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Xie SM, Lai JX, Liu CQ, Zhang XX, Lin YM, Lan QW, Hong DY, Chen XC, Qiao JD, Mao YL. UBR4 deficiency causes male sterility and testis abnormal in Drosophila. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1165825. [PMID: 37529615 PMCID: PMC10390308 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1165825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction It has been established that UBR4 encodes E3 ubiquitin ligase, which determines the specificity of substrate binding during protein ubiquitination and has been associated with various functions of the nervous system but not the reproductive system. Herein, we explored the role of UBR4 on fertility with a Drosophila model. Methods Different Ubr4 knockdown flies were established using the UAS/GAL4 activating sequence system. Fertility, hatchability, and testis morphology were studied, and bioinformatics analyses were conducted. Our results indicated that UBR4 deficiency could induce male sterility and influent egg hatchability in Drosophila. Results We found that Ubr4 deficiency affected the testis during morphological analysis. Proteomics analysis indicated 188 upregulated proteins and 175 downregulated proteins in the testis of Ubr4 knockdown flies. Gene Ontology analysis revealed significant upregulation of CG11598 and Sfp65A, and downregulation of Pelota in Ubr4 knockdown flies. These proteins were involved in the biometabolic or reproductive process in Drosophila. These regulated proteins are important in testis generation and sperm storage promotion. Bioinformatics analysis verified that UBR4 was low expressed in cryptorchidism patients, which further supported the important role of UBR4 in male fertility. Discussion Overall, our findings suggest that UBR4 deficiency could promote male infertility and may be involved in the protein modification of UBR4 by upregulating Sfp65A and CG11598, whereas downregulating Pelota protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ming Xie
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The First Clinical Medicine School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Xuan Lai
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The First Clinical Medicine School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chu-Qiao Liu
- The Second Clinical Medicine School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi-Xing Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medicine School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Miao Lin
- The Second Clinical Medicine School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Wen Lan
- The Second Clinical Medicine School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - De-Yao Hong
- The First Clinical Medicine School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Chuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Da Qiao
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Ling Mao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Fontana CM, Terrin F, Facchinello N, Meneghetti G, Dinarello A, Gambarotto L, Zuccarotto A, Caichiolo M, Brocca G, Verin R, Nazio F, Carnevali O, Cecconi F, Bonaldo P, Dalla Valle L. Zebrafish ambra1b knockout reveals a novel role for Ambra1 in primordial germ cells survival, sex differentiation and reproduction. Biol Res 2023; 56:19. [PMID: 37106439 PMCID: PMC10142490 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00430-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AMBRA1 is an intrinsically disordered protein, working as a scaffold molecule to coordinate, by protein-protein interaction, many cellular processes, including autophagy, mitophagy, apoptosis and cell cycle progression. The zebrafish genome contains two ambra1 paralogous genes (a and b), both involved in development and expressed at high levels in the gonads. Characterization of the zebrafish paralogous genes mutant lines generated by CRISPR/Cas9 approach showed that ambra1b knockout leads to an all-male population. RESULTS We demonstrated that the silencing of the ambra1b gene determines a reduction of primordial germ cells (PGCs), a condition that, in the zebrafish, leads to the development of all-male progeny. PGC reduction was confirmed by knockdown experiments and rescued by injection of ambra1b and human AMBRA1 mRNAs, but not ambra1a mRNA. Moreover, PGC loss was not rescued by injection with human AMBRA1 mRNA mutated in the CUL4-DDB1 binding region, thus suggesting that interaction with this complex is involved in PGC protection from loss. Results from zebrafish embryos injected with murine Stat3 mRNA and stat3 morpholino suggest that Ambra1b could indirectly regulate this protein through CUL4-DDB1 interaction. According to this, Ambra1+/- mice showed a reduced Stat3 expression in the ovary together with a low number of antral follicles and an increase of atretic follicles, indicating a function of Ambra1 in the ovary of mammals as well. Moreover, in agreement with the high expression of these genes in the testis and ovary, we found significant impairment of the reproductive process and pathological alterations, including tumors, mainly limited to the gonads. CONCLUSIONS By exploiting ambra1a and ambra1b knockout zebrafish lines, we prove the sub-functionalization between the two paralogous zebrafish genes and uncover a novel function of Ambra1 in the protection from excessive PGC loss, which seems to require binding with the CUL4-DDB1 complex. Both genes seem to play a role in the regulation of reproductive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Maria Fontana
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | | | | | - Alberto Dinarello
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Denver, USA
| | - Lisa Gambarotto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Annalisa Zuccarotto
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Zoological Station Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Ginevra Brocca
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), University of Padova, Legnaro, PD, Italy
- Aquatic Diagnostic Services, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Ranieri Verin
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), University of Padova, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Francesca Nazio
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Cecconi
- Cell Stress and Survival Unit, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonaldo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Disruption of male fertility-critical Dcaf17 dysregulates mouse testis transcriptome. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21456. [PMID: 36509865 PMCID: PMC9744869 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25826-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During mammalian spermatogenesis, the ubiquitin proteasome system maintains protein homoeostasis (proteastasis) and spermatogenic cellular functions. DCAF17 is a substrate receptor in the ubiquitin CRL4 E3 Ligase complex, absence of which causes oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in mice resulting in male infertility. To determine the molecular phenomenon underlying the infertility phenotype caused by disrupting Dcaf17, we performed RNA-sequencing-based gene expression profiling of 3-weeks and 8-weeks old Dcaf17 wild type and Dcaf17 disrupted mutant mice testes. At three weeks, 44% and 56% differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were up- and down-regulated, respectively, with 32% and 68% DEGs were up- and down-regulated, respectively at 8 weeks. DEGs include protein coding genes and lncRNAs distributed across all autosomes and the X chromosome. Gene ontology analysis revealed major biological processes including proteolysis, regulation of transcription and chromatin remodelling are affected due to Dcaf17 disruption. We found that Dcaf17 disruption up-regulated several somatic genes, while germline-associated genes were down-regulated. Up to 10% of upregulated, and 12% of downregulated, genes were implicated in male reproductive phenotypes. Moreover, a large proportion of the up-regulated genes were highly expressed in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, while the majority of downregulated genes were predominantly expressed in round spermatids. Collectively, these data show that the Dcaf17 disruption affects directly or indirectly testicular proteastasis and transcriptional signature in mouse.
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Zong Q, Mao B, Zhang HB, Wang B, Yu WJ, Wang ZW, Wang YF. Comparative Ubiquitome Analysis Reveals Deubiquitinating Effects Induced by Wolbachia Infection in Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169459. [PMID: 36012723 PMCID: PMC9409319 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria frequently cause cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) in their insect hosts, where Wolbachia-infected males cross with uninfected females, leading to no or fewer progenies, indicating a paternal modification by Wolbachia. Recent studies have identified a Wolbachia protein, CidB, containing a DUB (deubiquitylating enzyme) domain, which can be loaded into host sperm nuclei and involved in CI, though the DUB activity is not necessary for CI in Drosophila melanogaster. To investigate whether and how Wolbachia affect protein ubiquitination in testes of male hosts and are thus involved in male fertility, we compared the protein and ubiquitinated protein expressions in D. melanogaster testes with and without Wolbachia. A total of 643 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and 309 differentially expressed ubiquitinated proteins (DEUPs) were identified to have at least a 1.5-fold change with a p-value of <0.05. Many DEPs were enriched in metabolic pathway, ribosome, RNA transport, and post-translational protein modification pathways. Many DEUPs were involved in metabolism, ribosome, and proteasome pathways. Notably, 98.1% DEUPs were downregulated in the presence of Wolbachia. Four genes coding for DEUPs in ubiquitin proteasome pathways were knocked down, respectively, in Wolbachia-free fly testes. Among them, Rpn6 and Rpn7 knockdown caused male sterility, with no mature sperm in seminal vesicles. These results reveal deubiquitylating effects induced by Wolbachia infection, suggesting that Wolbachia can widely deubiquitinate proteins that have crucial functions in male fertility of their hosts, but are not involved in CI. Our data provide new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of endosymbiont/host interactions and male fertility.
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Cyst stem cell lineage eIF5 non-autonomously prevents testicular germ cell tumor formation via eIF1A/eIF2γ-mediated pre-initiation complex. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:351. [PMID: 35883200 PMCID: PMC9327282 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03025-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stem cell niche maintains stem cell population identity and is essential for the homeostasis of self-renewal and differentiation in Drosophila testes. However, the mechanisms of CySC lineage signals-mediated soma-germline communications in response to external stimuli are unclear. METHODS Pre-initiation complex functions were evaluated by UAS-Gal4-mediated cell effects. RNA sequencing was conducted in NC and eIF5 siRNA-treated cells. Genetic interaction analysis was used to indicate the relationships between eIF5 and eIF1A/eIF2γ in Drosophila testes. RESULTS Here, we demonstrated that in CySCs, translation initiation factor eIF5 mediates cyst cell differentiation and the non-autonomously affected germ cell differentiation process. CySCs lacking eIF5 displayed unbalanced cell proliferation and apoptosis, forming testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) during spermatogenesis. eIF5 transcriptional regulation network analysis identified multiple metabolic processes and several key factors that might be involved in germ cell differentiation and TGCT formation. Importantly, knockdown of eIF1A and eIF2γ, key components of pre-initiation complex, mimicked the phenotype of knocking down eIF5 in the stem cell niche of Drosophila testes. Genetic interaction analysis indicated that eIF5 was sufficient to rescue the phenotype of tumorlike structures induced by down-regulating eIF1A or eIF2γ in CySCs. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrated that CySC lineage eIF5, together with eIF1A or eIF2γ, mediates soma-germline communications for the stem cell niche homeostasis in Drosophila testes, providing new insights for the prevention of TGCTs.
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Xiong Y, Yu C, Zhang Q. Ubiquitin-Proteasome System-Regulated Protein Degradation in Spermatogenesis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11061058. [PMID: 35326509 PMCID: PMC8947704 DOI: 10.3390/cells11061058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a prolonged and highly ordered physiological process that produces haploid male germ cells through more than 40 steps and experiences dramatic morphological and cellular transformations. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) plays central roles in the precise control of protein homeostasis to ensure the effectiveness of certain protein groups at a given stage and the inactivation of them after this stage. Many UPS components have been demonstrated to regulate the progression of spermatogenesis at different levels. Especially in recent years, novel testis-specific proteasome isoforms have been identified to be essential and unique for spermatogenesis. In this review, we set out to discuss our current knowledge in functions of diverse USP components in mammalian spermatogenesis through: (1) the composition of proteasome isoforms at each stage of spermatogenesis; (2) the specificity of each proteasome isoform and the associated degradation events; (3) the E3 ubiquitin ligases mediating protein ubiquitination in male germ cells; and (4) the deubiquitinases involved in spermatogenesis and male fertility. Exploring the functions of UPS machineries in spermatogenesis provides a global picture of the proteome dynamics during male germ cell production and shed light on the etiology and pathogenesis of human male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xiong
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Rd, Haining 314400, China;
| | - Chao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, 3 East Qing Chun Rd, Hangzhou 310020, China;
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qianting Zhang
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Rd, Haining 314400, China;
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-13789821134
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Yang Y, Kong R, Goh FG, Somers WG, Hime GR, Li Z, Cai Y. dRTEL1 is essential for the maintenance of Drosophila male germline stem cells. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009834. [PMID: 34644293 PMCID: PMC8513875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells have the potential to maintain undifferentiated state and differentiate into specialized cell types. Despite numerous progress has been achieved in understanding stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, many fundamental questions remain unanswered. In this study, we identify dRTEL1, the Drosophila homolog of Regulator of Telomere Elongation Helicase 1, as a novel regulator of male germline stem cells (GSCs). Our genome-wide transcriptome analysis and ChIP-Seq results suggest that dRTEL1 affects a set of candidate genes required for GSC maintenance, likely independent of its role in DNA repair. Furthermore, dRTEL1 prevents DNA damage-induced checkpoint activation in GSCs. Finally, dRTEL1 functions to sustain Stat92E protein levels, the key player in GSC maintenance. Together, our findings reveal an intrinsic role of the DNA helicase dRTEL1 in maintaining male GSC and provide insight into the function of dRTEL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yang
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ruiyan Kong
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Guang Goh
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - W. Gregory Somers
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gary R. Hime
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Zhouhua Li
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Cai
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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8
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Norris K, Hopes T, Aspden JL. Ribosome heterogeneity and specialization in development. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2021; 12:e1644. [PMID: 33565275 PMCID: PMC8647923 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of protein synthesis is a vital step in controlling gene expression, especially during development. Over the last 10 years, it has become clear that rather than being homogeneous machines responsible for mRNA translation, ribosomes are highly heterogeneous and can play an active part in translational regulation. These "specialized ribosomes" comprise of specific protein and/or rRNA components, which are required for the translation of particular mRNAs. However, while there is extensive evidence for ribosome heterogeneity, support for specialized functions is limited. Recent work in a variety of developmental model organisms has shed some light on the biological relevance of ribosome heterogeneity. Tissue-specific expression of ribosomal components along with phenotypic analysis of ribosomal gene mutations indicate that ribosome heterogeneity and potentially specialization are common in key development processes like embryogenesis, spermatogenesis, oogenesis, body patterning, and neurogenesis. Several examples of ribosome specialization have now been proposed but strong links between ribosome heterogeneity, translation of specific mRNAs by defined mechanisms, and role of these translation events remain elusive. Furthermore, several studies have indicated that heterogeneous ribosome populations are a product of tissue-specific expression rather than specialized function and that ribosomal protein phenotypes are the result of extra-ribosomal function or overall reduced ribosome levels. Many important questions still need to be addressed in order to determine the functional importance of ribosome heterogeneity to development and disease, which is likely to vary across systems. It will be essential to dissect these issues to fully understand diseases caused by disruptions to ribosomal composition, such as ribosomopathies. This article is categorized under: Translation > Translation Regulation Translation > Ribosome Structure/Function RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Norris
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
- Leeds OmicsUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - Tayah Hopes
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
- Leeds OmicsUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - Julie Louise Aspden
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
- Leeds OmicsUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
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Azuma M, Ogata T, Yamazoe K, Tanaka Y, Inoue YH. Heat shock cognate 70 genes contribute to Drosophila spermatocyte growth progression possibly through the insulin signaling pathway. Dev Growth Differ 2021; 63:231-248. [PMID: 34050930 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila spermatocytes grow up to 25 times their original volume before the onset of male meiosis. Several insulin-like peptides and their cognate receptors (InR) are essential for the cell growth process in Drosophila. Here, we aimed to identify additional signaling pathways and other regulatory factors required for germline cell growth in Drosophila males. Spermatocyte-specific expression of the dominant-negative form of InR inhibits cell growth. Conversely, constitutively active forms of signaling factors downstream of InR suppress growth inhibition. Furthermore, hypomorphic mutations in the target of rapamycin (Tor) inhibit spermatocyte growth. These data indicate that the insulin/TOR pathway is essential for the growth of premeiotic spermatocytes. RNA interference (RNAi) screening for the identification of other novel genes associated with cell growth showed that the silencing of each of the five members of heat shock cognate 70 (Hsc70) genes significantly inhibited the process. Hsc70-silenced spermatocytes showed Akt inhibition downstream of the insulin signaling pathway. Our pleckstrin homology domain-green fluorescent protein (PH-GFP) reporter studies indicated that PI3K remained activated in Hsc70-4-silenced cells, suggesting that the Hsc70-4 protein possibly targets Akt or Pdk1 acting downstream of PI3K. Moreover, each of the Hsc70 proteins showed different subcellular localizations. Hsc70-2 exhibited cytoplasmic colocalization with Akt in spermatocytes before nuclear entry of the kinase during the growth phase. These results indicated the involvement of Hsc70 proteins in the activation of various steps in the insulin signaling pathway, which is essential for spermatocyte growth. Our findings provide insights into the mechanism(s) that enhance signal transduction to stimulate the growth of Drosophila spermatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maho Azuma
- Department of Insect Biomedical Research, Research Center for Insect Advanced Studies, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsubasa Ogata
- Department of Insect Biomedical Research, Research Center for Insect Advanced Studies, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kanta Yamazoe
- Department of Insect Biomedical Research, Research Center for Insect Advanced Studies, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuri Tanaka
- Department of Insect Biomedical Research, Research Center for Insect Advanced Studies, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro H Inoue
- Department of Insect Biomedical Research, Research Center for Insect Advanced Studies, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
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Yu J, Zheng Q, Li Z, Wu Y, Fu Y, Wu X, Lin D, Shen C, Zheng B, Sun F. CG6015 controls spermatogonia transit-amplifying divisions by epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in Drosophila testes. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:491. [PMID: 33990549 PMCID: PMC8121936 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03783-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogonia transit-amplifying (TA) divisions are crucial for the differentiation of germline stem cell daughters. However, the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated that CG6015 was essential for spermatogonia TA-divisions and elongated spermatozoon development in Drosophila melanogaster. Spermatogonia deficient in CG6015 inhibited germline differentiation leading to the accumulation of undifferentiated cell populations. Transcriptome profiling using RNA sequencing indicated that CG6015 was involved in spermatogenesis, spermatid differentiation, and metabolic processes. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed the relationship between CG6015 and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway. Unexpectedly, we discovered that phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase (dpERK) signals were activated in germline stem cell (GSC)-like cells after reduction of CG6015 in spermatogonia. Moreover, Downstream of raf1 (Dsor1), a key downstream target of EGFR, mimicked the phenotype of CG6015, and germline dpERK signals were activated in spermatogonia of Dsor1 RNAi testes. Together, these findings revealed a potential regulatory mechanism of CG6015 via EGFR signaling during spermatogonia TA-divisions in Drosophila testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yu
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qianwen Zheng
- grid.440785.a0000 0001 0743 511XDepartment of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zhiran Li
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yunhao Wu
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yangbo Fu
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Dengfeng Lin
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Cong Shen
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fei Sun
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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11
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Zheng Q, Chen X, Qiao C, Wang M, Chen W, Luan X, Yan Y, Shen C, Fang J, Hu X, Zheng B, Wu Y, Yu J. Somatic CG6015 mediates cyst stem cell maintenance and germline stem cell differentiation via EGFR signaling in Drosophila testes. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:68. [PMID: 33824283 PMCID: PMC8024382 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00452-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell niche is regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In the Drosophila testis, cyst stem cells (CySCs) support the differentiation of germline stem cells (GSCs). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we found that somatic CG6015 is required for CySC maintenance and GSC differentiation in a Drosophila model. Knockdown of CG6015 in CySCs caused aberrant activation of dpERK in undifferentiated germ cells in the Drosophila testis, and disruption of key downstream targets of EGFR signaling (Dsor1 and rl) in CySCs results in a phenotype resembling that of CG6015 knockdown. CG6015, Dsor1, and rl are essential for the survival of Drosophila cell line Schneider 2 (S2) cells. Our data showed that somatic CG6015 regulates CySC maintenance and GSC differentiation via EGFR signaling, and inhibits aberrant activation of germline dpERK signals. These findings indicate regulatory mechanisms of stem cell niche homeostasis in the Drosophila testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwen Zheng
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, 212001, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, 212001, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Chen Qiao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, 212001, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, 212001, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Wanyin Chen
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, 212001, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojin Luan
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, 212001, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Yidan Yan
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, 212001, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Cong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, 215002, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Jie Fang
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, 212001, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Xing Hu
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, 212001, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Bo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, 215002, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China.
| | - Yibo Wu
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, 214062, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P.R. China.
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, 212001, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P.R. China.
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12
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Chen MY, Tayyeb A, Wang YF. shrub is required for spermatogenesis of Drosophila melanogaster. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 106:e21779. [PMID: 33660341 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Shrub (CG8055) encodes the vps32/snf7 protein, a filament-forming subunit of the ESCRT (endosomal sorting complexes required for transport)-III complex involved in inward membrane budding. It was reported that shrub was required for abscission in female germline stem cells. In this study, we showed that the expression level of shrub in the testis was significantly higher than that in the ovary of 1-day-old Drosophila melanogaster, suggesting a role in male reproduction. Then we used nosGal4 driver to knockdown shrub specifically in the fly testis and found that this resulted in a significantly lower paternal effect egg hatch rate relative to the control group. Immunofluorescence staining showed that shrub knockdown in fly testes caused an accumulation of early-stage germ cells and lack of spectrin caps. In the late stages (spermiogenesis), the control testis contained multiple compacted spermatid bundles and individualization complexes (ICs) consisting of actin cones, whereas there were scattered spermatid nuclei and only a few ICs with disorganized actin cones in the shrub knockdown testis. Finally, the control seminal vesicle was full of mature sperms with needle-like heads, but in shrub knockdown testis 75% of seminal vesicles had no mature sperms. We also found that knockdown of shrub in fly testes led to upregulated expression of several cytoskeleton-associated genes, and an accumulation of ubiquitylated proteins. These results suggest that knockdown of shrub in fly testes might damage spermatogenesis by affecting transportability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yan Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology Sciences, School of Life, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Abdulqadir Tayyeb
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology Sciences, School of Life, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology Sciences, School of Life, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
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13
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Bazylev SS, Adashev VE, Shatskikh AS, Olenina LV, Kotov AA. Somatic Cyst Cells as a Microenvironment for the Maintenance and Differentiation of Germline Cells in Drosophila Spermatogenesis. Russ J Dev Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360421010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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14
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CG8005 Mediates Transit-Amplifying Spermatogonial Divisions via Oxidative Stress in Drosophila Testes. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:2846727. [PMID: 33193998 PMCID: PMC7641671 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2846727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) widely occurs in metabolic reactions and affects stem cell activity by participating in stem cell self-renewal. However, the mechanisms of transit-amplifying (TA) spermatogonial divisions mediated by oxidative stress are not fully understood. Through genetic manipulation of Drosophila testes, we demonstrated that CG8005 regulated TA spermatogonial divisions and redox homeostasis. Using in vitro approaches, we showed that the knockdown of CG8005 increased ROS levels in S2 cells; the induced ROS generation was inhibited by NAC and exacerbated by H2O2 pretreatments. Furthermore, the silencing of CG8005 increased the mRNA expression of oxidation-promoting factors Keap1, GstD1, and Mal-A6 and decreased the mRNA expression of antioxidant factors cnc, Gclm, maf-S, ND-42, and ND-75. We further investigated the functions of the antioxidant factor cnc, a key factor in the Keap1-cnc signaling pathway, and showed that cnc mimicked the phenotype of CG8005 in both Drosophila testes and S2 cells. Our results indicated that CG8005, together with cnc, controlled TA spermatogonial divisions by regulating oxidative stress in Drosophila.
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15
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Wang M, Chen X, Wu Y, Zheng Q, Chen W, Yan Y, Luan X, Shen C, Fang J, Zheng B, Yu J. RpS13 controls the homeostasis of germline stem cell niche through Rho1-mediated signals in the Drosophila testis. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12899. [PMID: 32896929 PMCID: PMC7574871 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Stem cell niche regulated the renewal and differentiation of germline stem cells (GSCs) in Drosophila. Previously, we and others identified a series of genes encoding ribosomal proteins that may contribute to the self‐renewal and differentiation of GSCs. However, the mechanisms that maintain and differentiate GSCs in their niches were not well understood. Materials and Methods Flies were used to generate tissue‐specific gene knockdown. Small interfering RNAs were used to knockdown genes in S2 cells. qRT‐PCR was used to examine the relative mRNA expression level. TUNEL staining or flow cytometry assays were used to detect cell survival. Immunofluorescence was used to determine protein localization and expression pattern. Results Herein, using a genetic manipulation approach, we investigated the role of ribosomal protein S13 (RpS13) in testes and S2 cells. We reported that RpS13 was required for the self‐renewal and differentiation of GSCs. We also demonstrated that RpS13 regulated cell proliferation and apoptosis. Mechanistically, we showed that RpS13 regulated the expression of ribosome subunits and could moderate the expression of the Rho1, DE‐cad and Arm proteins. Notably, Rho1 imitated the phenotype of RpS13 in both Drosophila testes and S2 cells, and recruited cell adhesions, which was mediated by the DE‐cad and Arm proteins. Conclusion These findings uncover a novel mechanism of RpS13 that mediates Rho1 signals in the stem cell niche of the Drosophila testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yibo Wu
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qianwen Zheng
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Wanyin Chen
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yidan Yan
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiaojin Luan
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Cong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Fang
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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16
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The Drosophila RNA Helicase Belle (DDX3) Non-Autonomously Suppresses Germline Tumorigenesis Via Regulation of a Specific mRNA Set. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030550. [PMID: 32111103 PMCID: PMC7140462 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
DDX3 subfamily DEAD-box RNA helicases are essential developmental regulators of RNA metabolism in eukaryotes. belle, the single DDX3 ortholog in Drosophila, is required for fly viability, fertility, and germline stem cell maintenance. Belle is involved both in translational activation and repression of target mRNAs in different tissues; however, direct targets of Belle in the testes are essentially unknown. Here we showed that belle RNAi knockdown in testis cyst cells caused a disruption of adhesion between germ and cyst cells and generation of tumor-like clusters of stem-like germ cells. Ectopic expression of β-integrin in cyst cells rescued early stages of spermatogenesis in belle knockdown testes, indicating that integrin adhesion complexes are required for the interaction between somatic and germ cells in a cyst. To address Belle functions in spermatogenesis in detail we performed cross-linking immunoprecipitation and sequencing (CLIP-seq) analysis and identified multiple mRNAs that interacted with Belle in the testes. The set of Belle targets includes transcripts of proteins that are essential for preventing the tumor-like clusters of germ cells and for sustaining spermatogenesis. By our hypothesis, failures in the translation of a number of mRNA targets additively contribute to developmental defects observed in the testes with belle knockdowns both in cyst cells and in the germline.
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17
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DDB1 Regulates Sertoli Cell Proliferation and Testis Cord Remodeling by TGFβ Pathway. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10120974. [PMID: 31779270 PMCID: PMC6947845 DOI: 10.3390/genes10120974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Testis cords are the embryonic precursors of the seminiferous tubules. Development of testis cords is a key event during embryonic testicular morphogenesis and is regulated by multiple signaling molecules produced by Sertoli cells. However, the exact nature and the cascade of molecular events underlying testis cord development remain to be uncovered. In the current study, we explored the role of DNA damage binding protein 1 (DDB1) in Sertoli cells during mouse testis cord development. The genetic ablation of Ddb1 specifically in Sertoli cells resulted in the compromised Sertoli cell proliferation and disruption of testis cord remodeling in neonatal mice. This testicular dysgenesis persisted through adulthood, resulting in smaller testis and low sperm production. Mechanistically, we observed that the DDB1 degradation can stabilize SET domain-containing lysine methyltransferase 8 (SET8), which subsequently decreases the phosphorylation of SMAD2, an essential intracellular component of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling. Taken together, our results suggest an essential role of Ddb1 in Sertoli cell proliferation and normal remodeling of testis cords via TGFβ pathway. To our knowledge, this is the first upstream regulators of TGFβ pathway in Sertoli cells, and therefore it furthers our understanding of testis cord development.
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18
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Taxiarchi C, Kranjc N, Kriezis A, Kyrou K, Bernardini F, Russell S, Nolan T, Crisanti A, Galizi R. High-resolution transcriptional profiling of Anopheles gambiae spermatogenesis reveals mechanisms of sex chromosome regulation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14841. [PMID: 31619757 PMCID: PMC6795909 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51181-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although of high priority for the development of genetic tools to control malaria-transmitting mosquitoes, only a few germline-specific regulatory regions have been characterised to date and the presence of global regulatory mechanisms, such as dosage compensation and meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI), are mostly assumed from transcriptomic analyses of reproductive tissues or whole gonads. In such studies, samples include a significant portion of somatic tissues inevitably complicating the reconstruction of a defined transcriptional map of gametogenesis. By exploiting recent advances in transgenic technologies and gene editing tools, combined with fluorescence-activated cell sorting and RNA sequencing, we have separated four distinct cell lineages from the Anopheles gambiae male gonads: premeiotic, meiotic (primary and secondary spermatocytes) and postmeiotic. By comparing the overall expression levels of X-linked and autosomal genes across the four populations, we revealed a striking transcriptional repression of the X chromosome coincident with the meiotic phase, classifiable as MSCI, and highlighted genes that may evade silencing. In addition, chromosome-wide median expression ratios of the premeiotic population confirmed the absence of dosage compensation in the male germline. Applying differential expression analysis, we highlighted genes and transcript isoforms enriched at specific timepoints and reconstructed the expression dynamics of the main biological processes regulating the key stages of sperm development and maturation. We generated the first transcriptomic atlas of A. gambiae spermatogenesis that will expand the available toolbox for the genetic engineering of vector control technologies. We also describe an innovative and multidimensional approach to isolate specific cell lineages that can be used for the targeted analysis of other A. gambiae organs or transferred to other medically relevant species and model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysanthi Taxiarchi
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Nace Kranjc
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Antonios Kriezis
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kyros Kyrou
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Steven Russell
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tony Nolan
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrea Crisanti
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Roberto Galizi
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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19
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Precursor RNA processing 3 is required for male fertility, and germline stem cell self-renewal and differentiation via regulating spliceosome function in Drosophila testes. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9988. [PMID: 31292463 PMCID: PMC6620278 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46419-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear pre-mRNA spliceosome is a large complex containing five small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs) and many splicing factors. Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are generated from pre-mRNAs by the process of RNA splicing, which is conserved in eukaryotes. Precursor RNA processing 3 (Prp3) is a U4/U6-associated snRNP whose function remains largely unknown. In the present study, using genetic manipulation of a Drosophila melanogaster testis model, we demonstrated that Prp3 is essential for male fertility in Drosophila. Prp3 deficiency in germline stem cells (GSCs) and early cyst cells resulted in abnormal structure of testes and maintenance defects of GSCs and cyst stem cells. Knockdown of Prp3 in spermatogonia and early cyst cells mediated tumor formation caused by differentiation defects. Using an in vitro assay, knockdown of Prp3 decreased proliferation and increased cell death, and controlled the spliceosome function via regulating spliceosome subunits expression in Drosophila S2 cells. We also identified two other splicing factors in the Prp complex (Prp19 and Prp8), which mimicked the phenotype of Prp3 in the Drosophila stem cell niche. Our results revealed a significant role of precursor RNA processing factors in male testes, indicating that Prp3, a key spliceosome component in the Prp complex, is essential for male fertility, and germline stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, via regulating the spliceosome function in Drosophila testes.
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20
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Kahney EW, Snedeker JC, Chen X. Regulation of Drosophila germline stem cells. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2019; 60:27-35. [PMID: 31014993 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The asymmetric division of adult stem cells into one self-renewing stem cell and one differentiating cell is critical for maintaining homeostasis in many tissues. One paradigmatic model of this division is the Drosophila male and female germline stem cell, which provides two model systems not only sharing common features but also having distinct characteristics for studying asymmetric stem cell division in vivo. This asymmetric division is controlled by a combination of extrinsic signaling molecules and intrinsic factors that are either asymmetrically segregated or regulated differentially following division. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms guiding this asymmetric outcome, including extrinsic cues, intrinsic factors governing cell fate specification, and cell cycle control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth W Kahney
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Jonathan C Snedeker
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
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21
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Yu J, Yan Y, Luan X, Qiao C, Liu Y, Zhao D, Xie B, Zheng Q, Wang M, Chen W, Shen C, He Z, Hu X, Huang X, Li H, Shao Q, Chen X, Zheng B, Fang J. Srlp is crucial for the self-renewal and differentiation of germline stem cells via RpL6 signals in Drosophila testes. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:294. [PMID: 30931935 PMCID: PMC6443671 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1527-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Self-renewal and differentiation in germline stem cells (GSCs) are tightly regulated by the stem cell niche and via multiple approaches. In our previous study, we screened the novel GSC regulatory gene Srlp in Drosophila testes. However, the underlying mechanistic links between Srlp and the stem cell niche remain largely undetermined. Here, using genetic manipulation of the Drosophila model, we systematically analyze the function and mechanism of Srlp in vivo and in vitro. In Drosophila, Srlp is an essential gene that regulates the self-renewal and differentiation of GSCs in the testis. In the in vitro assay, Srlp is found to control the proliferation ability and cell death in S2 cells, which is consistent with the phenotype observed in Drosophila testis. Furthermore, results of the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) reveal that RpL6 binds to Srlp. Srlp also regulates the expression of spliceosome and ribosome subunits and controls spliceosome and ribosome function via RpL6 signals. Collectively, our findings uncover the genetic causes and molecular mechanisms underlying the stem cell niche. This study provides new insights for elucidating the pathogenic mechanism of male sterility and the formation of testicular germ cell tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yu
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212001, China.,Reproductive Sciences Institute of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212001, China
| | - Yidan Yan
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212001, China.,Reproductive Sciences Institute of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212001, China
| | - Xiaojin Luan
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212001, China.,Reproductive Sciences Institute of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212001, China
| | - Chen Qiao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212001, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Jiangsu, 215002, China
| | - Dan Zhao
- Reproductive Sciences Institute of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212001, China.,Center for Reproduction, The Fourth People's Hospital of Zhenjiang, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Bing Xie
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212001, China
| | - Qianwen Zheng
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212001, China.,Reproductive Sciences Institute of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212001, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212001, China
| | - Wanyin Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212001, China
| | - Cong Shen
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Jiangsu, 215002, China
| | - Zeyu He
- Department of Clinical Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Xing Hu
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212001, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 211166, China
| | - Hong Li
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Jiangsu, 215002, China
| | - Qixiang Shao
- Reproductive Sciences Institute of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212001, China.,Department of Immunology and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212001, China. .,Reproductive Sciences Institute of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212001, China.
| | - Bo Zheng
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Jiangsu, 215002, China.
| | - Jie Fang
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Jiangsu, 212001, China.
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22
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Yu J, Luan X, Yan Y, Qiao C, Liu Y, Zhao D, Xie B, Zheng Q, Wang M, Chen W, Shen C, He Z, Hu X, Huang X, Li H, Chen B, Zheng B, Chen X, Fang J. Small ribonucleoprotein particle protein SmD3 governs the homeostasis of germline stem cells and the crosstalk between the spliceosome and ribosome signals in Drosophila. FASEB J 2019; 33:8125-8137. [PMID: 30921522 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802536rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The ribonucleoprotein (RNP) spliceosome machinery triggers the precursor RNA splicing process in eukaryotes. Major spliceosome defects are implicated in male infertility; however, the underlying mechanistic links between the spliceosome and the ribosome in Drosophila testes remains largely unresolved. Small ribonucleoprotein particle protein SmD3 (SmD3) is a novel germline stem cell (GSC) regulatory gene identified in our previous screen of Drosophila testes. In the present study, using genetic manipulation in a Drosophila model, we demonstrated that SmD3 is required for the GSC niche and controls the self-renewal and differentiation of GSCs in the testis. Using in vitro assays in Schneider 2 cells, we showed that SmD3 also regulates the homeostasis of proliferation and apoptosis in Drosophila. Furthermore, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methods, SmD3 was identified as binding with ribosomal protein (Rp)L18, which is a key regulator of the large subunit in the ribosome. Moreover, SmD3 was observed to regulate spliceosome and ribosome subunit expression levels and controlled spliceosome and ribosome function via RpL18. Significantly, our findings revealed the genetic causes and molecular mechanisms underlying the stem cell niche and the crosstalk between the spliceosome and the ribosome.-Yu, J., Luan, X., Yan, Y., Qiao, C., Liu, Y., Zhao, D., Xie, B., Zheng, Q., Wang, M., Chen, W., Shen, C., He, Z., Hu, X., Huang, X., Li, H., Chen, B., Zheng, B., Chen, X., Fang, J. Small ribonucleoprotein particle protein SmD3 governs the homeostasis of germline stem cells and the crosstalk between the spliceosome and ribosome signals in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yu
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University-Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.,Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiaojin Luan
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University-Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.,Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yidan Yan
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University-Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.,Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Chen Qiao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University-Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital-The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Dan Zhao
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.,Center for Reproduction, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University-The Fourth People's Hospital of Zhenjiang, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Bing Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University-The Fourth People's Hospital of Zhenjiang, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Qianwen Zheng
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University-Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.,Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University-Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Wanyin Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University-Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Cong Shen
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital-The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zeyu He
- Department of Clinical Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xing Hu
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University-Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Li
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital-The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Binghai Chen
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University
| | - Bo Zheng
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital-The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University-Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.,Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jie Fang
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University-Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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Drosophila Pif1A is essential for spermatogenesis and is the homolog of human CCDC157, a gene associated with idiopathic NOA. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:125. [PMID: 30741974 PMCID: PMC6370830 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1398-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic process of spermatogenesis shows little variation between invertebrate models such as Drosophila, and vertebrate models such as mice and rats. In each case, germ stem cells undergo mitotic division to proliferate and then continue, via meiosis, through various stages of elongation and individualization from spermatogonia to spermatid to finally to form mature sperm. Mature sperm are then stored in the seminal vesicles for fertilization. Errors in any of these stages can lead to male infertility. Here, we identify that Drosophila Pif1A acts as a key regulator for sperm individualization. Loss of Pif1A leads to male sterility associated with irregular individualization complex and empty seminal vesicles without mature sperm. Pif1A is highly expressed in the testes of mated male adult flies and the Pif1A protein is expressed at a higher level in male than in female flies. Pif1A is homologous to mammalian coiled-coil domain-containing protein 157 (CCDC157), which is also enriched in the testes of humans and mice. Human CCDC157, with unknown function, was identified to be downregulated in men with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). We map the function of Drosophila Pif1A during spermatogenesis, showing that Pif1A is essential for spermatide individualization and involved in the regulation of the lipid metabolism genes. Our findings might be applicable for studying the function of CCDC157 in spermatogenesis and other aspects of human male fertility.
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ATP synthase is required for male fertility and germ cell maturation in Drosophila testes. Mol Med Rep 2019; 19:1561-1570. [PMID: 30628672 PMCID: PMC6390039 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.9834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Germ cell maturation is essential for spermatogenesis and testis homeostasis. ATP synthase serves significant roles in energy storage in germ cell survival and is catalyzed by alterations in the mitochondrial membrane proton concentration. The intrinsic cellular mechanisms governing stem cell maturation remain largely unknown. In the present study, in vivo RNA interference (RNAi) screening of major ATP synthase subunits was performed, and the function of ATP synthase for male fertility and spermatogenesis in Drosophila was explored. A Upstream Activation Sequence/Gal4 transcription factor system was used to knock down gene expression in specific cell types, and immunofluorescence staining was conducted to assess the roles of ATP synthase subunits in Drosophila testes. It was identified that knockdown of ATP synthase resulted in male infertility and abnormal spermatogenesis in Drosophila testes. In addition, knockdown of the ATP synthase β subunit in germ cells resulted in defects in male infertility and germ cell maturation, while the hub and cyst cell populations were maintained. Other major ATP synthase subunits were also examined and similar phenotypes in Drosophila testes were identified. Taken together, the data from the present study revealed that ATP synthase serves important roles for male fertility during spermatogenesis by regulating germ cell maturation in Drosophila testes.
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Jarzebowski L, Le Bouteiller M, Coqueran S, Raveux A, Vandormael-Pournin S, David A, Cumano A, Cohen-Tannoudji M. Mouse adult hematopoietic stem cells actively synthesize ribosomal RNA. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2018; 24:1803-1812. [PMID: 30242063 PMCID: PMC6239186 DOI: 10.1261/rna.067843.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The contribution of basal cellular processes to the regulation of tissue homeostasis has just started to be appreciated. However, our knowledge of the modulation of ribosome biogenesis activity in situ within specific lineages remains very limited. This is largely due to the lack of assays that enable quantitation of ribosome biogenesis in small numbers of cells in vivo. We used a technique, named Flow-FISH, combining cell surface antibody staining and flow cytometry with intracellular ribosomal RNA (rRNA) FISH, to measure the levels of pre-rRNAs of hematopoietic cells in vivo. Here, we show that Flow-FISH reports and quantifies ribosome biogenesis activity in hematopoietic cell populations, thereby providing original data on this fundamental process notably in rare populations such as hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. We unravel variations in pre-rRNA levels between different hematopoietic progenitor compartments and during erythroid differentiation. In particular, our data indicate that, contrary to what may be anticipated from their quiescent state, hematopoietic stem cells have significant ribosome biogenesis activity. Moreover, variations in pre-rRNA levels do not correlate with proliferation rates, suggesting that cell type-specific mechanisms might regulate ribosome biogenesis in hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the cellular physiology of the hematopoietic system in vivo in unperturbed situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léonard Jarzebowski
- Early Mammalian Development and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
- CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
| | - Marie Le Bouteiller
- Early Mammalian Development and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
- CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
| | - Sabrina Coqueran
- Early Mammalian Development and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
- CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
| | - Aurélien Raveux
- Early Mammalian Development and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
- CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
| | - Sandrine Vandormael-Pournin
- Early Mammalian Development and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
- CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
| | - Alexandre David
- Team "Signaling and Cancer," Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Montpellier 34094, France
| | - Ana Cumano
- Lymphocyte Development Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
| | - Michel Cohen-Tannoudji
- Early Mammalian Development and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
- CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
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26
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Cheng Y, Chen D. Fruit fly research in China. J Genet Genomics 2018; 45:583-592. [PMID: 30455037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Served as a model organism over a century, fruit fly has significantly pushed forward the development of global scientific research, including in China. The high similarity in genomic features between fruit fly and human enables this tiny insect to benefit the biomedical studies of human diseases. In the past decades, Chinese biologists have used fruit fly to make numerous achievements on understanding the fundamental questions in many diverse areas of biology. Here, we review some of the recent fruit fly studies in China, and mainly focus on those studies in the fields of stem cell biology, cancer therapy and regeneration medicine, neurological disorders and epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Dahua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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27
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Huang Z, Tang D, Gao J, Dou X, Cheng P, Peng D, Zhang Y, Mao J, Zhang L, Zhang X. miR-34c disrupts spermatogonial stem cell homeostasis in cryptorchid testes by targeting Nanos2. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:97. [PMID: 30322389 PMCID: PMC6190564 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0417-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptorchidism as a common genitourinary malformation with the serious complication of male infertility draws widespread attention. With several reported miRNAs playing critical roles in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), we aimed to explore the fundamental function of the highly conserved miR-34c in cryptorchidism. METHODS To explore whether miR-34c participates in spermatogenesis by regulating Nanos2, we examined the effect of overexpression and inhibition for miR-34c on Nanos2 expression in GC-1 cells. Moreover, the expression levels of miR-34c and Nanos2 with cryptorchidism in humans and mice were examined. Furthermore, the homeostasis of SSCs was evaluated through counting the number of promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) positive spermatogonia in murine cryptorchid testes. RESULTS In the present study, we show that miR-34c could inhibit the expression of Nanos2 in GC-1 cells. Meanwhile, miR-34c significantly decreased in both the testicular tissues of patients with cryptorchidism and surgery-induced murine model of cryptorchidism. Western blot revealed that the protein level of Nanos2 was up-regulated and showed to be negatively correlated to the expression of miR-34c in our model. The abnormal expression of miR-34c/Nanos2 disrupted the balance between SSC self-renewal and differentiation, eventually damaging the spermatogenesis of cryptorchid testes. CONCLUSIONS The miR-34c/Nanos2 pathway provides new insight into the mechanism of male infertility caused by cryptorchidism. Our results indicate that miR-34c may serve as a biological marker for treatment of infertility caused by cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Huang
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fReproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
- 0000 0000 9490 772Xgrid.186775.aAnhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Jingjing Gao
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Xianming Dou
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Peng Cheng
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Dangwei Peng
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Yao Zhang
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Jun Mao
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Li Zhang
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Xiansheng Zhang
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
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Roy D, Kahler DJ, Yun C, Hubbard EJA. Functional Interactions Between rsks-1/S6K, glp-1/Notch, and Regulators of Caenorhabditis elegans Fertility and Germline Stem Cell Maintenance. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2018; 8:3293-3309. [PMID: 30126834 PMCID: PMC6169383 DOI: 10.1534/g3.118.200511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The proper accumulation and maintenance of stem cells is critical for organ development and homeostasis. The Notch signaling pathway maintains stem cells in diverse organisms and organ systems. In Caenorhabditis elegans, GLP-1/Notch activity prevents germline stem cell (GSC) differentiation. Other signaling mechanisms also influence the maintenance of GSCs, including the highly-conserved TOR substrate ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K). Although C. elegans bearing either a null mutation in rsks-1/S6K or a reduction-of-function (rf) mutation in glp-1/Notch produce half the normal number of adult germline progenitors, virtually all these single mutant animals are fertile. However, glp-1(rf) rsks-1(null) double mutant animals are all sterile, and in about half of their gonads, all GSCs differentiate, a distinctive phenotype associated with a significant reduction or loss of GLP-1 signaling. How rsks-1/S6K promotes GSC fate is unknown. Here, we determine that rsks-1/S6K acts germline-autonomously to maintain GSCs, and that it does not act through Cyclin-E or MAP kinase in this role. We found that interfering with translation also enhances glp-1(rf), but that regulation through rsks-1 cannot fully account for this effect. In a genome-scale RNAi screen for genes that act similarly to rsks-1/S6K, we identified 56 RNAi enhancers of glp-1(rf) sterility, many of which were previously not known to interact functionally with Notch. Further investigation revealed at least six candidates that, by genetic criteria, act linearly with rsks-1/S6K. These include genes encoding translation-related proteins, cacn-1/Cactin, an RNA exosome component, and a Hedgehog-related ligand. We found that additional Hedgehog-related ligands may share functional relationships with glp-1/Notch and rsks-1/S6K in maintaining germline progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debasmita Roy
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Departments of Cell Biology and Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
| | - David J Kahler
- NYU High Throughput Biology Laboratory, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016
| | - Chi Yun
- NYU High Throughput Biology Laboratory, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016
| | - E Jane Albert Hubbard
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Departments of Cell Biology and Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
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Abstract
Background The formation of matured and individual sperm involves a series of molecular and spectacular morphological changes of the developing cysts in Drosophila melanogaster testis. Recent advances in RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology help us to understand the complexity of eukaryotic transcriptomes by dissecting different tissues and developmental stages of organisms. To gain a better understanding of cellular differentiation of spermatogenesis, we applied RNA-Seq to analyse the testis-specific transcriptome, including coding and non-coding genes. Results We isolated three different parts of the wild-type testis by dissecting and cutting the different regions: 1.) the apical region, which contains stem cells and developing spermatocytes 2.) the middle region, with enrichment of meiotic cysts 3.) the basal region, which contains elongated post-meiotic cysts with spermatids. Total RNA was isolated from each region and analysed by next-generation sequencing. We collected data from the annotated 17412 Drosophila genes and identified 5381 genes with significant transcript accumulation differences between the regions, representing the main stages of spermatogenesis. We demonstrated for the first time the presence and region specific distribution of 2061 lncRNAs in testis, with 203 significant differences. Using the available modENCODE RNA-Seq data, we determined the tissue specificity indices of Drosophila genes. Combining the indices with our results, we identified genes with region-specific enrichment in testis. Conclusion By multiple analyses of our results and integrating existing knowledge about Drosophila melanogaster spermatogenesis to our dataset, we were able to describe transcript composition of different regions of Drosophila testis, including several stage-specific transcripts. We present searchable visualizations that can facilitate the identification of new components that play role in the organisation and composition of different stages of spermatogenesis, including the less known, but complex regulation of post-meiotic stages. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5085-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Identification of genetic networks that act in the somatic cells of the testis to mediate the developmental program of spermatogenesis. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1007026. [PMID: 28957323 PMCID: PMC5634645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a dynamic developmental process requiring precisely timed transitions between discrete stages. Specifically, the germline undergoes three transitions: from mitotic spermatogonia to spermatocytes, from meiotic spermatocytes to spermatids, and from morphogenetic spermatids to spermatozoa. The somatic cells of the testis provide essential support to the germline throughout spermatogenesis, but their precise role during these developmental transitions has not been comprehensively explored. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of genes that are required in the somatic cells of the Drosophila melanogaster testis for progress through spermatogenesis. Phenotypic analysis of candidate genes pinpointed the stage of germline development disrupted. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that particular gene classes were associated with specific developmental transitions. Requirement for genes associated with endocytosis, cell polarity, and microtubule-based transport corresponded with the development of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids, respectively. Overall, we identify mechanisms that act specifically in the somatic cells of the testis to regulate spermatogenesis. Sexual reproduction in animals requires the production of male and female gametes, spermatozoa and ova, respectively. Gametes are derived from specialized cells known as the germline through a process called gametogenesis. Gametogenesis typically takes place in a gonad and requires the germ cells to be surrounded by specialized somatic cells that support germline development. While many prior studies have identified germline specific genes required for gametogenesis few have systematically identified genes required in the somatic cells for gametogenesis. To this end we performed an RNAi screen where we disrupted the function of genes specifically in the somatic cyst cells of the Drosophila melanogaster testis. Using fertility assays we identified 281 genes that are required in somatic cyst cells for fertility. To better understand the role of these genes in regulating spermatogenesis we classified the resulting phenotypes by the stage of germline development disrupted. This revealed distinct sets of genes required to support specific stages of spermatogenesis. Our study characterizes the somatic specific defects resulting from disruption of candidate genes and provides insight into their function in the testes. Overall, our findings reveal the mechanisms controlling Drosophila melanogaster spermatogenesis and provide a resource for studying soma-germline interactions more broadly.
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31
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Xu YW, Cao LR, Wang M, Xu Y, Wu X, Liu J, Tong C, Fan HY. Maternal DCAF2 is crucial for maintenance of genome stability during the first cell cycle in mice. J Cell Sci 2017; 130:3297-3307. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.206664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise regulation of DNA replication and genome integrity is crucial for gametogenesis and early embryogenesis. Cullin ring-finger ubiquitin ligase 4 (CRL4) has multiple functions in the maintenance of germ cell survival, oocyte meiotic maturation, and maternal-zygotic transition in mammals. DDB1-cullin 4-associated factor-2 (DCAF2, also known as DTL or CDT2) is an evolutionarily conserved substrate receptor of CRL4. To determine whether DCAF2 is a key CRL4 substrate adaptor in mammalian oocytes, we generated a novel mouse strain that carries a Dcaf2 allele flanked by LoxP sequences, and specifically deleted Dcaf2 in oocytes. Dcaf2 knockout in mouse oocytes leads to female infertility. Although Dcaf2 null oocytes were able to develop and mature normally, the embryos derived from them were arrested at 1- to 2-cell stages owing to prolonged DNA replication and accumulation of massive DNA damage. These results indicate that DCAF2 is a previously unrecognized maternal factor that safeguards zygotic genome stability. Maternal DCAF2 protein is crucial for prevention of DNA rereplication in the first and unique mitotic cell cycle of the zygote.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Wen Xu
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 301158, China
| | - Lan-Rui Cao
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 301158, China
| | - Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Cambridge-Suda Genomic Resource, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junping Liu
- Institute of Aging Research, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Chao Tong
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 301158, China
| | - Heng-Yu Fan
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 301158, China
- Institute of Aging Research, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
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Fang A, Li X, Wang Y, Pan D, Wang Q. A core component of the CUL4 ubiquitin ligase complexes, DDB1, regulates spermatogenesis in the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. Gene 2016; 601:11-20. [PMID: 27923671 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Studies in mammals have shown that damaged DNA-binding protein 1 (DDB1) is a multifunctional protein that recognizes UV-induced DNA lesions and activates nucleotide excision repair process, and could also be a linker protein for Cullin4 in ubiquitination to regulate cell cycle progression. However, there are few studies of DBB1 in crustaceans. In this study, a cDNA representing the DDB1 gene from Eriocheir sinensis (Es-DDB1) was cloned successfully. The full length Es-DDB1 cDNA comprises 4871 nucleotides, and encodes an open-reading frame (ORF) of 1137 amino acid residues. Bioinformatics' analysis showed that the domains and structure of Es-DDB1 have been highly conserved during evolution. Antibodies against Es-DDB1 and Es-Cul4 were raised using a prokaryotic expression system. Moreover, a co-immunoprecipitation assay showed that Es-DDB1 could bind Es-Cul4 in the testis of Eriocheir sinensis. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting showed high expression in the testis, particularly during the spermatocyte stage. Immunofluorescence assays showed that Es-DDB1 was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm in the early and middle developmental stages. These results indicated that Es-DDB1 might play a key role in spermatogenesis of E. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- AnYu Fang
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Immunological Defense & Reproductive Biology, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - XueJie Li
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Immunological Defense & Reproductive Biology, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - YuanLi Wang
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Immunological Defense & Reproductive Biology, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - DiYue Pan
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Immunological Defense & Reproductive Biology, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Immunological Defense & Reproductive Biology, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
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