydig cell line, TM3, as a model of immature Leydig cells. The expression of Inha, Inhba, and Inhbb in TM3 cells was determined by RT-PCR and the production of the inhibin-alpha subunit was confirmed by western blot. Knockdown of Inha expression resulted in significant decreases in the expression of Leydig cell markers Cyp17a1, Cyp11a1, Nr5a1, and Insl3. Western blot showed that activin A, TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 activated SMAD2, and that knockdown of Inha expression in TM3 cells enhanced both activin A- and TGFβ-induced SMAD2 activation. SB431542, a chemical inhibitor of the TGFβ/activin type I receptors, blocked ligand-induced SMAD2 activation and the downregulation of Cyp17a1 expression. Our findings demonstrate that TGFβs and activin A negatively regulate steroidogenic gene expression in TM3 cells via ALK4/5 and SMAD2 and endogenous inhibins can counter this regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.
| | - Maree Bilandzic
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Guck T Ooi
- Sun BioMedical Technologies, 209 W. Ridgecrest Blvd, Suite A, Ridgecrest, CA, 93555, USA
| | - Jock K Findlay
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Kaye L Stenvers
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
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10
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Bielanowicz A, Johnson RW, Goh H, Moody SC, Poulton IJ, Croce N, Loveland KL, Hedger MP, Sims NA, Itman C. Prepubertal Di-n-Butyl Phthalate Exposure Alters Sertoli and Leydig Cell Function and Lowers Bone Density in Adult Male Mice. Endocrinology 2016; 157:2595-603. [PMID: 27058814 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Phthalate exposure impairs testis development and function; however, whether phthalates affect nonreproductive functions is not well understood. To investigate this, C57BL/6J mice were fed 1-500 mg di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) in corn oil, or vehicle only, daily from 4 to 14 days, after which tissues were collected (prepubertal study). Another group was fed 1-500 mg/kg·d DBP from 4 to 21 days and then maintained untreated until 8 weeks for determination of adult consequences of prepubertal exposure. Bones were assessed by microcomputed tomography and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and T by RIA. DBP exposure decreased prepubertal femur length, marrow volume, and mean moment of inertia. Adult animals exposed prepubertally to low DBP doses had lower bone mineral content and bone mineral density and less lean tissue mass than vehicle-treated animals. Altered dynamics of the emerging Leydig population were found in 14-day-old animals fed 100-500 mg/kg·d DBP. Adult mice had variable testicular T and serum T and LH concentrations after prepubertal exposure and a dose-dependent reduction in cytochrome p450, family 11, subfamily A, polypeptide 1. Insulin-like 3 was detected in Sertoli cells of adult mice administered the highest dose of 500 mg/kg·d DBP prepubertally, a finding supported by the induction of insulin-like 3 expression in TM4 cells exposed to 50 μM, but not 5 μM, DBP. We propose that low-dose DBP exposure is detrimental to bone but that normal bone mineral density/bone mineral content after high-dose DBP exposure reflects changes in testicular somatic cells that confer protection to bones. These findings will fuel concerns that low-dose DBP exposure impacts health beyond the reproductive axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Bielanowicz
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Rachelle W Johnson
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Hoey Goh
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Sarah C Moody
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Ingrid J Poulton
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Nic Croce
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Natalie A Sims
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Catherine Itman
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
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11
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Paccola CC, Miraglia SM. Prenatal and lactation nicotine exposure affects Sertoli cell and gonadotropin levels in rats. Reproduction 2016; 151:117-33. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Nicotine is largely consumed in the world as a component of cigarettes. It can cross the placenta and reach the milk of smoking mothers. This drug induces apoptosis, affects sex hormone secretion, and leads to male infertility. To investigate the exposure to nicotine during the whole intrauterine and lactation phases in Sertoli cells, pregnant rats received nicotine (2 mg/kg per day) through osmotic minipumps. Male offsprings (30, 60, and 90 days old) had blood collected for hormonal analysis (FSH and LH) and their testes submitted for histophatological study, analysis of the frequency of the stages of seminiferous epithelium cycle, immunolabeling of apoptotic epithelial cells (TUNEL and Fas/FasL), analysis of the function and structure of Sertoli cells (respectively using transferrin and vimentin immunolabeling), and analysis of Sertoli-germ cell junctional molecule (β-catenin immunolabeling). The exposure to nicotine increased the FSH and LH plasmatic levels in adult rats. Although nicotine had not changed the number of apoptotic cells, neither in Fas nor FasL expression, it provoked an intense sloughing of epithelial cells and also altered the frequency of some stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle. Transferrin and β-catenin expressions were not changed, but vimentin was significantly reduced in the early stages of the seminiferous cycle of the nicotine-exposed adult rats. Thus, we concluded that nicotine exposure during all gestational and lactation periods affects the structure of Sertoli cells by events causing intense germ cell sloughing observed in the tubular lumen and can compromise the fertility of the offspring.
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12
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Young JC, Wakitani S, Loveland KL. TGF-β superfamily signaling in testis formation and early male germline development. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 45:94-103. [PMID: 26500180 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The TGF-β ligand superfamily contains at least 40 members, many of which are produced and act within the mammalian testis to facilitate formation of sperm. Their progressive expression at key stages and in specific cell types determines the fertility of adult males, influencing testis development and controlling germline differentiation. BMPs are essential for the interactive instructions between multiple cell types in the early embryo that drive initial specification of gamete precursors. In the nascent foetal testis, several ligands including Nodal, TGF-βs, Activins and BMPs, serve as key masculinizing switches by regulating male germline pluripotency, somatic and germline proliferation, and testicular vascularization and architecture. In postnatal life, local production of these factors determine adult testis size by regulating Sertoli cell multiplication and differentiation, in addition to specifying germline differentiation and multiplication. Because TGF-β superfamily signaling is integral to testis formation, it affects processes that underlie testicular pathologies, including testicular cancer, and its potential to contribute to subfertility is beginning to be understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Young
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shoichi Wakitani
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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13
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Merlin Isoforms 1 and 2 Both Act as Tumour Suppressors and Are Required for Optimal Sperm Maturation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129151. [PMID: 26258444 PMCID: PMC4530865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumour suppressor Merlin, encoded by the gene NF2, is frequently mutated in the autosomal dominant disorder neurofibromatosis type II, characterised primarily by the development of schwannoma and other glial cell tumours. However, NF2 is expressed in virtually all analysed human and rodent organs, and its deletion in mice causes early embryonic lethality. Additionally, NF2 encodes for two major isoforms of Merlin of unknown functionality. Specifically, the tumour suppressor potential of isoform 2 remains controversial. In this study, we used Nf2 isoform-specific knockout mouse models to analyse the function of each isoform during development and organ homeostasis. We found that both isoforms carry full tumour suppressor functionality and can completely compensate the loss of the other isoform during development and in most adult organs. Surprisingly, we discovered that spermatogenesis is strictly dependent on the presence of both isoforms. While the testis primarily expresses isoform 1, we noticed an enrichment of isoform 2 in spermatogonial stem cells. Deletion of either isoform was found to cause decreased sperm quality as observed by maturation defects and head/midpiece abnormalities. These defects led to impaired sperm functionality as assessed by decreased sperm capacitation. Thus, we describe spermatogenesis as a new Nf2-dependent process. Additionally, we provide for the first time in vivo evidence for equal tumour suppressor potentials of Merlin isoform 1 and isoform 2.
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