1
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Bustamante-Marin XM, Capel B. Oxygen availability influences the incidence of testicular teratoma in Dnd1Ter/+ mice. Front Genet 2023; 14:1179256. [PMID: 37180974 PMCID: PMC10169730 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1179256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular teratomas and teratocarcinomas are the most common testicular germ cell tumors in early childhood and young men, and they are frequently found unilaterally in the left testis. In 129/SvJ mice carrying a heterozygous copy of the potent modifier of tumor incidence Ter, a point mutation in the dead-end homolog one gene (Dnd1 Ter/+), ∼70% of the unilateral teratomas arise in the left testis. We previously showed that in mice, left/right differences in vascular architecture are associated with reduced hemoglobin saturation and increased levels of the hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) in the left compared to the right testis. To test the hypothesis that systemic reduction of oxygen availability in Dnd1 Ter/+ mice would lead to an increased incidence of bilateral tumors, we placed pregnant females from 129/SvJ Dnd1 Ter/+ intercross matings in a hypobaric chamber for 12-h intervals. Our results show that in 129/SvJ Dnd1 Ter/+ male gonads, the incidence of bilateral teratoma increased from 3.3% to 64% when fetuses were exposed to acute low oxygen conditions for 12-h between E13.8 and E14.3. The increase in tumor incidence correlated with the maintenance of high expression of pluripotency genes Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog, elevated activity of the Nodal signaling pathway, and suppression of germ cell mitotic arrest. We propose that the combination of heterozygosity for the Ter mutation and hypoxia causes a delay in male germ cell differentiation that promotes teratoma initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena M. Bustamante-Marin
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Departamento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias De La Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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2
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Imai A, Matsuda K, Niimi Y, Suzuki A. Loss of Dead end1 induces testicular teratomas from primordial germ cells that failed to undergo sexual differentiation in embryonic testes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6398. [PMID: 37076592 PMCID: PMC10115811 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33706-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous testicular teratomas (STTs) are tumours comprising a diverse array of cell and tissue types, which are derived from pluripotent stem-like cells called embryonal carcinoma cells (ECCs). Although mouse ECCs originate from primordial germ cells (PGCs) in embryonic testes, the molecular basis underlying ECC development remains unclear. This study shows that the conditional deletion of mouse Dead end1 (Dnd1) from migrating PGCs leads to STT development. In Dnd1-conditional knockout (Dnd1-cKO) embryos, PGCs colonise the embryonic testes but fail to undergo sexual differentiation; subsequently, ECCs develop from a portion of the PGCs. Transcriptomic analyses reveal that PGCs not only fail to undergo sexual differentiation but are also prone to transformation into ECCs by upregulating the expression of marker genes for primed pluripotency in the testes of Dnd1-cKO embryos. Thus, our results clarify the role of Dnd1 in developing STTs and developmental process of ECC from PGC, providing novel insights into pathogenic mechanisms of STTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuki Imai
- Division of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazuya Matsuda
- Division of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuki Niimi
- Division of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Research & Development Group, Center for Exploratory Research, Hitachi, Ltd., Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Suzuki
- Division of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
- Division of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
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3
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Guida E, Tassinari V, Colopi A, Todaro F, Cesarini V, Jannini B, Pellegrini M, Botti F, Rossi G, Rossi P, Jannini EA, Dolci S. Mapk activation drives male and female mouse teratocarcinomas from late PGCs. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:274751. [PMID: 35297490 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are rare tumors that can develop in both sexes, peaking in adolescents. To understand the mechanisms that underlie germ cell transformation, we established a GCT mouse model carrying germ cell-specific BRafV600E mutation with or without heterozygous Pten deletion. Both male and female mice developed monolateral teratocarcinomas containing embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells that showed an aggressive phenotype and metastatic ability. Germ cell transformation started in fetal gonads and progressed after birth leading to gonadal invasion. Early postnatal testes showed foci of tumor transformation, while ovaries showed increased number of follicles, multi-ovular follicles (MOFs) and scattered metaphase I oocytes containing follicles. Our results indicate that Mapk over-activation in fetal germ cells of both sexes can expand their proliferative window leading to neoplastic transformation and metastatic behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Guida
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Tassinari
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Ambra Colopi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Todaro
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeriana Cesarini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Jannini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Pellegrini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Botti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Pathology Department, S. Eugenio Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Rossi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Pellegrino Rossi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Susanna Dolci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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4
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Webster NJ, Maywald RL, Benton SM, Dawson EP, Murillo OD, LaPlante EL, Milosavljevic A, Lanza DG, Heaney JD. Testicular germ cell tumors arise in the absence of sex-specific differentiation. Development 2021; 148:260592. [PMID: 33912935 DOI: 10.1242/dev.197111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In response to signals from the embryonic testis, the germ cell intrinsic factor NANOS2 coordinates a transcriptional program necessary for the differentiation of pluripotent-like primordial germ cells toward a unipotent spermatogonial stem cell fate. Emerging evidence indicates that genetic risk factors contribute to testicular germ cell tumor initiation by disrupting sex-specific differentiation. Here, using the 129.MOLF-Chr19 mouse model of testicular teratomas and a NANOS2 reporter allele, we report that the developmental phenotypes required for tumorigenesis, including failure to enter mitotic arrest, retention of pluripotency and delayed sex-specific differentiation, were exclusive to a subpopulation of germ cells failing to express NANOS2. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that embryonic day 15.5 NANOS2-deficient germ cells and embryonal carcinoma cells developed a transcriptional profile enriched for MYC signaling, NODAL signaling and primed pluripotency. Moreover, lineage-tracing experiments demonstrated that embryonal carcinoma cells arose exclusively from germ cells failing to express NANOS2. Our results indicate that NANOS2 is the nexus through which several genetic risk factors influence tumor susceptibility. We propose that, in the absence of sex specification, signals native to the developing testis drive germ cell transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Webster
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rebecca L Maywald
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Susan M Benton
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Emily P Dawson
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Oscar D Murillo
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Emily L LaPlante
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Denise G Lanza
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jason D Heaney
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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5
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Nicholls PK, Page DC. Germ cell determination and the developmental origin of germ cell tumors. Development 2021; 148:239824. [PMID: 33913479 DOI: 10.1242/dev.198150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In each generation, the germline is tasked with producing somatic lineages that form the body, and segregating a population of cells for gametogenesis. During animal development, when do cells of the germline irreversibly commit to producing gametes? Integrating findings from diverse species, we conclude that the final commitment of the germline to gametogenesis - the process of germ cell determination - occurs after primordial germ cells (PGCs) colonize the gonads. Combining this understanding with medical findings, we present a model whereby germ cell tumors arise from cells that failed to undertake germ cell determination, regardless of their having colonized the gonads. We propose that the diversity of cell types present in these tumors reflects the broad developmental potential of migratory PGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter K Nicholls
- Whitehead Institute, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
| | - David C Page
- Whitehead Institute, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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6
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Ruthig VA, Yokonishi T, Friedersdorf MB, Batchvarova S, Hardy J, Garness JA, Keene JD, Capel B. A transgenic DND1GFP fusion allele reports in vivo expression and RNA-binding targets in undifferentiated mouse germ cells†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:861-874. [PMID: 33394034 PMCID: PMC8324984 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, the RNA-binding protein (RBP) dead end 1 (DND1) is essential for primordial germ cell (PGC) survival and maintenance of cell identity. In multiple species, Dnd1 loss or mutation leads to severe PGC loss soon after specification or, in some species, germ cell transformation to somatic lineages. Our investigations into the role of DND1 in PGC specification and differentiation have been limited by the absence of an available antibody. To address this problem, we used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to establish a transgenic mouse line carrying a DND1GFP fusion allele. We present imaging analysis of DND1GFP expression showing that DND1GFP expression is heterogeneous among male germ cells (MGCs) and female germ cells (FGCs). DND1GFP was detected in MGCs throughout fetal life but lost from FGCs at meiotic entry. In postnatal and adult testes, DND1GFP expression correlated with classic markers for the premeiotic spermatogonial population. Utilizing the GFP tag for RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) analysis in MGCs validated this transgenic as a tool for identifying in vivo transcript targets of DND1. The DND1GFP mouse line is a novel tool for isolation and analysis of embryonic and fetal germ cells, and the spermatogonial population of the postnatal and adult testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A Ruthig
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Matthew B Friedersdorf
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sofia Batchvarova
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Josiah Hardy
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jason A Garness
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jack D Keene
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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7
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Characterization of encapsulated porcine cardiosphere-derived cells embedded in 3D alginate matrices. Int J Pharm 2021; 599:120454. [PMID: 33676988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction is caused by an interruption of coronary blood flow, leading to one of the main death causes worldwide. Current therapeutic approaches are palliative and not able to solve the loss of cardiac tissue. Cardiosphere derived cells (CDCs) reduce scarring, and increase viable myocardium, with safety and adequate biodistribution, but show a low rate engraftment and survival after implantation. In order to solve the low retention, we propose the encapsulation of CDCs within three-dimensional alginate-poly-L-lysine-alginate matrix as therapy for cardiac regeneration. In this work, we demonstrate the encapsulation of CDCs in alginate matrix, with no decrease in viability over a month, and showing the preservation of CDCs phenotype, differentiation potential, gene expression profile and growth factor release after encapsulation, moving a step forward to clinical translation of CDCs therapy in regeneration in heart failure.
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8
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Desimio MG, Cesari E, Sorrenti M, De Felici M, Farini D. Stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8) interacts with the germ cell specific bHLH factor SOHLH1 and represses c-KIT expression in vitro. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 25:383-396. [PMID: 33236849 PMCID: PMC7810945 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
STRA8 (Stimulated by Retinoic Acid Gene 8) controls the crucial decision of germ cells to engage meiotic division up and down‐regulating genes involved in the meiotic programme. It has been proven as an amplifier of genes involved in cell cycle control and chromosome events, however, how STRA8 functions as negative regulator are not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate that STRA8 can interact with itself and with other basic Helix‐Loop‐Helix (bHLH) transcription factors through its HLH domain and that this domain is important for its ability to negatively interfere with the Ebox‐mediated transcriptional activity of bHLH transcription factors. Significantly, we show that STRA8 interacts with TCF3/E47, a class I bHLH transcription factors, and with SOHLH1, a gonadal‐specific bHLH, in male germ cells obtained from prepuberal mouse testis. We demonstrated that STRA8, indirectly, is able to exert a negative control on the SOHLH1‐dependent stimulation of c‐KIT expression in late differentiating spermatogonia and preleptotene spermatocytes. Although part of this results were obtained only ‘in vitro’, they support the notion that STRA8 interacting with different transcription factors, besides its established role as ‘amplifier’ of meiotic programme, is able to finely modulate the balance between spermatogonia proliferation, differentiation and acquisition of meiotic competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giovanna Desimio
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cesari
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Sorrenti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo De Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Farini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Histology and Embryology, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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9
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Tam WY, Cheung KK. Phenotypic characteristics of commonly used inbred mouse strains. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1215-1234. [PMID: 32712726 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01953-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The laboratory mouse is the most commonly used mammalian model for biomedical research. An enormous number of mouse models, such as gene knockout, knockin, and overexpression transgenic mice, have been created over the years. A common practice to maintain a genetically modified mouse line is backcrossing with standard inbred mice over several generations. However, the choice of inbred mouse for backcrossing is critical to phenotypic characterization because phenotypic variabilities are often observed between mice with different genetic backgrounds. In this review, the major features of commonly used inbred mouse lines are discussed. The aim is to provide information for appropriate selection of inbred mouse lines for genetic and behavioral studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Yip Tam
- University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Kwok-Kuen Cheung
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
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10
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Savage P. Chemotherapy Curability in Leukemia, Lymphoma, Germ Cell Tumors and Gestational Malignancies: A Reflection of the Unique Physiology of Their Cells of Origin. Front Genet 2020; 11:426. [PMID: 32582272 PMCID: PMC7295948 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic DNA damaging chemotherapy brings clinical benefits in the treatment of many metastatic malignancies. However routine curative treatment remains restricted to a small number of malignancies including acute leukemia, high grade lymphoma, germ cell tumors, gestational malignancies and some of the rare childhood cancers. The detailed explanation for this dramatic divergence in outcomes remains to be elucidated. However, we have previously argued that there is a strong correlation between presence of the unique genetic events of immunoglobulin gene variable/diversity/joining (VDJ) recombination, somatic hypermutation (SHM), meiosis, nuclear fusion and gastrulation occurring in cells of origin of these malignancies and their high sensitivity to DNA damaging chemotherapy. In this study we have reviewed some of the basic physiological information relating to the specialized activity and sensitivity to DNA damage mediated apoptosis of normal cells undergoing these processes. In each of unique genetic events there are dramatic changes in apoptotic sensitivity. In VDJ recombination and somatic hypermutation over 95% of the cells involved undergo apoptosis, whilst in meiosis and nuclear fusion there are dramatic short term increases in the apoptotic sensitivity to DNA damage. It is apparent that each of the malignancies arising during these processes retains some of the unique phenotype associated with it. The impact of the physiological differences is most clearly seen in the two non-mutational malignancies. Gestational choriocarcinoma which arises shortly after nuclear fusion is routinely curable with chemotherapy whilst CIMP-positive ependymomas which is not linked to any of the unique genetic events is highly resistant. A similar pattern is found in a pair of malignancies driven by a single driver mutation. Infantile acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) arises in a cell undergoing the early stages of VDJ recombination and has a 40% cure rate in contrast pediatric rhabdoid malignancy which is not linked to a unique genetic event responds very poorly to chemotherapy treatment. The physiological changes occurring in cancer cells at the time of the malignant transformation appear to have a major impact on the subsequent sensitivity to chemotherapy and curability. New therapies that impact on these pathways may be of therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Savage
- Department of Oncology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals, Brighton, United Kingdom
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11
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Mäkelä JA, Koskenniemi JJ, Virtanen HE, Toppari J. Testis Development. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:857-905. [PMID: 30590466 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Production of sperm and androgens is the main function of the testis. This depends on normal development of both testicular somatic cells and germ cells. A genetic program initiated from the Y chromosome gene sex-determining region Y (SRY) directs somatic cell specification to Sertoli cells that orchestrate further development. They first guide fetal germ cell differentiation toward spermatogenic destiny and then take care of the full service to spermatogenic cells during spermatogenesis. The number of Sertoli cells sets the limits of sperm production. Leydig cells secrete androgens that determine masculine development. Testis development does not depend on germ cells; that is, testicular somatic cells also develop in the absence of germ cells, and the testis can produce testosterone normally to induce full masculinization in these men. In contrast, spermatogenic cell development is totally dependent on somatic cells. We herein review germ cell differentiation from primordial germ cells to spermatogonia and development of the supporting somatic cells. Testicular descent to scrota is necessary for normal spermatogenesis, and cryptorchidism is the most common male birth defect. This is a mild form of a disorder of sex differentiation. Multiple genetic reasons for more severe forms of disorders of sex differentiation have been revealed during the last decades, and these are described along with the description of molecular regulation of testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jaakko J Koskenniemi
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Helena E Virtanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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12
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Ruthig VA, Friedersdorf MB, Garness JA, Munger SC, Bunce C, Keene JD, Capel B. The RNA-binding protein DND1 acts sequentially as a negative regulator of pluripotency and a positive regulator of epigenetic modifiers required for germ cell reprogramming. Development 2019; 146:dev175950. [PMID: 31253634 PMCID: PMC6803376 DOI: 10.1242/dev.175950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The adult spermatogonial stem cell population arises from pluripotent primordial germ cells (PGCs) that enter the fetal testis around embryonic day (E)10.5. PGCs undergo rapid mitotic proliferation, then enter prolonged cell cycle arrest (G1/G0), during which they transition to pro-spermatogonia. In mice homozygous for the Ter mutation in the RNA-binding protein Dnd1 (Dnd1Ter/Ter ), many male germ cells (MGCs) fail to enter G1/G0 and instead form teratomas: tumors containing many embryonic cell types. To investigate the origin of these tumors, we sequenced the MGC transcriptome in Dnd1Ter/Ter mutants at E12.5, E13.5 and E14.5, immediately prior to teratoma formation, and correlated this information with DO-RIP-Seq-identified DND1 direct targets. Consistent with previous results, we found DND1 controls downregulation of many genes associated with pluripotency and active cell cycle, including mTor, Hippo and Bmp/Nodal signaling pathway elements. However, DND1 targets also include genes associated with male differentiation, including a large group of chromatin regulators activated in wild-type but not mutant MGCs during the E13.5 and E14.5 transition. Results suggest multiple DND1 functions and link DND1 to initiation of epigenetic modifications in MGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A Ruthig
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Matthew B Friedersdorf
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jason A Garness
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - Corey Bunce
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jack D Keene
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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13
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Beyret E, Martinez Redondo P, Platero Luengo A, Izpisua Belmonte JC. Elixir of Life: Thwarting Aging With Regenerative Reprogramming. Circ Res 2019; 122:128-141. [PMID: 29301845 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.117.311866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
All living beings undergo systemic physiological decline after ontogeny, characterized as aging. Modern medicine has increased the life expectancy, yet this has created an aged society that has more predisposition to degenerative disorders. Therefore, novel interventions that aim to extend the healthspan in parallel to the life span are needed. Regeneration ability of living beings maintains their biological integrity and thus is the major leverage against aging. However, mammalian regeneration capacity is low and further declines during aging. Therefore, modalities that reinforce regeneration can antagonize aging. Recent advances in the field of regenerative medicine have shown that aging is not an irreversible process. Conversion of somatic cells to embryonic-like pluripotent cells demonstrated that the differentiated state and age of a cell is not fixed. Identification of the pluripotency-inducing factors subsequently ignited the idea that cellular features can be reprogrammed by defined factors that specify the desired outcome. The last decade consequently has witnessed a plethora of studies that modify cellular features including the hallmarks of aging in addition to cellular function and identity in a variety of cell types in vitro. Recently, some of these reprogramming strategies have been directly used in animal models in pursuit of rejuvenation and cell replacement. Here, we review these in vivo reprogramming efforts and discuss their potential use to extend the longevity by complementing or augmenting the regenerative capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ergin Beyret
- From the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Gene Expression Laboratory, La Jolla, CA (E.B., P.M.R., A.P.L., J.C.I.B.); and Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Guadalupe, Spain (P.M.R.)
| | - Paloma Martinez Redondo
- From the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Gene Expression Laboratory, La Jolla, CA (E.B., P.M.R., A.P.L., J.C.I.B.); and Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Guadalupe, Spain (P.M.R.)
| | - Aida Platero Luengo
- From the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Gene Expression Laboratory, La Jolla, CA (E.B., P.M.R., A.P.L., J.C.I.B.); and Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Guadalupe, Spain (P.M.R.)
| | - Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte
- From the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Gene Expression Laboratory, La Jolla, CA (E.B., P.M.R., A.P.L., J.C.I.B.); and Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Guadalupe, Spain (P.M.R.).
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14
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Feichtinger J, McFarlane RJ. Meiotic gene activation in somatic and germ cell tumours. Andrology 2019; 7:415-427. [PMID: 31102330 PMCID: PMC6766858 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Germ cell tumours are uniquely associated with the gametogenic tissues of males and females. A feature of these cancers is that they can express genes that are normally tightly restricted to meiotic cells. This aberrant gene expression has been used as an indicator that these cancer cells are attempting a programmed germ line event, meiotic entry. However, work in non‐germ cell cancers has also indicated that meiotic genes can become aberrantly activated in a wide range of cancer types and indeed provide functions that serve as oncogenic drivers. Here, we review the activation of meiotic factors in cancers and explore commonalities between meiotic gene activation in germ cell and non‐germ cell cancers. Objectives The objectives of this review are to highlight key questions relating to meiotic gene activation in germ cell tumours and to offer possible interpretations as to the biological relevance in this unique cancer type. Materials and Methods PubMed and the GEPIA database were searched for papers in English and for cancer gene expression data, respectively. Results We provide a brief overview of meiotic progression, with a focus on the unique mechanisms of reductional chromosome segregation in meiosis I. We then offer detailed insight into the role of meiotic chromosome regulators in non‐germ cell cancers and extend this to provide an overview of how this might relate to germ cell tumours. Conclusions We propose that meiotic gene activation in germ cell tumours might not indicate an unscheduled attempt to enter a full meiotic programme. Rather, it might simply reflect either aberrant activation of a subset of meiotic genes, with little or no biological relevance, or aberrant activation of a subset of meiotic genes as positive tumour evolutionary/oncogenic drivers. These postulates provide the provocation for further studies in this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Feichtinger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,OMICS Center Graz, BioTechMed Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - R J McFarlane
- North West Cancer Research Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, UK
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15
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Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) must complete a complex and dynamic developmental program during embryogenesis to establish the germline. This process is highly conserved and involves a diverse array of tasks required of PGCs, including migration, survival, sex differentiation, and extensive epigenetic reprogramming. A common theme across many organisms is that PGC success is heterogeneous: only a portion of all PGCs complete all these steps while many other PGCs are eliminated from further germline contribution. The differences that distinguish successful PGCs as a population are not well understood. Here, we examine variation that exists in PGCs as they navigate the many stages of this developmental journey. We explore potential sources of PGC heterogeneity and their potential implications in affecting germ cell behaviors. Lastly, we discuss the potential for PGC development to function as a multistage selection process that assesses heterogeneity in PGCs to refine germline quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Rebecca G Jaszczak
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Diana J Laird
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States.
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16
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Batool A, Karimi N, Wu XN, Chen SR, Liu YX. Testicular germ cell tumor: a comprehensive review. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:1713-1727. [PMID: 30671589 PMCID: PMC11105513 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03022-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Testicular tumors are the most common tumors in adolescent and young men and germ cell tumors (TGCTs) account for most of all testicular cancers. Increasing incidence of TGCTs among males provides strong motivation to understand its biological and genetic basis. Gains of chromosome arm 12p and aneuploidy are nearly universal in TGCTs, but TGCTs have low point mutation rate. It is thought that TGCTs develop from premalignant intratubular germ cell neoplasia that is believed to arise from the failure of normal maturation of gonocytes during fetal or postnatal development. Progression toward invasive TGCTs (seminoma and nonseminoma) then occurs after puberty. Both inherited genetic factors and environmental risk factors emerge as important contributors to TGCT susceptibility. Genome-wide association studies have so far identified more than 30 risk loci for TGCTs, suggesting that a polygenic model fits better with the genetic landscape of the disease. Despite high cure rates because of its particular sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy, exploration of mechanisms underlying the occurrence, progression, metastasis, recurrence, chemotherapeutic resistance, early diagnosis and optional clinical therapeutics without long-term side effects are urgently needed to reduce the cancer burden in this underserved age group. Herein, we present an up-to-date review on clinical challenges, origin and progression, risk factors, TGCT mouse models, serum diagnostic markers, resistance mechanisms, miRNA regulation, and database resources of TGCTs. We appeal that more attention should be paid to the basic research and clinical diagnosis and treatment of TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aalia Batool
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Najmeh Karimi
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiang-Nan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
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17
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Jung HG, Hwang YS, Park YH, Cho HY, Rengaraj D, Han JY. Role of Epigenetic Regulation by the REST/CoREST/HDAC Corepressor Complex of Moderate NANOG Expression in Chicken Primordial Germ Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:1215-1225. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Gyo Jung
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Sun Hwang
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Hyun Park
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho Yeon Cho
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Deivendran Rengaraj
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Yong Han
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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18
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Wear HM, Eriksson A, Yao HHC, Watanabe KH. Cell-based computational model of early ovarian development in mice. Biol Reprod 2018; 97:365-377. [PMID: 29088396 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its importance to reproduction, certain mechanisms of early ovarian development remain a mystery. To improve our understanding, we constructed the first cell-based computational model of ovarian development in mice that is divided into two phases: Phase I spans embryonic day 5.5 (E5.5) to E12.5; and Phase II spans E12.5 to postnatal day 2. We used the model to investigate four mechanisms: in Phase I, (i) whether primordial germ cells (PGCs) undergo mitosis during migration; and (ii) if the mechanism for secretion of KIT ligand from the hindgut resembles inductive cell-cell signaling or is secreted in a static manner; and in Phase II, (iii) that changes in cellular adhesion produce germ cell nest breakdown; and (iv) whether localization of primordial follicles in the cortex of the ovary is due to proliferation of granulosa cells. We found that the combination of the first three hypotheses produced results that aligned with experimental images and PGC abundance data. Results from the fourth hypothesis did not match experimental images, which suggests that more detailed processes are involved in follicle localization. Phase I and Phase II of the model reproduce experimentally observed cell counts and morphology well. A sensitivity analysis identified contact energies, mitotic rates, KIT chemotaxis strength, and diffusion rate in Phase I and oocyte death rate in Phase II as parameters with the greatest impact on model predictions. The results demonstrate that the computational model can be used to understand unknown mechanisms, generate new hypotheses, and serve as an educational tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Wear
- Institute of Environmental Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Annika Eriksson
- Division of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University Portland, OR, USA
| | - Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Karen H Watanabe
- Institute of Environmental Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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19
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Chemotherapy-Induced Depletion of OCT4-Positive Cancer Stem Cells in a Mouse Model of Malignant Testicular Cancer. Cell Rep 2018; 21:1896-1909. [PMID: 29141221 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.10.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are among the most responsive solid cancers to conventional chemotherapy. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we developed a mouse TGCT model featuring germ cell-specific Kras activation and Pten inactivation. The resulting mice developed malignant, metastatic TGCTs composed of teratoma and embryonal carcinoma, the latter of which exhibited stem cell characteristics, including expression of the pluripotency factor OCT4. Consistent with epidemiological data linking human testicular cancer risk to in utero exposures, embryonic germ cells were susceptible to malignant transformation, whereas adult germ cells underwent apoptosis in response to the same oncogenic events. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with genotoxic chemotherapy not only prolonged survival and reduced tumor size but also selectively eliminated the OCT4-positive cancer stem cells. We conclude that the chemosensitivity of TGCTs derives from the sensitivity of their cancer stem cells to DNA-damaging chemotherapy.
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20
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Dawson EP, Lanza DG, Webster NJ, Benton SM, Suetake I, Heaney JD. Delayed male germ cell sex-specification permits transition into embryonal carcinoma cells with features of primed pluripotency. Development 2018; 145:dev156612. [PMID: 29545285 PMCID: PMC6514421 DOI: 10.1242/dev.156612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Testicular teratomas result from anomalies in embryonic germ cell development. In 129 inbred mice, teratoma initiation coincides with germ cell sex-specific differentiation and the mitotic-meiotic switch: XX and XY germ cells repress pluripotency, XX germ cells initiate meiosis, and XY germ cells activate male-specific differentiation and mitotic arrest. Here, we report that expression of Nanos2, a gene that is crucial to male sex specification, is delayed in teratoma-susceptible germ cells. Decreased expression of Nanos2 was found to be due, in part, to the Nanos2 allele present in 129 mice. In teratoma-susceptible germ cells, diminished expression of genes downstream of Nanos2 disrupted processes that were crucial to male germ cell differentiation. Deficiency for Nanos2 increased teratoma incidence in 129 mice and induced developmental abnormalities associated with tumor initiation in teratoma-resistant germ cells. Finally, in the absence of commitment to the male germ cell fate, we discovered that a subpopulation of teratoma-susceptible germ cells transition into embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells with primed pluripotent features. We conclude that delayed male germ cell sex-specification facilitates the transformation of germ cells with naïve pluripotent features into primed pluripotent EC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily P Dawson
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Denise G Lanza
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nicholas J Webster
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Susan M Benton
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Isao Suetake
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Jason D Heaney
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Dan L Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center For Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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21
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PRDM14 is expressed in germ cell tumors with constitutive overexpression altering human germline differentiation and proliferation. Stem Cell Res 2018; 27:46-56. [PMID: 29324254 PMCID: PMC5858915 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors occurring in gonadal and extragonadal locations. GCTs are hypothesized to arise from primordial germ cells (PGCs), which fail to differentiate. One recently identified susceptibility loci for human GCT is PR (PRDI-BF1 and RIZ) domain proteins 14 (PRDM14). PRDM14 is expressed in early primate PGCs and is repressed as PGCs differentiate. To examine PRDM14 in human GCTs we profiled human GCT cell lines and patient samples and discovered that PRDM14 is expressed in embryonal carcinoma cell lines, embryonal carcinomas, seminomas, intracranial germinomas and yolk sac tumors, but is not expressed in teratomas. To model constitutive overexpression in human PGCs, we generated PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and discovered that elevated expression of PRDM14 does not block early PGC formation. Instead, we show that elevated PRDM14 in PGCLCs causes proliferation and differentiation defects in the germline.
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22
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Abstract
Fusion of sperm and egg generates a totipotent zygote that develops into a whole organism. Accordingly, the "immortal" germline transmits genetic and epigenetic information to subsequent generations with consequences for human health and disease. In mammals, primordial germ cells (PGCs) originate from peri-gastrulation embryos. While early human embryos are inaccessible for research, in vitro model systems using pluripotent stem cells have provided critical insights into human PGC specification, which differs from that in mice. This might stem from significant differences in early embryogenesis at the morphological and molecular levels, including pluripotency networks. Here, we discuss recent advances and experimental systems used to study mammalian germ cell development. We also highlight key aspects of germ cell disorders, as well as mitochondrial and potentially epigenetic inheritance in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Irie
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - Anastasiya Sybirna
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Wellcome Trust Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - M Azim Surani
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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23
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Salz HK, Dawson EP, Heaney JD. Germ cell tumors: Insights from the Drosophila ovary and the mouse testis. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:200-211. [PMID: 28079292 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian and testicular germ cell tumors of young adults are thought to arise from defects in germ cell development, but the molecular mechanisms underlying malignant transformation are poorly understood. In this review, we focus on the biology of germ cell tumor formation in the Drosophila ovary and the mouse testis, for which evidence supports common underlying mechanisms, such as blocking initiation into the differentiation pathway, impaired lineage progression, and sexual identity instability. We then discuss how these concepts inform our understanding of the disease in humans. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 84: 200-211, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen K Salz
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Emily P Dawson
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jason D Heaney
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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24
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A pilgrim's progress: Seeking meaning in primordial germ cell migration. Stem Cell Res 2017; 24:181-187. [PMID: 28754603 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Comparative studies of primordial germ cell (PGC) development across organisms in many phyla reveal surprising diversity in the route of migration, timing and underlying molecular mechanisms, suggesting that the process of migration itself is conserved. However, beyond the perfunctory transport of cellular precursors to their later arising home of the gonads, does PGC migration serve a function? Here we propose that the process of migration plays an additional role in quality control, by eliminating PGCs incapable of completing migration as well as through mechanisms that favor PGCs capable of responding appropriately to migration cues. Focusing on PGCs in mice, we explore evidence for a selective capacity of migration, considering the tandem regulation of proliferation and migration, cell-intrinsic and extrinsic control, the potential for tumors derived from failed PGC migrants, the potential mechanisms by which migratory PGCs vary in their cellular behaviors, and corresponding effects on development. We discuss the implications of a selective role of PGC migration for in vitro gametogenesis.
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25
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Parent-of-origin effects of A1CF and AGO2 on testicular germ-cell tumors, testicular abnormalities, and fertilization bias. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E5425-33. [PMID: 27582469 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1604773113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular tumors, the most common cancer in young men, arise from abnormalities in germ cells during fetal development. Unconventional inheritance for testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) risk both in humans and mice implicates epigenetic mechanisms. Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme complex 1 (APOBEC1) cytidine deaminase and Deadend-1, which are involved in C-to-U RNA editing and microRNA-dependent mRNA silencing, respectively, are potent epigenetic modifiers of TGCT susceptibility in the genetically predisposed 129/Sv inbred mouse strain. Here, we show that partial loss of either APOBEC1 complementation factor (A1CF), the RNA-binding cofactor of APOBEC1 in RNA editing, or Argonaute 2 (AGO2), a key factor in the biogenesis of certain noncoding RNAs, modulates risk for TGCTs and testicular abnormalities in both parent-of-origin and conventional genetic manners. In addition, non-Mendelian inheritance was found among progeny of A1cf and Ago2 mutant intercrosses but not in backcrosses and without fetal loss. Together these findings suggest nonrandom union of gametes rather than meiotic drive or preferential lethality. Finally, this survey also suggested that A1CF contributes to long-term reproductive performance. These results directly implicate the RNA-binding proteins A1CF and AGO2 in the epigenetic control of germ-cell fate, urogenital development, and gamete functions.
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26
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A gonogenic stimulated transition of mouse embryonic stem cells with enhanced control of diverse differentiation pathways. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25104. [PMID: 27157261 PMCID: PMC4860597 DOI: 10.1038/srep25104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells share markers with undifferentiated primordial germ cells (PGCs). Here, we discovered that a cellular state with some molecular markers of male gonocyte induction, including a G1/S phase arrest and upregulation of specific genes such as Nanos2, Tdrd1, Ddx4, Zbtb16 and Plk1s1, can be chemically induced in male mouse ES cells in vitro, which we termed gonogenic stimulated transition (GoST). After longer culture of the resulting GoST cells without chemical stimulation, several molecular markers typical for early gonocytes were detected including the early gonocyte marker Tex101. Motivated by previous studies that found multipotency in cell lines derived from neonatal male germ cells in vitro, we then compared the differentiation potential of GoST cells to that of ES cells in vitro. Interestingly, GoST cells showed equal neurogenic, but enhanced cardiogenic and hepatogenic differentiation compared to ES cells in vitro. This work shows for the first time that some important molecular markers of the first developmental sexual differentiation program can be induced in male mouse ES cells in vitro and defines a novel concept to generate cells with enhanced multipotency.
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27
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Kushwaha R, Jagadish N, Kustagi M, Mendiratta G, Seandel M, Soni R, Korkola JE, Thodima V, Califano A, Bosl GJ, Chaganti RSK. Mechanism and Role of SOX2 Repression in Seminoma: Relevance to Human Germline Specification. Stem Cell Reports 2016; 6:772-783. [PMID: 27132888 PMCID: PMC4939754 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human male germ cell tumors (GCTs) are derived from primordial germ cells (PGCs). The master pluripotency regulator and neuroectodermal lineage effector transcription factor SOX2 is repressed in PGCs and the seminoma (SEM) subset of GCTs. The mechanism of SOX2 repression and its significance to GC and GCT development currently are not understood. Here, we show that SOX2 repression in SEM-derived TCam-2 cells is mediated by the Polycomb repressive complex (PcG) and the repressive H3K27me3 chromatin mark that are enriched at its promoter. Furthermore, SOX2 repression in TCam-2 cells can be abrogated by recruitment of the constitutively expressed H3K27 demethylase UTX to the SOX2 promoter through retinoid signaling, leading to expression of neuronal and other lineage genes. SOX17 has been shown to initiate human PGC specification, with its target PRDM1 suppressing mesendodermal genes. Our results are consistent with a role for SOX2 repression in normal germline development by suppressing neuroectodermal genes. SOX2 is repressed in hPGC, germ cell neoplasia in situ, and seminoma SOX2 repression is mediated by PcG and H3K27me3 enrichment at its promoter Retinoid signaling recruits UTX to SOX2 promoter leading to reactivation of SOX2 These studies shed light on the role of SOX2 in germline development
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Kushwaha
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nirmala Jagadish
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Manjunath Kustagi
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Geetu Mendiratta
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Marco Seandel
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Rekha Soni
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - James E Korkola
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Andrea Califano
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - George J Bosl
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - R S K Chaganti
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advances in immuno-modulatory therapies, including anti-TNF-α therapies, have greatly increased the chance to achieve long-term remission of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. However, as the importance of mucosal healing has been demonstrated in a number of clinical studies, new cell-based therapies that can regenerate and fully restore the intestinal mucosal functions are currently under development. AREA COVERED In this review, we feature the recent challenges of cell-based therapies that are applied to the treatment of IBD. In particular, we will focus on hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and intestinal stem cells (ISCs) as the candidate source for cell-based therapy targeted to treat IBD. The current status, as well as the expected advantages and disadvantages of those transplantations will be summarized and discussed. EXPERT OPINION Transplantation of HSC, MSC and ISC may have different levels of potential in their ability to exert an immunomodulatory or pro-regenerative effect. Combined cell therapies, such as co-transplantation of MSC and ISC, may provide improved therapeutic outcome compared to transplantation of a single cell population. Those cell-based therapies may not only improve the disease activity or tissue regeneration, but may also have the potential to decrease the risk of developing colitis-associated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuichi Okamoto
- a Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine , Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Mamoru Watanabe
- b Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School , Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo , Japan
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29
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen K Salz
- a Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences ; Case Western Reserve University ; Cleveland , Ohio 44106-4955
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30
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Lanza DG, Dawson EP, Rao P, Heaney JD. Misexpression of cyclin D1 in embryonic germ cells promotes testicular teratoma initiation. Cell Cycle 2016; 15:919-30. [PMID: 26901436 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2016.1149272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular teratomas result from anomalies in embryonic germ cell development. In the 129 family of inbred mouse strains, teratomas arise during the same developmental period that male germ cells normally enter G1/G0 mitotic arrest and female germ cells initiate meiosis (the mitotic:meiotic switch). Dysregulation of this switch associates with teratoma susceptibility and involves three germ cell developmental abnormalities seemingly critical for tumor initiation: delayed G1/G0 mitotic arrest, retention of pluripotency, and misexpression of genes normally restricted to embryonic female and adult male germ cells. One misexpressed gene, cyclin D1 (Ccnd1), is a known regulator of cell cycle progression and an oncogene in many tissues. Here, we investigated whether Ccnd1 misexpression in embryonic germ cells is a determinant of teratoma susceptibility in mice. We found that CCND1 localizes to teratoma-susceptible germ cells that fail to enter G1/G0 arrest during the mitotic:meiotic switch and is the only D-type cyclin misexpressed during this critical developmental time frame. We discovered that Ccnd1 deficiency in teratoma-susceptible mice significantly reduced teratoma incidence and suppressed the germ cell proliferation and pluripotency abnormalities associated with tumor initiation. Importantly, Ccnd1 expression was dispensable for somatic cell development and male germ cell specification and maturation in tumor-susceptible mice, implying that the mechanisms by which Ccnd1 deficiency reduced teratoma incidence were germ cell autonomous and specific to tumorigenesis. We conclude that misexpression of Ccnd1 in male germ cells is a key component of a larger pro-proliferative program that disrupts the mitotic:meiotic switch and predisposes 129 inbred mice to testicular teratocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise G Lanza
- a Department of Molecular and Human Genetics , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Emily P Dawson
- a Department of Molecular and Human Genetics , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Priya Rao
- b Department of Pathology , MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Jason D Heaney
- a Department of Molecular and Human Genetics , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA.,c Dan L Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA.,d Center For Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA
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31
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Bulic-Jakus F, Katusic Bojanac A, Juric-Lekic G, Vlahovic M, Sincic N. Teratoma: from spontaneous tumors to the pluripotency/malignancy assay. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2015; 5:186-209. [PMID: 26698368 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A teratoma is a benign tumor containing a mixture of differentiated tissues and organotypic derivatives of the three germ layers, while a teratocarcinoma also contains embryonal carcinoma cells (EC cells). Experimental teratomas and teratocarcinomas have been derived from early mammalian embryos transplanted into the adult animal (ectopic sites). In the rat, the pluripotency of the transplanted epiblast was demonstrated and a quantifiable restriction of developmental potential persisted after subsequent transplantation of chemically defined cultivated postimplantation embryos. The rat is nonpermissive for teratocarcinoma development and rat pluripotent cell lines have been established only recently. Transplantation of mouse embryos, epiblast, or embryonic stem cells (mESCs) gave rise to teratocarcinomas. The pluripotency of reprogrammed human cells has been tested by a 'gold standard' trilaminar teratoma assay in immunocompromised mice in vivo. Human pluripotent stem cells proposed for use in regenerative medicine such as human embryonic stem cell (hESC), human nuclear-transfer/therapeutic cloning embryonic stem cell (NT-ESC), or human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines, once differentiated in vitro to the desired cell type, should be again tested in a long-term animal teratoma assay to exclude their malignancy. Such an approach led to a recently implemented human therapy with retinal pigmented epithelium. For greater biosafety, the teratoma assay should be standardized and complemented by assessments of mutations/epimutations, RNA/protein expression, and possible immunogenicity of autologous pluripotent cells. Furthermore, the standardized teratoma assay should be directed more to the assessment of EC/malignant cell features than of differentiated tissues, especially after a unique case of human therapy with neural stem cells was found to lead to malignancy. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floriana Bulic-Jakus
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Katusic Bojanac
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gordana Juric-Lekic
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Vlahovic
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nino Sincic
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
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32
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Rossitto M, Philibert P, Poulat F, Boizet-Bonhoure B. Molecular events and signalling pathways of male germ cell differentiation in mouse. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 45:84-93. [PMID: 26454096 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Germ cells, the precursors of gametes, represent a unique cell lineage that is able to differentiate into spermatozoa or oocytes depending on the chromosomal sex of the organism. In the mammalian embryonic gonad, commitment to oogenesis involves pre-meiotic DNA replication and entry into the first meiotic division; whereas, commitment to spermatogenesis involves inhibition of meiotic initiation, suppression of pluripotency, mitotic arrest and expression of specific markers that will control the development of the male germ cells. The crucial decision made by the germ line to commit to either a male or a female fate has been partially explained by genetic and ex vivo studies in mice which have implicated a complex network of regulatory genes, numerous factors and pathways. Besides the reproductive failure that may follow a deregulation of this complex network, the germ cells may, in view of their proliferative and pluripotent nature, act as precursors of potential malignant transformation and as putative targets for exogenous environmental compounds. Our review summarizes and discusses recent developments that have improved our understanding on how germ cell precursors are committed to a male or a female cell fate in the mouse gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moïra Rossitto
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
| | - Pascal Philibert
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
| | - Francis Poulat
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
| | - Brigitte Boizet-Bonhoure
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
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33
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Robert VJ, Garvis S, Palladino F. Repression of somatic cell fate in the germline. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:3599-620. [PMID: 26043973 PMCID: PMC11113910 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1942-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Germ cells must transmit genetic information across generations, and produce gametes while also maintaining the potential to form all cell types after fertilization. Preventing the activation of somatic programs is, therefore, crucial to the maintenance of germ cell identity. Studies in Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and mouse have revealed both similarities and differences in how somatic gene expression is repressed in germ cells, thereby preventing their conversion into somatic tissues. This review will focus on recent developments in our understanding of how global or gene-specific transcriptional repression, chromatin regulation, and translational repression operate in the germline to maintain germ cell identity and repress somatic differentiation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie J Robert
- Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, 46 allée d'Italie, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Steve Garvis
- Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, 46 allée d'Italie, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Francesca Palladino
- Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, 46 allée d'Italie, 69007, Lyon, France.
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Tanaka T, Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Hirose M, Ogura A, Shinohara T. Pluripotent cell derivation from male germline cells by suppression of Dmrt1 and Trp53. J Reprod Dev 2015; 61:473-84. [PMID: 26227109 PMCID: PMC4623154 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2015-059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Diploid germ cells are thought to have pluripotency potential. We recently described a method to derive pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) from cultured spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) by depleting Trp53 and Dmrt1, both of which are known suppressors of teratomas. In this study, we used this technique to analyze the effect of this protocol in deriving PSCs from the male germline at different developmental stages. We collected primordial germ cells (PGCs), gonocytes and spermatogonia, and the cells were transduced with lentiviruses expressing short hairpin RNA against Dmrt1 and/or Trp53. We found that PGCs are highly susceptible to reprogramming induction and that only Trp53 depletion was sufficient to induce pluripotency. In contrast, gonocytes and spermatogonia were resistant to reprogramming by double knockdown of Dmrt1 and Trp53. PSCs derived from PGCs
contributed to chimeras produced by blastocyst injection, but some of the embryos showed placenta-only phenotypes suggestive of epigenetic abnormalities of PGC-derived PSCs. These results show that PGCs and gonocytes/spermatogonia have distinct reprogramming potential and also suggest that fresh and cultured SSCs do not necessarily have the same properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Tanaka
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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35
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Lin YT, Capel B. Cell fate commitment during mammalian sex determination. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2015; 32:144-52. [PMID: 25841206 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The gonads form bilaterally as bipotential organs that can develop as testes or ovaries. All secondary sex characteristics that we associate with 'maleness' or 'femaleness' depend on whether testes or ovaries form. The fate of the gonads depends on a cell fate decision that occurs in a somatic cell referred to as the 'supporting cell lineage'. Once supporting cell progenitors commit to Sertoli (male) or granulosa (female) fate, they propagate this decision to the other cells within the organ. In this review, we will describe what is known about the bipotential state of somatic and germ cell lineages in the gonad and the transcriptional and antagonistic signaling networks that lead to commitment, propagation, and maintenance of testis or ovary fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Tzu Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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36
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Koster R, Mitra N, D'Andrea K, Vardhanabhuti S, Chung CC, Wang Z, Loren Erickson R, Vaughn DJ, Litchfield K, Rahman N, Greene MH, McGlynn KA, Turnbull C, Chanock SJ, Nathanson KL, Kanetsky PA. Pathway-based analysis of GWAs data identifies association of sex determination genes with susceptibility to testicular germ cell tumors. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:6061-8. [PMID: 24943593 PMCID: PMC4204765 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2013] [Revised: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association (GWA) studies of testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) have identified 18 susceptibility loci, some containing genes encoding proteins important in male germ cell development. Deletions of one of these genes, DMRT1, lead to male-to-female sex reversal and are associated with development of gonadoblastoma. To further explore genetic association with TGCT, we undertook a pathway-based analysis of SNP marker associations in the Penn GWAs (349 TGCT cases and 919 controls). We analyzed a custom-built sex determination gene set consisting of 32 genes using three different methods of pathway-based analysis. The sex determination gene set ranked highly compared with canonical gene sets, and it was associated with TGCT (FDRG = 2.28 × 10(-5), FDRM = 0.014 and FDRI = 0.008 for Gene Set Analysis-SNP (GSA-SNP), Meta-Analysis Gene Set Enrichment of Variant Associations (MAGENTA) and Improved Gene Set Enrichment Analysis for Genome-wide Association Study (i-GSEA4GWAS) analysis, respectively). The association remained after removal of DMRT1 from the gene set (FDRG = 0.0002, FDRM = 0.055 and FDRI = 0.009). Using data from the NCI GWA scan (582 TGCT cases and 1056 controls) and UK scan (986 TGCT cases and 4946 controls), we replicated these findings (NCI: FDRG = 0.006, FDRM = 0.014, FDRI = 0.033, and UK: FDRG = 1.04 × 10(-6), FDRM = 0.016, FDRI = 0.025). After removal of DMRT1 from the gene set, the sex determination gene set remains associated with TGCT in the NCI (FDRG = 0.039, FDRM = 0.050 and FDRI = 0.055) and UK scans (FDRG = 3.00 × 10(-5), FDRM = 0.056 and FDRI = 0.044). With the exception of DMRT1, genes in the sex determination gene set have not previously been identified as TGCT susceptibility loci in these GWA scans, demonstrating the complementary nature of a pathway-based approach for genome-wide analysis of TGCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roelof Koster
- Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine
| | | | - Kurt D'Andrea
- Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine
| | | | - Charles C Chung
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Department of Health and Human Services,National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zhaoming Wang
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Department of Health and Human Services,National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA, Cancer Genome Research Laboratory, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - R Loren Erickson
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA and
| | - David J Vaughn
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine and, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kevin Litchfield
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Nazneen Rahman
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Mark H Greene
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Department of Health and Human Services,National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katherine A McGlynn
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Department of Health and Human Services,National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Clare Turnbull
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Stephen J Chanock
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Department of Health and Human Services,National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katherine L Nathanson
- Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter A Kanetsky
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,
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37
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Moniot B, Ujjan S, Champagne J, Hirai H, Aritake K, Nagata K, Dubois E, Nidelet S, Nakamura M, Urade Y, Poulat F, Boizet-Bonhoure B. Prostaglandin D2 acts through the Dp2 receptor to influence male germ cell differentiation in the foetal mouse testis. Development 2014; 141:3561-71. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.103408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Through intercellular signalling, the somatic compartment of the foetal testis is able to program primordial germ cells to undergo spermatogenesis. Fibroblast growth factor 9 and several members of the transforming growth factor β superfamily are involved in this process in the foetal testis, counteracting the induction of meiosis by retinoic acid and activating germinal mitotic arrest. Here, using in vitro and in vivo approaches, we show that prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), which is produced through both L-Pgds and H-Pgds enzymatic activities in the somatic and germ cell compartments of the foetal testis, plays a role in mitotic arrest in male germ cells by activating the expression and nuclear localization of the CDK inhibitor p21Cip1 and by repressing pluripotency markers. We show that PGD2 acts through its Dp2 receptor, at least in part through direct effects in germ cells, and contributes to the proper differentiation of male germ cells through the upregulation of the master gene Nanos2. Our data identify PGD2 signalling as an early pathway that acts in both paracrine and autocrine manners, and contributes to the differentiation of germ cells in the foetal testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Moniot
- Genetic and Development department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier 34094, Cedex 05, France
| | - Safdar Ujjan
- Genetic and Development department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier 34094, Cedex 05, France
| | - Julien Champagne
- Genetic and Development department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier 34094, Cedex 05, France
| | - Hiroyuki Hirai
- Department of Advanced Technology and Development, BML, Matoba, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-1101, Japan
| | - Kosuke Aritake
- Department of Molecular Behavioral Biology, Osaka Bioscience Institute, Osaka 565-0874, Japan
| | - Kinya Nagata
- Department of Advanced Technology and Development, BML, Matoba, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-1101, Japan
| | - Emeric Dubois
- Plateforme MGX, Functional Genomic Institute, CNRS UMR 5203 – INSERM U 661, Montpellier 34094, Cedex 05, France
| | - Sabine Nidelet
- Plateforme MGX, Functional Genomic Institute, CNRS UMR 5203 – INSERM U 661, Montpellier 34094, Cedex 05, France
| | - Masataka Nakamura
- Human Gene Sciences Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Urade
- Department of Molecular Behavioral Biology, Osaka Bioscience Institute, Osaka 565-0874, Japan
| | - Francis Poulat
- Genetic and Development department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier 34094, Cedex 05, France
| | - Brigitte Boizet-Bonhoure
- Genetic and Development department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier 34094, Cedex 05, France
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Sree S, Radhakrishnan K, Indu S, Kumar PG. Dramatic Changes in 67 miRNAs During Initiation of First Wave of Spermatogenesis in Mus musculusTestis: Global Regulatory Insights Generated by miRNA-mRNA Network Analysis1. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:69. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.119305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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39
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Identification and characterization of germ cell genes expressed in the F9 testicular teratoma stem cell line. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103837. [PMID: 25153150 PMCID: PMC4143169 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The F9 cell line, which was derived from a mouse testicular teratoma that originated from pluripotent germ cells, has been used as a model for differentiation. However, it is largely unknown whether F9 cells possess the characteristics of male germ cells. In the present study, we investigated spermatogenic stage- and cell type-specific gene expression in F9 cells. Analysis of previous microarray data showed that a large number of stage-regulated germ cell genes are expressed in F9 cells. Specifically, genes that are prominently expressed in spermatogonia and have transcriptional regulatory functions appear to be enriched in F9 cells. Our in silico and in vitro analyses identified several germ cell-specific or -predominant genes that are expressed in F9 cells. Among them, strong promoter activities were observed in the regions upstream of the spermatogonial genes, Dmrt1 (doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1), Stra8 (stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8) and Tex13 (testis expressed gene 13), in F9 cells. A detailed analysis of the Tex13 promoter allowed us to identify an enhancer and a region that is implicated in germ cell-specificity. We also found that Tex13 expression is regulated by DNA methylation. Finally, analysis of GFP (green fluorescent protein) TEX13 localization revealed that the protein distributes heterogeneously in the cytoplasm and nucleus, suggesting that TEX13 shuttles between these two compartments. Taken together, our results demonstrate that F9 cells express numerous spermatogonial genes and could be used for transcriptional studies focusing on such genes. As an example of this, we use F9 cells to provide comprehensive expressional information about Tex13, and report that this gene appears to encode a germ cell-specific protein that functions in the nucleus during early spermatogenesis.
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40
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Pereira SL, Rodrigues AS, Sousa MI, Correia M, Perestrelo T, Ramalho-Santos J. From gametogenesis and stem cells to cancer: common metabolic themes. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:924-43. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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41
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Yang QE, Oatley JM. Spermatogonial stem cell functions in physiological and pathological conditions. Curr Top Dev Biol 2014; 107:235-67. [PMID: 24439809 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-416022-4.00009-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sperm have a vital role in the continuity of a species by contributing genetic information to the next generation. Production of these specialized gametes in numbers sufficient to confer normal fertility occurs via cycling of the spermatogenic lineage, a process referred to as spermatogenesis. Continuity relies on the activities of a self-renewing reservoir of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) from which progenitors will arise that transiently amplify in number before committing to a pathway of terminal differentiation. A primary population of SSCs is established during neonatal development from a pool of quiescent gonocyte precursors that forms in embryogenesis. Disruption of this process has dire consequences on maintenance of a cycling spermatogenic lineage in adulthood. At present, the molecular mechanisms underlying initial formation of the SSC pool are largely undefined. However, several transcription factors and posttranscriptional regulators have been identified as important regulators of SSC self-renewal from studies with mutant mouse models and experimental manipulation within primary cultures of mouse SSCs. Importantly, loss of function of these self-renewal factors may be underlying causes of infertility. Furthermore, disruption in the establishment of the SSC state within gonocytes or misregulation of self-renewal may manifest as testicular germ cell tumors in postnatal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-En Yang
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Jon M Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.
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42
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The expression of Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) in testicular cancer: A case control study. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2013; 11:919-24. [PMID: 24639717 PMCID: PMC3941388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2012] [Revised: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that malfunction of immune system may causes testicular cancer. Recently, our understanding of innate immune system has been expanded, by discovery of "Toll-Like Receptors" (TLRs). Some studies have shown that polymorphisms of TLR2 and 4 may affect on the risk of cancer. Also, the role of TLRs 3 and 9 have been shown in apoptosis and metastasis of cancer cells in animal models. OBJECTIVE Little information is available about the influence of innate immunity on testicular malignancy. Therefore, expression of TLRs 2, 3, 4 and 9 as main components of innate immunity has been investigated in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this case control study, TLRs gene expression was examined by RT-PCR in normal testis and testicular cancer tissues. Real time quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) analysis was used to compare the relative expression of TLRs between the samples. RESULTS mRNAs of TLR 2, 3, 4 and 9 were expressed in all normal and cancer samples. Q-PCR reveals that cancer samples had stronger expression of these genes compared with normal ones. CONCLUSION It seems that the different TLRs expression in testicular cancer cells may contribute to extensive signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis.
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Schemmer J, Araúzo-Bravo MJ, Haas N, Schäfer S, Weber SN, Becker A, Eckert D, Zimmer A, Nettersheim D, Schorle H. Transcription factor TFAP2C regulates major programs required for murine fetal germ cell maintenance and haploinsufficiency predisposes to teratomas in male mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71113. [PMID: 23967156 PMCID: PMC3742748 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance and maturation of primordial germ cells is controlled by complex genetic and epigenetic cascades, and disturbances in this network lead to either infertility or malignant aberration. Transcription factor TFAP2C has been described to be essential for primordial germ cell maintenance and to be upregulated in several human germ cell cancers. Using global gene expression profiling, we identified genes deregulated upon loss of Tfap2c in embryonic stem cells and primordial germ cell-like cells. We show that loss of Tfap2c affects many aspects of the genetic network regulating germ cell biology, such as downregulation of maturation markers and induction of markers indicative for somatic differentiation, cell cycle, epigenetic remodeling and pluripotency. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation analyses demonstrated binding of TFAP2C to regulatory regions of deregulated genes (Sfrp1, Dmrt1, Nanos3, c-Kit, Cdk6, Cdkn1a, Fgf4, Klf4, Dnmt3b and Dnmt3l) suggesting that these genes are direct transcriptional targets of TFAP2C in primordial germ cells. Since Tfap2c deficient primordial germ cell-like cells display cancer related deregulations in epigenetic remodeling, cell cycle and pluripotency control, the Tfap2c-knockout allele was bred onto 129S2/Sv genetic background. There, mice heterozygous for Tfap2c develop with high incidence germ cell cancer resembling human pediatric germ cell tumors. Precursor lesions can be observed as early as E16.5 in developing testes displaying persisting expression of pluripotency markers. We further demonstrate that mice with a heterozygous deletion of the TFAP2C target gene Nanos3 are also prone to develop teratomas. These data highlight TFAP2C as a critical and dose-sensitive regulator of germ cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Schemmer
- University of Bonn Medical School, Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marcos J. Araúzo-Bravo
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Münster, Germany
| | - Natalie Haas
- University of Bonn Medical School, Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sabine Schäfer
- University of Bonn Medical School, Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, Bonn, Germany
| | - Susanne N. Weber
- University of Bonn Medical School, Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, Bonn, Germany
| | - Astrid Becker
- University of Bonn Medical School, Institute for Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life&Brain Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dawid Eckert
- University of Bonn Medical School, Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Zimmer
- University of Bonn Medical School, Institute for Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life&Brain Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- University of Bonn Medical School, Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- University of Bonn Medical School, Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, Bonn, Germany
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Krentz AD, Murphy MW, Zhang T, Sarver AL, Jain S, Griswold MD, Bardwell VJ, Zarkower D. Interaction between DMRT1 function and genetic background modulates signaling and pluripotency to control tumor susceptibility in the fetal germ line. Dev Biol 2013; 377:67-78. [PMID: 23473982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Revised: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Dmrt1 (doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor (1) is a regulator of testis development in vertebrates that has been implicated in testicular germ cell tumors of mouse and human. In the fetal mouse testis Dmrt1 regulates germ cell pluripotency in a strain-dependent manner. Loss of Dmrt1 in 129Sv strain mice results in a >90% incidence of testicular teratomas, tumors consisting cells of multiple germ layers; by contrast, these tumors have never been observed in Dmrt1 mutants of C57BL/6J (B6) or mixed genetic backgrounds. To further investigate the interaction between Dmrt1 and genetic background we compared mRNA expression in wild type and Dmrt1 mutant fetal testes of 129Sv and B6 mice at embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5), prior to overt tumorigenesis. Loss of Dmrt1 caused misexpression of overlapping but distinct sets of mRNAs in the two strains. The mRNAs that were selectively affected included some that changed expression only in one strain or the other and some that changed in both strains but to a greater degree in one versus the other. In particular, loss of Dmrt1 in 129Sv testes caused a more severe failure to silence regulators of pluripotency than in B6 testes. A number of genes misregulated in 129Sv mutant testes also are misregulated in human testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), suggesting similar etiology between germ cell tumors in mouse and man. Expression profiling showed that DMRT1 also regulates pluripotency genes in the fetal ovary, although Dmrt1 mutant females do not develop teratomas. Pathway analysis indicated disruption of several signaling pathways in Dmrt1 mutant fetal testes, including Nodal, Notch, and GDNF. We used a Nanos3-cre knock-in allele to perform conditional gene targeting, testing the GDNF coreceptors Gfra1 and Ret for effects on teratoma susceptibility. Conditional deletion of Gfra1 but not Ret in fetal germ cells of animals outcrossed to 129Sv caused a modest but significant elevation in tumor incidence. Despite some variability in genetic background in these crosses, this result is consistent with previous genetic mapping of teratoma susceptibility loci to the region containing Gfra1. Using Nanos3-cre we also uncovered a strong genetic interaction between Dmrt1 and Nanos3, suggesting parallel functions for these two genes in fetal germ cells. Finally, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP-seq) analysis to identify a number of potentially direct DMRT1 targets. This analysis suggested that DMRT1 controls pluripotency via transcriptional repression of Esrrb, Nr5a2/Lrh1, and Sox2. Given the strong evidence for involvement of DMRT1 in human TGCT, the downstream genes and pathways identified in this study provide potentially useful candidates for roles in the human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D Krentz
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, Developmental Biology Center, and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson Laboratory, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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McIver SC, Roman SD, Nixon B, Loveland KL, McLaughlin EA. The rise of testicular germ cell tumours: the search for causes, risk factors and novel therapeutic targets. F1000Res 2013; 2:55. [PMID: 24555040 PMCID: PMC3901536 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.2-55.v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the 20th century there has been a decline in the reproductive vitality of men within the Western world. The declining sperm quantity and quality has been associated with increased overt disorders of sexual development including hypospadias, undescended testes and type II testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs). The increase in TGCTs cannot be accounted for by genetic changes in the population. Therefore exposure to environmental toxicants appears to be a major contributor to the aetiology of TGCTs and men with a genetic predisposition are particularly vulnerable. In particular, Type II TGCTs have been identified to arise from a precursor lesion Carcinoma
in situ (CIS), identified as a dysfunctional gonocyte; however, the exact triggers for CIS development are currently unknown. Therefore the transition from gonocytes into spermatogonia is key to those studying TGCTs. Recently we have identified seven miRNA molecules (including members of the miR-290 family and miR-136, 463* and 743a) to be significantly changed over this transition period. These miRNA molecules are predicted to have targets within the CXCR4, PTEN, DHH, RAC and PDGF pathways, all of which have important roles in germ cell migration, proliferation and homing to the spermatogonial stem cell niche. Given the plethora of potential targets affected by each miRNA molecule, subtle changes in miRNA expression could have significant consequences e.g. tumourigenesis. The role of non-traditional oncogenes and tumour suppressors such as miRNA in TGCT is highlighted by the fact that the majority of these tumours express wild type p53, a pivotal tumour suppressor usually inactivated in cancer. While treatment of TGCTs is highly successful, the impact of these treatments on fertility means that identification of exact triggers, earlier diagnosis and alternate treatments are essential. This review examines the genetic factors and possible triggers of type II TGCT to highlight target areas for potential new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skye C McIver
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology & Development, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, 2308, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology & Development, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, 2308, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology & Development, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, 2308, Australia
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia ; Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology & Development, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, 2308, Australia
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Wolgemuth DJ, Manterola M, Vasileva A. Role of cyclins in controlling progression of mammalian spermatogenesis. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2013; 57:159-68. [PMID: 23784826 PMCID: PMC3982229 DOI: 10.1387/ijdb.130047av] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cyclins are key regulators of the mammalian cell cycle, functioning primarily in concert with their catalytic partners, the cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks). While their function during mitosis in somatic cells has been extensively documented, their function during both mitosis and meiosis in the germ line is poorly understood. From the perspective of cell cycle regulation there are several aspects of mammalian spermatogenesis that suggest unique modes of regulation and hence, possible unique functions for the cyclins. This review will summarize our current understanding of cyclin expression and function in the male germ line, with particular focus on the A and E type cyclins in the mouse model. While the focus is on mammalian spermatogenesis, we note contrasts with similar functions in the female germ line when relevant and also draw upon observations in other model systems to provide further insight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra J Wolgemuth
- Departments of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Wright JE, Ciosk R. RNA-based regulation of pluripotency. Trends Genet 2012; 29:99-107. [PMID: 23146412 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2012.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Revised: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Pluripotent cells have the unique ability to differentiate into diverse cell types. Over the past decade our understanding of the mechanisms underlying pluripotency, and particularly the role of transcriptional regulation, has increased dramatically. However, there is growing evidence for 'RNA-based' regulation of pluripotency. We use this term to describe control of gene expression by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). These molecules bind to specific elements within mRNAs and, by recruiting various effectors, affect many aspects of mRNA regulation. Here, we discuss the role of RBPs and ncRNAs in both the induction and maintenance of pluripotency. We highlight and contrast examples from pluripotent cell lines and in vivo systems while discussing the connection to transcriptional regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Wright
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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