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Yang Y, Hong Y, Han J, Yang Z, Huang N, Xu B, Ma Z, Wang Q. Nerve growth factor alleviates arsenic-induced testicular injury by enhancing the function of Sertoli cells. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 280:116578. [PMID: 38861803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) maintain testicular homeostasis and promote spermatogenesis by forming the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and secreting growth factors. The pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects of nerve growth factor (NGF) on SCs have been proved previously. It is still unclear whether the damage effect of arsenic on testis is related to the inhibition of NGF expression, and whether NGF can mitigate arsenic-induced testicular damage by decreasing the damage of SCs induced by arsenic. Here, the lower expression of NGF in testes of arsenic exposed mice (freely drinking water containing 15 mg/l of NaAsO2) was observed through detection of Western blot and Real-time PCR. Subsequently, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, Evans blue staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the pathology, BTB permeability and tight junction integrity in testes of control mice, arsenic exposed mice (freely drinking water containing 15 mg/l of NaAsO2) and arsenic + NGF treated mice (freely drinking water containing 15 mg/l of NaAsO2 + intraperitoneal injection with 30 μg/kg of NGF), respectively. Evidently, spermatogenic tubule epithelial cells in testis of arsenic exposed mice were disordered and the number of cell layers was reduced, accompanied by increased permeability and damaged integrity of the tight junction in BTB, but these changes were less obvious in testes of mice treated with arsenic + NGF. In addition, the sperm count, motility and malformation rate of mice treated with arsenic + NGF were also improved. On the basis of the above experiments, the viability and apoptosis of primary cultured SCs treated with arsenic (10 μM NaAsO2) or arsenic + NGF (10 μM NaAsO2 + 100 ng/mL NGF) were detected by Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and transferase-mediated DUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, respectively. It is found that NGF ameliorated the decline of growth activity and the increase of apoptosis in arsenic-induced SCs. This remarkable biological effect that NGF inhibited the increase of Bax expression and the decrease of Bcl-2 expression in arsenic-induced SCs was also determined by western blot and Real-time PCR. Moreover, the decrease in transmembrane resistance (TEER) and the expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin was mitigated in SCs induced by arsenic due to NGF treatment. In conclusion, the above results confirmed that NGF could ameliorate the injury effects of arsenic on testis, which might be related to the function of NGF to inhibit arsenic-induced SCs injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 561113, PR China
| | - Yan Hong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 561113, PR China
| | - Jing Han
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 561113, PR China
| | - Zhe Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 561113, PR China
| | - Nanmin Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 561113, PR China
| | - Binwei Xu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 561113, PR China
| | - Zhaolei Ma
- Department of Geriatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, PR China.
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 561113, PR China.
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Mo S, Shu G, Cao C, Wang M, Yang J, Ye J, Gui Y, Yuan S, Ma Q. Sertoli cells require hnRNPC to support normal spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:227-241. [PMID: 38590182 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae055] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells act as highly polarized testicular cells that nutritionally support multiple stages of germ cell development. However, the gene regulation network in Sertoli cells for modulating germ cell development has yet to be fully understood. In this study, we report that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins C in Sertoli cells are essential for germ cell development and male fertility. Conditional knockout of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C in mouse Sertoli cells leads to aberrant Sertoli cells proliferation, disrupted cytoskeleton of Sertoli cells, and compromised blood-testis barrier function, resulting in loss of supportive cell function and, ultimately, defective spermiogenesis in mice. Further ribonucleic acid-sequencing analyses revealed these phenotypes are likely caused by the dysregulated genes in heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C-deficient Sertoli cells related to cell adhesion, cell proliferation, and apoptotic process. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C plays a critical role in Sertoli cells for maintaining the function of Sertoli cells and sustaining steady-state spermatogenesis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaomei Mo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, the Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ge Shu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, the Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Congcong Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, the Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingxia Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, the Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, the Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, the Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaoting Gui
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, the Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Laboratory Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qian Ma
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, the Fifth Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Urology, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Yang X, He L, Li X, Wang L, Bu T, Yun D, Lu X, Gao S, Huang Q, Li J, Zheng B, Yu J, Sun F. Triptolide exposure triggers testicular vacuolization injury by disrupting the Sertoli cell junction and cytoskeletal organization via the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116502. [PMID: 38788563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the known reproductive toxicity induced by triptolide (TP) exposure, the regulatory mechanism underlying testicular vacuolization injury caused by TP remains largely obscure. METHODS Male mice were subjected to TP at doses of 15, 30, and 60 μg/kg for 35 consecutive days. Primary Sertoli cells were isolated from 20-day-old rat testes and exposed to TP at concentrations of 0, 40, 80, 160, 320, and 640 nM. A Biotin tracer assay was conducted to assess the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB). Transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) assays were employed to investigate BTB function in primary Sertoli cells. Histological structures of the testes and epididymides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The expression and localization of relevant proteins or pathways were assessed through Western blotting or immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS TP exposure led to dose-dependent testicular injuries, characterized by a decreased organ coefficient, reduced sperm concentration, and the formation of vacuolization damage. Furthermore, TP exposure disrupted BTB integrity by reducing the expression levels of tight junction (TJ) proteins in the testes without affecting basal ectoplasmic specialization (basal ES) proteins. Through the TER assay, we identified that a TP concentration of 160 nM was optimal for elucidating BTB function in primary Sertoli cells, correlating with reductions in TJ protein expression. Moreover, TP exposure induced changes in the distribution of the BTB and cytoskeleton-associated proteins in primary Sertoli cells. By activating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, TP exposure disturbed the balance between mTORC1 and mTORC2, ultimately compromising BTB integrity in Sertoli cells. CONCLUSION This investigation sheds light on the impacts of TP exposure on testes, elucidating the mechanism by which TP exposure leads to testicular vacuolization injury and offering valuable insights into comprehending the toxic effects of TP exposure on testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiwen Yang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Lei He
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xinyao Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Tiao Bu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Damin Yun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xinran Lu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Sheng Gao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Qiuru Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215002, China.
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
| | - Fei Sun
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
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Zhang Z, Wang Q, Gao X, Tang X, Xu H, Wang W, Lei X. Reproductive toxicity of cadmium stress in male animals. Toxicology 2024; 504:153787. [PMID: 38522818 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153787] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a common heavy metal pollutant in the environment, and the widespread use of products containing Cd compounds in industry has led to excessive levels in the environment, which enter the animal body through the food chain, thus seriously affecting the reproductive development of animals. Related studies have reported that Cd severely affects spermatogonia development and spermatogenesis in animals. In contrast, the reproductive toxicity of Cd in males and its mechanism of action have not been clarified. Therefore, this paper reviewed the toxic effects of Cd on germ cells, spermatogonia somatic cells and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG axis) of male animals and its toxic action mechanisms of oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy from the perspectives of cytology, genetics and neuroendocrinology. The effects of Cd stress on epigenetic modification of reproductive development in male animals were also analyzed. We hope to provide a reference for the in-depth study of the toxicity of Cd on male animal reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zikun Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, China; Yan'an Key Laboratory of Ecological Restoration, Yan'an, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, China; Yan'an Key Laboratory of Ecological Restoration, Yan'an, China
| | - Xiaoge Gao
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, China; Yan'an Key Laboratory of Ecological Restoration, Yan'an, China
| | - Xu Tang
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, China; Yan'an Key Laboratory of Ecological Restoration, Yan'an, China
| | - Huan Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, China; Yan'an Key Laboratory of Ecological Restoration, Yan'an, China
| | - Wenqiang Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, China; Yan'an Key Laboratory of Ecological Restoration, Yan'an, China.
| | - Xin Lei
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, China; Yan'an Key Laboratory of Ecological Restoration, Yan'an, China.
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Qasemi M, Sur VP, Simonik O, Postlerova P, Skrobanek P, Hradec T, Boublikova L, Zamecnik L, Buchler T, Neuzil J, Komrskova K. Sperm mitochondria dysfunction in response to testicular cancer. Eur J Clin Invest 2024; 54:e14146. [PMID: 38069497 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14146] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in young men of reproductive age and its incidence is increasing globally. With the currently successful treatment and 95% survival rate, there is a need for deeper understanding of testicular cancer-related infertility. Most patients with testicular cancer experience semen abnormalities prior to cancer therapy. However, the exact mechanism of the effect of testicular cancer on sperm anomalies is not known. Mitochondria are organelles that play a crucial role in both tumorigenesis and spermatogenesis and their malfunction may be an important factor resulting in sperm abnormalities in testicular cancer patients. Within the scope of this review, we will discuss current knowledge of testicular cancer-related alterations in the ATP production pathway, a possible pathophysiological switch from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis, as well as the role of oxidative stress promoting sperm dysfunction. In this regard, the review provides a summary of the impact of testicular cancer on sperm quality as a possible consequence of impaired mitochondrial function including the energy metabolic pathways that are known to be altered in the sperm of testicular cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Qasemi
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Vishma Pratap Sur
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Simonik
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Postlerova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Skrobanek
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Hradec
- Department of Urology, General University Hospital and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ludmila Boublikova
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Zamecnik
- Department of Urology, General University Hospital and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Buchler
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Neuzil
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katerina Komrskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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6
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Gao X, Li G, Pan X, Xia J, Yan D, Xu Y, Ruan X, He H, Wei Y, Zhai J. Environmental and occupational exposure to cadmium associated with male reproductive health risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on epidemiological evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:7491-7517. [PMID: 37584848 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01719-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
There is an abundance of epidemiological evidence and animal experiments concerning the correlation between cadmium exposure and adverse male reproductive health outcomes. However, the evidence remains inconclusive. We conducted a literature search from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science over the past 3 decades. Pooled r and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from Cd levels of the type of biological materials and different outcome indicators to address the large heterogeneity of existing literature. Cd was negatively correlated with semen parameters (r = - 0.122, 95% CI - 0.151 to - 0.092) and positively correlated with sera sex hormones (r = 0.104, 95% CI 0.060 to 0.147). Among them, Cd in three different biological materials (blood, semen, and urine) was negatively correlated with semen parameters, while among sex hormones, only blood and urine were statistically positively correlated. In subgroup analysis, blood Cd was negatively correlated with semen density, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and sperm count. Semen Cd was negatively correlated with semen concentration. As for serum sex hormones, blood Cd had no statistical significance with three hormones, while semen Cd was negatively correlated with testosterone. In summary, cadmium exposure might be associated with the risk of a decline in sperm quality and abnormal levels of sex hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Gao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Guangying Li
- Department of Public Affairs Administration, School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Xingchen Pan
- School of the First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Jiajia Xia
- Department of Public Affairs Administration, School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Di Yan
- Department of Public Affairs Administration, School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Yang Xu
- School of the First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Xiang Ruan
- School of the First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Huan He
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yu Wei
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jinxia Zhai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Li X, Wang W, Hou Y, Li G, Yi H, Cui S, Zhang J, He X, Zhao H, Yang Z, Qiu Y, Liu Z, Xie J. Arsenic interferes with spermatogenesis involving Rictor/mTORC2-mediated blood-testis barrier disruption in mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 257:114914. [PMID: 37084658 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Ingestion of arsenic interferes with spermatogenesis and increases the risk of male infertility, but the underlying mechanism remines unclear. In this study, we investigated spermatogenic injury with a focus on blood-testis barrier (BTB) disruption by administrating 5 mg/L and 15 mg/L arsenic orally to adult male mice for 60 d. Our results showed that arsenic exposure reduced sperm quality, altered testicular architecture, and impaired Sertoli cell junctions at the BTB. Analysis of BTB junctional proteins revealed that arsenic intake downregulated Claudin-11 expression and increased protein levels of β-catenin, N-cadherin, and Connexin-43. Aberrant localization of these membrane proteins was also observed in arsenic-treated mice. Meanwhile, arsenic exposure altered the components of Rictor/mTORC2 pathway in mouse testis, including inhibition of Rictor expression, reduced phosphorylation of protein kinase Cα (PKCα) and protein kinase B (PKB), and elevated matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels. Furthermore, arsenic also induced testicular lipid peroxidative damage, inhibited antioxidant enzyme (T-SOD) activity, and caused glutathione (GSH) depletion. Our findings suggest that disruption of BTB integrity is one of the main factors responsible for the decline in sperm quality caused by arsenic. PKCα-mediated rearrangement of actin filaments and PKB/MMP-9-increased barrier permeability jointly contribute to arsenic-induced BTB disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Wenting Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Yue Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Gexuan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Huilan Yi
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Shuo Cui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Xiaohong He
- Taiyuan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Taiyuan 030003, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Zeyu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Yulan Qiu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
| | - Zhizhen Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
| | - Jun Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
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8
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Shen Y, You Y, Zhu K, Li G, Huang X, Chen D, Yang F, Dong L, Li J, Yu X. The traditional Chinese medicine Qiangjing tablet prevents blood-testis barrier injury induced by CdCl 2 through the PI3K/Akt/Rictor signaling pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:591-603. [PMID: 36370150 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Environmental contaminants such as cadmium (Cd) may have a deleterious impact on sperm and reduce male fertility by compromising the blood-testis barrier (BTB). Hence, the effects of the traditional Chinese medicine Qiangjing tablet (QJP) on sperm quality and BTB alterations induced by Cd in mouse testes were examined. METHODS Adult KM mice challenged with Cd chloride were examined, QJP was administered to mice as an oral drug by gavage, and the experiments lasted 2 weeks. Testicular and epididymal weights, sperm quality, anti-sperm antibodies (AsAb), hormone levels, and histology were evaluated. Changes in the levels of N-cadherin, occludin, ZO-1, claudin-11, F-actin, and β-tubulin and their mRNAs were evaluated. The effects of QJP on the PI3K/Akt/Rictor pathway were evaluated. RESULTS CdCl2 decreased reproductive organ weight, sperm quality, and testosterone (T) levels; increased AsAb, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels; induced structural damage in testicles with BTB disruption; increased BTB permeability; and decreased N-cadherin, occludin, ZO-1, claudin-11, F-actin, and β-tubulin expression. After treatment, QJP blocked the effects of Cd on reproductive organ weight, sperm quality, and T; mitigated germinal epithelium compartment alterations; decreased AsAb, FSH, and LH levels; and preserved BTB ultrastructure and function. In addition, QJP induced increases in N-cadherin, occludin, ZO-1, claudin-11, F-actin, and β-tubulin levels and the expression of their mRNAs through the PI3K/Akt/Rictor pathway. After the application of JRAB2011, the levels of a specific mTORC2 suppressor, Rictor, and the BTB-protective effect of QJP were greatly reduced. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the effect of QJP against Cd-induced damage to the BTB, and the results indicate that QJP may play a significant role in opposing the effects of Cd through the PI3K/Akt/Rictor pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Shen
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaodong You
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Kun Zhu
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Guangsen Li
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaopeng Huang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Diang Chen
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Reproductive & Women-Children Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Dong
- Reproductive & Women-Children Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Junjun Li
- Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital/The Fifth People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xujun Yu
- Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital/The Fifth People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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9
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mTORC1/C2 regulate spermatogenesis in Eriocheir sinensis via alterations in the actin filament network and cell junctions. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 390:293-313. [PMID: 36044078 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03680-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a finely regulated process of germ cell proliferation and differentiation that leads to the production of sperm in seminiferous tubules. Although the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is crucial for spermatogenesis in mammals, its functions and molecular mechanisms in spermatogenesis remain largely unknown in nonmammalian species, particularly in Crustacea. In this study, we first identified es-Raptor (the core component of mTOR complex 1) and es-Rictor (the core component of mTOR complex 2) from the testis of Eriocheir sinensis. Dynamic localization of es-Raptor and es-Rictor implied that these proteins were indispensable for the spermatogenesis of E. sinensis. Furthermore, es-Raptor and es-Rictor knockdown results showed that the mature sperm failed to be released, causing almost empty lumens in the testis. We investigated the reasons for these effects and found that the actin-based cytoskeleton was disrupted in the knockdown groups. In addition, the integrity of the testis barrier (similar to the blood-testis barrier in mammals) was impaired and affected the expression of cell junction proteins. Further study revealed that es-Raptor and es-Rictor may regulate spermatogenesis via both mTORC1- and mTORC2-dependent mechanisms that involve es-rpS6 and es-Akt/es-PKC, respectively. Moreover, to explore the testis barrier in E. sinensis, we established a cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced testis barrier damage model as a positive control. Morphological and immunofluorescence results were similar to those of the es-Raptor and es-Rictor knockdown groups. Altogether, es-Raptor and es-Rictor were important for spermatogenesis through maintenance of the actin filament network and cell junctions in E. sinensis.
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Xie M, Hu X, Li L, Xiong Z, Zhang H, Zhuang Y, Huang Z, Liu J, Lian J, Huang C, Xie Q, Kang X, Fan Y, Bai X, Chen Z. Loss of Raptor induces Sertoli cells into an undifferentiated state in mice. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1125-1138. [PMID: 35594452 PMCID: PMC9562113 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, testis development is triggered by the expression of the sex-determining Y-chromosome gene SRY to commit the Sertoli cell (SC) fate at gonadal sex determination in the fetus. Several genes have been identified to be required to promote the testis pathway following SRY activation (i.e., SRY box 9 (SOX9)) in an embryo; however, it largely remains unknown about the genes and the mechanisms involved in stabilizing the testis pathway after birth and throughout adulthood. Herein, we report postnatal males with SC-specific deletion of Raptor demonstrated the absence of SC unique identity and adversely acquired granulosa cell-like characteristics, along with loss of tubular architecture and scattered distribution of SCs and germ cells. Subsequent genome-wide analysis by RNA sequencing revealed a profound decrease in the transcripts of testis genes (i.e., Sox9, Sox8, and anti-Mullerian hormone (Amh)) and, conversely, an increase in ovary genes (i.e., LIM/Homeobox gene 9 (Lhx9), Forkhead box L2 (Foxl2) and Follistatin (Fst)); these changes were further confirmed by immunofluorescence and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Importantly, co-immunofluorescence demonstrated that Raptor deficiency induced SCs dedifferentiation into a progenitor state; the Raptor-mutant gonads showed some ovarian somatic cell features, accompanied by enhanced female steroidogenesis and elevated estrogen levels, yet the zona pellucida 3 (ZP3)-positive terminally feminized oocytes were not observed. In vitro experiments with primary SCs suggested that Raptor is likely involved in the fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9)-induced formation of cell junctions among SCs. Our results established that Raptor is required to maintain SC identity, stabilize the male pathway, and promote testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhi Xiong
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hanbin Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuge Zhuang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zicong Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinsheng Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingyao Lian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuyu Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiang Xie
- Center for Reproduction, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University (Dongguan People’s Hospital), Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangjin Kang
- Correspondence: Xiangjin Kang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Yong Fan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Xiaochun Bai, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Zhenguo Chen, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: (Lead Contact)
| | - Yong Fan
- Correspondence: Xiangjin Kang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Yong Fan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Xiaochun Bai, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Zhenguo Chen, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: (Lead Contact)
| | - Xiaochun Bai
- Correspondence: Xiangjin Kang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Yong Fan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Xiaochun Bai, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Zhenguo Chen, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: (Lead Contact)
| | - Zhenguo Chen
- Correspondence: Xiangjin Kang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Yong Fan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Xiaochun Bai, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Zhenguo Chen, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: (Lead Contact)
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11
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Zhang XY, Jiao XF, Wu D, Chen F, Ding ZM, Wang YS, Meng F, Duan ZQ, Xiong JJ, Yang CX, Huo LJ. Benzophenone-3 breaches mouse Sertoli cell barrier and alters F-actin organization without evoking apoptosis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:28-40. [PMID: 34558770 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Benzophenone-3 (BP-3), one of the most commonly utilized ultraviolet filters in personal care products, has aroused public concern in recent years for its high chances of human exposure. Previous studies have found that BP-3 can impair testes development and spermatogenesis, but the targets of BP-3 are still unknown. In this study, primary Sertoli cells from 20-day-old mice were treated in vitro with 0-100 μM BP-3 for 24 h to identify its toxicity on Sertoli cells and Sertoli cell barrier. Results demonstrated that BP-3 could induce a notable change in cell morphology and impair Sertoli cell viability. The analysis of transepithelial electrical resistance showed that the integrity of the Sertoli cell barrier was destroyed by BP-3 (100 μM). Some structural proteins of the barrier including ZO-1, Occludin, and Connexin43 were lower expressed and the localization of basal ectoplasmic specializations protein β-catenin was altered because of BP-3 treatment. Further exploration suggested that BP-3 led to Sertoli cell F-actin disorganization by affecting the expression of Rictor, a key component of the mTORC2 complex. Moreover, although increased DNA damage marker γH2A.X was observed in the treatment group, the cell apoptosis rate was changeless which was further confirmed by increased BAX and stable Bcl-2 (two primary apoptosis regulating proteins). In conclusion, this study revealed that BP-3 had the potential to perturb the Sertoli cell barrier through altered junction proteins and disorganized F-actin, but it could hardly evoke Sertoli cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Ding
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong-Sheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fei Meng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ze-Qun Duan
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia-Jun Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Cai-Xia Yang
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Li-Jun Huo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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12
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Ning W, Liao X, Dong X, Wang Y, Yang X, Xu J, Yi S, Yang Z. Protective effect of astragaloside IV on cadmium-induced spermatogenesis microenvironment damage in rats. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2021; 68:203-212. [PMID: 34711125 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2021.1983888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The previous study using Sertoli cells cultured in vitro has shown that the protective effects of astragaloside IV (AsIV) on cadmium (Cd)-induced damage to Sertoli cells and its membrane proteins. Yet, it is not known if AsIV has an equivalent effect on Cd-induced damage to the spermatogenesis microenvironment in rats. Using an in vivo model, Cd-induced damage to the spermatogenesis microenvironment and the protective effects of AsIV were studied. Eighteen male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6/group): Cd group, Cd&AsIV group, and control group. Cd was administered to the rats in the Cd group via i.p. at 1 mg/kg body weight once daily, Cd and AsIV was administered to the rats in the Cd&AsIV group via i.p. at 1 mg/kg body weight and 10 mg/kg body weight respectively once daily, and the same volume of saline was administered to the rats in control group via i.p. once daily. The rats in the three groups were injected continuously for 5 days. Vesicular formation in the seminiferous tubules was observed in the Cd treatment group. The average optical density of claudin-11, zonal occludin-1 (ZO-1), and connexin 43 (Cx43) decreased significantly in the Cd treatment group. The ultrastructural damage of the Sertoli cells and tight junctions were also observed by electron microscopy. AsIV treatment rescued the morphologic changes of the seminiferous tubules of the testis and the ultrastructural damage of the Sertoli cells and tight junctions. The average optical density of claudin-11, ZO-1, and Cx43 also increased significantly after AsIV treatment. Cd damages the spermatogenesis microenvironment in rats, which can be rescued by AsIV treatment. These results illustrate that AsIV may also have a protective effect on Cd-induced damage to the spermatogenesis microenvironment in rats.Abbreviations: AsIV: astragaloside IV; Cd: cadmium; SD: Sprague Dawley; ZO-1: zonal occludin-1; Cx43: connexin 43; BTB: blood-testis barrier; MAPKs: mitogen-activated protein kinases; OSP: oligodendrocyte-specific protein; Cxs: connexins; GJIC: gap junctional intercellular communication; ROS: reactive oxygen species; MDA: malondialdehyde; TGF: tumor growth factor; PBS: phosphate buffer saline; BSA: bovine serum albumin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ning
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaogang Liao
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xingyou Dong
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yangcai Wang
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xingliang Yang
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shanhong Yi
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenxing Yang
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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13
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Pal P, Biswas S, Mukhopadhyay PK. Molecular perspective concerning fluoride and arsenic mediated disorders on epididymal maturation of spermatozoa: A concise review. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:2025-2038. [PMID: 34085563 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211021474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Epididymis is a complex tubular structure of male reproductive system where spermatozoa undergo maturation and gain the fertilizing ability. Epididymal pseudostratified columnar epithelium with different cell types play imperative role by their secretory properties and enrich the luminal microenvironment necessary for achieving spermatozoal motility. During epididymal transit several secretory proteins like P26h, SPAG11, HSPD1 and many others are deposited on spermatozoal surface. At the same time spermatozoal proteins are also modified in this intraluminal milieu, which include cyritestin, fertilin, CE9 and others. Natural and anthropogenic activities disclose various environmental pollutants which affect different physiological systems of animals and human being. Likewise, reproductive system is also being affected. Fluoride causes structural alterations of caput and cauda segments of epididymis. Redox homeostasis and functional integrity are also altered due to diminished activities of SOD1, GR, Crisp2, Lrp2 and other important proteins. On the contrary arsenic affects mostly on cauda segment. Redox imbalance and functional amendment in epididymis have been observed with arsenic revelation as evidenced by altered genomic appearance of SOD, GST, catalase, Ddx3Y, VEGF and VEGFR2. This review is dealt with structure-function interplay in normal epididymal spermatozoal maturation along with subsequent complications developed under fluoride and arsenic toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyankar Pal
- 568916Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sagnik Biswas
- 568916Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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14
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Expression Analysis of Circular RNAs in Young and Sexually Mature Boar Testes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051430. [PMID: 34067577 PMCID: PMC8156704 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Circular RNAs are novel long non-coding RNA involved in the regulation of gene expression. Recently, the expression of circRNAs was characterized in testes of humans and bulls. However, the profiling of circRNAs and their potential biological functions in boar testicular development are yet to be known. In this study we characterized expression and biological roles of circRNAs in piglet (30 d) and adult (210 d) boar testes by high-throughput sequencing. We identified a large number of circRNAs during testicular development, of which 2326 circRNAs exhibited a significantly differential expression. Gene ontology analysis revealed that these differential expressed circRNAs might be involved in regulating spermatogenesis and hormone biosynthesis. Overall, the results indicate that circRNAs are abundantly expressed in boar testes and exhibit dynamic changes during testicular development. These findings will enable the provision of potential molecular markers for both breeding of elite boars and evaluating developmental status of boar testes. Abstract Testicular development is critical for male animals’ reproduction and is tightly regulated by epigenetic factors. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) were recently identified in the testes of humans and bulls. However, the expression profile of circRNAs and their potential biological functions in boar testicular development remain unclear. We identified 34,521 and 31,803 circRNAs in piglet (30 d) and adult (210 d) boar testes by high-throughput sequencing, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these circRNAs are widely distributed on autosomes and sex chromosomes. Some of the host genes can generate multiple circRNAs. A total of 2326 differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) derived from 1526 host genes was found in testicular development, of which 1003 circRNAs were up-regulated in adult boar testes and 1323 circRNAs were down-regulated. Furthermore, gene ontology analysis of host genes of DECs revealed that these circRNAs are mainly involved in regulating spermatogenesis, cilia motility, and hormone biosynthesis. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the DECs are markedly enriched to stem cell pluripotency regulation, tight junctions, adhesion junctions, and cAMP signaling pathway. These results indicate that circRNAs are abundantly expressed in boar testes and exhibit dynamic changes during testicular development.
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Xie M, Zhang G, Zhang H, Chen F, Chen Y, Zhuang Y, Huang Z, Zou F, Liu M, An G, Kang X, Chen Z. Adenylate kinase 1 deficiency disrupts mouse sperm motility under conditions of energy stress†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:1121-1131. [PMID: 32744313 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa are highly polarized cells characterized by compartmentalized cellular structures and energy metabolism. Adenylate kinase (AK), which interconverts two ADP molecules into stoichiometric amounts of ATP and AMP, plays a critical role in buffering adenine nucleotides throughout the tail to support flagellar motility. Yet the role of the major AK isoform, AK1, is still not well characterized. Here, by using a proteomic analysis of testis biopsy samples, we found that AK1 levels were significantly decreased in nonobstructive azoospermia patients. This result was further verified by immunohistochemical staining of AK1 on a tissue microarray. AK1 was found to be expressed in post-meiotic round and elongated spermatids in mouse testis and subsequent mature sperm in the epididymis. We then generated Ak1 knockout mice, which showed that AK1 deficiency did not induce any defects in testis development, spermatogenesis, or sperm morphology and motility under physiological conditions. We further investigated detergent-modeled epididymal sperm and included individual or mixed adenine nucleotides to mimic energy stress. When only ADP was available, Ak1 disruption largely compromised sperm motility, manifested as a smaller beating amplitude and higher beating frequency, which resulted in less effective forward swimming. The energy restriction/recover experiments with intact sperm further addressed this finding. Besides, decreased AK activity was observed in sperm of a male fertility disorder mouse model induced by cadmium chloride. These results cumulatively demonstrate that AK1 was dispensable for testis development, spermatogenesis, or sperm motility under physiological conditions, but was required for sperm to maintain a constant adenylate energy charge to support sperm motility under conditions of energy stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyu Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guofei Zhang
- Department of Urology, Nanhai Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Hanbin Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feilong Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuge Zhuang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zicong Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng Zou
- Department of Urology, Nanhai Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Min Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Geng An
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangjin Kang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenguo Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Dysregulation of Key Proteins Associated with Sperm Motility and Fertility Potential in Cancer Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186754. [PMID: 32942548 PMCID: PMC7554694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has adverse effects on male reproductive health. Conventional semen analysis does not explain the molecular changes in the spermatozoa of cancer patients. Currently, proteomics is being widely used to identify the fertility-associated molecular pathways affected in spermatozoa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sperm proteome of patients with various types of cancer. Cryopreserved semen samples from patients (testicular cancer, n = 40; Hodgkin’s disease, n = 32; lymphoma, n = 20; leukemia, n = 17) before starting therapy were used for proteomic analysis, while samples from fertile donors (n = 19) were included as controls. The proteomic profiling of sperm was carried out by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and differentially expressed proteins involved in the reproductive processes were validated by Western blotting. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that proteins associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative phosphorylation, and Sirtuin signaling pathways were dysregulated in cancer patients, while oxidative phosphorylation and tricarboxylic acid cycle were predicted to be deactivated. Furthermore, the analysis revealed dysregulation of key proteins associated with sperm fertility potential and motility (NADH:Ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S1, superoxide dismutase 1, SERPINA5, and cytochrome b-c1 complex subunit 2) in the cancer group, which were further validated by Western blot. Dysfunctional molecular mechanisms essential for fertility in cancer patients prior to therapy highlight the potential impact of cancer phenotype on male fertility.
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17
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Wang S, Wang P, Liang D, Wang Y. BRG1 Is Dispensable for Sertoli Cell Development and Functions in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124358. [PMID: 32575410 PMCID: PMC7353015 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are somatic supporting cells in spermatogenic niche and play critical roles in germ cell development, but it is yet to be understood how epigenetic modifiers regulate Sertoli cell development and contribution to spermatogenesis. BRG1 (Brahma related gene 1) is a catalytic subunit of the mammalian SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex and participates in transcriptional regulation. The present study aimed to define the functions of BRG1 in mouse Sertoli cells during mouse spermatogenesis. We found that BRG1 protein was localized in the nuclei of both Sertoli cells and germ cells in seminiferous tubules. We further examined the requirement of BRG1 in Sertoli cell development using a Brg1 conditional knockout mouse model and two Amh-Cre mouse strains to specifically delete Brg1 gene from Sertoli cells. We found that the Amh-Cre mice from Jackson Laboratory had inefficient recombinase activities in Sertoli cells, while the other Amh-Cre strain from the European Mouse Mutant Archive achieved complete Brg1 deletion in Sertoli cells. Nevertheless, the conditional knockout of Brg1 from Sertoli cells by neither of Amh-Cre strains led to any detectable abnormalities in the development of either Sertoli cells or germ cells, suggesting that BRG1-SWI/SNF complex is dispensable to the functions of Sertoli cells in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; (S.W.); (P.W.)
| | - Pengxiang Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; (S.W.); (P.W.)
| | - Dongli Liang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; (S.W.); (P.W.)
- Correspondence: (D.L.); (Y.W.); Tel.: +86-21-54345023 (D.L.); +1-517-3531416 (Y.W.)
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Correspondence: (D.L.); (Y.W.); Tel.: +86-21-54345023 (D.L.); +1-517-3531416 (Y.W.)
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18
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Li LX, Wu SW, Yan M, Lian QQ, Ge RS, Cheng CY. Regulation of blood-testis barrier dynamics by the mTORC1/rpS6 signaling complex: An in vitro study. Asian J Androl 2020; 21:365-375. [PMID: 30829292 PMCID: PMC6628733 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_126_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During spermatogenesis, developing germ cells that lack the cellular ultrastructures of filopodia and lamellipodia generally found in migrating cells, such as macrophages and fibroblasts, rely on Sertoli cells to support their transport across the seminiferous epithelium. These include the transport of preleptotene spermatocytes across the blood-testis barrier (BTB), but also the transport of germ cells, in particular developing haploid spermatids, across the seminiferous epithelium, that is to and away from the tubule lumen, depending on the stages of the epithelial cycle. On the other hand, cell junctions at the Sertoli cell–cell and Sertoli–germ cell interface also undergo rapid remodeling, involving disassembly and reassembly of cell junctions, which, in turn, are supported by actin- and microtubule-based cytoskeletal remodeling. Interestingly, the underlying mechanism(s) and the involving biomolecule(s) that regulate or support cytoskeletal remodeling remain largely unknown. Herein, we used an in vitro model of primary Sertoli cell cultures that mimicked the Sertoli BTB in vivo overexpressed with the ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6, the downstream signaling protein of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 [mTORC1]) cloned into the mammalian expression vector pCI-neo, namely, quadruple phosphomimetic and constitutively active mutant of rpS6 (pCI-neo/p-rpS6-MT) versus pCI-neo/rpS6-WT (wild-type) and empty vector (pCI-neo/Ctrl) for studies. These findings provide compelling evidence that the mTORC1/rpS6 signal pathway exerted its effects to promote Sertoli cell BTB remodeling. This was mediated through changes in the organization of actin- and microtubule-based cytoskeletons, involving changes in the distribution and/or spatial expression of actin- and microtubule-regulatory proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Xi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Si-Wen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ming Yan
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qing-Quan Lian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY 10065, USA
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19
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Zhang H, Chen F, Dong H, Xie M, Zhang H, Chen Y, Liu H, Bai X, Li X, Chen Z. Loss of Fbxw7 in Sertoli cells impairs testis development and causes infertility in mice†. Biol Reprod 2020; 102:963-974. [PMID: 31883011 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
F-box and WD-40 domain protein 7 (Fbxw7) is a component of the Skp1-Cdc53/Cullin-F-box-protein complex (SCF/β-TrCP), which is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that mediates protein degradation. This complex has recently been shown to negatively regulate spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal; however, its roles in Sertoli cell (SC) proliferation, differentiation, and function remain to be established. In this study, we generated conditional mutant mice with SC-specific deletion of Fbxw7 via the Cre-loxP system. Fbxw7 deficiency in SCs impaired testis development, which is characterized by age-dependent tubular atrophy, excessive germ cell loss, and spermatogenic arrest, and the mutant males were infertile at 7 months old. Fbxw7 ablation also compromised cytoskeletal organization and cell polarity of SCs, as well as integrity of the blood-testis barrier. In addition, the transcript levels of cell markers for germ cells, Leydig cells, and SCs were significantly decreased in Fbxw7 mutant mice. Importantly, protein levels of GATA-4, a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in SC maturation and testis development, were progressively decreased in control SCs after postnatal day 14, whereas levels were aberrantly elevated in Fbxw7-deleted SCs. Interestingly, the Gata-4 messenger RNA levels remained stable following Fbxw7 deletion. Fbxw7 silencing in SCs also induced progressive Leydig cell inefficiency and testosterone insufficiency. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Fbxw7 expression is required for SC maturation and function, potentially through degradation of GATA-4, to support pubertal testis development and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanbin Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Feilong Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Heling Dong
- School of Physical Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Minyu Xie
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Hong Liu
- Reproductive center, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University (Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital), Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Xiaochun Bai
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xuemei Li
- Reproductive center, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University (Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital), Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Zhenguo Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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20
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Li X, Yao Z, Yang D, Jiang X, Sun J, Tian L, Hu J, Wu B, Bai W. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside restores spermatogenic dysfunction in cadmium-exposed pubertal mice via histone ubiquitination and mitigating oxidative damage. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 387:121706. [PMID: 31796358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental contaminant found in soil, water, and food, and can cause oxidative stress and male reproductive damage. During puberty, the male reproductive system is very vulnerable to interference, however, the dysregulation of Cd on spermatogenesis in this period is ambiguous. The anthocyanin cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is phytochemical rich in plants and fruits and has been shown to have remarkable anti-oxidant activity, making it an ideal nutrient for nutritional intervention. By modeling Cd-induced damage in male pubertal mice and feeding with C3G, we demonstrated that the C3G could rescue the amount and activity of sperm predominantly. Furthermore, C3G showed partial resistance to Cd-induced histone modification during spermiogenesis and prevented oxidative damage of the DNA in the sperm nucleus. Additionally, C3G mitigated the oxidative stress of testis to achieve the level coinciding with the control group. Meanwhile, Cd-induced mitochondrial apoptosis of sperm cells was reduced significantly via the MAPK signaling pathway in the presence of C3G. Collectively, our findings can offer a potential intervention for combating Cd-induced reproductive damage during puberty by taking anthocyanin as a dietary supplement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xusheng Li
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Zilan Yao
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Dacheng Yang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Xinwei Jiang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Jianxia Sun
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Lingmin Tian
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Jun Hu
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Biyu Wu
- Department of Human, Nutrition, Food and Animal Science, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96816, USA
| | - Weibin Bai
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China.
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21
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Yang T, Yang WX. The dynamics and regulation of microfilament during spermatogenesis. Gene 2020; 744:144635. [PMID: 32244053 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a highly complex physiological process which contains spermatogonia proliferation, spermatocyte meiosis and spermatid morphogenesis. In the past decade, actin binding proteins and signaling pathways which are critical for regulating the actin cytoskeleton in testis had been found. In this review, we summarized 5 actin-binding proteins that have been proven to play important roles in the seminiferous epithelium. Lack of them perturbs spermatids polarity and the transport of spermatids. The loss of Arp2/3 complex, Formin1, Eps8, Palladin and Plastin3 cause sperm release failure suggesting their irreplaceable role in spermatogenesis. Actin regulation relies on multiple signal pathways. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway positively regulate the mTOR pathway to promote actin reorganization in seminiferous epithelium. Conversely, TSC1/TSC2 complex, the upstream of mTOR, is activated by the LKB1/AMPK pathway to inhibit cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. The increasing researches focus on the function of actin binding proteins (ABPs), however, their collaborative regulation of actin patterns and potential regulatory signaling networks remains unclear. We reviewed ABPs that play important roles in mammalian spermatogenesis and signal pathways involved in the regulation of microfilaments. We suggest that more relevant studies should be performed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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22
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Wu S, Yan M, Ge R, Cheng CY. Crosstalk between Sertoli and Germ Cells in Male Fertility. Trends Mol Med 2019; 26:215-231. [PMID: 31727542 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is supported by intricate crosstalk between Sertoli cells and germ cells including spermatogonia, spermatocytes, haploid spermatids, and spermatozoa, which takes place in the epithelium of seminiferous tubules. Sertoli cells, also known as 'mother' or 'nurse' cells, provide nutrients, paracrine factors, cytokines, and other biomolecules to support germ cell development. Sertoli cells facilitate the generation of several biologically active peptides, which include F5-, noncollagenous 1 (NC1)-, and laminin globular (LG)3/4/5-peptide, to modulate cellular events across the epithelium. Here, we critically evaluate the involvement of these peptides in facilitating crosstalk between Sertoli and germ cells to support spermatogenesis and thus fertility. Modulating or mimicking the activity of F5-, NC1-, and LG3/4/5-peptide could be used to enhance the transport across the blood-testis barrier (BTB) of contraceptive drugs or to treat male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ming Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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23
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Yan M, Li L, Mao B, Li H, Li SYT, Mruk D, Silvestrini B, Lian Q, Ge R, Cheng CY. mTORC1/rpS6 signaling complex modifies BTB transport function: an in vivo study using the adjudin model. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2019; 317:E121-E138. [PMID: 31112404 PMCID: PMC6689739 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00553.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Studies have shown that the mTORC1/rpS6 signaling cascade regulates Sertoli cell blood-testis barrier (BTB) dynamics. For instance, specific inhibition of mTORC1 by treating Sertoli cells with rapamycin promotes the Sertoli cell barrier, making it "tighter." However, activation of mTORC1 by overexpressing a full-length rpS6 cDNA clone (i.e., rpS6-WT, wild type) in Sertoli cells promotes BTB remodeling, making the barrier "leaky." Also, there is an increase in rpS6 and p-rpS6 (phosphorylated and activated rpS6) expression at the BTB in testes at stages VIII-IX of the epithelial cycle, and it coincides with BTB remodeling to support the transport of preleptotene spermatocytes across the barrier, illustrating that rpS6 is a BTB-modifying signaling protein. Herein, we used a constitutively active, quadruple phosphomimetic mutant of rpS6, namely p-rpS6-MT of p-rpS6-S235E/S236E/S240E/S244E, wherein Ser (S) was converted to Glu (E) at amino acid residues 235, 236, 240, and 244 from the NH2 terminus by site-directed mutagenesis, for its overexpression in rat testes in vivo using the Polyplus in vivo jet-PEI transfection reagent with high transfection efficiency. Overexpression of this p-rpS6-MT was capable of inducing BTB remodeling, making the barrier "leaky." This thus promoted the entry of the nonhormonal male contraceptive adjudin into the adluminal compartment in the seminiferous epithelium to induce germ cell exfoliation. Combined overexpression of p-rpS6-MT with a male contraceptive (e.g., adjudin) potentiated the drug bioavailability by modifying the BTB. This approach thus lowers intrinsic drug toxicity due to a reduced drug dose, further characterizing the biology of BTB transport function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yan
- Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
| | - Linxi Li
- Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
- Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou, Zhejiang , China
| | - Baiping Mao
- Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
- Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou, Zhejiang , China
| | - Huitao Li
- Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
- Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou, Zhejiang , China
| | - Stephen Y T Li
- Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
| | - Dolores Mruk
- Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
| | | | - Qingquan Lian
- Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou, Zhejiang , China
| | - Renshan Ge
- Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou, Zhejiang , China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
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24
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Bai S, Cheng L, Zhang Y, Zhu C, Zhu Z, Zhu R, Cheng CY, Ye L, Zheng K. A germline-specific role for the mTORC2 component Rictor in maintaining spermatogonial differentiation and intercellular adhesion in mouse testis. Mol Hum Reprod 2019. [PMID: 29518209 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the physiological role of Rictor in spermatogenic cells? SUMMARY ANSWER Germline expression of Rictor regulates spermatogonial differentiation and has an essential role in coordinating germ cells and Sertoli cells in maintaining intact cell-cell adhesion dynamics and cytoskeleton-based architecture in the seminiferous epithelium. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) resides in its functions as the catalytic subunits of the structurally and functionally distinct mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes. In the mammalian testis, mTORC1 regulates spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, whereas mTORC2 is required for Sertoli cell function. In contrast to mTORC1, mTORC2 has been much less well studied. Rictor is a distinct component of the mTORC2 complex. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We investigated the effects of germ cell-specific ablation of Rictor on testicular development by using a mouse model of germline-specific ablation of Rictor. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We analyzed the in-vivo functions of Rictor through different methods including histology, immunofluorescent staining, chromosome spreads, blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity assays and RNA sequencing. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Mutant mice did not show a defect in meiotic synapsis or recombination, but exhibited compromised spermatogonial differentiation potential, disorganized cell-cell junctions, impaired BTB dynamics and defective spermiogenesis. Concomitantly, RNA-seq profiling revealed that many genes involved in adhesion and migration were expressed inappropriately. LARGE SCALE DATA RNA-seq data are published in the SRA database (PRJNA419273). LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION A detailed analysis of the mechanisms underlying the phenotype needs further investigations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our work provides previously unidentified in-vivo evidence that germline expression of Rictor plays a role in maintaining spermatogonial differentiation and cell-cell adhesion. These findings are important for understanding the regulation of spermatogenesis and have clinical implications for the effect of mTOR inhibitors on human fertility. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by National Key R&D Program of China (2016YFA0500902), National Natural Science Foundation of China (31471228 and 31771653), Jiangsu Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars (BK20150047), and Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20140897, 14KJA180005 and 14KJB310004) to K.Z. The authors declare no competing or financial interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Le Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yingwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chunsen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhiping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ruping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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25
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Moreira BP, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Molecular Mechanisms Controlled by mTOR in Male Reproductive System. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071633. [PMID: 30986927 PMCID: PMC6480367 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has emerged as a master integrator of upstream inputs, such as amino acids, growth factors and insulin availability, energy status and many others. The integration of these signals promotes a response through several downstream effectors that regulate protein synthesis, glucose metabolism and cytoskeleton organization, among others. All these biological processes are essential for male fertility, thus it is not surprising that novel molecular mechanisms controlled by mTOR in the male reproductive tract have been described. Indeed, since the first clinical evidence showed that men taking rapamycin were infertile, several studies have evidenced distinct roles for mTOR in spermatogenesis. However, there is a lack of consensus whether mTOR inhibition, which remains the experimental approach that originates the majority of available data, has a negative or positive impact on male reproductive health. Herein we discuss the latest findings concerning mTOR activity in testes, particularly its role on spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) maintenance and differentiation, as well as in the physiology of Sertoli cells (SCs), responsible for blood–testis barrier maintenance/restructuring and the nutritional support of spermatogenesis. Taken together, these recent advances highlight a crucial role for mTOR in determining the male reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno P Moreira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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26
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Panner Selvam MK, Agarwal A, Pushparaj PN. A quantitative global proteomics approach to understanding the functional pathways dysregulated in the spermatozoa of asthenozoospermic testicular cancer patients. Andrology 2019; 7:454-462. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - A. Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine Cleveland Clinic Cleveland OH USA
| | - P. N. Pushparaj
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research King Abdulaziz University Jeddah Saudi Arabia
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27
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Panner Selvam MK, Agarwal A, Pushparaj PN. Altered Molecular Pathways in the Proteome of Cryopreserved Sperm in Testicular Cancer Patients before Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E677. [PMID: 30764484 PMCID: PMC6387327 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular cancer (TC) represents the most common cancer affecting men within the reproductive age and is often accompanied by major disturbances in semen parameters. Cryopreservation is recommended in these patients before initiating cancer treatment. Currently, there are no studies reporting the molecular mechanisms associated with altered semen quality in these men. The main objective of this study was to compare the sperm proteome of normozoospermic (motility >40%) and asthenozoospermic (motility <40%) TC patients with normozoospermic infertile men without cancer (control group). Pooled sperm samples from normozoospermic (n = 20), asthenozoospermic (n = 11) TC, and a control group (n = 9) were used for quantitative global proteomic profiling using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 1085, 846, and 982 proteins were identified in normozoospermic TC, asthenozoospermic TC, and control groups, respectively. Functional analysis revealed mitochondrial dysfunction and altered cellular pathways in both normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic TC patients. Comparison of pathway analysis showed no significant difference in fertility-associated proteins/mechanism between the normozoospermic TC patients and infertile men. Western blot analysis revealed under-expression of NDUFS1 associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and overexpression of CD63 involved in sperm maturation in both normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic TC patients. Our proteomic results confirm that defective cellular pathways are associated with reproductive functions in both normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic TC patients before the start of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
| | - Peter N Pushparaj
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
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28
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Dias TR, Agarwal A, Pushparaj PN, Ahmad G, Sharma R. New Insights on the Mechanisms Affecting Fertility in Men with Non-Seminoma Testicular Cancer before Cancer Therapy. World J Mens Health 2018; 38:198-207. [PMID: 30588784 PMCID: PMC7076305 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.180099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Patients with non-seminoma testicular cancer (NSTC) cancer can be subfertile or infertile, and present reduced sperm quality, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the sperm proteome of patients with NSTC, who cryopreserved their sperm before starting cancer treatment, with that from healthy fertile men. Materials and Methods Semen volume, sperm motility and sperm concentration were evaluated before the cryopreservation of samples from patients with NSTC (n=15) and the control group (n=15). Sperm proteomic analysis was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between the two groups were identified using bioinformatic tools. Results A total of 189 DEPs was identified in the dataset, from which five DEPs related to sperm function and fertilization were selected for validation by Western blot. We were able to validate the underexpression of the mitochondrial complex subunits NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Core Subunit S1 (NDUFS1) and ubiquinol-cytochrome C reductase core protein 2 (UQCRC2), as well as the underexpression of the testis-specific sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase subunit alpha-4 (ATP1A4) in the NSTC group. Conclusions Our results indicate that sperm mitochondrial dysfunction may explain the observed decrease in sperm concentration, total sperm count and total motile count in NSTC patients. The identified DEPs may serve as potential biomarkers for the pathophysiology of subfertility/infertility in patients with NSTC. Our study also associates the reduced fertilizing ability of NSTC patients with the dysregulation of important sperm molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania R Dias
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Peter N Pushparaj
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gulfam Ahmad
- Division of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rakesh Sharma
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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29
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Martin-Hidalgo D, Hurtado de Llera A, Calle-Guisado V, Gonzalez-Fernandez L, Garcia-Marin L, Bragado MJ. AMPK Function in Mammalian Spermatozoa. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113293. [PMID: 30360525 PMCID: PMC6275045 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
AMP-activated protein kinase AMPK regulates cellular energy by controlling metabolism through the inhibition of anabolic pathways and the simultaneous stimulation of catabolic pathways. Given its central regulator role in cell metabolism, AMPK activity and its regulation have been the focus of relevant investigations, although only a few studies have focused on the AMPK function in the control of spermatozoa's ability to fertilize. This review summarizes the known cellular roles of AMPK that have been identified in mammalian spermatozoa. The involvement of AMPK activity is described in terms of the main physiological functions of mature spermatozoa, particularly in the regulation of suitable sperm motility adapted to the fluctuating extracellular medium, maintenance of the integrity of sperm membranes, and the mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, the intracellular signaling pathways leading to AMPK activation in mammalian spermatozoa are reviewed. We also discuss the role of AMPK in assisted reproduction techniques, particularly during semen cryopreservation and preservation (at 17 °C). Finally, we reinforce the idea of AMPK as a key signaling kinase in spermatozoa that acts as an essential linker/bridge between metabolism energy and sperm's ability to fertilize.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Martin-Hidalgo
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 40050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Ana Hurtado de Llera
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
- Hormones and Metabolism Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Violeta Calle-Guisado
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
| | - Lauro Gonzalez-Fernandez
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
| | - Luis Garcia-Marin
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
| | - M Julia Bragado
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
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30
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Mao B, Mruk D, Lian Q, Ge R, Li C, Silvestrini B, Cheng CY. Mechanistic Insights into PFOS-Mediated Sertoli Cell Injury. Trends Mol Med 2018; 24:781-793. [PMID: 30056046 PMCID: PMC6114095 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Studies have proven that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are harmful to humans, most notably perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS). PFOS induces rapid disorganization of actin- and microtubule (MT)-based cytoskeletons in primary cultures of rodent and human Sertoli cells, perturbing Sertoli cell gap junction communication, thereby prohibiting Sertoli cells from maintaining cellular homeostasis in the seminiferous epithelium to support spermatogenesis. PFOS perturbs several signaling proteins/pathways, such as FAK and mTORC1/rpS6/Akt1/2. The use of either an activator of Akt1/2 or overexpression of a phosphomimetic (and constitutively active) mutant of FAK or connexin 43 has demonstrated that such treatment blocks PFOS-induced Sertoli cell injury by preventing actin- and MT-based cytoskeletal disorganization. These findings thus illustrate an approach to manage PFOS-induced reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiping Mao
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dolores Mruk
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Qingquan Lian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | | | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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31
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Li SYT, Yan M, Chen H, Jesus T, Lee WM, Xiao X, Cheng CY. mTORC1/rpS6 regulates blood-testis barrier dynamics and spermatogenetic function in the testis in vivo. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2018; 314:E174-E190. [PMID: 29089336 PMCID: PMC5866417 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00263.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB), conferred by Sertoli cells in the mammalian testis, is an important ultrastructure that supports spermatogenesis. Studies using animal models have shown that a disruption of the BTB leads to meiotic arrest, causing defects in spermatogenesis and male infertility. To better understand the regulation of BTB dynamics, we report findings herein to understand the role of ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6), a downstream signaling protein of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), in promoting BTB disruption in the testis in vivo, making the barrier "leaky." Overexpression of wild-type rpS6 (rpS6-WT, the full-length cDNA cloned into the mammalian expression vector pCI-neo) and a constitutively active quadruple phosphomimetic mutant cloned into pCI-neo (p-rpS6-MT) vs. control (empty pCI-neo vector) was achieved by transfecting adult rat testes with the corresponding plasmid DNA using a Polyplus in vivo-jetPEI transfection reagent. On the basis of an in vivo functional BTB integrity assay, p-rpS6-MT was found to induce BTB disruption better than rpS6-WT did (and no effects in empty vector control), leading to defects in spermatogenesis, including loss of spermatid polarity and failure in the transport of cells (e.g., spermatids) and organelles (e.g., phagosomes), to be followed by germ exfoliation. More important, rpS6-WT and p-rpS6-MT exert their disruptive effects through changes in the organization of actin- and microtubule (MT)-based cytoskeletons, which are mediated by changes in the spatiotemporal expression of actin- and MT-based binding and regulatory proteins. In short, mTORC1/rpS6 signaling complex is a regulator of spermatogenesis and BTB by modulating the organization of the actin- and MT-based cytoskeletons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Y T Li
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
| | - Ming Yan
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Haiqi Chen
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
| | - Tito Jesus
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
| | - Will M Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences , Hangzhou , China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
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32
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Wu D, Huang CJ, Jiao XF, Ding ZM, Zhang JY, Chen F, Wang YS, Li X, Huo LJ. Olaquindox disrupts tight junction integrity and cytoskeleton architecture in mouse Sertoli cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:88630-88644. [PMID: 29179463 PMCID: PMC5687633 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells, by creating an immune-privileged and nutrition supporting environment, maintain mammalian spermatogenesis and thereby holds the heart of male fertility. Olaquindox, an effective feed additive in livestock industry, could potentially expose human into the risk of biological hazards due to its genotoxicity and cytotoxicity, highlighting the significance of determining its bio-safety regarding human reproduction. Herein, we deciphered the detrimental effects of olaquindox on male fertility by mechanistically unraveling how olaquindox intervenes blood-testis barrier in mouse. Olaquindox (400 μg/ml) exposure significantly compromised tight junction permeability function, decreased or dislocated the junction proteins (e.g., ZO-1, occludin and N-cadherin) and attenuated mTORC2 signaling pathway in primary Sertoli cells. Furthermore, olaquindox disrupted F-actin architecture through interfering with the expression of actin branching protein complex (CDC42-N-WASP-Arp3) and actin bunding protein palladin. Olaquindox also triggered severely DNA damage and apoptosis while inhibiting autophagic flux in Sertoli cell presumably due to the exacerbated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pre-treatment with antioxidant N-acetylcysteine effectively ameliorated olaquindox-induced exhaustion of ZO-1 and N-Cadherin proteins, DNA damage and apoptosis. More significantly, olaquindox disrupted the epigenetic status in Sertoli cells with hypermethylation and concomitantly hypoacetylation of H3K9 and H3K27. Overall, our study determines olaquindox targets Sertoli cells to affect BTB function through tight junction proteins and F-actin orgnization, which might disrupt the process of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.,Department of Hubei Province Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Chun-Jie Huang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.,Department of Hubei Province Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.,Department of Hubei Province Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Ding
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.,Department of Hubei Province Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Jia-Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.,Department of Hubei Province Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Fan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.,Department of Hubei Province Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Yong-Sheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.,Department of Hubei Province Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.,Department of Hubei Province Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Li-Jun Huo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.,Department of Hubei Province Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
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33
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Hannigan MM, Zagore LL, Licatalosi DD. Ptbp2 Controls an Alternative Splicing Network Required for Cell Communication during Spermatogenesis. Cell Rep 2017; 19:2598-2612. [PMID: 28636946 PMCID: PMC5543815 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.05.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing has essential roles in development. Remarkably, spermatogenic cells express more alternatively spliced RNAs compared to most whole tissues; however, regulation of these RNAs remains unclear. Here, we characterize the alternative splicing landscape during spermatogenesis and reveal an essential function for the RNA-binding protein Ptbp2 in this highly regulated developmental program. We found that Ptbp2 controls a network of genes involved in cell adhesion, migration, and polarity, suggesting that splicing regulation by Ptbp2 is critical for germ cell communication with Sertoli cells (multifunctional somatic cells necessary for spermatogenesis). Indeed, Ptbp2 ablation in germ cells resulted in disorganization of the filamentous actin (F-actin) cytoskeleton in Sertoli cells, indicating that alternative splicing regulation is necessary for cellular crosstalk during germ cell development. Collectively, the data delineate an alternative splicing regulatory network essential for spermatogenesis, the splicing factor that controls it, and its biological importance in germ-Sertoli communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly M Hannigan
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Leah L Zagore
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Donny D Licatalosi
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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34
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Wen Q, Tang EI, Gao Y, Jesus TT, Chu DS, Lee WM, Wong CKC, Liu YX, Xiao X, Silvestrini B, Cheng CY. Signaling pathways regulating blood-tissue barriers - Lesson from the testis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1860:141-153. [PMID: 28450047 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Signaling pathways that regulate blood-tissue barriers are important for studying the biology of various blood-tissue barriers. This information, if deciphered and better understood, will provide better therapeutic management of diseases particularly in organs that are sealed by the corresponding blood-tissue barriers from systemic circulation, such as the brain and the testis. These barriers block the access of antibiotics and/or chemotherapeutical agents across the corresponding barriers. Studies in the last decade using the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in rats have demonstrated the presence of several signaling pathways that are crucial to modulate BTB function. Herein, we critically evaluate these findings and provide hypothetical models regarding the underlying mechanisms by which these signaling molecules/pathways modulate BTB dynamics. This information should be carefully evaluated to examine their applicability in other tissue barriers which shall benefit future functional studies in the field. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Gap Junction Proteins edited by Jean Claude Herve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wen
- The Mary M. Woldford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Elizabeth I Tang
- The Mary M. Woldford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Ying Gao
- The Mary M. Woldford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Tito T Jesus
- The Mary M. Woldford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Darren S Chu
- The Mary M. Woldford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Will M Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang, China
| | | | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Woldford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States.
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35
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Duan P, Hu C, Quan C, Yu T, Huang W, Chen W, Tang S, Shi Y, Martin FL, Yang K. 4-Nonylphenol induces autophagy and attenuates mTOR-p70S6K/4EBP1 signaling by modulating AMPK activation in Sertoli cells. Toxicol Lett 2016; 267:21-31. [PMID: 28041982 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The estrogenic chemical 4-nonylphenol (NP) is known to impair testicular devolopment and spermatogenesis in rodents. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of NP on autophagy induction and AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway in Sertoli cells (SCs), which are the "nursemaid cells" for meiosis of spermatocytes. In this study we exposed 7-week-old male rats to NP by intra-peritoneal injection at 0, 20, 50 or 100mg/kg body weight/2days for 20 consecutive days. Our results showed that exposure to NP dose-dependently induces the formation of autophagosomes in SCs, increases the expression of Beclin-1, the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and the mRNA expression of Atg3, Atg5, Atg7 and Atg12 in testis, and these effects are concomitant with the activation of AMPK, and the suppression of TSC2-mTOR-p70S6K/4EBP1 signaling cascade in testis. Furthermore, 10μM Compound C or AMPKα1 siRNA pre-treatment effectively attenuated autophagy and reversed AMPK-mTOR-p70S6K/4EBP1 signaling in NP-treated SCs. Co-treatment with 1mM AICAR remarkably strengthened NP-induced autophagy and mTOR inhibition in SCs. Together, these data suggest that NP stimulates Sertoli cell autophagy and inhibits mTOR-p70S6K/4EBP1 activity through AMPK activation, which is the potential mechanism responsible for the regulation of testis function and differentiation following NP exposure.
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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; Research Center for Environment and Health, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Chunhui Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - 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
| | - Tingting Yu
- 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
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - 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
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | - 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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36
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Boyer A, Girard M, Thimmanahalli DS, Levasseur A, Céleste C, Paquet M, Duggavathi R, Boerboom D. mTOR Regulates Gap Junction Alpha-1 Protein Trafficking in Sertoli Cells and Is Required for the Maintenance of Spermatogenesis in Mice. Biol Reprod 2016; 95:13. [PMID: 27281705 PMCID: PMC5029431 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.138016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (Mtor) gene encodes a serine/threonine kinase that acts as a master regulator of processes as diverse as cell growth, protein synthesis, cytoskeleton reorganization, and cell survival. In the testis, physiological roles for Mtor have been proposed in perinatal Sertoli cell proliferation and blood-testis barrier (BTB) remodeling during spermatogenesis, but no in vivo studies of Mtor function have been reported. Here, we used a conditional knockout approach to target Mtor in Sertoli cells. The resulting Mtor(flox/flox); Amhr2(cre/+) mice were characterized by progressive, adult-onset testicular atrophy associated with disorganization of the seminiferous epithelium, loss of Sertoli cell polarity, increased germ cell apoptosis, premature release of germ cells, decreased epididymal sperm counts, increased sperm abnormalities, and infertility. Histopathologic analysis and quantification of the expression of stage-specific markers showed a specific loss of pachytene spermatocytes and spermatids. Although the BTB and the ectoplasmic specializations did not appear to be altered in Mtor(flox/flox);Amhr2(cre/+) mice, a dramatic redistribution of gap junction alpha-1 (GJA1) was detected in their Sertoli cells. Phosphorylation of GJA1 at Ser373, which is associated with its internalization, was increased in the testes of Mtor(flox/flox); Amhr2(cre/+) mice, as was the expression and phosphorylation of AKT, which phosphorylates GJA1 at this site. Together, these results indicate that Mtor expression in Sertoli cells is required for the maintenance of spermatogenesis and the progression of germ cell development through the pachytene spermatocyte stage. One mechanism of mTOR action may be to regulate gap junction dynamics by inhibiting AKT, thereby decreasing GJA1 phosphorylation and internalization. mTOR regulates gap junction alpha-1 protein distribution in Sertoli cells and is necessary for progression through the pachytene spermatocyte stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Boyer
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Meggie Girard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Adrien Levasseur
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christophe Céleste
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marilène Paquet
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Rajesha Duggavathi
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, Canada
| | - Derek Boerboom
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Li N, Cheng CY. Mammalian target of rapamycin complex (mTOR) pathway modulates blood-testis barrier (BTB) function through F-actin organization and gap junction. Histol Histopathol 2016; 31:961-8. [PMID: 26957088 DOI: 10.14670/hh-11-753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) is one of the most important signaling molecules in mammalian cells which regulates an array of cellular events, ranging from cell metabolism to cell proliferation. Based on the association of mTOR with the core component proteins, such as Raptor or Rictor, mTOR can become the mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) or mTORC2, respectively. Studies have shown that during the epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis, mTORC1 promotes remodeling and restructuring of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in vitro and in vivo, making the Sertoli cell tight junction (TJ)-permeability barrier "leaky"; whereas mTORC2 promotes BTB integrity, making the Sertoli cell TJ-barrier "tighter". These contrasting effects, coupled with the spatiotemporal expression of the core signaling proteins at the BTB that confer the respective functions of mTORC1 vs. mTORC2 thus provide a unique mechanism to modulate BTB dynamics, allowing or disallowing the transport of biomolecules and also preleptotene spermatocytes across the immunological barrier. More importantly, studies have shown that these changes to BTB dynamics conferred by mTORC1 and mTORC2 are mediated by changes in the organization of the actin microfilament networks at the BTB, and involve gap junction (GJ) intercellular communication. Since GJ has recently been shown to be crucial to reboot spermatogenesis and meiosis following toxicant-induced aspermatogenesis, these findings thus provide new insightful information regarding the integration of mTOR and GJ to regulate spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA. or
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Bertoldo MJ, Guibert E, Faure M, Guillou F, Ramé C, Nadal-Desbarats L, Foretz M, Viollet B, Dupont J, Froment P. Specific deletion of AMP-activated protein kinase (α1AMPK) in mouse Sertoli cells modifies germ cell quality. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 423:96-112. [PMID: 26772142 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an important regulator of cellular energy homeostasis which plays a role in fertility. Complete disruption of the AMPK catalytic subunit α1 gene (α1AMPK KO) in male mice results in a decrease in litter size which is associated with the production of altered sperm morphology and motility. Because of the importance of Sertoli cells in the formation of germ cells, we have chosen to selectively disrupt α1AMPK only in the Sertoli cells in mice (Sc-α1AMPK-KO mice). Specific deletion of the α1AMPK gene in Sertoli cells resulted in a 25% reduction in male fertility associated with abnormal spermatozoa with a thin head. No clear alterations in testis morphology or modification in the number of Sertoli cells in vivo were observed, but a dysregulation in energy metabolism in Sertoli cells occurred. We have reported an increase in lactate production, in lipid droplets, and a reduction in ATP production in Sc-α1AMPK-KO Sertoli cells. These perturbations were associated with lower expression of mitochondrial markers (cytochrome c and PGC1-α). In addition another metabolic sensor, the deacetylase SIRT1, had a reduction in expression which is correlated with a decline in deacetylase activity. Finally, expression and localization of junctions forming the blood-testis barrier between Sertoli cells themselves and with germ cells were deregulated in Sc-α1AMPK-KO. In conclusion, these results suggest that dysregulation of the energy sensing machinery exclusively through disruption of α1AMPK in Sertoli cells translates to a reduction in the quality of germ cells and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Bertoldo
- Unité de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Centre Val de Loire, UMR85, 37380 Nouzilly, France; School of Women's and Children's Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Edith Guibert
- Unité de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Centre Val de Loire, UMR85, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Melanie Faure
- Unité de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Centre Val de Loire, UMR85, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Florian Guillou
- Unité de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Centre Val de Loire, UMR85, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Christelle Ramé
- Unité de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Centre Val de Loire, UMR85, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Lydie Nadal-Desbarats
- INSERM U930, Équipe Neurogénétique et Neurométabolomique, Université François-Rabelais, 37044 Tours, France; Département d'Analyse Chimique Biologique et Médicale, PPF "Analyses des Systèmes Biologiques", Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France
| | - Marc Foretz
- INSERM, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France; CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France; Univ Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Benoit Viollet
- INSERM, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France; CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France; Univ Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Joëlle Dupont
- Unité de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Centre Val de Loire, UMR85, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Pascal Froment
- Unité de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Centre Val de Loire, UMR85, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
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