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Baskin LS. Response to: Letter to Editor - Utility of Genetic Work-Up for 46, XY Patients with Severe Hypospadias. J Pediatr Urol 2022:S1477-5131(22)00583-6. [PMID: 37005195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laurence S Baskin
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
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2
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Srivastava P, Tenney J, Lodish M, Slavotinek A, Baskin L. Utility of genetic work-up for 46, XY patients with severe hypospadias. J Pediatr Urol 2022:S1477-5131(22)00537-X. [PMID: 36496321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2022.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hypospadias is a common congenital abnormality that has been increasing in prevalence over the last decades. Historically, 46, XY patients with severe hypospadias and descended scrotal testes at birth have frequently lacked a genetic diagnosis. Platforms for molecular genetic testing have become more readily available and can offer an insight into underlying genetic causes of severe hypospadias. The goal of this study was to define the anatomical characteristics of severe hypospadias that can accurately define patients with 46, XY severe hypospadias and determine the practical utility of performing molecular genetic testing in this group of patients. METHODS Patients who met the criteria for 46, XY severe hypospadias were offered a molecular genetic work-up in consultation with pediatric genetics. Patients were identified through chart review. Data extracted included karyotype, hypospadias phenotype including stretched penile length at diagnosis, age at genetic diagnosis, molecular genetic testing, pathogenic gene variant(s), gender identity, and clinical course. All patients underwent clinical genetic testing via 46, XY Disorders of Sexual Development (DSD) panels offered by Invitae®, GeneDx®, or Blueprint Genetics®. RESULTS Of the 14 patients that underwent genetic testing, there were 5 previously 27 published and 3 novel pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in genes associated with 28 46, XY severe hypospadias Table. Pathogenic variants were identified in AR (3), 29 SRD5A2 [1], NR5A1 [2], WT1 [1], and ARTX [1]. Two patients had a variant of unknown significance, one in FREM2 and another in CEP41. Four had negative gene panels. The patient with the WT1 pathogenic variant was subsequently found to have developed a Wilms tumor and the patients with NR5A1 pathogenic variants are now undergoing adrenal insufficiency surveillance. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION Patients with 46,XY severe hypospadias and descended testes in the scrotum at birth can benefit from molecular genetic testing as their underlying disorders may reveal pathogenic variants that could have potentially life-altering consequences and change surveillance and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Srivastava
- University of California San Francisco, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, USA
| | - Jessica Tenney
- University of California San Francisco, Division of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolism, USA
| | - Maya Lodish
- University of California San Francisco, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, USA
| | - Anna Slavotinek
- University of California San Francisco, Division of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolism, USA
| | - Laurence Baskin
- University of California San Francisco, Division of Pediatric Urology, USA.
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3
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Sepponen K, Lundin K, Yohannes DA, Vuoristo S, Balboa D, Poutanen M, Ohlsson C, Hustad S, Bifulco E, Paloviita P, Otonkoski T, Ritvos O, Sainio K, Tapanainen JS, Tuuri T. Steroidogenic factor 1 (NR5A1) induces multiple transcriptional changes during differentiation of human gonadal-like cells. Differentiation 2022; 128:83-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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4
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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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5
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Schteingart HF, Picard JY, Valeri C, Marshall I, Treton D, di Clemente N, Rey RA, Josso N. A mutation inactivating the distal SF1 binding site on the human anti-Müllerian hormone promoter causes persistent Müllerian duct syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:3211-3218. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a 46,XY disorder of sexual development characterized by the persistence of Müllerian duct derivatives, uterus and tubes, in otherwise normally masculinized males. The condition, transmitted as a recessive autosomal trait, is usually due to mutations in either the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) gene or its main receptor. Many variants of these genes have been described, all targeting the coding sequences. We report the first case of PMDS due to a regulatory mutation. The AMH promoter contains two binding sites for steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1), one at −102 and the other at −228. Our patient carries a single base deletion at −225, significantly decreasing its capacity for binding SF1, as measured by the electrophoresis mobility shift assay. Furthermore, by linking the AMH promoter to the luciferase gene, we show that the transactivation capacity of the promoter is significantly decreased by the mutation, in contrast to the disruption of the −102 binding site. To explain the difference in impact we hypothesize that SF1 could partially overcome the lack of binding to the −102 binding site by interacting with a GATA4 molecule linked to a nearby response element. We show that disruption of both the −102 SF1 and the −84 GATA response elements significantly decreases the transactivation capacity of the promoter. In conclusion, we suggest that the distance between mutated SF1 sites and potentially rescuing GATA binding motifs might play a role in the development of PMDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena F Schteingart
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas ‘Dr. César Bergadá’ (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jean-Yves Picard
- Inserm UMR_S938, Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université, IHU ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Clara Valeri
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas ‘Dr. César Bergadá’ (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ian Marshall
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Dominique Treton
- Inserm UMR_S938, Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université, IHU ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie di Clemente
- Inserm UMR_S938, Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université, IHU ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Rodolfo A Rey
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas ‘Dr. César Bergadá’ (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nathalie Josso
- Inserm UMR_S938, Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université, IHU ICAN, Paris, France
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6
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Bouchard MF, Bergeron F, Grenier Delaney J, Harvey LM, Viger RS. In Vivo Ablation of the Conserved GATA-Binding Motif in the Amh Promoter Impairs Amh Expression in the Male Mouse. Endocrinology 2019; 160:817-826. [PMID: 30759208 PMCID: PMC6426834 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
GATA4 is an essential transcriptional regulator required for gonadal development, differentiation, and function. In the developing testis, proposed GATA4-regulated genes include steroidogenic factor 1 (Nr5a1), SRY-related HMG box 9 (Sox9), and anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh). Although some of these genes have been validated as genuine GATA4 targets, it remains unclear whether GATA4 is a direct regulator of endogenous Amh transcription. We used a CRISPR/Cas9-based approach to specifically inactivate or delete the sole GATA-binding motif of the proximal mouse Amh promoter. AMH mRNA and protein levels were assessed at developmental time points corresponding to elevated AMH levels: fetal and neonate testes in males and adult ovaries in females. In males, loss of GATA binding to the Amh promoter significantly reduced Amh expression. Although the loss of GATA binding did not block the initiation of Amh transcription, AMH mRNA and protein levels failed to upregulate in the developing fetal and neonate testis. Interestingly, adult male mice presented no anatomical anomalies and had no evidence of retained Müllerian duct structures, suggesting that AMH levels, although markedly reduced, were sufficient to masculinize the male embryo. In contrast to males, GATA binding to the Amh promoter was dispensable for Amh expression in the adult ovary. These results provide conclusive evidence that in males, GATA4 is a positive modulator of Amh expression that works in concert with other key transcription factors to ensure that the Amh gene is sufficiently expressed in a correct spatiotemporal manner during fetal and prepubertal testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie France Bouchard
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec–Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Francis Bergeron
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec–Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jasmine Grenier Delaney
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec–Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Louis-Mathieu Harvey
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec–Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert S Viger
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec–Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Correspondence: Robert S. Viger, PhD, Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Room T3-67, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec–Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Quebec, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada. E-mail:
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7
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Nawaz MY, Jimenez-Krassel F, Steibel JP, Lu Y, Baktula A, Vukasinovic N, Neuder L, Ireland JLH, Ireland JJ, Tempelman RJ. Genomic heritability and genome-wide association analysis of anti-Müllerian hormone in Holstein dairy heifers. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:8063-8075. [PMID: 30007805 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-14798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is an ovarian growth factor that plays an important role in regulation of ovarian follicle growth. The objectives of this study were to estimate the genomic heritability of AMH and identify genomic regions associated with AMH production in a genome-wide association (GWA) analysis. Concentrations of AMH were determined in 2,905 dairy Holstein heifers genotyped using the Zoetis medium density panel (Zoetis Inclusions, Kalamazoo, MI) with 54,519 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers remaining after standard genotype quality control edits. A linear mixed model was used to model the random effects of sampling day and genomics on the logarithm of AMH. The genomic heritability (± standard error of the mean) of AMH was estimated to be 0.36 ± 0.03. Our GWA analysis inferred significant associations between AMH and 11 SNP markers on chromosome 11 and 1 SNP marker on chromosome 20. Annotated genes with significant associations were identified using the Ensembl genome database (version 88) of the cow genome (version UMD 3.1; https://www.ensembl.org/biomart). Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that 2 gene ontology (GO) terms were significantly enriched in the list of candidate genes: G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathway (GO:0007186) and the detection of chemical stimulus involved in sensory perception (GO:0050907). The estimated high heritability and previously established associations between AMH and ovarian follicular reserve, fertility, longevity, and superovulatory response in cattle implies that AMH could be used as a biomarker for genetic improvement of reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Y Nawaz
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823
| | - F Jimenez-Krassel
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823
| | - J P Steibel
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823
| | - Y Lu
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823
| | - A Baktula
- Zoetis Inclusions, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
| | | | - L Neuder
- Green Meadow Dairy Farm, Elsie, MI 48831
| | - J L H Ireland
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823
| | - J J Ireland
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823
| | - R J Tempelman
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823.
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8
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Hakkarainen J, Zhang FP, Jokela H, Mayerhofer A, Behr R, Cisneros-Montalvo S, Nurmio M, Toppari J, Ohlsson C, Kotaja N, Sipilä P, Poutanen M. Hydroxysteroid (17β) dehydrogenase 1 expressed by Sertoli cells contributes to steroid synthesis and is required for male fertility. FASEB J 2018; 32:3229-3241. [PMID: 29401623 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700921r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The pituitary gonadotrophins and testosterone are the main hormonal regulators of spermatogenesis, but estradiol is also known to play a role in the process. The hormonal responses in the testis are partially mediated by somatic Sertoli cells that provide nutritional and physical support for differentiating male germ cells. Hydroxysteroid (17β) dehydrogenase 1 (HSD17B1) is a steroidogenic enzyme that especially catalyzes the conversion of low potent 17keto-steroids to highly potent 17β-hydroxysteroids. In this study, we show that Hsd17b1 is highly expressed in Sertoli cells of fetal and newborn mice, and HSD17B1 knockout males present with disrupted spermatogenesis with major defects, particularly in the head shape of elongating spermatids. The cell-cell junctions between Sertoli cells and germ cells were disrupted in the HSD17B1 knockout mice. This resulted in complications in the orientation of elongating spermatids in the seminiferous epithelium, reduced sperm production, and morphologically abnormal spermatozoa. We also showed that the Sertoli cell-expressed HSD17B1 participates in testicular steroid synthesis, evidenced by a compensatory up-regulation of HSD17B3 in Leydig cells. These results revealed a novel role for HSD17B1 in the control of spermatogenesis and male fertility, and that Sertoli cells significantly contribute to steroid synthesis in the testis.-Hakkarainen, J., Zhang, F.-P., Jokela, H., Mayerhofer, A., Behr, R., Cisneros-Montalvo, S., Nurmio, M., Toppari, J., Ohlsson, C., Kotaja, N., Sipilä, P., Poutanen, M. Hydroxysteroid (17β) dehydrogenase 1 expressed by Sertoli cells contributes to steroid synthesis and is required for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fu-Ping Zhang
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Heli Jokela
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Mirja Nurmio
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Institute of Medicine, the Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Institute of Medicine, the Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Claes Ohlsson
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany.,Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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9
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Fabbri-Scallet H, de Mello MP, Guerra-Júnior G, Maciel-Guerra AT, de Andrade JGR, de Queiroz CMC, Monlleó IL, Struve D, Hiort O, Werner R. Functional characterization of five NR5A1
gene mutations found in patients with 46,XY disorders of sex development. Hum Mutat 2017; 39:114-123. [DOI: 10.1002/humu.23353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Helena Fabbri-Scallet
- Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering - CBMEG; State University of Campinas; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Maricilda Palandi de Mello
- Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering - CBMEG; State University of Campinas; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Gil Guerra-Júnior
- Department of Pediatrics; Faculty of Medical Sciences; State University of Campinas; São Paulo Brazil
- Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation - GIEDDS; State University of Campinas; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Andréa Trevas Maciel-Guerra
- Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation - GIEDDS; State University of Campinas; São Paulo Brazil
- Department of Medical Genetics; Faculty of Medical Sciences; State University of Campinas; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Juliana Gabriel Ribeiro de Andrade
- Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation - GIEDDS; State University of Campinas; São Paulo Brazil
- Department of Medical Genetics; Faculty of Medical Sciences; State University of Campinas; São Paulo Brazil
| | | | - Isabella Lopes Monlleó
- Clinical Genetics Service; Faculty of Medicine; Federal University of Alagoas; Maceió Alagoas Brazil
| | - Dagmar Struve
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine; Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes; Center of Brain; Behavior and Metabolism; University of Luebeck; Luebeck Germany
| | - Olaf Hiort
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine; Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes; Center of Brain; Behavior and Metabolism; University of Luebeck; Luebeck Germany
| | - Ralf Werner
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine; Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes; Center of Brain; Behavior and Metabolism; University of Luebeck; Luebeck Germany
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10
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Convissar S, Armouti M, Fierro MA, Winston NJ, Scoccia H, Zamah AM, Stocco C. Regulation of AMH by oocyte-specific growth factors in human primary cumulus cells. Reproduction 2017; 154:745-753. [PMID: 28874516 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of AMH production by follicular cells is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the oocyte-secreted factors, growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), on AMH production in primary human cumulus cells. Cumulus cells from IVF patients were cultured with a combination of GDF9, BMP15, recombinant FSH and specific signaling inhibitors. Stimulation with GDF9 or BMP15 separately had no significant effect on AMH mRNA levels. In contrast, simultaneous stimulation with GDF9 and BMP15 (G + B) resulted in a significant increase in AMH mRNA expression. Increasing concentration of G + B (0.6, 2.5, 5 and 10 ng/mL) stimulated AMH in a dose-dependent manner, showing a maximal effect at 5 ng/mL. Western blot analyses revealed an average 16-fold increase in AMH protein levels in cells treated with G + B when compared to controls. FSH co-treatment decreased the stimulation of AMH expression by G + B. The stimulatory effect of G + B on the expression of AMH was significantly decreased by inhibitors of the SMAD2/3 signaling pathway. These findings show for the first time that AMH production is regulated by oocyte-secreted factors in primary human cumulus cells. Moreover, our novel findings establish that the combination of GDF9 + BMP15 potently stimulates AMH expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Convissar
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsThe University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Marah Armouti
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsThe University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michelle A Fierro
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and InfertilityDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Nicola J Winston
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and InfertilityDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Humberto Scoccia
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and InfertilityDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - A Musa Zamah
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and InfertilityDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Carlos Stocco
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsThe University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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11
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Joshi D, Singh SK. Localization, expression and role of Orexin A and its receptor in testes of neonatal mice. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 239:62-70. [PMID: 26562300 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Orexin A (OXA), a hypothalamic neuropeptide, and its receptor (OX1R) are primarily expressed in lateral hypothalamus and are involved in the control of various biological functions. Expressions of OXA and OX1R have also been reported in peripheral organs like gastrointestinal and genital tracts. In the present study, expressions of OXA and OX1R have been observed in the testis of Parkes strain neonatal mice by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and western blot analyses. Immunohistochemical study also revealed their presence on spermatogonia, Sertoli cells and in the interstitium of the testis. In order to understand the role of OXA and OX1R in testicular development, an in vitro study was also performed. For this, binding of OXA to OX1R was blocked using OX1R specific antagonist, SB-334867. Eighteen mice were sacrificed and their testes were cultured in complete media containing vehicle and two doses (0.1 and 4.0μg/ml media) of SB-334867 for 72h in CO2 incubator at 37°C. At the end of culture period, testes were used for western blot and RT-PCR analyses to study the expression of various markers of gonadal development, such as steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1), Wilms' tumor 1 (Wt1), Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) and stem cell factor (SCF). Further, expressions of OXA, OX1R and glucose transporter 3 (GLUT 3) were also studied. A marked increase in the expression of SF-1 and a decrease in the expression of Wt1 at both transcript and protein levels were noted, while there was a decrease in the expression of SCF and MIS at transcript level at both doses of the antagonist; this suggests that blockage of OXA binding to OX1R by SB-334867 affects testicular development. The decrease in expressions of OXA, OX1R and GLUT 3 in the test is in response to both doses of the antagonist points to their down-regulation causing inefficient uptake of glucose by the testicular cells, thereby affecting gonadal development. In conclusion, our results suggest that the binding of OXA to OX1R is important for the development of the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepanshu Joshi
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Shio Kumar Singh
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
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12
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Molecular mechanism of male differentiation is conserved in the SRY-absent mammal, Tokudaia osimensis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32874. [PMID: 27611740 PMCID: PMC5017195 DOI: 10.1038/srep32874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The sex-determining gene SRY induces SOX9 expression in the testes of eutherian mammals via two pathways. SRY binds to testis-specific enhancer of Sox9 (TESCO) with SF1 to activate SOX9 transcription. SRY also up-regulates ER71 expression, and ER71 activates Sox9 transcription. After the initiation of testis differentiation, SOX9 enhances Amh expression by binding to its promoter with SF1. SOX8, SOX9 and SOX10, members of the SOXE gene family, also enhance the activities of the Amh promoter and TESCO. In this study, we investigated the regulation of these sexual differentiation genes in Tokudaia osimensis, which lacks a Y chromosome and the SRY gene. The activity of the AMH promoter was stimulated by SOXE genes and SF1. Mutant AMH promoters, with mutations in its SOX and SF1 binding sites, did not show significant activity by SOX9 and SF1. These results indicate that AMH expression was regulated by the binding of SOX9 and SF1. By contrast, SOXE genes could not enhance TESCO activity. These results indicate that TESCO enhancer activity was lost in this species. Furthermore, the activity of the SOX9 promoter was enhanced by ER71, indicating that ER71 may play an important role in the testis-specific expression of SOX9.
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Murugananthkumar R, Senthilkumaran B. Expression analysis and localization of wt1, ad4bp/sf-1 and gata4 in the testis of catfish, Clarias batrachus: Impact of wt1-esiRNA silencing. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 431:164-76. [PMID: 27173028 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In teleosts, a comprehensive role or interaction of wt1, ad4bp/sf-1 and gata4 genes in relation to gonadal development and/or recrudescence was never attempted. Present study aimed to identify the involvement of these genes during testicular development of catfish, Clarias batrachus. Dominant expression of wt1 and gata4 was observed in developing and adult testis, while ad4bp/sf-1 showed steady expression. Localization of these genes in adult testis revealed their presence in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and interstitial/Leydig cells. Significant high expression during pre-spawning and spawning phases, and upregulated levels of these genes after hCG induction authenticated gonadotropic regulation. Transient silencing of wt1-esiRNA displayed decrease in wt1 expression, which further downregulated the expression of ad4bp/sf-1 and gata4, and certain steroidogenic enzyme genes related to androgen production. These results suggest that wt1 might target ad4bp/sf-1 and gata4 expression, and also have regulatory influence either indirectly or directly on the steroidogenic enzyme genes of catfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Murugananthkumar
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India
| | - Balasubramanian Senthilkumaran
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India.
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Lambeth LS, Morris K, Ayers KL, Wise TG, O'Neil T, Wilson S, Cao Y, Sinclair AH, Cutting AD, Doran TJ, Smith CA. Overexpression of Anti-Müllerian Hormone Disrupts Gonadal Sex Differentiation, Blocks Sex Hormone Synthesis, and Supports Cell Autonomous Sex Development in the Chicken. Endocrinology 2016; 157:1258-75. [PMID: 26809122 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The primary role of Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) during mammalian development is the regression of Müllerian ducts in males. This highly conserved function is retained in birds and is supported by the high levels of AMH expression in developing testes. Mammalian AMH expression is regulated by a combination of transcription factors, the most important being Sry-type high-mobility-group box transcription factor-9 (SOX9). In the chicken embryo, however, AMH mRNA expression precedes that of SOX9, leading to the view that AMH may play a more central role in avian testicular development. To define its role in chicken gonadal development, AMH was overexpressed using the RCASBP viral vector. AMH caused the gonads of both sexes to develop as small and undeveloped structures at both embryonic and adult stages. Molecular analysis revealed that although female gonads developed testis-like cords, gonads lacked Sertoli cells and were incapable of steroidogenesis. A similar gonadal phenotype was also observed in males, with a complete loss of both Sertoli cells, disrupted SOX9 expression and gonadal steroidogenesis. At sexual maturity both sexes showed a female external phenotype but retained sexually dimorphic body weights that matched their genetic sexes. These data suggest that AMH does not operate as an early testis activator in the chicken but can affect downstream events, such as sex steroid hormone production. In addition, this study provides a unique opportunity to assess chicken sexual development in an environment of sex hormone deficiency, demonstrating the importance of both hormonal signaling and direct cell autonomous factors for somatic sex identity in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke S Lambeth
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Kirsten Morris
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Katie L Ayers
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Terry G Wise
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Terri O'Neil
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Susanne Wilson
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Yu Cao
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Andrew H Sinclair
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Andrew D Cutting
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Timothy J Doran
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Craig A Smith
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (L.S.L., K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (K.L.A., A.H.S., A.D.C.), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Biosecurity Flagship (K.M., T.G.W., T.O., D.W., Y.C., T.J.D.), Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (C.A.S.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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15
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Cai J, Liu W, Hao J, Chen M, Li G. Increased expression of dermatopontin and its implications for testicular dysfunction in mice. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:2431-8. [PMID: 26861869 PMCID: PMC4768960 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.4879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
An array of specific and non-specific molecules, which are expressed in the testis, have been demonstrated to be responsible for testicular function. Our previous study revealed that dermatopontin (DPT) is expressed in Sertoli cells of the testis, however, its roles in testicular function remains somewhat elusive. In the present study, CdCl2- and busulfan-induced testicular dysfunction models were used to investigate the implications of DPT expression for testicular function. The mRNA and protein expression levels of DPT were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. A negative correlation was observed between testicular damage and the expression of DPT, which suggested that an increase in DPT expression may be a marker for testicular dysfunction. This result was corroborated by the finding that transgenic mice exhibiting Sertoli cell-specific overexpression of DPT exhibited damage to their testicular morphology. Additionally, DPT overexpression in the testis affected the expression levels of claudin-11 and zonula occludens-1, which indicated that DPT may affect testicular function by affecting the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB). In conclusion, the present study provided evidence to suggest that DPT may be indicative of mouse testicular dysfunction, since increased expression may be associated with damage to the BTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cai
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Weijia Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Jie Hao
- Experimental Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Maoxin Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Gang Li
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
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16
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Hu Q, Guo W, Gao Y, Tang R, Li D. Molecular cloning and characterization of amh and dax1 genes and their expression during sex inversion in rice-field eel Monopterus albus. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16667. [PMID: 26578091 PMCID: PMC4649613 DOI: 10.1038/srep16667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The full-length cDNAs of amh and dax1 in the hermaphrodite, rice-field eel (Monopterus albus), were cloned and characterized in this study. Multiple sequence alignment revealed Dax1 was well conserved among vertebrates, whereas Amh had a low degree of similarity between different vertebrates. Their expression profiles in gonads during the course of sex inversion and tissues were investigated. The tissue distribution indicated amh was expressed mostly in gonads and was scarcely detectable in other tissues, whereas the expression of dax1 was widespread among the different tissues, especially liver and gonads. amh was scarcely detectable in ovaries whereas it was abundantly expressed in both ovotestis and testis. By contrast, dax1 was highly expressed in ovaries, especially in ♀IV (ovaries in IV stage), but it was decreased significantly in ♀/♂I (ovotestis in I stage). Its expression was increased again in ♀/♂III (ovotestis in III stage), and then decreased to a low level in testis. These significant different expression patterns of amh and dax1 suggest the increase of amh expression and the decline of dax1 expression are important for the activation of testis development, and the high level of amh and a low level of dax1 expression are necessary for maintenance of testis function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Hu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.,Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wei Guo
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.,Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yu Gao
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.,Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Rong Tang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.,Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Dapeng Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.,Life Science College, Hunan University of Arts and Science, Changde 415000, China.,Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430070, China
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17
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Lambeth LS, Ayers K, Cutting AD, Doran TJ, Sinclair AH, Smith CA. Anti-Müllerian Hormone Is Required for Chicken Embryonic Urogenital System Growth but Not Sexual Differentiation. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:138. [PMID: 26510867 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.131664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the primary role of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) during development is the regression of Müllerian ducts in males. These structures otherwise develop into fallopian tubes, oviducts, and upper vagina, as in females. This highly conserved function is retained in birds and is supported by the high levels of AMH expression in developing testes. In mammals, AMH expression is controlled partly by the transcription factor, SOX9. However, in the chicken, AMH mRNA expression precedes that of SOX9 , leading to the view that AMH may lie upstream of SOX9 and play a more central role in avian testicular development. To help define the role of AMH in chicken gonad development, we suppressed AMH expression in chicken embryos using RNA interference. In males, AMH knockdown did not affect the expression of key testis pathway genes, and testis cords developed normally. However, a reduction in the size of the mesonephros and gonads was observed, a phenotype that was evident in both sexes. This growth defect occurred as a result of the reduced proliferative capacity of the cells of these tissues, and male gonads also had a significant reduction in germ cell numbers. These data suggest that although AMH does not directly contribute to testicular or ovarian differentiation, it is required in a sex-independent manner for proper cell proliferation and urogenital system growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke S Lambeth
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katie Ayers
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew D Cutting
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Timothy J Doran
- CSIRO Animal, Food and Health Sciences, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew H Sinclair
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Craig A Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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18
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Padua MB, Jiang T, Morse DA, Fox SC, Hatch HM, Tevosian SG. Combined loss of the GATA4 and GATA6 transcription factors in male mice disrupts testicular development and confers adrenal-like function in the testes. Endocrinology 2015; 156:1873-86. [PMID: 25668066 PMCID: PMC4398756 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The roles of the GATA4 and GATA6 transcription factors in testis development were examined by simultaneously ablating Gata4 and Gata6 with Sf1Cre (Nr5a1Cre). The deletion of both genes resulted in a striking testicular phenotype. Embryonic Sf1Cre; Gata4(flox/flox) Gata6(flox/flox) (conditional double mutant) testes were smaller than control organs and contained irregular testis cords and fewer gonocytes. Gene expression analysis revealed significant down-regulation of Dmrt1 and Mvh. Surprisingly, Amh expression was strongly up-regulated and remained high beyond postnatal day 7, when it is normally extinguished. Neither DMRT1 nor GATA1 was detected in the Sertoli cells of the mutant postnatal testes. Furthermore, the expression of the steroidogenic genes Star, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, and Hsd17b3 was low throughout embryogenesis. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a prominent reduction in cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1)- and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-positive (3βHSD) cells, with few 17α-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase-positive (CYP17A1) cells present. In contrast, in postnatal Sf1Cre; Gata4(flox/flox) Gata6(flox/flox) testes, the expression of the steroidogenic markers Star, Cyp11a1, and Hsd3b6 was increased, but a dramatic down-regulation of Hsd17b3, which is required for testosterone synthesis, was observed. The genes encoding adrenal enzymes Cyp21a1, Cyp11b1, Cyp11b2, and Mcr2 were strongly up-regulated, and clusters containing numerous CYP21A2-positive cells were localized in the interstitium. These data suggest a lack of testis functionality, with a loss of normal steroidogenic testis function, concomitant with an expansion of the adrenal-like cell population in postnatal conditional double mutant testes. Sf1Cre; Gata4(flox/flox) Gata6(flox/flox) animals of both sexes lack adrenal glands; however, despite this deficiency, males are viable in contrast to the females of the same genotype, which die shortly after birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria B Padua
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
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Marrocco G, Grammatico P, Vallasciani S, Gulia C, Zangari A, Marrocco F, Bateni ZH, Porrello A, Piergentili R. Environmental, parental and gestational factors that influence the occurrence of hypospadias in male patients. J Pediatr Urol 2015; 11:12-9. [PMID: 25725611 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2014.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hypospadias is a congenital defect, which affects normal development of the male urogenital external tract. In this malformation, the urethral orifice of the penis is positioned ventrally, thus interfering with normal urination and creating, in some adults, problems during sexual intercourse. Heritability of hypospadias has been shown in some reports, and the abnormality has been associated with the presence of mutations in one of the genes involved in urogenital development. However, even for patients who were born in families with a higher incidence rate of this defect, no evident genetic alteration could be identified in known genes, indicating that the list of loci involved is still incomplete. To further complicate matters, recent reports also underline that epigenetic changes, without any identifiable gene sequence mutation, may be involved in gene function impairment. Therefore, the inheritance of most hypospadias cases is not evident, suggesting that the genetic background is not the only cause of this malformation; indeed, the majority of hypospadias cases are classified as sporadic and idiopathic. MATERIALS AND METHODS Evidence has accumulated highlighting the role of the environment and of its relationships with the genome in the etiology of this abnormality. In particular, the interaction between some chemicals, which are able to mimic endogenous molecules such as sexual hormones--for this reason called endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC)--and specific receptors has been extensively investigated during the pregnancy. Additionally, several articles have shown that parental and gestational factors play a significant role too. Indeed, physiological alterations, such as body weight of the mother and/or of the newborn, mother's diabetes, impaired father fertility, and exposure of one parent to job-related pollutants, show in many cases a direct correlation with hypospadias incidence. The overall prevalence of this condition has been studied in many countries, suggesting that at least in some periods and/or in specific populations there are detectable fluctuations, probably mirroring the different natural environments. However, many articles present data that do not agree with these findings and, consequently, most causes of hypospadias are still highly debated. RESULTS In this review, we summarize the developmental steps involved in urogenital tract formation, with a particular emphasis on the genes that most frequently are associated with this condition, or that are subject to environmental stress, or that may be the targets of hormone-like, exogenous molecules. Then, we make an overview of the identified factors able to impair the function of important genes, even in the absence of their mutations, including those for which contradictory reports have been published. Finally, we propose an explanation of sporadic cases of hypospadias that reconciles these contradictions and suggest some steps for moving forward in the research focused on this condition. CONCLUSION We hypothesize that most patients develop hypospadias because of gene-environment interactions acting on polymorphic genes that, in the absence of environmental stimuli, would otherwise cause no developmental anomaly during urogenital development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacinto Marrocco
- UOC Division of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, Hospital San Camillo - Forlanini, Rome
| | - Paola Grammatico
- UOC Laboratory of Medical Genetics, San Camillo - Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Caterina Gulia
- Department of Gynecology - Obstetrics and Urological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza - University of Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Zangari
- UOC Division of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, Hospital San Camillo - Forlanini, Rome
| | | | | | - Alessandro Porrello
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Roberto Piergentili
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza - University of Rome, Italy.
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Müllerian inhibiting substance/anti-Müllerian hormone: A novel treatment for gynecologic tumors. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2014; 57:343-57. [PMID: 25264524 PMCID: PMC4175594 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.2014.57.5.343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS), also called anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), is a member of the transforming growth factor-β super-family of growth and differentiation response modifiers. It is produced in immature Sertoli cells in male embryos and binds to MIS/AMH receptors in primordial Müllerian ducts to cause regression of female reproductive structures that are the precursors to the fallopian tubes, the surface epithelium of the ovaries, the uterus, the cervix, and the upper third of the vagina. Because most gynecologic tumors originate from Müllerian duct-derived tissues, and since MIS/AMH causes regression of the Müllerian duct in male embryos, it is expected to inhibit the growth of gynecologic tumors. Purified recombinant human MIS/AMH causes growth inhibition of epithelial ovarian cancer cells and cell lines in vitro and in vitro via MIS receptor-mediated mechanism. Furthermore, several lines of evidence suggest that MIS/AMH inhibits proliferation in tissues and cell lines of other MIS/AMH receptor-expressing gynecologic tumors such as cervical, endometrial, breast, and in endometriosis as well. These findings indicate that bioactive MIS/AMH recombinant protein should be tested in patients against tumors expressing the MIS/AMH receptor complex, perhaps beginning with ovarian cancer because it has the worst prognosis. The molecular tools to identify MIS/AMH receptor expressing ovarian and other cancers are in place, thus, it is possible to select patients for treatment. An MIS/AMH ELISA exists to follow administered doses of MIS/AMH, as well. Clinical trials await the production of sufficient supplies of qualified recombinant human MIS/AMH for this purpose.
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Park M, Suh DS, Lee K, Bae J. Positive cross talk between FOXL2 and antimüllerian hormone regulates ovarian reserve. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:847-855.e1. [PMID: 24973035 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To demonstrate interregulation between FOXL2 and antimüllerian hormone (AMH) in ovarian folliculogenesis. DESIGN Cell culture and animal study. SETTING University research laboratory. ANIMAL(S) Five-week-old B6C3F1 mice. INTERVENTIONS(S) Molecular analysis and in vivo mouse experiment were performed to demonstrate that AMH is a target gene of FOXL2 in the ovary. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) To determine whether FOXL2 transactivates AMH, luciferase reporter assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and chromatin immuniprecipitation were conducted. Using an in vivo nucleic acid delivery system, the expression of AMH and/or FOXL2 was modulated in the mouse, and the ovaries were histologically analyzed. RESULT(S) AMH is an endogenous target gene of FOXL2. In contrast, mutated FOXL2s found in premature ovarian failure patients were defective in their ability to activate AMH transcription in human granulosa cells. In vivo mouse gene delivery experiments revealed that Amh-knockdown accelerated follicle growth; however, the acceleration was prevented by ectopic expression of FOXL2. CONCLUSION(S) AMH and FOXL2 collaboratively work to reserve ovarian follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira Park
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dae-Shik Suh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kangseok Lee
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeehyeon Bae
- School of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea.
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Chi ML, Wen HS, Ni M, He F, Li JF, Qian K, Zhang P, Chai SH, Ding YX, Yin XH. Molecular identification of genes involved in testicular steroid synthesis and characterization of the responses to hormones stimulation in testis of Japanese sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicas). Steroids 2014; 84:92-102. [PMID: 24704264 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2014.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Testicular steroids are critical hormones for the regulation of spermatogenesis in male teleosts and their productions have been reported to be regulated by gonadotropins and gonadotropin-releasing hormone. In the Japanese sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicas), the reproductive endocrine, particularly regarding the production and regulation of testicular steroids, are not well understood. For this reason, we first cloned and characterized the response of several key genes regulating the production of testicular steroids and, second, we analyzed the changes of mRNA profiles of these genes during testicular development cycle and in the administration of hCG and GnRHa with corresponding testosterone level in serum, GSI and histological analyses. We succeeded in cloning the full-length cDNAs for the fushi tarazu factor-1 (FTZ-F1) homologues (FTZ-F1a and FTZ-F1b), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in Japanese sea bass. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis of these proteins clearly showed that these genes in Japanese sea bass were homologous to those of other piscine species. During the testicular development cycle and hCG/GnRHa administration, quantification of jsbStAR transcripts revealed a trend similar to their serum testosterone levels, while a reciprocal relationship was founded between the serum concentrations of testosterone and jsbAMH and the links between gonadal expression of jsbStAR, jsbAMH and jsbFTZ-F1 were also observed. Our results have identified for the first time several key genes involved in the regulation of steroid production and spermatogenesis in the Japanese sea bass testis and these genes are all detected under gonadotropic hormone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei L Chi
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Hai S Wen
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Meng Ni
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Feng He
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Ji F Li
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Kun Qian
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Sen H Chai
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yu X Ding
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiang H Yin
- Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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Cutting AD, Ayers K, Davidson N, Oshlack A, Doran T, Sinclair AH, Tizard M, Smith CA. Identification, expression, and regulation of anti-Müllerian hormone type-II receptor in the embryonic chicken gonad. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:106. [PMID: 24621923 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.116491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) signaling is required for proper development of the urogenital system in vertebrates. In male mammals, AMH is responsible for regressing the Müllerian ducts, which otherwise develop into the fallopian tubes, oviducts, and upper vagina of the female reproductive tract. This role is highly conserved across higher vertebrates. However, AMH is required for testis development in fish species that lack Müllerian ducts, implying that AMH signaling has broader roles in other vertebrates. AMH signals through two serine/threonine kinase receptors. The primary AMH receptor, AMH receptor type-II (AMHR2), recruits the type I receptor, which transduces the signal intracellularly. To enhance our understanding of AMH signaling and the potential role of AMH in gonadal sex differentiation, we cloned chicken AMHR2 cDNA and examined its expression profile during gonadal sex differentiation. AMHR2 is expressed in the gonads and Müllerian ducts of both sexes but is more strongly expressed in males after the onset of gonadal sex differentiation. In the testes, the AMHR2 protein colocalizes with AMH, within Sertoli cells of the testis cords. AMHR2 protein expression is up-regulated in female embryos treated with the estrogen synthesis inhibitor fadrozole. Conversely, knockdown of the key testis gene DMRT1 leads to disruption of AMHR2 expression in the developing seminiferous cords of males. These results indicate that AMHR2 is developmentally regulated during testicular differentiation in the chicken embryo. AMH signaling may be important for gonadal differentiation in addition to Müllerian duct regression in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Cutting
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Food and Health Science, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia Poultry Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katie Ayers
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Poultry Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nadia Davidson
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alicia Oshlack
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tim Doran
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Food and Health Science, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia Poultry Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew H Sinclair
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Poultry Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Tizard
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Food and Health Science, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Craig A Smith
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Zoology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Poultry Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
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24
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Bashamboo A, Brauner R, Bignon-Topalovic J, Lortat-Jacob S, Karageorgou V, Lourenco D, Guffanti A, McElreavey K. Mutations in the FOG2/ZFPM2 gene are associated with anomalies of human testis determination. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:3657-65. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
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Viger RS, Taniguchi H, Robert NM, Tremblay JJ. The 25th Volume: Role of the GATA Family of Transcription Factors in Andrology. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 25:441-52. [PMID: 15223831 DOI: 10.1002/j.1939-4640.2004.tb02813.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Viger
- Ontogeny-Reproduction Research Unit, CHUL Research Centre, and Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Ste-Foy, Québec, Canada.
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26
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Monniaux D, Drouilhet L, Rico C, Estienne A, Jarrier P, Touzé JL, Sapa J, Phocas F, Dupont J, Dalbiès-Tran R, Fabre S. Regulation of anti-Müllerian hormone production in domestic animals. Reprod Fertil Dev 2013; 25:1-16. [DOI: 10.1071/rd12270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) expression is detected in the granulosa cells of all growing follicles and is highest in healthy small antral follicles, which contribute most significantly to AMH endocrine levels. AMH is a reliable endocrine marker of this population of gonadotrophin-responsive follicles in ruminants and, over the longer term, plasma AMH concentrations are characteristic of individual animals. In the cow, plasma AMH concentrations follow specific dynamic profiles throughout the prepubertal period, the oestrous cycle and the change from gestation to the post partum period, with the alterations most likely reflecting numerical changes in the population of high AMH-producing follicles. In granulosa cells, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) enhance AMH gene expression and AMH synthesis, with these effects antagonised by FSH. BMP could both support follicular growth and contribute significantly to the induction and/or maintenance of AMH expression in small growing follicles. AMH expression decreases sharply in large follicles when they become oestrogenic, suggesting a role for FSH and/or oestradiol in these changes, but the underlying mechanisms remain hypothetical. A better understanding of the factors and mechanisms regulating AMH production is needed to propose new strategies for managing the reserve of primordial and small growing follicles, as well as for improving embryo production.
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27
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Tantawy S, Lin L, Akkurt I, Borck G, Klingmüller D, Hauffa BP, Krude H, Biebermann H, Achermann JC, Köhler B. Testosterone production during puberty in two 46,XY patients with disorders of sex development and novel NR5A1 (SF-1) mutations. Eur J Endocrinol 2012; 167:125-30. [PMID: 22474171 PMCID: PMC3381348 DOI: 10.1530/eje-11-0944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1, NR5A1) is a key transcriptional regulator of many genes involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and mutations in NR5A1 can result in 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD). Patients with this condition typically present with ambiguous genitalia, partial gonadal dysgenesis, and absent/rudimentary Müllerian structures. In these cases, testosterone is usually low in early infancy, indicating significantly impaired androgen synthesis. Further, Sertoli cell dysfunction is seen (low inhibin B, anti-Müllerian hormone). However, gonadal function at puberty in patients with NR5A1 mutations is unknown. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Clinical assessment, endocrine evaluation, and genetic analysis were performed in one female and one male with 46,XY DSD who showed spontaneous virilization during puberty. The female patient presented at adolescence with clitoral hypertrophy, whereas the male patient presented at birth with severe hypospadias and entered puberty spontaneously. Molecular analysis of NR5A1 was performed followed by in vitro functional analysis of the two novel mutations detected. RESULTS Testosterone levels were normal during puberty in both patients. Analysis of NR5A1 revealed two novel heterozygous missense mutations in the ligand-binding domain of SF-1 (patient 1: p.L376F; patient 2: p.G328V). The mutant proteins showed reduced transactivation of the CYP11A promoter in vitro. CONCLUSION Patients with 46,XY DSD and NR5A1 mutations can produce sufficient testosterone for spontaneous virilization during puberty. Phenotypic females (46,XY) with NR5A1 mutations can present with clitoromegaly at puberty, a phenotype similar to other partial defects of androgen synthesis or action. Testosterone production in 46,XY males with NR5A1 mutations can be sufficient for virilization at puberty. As progressive gonadal dysgenesis is likely, gonadal function should be monitored in adolescence and adulthood, and early sperm cryopreservation considered in male patients if possible.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lin Lin
- UCL Institute of Child HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Guntram Borck
- Institute of Human GeneticsUniversity of UlmUlmGermany
| | | | - Berthold P Hauffa
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and DiabetesUniversity Children's Hospital, University Duisburg-EssenEssenGermany
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28
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Yin M, Lü M, Yao G, Tian H, Lian J, Liu L, Liang M, Wang Y, Sun F. Transactivation of microRNA-383 by steroidogenic factor-1 promotes estradiol release from mouse ovarian granulosa cells by targeting RBMS1. Mol Endocrinol 2012; 26:1129-43. [PMID: 22593182 DOI: 10.1210/me.2011-1341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies have shown that microRNA-383 (miR-383) is one of the most down-regulated miRNA in TGF-β1-treated mouse ovarian granulosa cells (GC). However, the roles and mechanisms of miR-383 in GC function during follicular development remain unknown. In this study, we found that miR-383 was mainly expressed in GC and oocytes of mouse ovarian follicles. Overexpression of miR-383 enhanced estradiol release from GC through targeting RNA binding motif, single stranded interacting protein 1 (RBMS1). miR-383 inhibited RBMS1 by affecting its mRNA stability, which subsequently suppressed the level of c-Myc (a downstream target of RBMS1). Forced expression of RBMS1 or c-Myc attenuated miR-383-mediated steroidogenesis-promoting effects. Knockdown of the transcription factor steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) significantly suppressed the expression of Sarcoglycan zeta (SGCZ) (miR-383 host gene), primary and mature miR-383 in GC, indicating that miR-383 was transcriptionally regulated by SF-1. Luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that SF-1 specifically bound to the promoter region of SGCZ and directly transactivated miR-383 in parallel with SGCZ. In addition, SF-1 was involved in regulation of miR-383- and RBMS1/c-Myc-mediated estradiol release from GC. These results suggest that miR-383 functions to promote steroidogenesis by targeting RBMS1, at least in part, through inactivation of c-Myc. SF-1 acts as a positive regulator of miR-383 processing and function in GC. Understanding of regulation of miRNA biogenesis and function in estrogen production will potentiate the usefulness of miRNA in the control of reproduction and treatment of some steroid-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mianmian Yin
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, People's Republic of China.
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29
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van der Zanden LFM, van Rooij IALM, Feitz WFJ, Franke B, Knoers NVAM, Roeleveld N. Aetiology of hypospadias: a systematic review of genes and environment. Hum Reprod Update 2012; 18:260-83. [PMID: 22371315 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dms002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypospadias is a common congenital malformation of the male external genitalia. Most cases have an unknown aetiology, which is probably a mix of monogenic and multifactorial forms, implicating both genes and environmental factors. This review summarizes current knowledge about the aetiology of hypospadias. METHODS Pubmed was used to identify studies on hypospadias aetiology published between January 1995 and February 2011. Reference lists of the selected manuscripts were also searched to identify additional studies, including those published before 1995. RESULTS The search provided 922 articles and 169 articles were selected for this review. Studies screening groups of patients with hypospadias for single gene defects found mutations in WT1, SF1, BMP4, BMP7, HOXA4, HOXB6, FGF8, FGFR2, AR, HSD3B2, SRD5A2, ATF3, MAMLD1, MID1 and BNC2. However, most investigators are convinced that single mutations do not cause the majority of isolated hypospadias cases. Indeed, associations were found with polymorphisms in FGF8, FGFR2, AR, HSD17B3, SRD5A2, ESR1, ESR2, ATF3, MAMLD1, DGKK, MID1, CYP1A1, GSTM1 and GSTT1. In addition, gene expression studies indentified CTGF, CYR61 and EGF as candidate genes. Environmental factors consistently implicated in hypospadias are low birthweight, maternal hypertension and pre-eclampsia, suggesting that placental insufficiency may play an important role in hypospadias aetiology. Exogenous endocrine-disrupting chemicals have the potential to induce hypospadias but it is unclear whether human exposure is high enough to exert this effect. Other environmental factors have also been associated with hypospadias but, for most, the results are inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS Although a number of contributors to the aetiology of hypospadias have been identified, the majority of risk factors remain unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- L F M van der Zanden
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and HTA, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Lasala C, Schteingart HF, Arouche N, Bedecarrás P, Grinspon RP, Picard JY, Josso N, di Clemente N, Rey RA. SOX9 and SF1 are involved in cyclic AMP-mediated upregulation of anti-Mullerian gene expression in the testicular prepubertal Sertoli cell line SMAT1. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2011; 301:E539-47. [PMID: 21693691 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00187.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In Sertoli cells, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) expression is upregulated by FSH via cyclic AMP (cAMP), although no classical cAMP response elements exist in the AMH promoter. The response to cAMP involves NF-κB and AP2; however, targeted mutagenesis of their binding sites in the AMH promoter do not completely abolish the response. In this work we assessed whether SOX9, SF1, GATA4, and AP1 might represent alternative pathways involved in cAMP-mediated AMH upregulation, using real-time RT-PCR (qPCR), targeted mutagenesis, luciferase assays, and immunocytochemistry in the Sertoli cell line SMAT1. We also explored the signaling cascades potentially involved. In qPCR experiments, Amh, Sox9, Sf1, and Gata4 mRNA levels increased after SMAT1 cells were incubated with cAMP. Blocking PKA abolished the effect of cAMP on Sox9, Sf1, and Gata4 expression, inhibiting PI3K/PKB impaired the effect on Sf1 and Gata4, and reducing MEK1/2 and p38 MAPK activities curtailed Gata4 increase. SOX9 and SF1 translocated to the nucleus after incubation with cAMP. Mutations of the SOX9 or SF1 sites, but not of GAT4 or AP1 sites, precluded the response of a 3,063-bp AMH promoter to cAMP. In conclusion, in the Sertoli cell line SMAT1 cAMP upregulates SOX9, SF1, and GATA4 expression and induces SOX9 and SF1 nuclear translocation mainly through PKA, although other kinases may also participate. SOX9 and SF1 binding to the AMH promoter is essential to increase the activity of the AMH promoter in response to cAMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celina Lasala
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas, Hospital de Niños R. Gutiérrez, Gallo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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31
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Urushitani H, Katsu Y, Miyagawa S, Kohno S, Ohta Y, Guillette LJ, Iguchi T. Molecular cloning of anti-Müllerian hormone from the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 333:190-9. [PMID: 21187121 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2010] [Revised: 12/12/2010] [Accepted: 12/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) plays an important role in male sex differentiation in vertebrates. AMH produced by Sertoli cells of the fetal testis induces regression of the Müllerian duct in mammalian species. In alligators, sexual differentiation is controlled by the temperature during egg incubation, termed temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). The TSD mechanism inducing sex differentiation is thought to be unique and different from that of genetic sex determination as no gene such as the SRY of mammals has been identified. However, many of the genes associated with gonadal differentiation in mammals also are expressed in the developing gonads of species exhibiting TSD. To clarify the molecular mechanisms associated with gonad formation during the temperature-sensitive period (TSP), we have cloned the full length AMH gene in the alligator, and quantitatively compared mRNA expression patterns in the gonad-adrenal-mesonephros (GAM) complex isolated from alligator embryos incubated at male and female producing temperatures. The deduced amino acid sequence of the alligator AMH cDNA showed high identity (59-53%) to avian AMH genes. AMH mRNA expression was high in the GAM of male alligator embryos at stage 24 (immediately after sex determination) and hatchlings, but suppressed in the GAM of estrogen-exposed hatchlings incubated at the male-producing temperature. In the alligator AMH proximal promoter, a number of transcriptional factors (for SF-1. GATA, WT-1 and SOX9) binding elements were also identified and they exhibit a conserved pattern seen in other species. SOX9 up-regulates transcriptional activity through the amAMH promoter region. These results suggested that AMH and SOX9 play important roles in TSD of the American alligator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Urushitani
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
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Mlynarczuk J, Rekawiecki R. The role of the orphan receptor SF–1 in the development and function of the ovary. Reprod Biol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1642-431x(12)60039-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Huang CCJ, Yao HHC. Diverse functions of Hedgehog signaling in formation and physiology of steroidogenic organs. Mol Reprod Dev 2010; 77:489-96. [PMID: 20422709 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Adrenal, testis, and ovary are steroidogenic organs derived from a common primordium that consists of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1)-positive precursor cells. SF1 not only defines the steroidogenic lineages in these organs but also controls their differentiation. Recent evidence implicates the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway as a downstream regulator of SF1 in the appearance of steroidogenic cells in these organs. The Hh signaling pathway serves as a common crosstalk component, yet has evolved diverse functions in the expansion and differentiation of the steroidogenic cells in a tissue-specific manner. The purpose of this review is to compare and contrast the different roles of Hh signaling in these three organs during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Che Jeff Huang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
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34
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MacLaughlin DT, Donahoe PK. Müllerian inhibiting substance/anti-Müllerian hormone: a potential therapeutic agent for human ovarian and other cancers. Future Oncol 2010; 6:391-405. [PMID: 20222796 DOI: 10.2217/fon.09.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the 2008 American Cancer Society statistics, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in American today. Early detection, innovative surgery, new drugs and increased public education regarding avoidable risk factors, such as smoking, have had significant impact on the incidence and survival rates of many cancers, while overall death rates from all cancers have declined a modest 5% over the past 50 years. Ovarian cancer statistics, however, have not been as encouraging. Despite recent advances in the management of this disease, 5-year survival has not improved, and the search continues for rationally designed new treatments. Müllerian Inhibiting Substance is a strong candidate because it addresses many of the deficiencies of existing treatments. Namely, Müllerian Inhibiting Substance has little demonstrated toxicity, it complements the activity of known anticancer drugs, it is highly specific against cancers expressing its receptor and it inhibits the proliferation of drug-resistant tumors.
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Hoivik EA, Lewis AE, Aumo L, Bakke M. Molecular aspects of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1). Mol Cell Endocrinol 2010; 315:27-39. [PMID: 19616058 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2009.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2009] [Revised: 07/01/2009] [Accepted: 07/08/2009] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1, also called Ad4BP and NR5A1) is a nuclear receptor with critical roles in steroidogenic tissues, as well as in the brain and pituitary. In particular, SF-1 has emerged as an essential regulator of adrenal and gonadal functions and development. In the last few years, our knowledge on SF-1 has increased considerably at all levels, from the gene to the protein, and on its specific roles in different physiological processes. In this review, we discuss the current understanding on SF-1 with focus on the parameters that control the transcriptional capacity of SF-1 and the mechanisms that ensure proper stage- and tissue-specific expression of the gene encoding SF-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erling A Hoivik
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 9, N-5009 Bergen, Norway.
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Orban L, Sreenivasan R, Olsson PE. Long and winding roads: testis differentiation in zebrafish. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2009; 312:35-41. [PMID: 19422878 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2009.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2008] [Revised: 03/31/2009] [Accepted: 04/25/2009] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish sex determination, gonad differentiation and reproduction are far from being fully understood. Although the mode of sex determination is still being disputed, most experimental data point towards the lack of sex chromosomes and a multigenic sex determination system. Secondary effects from the environment and/or (xeno)hormones may influence the process, resulting in biased sex ratios. The exact time point of sex determination is unknown. Gonad differentiation involves a compulsory 'juvenile ovary' stage with subsequent transformation of the gonad into a testis in males. As the latter is a late event, there is a delay between sex determination and testis differentiation in zebrafish, in contrast to mammals. Information on the expression of several candidate genes thought to be involved in these processes has been supplemented with data from large-scale gonadal transcriptomic studies. New approaches and methodologies provide hope that answers to a number of important questions will be deciphered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Orban
- Reproductive Genomics Group, Strategic Research Program, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore.
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Analyzing the coordinated gene network underlying temperature-dependent sex determination in reptiles. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2008; 20:293-303. [PMID: 19022389 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2008.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2008] [Accepted: 10/24/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although gonadogenesis has been extensively studied in vertebrates with genetic sex determination, investigations at the molecular level in nontraditional model organisms with temperature-dependent sex determination are relatively new areas of research. Results show that while the key players of the molecular network underlying gonad development appear to be retained, their functions range from conserved to novel roles. In this review, we summarize experiments investigating candidate molecular players underlying temperature-dependent sex determination. We discuss some of the problems encountered unraveling this network, pose potential solutions, and suggest rewarding future directions of research.
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Sreenivasan R, Cai M, Bartfai R, Wang X, Christoffels A, Orban L. Transcriptomic analyses reveal novel genes with sexually dimorphic expression in the zebrafish gonad and brain. PLoS One 2008; 3:e1791. [PMID: 18335061 PMCID: PMC2262149 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0001791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2007] [Accepted: 02/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our knowledge on zebrafish reproduction is very limited. We generated a gonad-derived cDNA microarray from zebrafish and used it to analyze large-scale gene expression profiles in adult gonads and other organs. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We have identified 116638 gonad-derived zebrafish expressed sequence tags (ESTs), 21% of which were isolated in our lab. Following in silico normalization, we constructed a gonad-derived microarray comprising 6370 unique, full-length cDNAs from differentiating and adult gonads. Labeled targets from adult gonad, brain, kidney and 'rest-of-body' from both sexes were hybridized onto the microarray. Our analyses revealed 1366, 881 and 656 differentially expressed transcripts (34.7% novel) that showed highest expression in ovary, testis and both gonads respectively. Hierarchical clustering showed correlation of the two gonadal transcriptomes and their similarities to those of the brains. In addition, we have identified 276 genes showing sexually dimorphic expression both between the brains and between the gonads. By in situ hybridization, we showed that the gonadal transcripts with the strongest array signal intensities were germline-expressed. We found that five members of the GTP-binding septin gene family, from which only one member (septin 4) has previously been implicated in reproduction in mice, were all strongly expressed in the gonads. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE We have generated a gonad-derived zebrafish cDNA microarray and demonstrated its usefulness in identifying genes with sexually dimorphic co-expression in both the gonads and the brains. We have also provided the first evidence of large-scale differential gene expression between female and male brains of a teleost. Our microarray would be useful for studying gonad development, differentiation and function not only in zebrafish but also in related teleosts via cross-species hybridizations. Since several genes have been shown to play similar roles in gonadogenesis in zebrafish and other vertebrates, our array may even provide information on genetic disorders affecting gonadal phenotypes and fertility in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajini Sreenivasan
- Reproductive Genomics Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Minnie Cai
- Reproductive Genomics Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Richard Bartfai
- Reproductive Genomics Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xingang Wang
- Reproductive Genomics Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alan Christoffels
- Computational Biology, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Laszlo Orban
- Reproductive Genomics Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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Klüver N, Pfennig F, Pala I, Storch K, Schlieder M, Froschauer A, Gutzeit HO, Schartl M. Differential expression of anti-Müllerian hormone (amh) and anti-Müllerian hormone receptor type II (amhrII) in the teleost medaka. Dev Dyn 2007; 236:271-81. [PMID: 17075875 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.20997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh) is responsible for the regression of the Müllerian ducts; therefore, Amh is an important factor of male sex differentiation. The amh gene has been cloned in various vertebrates, as well as in several teleost species. To date, all described species show a sexually dimorphic expression of amh during sex differentiation or at least in differentiated juvenile gonads. We have identified the medaka amh ortholog and examined its expression pattern. Medaka amh shows no sexually dimorphic expression pattern. It is expressed in both developing XY male and XX female gonads. In adult testes, amh is expressed in the Sertoli cells and in adult ovaries in granulosa cells surrounding the oocytes, like in mammals. To better understand the function of amh, we cloned the anti-Müllerian hormone receptor type II (amhrII) ortholog and compared its expression pattern with amh, aromatase (cyp19a1), and scp3. During gonad development, amhrII is coexpressed with medaka amh in somatic cells of the gonads and shows no sexually dimorphic expression. Only the expression level of the Amh type II receptor gene was decreased noticeably in adult female gonads. These results suggest that medaka Amh and AmhrII are involved in gonad formation and maintenance in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Klüver
- University of Würzburg, Department of Physiological Chemistry I, Biozentrum, Würzburg, Germany
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40
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Looyenga BD, Hammer GD. Origin and Identity of Adrenocortical Tumors in Inhibin Knockout Mice: Implications for Cellular Plasticity in the Adrenal Cortex. Mol Endocrinol 2006; 20:2848-63. [PMID: 16873442 DOI: 10.1210/me.2006-0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractInhibin knockout (Inha−/−) mice develop gonadal sex-cord tumors and—when gonadectomized—adrenocortical tumors. Previous reports demonstrated that adrenocortical tumors from Inha−/− mice produce estrogen and depend on gonadotropin signaling for initiation. Here we show that, in addition to producing estrogen, the adrenocortical tumors display a global change in cellular identity, composed of two unique cell types expressing differing arrays of genes normally restricted to theca and granulosa cells of the ovary. Many of these genes are also induced in wild-type adrenals after gonadectomy or upon chronic gonadotropin stimulation, suggesting that the adrenal cortex normally contains a population of pluripotent cells that can be driven toward an adrenal or gonadal identity given the appropriate pituitary stimuli. A central feature of this altered cellular identity is the switch from predominant expression of Gata6 (endogenous to the adrenal cortex) to Gata4, which defines cellular identity in the ovary. We show that stable transfection of Gata4 in cultured adrenocortical cells is sufficient to activate ovarian-specific genes of both theca and granulose lineages. Spatial analysis of Gata4 expression reveals a distinct pattern of localization to the supcapsular region of the adrenal, which contains undifferentiated progenitor cells that continuously populate the adrenocortical zones. Although both wild-type and Inha−/− mice display this pattern, only Inha−/− mice produce tumors composed of these Gata4-positive cells. These data suggest that Inha−/− adrenocortical tumors cells are derived from pluripotent adrenocortical progenitor cells that adopt a gonadal fate due to the convergent loss of inhibin and chronic exposure to elevated gonadotropins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan D Looyenga
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Division of Endocrinology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200, USA
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41
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Abstract
Chromosomal sex is established at fertilization by the presence of an X or Y chromosome. The first step of male and female development is gonadal specialization in testes or ovaries; all other processes that follow result from secondary effects produced by testis and ovary hormones. Gonadal determination and differentiation and the development of external genitalia involve time- and tissue-specific expression of genes forming a gene cascade. Those genes, their expression profile and their role in the pathological manifestations related to gonadal and external genitalia development will be discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricilda Palandi de Mello
- Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Departamento de Genética Médica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP.
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Yao HHC, Capel B. Temperature, genes, and sex: a comparative view of sex determination in Trachemys scripta and Mus musculus. J Biochem 2005; 138:5-12. [PMID: 16046442 PMCID: PMC4066379 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvi097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex determination, the step at which differentiation of males and females is initiated in the embryo, is of central importance to the propagation of species. There is a remarkable diversity of mechanisms by which sex determination is accomplished. In general these mechanisms fall into two categories: Genetic Sex Determination (GSD), which depends on genetic differences between the sexes, and Environmental Sex Determination (ESD), which depends on extrinsic cues. In this review we will consider these two means of determining sex with particular emphasis on two species: a species that depends on GSD, Mus musculus, and a species that depends on ESD, Trachemys scripta. Because the structural organization of the adult testis and ovary is very similar across vertebrates, most biologists had expected that the pathways downstream of the sex-determining switch would be conserved. However, emerging data indicate that not only are the initial sex determining mechanisms different, but the downstream pathways and morphogenetic events leading to the development of a testis or ovary also are different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humphrey H-C Yao
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center
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Viger RS, Silversides DW, Tremblay JJ. New insights into the regulation of mammalian sex determination and male sex differentiation. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2005; 70:387-413. [PMID: 15727812 DOI: 10.1016/s0083-6729(05)70013-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, sex development is a genetically and hormonally controlled process that begins with the establishment of chromosomal or genetic sex (XY or XX) at conception. At approximately 6 to 7 weeks of human gestation or embryonic day e11.5 in the mouse, expression of the Y chromosome-linked sex determining gene called SRY (described in detail in this chapter) then initiates gonadal differentiation, which is the formation of either a testis (male) or an ovary (female). Male sex differentiation (development of internal and external reproductive organs and acquisition of male secondary sex characteristics) is then controlled by three principal hormones produced by the testis: Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) or anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), testosterone, and insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3). In the absence of these critical testicular hormones, female sex differentiation ensues. This sequential, three-step process of mammalian sex development is also known as the Jost paradigm. With the advent of modern biotechnologies over the past decade, such as transgenics, array-based gene profiling, and proteomics, the field of mammalian sex determination has witnessed a remarkable boost in the understanding of the genetics and complex molecular mechanisms that regulate this fundamental biological event. Consequently, a number of excellent reviews have been devoted to this topic. The purpose of the present chapter is to provide an overview of selected aspects of mammalian sex determination and differentiation with an emphasis on studies that have marked this field of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Viger
- Ontogeny-Reproduction Research Unit, CHUL Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Ste-Foy, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
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Salmon NA, Handyside AH, Joyce IM. Expression of Sox8, Sf1, Gata4, Wt1, Dax1, and Fog2 in the mouse ovarian follicle: implications for the regulation of Amh expression. Mol Reprod Dev 2005; 70:271-7. [PMID: 15625693 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Mullerian hormone (Amh) is expressed in the granulosa cells of growing and preovulatory follicles in the mouse ovary where it acts to decrease responsiveness to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and plays a role in inhibiting primordial follicle recruitment. Recently, co-culture of isolated oocytes and granulosa cells has demonstrated that Amh expression is up-regulated in the presence of oocytes and, at preantral stages, this effect is dependent upon close contact. In Sertoli cells, Amh expression is regulated by several transcription factors including SOX9, SF1, GATA4, WT1, and DAX1, which, with the exception of SOX9, are also expressed in granulosa cells where GATA4 is known to up-regulate Amh expression antagonised by FOG2. Here, we demonstrate that Sox8, which is closely related to Sox9 and encodes the protein SOX8 which can transactivate Amh, is expressed in the postnatal mouse ovarian follicle but is not co-expressed with Amh in the granulosa cells of preantral follicles. Sox8 expression was found only in the oocytes of preantral follicles and in the oocytes, cumulus cells, and mural granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles. Also, increased expression of Amh in granulosa cells co-cultured with oocytes was not associated with increased mRNA levels of the transcription factors Sf1, Gata4, Wt1, Dax1, or Fog2. These findings reveal Sox8 expression in the ovarian follicle and show that oocyte regulation of Amh expression is not due to oocyte regulation of Sf1, Gata4, Wt1, Dax1, or Fog2 expression in granulosa cells.
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von Hofsten J, Larsson A, Olsson PE. Novel steroidogenic factor-1 homolog (ff1d) is coexpressed with anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in zebrafish. Dev Dyn 2005; 233:595-604. [PMID: 15768398 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.20335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
ff1d is a novel zebrafish FTZ-F1 gene with sequence characteristics indicating similar basic regulatory mechanisms as the previously characterized ff1 based on the presence of an FTZ-F1 box in the DNA binding domain and an interactive domain (I-Box) and an AF-2 in the ligand binding domain. The highest sequence similarity was found between ff1d and ff1b (NR5A4), a gene previously shown to be a functional homolog to the steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1). The expression pattern of ff1d was comparable to ff1b both in brain and gonads in adults and in the pituitary and interrenal cells in embryos. SF-1 is crucial in mammalian steroidogenesis and in sex determination by regulating the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). In fish, AMH has not been described previously. In this study, we cloned a partial zebrafish AMH. AMH was detected in growing oocytes, the ovarian follicular layer and testicular Sertoli cells, similar to the mammalian pattern, suggesting a conserved role between zebrafish and mammalian AMH. Teleosts lack a gene homolog to SRY, which constitute the universal testis-determining factor in mammalian sex determination. Comparison of sequences and expression patterns indicate that ff1d is a new candidate for sex determination and differentiation in a way similar to SF-1, possibly involving AMH.
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Affiliation(s)
- J von Hofsten
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Yoshinaga N, Shiraishi E, Yamamoto T, Iguchi T, Abe SI, Kitano T. Sexually dimorphic expression of a teleost homologue of Müllerian inhibiting substance during gonadal sex differentiation in Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004; 322:508-13. [PMID: 15325259 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.07.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS), also known as anti-Müllerian hormone, is a glycoprotein belonging to transforming growth factor beta superfamily. In mammals, MIS is responsible for regression of Müllerian ducts, anlagen of the female reproductive ducts, in the male fetus. However, the role of MIS in gonadal sex differentiation of teleost fishes, which do not have the Müllerian ducts, has yet to be clarified. To address the role of MIS on gonadal sex differentiation in fishes, we isolated a MIS cDNA from the Japanese flounder testis and examined the expression pattern of MIS mRNA in gonads of both sexes during sex differentiation period. In this study, we present the first demonstration of sexually dimorphic expression of MIS mRNA during sex differentiation in teleost fishes, similarly to amniote vertebrates which possess the Müllerian ducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norifumi Yoshinaga
- Department of Materials and Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
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Lasala C, Carré-Eusèbe D, Picard JY, Rey R. Subcellular and molecular mechanisms regulating anti-Müllerian hormone gene expression in mammalian and nonmammalian species. DNA Cell Biol 2004; 23:572-85. [PMID: 15383177 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2004.23.572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is best known for its role as an inhibitor of the development of female internal genitalia primordia during fetal life. In the testis, AMH is highly expressed by Sertoli cells of the testis from early fetal life to puberty, when it is downregulated by the action of testosterone, acting through the androgen receptor, and meiotic spermatocytes, probably acting through TNFalpha. Basal expression of AMH is induced by SOX9; GATA4, SF1, and WT1 enhance SOX9-activated expression. When the hypothalamic-pituitary axis is active and the negative effect of androgens and germ cells is absent, for example, in the fetal and neonatal periods or in disorders like androgen insensitivity, FSH upregulates AMH expression through a nonclassical cAMP-PKA pathway involving transcription factors AP2 and NFkappaB. The maintenance and hormonal regulation of AMH expression in late fetal and postnatal life requires distal AMH promoter sequences. In the ovary, granulosa cells express AMH from late fetal life at low levels; DAX1 and FOG2 seem to be responsible for negatively modulating AMH expression. Particular features are observed in AMH expression in nonmammalian species. In birds, AMH is expressed both in the male and female fetal gonads, and, like in reptiles, its expression is not preceded by that of SOX9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celina Lasala
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas (CEDIE-CONICET), Hospital de Niños R. Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Abstract
Nuclear orphan receptors represent a large and diverse subgroup in the nuclear receptor superfamily. Although putative ligands for these orphan members remain to be identified, some of these receptors possess intrinsic activating, inhibitory, or dual regulatory functions in development, differentiation, homeostasis, and reproduction. In particular, gene-silencing events elicited by chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factors (COUP-TFs); dosage-sensitive sex reversal-adrenal hypoplasia congenita critical region on the X chromosome, gene 1 (DAX-1); germ cell nuclear factor (GCNF); short heterodimer partner (SHP); and testicular receptors 2 and 4 (TR2 and TR4) are among the best characterized. These orphan receptors are critical in controlling basal activities or hormonal responsiveness of numerous target genes. They employ multiple and distinct mechanisms to mediate target gene repression. Complex cross-talk exists between these orphan receptors at their cognate DNA binding elements and an array of steroid?nonsteroid hormone receptors, other transcriptional activators, coactivators and corepressors, histone modification enzyme complexes, and components of basal transcriptional components. Therefore, perturbation induced by these orphan receptors at multiple levels, including DNA binding activities, receptor homo- or heterodimerization, recruitment of cofactor proteins, communication with general transcriptional machinery, and changes at histone acetylation status and chromatin structures, may contribute to silencing of target gene expression in a specific promoter or cell-type context. Moreover, the findings derived from gene-targeting studies have demonstrated the significance of these orphan receptors' function in physiologic settings. Thus, COUP-TFs, DAX-1, GCNF, SHP, and TR2 and 4 are known to be required for multiple physiologic and biologic functions, including neurogenesis and development of the heart and vascular system steroidogenesis and sex determination, gametogenesis and embryonic development, and cholesterol?lipid homeostasis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- COUP Transcription Factor I
- COUP Transcription Factors
- DAX-1 Orphan Nuclear Receptor
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Gametogenesis/physiology
- Gene Expression/physiology
- Gene Silencing/physiology
- Humans
- Models, Molecular
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 2, Group C, Member 1
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 6, Group A, Member 1
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/physiology
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid/metabolism
- Receptors, Steroid/metabolism
- Receptors, Thyroid Hormone/metabolism
- Repressor Proteins/metabolism
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Section on Molecular Endocrinology, Endocrinology, and Reproduction Research Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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Pask AJ, Whitworth DJ, Mao CA, Wei KJ, Sankovic N, Graves JAM, Shaw G, Renfree MB, Behringer RR. Marsupial Anti-Müllerian Hormone Gene Structure, Regulatory Elements, and Expression1. Biol Reprod 2004; 70:160-7. [PMID: 13679313 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.020016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
During male sexual development in reptiles, birds, and mammals, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) induces the regression of the Müllerian ducts that normally form the primordia of the female reproductive tract. Whereas Müllerian duct regression occurs during fetal development in eutherian mammals, in marsupial mammals this process occurs after birth. To investigate AMH in a marsupial, we isolated an orthologue from the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) and characterized its expression in the testes and ovaries during development. The wallaby AMH gene is highly conserved with the eutherian orthologues that have been studied, particularly within the encoded C-terminal mature domain. The N-terminus of marsupial AMH is divergent and larger than that of eutherian species. It is located on chromosome 3/4, consistent with its autosomal localization in other species. The wallaby 5' regulatory region, like eutherian AMH genes, contains binding sites for SF1, SOX9, and GATA factors but also contains a putative SRY-binding site. AMH expression in the developing testis begins at the time of seminiferous cord formation at 2 days post partum, and Müllerian duct regression begins shortly afterward. In the developing testis, AMH is localized in the cytoplasm of the Sertoli cells but is lost by adulthood. In the developing ovary, there is no detectable AMH expression, but in adults it is produced by the granulosa cells of primary and secondary follicles. It is not detectable in atretic follicles. Collectively, these studies suggest that AMH expression has been conserved during mammalian evolution and is intimately linked to upstream sex determination mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Pask
- Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Tremblay JJ, Viger RS. A mutated form of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1 G35E) that causes sex reversal in humans fails to synergize with transcription factor GATA-4. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:42637-42. [PMID: 12907682 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m305485200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) is a transcription factor belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily. SF-1 regulates the expression of many genes involved in reproduction, steroidogenesis, and sexual differentiation. An important SF-1 target for male sexual differentiation is the gene encoding the Müllerian-inhibiting substance hormone that induces regression of the Müllerian ducts in the developing male embryo. Not long ago, a mutation (G35E) in the human SF-1 gene was identified as the cause of sex reversal and adrenal failure in a phenotypically female but genotypically XY individual. This suggested that the mutated SF-1 protein might interfere with the expression of SF-1 target gene(s) involved in the male sexual differentiation pathway, such as MIS. Surprisingly, the initial biochemical characterization of the SF-1 G35E mutant revealed that it could bind and activate the MIS promoter as efficiently as wild-type SF-1. MIS expression, however, does not rely solely on SF-1 but rather requires the concerted action of several transcription factors including GATA-4. We have previously reported that GATA-4 and SF-1 transcriptionally cooperate to synergistically activate the MIS promoter. Thus, we hypothesized that the phenotype observed with the SF-1 G35E mutation could be explained, at least in part, by a failure and/or a disruption of GATA-4/SF-1 synergism. We found that the SF-1 G35E mutant failed to synergize with GATA-4 despite a direct physical interaction between the two proteins. Interestingly, the SF-1 G35E mutant also disrupted transcriptional synergism between wild-type SF-1 and GATA-4, indicating that it could act as a dominant negative competitor. Thus, our results strengthen the importance of a GATA-4/SF-1 cooperation for MIS transcription and reveal that disruption of this synergism might be responsible for some cases of abnormal sex differentiation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques J Tremblay
- Ontogeny-Reproduction Research Unit, CHUL Research Centre and Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université Laval, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Sainte-Foy, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
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