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Li YR, Ling LB, Chao A, Fugmann SD, Yang SY. Transient chromatin decompaction at the start of D. melanogaster male embryonic germline development. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302401. [PMID: 38991729 PMCID: PMC11239976 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Embryonic germ cells develop rapidly to establish the foundation for future developmental trajectories, and in this process, they make critical lineage choices including the configuration of their unique identity and a decision on sex. Here, we use single-cell genomics patterns for the entire embryonic germline in Drosophila melanogaster along with the somatic gonadal precursors after embryonic gonad coalescence to investigate molecular mechanisms involved in the setting up and regulation of the germline program. Profiling of the early germline chromatin landscape revealed sex- and stage-specific features. In the male germline immediately after zygotic activation, the chromatin structure underwent a brief remodeling phase during which nucleosome density was lower and deconcentrated from promoter regions. These findings echoed enrichment analysis results of our genomics data in which top candidates were factors with the ability to mediate large-scale chromatin reorganization. Together, they point to the importance of chromatin regulation in the early germline and raise the possibility of a conserved epigenetic reprogramming-like process required for proper initiation of germline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ru Li
- https://ror.org/00d80zx46 Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Li Bin Ling
- https://ror.org/00d80zx46 Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Angel Chao
- https://ror.org/02dnn6q67 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Sebastian D Fugmann
- https://ror.org/00d80zx46 Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- https://ror.org/00d80zx46 Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- https://ror.org/02dnn6q67 Department of Nephrology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shu Yuan Yang
- https://ror.org/00d80zx46 Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- https://ror.org/00d80zx46 Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- https://ror.org/02dnn6q67 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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2
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Han HL, Li JM, Chen D, Zhai XD, Smagghe G, Jiang H, Wang JJ, Wei D. Overexpression of miR-927-5p suppresses stalky expression and negatively reduces the spermatid production in Zeugodacus cucurbitae. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:3412-3422. [PMID: 38407521 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8044] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett, is one of the major pests attacking Cucurbitaceae crops. Identifying critical genes or proteins regulating fertility is essential for sustainable pest control and a research hotspot in insect physiology. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNAs that do not directly participate in protein translation, but instead function in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression involved in male fertility. RESULTS We found that miR-927-5p is highly expressed in the testes and investigated its function in spermatogenesis in Z. cucurbitae. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed miR-927-5p in the transformation and maturation region of the testis, and overexpression of miR-927-5p reduced the number of sperms by 53%. In continuation, we predicted 12 target genes of miR-927-5p using bioinformatics combined with transcriptome sequencing data, and found that miR-927-5p targets the new gene Stalky in insects, which was validated by quantitative real-time PCR, RNA pull-down and dual luciferase reporter assays. FISH also confirmed the co-localization of miR-927-5p and the transcript Stalky_1 in the testis. Moreover, silencing of Stalky_1 by RNA interference reduced the number of sperms by 32% and reduced sperm viability by 39% in physiologically mature male adults. Meanwhile, the silencing of Stalky_1 also resulted in low hatchability. CONCLUSION Our work not only presents a new, so far unreported mechanism regulating spermatogenesis by miR-927-5p targeting a new unknown target, Stalky, which is providing new knowledge on the regulatory network of insect spermatogenesis, but also lays a foundation for the development of SIT against important tephritid fly pests. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Liang Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing-Ming Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Di Zhai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Hongbo Jiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Wei
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Huang R, Xu F, Su L, Lu Y, Liu W, Liu S, Yang L, Su L, Song W. PWP1 is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma and facilitates liver cancer cell proliferation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32409. [PMID: 38933950 PMCID: PMC11200354 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32409] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Identification of novel biomarkers for prediction of disease course and prognosis is needed to reduce morbidity of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC/HCC) patients. Although dysregulated Periodic tryptophan protein 1 homolog (PWP1/endonuclein) expression has been detected in several tumors, the potential regulatory effect of PWP1 on LIHC remains uncertain. Here we evaluated the expression of PWP1 using multiple online platforms, and demonstrated that PWP1 upregulation was consistently observed in LIHC relative to non-tumor liver tissues and correlated with unfavorable prognosis. Moreover, HCC prognosis was significantly influenced by the methylation status of various CpG sites in the PWP1 gene. Lastly, we provide direct evidence that PWP1 acts as a driver of HCC progression by showing that siRNA-mediated PWP1 silencing significantly suppressed HCC cell proliferation in vitro. These data strongly suggest that PWP1 silencing may be an effective therapeutic strategy to treat LIHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Fu Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Luying Su
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Shuaihu Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Clinical Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, 1 Tong Dao Street, Hohhot, 010050, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Liya Su
- Clinical Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, 1 Tong Dao Street, Hohhot, 010050, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
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4
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Ogienko AA, Omelina ES, Bylino OV, Batin MA, Georgiev PG, Pindyurin AV. Drosophila as a Model Organism to Study Basic Mechanisms of Longevity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911244. [PMID: 36232546 PMCID: PMC9569508 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The spatio-temporal regulation of gene expression determines the fate and function of various cells and tissues and, as a consequence, the correct development and functioning of complex organisms. Certain mechanisms of gene activity regulation provide adequate cell responses to changes in environmental factors. Aside from gene expression disorders that lead to various pathologies, alterations of expression of particular genes were shown to significantly decrease or increase the lifespan in a wide range of organisms from yeast to human. Drosophila fruit fly is an ideal model system to explore mechanisms of longevity and aging due to low cost, easy handling and maintenance, large number of progeny per adult, short life cycle and lifespan, relatively low number of paralogous genes, high evolutionary conservation of epigenetic mechanisms and signalling pathways, and availability of a wide range of tools to modulate gene expression in vivo. Here, we focus on the organization of the evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways whose components significantly influence the aging process and on the interconnections of these pathways with gene expression regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A. Ogienko
- Department of Regulation of Genetic Processes, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Evgeniya S. Omelina
- Department of Regulation of Genetic Processes, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, 630039 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Oleg V. Bylino
- Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation in Development, Institute of Gene Biology RAS, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail A. Batin
- Open Longevity, 15260 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA 91403, USA
| | - Pavel G. Georgiev
- Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation in Development, Institute of Gene Biology RAS, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey V. Pindyurin
- Department of Regulation of Genetic Processes, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-383-363-90-42
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5
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Marca JEL, Somers WG. The Drosophila gonads: models for stem cell proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation. AIMS GENETICS 2021. [DOI: 10.3934/genet.2014.1.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe male and female gonads of Drosophila melanogaster have developed into powerful model systems for both the study of stem cell behaviours, and for understanding how stem cell misregulation can lead to cancers. Using these systems, one is able to observe and manipulate the resident stem cell populations in vivo with a great deal of licence. The tractability of the testis and ovary also allow researchers to explore a range of cellular mechanisms, such as proliferation and polarity, as well as the influence exerted by the local environment through a host of highly-conserved signalling pathways. Importantly, many of the cellular behaviours and processes studied in the Drosophila testis and ovary are known to be disrupted, or otherwise misregulated, in human tumourigenic cells. Here, we review the mechanisms relating to stem cell behaviour, though we acknowledge there are many other fascinating aspects of gametogenesis, including the invasive behaviour of migratory border cells in the Drosophila ovary that, though relevant to the study of tumourigenesis, will unfortunately not be covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E. La Marca
- Department of Genetics, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
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Whittle CA, Kulkarni A, Chung N, Extavour CG. Adaptation of codon and amino acid use for translational functions in highly expressed cricket genes. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:234. [PMID: 33823803 PMCID: PMC8022432 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07411-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For multicellular organisms, much remains unknown about the dynamics of synonymous codon and amino acid use in highly expressed genes, including whether their use varies with expression in different tissue types and sexes. Moreover, specific codons and amino acids may have translational functions in highly transcribed genes, that largely depend on their relationships to tRNA gene copies in the genome. However, these relationships and putative functions are poorly understood, particularly in multicellular systems. RESULTS Here, we studied codon and amino acid use in highly expressed genes from reproductive and nervous system tissues (male and female gonad, somatic reproductive system, brain and ventral nerve cord, and male accessory glands) in the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. We report an optimal codon, defined as the codon preferentially used in highly expressed genes, for each of the 18 amino acids with synonymous codons in this organism. The optimal codons were mostly shared among tissue types and both sexes. However, the frequency of optimal codons was highest in gonadal genes. Concordant with translational selection, a majority of the optimal codons had abundant matching tRNA gene copies in the genome, but sometimes obligately required wobble tRNAs. We suggest the latter may comprise a mechanism for slowing translation of abundant transcripts, particularly for cell-cycle genes. Non-optimal codons, defined as those least commonly used in highly transcribed genes, intriguingly often had abundant tRNAs, and had elevated use in a subset of genes with specialized functions (gametic and apoptosis genes), suggesting their use promotes the translational upregulation of particular mRNAs. In terms of amino acids, we found evidence suggesting that amino acid frequency, tRNA gene copy number, and amino acid biosynthetic costs (size/complexity) had all interdependently evolved in this insect model, potentially for translational optimization. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the results suggest a model whereby codon use in highly expressed genes, including optimal, wobble, and non-optimal codons, and their tRNA abundances, as well as amino acid use, have been influenced by adaptation for various functional roles in translation within this cricket. The effects of expression in different tissue types and the two sexes are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie A Whittle
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Arpita Kulkarni
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Nina Chung
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Cassandra G Extavour
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, 02138, MA, USA.
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7
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Fang Y, Zong Q, He Z, Liu C, Wang YF. Knockdown of RpL36 in testes impairs spermatogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2021; 336:417-430. [PMID: 33734578 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Many ribosomal proteins (RPs) not only play essential roles in ribosome biogenesis, but also have "extraribosomal" functions in various cellular processes. RpL36 encodes ribosomal protein L36, a component of the 60S subunit of ribosomes in Drosophila melanogaster. We report here that RpL36 is required for spermatogenesis in D. melanogaster. After showing the evolutionary conservation of RpL36 sequences in animals, we revealed that the RpL36 expression level in fly testes was significantly higher than in ovaries. Knockdown RpL36 in fly testes resulted in a significantly decreased egg hatch rate when these males mated with wild-type females. Furthermore, 76.67% of the RpL36 knockdown fly testes were much smaller in comparison to controls. Immunofluorescence staining exhibited that in the RpL36 knockdown testis hub cell cluster was enlarged, while the number of germ cells, including germ stem cells, was reduced. Knockdown of RpL36 in fly testis caused much fewer or no mature sperms in seminal vesicles. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) signal was stronger in RpL36 knockdown fly testes than in the control testes, but the TUNEL-positive cells could not be stained by Vasa antibody, indicating that apoptotic cells are not germ cells. The percentage of pH3-positive cells among the Vasa-positive cells was significantly reduced. The expression of genes involved in cell death, cell cycle progression, and JAK/STAT signaling pathway was significantly changed by RpL36 knockdown in fly testes. These results suggest that RpL36 plays an important role in spermatogenesis, likely through JAK/STAT pathway, thus resulting in defects in cell-cycle progression and cell death in D. melanogaster testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Fang
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiong Zong
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen He
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
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8
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Vidaurre V, Chen X. Epigenetic regulation of drosophila germline stem cell maintenance and differentiation. Dev Biol 2021; 473:105-118. [PMID: 33610541 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gametogenesis is one of the most extreme cellular differentiation processes that takes place in Drosophila male and female germlines. This process begins at the germline stem cell, which undergoes asymmetric cell division (ACD) to produce a self-renewed daughter that preserves its stemness and a differentiating daughter cell that undergoes epigenetic and genomic changes to eventually produce haploid gametes. Research in molecular genetics and cellular biology are beginning to take advantage of the continually advancing genomic tools to understand: (1) how germ cells are able to maintain their identity throughout the adult reproductive lifetime, and (2) undergo differentiation in a balanced manner. In this review, we focus on the epigenetic mechanisms that address these two questions through their regulation of germline-soma communication to ensure germline stem cell identity and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velinda Vidaurre
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA.
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9
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Hasygar K, Deniz O, Liu Y, Gullmets J, Hynynen R, Ruhanen H, Kokki K, Käkelä R, Hietakangas V. Coordinated control of adiposity and growth by anti-anabolic kinase ERK7. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e49602. [PMID: 33369866 PMCID: PMC7857433 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201949602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Energy storage and growth are coordinated in response to nutrient status of animals. How nutrient-regulated signaling pathways control these processes in vivo remains insufficiently understood. Here, we establish an atypical MAP kinase, ERK7, as an inhibitor of adiposity and growth in Drosophila. ERK7 mutant larvae display elevated triacylglycerol (TAG) stores and accelerated growth rate, while overexpressed ERK7 is sufficient to inhibit lipid storage and growth. ERK7 expression is elevated upon fasting and ERK7 mutant larvae display impaired survival during nutrient deprivation. ERK7 acts in the fat body, the insect counterpart of liver and adipose tissue, where it controls the subcellular localization of chromatin-binding protein PWP1, a growth-promoting downstream effector of mTOR. PWP1 maintains the expression of sugarbabe, encoding a lipogenic Gli-similar family transcription factor. Both PWP1 and Sugarbabe are necessary for the increased growth and adiposity phenotypes of ERK7 loss-of-function animals. In conclusion, ERK7 is an anti-anabolic kinase that inhibits lipid storage and growth while promoting survival on fasting conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Hasygar
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research ProgrammeFaculty of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Institute of BiotechnologyUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Onur Deniz
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research ProgrammeFaculty of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Institute of BiotechnologyUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Ying Liu
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research ProgrammeFaculty of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Institute of BiotechnologyUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Josef Gullmets
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research ProgrammeFaculty of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Institute of BiotechnologyUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Riikka Hynynen
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research ProgrammeFaculty of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Institute of BiotechnologyUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Hanna Ruhanen
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research ProgrammeFaculty of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Helsinki University Lipidomics Unit (HiLIPID)Helsinki Institute for Life Science (HiLIFE) and Biocenter FinlandHelsinkiFinland
| | - Krista Kokki
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research ProgrammeFaculty of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Institute of BiotechnologyUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Reijo Käkelä
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research ProgrammeFaculty of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Helsinki University Lipidomics Unit (HiLIPID)Helsinki Institute for Life Science (HiLIFE) and Biocenter FinlandHelsinkiFinland
| | - Ville Hietakangas
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research ProgrammeFaculty of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Institute of BiotechnologyUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
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10
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Liu C, Li F, Li X, Cao M, Feng G, Yuan X, Shi X. WIPI2 depletion inhibits the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the AMPK signaling pathway. Oncol Rep 2020; 43:1467-1478. [PMID: 32323845 PMCID: PMC7107944 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7531] [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: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
WD-repeat domain phosphoinositide-interacting protein 2 (WIPI2) is a protein that regulates the assembly of multiprotein complexes by presenting a beta-propeller platform for simultaneous and reversible protein-protein interactions. This study was designed to investigate the association between the expression of WIPI2 and the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Publicly-available data from the UALCAN platform revealed that WIPI2 is upregulated in tumor tissues compared with that noted in normal tissues in many types of tumors especially in HCC, and high WIPI2 expression predicts a poor patient prognosis. WIPI2 expression was significantly higher in tumor tissues compared with that in the corresponding adjacent normal tissues. Depletion of WIPI2 inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis both in HCC Huh7 and Hep3B cells. In order to explore the mechanisms of WIPI2 in HCC, WIPI2 was depleted in HCC cell lines and a gene microarray was constructed. The bioinformatic analysis showed that WIPI2 regulated the proliferation of HCC cells mainly through the AMPK signaling pathway. Further analysis indicated that the downstream factors of the AMPK signaling pathway were downregulated after WIPI2 depletion. Collectively, our study revealed that WIPI2 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of HCC mainly through the AMPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunsheng Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Anqing, Anqing, Anhui 246000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoning Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Minggang Cao
- Department of Medicine, Anhui College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Gang Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Xianwen Yuan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolei Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
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Liu Y, Cerejeira Matos R, Heino TI, Hietakangas V. PWP1 promotes nutrient-responsive expression of 5S ribosomal RNA. Biol Open 2018; 7:bio.037911. [PMID: 30361412 PMCID: PMC6262851 DOI: 10.1242/bio.037911] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PWP1 is a chromatin binding protein with an important role in animal growth control downstream of mTOR-mediated nutrient sensing. PWP1 has been shown to control tissue growth by promoting the transcription of 5.8S, 18S and 28S ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) by RNA polymerase I (Pol I). Concomitantly with Pol I, RNA Polymerase III (Pol III) contributes to ribosome biogenesis by transcribing 5S rRNA in the nucleoplasm. Pol III activity is also closely controlled by nutrient-dependent signaling, however, how the activities of Pol I and Pol III are coordinated in response to nutrient-derived signals remains insufficiently understood. Experiments in Drosophila larvae and human cells reported here show that PWP1 associates with the chromatin at the 5S rDNA loci and is needed for nutrient-induced expression of 5S rRNA. Similar to the Pol I target rDNAs, PWP1 epigenetically maintains 5S rDNA in a transcription competent state. Thus, as a common regulator of Pol I and Pol III, PWP1 might contribute to coordinated control of ribosomal gene expression in response to nutrition. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: We report that a chromatin-binding protein PWP1 binds to 5S ribosomal DNA, regulates its epigenetic status and controls nutrient-dependent RNA polymerase III-mediated transcription of 5S ribosomal RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.,Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rita Cerejeira Matos
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.,Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tapio I Heino
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ville Hietakangas
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland .,Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
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12
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Abstract
Gametogenesis represents the most dramatic cellular differentiation pathways in both female and male flies. At the genome level, meiosis ensures that diploid germ cells become haploid gametes. At the epigenome level, extensive changes are required to turn on and shut off gene expression in a precise spatiotemporally controlled manner. Research applying conventional molecular genetics and cell biology, in combination with rapidly advancing genomic tools have helped us to investigate (1) how germ cells maintain lineage specificity throughout their adult reproductive lifetime; (2) what molecular mechanisms ensure proper oogenesis and spermatogenesis, as well as protect genome integrity of the germline; (3) how signaling pathways contribute to germline-soma communication; and (4) if such communication is important. In this chapter, we highlight recent discoveries that have improved our understanding of these questions. On the other hand, restarting a new life cycle upon fertilization is a unique challenge faced by gametes, raising questions that involve intergenerational and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. Therefore, we also discuss new developments that link changes during gametogenesis to early embryonic development-a rapidly growing field that promises to bring more understanding to some fundamental questions regarding metazoan development.
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13
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Maternal Proteins That Are Phosphoregulated upon Egg Activation Include Crucial Factors for Oogenesis, Egg Activation and Embryogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2018; 8:3005-3018. [PMID: 30012668 PMCID: PMC6118307 DOI: 10.1534/g3.118.200578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Egg activation is essential for the successful transition from a mature oocyte to a developmentally competent egg. It consists of a series of events including the resumption and completion of meiosis, initiation of translation of some maternal mRNAs and destruction of others, and changes to the vitelline envelope. This major change of cell state is accompanied by large scale alteration in the oocyte’s phosphoproteome. We hypothesize that the cohort of proteins that are subject to phosphoregulation during egg activation are functionally important for processes before, during, or soon after this transition, potentially uniquely or as proteins carrying out essential cellular functions like those they do in other (somatic) cells. In this study, we used germline-specific RNAi to examine the function of 189 maternal proteins that are phosphoregulated during egg activation in Drosophila melanogaster. We identified 53 genes whose knockdown reduced or abolished egg production and caused a range of defects in ovarian morphology, as well as 51 genes whose knockdown led to significant impairment or abolishment of the egg hatchability. We observed different stages of developmental arrest in the embryos and various defects in spindle morphology and aberrant centrosome activities in the early arrested embryos. Our results, validated by the detection of multiple genes with previously-documented maternal effect phenotypes among the proteins we tested, revealed 15 genes with newly discovered roles in egg activation and early embryogenesis in Drosophila. Given that protein phosphoregulation is a conserved characteristic of this developmental transition, we suggest that the phosphoregulated proteins may provide a rich pool of candidates for the identification of important players in the egg-to-embryo transition.
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14
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Liu Y, Mattila J, Ventelä S, Yadav L, Zhang W, Lamichane N, Sundström J, Kauko O, Grénman R, Varjosalo M, Westermarck J, Hietakangas V. PWP1 Mediates Nutrient-Dependent Growth Control through Nucleolar Regulation of Ribosomal Gene Expression. Dev Cell 2017; 43:240-252.e5. [PMID: 29065309 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2017.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ribosome biogenesis regulates animal growth and is controlled by nutrient-responsive mTOR signaling. How ribosome biogenesis is regulated during the developmental growth of animals and how nutrient-responsive signaling adjusts ribosome biogenesis in this setting have remained insufficiently understood. We uncover PWP1 as a chromatin-associated regulator of developmental growth with a conserved role in RNA polymerase I (Pol I)-mediated rRNA transcription. We further observed that PWP1 epigenetically maintains the rDNA loci in a transcription-competent state. PWP1 responds to nutrition in Drosophila larvae via mTOR signaling through gene expression and phosphorylation, which controls the nucleolar localization of dPWP1. Our data further imply that dPWP1 acts synergistically with mTOR signaling to regulate the nucleolar localization of TFIIH, a known elongation factor of Pol I. Ribosome biogenesis is often deregulated in cancer, and we demonstrate that high PWP1 levels in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumors are associated with poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaakko Mattila
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sami Ventelä
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Leena Yadav
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nicole Lamichane
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Sundström
- Department of Pathology, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland; Department of Pathology, Turku University Hospital, 20521 Turku, Finland
| | - Otto Kauko
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland; Department of Pathology, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Reidar Grénman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and Department of Medical Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20521 Turku, Finland
| | - Markku Varjosalo
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Westermarck
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland; Department of Pathology, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Ville Hietakangas
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
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15
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Dorn DC, Dorn A. Stem cell autotomy and niche interaction in different systems. World J Stem Cells 2015; 7:922-944. [PMID: 26240680 PMCID: PMC4515436 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v7.i6.922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The best known cases of cell autotomy are the formation of erythrocytes and thrombocytes (platelets) from progenitor cells that reside in special niches. Recently, autotomy of stem cells and its enigmatic interaction with the niche has been reported from male germline stem cells (GSCs) in several insect species. First described in lepidopterans, the silkmoth, followed by the gipsy moth and consecutively in hemipterans, foremost the milkweed bug. In both, moths and the milkweed bug, GSCs form finger-like projections toward the niche, the apical cells (homologs of the hub cells in Drosophila). Whereas in the milkweed bug the projection terminals remain at the surface of the niche cells, in the gipsy moth they protrude deeply into the singular niche cell. In both cases, the projections undergo serial retrograde fragmentation with progressing signs of autophagy. In the gipsy moth, the autotomized vesicles are phagocytized and digested by the niche cell. In the milkweed bug the autotomized vesicles accumulate at the niche surface and disintegrate. Autotomy and sprouting of new projections appears to occur continuously. The significance of the GSC-niche interactions, however, remains enigmatic. Our concept on the signaling relationship between stem cell-niche in general and GSC and niche (hub cells and cyst stem cells) in particular has been greatly shaped by Drosophila melanogaster. In comparing the interactions of GSCs with their niche in Drosophila with those in species exhibiting GSC autotomy it is obvious that additional or alternative modes of stem cell-niche communication exist. Thus, essential signaling pathways, including niche-stem cell adhesion (E-cadherin) and the direction of asymmetrical GSC division - as they were found in Drosophila - can hardly be translated into the systems where GSC autotomy was reported. It is shown here that the serial autotomy of GSC projections shows remarkable similarities with Wallerian axonal destruction, developmental axon pruning and dying-back degeneration in neurodegenerative diseases. Especially the hypothesis of an existing evolutionary conserved “autodestruction program” in axons that might also be active in GSC projections appears attractive. Investigations on the underlying signaling pathways have to be carried out. There are two other well known cases of programmed cell autotomy: the enucleation of erythroblasts in the process of erythrocyte maturation and the segregation of thousands of thrombocytes (platelets) from one megakaryocyte. Both progenitor cell types - erythroblasts and megakaryocytes - are associated with a niche in the bone marrow, erythroblasts with a macrophage, which they surround, and the megakaryocytes with the endothelial cells of sinusoids and their extracellular matrix. Although the regulatory mechanisms may be specific in each case, there is one aspect that connects all described processes of programmed cell autotomy and neuronal autodestruction: apoptotic pathways play always a prominent role. Studies on the role of male GSC autotomy in stem cell-niche interaction have just started but are expected to reveal hitherto unknown ways of signal exchange. Spermatogenesis in mammals advance our understanding of insect spermatogenesis. Mammal and insect spermatogenesis share some broad principles, but a comparison of the signaling pathways is difficult. We have intimate knowledge from Drosophila, but of almost no other insect, and we have only limited knowledge from mammals. The discovery of stem cell autotomy as part of the interaction with the niche promises new general insights into the complicated stem cell-niche interdependence.
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16
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White-Cooper H. Tissue, cell type and stage-specific ectopic gene expression and RNAi induction in the Drosophila testis. SPERMATOGENESIS 2014; 2:11-22. [PMID: 22553486 PMCID: PMC3341242 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.19088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The Drosophila testis has numerous advantages for the study of basic cellular processes, as production of sperm requires a highly orchestrated and complex combination of morphological changes and developmentally regulated transitions. Experimental genetics using Drosophila melanogaster has advanced dramatically with the advent of systems for ectopic expression of genetic elements in specific cells. However the genetic tools used in Drosophila research have rarely been generated with the testes in mind, and the utility of relatively few systems has been documented for this tissue. Here I will summarize ectopic expression systems that are known to work for the testis, and provide advice for selection of the most appropriate expression system in specific experimental situations.
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17
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Lim C, Tarayrah L, Chen X. Transcriptional regulation during Drosophila spermatogenesis. SPERMATOGENESIS 2014; 2:158-166. [PMID: 23087835 PMCID: PMC3469439 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.21775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila spermatogenesis has become a paradigmatic system for the study of mechanisms that regulate adult stem cell maintenance, proliferation and differentiation. The dramatic cellular differentiation process from germline stem cell (GSC) to mature sperm is accompanied by dynamic changes in gene expression, which are regulated at transcriptional, post-transcriptional (including translational) and post-translational levels. Post-transcriptional regulation has been proposed as a unique feature of germ cells. However, recent studies have provided new insights into transcriptional regulation during Drosophila spermatogenesis. Both signaling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms act to orchestrate the transcriptional regulation of distinct genes at different germ cell differentiation stages. Many of the regulatory pathways that control male gamete differentiation in Drosophila are conserved in mammals. Therefore, studies using Drosophila spermatogenesis will provide insight into the molecular mechanisms that regulate mammalian germ cell differentiation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Lim
- Department of Biology; The Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD USA
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18
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Van Wynsberghe PM, Maine EM. Epigenetic control of germline development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 757:373-403. [PMID: 22872484 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-4015-4_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic regulation of histone modifications and small noncoding RNAs is observed throughout the development of the C. elegans germ line. Histone modifications are differentially regulated in the mitotic vs meiotic germ line, on X chromosomes vs autosomes and on paired chromosomes vs unpaired chromosomes. Small RNAs function in transposon silencing and developmental gene regulation. Histone modifications and small RNAs produced in the germ line can be inherited and impact embryonic development. Disruption of histone-modifying enzymes or small RNA machinery in the germ line can result in sterility due to degeneration of the germ line and/or an inability to produce functional gametes.
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19
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Singh SR, Liu Y, Kango-Singh M, Nevo E. Genetic, immunofluorescence labeling, and in situ hybridization techniques in identification of stem cells in male and female germline niches. Methods Mol Biol 2013; 1035:9-23. [PMID: 23959978 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-508-8_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells have an enormous capacity of self-renewal, as well as the ability to differentiate into specialized cell types. Proper control of these two properties of stem cells is crucial for animal development, growth control, and reproduction. Germline stem cells (GSCs) are a self-renewing population of germ cells, which generate haploid gametes (sperms or oocyte) that transmit genetic information from generation to generation. In Drosophila testis and ovary, GSCs are anchored around the niche cells. The cap cells cluster in females and hub cells in males act as a niche to control GSC behavior. With highly sophisticated genetic techniques in Drosophila, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the interactions between stem cells and niches at cellular and molecular levels. Here, we provide details of genetic, immunofluorescence labeling, and in situ hybridization techniques in identification and characterization of stem cells in Drosophila male and female germline niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shree Ram Singh
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA
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20
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Sinden D, Badgett M, Fry J, Jones T, Palmen R, Sheng X, Simmons A, Matunis E, Wawersik M. Jak-STAT regulation of cyst stem cell development in the Drosophila testis. Dev Biol 2012; 372:5-16. [PMID: 23010510 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Revised: 09/15/2012] [Accepted: 09/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Establishment and maintenance of functional stem cells is critical for organ development and tissue homeostasis. Little is known about the mechanisms underlying stem establishment during organogenesis. Drosophila testes are among the most thoroughly characterized systems for studying stem cell behavior, with germline stem cells (GSCs) and somatic cyst stem cells (CySCs) cohabiting a discrete stem cell niche at the testis apex. GSCs and CySCs are arrayed around hub cells that also comprise the niche and communication between hub cells, GSCs, and CySCs regulates the balance between stem cell maintenance and differentiation. Recent data has shown that functional, asymmetrically dividing GSCs are first established at ∼23 h after egg laying during Drosophila testis morphogenesis (Sheng et al., 2009). This process correlates with coalescence of the hub, but development of CySCs from somatic gonadal precursors (SGPs) was not examined. Here, we show that functional CySCs are present at the time of GSC establishment, and that Jak-STAT signaling is necessary and sufficient for CySC maintenance shortly thereafter. Furthermore, hyper-activation of Jak in CySCs promotes expansion of the GSC population, while ectopic Jak activation in the germline induces GSC gene expression in GSC daughter cells but does not prevent spermatogenic differentiation. Together, these observations indicate that, similar to adult testes, Jak-STAT signaling from the hub acts on both GSCs and CySC to regulate their development and differentiation, and that additional signaling from CySCs to the GSCs play a dominant role in controlling GSC maintenance during niche formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sinden
- College of William & Mary, Biology Department, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA
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21
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Yang SY, Baxter EM, Van Doren M. Phf7 controls male sex determination in the Drosophila germline. Dev Cell 2012; 22:1041-51. [PMID: 22595675 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2012.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Revised: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 04/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Establishment of germline sexual identity is critical for production of male and female germline stem cells, as well as sperm versus eggs. Here we identify PHD Finger Protein 7 (PHF7) as an important factor for male germline sexual identity in Drosophila. PHF7 exhibits male-specific expression in early germ cells, germline stem cells, and spermatogonia. It is important for germline stem cell maintenance and gametogenesis in males, whereas ectopic expression in female germ cells ablates the germline. Strikingly, expression of PHF7 promotes spermatogenesis in XX germ cells when they are present in a male soma. PHF7 homologs are also specifically expressed in the mammalian testis, and human PHF7 rescues Drosophila Phf7 mutants. PHF7 associates with chromatin, and both the human and fly proteins bind histone H3 N-terminal tails with a preference for dimethyl lysine 4 (H3K4me2). We propose that PHF7 acts as a conserved epigenetic "reader" that activates the male germline sexual program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Yuan Yang
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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22
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Matunis EL, Stine RR, de Cuevas M. Recent advances in Drosophila male germline stem cell biology. SPERMATOGENESIS 2012; 2:137-144. [PMID: 23087833 PMCID: PMC3469437 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.21763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The ability of stem cells to divide asymmetrically to produce both self-renewing and differentiating daughter cells sustains many adult tissues, but germline stem cells (GSCs) are unique among stem cells as they perpetuate the genome of the species. The cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating most mammalian stem cells in their endogenous local microenvironments, or niches, are quite challenging to study. However, studies of stem cell niches such as those found in the Drosophila gonads have proven very useful. In these tissues, GSCs are housed in a readily identifiable niche, and the ability to genetically manipulate these cells and their neighbors has uncovered several fundamental mechanisms that are relevant to stem cells more generally. Here, we summarize recent work on the regulation of GSCs in the Drosophila testis niche by intercellular signals, and on the intracellular mechanisms that cooperate with these signals to ensure the survival of the germline. This review focuses on GSCs within the adult Drosophila testis; somatic stem cells in this tissue are reviewed by Zoller and Schulz in this issue.(1) For a review of the testis niche as a whole, see de Cuevas and Matunis,(2) and for more comprehensive reviews of the Drosophila testis, refer to Fuller(3) and Davies and Fuller.(4).
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika L. Matunis
- Department of Cell Biology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Rachel R. Stine
- Department of Cell Biology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Margaret de Cuevas
- Department of Cell Biology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA
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Papagiannouli F, Lohmann I. Shaping the niche: lessons from the Drosophila testis and other model systems. Biotechnol J 2012; 7:723-36. [PMID: 22488937 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201100352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells are fascinating, as they supply the cells that construct our adult bodies and replenish, as we age, worn out, damaged, and diseased tissues. Stem cell regulation relies on intrinsic signals but also on inputs emanating from the neighbouring niche. The Drosophila testis provides an excellent system for studying such processes. Although recent advances have uncovered several signalling, cytoskeletal and other factors affecting niche homeostasis and testis differentiation, many aspects of niche regulation and maintenance remain unsolved. In this review, we discuss aspects of niche establishment and integrity not yet fully understood and we compare it to the current knowledge in other model systems such as vertebrates and plants. We also address specific questions on stem cell maintenance and niche regulation in the Drosophila testis under the control of Hox genes. Finally, we provide insights on the striking functional conservation of homologous genes in plants and animals and their respective stem cell niches. Elucidating conserved mechanisms of stem cell control in both lineages could reveal the importance underlying this conservation and justify the evolutionary pressure to adapt homologous molecules for performing the same task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fani Papagiannouli
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg and CellNetworks - Cluster of Excellence, Heidelberg, Germany.
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