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Ramos L. Dimorphic Regulation of the MafB Gene by Sex Steroids in Hamsters, Mesocricetus auratus. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1728. [PMID: 38929347 PMCID: PMC11200555 DOI: 10.3390/ani14121728] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
MafB is a transcription factor that regulates macrophage differentiation. Macrophages are a traditional feature of the hamster Harderian gland (HG); however, studies pertaining to MafB expression in the HG are scant. Here, the full-length cDNA of the MafB gene in hamsters was cloned and sequenced. Molecular characterization revealed that MafB encodes a protein containing 323 amino acids with a DNA-binding domain, a transactivation domain, and a leucine zipper domain. qPCR assays indicated that MafB was expressed in different tissues of both sexes. The highest relative expression levels in endocrine tissues were identified in the pancreas. Gonadectomy in male hamsters was associated with significantly higher mRNA levels in the HG; replacement with dihydrotestosterone restored mRNA expression. The HG in male hamsters contained twofold more MafB mRNA than the HG of female hamsters. Adrenals revealed similar mRNA relative expression levels during the estrous cycle. The estrous phase was associated with higher mRNA levels in the ovary. A significantly up-regulated expression and sexual dimorphism of MafB was found in the pancreas. Therefore, MafB in the HG may play an active role in the macrophage differentiation required for phagocytosis activity and intraocular repair. Additionally, sex steroids appear to strongly influence the MafB expression in the HG and pancreas. These studies highlight the probable biological importance of MafB in immunological defense and pancreatic β cell regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Ramos
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México City 14080, Mexico
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2
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Haller M, Yin Y, Haller G, Li T, Li Q, Lamb LE, Ma L. Streamlined identification of clinically and functionally relevant genetic regulators of lower-tract urogenital development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2309466121. [PMID: 38300866 PMCID: PMC10861909 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309466121] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Congenital anomalies of the lower genitourinary (LGU) tract are frequently comorbid due to genetically linked developmental pathways, and are among the most common yet most socially stigmatized congenital phenotypes. Genes involved in sexual differentiation are prime candidates for developmental anomalies of multiple LGU organs, but insufficient prospective screening tools have prevented the rapid identification of causative genes. Androgen signaling is among the most influential modulators of LGU development. The present study uses SpDamID technology in vivo to generate a comprehensive map of the pathways actively regulated by the androgen receptor (AR) in the genitalia in the presence of the p300 coactivator, identifying wingless/integrated (WNT) signaling as a highly enriched AR-regulated pathway in the genitalia. Transcription factor (TF) hits were then assayed for sexually dimorphic expression at two critical time points and also cross-referenced to a database of clinically relevant copy number variations to identify 252 TFs exhibiting copy variation in patients with LGU phenotypes. A subset of 54 TFs was identified for which LGU phenotypes are statistically overrepresented as a proportion of total observed phenotypes. The 252 TF hitlist was then subjected to a functional screen to identify hits whose silencing affects genital mesenchymal growth rates. Overlap of these datasets results in a refined list of 133 TFs of both functional and clinical relevance to LGU development, 31 of which are top priority candidates, including the well-documented renal progenitor regulator, Sall1. Loss of Sall1 was examined in vivo and confirmed to be a powerful regulator of LGU development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meade Haller
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Yan Yin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Gabe Haller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Tian Li
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Qiufang Li
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Laura E. Lamb
- Department of Urology, William Beaumont School of Medicine, Oakland University, Rochester, MI48309
| | - Liang Ma
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
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Wang T, Wang X, Zhao N, Liu Q, Song Z, Li J. Developmental regulation of the male urogenital papilla in the male marine teleost black rockfish, Sebastes schlegelii (Hilgendorf, 1880)†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:461-473. [PMID: 37552063 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The male external genitalia of the black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii Hilgendorf, 1880) is a fleshy protrusion known as the urogenital papilla (UGP), which functions to deliver sperm into the female reproductive tract for internal fertilization. It is not known which genes regulate the development of the UGP. The aim of this study was to identify key genes that regulate the development of the UGP in black rockfish and to determine the distribution of androgen receptor gene (ar) in the UGP. A total of 26 adult males and 560 juvenile fish were used in the experiment, in which we divided all normally developing juveniles into normal development and androgen groups. We added methyltestosterone solution (100 μg/l) to the androgen group-treated fish tank, soaked for 2 h per day for 38 days, and sampled 5~10 samples each time every 5 days during the culture process. Gene expression changes related to UGP were analyzed with tissue specificity between control and androgen groups during sex differentiation, adult male maturation, and the copulation stage (September to December) using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression of ar was also localized by two-color in situ hybridization in the UGP region of juvenile fish. Androgen treatment enhanced ar expression levels and the ar signal was stronger in the UGP region of both adult breeding fish and androgen-treated juvenile fish. This study provides insights into the regulation of the external genitalia of black rockfish and presents vital information for the artificial breeding of viviparous fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Ning Zhao
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qinghua Liu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Zongcheng Song
- Weihai Shenghang Aquatic Product Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Weihai, China
| | - Jun Li
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
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4
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Hashimoto D, Fujimoto K, Kim SW, Lee YS, Nakata M, Suzuki K, Wada Y, Asamura S, Yamada G. Emerging structural and pathological analyses on the erectile organ, corpus cavernous containing sinusoids. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12539. [PMID: 37663955 PMCID: PMC10472535 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12539] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The corpus cavernosum (CC) containing sinusoids plays fundamental roles for erection. Analysis of pathological changes in the erectile system is studied by recent experimental systems. Various in vitro models utilizing genital mesenchymal-derived cells and explant culture systems are summarized. Methods 3D reconstruction of section images of murine CC was created. Ectopic chondrogenesis in aged mouse CC was shown by a gene expression study revealing the prominent expression of Sox9. Various experimental strategies utilizing mesenchyme-derived primary cells and tissue explants are introduced. Main Findings Possible roles of Sox9 in chondrogenesis and its regulation by several signals are suggested. The unique character of genital mesenchyme is shown by various analyses of external genitalia (ExG) derived cells and explant cultures. Such strategies are also applied to the analysis of erectile contraction/relaxation responses to many signals and aging process. Conclusion Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the essential topics for the modern aged society. More comprehensive studies are necessary to reveal the nature of the erectile system by combining multiple cell culture strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Hashimoto
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
- Department of Physiology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of MedicineKindai UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Kota Fujimoto
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Sang Woon Kim
- Department of Urology, Urological Science InstituteYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Yong Seung Lee
- Department of Urology, Urological Science InstituteYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Masanori Nakata
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Faculty of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of YamanashiYamanashiJapan
| | - Yoshitaka Wada
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Shinichi Asamura
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineWakayama Medical UniversityWakayamaJapan
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Acebedo AR, Alcantara MC, Nakanishi T, Ogawa T, Yamada G, Suzuki K. Exposure to the organophosphate pesticide fenitrothion directly induced defects in mouse embryonic external genitalia. Toxicol Sci 2022; 190:13-22. [PMID: 35951760 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many industrial chemicals have been reported as anti-androgenic substances. Exposure to these substances represents a potential risk to human health, particularly to the development of reproductive organs such as embryonic external genitalia (eExG). Currently, there is a need for more assay systems that can elucidate the toxicological actions and mechanisms of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). In this study, we show that the eExG slice culture assay is useful for the evaluation of the differing modes of action of EDCs on urethra formation. We assessed the possible endocrine disrupting activity of three chemicals with reported anti-androgenic function, diazinon (DZN), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and fenitrothion (FNT) on eExG slices. Exposure to FNT, but not DZN and DBP, induced defects of androgen-induced urethral masculinization and reduced expression of the androgen-target gene Mafb. Live imaging analyses showed that FNT treatment inhibited androgen-dependent MAFB induction within 12 hours. Furthermore, FNT-treated tissue slices showed reduced expression of the androgen receptor (AR). These results indicate that FNT disrupts androgen signaling by reduction of AR expression during androgen-induced eExG masculinization. The current study thus highlights the importance of animal models which allow for the effective assessment of tissue-specific endocrine-disrupting activity to further reveal the etiology of chemical-induced congenital anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin R Acebedo
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Mellissa C Alcantara
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Nakanishi
- Laboratory of Hygienic Chemistry and Molecular Toxicology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu 501-1196, Japan
| | - Takehiko Ogawa
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
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6
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Kajimoto M, Suzuki K, Ueda Y, Fujimoto K, Takeo T, Nakagata N, Hyuga T, Isono K, Yamada G. Androgen/Wnt/β-catenin signal axis augments cell proliferation of the mouse erectile tissue, corpus cavernosum. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2022; 62:123-133. [PMID: 35318743 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The murine penile erectile tissues including corpus cavernosum (CC) are composed of blood vessels, smooth muscle, and connective tissue, showing marked sexual differences. It has been known that the androgens are required for sexually dimorphic organogenesis. It is however unknown about the features of androgen signaling during mouse CC development. It is also unclear how androgen-driven downstream factors are involved such processes. In the current study, we analyzed the onset of sexually dimorphic CC formation based on histological analyses, the dynamics of androgen receptor (AR) expression, and regulation of cell proliferation. Of note, we identified Dickkopf-related protein 2 (Dkk2), an inhibitor of β-catenin signaling, was predominantly expressed in female CC compared with male. Furthermore, administration of androgens resulted in activation of β-catenin signaling. We have found the Sox9 gene, one of the essential markers for chondrocyte, was specifically expressed in the developing CC. Hence, we utilized CC-specific, Sox9 CreERT2 , β-catenin conditional mutant mice. Such mutant mice showed defective cell proliferation. Furthermore, introduction of activated form of β-catenin mutation (gain of function mutation for Wnt/β-catenin signaling) in CC induced augmented cell proliferation. Altogether, we revealed androgen-Wnt/β-catenin signal dependent cell proliferation was essential for sexually dimorphic CC formation. These findings open new avenues for understanding developmental mechanisms of androgen-dependent cell proliferation during sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Kajimoto
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yuko Ueda
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kota Fujimoto
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Toru Takeo
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Naomi Nakagata
- Division of Reproductive Biotechnology and Innovation, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Taiju Hyuga
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan.,Department of Pediatric Urology, Jichi Medical University, Children's Medical Center Tochigi, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kyoichi Isono
- Laboratory Animal Center, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
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7
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Kaitetzidou E, Gilfillan GD, Antonopoulou E, Sarropoulou E. Sex-biased dynamics of three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) gene expression patterns. Genomics 2021; 114:266-277. [PMID: 34933072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The study of the differences between sexes presents an excellent model to unravel how phenotypic variation is achieved from a similar genetic background. Sticklebacks are of particular interest since evidence of a heteromorphic chromosome pair has not always been detected. The present study investigated sex-biased mRNA and small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) expression patterns in the brain, adipose tissues, and gonads of the three-spined stickleback. The sncRNA analysis indicated that regulatory functions occurred mainly in the gonads. Alleged miRNA-mRNA interactions were established and a mapping bias of differential expressed transcripts towards chromosome 19 was observed. Key players previously shown to control sex determination and differentiation in other fish species but also genes like gapdh were among the transcripts identified. This is the first report in the three-spined stickleback demonstrating tissue-specific expression comprising both mRNA and sncRNA between sexes, emphasizing the importance of mRNA-miRNA interactions as well as new presumed genes not yet identified to have gender-specific roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisavet Kaitetzidou
- Institute for Marine Biology, Biotechnology, and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Greece
| | - Gregor D Gilfillan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Efthimia Antonopoulou
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Elena Sarropoulou
- Institute for Marine Biology, Biotechnology, and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Greece.
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8
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Alcantara MC, Suzuki K, Acebedo AR, Sakamoto Y, Nishita M, Minami Y, Kikuchi A, Yamada G. Stage-dependent function of Wnt5a during male external genitalia development. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2021; 61:212-219. [PMID: 34255394 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12438] [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] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
External genitalia development in mice involves multiple developmental processes under the regulation of various signaling pathways. Wnt5a, one of the major Wnt ligands, is a crucial developmental regulator of outgrowing organs such as the limb, the mandible, and the external genitalia. Defects in Wnt5a signaling have been linked to Robinow syndrome, a genetic disorder in which male patients manifest a micropenis and defective urethral tube formation. Whereas Wnt5a is required for cell proliferation during embryonic external genitalia outgrowth, its role for urethral tube formation has yet to be understood. Here, we show that Wnt5a contributes to urethral tube formation as well as external genitalia outgrowth. Wnt5a is expressed in the embryonic external genitalia mesenchyme, and mesenchymal-specific conditional Wnt5a knockout mice resulted in hypospadias-like urethral defects. Early deletion of Wnt5a at E10.5 showed severe defects in both external genitalia outgrowth and urethral tube formation, along with reduced cell proliferation. The severe urethral tube defect persisted during later timing deletion of Wnt5a (E13.5). Further analyses revealed that loss of Wnt5a disrupted cell polarity and led to a reduction of the phosphorylated myosin light chain and the focal adhesion protein, vinculin. Altogether, these results suggest that Wnt5a coordinates cell proliferation and directed cell migration in a stage-dependent manner during male external genitalia development. Furthermore, Wnt5a may regulate cell polarity, focal adhesion formation, and cell contractility, leading to directed cell migration during male-type urethral formation in a manner that has not been reported in other organ fusion events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mellissa C Alcantara
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Alvin R Acebedo
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yuki Sakamoto
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Michiru Nishita
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Minami
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Akira Kikuchi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
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9
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Ramezankhani R, Minaei N, Haddadi M, Solhi R, Taleahmad S. The impact of sex on susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis; a bioinformatics point of view. Cell Signal 2021; 88:110171. [PMID: 34662716 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The unknown etiology of systemic autoimmune diseases, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), with a remarkable predominance of female, have prompted many researchers for unveiling the precise molecular mechanisms involved in this gender bias. In fact, depending on hormones and transcribed genes from sex chromosomes, at least, the initial mechanisms involved in pathogenesis might differ largely. With the aim of elucidating the above mechanisms, we have tried to specify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) extracted from microarray libraries from both female and male SLE and RA patients. Subsequently, the androgen and estrogen receptor elements (ARE and ERE) among differentially expressed transcription factors (TFs) and the DEGs located on X or Y chromosomes have been determined. Moreover, the pathways regarding the common DEGs in both sexes are enriched. Our data revealed several ARE and ERE-containing genes (LCN2, LTF, RPL31, RPL9, RPS17, RPS24, RPS27L, S100A8, ABCA1, HIST1H2BD, ISG15, MAFB, GNLY, EVL, and HDC) to be associated with the related autoimmune disease and sex. Also, two DEGs (KDM5D and RPS4Y1) in SLE patients were determined to be on Y chromosome with one had been proved to be associated with autoantigens in SLE. Altogether, our data showed a number of plausible pathways in both autoimmune conditions together with the relevance of several sex-related genes in the mentioned diseases pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Ramezankhani
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Basic Science and Advanced Medical Technologies, Royan Institute, ACER, Tehran, Iran; Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Biology and Embryology, KU Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Neda Minaei
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Basic Science and Advanced Medical Technologies, Royan Institute, ACER, Tehran, Iran; Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Haddadi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Solhi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Taleahmad
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Sexual fate of murine external genitalia development: Conserved transcriptional competency for male-biased genes in both sexes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2024067118. [PMID: 34074765 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2024067118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular androgen is a master endocrine factor in the establishment of external genital sex differences. The degree of androgenic exposure during development is well known to determine the fate of external genitalia on a spectrum of female- to male-specific phenotypes. However, the mechanisms of androgenic regulation underlying sex differentiation are poorly defined. Here, we show that the genomic environment for the expression of male-biased genes is conserved to acquire androgen responsiveness in both sexes. Histone H3 at lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) and H3K4 monomethylation (H3K4me1) are enriched at the enhancer of male-biased genes in an androgen-independent manner. Specificity protein 1 (Sp1), acting as a collaborative transcription factor of androgen receptor, regulates H3K27ac enrichment to establish conserved transcriptional competency for male-biased genes in both sexes. Genetic manipulation of MafB, a key regulator of male-specific differentiation, and Sp1 regulatory MafB enhancer elements disrupts male-type urethral differentiation. Altogether, these findings demonstrate conservation of androgen responsiveness in both sexes, providing insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying sexual fate during external genitalia development.
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11
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Hashimoto D, Colet JGR, Murashima A, Fujimoto K, Ueda Y, Suzuki K, Hyuga T, Hemmi H, Kaisho T, Takahashi S, Takahama Y, Yamada G. Radiation inducible MafB gene is required for thymic regeneration. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10439. [PMID: 34001954 PMCID: PMC8129107 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89836-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus facilitates mature T cell production by providing a suitable stromal microenvironment. This microenvironment is impaired by radiation and aging which lead to immune system disturbances known as thymic involution. Young adult thymus shows thymic recovery after such involution. Although various genes have been reported for thymocytes and thymic epithelial cells in such processes, the roles of stromal transcription factors in these remain incompletely understood. MafB (v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog B) is a transcription factor expressed in thymic stroma and its expression was induced a day after radiation exposure. Hence, the roles of mesenchymal MafB in the process of thymic regeneration offers an intriguing research topic also for radiation biology. The current study investigated whether MafB plays roles in the adult thymus. MafB/green fluorescent protein knock-in mutant (MafB+/GFP) mice showed impaired thymic regeneration after the sublethal irradiation, judged by reduced thymus size, total thymocyte number and medullary complexity. Furthermore, IL4 was induced after irradiation and such induction was reduced in mutant mice. The mutants also displayed signs of accelerated age-related thymic involution. Altogether, these results suggest possible functions of MafB in the processes of thymic recovery after irradiation, and maintenance during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Hashimoto
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama City, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Jose Gabriel R Colet
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama City, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan.,Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Aki Murashima
- Department of Anatomy, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba, Iwate, Japan.
| | - Kota Fujimoto
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama City, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Yuko Ueda
- Department of Urology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama City, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Taiju Hyuga
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama City, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Hemmi
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari, Ehime, Japan
| | - Tsuneyasu Kaisho
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai, Japan
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama City, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan.
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12
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Emami NC, Cavazos TB, Rashkin SR, Cario CL, Graff RE, Tai CG, Mefford JA, Kachuri L, Wan E, Wong S, Aaronson D, Presti J, Habel LA, Shan J, Ranatunga DK, Chao CR, Ghai NR, Jorgenson E, Sakoda LC, Kvale MN, Kwok PY, Schaefer C, Risch N, Hoffmann TJ, Van Den Eeden SK, Witte JS. A Large-Scale Association Study Detects Novel Rare Variants, Risk Genes, Functional Elements, and Polygenic Architecture of Prostate Cancer Susceptibility. Cancer Res 2021; 81:1695-1703. [PMID: 33293427 PMCID: PMC8137514 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To identify rare variants associated with prostate cancer susceptibility and better characterize the mechanisms and cumulative disease risk associated with common risk variants, we conducted an integrated study of prostate cancer genetic etiology in two cohorts using custom genotyping microarrays, large imputation reference panels, and functional annotation approaches. Specifically, 11,984 men (6,196 prostate cancer cases and 5,788 controls) of European ancestry from Northern California Kaiser Permanente were genotyped and meta-analyzed with 196,269 men of European ancestry (7,917 prostate cancer cases and 188,352 controls) from the UK Biobank. Three novel loci, including two rare variants (European ancestry minor allele frequency < 0.01, at 3p21.31 and 8p12), were significant genome wide in a meta-analysis. Gene-based rare variant tests implicated a known prostate cancer gene (HOXB13), as well as a novel candidate gene (ILDR1), which encodes a receptor highly expressed in prostate tissue and is related to the B7/CD28 family of T-cell immune checkpoint markers. Haplotypic patterns of long-range linkage disequilibrium were observed for rare genetic variants at HOXB13 and other loci, reflecting their evolutionary history. In addition, a polygenic risk score (PRS) of 188 prostate cancer variants was strongly associated with risk (90th vs. 40th-60th percentile OR = 2.62, P = 2.55 × 10-191). Many of the 188 variants exhibited functional signatures of gene expression regulation or transcription factor binding, including a 6-fold difference in log-probability of androgen receptor binding at the variant rs2680708 (17q22). Rare variant and PRS associations, with concomitant functional interpretation of risk mechanisms, can help clarify the full genetic architecture of prostate cancer and other complex traits. SIGNIFICANCE: This study maps the biological relationships between diverse risk factors for prostate cancer, integrating different functional datasets to interpret and model genome-wide data from over 200,000 men with and without prostate cancer.See related commentary by Lachance, p. 1637.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima C Emami
- Program in Biological and Medical Informatics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Taylor B Cavazos
- Program in Biological and Medical Informatics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Sara R Rashkin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Clinton L Cario
- Program in Biological and Medical Informatics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Rebecca E Graff
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Caroline G Tai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Joel A Mefford
- Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Linda Kachuri
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Eunice Wan
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Simon Wong
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - David Aaronson
- Department of Urology, Kaiser Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, California
| | - Joseph Presti
- Department of Urology, Kaiser Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, California
| | - Laurel A Habel
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Jun Shan
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Dilrini K Ranatunga
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Chun R Chao
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
| | - Nirupa R Ghai
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
| | - Eric Jorgenson
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Lori C Sakoda
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Mark N Kvale
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Pui-Yan Kwok
- Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Catherine Schaefer
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Neil Risch
- Program in Biological and Medical Informatics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Thomas J Hoffmann
- Program in Biological and Medical Informatics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Stephen K Van Den Eeden
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - John S Witte
- Program in Biological and Medical Informatics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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13
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Kong X, Luo J, Xiang H, Wang S, Shen L, Long C, Liu F, Lin T, He D, Liu X, Wei GH. Expression of Mafb is down-regulated in the foreskin of children with hypospadias. J Pediatr Urol 2021; 17:70.e1-70.e6. [PMID: 33268316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypospadias is the second most common congenital malformation in males. Although the aetiology of hypospadias is not clear, it is generally thought to be affected by both genetic and environmental endocrine-disrupting factors that affect the development of the urethra, leading to deformity. OBJECTIVE To investigate the difference in expression of the transcription factor Mafb in hypospadias and normal penile tissues and to assess whether it is related to the occurrence of hypospadias. STUDY DESIGN Penile tissue was obtained from children with hypospadias who underwent surgical repair at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. Patients diagnosed with undescended testicles, intersex status or endocrine abnormalities were excluded from the study. Twenty-five cases with hypospadias (average 3.5 years old) and 15 cases with circumcisions (as control) (average 5 years old) were included in this study. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Immunochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the expression of Mafb. RESULTS Mafb mRNA expressions in the prepuce of cases with hypospadias was significantly reduced compared with that in the controls [(1.179 ± 0.1275), (0.6652 ± 0.07506), p < 0.05)]. Hypospadias cases also showed decreased Mafb protein expression in the preputial subcutaneous mesenchymal cell layer. Mafb protein levels were significantly decreased in those with hypospadias compared with controls [(1.932 ± 0.1139), (1.006 ± 0.03312), p < 0.05]. However, no such differences were found in Mafb expression between subjects with mild and severe hypospadias. DISCUSSION Compared to the normal foreskin, expression of the Mafb gene was down-regulated at both mRNA and protein levels, which was consistent with our RNA-seq sequencing results in Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)-induced hypospadias rats. This study is the first to report abnormal expression of Mafb in the preputial tissue of hypospadias cases. An in-depth study of the relationship between Mafb and cell proliferation, apoptosis, and urethra development may reveal the pathogenesis of hypospadias. CONCLUSION Expression of the Mafb gene and protein in the foreskin of children with hypospadias is lower than that in normal foreskin. We postulate that such abnormal expression of the Mafb gene may be related to the occurrence of hypospadias and that this abnormal expression may affect the development of the urethra during the embryonic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Kong
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Jin Luo
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Han Xiang
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Shao Wang
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Lianju Shen
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Chunlan Long
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Dawei He
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Wei
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, China
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14
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Chen Y, Renfree MB. Hormonal and Molecular Regulation of Phallus Differentiation in a Marsupial Tammar Wallaby. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11010106. [PMID: 31963388 PMCID: PMC7017150 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital anomalies in phalluses caused by endocrine disruptors have gained a great deal of attention due to its annual increasing rate in males. However, the endocrine-driven molecular regulatory mechanism of abnormal phallus development is complex and remains largely unknown. Here, we review the direct effect of androgen and oestrogen on molecular regulation in phalluses using the marsupial tammar wallaby, whose phallus differentiation occurs after birth. We summarize and discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying phallus differentiation mediated by sonic hedgehog (SHH) at day 50 pp and phallus elongation mediated by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), as well as multiple phallus-regulating genes expressed after day 50 pp. We also identify hormone-responsive long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are co-expressed with their neighboring coding genes. We show that the activation of SHH and IGF1, mediated by balanced androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) signalling, initiates a complex regulatory network in males to constrain the timing of phallus differentiation and to activate the downstream genes that maintain urethral closure and phallus elongation at later stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (M.B.R.)
| | - Marilyn B. Renfree
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (M.B.R.)
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15
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Hyuga T, Alcantara M, Kajioka D, Haraguchi R, Suzuki K, Miyagawa S, Kojima Y, Hayashi Y, Yamada G. Hedgehog Signaling for Urogenital Organogenesis and Prostate Cancer: An Implication for the Epithelial-Mesenchyme Interaction (EMI). Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010058. [PMID: 31861793 PMCID: PMC6982176 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is an essential growth factor signaling pathway especially in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions (EMI) during the development of the urogenital organs such as the bladder and the external genitalia (EXG). The Hh ligands are often expressed in the epithelia, affecting the surrounding mesenchyme, and thus constituting a form of paracrine signaling. The development of the urogenital organ, therefore, provides an intriguing opportunity to study EMI and its relationship with other pathways, such as hormonal signaling. Cellular interactions of prostate cancer (PCa) with its neighboring tissue is also noteworthy. The local microenvironment, including the bone metastatic site, can release cellular signals which can affect the malignant tumors, and vice versa. Thus, it is necessary to compare possible similarities and divergences in Hh signaling functions and its interaction with other local growth factors, such as BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) between organogenesis and tumorigenesis. Additionally, this review will discuss two pertinent research aspects of Hh signaling: (1) the potential signaling crosstalk between Hh and androgen signaling; and (2) the effect of signaling between the epithelia and the mesenchyme on the status of the basement membrane with extracellular matrix structures located on the epithelial-mesenchymal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiju Hyuga
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (T.H.); (M.A.); (D.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Mellissa Alcantara
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (T.H.); (M.A.); (D.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Daiki Kajioka
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (T.H.); (M.A.); (D.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Ryuma Haraguchi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon City, Ehime 791-0295, Japan;
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (T.H.); (M.A.); (D.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Shinichi Miyagawa
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan;
| | - Yoshiyuki Kojima
- Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan;
| | - Yutaro Hayashi
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Nagoya City University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan;
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (T.H.); (M.A.); (D.K.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-73-441-0849; Fax: +81-73-499-5026
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16
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Regulatory roles of epithelial-mesenchymal interaction (EMI) during early and androgen dependent external genitalia development. Differentiation 2019; 110:29-35. [PMID: 31590136 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Development of external genitalia (ExG) has been a topic of long mystery in the field of organogenesis research. Early stage male and female of mouse embryos develop a common genital tubercle (GT) in the perineum whose outgrowth extends distally from the posterior cloacal regions. Concomitant with GT outgrowth, the cloaca is divided into urogenital sinus and anorectum by urorectal septum (URS) internally. The outgrowth of the GT is associated with the formation of endodermal epithelial urethral plate (UP) attached to the ventral epidermis of the GT. Such a common developmental phase is observed until around embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5) morphologically in mouse embryogenesis. Various growth factor genes, such as Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) and Wnt genes are expressed and function during GT formation. Since the discovery of key growth factor signals and several regulatory molecules, elucidation of their functions has been achieved utilizing mouse developmental models, conditional gene knockout mouse and in vitro culture. Analyses on the phenotypes of such mouse models have revealed that several growth factor families play fundamental roles in ExG organogenesis based on the epithelial-mesenchymal interaction (EMI). More recently, EMI between developing urethral epithelia and its bilateral mesenchyme of later stages is also reported during subsequent stage of androgen-dependent male-type urethral formation in the mouse embryo. Mafb, belonging to AP-1 family and a key androgen-responsive mesenchymal gene, is identified and starts to be expressed around E14.5 when masculinization of the urethra is initiated. Mesenchymal cell condensation and migration, which are regulated by nonmuscle myosin, are shown to be essential process for masculinization. Hence, studies on EMI at various embryonic stages are important not only for early but also for subsequent masculinization of the urethra. In this review, a dynamic mode of EMI for both early and late phases of ExG development is discussed.
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17
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Haller M, Ma L. Temporal, spatial, and genetic regulation of external genitalia development. Differentiation 2019; 110:1-7. [PMID: 31521888 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Fertilization requires the physical combination of gametes, and terrestrial mammals necessitated the evolution of genitalia capable of successfully completing the fertilization process in a non-aqueous environment. Thus, the male mammalian external genitalia evolved as an outgrowth from the body, an appendage sufficient to fertilize eggs housed deep inside the female. In this way, sexual dimorphism of mammalian genitalia became highly pronounced. This highly complex evolutionary divergence both from aqueous fertilization, as well as divergence between the sexes of terrestrial mammals, required exquisitely coordinated, novel patterns of gene expression to regulate the spatial and temporal events governing external genitalia development. Recent studies delineating the genetic regulation of external genitalia development, largely focusing on development of the murine genital tubercle, have vastly enlightened the field of reproductive developmental biology. Murine homologs of human genes have been selectively deleted in the mouse, either in the whole body or using tissue-specific and temporally-specific genetic drivers. The defects in outgrowth and urethral tubularization subsequent to the deletion of specific genes in the developing murine external genitalia delineates which genes are required in which compartments and at what times. This review details how these murine genetic models have created a somewhat modest but rapidly growing library of knowledge detailing the spatial-temporal genetic regulation of external genitalia development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meade Haller
- Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Liang Ma
- Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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18
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Hashimoto D, Hyuga T, Acebedo AR, Alcantara MC, Suzuki K, Yamada G. Developmental mutant mouse models for external genitalia formation. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2019; 59:74-80. [PMID: 30554442 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Development of external genitalia and perineum is the subject of developmental biology as well as toxicology and teratology researches. Cloaca forms in the lower (caudal) end of endoderm. Such endodermal epithelia and surrounding mesenchyme interact with various signals to form the external genitalia. External genitalia (the anlage termed as genital tubercle: GT) formation shows prominent sexually dimorphic morphogenesis in late embryonic stages, which is an unexplored developmental research field because of many reasons. External genitalia develop adjacent to the cloaca which develops urethra and corporal bodies. Developmental regulators including growth factor signals are necessary for epithelia-mesenchyme interaction (EMI) in posterior embryos including the cloaca and urethra in the genitalia. In the case of male type urethra, formation of tubular urethra proceeds from the lower (ventral) side of external genitalia as a masculinization process in contrast to the case of female urethra. Mechanisms for its development are not elucidated yet due to the lack of suitable mutant mouse models. Because of the recent progresses of Cre (recombinase)-mediated conditional target gene modification analyses, many developmental regulatory genes become increasingly analyzed. Conditional gene knockout mouse approaches and tissue lineage approaches are expected to offer vital information for such sexually dimorphic developmental processes. This review aims to offer recent updates on the progresses of these emerging developmental processes for the research field of congenital anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Hashimoto
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Wakayama, Japan
| | - Taiju Hyuga
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Wakayama, Japan
| | - Alvin R Acebedo
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Wakayama, Japan
| | - Mellissa C Alcantara
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Wakayama, Japan
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Wakayama, Japan
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19
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Han X, Shao W, Yue Z, Xing L, Shen L, Long C, Zhang D, He D, Lin T, Wei G. [Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced hypospadias in SD rats is related with Mafb expression: a transcriptome profiling-based study]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2019; 39:456-463. [PMID: 31068290 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2019.04.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the transcriptome profile of genital tubercles (GTs) in male SD rats and explore the mechanism of hypospadias induced by Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). METHODS Forty time-pregnant SD rats were randomly divided into 4 equal groups, namely GD16 group and GD19 group (in which the male GTs were collected on gestation day[GD]16 and GD19 for RNA-seq, respectively), control group and DEHP exposure group (with administration of oil and 750 mg/kg DEHP by gavage from GD12 to GD19, respectively).In the control and DEHP exposure groups, the GTs were collected from the male fetuses on GD19.5, and scanning electron microscopy and HE staining were used to observe the morphological changes.The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the GTs were screened using lllumina HiSeq 2000 followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses to characterize the transcriptome profile.Immunofluorescence assay was performed to verify the DEGs (Mafb) identified by RNA-seq results.Immunofluorescence assay and Western blotting were used to examine the expression levels of Mafb in the penile tissue. RESULTS A total of 1360 DEGs were detected in the GTs between GD16 group and GD19 group by RNA-seq.Among these genes, 797 were up-regulated and 563 were down-regulated.These DEGs were mainly enriched in the cell adhesion plaque signaling pathway, axon guidance signaling pathway, and extracellular matrix receptor signaling pathway.Compared with that in GD16 group, Mafb was significantly up-regulated in GD19 group, which was consistent with the sequencing results.Mafb and β-catenin were significantly down-regulated in DEHP-exposed group compared with the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Mafb expression increases progressively with the development of GTs in male SD rats.DEHP exposure causes significant down-regulation of Mafb and β-catenin, suggesting that β-catenin signaling pathway that affects Mafb is related to DEHP-induced hypospadias in SD rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Wang Shao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Zhou Yue
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Liu Xing
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Lianju Shen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Chunlan Long
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Deying Zhang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Dawei He
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
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Acebedo AR, Suzuki K, Hino S, Alcantara MC, Sato Y, Haga H, Matsumoto KI, Nakao M, Shimamura K, Takeo T, Nakagata N, Miyagawa S, Nishinakamura R, Adelstein RS, Yamada G. Mesenchymal actomyosin contractility is required for androgen-driven urethral masculinization in mice. Commun Biol 2019; 2:95. [PMID: 30886905 PMCID: PMC6408527 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0336-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The morphogenesis of mammalian embryonic external genitalia (eExG) shows dynamic differences between males and females. In genotypic males, eExG are masculinized in response to androgen signaling. Disruption of this process can give rise to multiple male reproductive organ defects. Currently, mechanisms of androgen-driven sexually dimorphic organogenesis are still unclear. We show here that mesenchymal-derived actomyosin contractility, by MYH10, is essential for the masculinization of mouse eExG. MYH10 is expressed prominently in the bilateral mesenchyme of male eExG. Androgen induces MYH10 protein expression and actomyosin contractility in the bilateral mesenchyme. Inhibition of actomyosin contractility through blebbistatin treatment and mesenchymal genetic deletion induced defective urethral masculinization with reduced mesenchymal condensation. We also suggest that actomyosin contractility regulates androgen-dependent mesenchymal directional cell migration to form the condensation in the bilateral mesenchyme leading to changes in urethral plate shape to accomplish urethral masculinization. Thus, mesenchymal-derived actomyosin contractility is indispensable for androgen-driven urethral masculinization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin R. Acebedo
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, 641-8509 Japan
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, 641-8509 Japan
| | - Shinjiro Hino
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811 Japan
| | - Mellissa C. Alcantara
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, 641-8509 Japan
| | - Yuki Sato
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Hisashi Haga
- Transdisciplinary Life Science Course, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, N10-W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0810 Japan
| | - Ken-ichi Matsumoto
- Department of Biosignaling and Radioisotope Experiment, Interdisciplinary Center for Science Research, Organization for Research, Shimane University, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501 Japan
| | - Mitsuyoshi Nakao
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811 Japan
| | - Kenji Shimamura
- Department of Brain Morphogenesis, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811 Japan
| | - Toru Takeo
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811 Japan
| | - Naomi Nakagata
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811 Japan
| | - Shinichi Miyagawa
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, 641-8509 Japan
| | - Ryuichi Nishinakamura
- Department of Kidney Development, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811 Japan
| | - Robert S. Adelstein
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1762 USA
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, 641-8509 Japan
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Regulation of masculinization: androgen signalling for external genitalia development. Nat Rev Urol 2018; 15:358-368. [DOI: 10.1038/s41585-018-0008-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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