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Trigg NA, Conine CC. Epididymal acquired sperm microRNAs modify post-fertilization embryonic gene expression. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114698. [PMID: 39226174 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm small RNAs have emerged as important non-genetic contributors to embryogenesis and offspring health. A subset of sperm small RNAs is thought to be acquired during epididymal transit. However, the identity of the specific small RNAs transferred remains unclear. Here, we employ Cre/Lox genetics to generate germline- and epididymal-specific Dgcr8 knockout (KO) mice to investigate the dynamics of sperm microRNAs (miRNAs) and their functions post-fertilization. Testicular sperm from germline Dgcr8 KO mice has reduced levels of 116 miRNAs. Enthrallingly, following epididymal transit, the abundance of 72% of these miRNAs is restored. Conversely, sperm from epididymal Dgcr8 KO mice displayed reduced levels of 27 miRNAs. This loss of epididymal miRNAs in sperm was accompanied by transcriptomic changes in embryos fertilized by this sperm, which was rescued by microinjection of epididymal miRNAs. These findings ultimately demonstrate the acquisition of miRNAs from the soma by sperm during epididymal transit and their subsequent regulation of embryonic gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A Trigg
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Departments of Genetics and Pediatrics - Penn Epigenetics Institute, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, and Center for Women's Health and Reproductive Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Colin C Conine
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Departments of Genetics and Pediatrics - Penn Epigenetics Institute, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, and Center for Women's Health and Reproductive Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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2
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Skinner MW, Simington CJ, López-Jiménez P, Baran KA, Xu J, Dayani Y, Pryzhkova MV, Page J, Gómez R, Holland AJ, Jordan PW. Spermatocytes have the capacity to segregate chromosomes despite centriole duplication failure. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:3373-3405. [PMID: 38943004 PMCID: PMC11316026 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00187-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Centrosomes are the canonical microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) of most mammalian cells, including spermatocytes. Centrosomes comprise a centriole pair within a structurally ordered and dynamic pericentriolar matrix (PCM). Unlike in mitosis, where centrioles duplicate once per cycle, centrioles undergo two rounds of duplication during spermatogenesis. The first duplication is during early meiotic prophase I, and the second is during interkinesis. Using mouse mutants and chemical inhibition, we have blocked centriole duplication during spermatogenesis and determined that non-centrosomal MTOCs (ncMTOCs) can mediate chromosome segregation. This mechanism is different from the acentriolar MTOCs that form bipolar spindles in oocytes, which require PCM components, including gamma-tubulin and CEP192. From an in-depth analysis, we identified six microtubule-associated proteins, TPX2, KIF11, NuMA, and CAMSAP1-3, that localized to the non-centrosomal MTOC. These factors contribute to a mechanism that ensures bipolar MTOC formation and chromosome segregation during spermatogenesis when centriole duplication fails. However, despite the successful completion of meiosis and round spermatid formation, centriole inheritance and PLK4 function are required for normal spermiogenesis and flagella assembly, which are critical to ensure fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnie W Skinner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carter J Simington
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Pablo López-Jiménez
- Department of Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Kerstin A Baran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jingwen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yaron Dayani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marina V Pryzhkova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jesús Page
- Department of Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Gómez
- Department of Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrew J Holland
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Philip W Jordan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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3
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Houston BJ, Nguyen J, Merriner DJ, O'Connor AE, Lopes AM, Nagirnaja L, Friedrich C, Kliesch S, Tüttelmann F, Aston KI, Conrad DF, Hobbs RM, Dunleavy JEM, O'Bryan MK. AXDND1 is required to balance spermatogonial commitment and for sperm tail formation in mice and humans. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:499. [PMID: 38997255 PMCID: PMC11245616 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06874-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Dynein complexes are large, multi-unit assemblies involved in many biological processes via their critical roles in protein transport and axoneme motility. Using next-generation sequencing of infertile men presenting with low or no sperm in their ejaculates, we identified damaging variants in the dynein-related gene AXDND1. We thus hypothesised that AXDND1 is a critical regulator of male fertility. To test this hypothesis, we produced a knockout mouse model. Axdnd1-/- males were sterile at all ages but presented with an evolving testis phenotype wherein they could undergo one round of histologically replete spermatogenesis followed by a rapid depletion of the seminiferous epithelium. Marker experiments identified a role for AXDND1 in maintaining the balance between differentiation-committed and self-renewing spermatogonial populations, resulting in disproportionate production of differentiating cells in the absence of AXDND1 and increased sperm production during initial spermatogenic waves. Moreover, long-term spermatogonial maintenance in the Axdnd1 knockout was compromised, ultimately leading to catastrophic germ cell loss, destruction of blood-testis barrier integrity and immune cell infiltration. In addition, sperm produced during the first wave of spermatogenesis were immotile due to abnormal axoneme structure, including the presence of ectopic vesicles and abnormalities in outer dense fibres and microtubule doublet structures. Sperm output was additionally compromised by a severe spermiation defect and abnormal sperm individualisation. Collectively these data identify AXDND1 as an atypical dynein complex-related protein with a role in protein/vesicle transport of relevance to spermatogonial function and sperm tail formation in mice and humans. This study underscores the importance of studying the consequences of gene loss-of-function on both the establishment and maintenance of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J Houston
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Joseph Nguyen
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - D Jo Merriner
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anne E O'Connor
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Alexandra M Lopes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centro de Genética Preditiva e Preventiva, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Liina Nagirnaja
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
- Genetics of Male Infertility Initiative (GEMINI) Consortium, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Corinna Friedrich
- Centre of Medical Genetics, Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Centre of Medical Genetics, Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- International Male Infertility Genomics Consortium (IMIGC), Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Genetics of Male Infertility Initiative (GEMINI) Consortium, Beaverton, OR, USA
- International Male Infertility Genomics Consortium (IMIGC), Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
- Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Donald F Conrad
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
- Genetics of Male Infertility Initiative (GEMINI) Consortium, Beaverton, OR, USA
- International Male Infertility Genomics Consortium (IMIGC), Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica E M Dunleavy
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Genetics of Male Infertility Initiative (GEMINI) Consortium, Beaverton, OR, USA.
- International Male Infertility Genomics Consortium (IMIGC), Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.
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4
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DeSpenza T, Singh A, Allington G, Zhao S, Lee J, Kiziltug E, Prina ML, Desmet N, Dang HQ, Fields J, Nelson-Williams C, Zhang J, Mekbib KY, Dennis E, Mehta NH, Duy PQ, Shimelis H, Walsh LK, Marlier A, Deniz E, Lake EMR, Constable RT, Hoffman EJ, Lifton RP, Gulledge A, Fiering S, Moreno-De-Luca A, Haider S, Alper SL, Jin SC, Kahle KT, Luikart BW. Pathogenic variants in autism gene KATNAL2 cause hydrocephalus and disrupt neuronal connectivity by impairing ciliary microtubule dynamics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2314702121. [PMID: 38916997 PMCID: PMC11228466 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2314702121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Enlargement of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled brain ventricles (cerebral ventriculomegaly), the cardinal feature of congenital hydrocephalus (CH), is increasingly recognized among patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). KATNAL2, a member of Katanin family microtubule-severing ATPases, is a known ASD risk gene, but its roles in human brain development remain unclear. Here, we show that nonsense truncation of Katnal2 (Katnal2Δ17) in mice results in classic ciliopathy phenotypes, including impaired spermatogenesis and cerebral ventriculomegaly. In both humans and mice, KATNAL2 is highly expressed in ciliated radial glia of the fetal ventricular-subventricular zone as well as in their postnatal ependymal and neuronal progeny. The ventriculomegaly observed in Katnal2Δ17 mice is associated with disrupted primary cilia and ependymal planar cell polarity that results in impaired cilia-generated CSF flow. Further, prefrontal pyramidal neurons in ventriculomegalic Katnal2Δ17 mice exhibit decreased excitatory drive and reduced high-frequency firing. Consistent with these findings in mice, we identified rare, damaging heterozygous germline variants in KATNAL2 in five unrelated patients with neurosurgically treated CH and comorbid ASD or other neurodevelopmental disorders. Mice engineered with the orthologous ASD-associated KATNAL2 F244L missense variant recapitulated the ventriculomegaly found in human patients. Together, these data suggest KATNAL2 pathogenic variants alter intraventricular CSF homeostasis and parenchymal neuronal connectivity by disrupting microtubule dynamics in fetal radial glia and their postnatal ependymal and neuronal descendants. The results identify a molecular mechanism underlying the development of ventriculomegaly in a genetic subset of patients with ASD and may explain persistence of neurodevelopmental phenotypes in some patients with CH despite neurosurgical CSF shunting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyrone DeSpenza
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Amrita Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Garrett Allington
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Shujuan Zhao
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Junghoon Lee
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755
| | - Emre Kiziltug
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Mackenzi L Prina
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755
| | - Nicole Desmet
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755
| | - Huy Q Dang
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755
| | - Jennifer Fields
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755
| | - Carol Nelson-Williams
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Junhui Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Kedous Y Mekbib
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755
| | - Evan Dennis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Neel H Mehta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Phan Q Duy
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Hermela Shimelis
- Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, PA 17821
| | - Lauren K Walsh
- Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, PA 17821
| | - Arnaud Marlier
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Engin Deniz
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Evelyn M R Lake
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8042
| | - R Todd Constable
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8042
| | - Ellen J Hoffman
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Richard P Lifton
- Laboratory of Human Genetics and Genomics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Allan Gulledge
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755
| | - Steven Fiering
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755
| | - Andres Moreno-De-Luca
- Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, PA 17821
- Department of Radiology, Diagnostic Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, PA 17821
| | - Shozeb Haider
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry, University College London School of Pharmacy, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Seth L Alper
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
- Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Sheng Chih Jin
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Kristopher T Kahle
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Bryan W Luikart
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755
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5
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Houston BJ, Merriner DJ, Stathatos GG, Nguyen JH, O'Connor AE, Lopes AM, Conrad DF, Baker M, Dunleavy JE, O'Bryan MK. Genetic mutation of Cep76 results in male infertility due to abnormal sperm tail composition. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302452. [PMID: 38570187 PMCID: PMC10992998 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The transition zone is a specialised gate at the base of cilia/flagella, which separates the ciliary compartment from the cytoplasm and strictly regulates protein entry. We identified a potential new regulator of the male germ cell transition zone, CEP76. We demonstrated that CEP76 was involved in the selective entry and incorporation of key proteins required for sperm function and fertility into the ciliary compartment and ultimately the sperm tail. In the mutant, sperm tails were shorter and immotile as a consequence of deficits in essential sperm motility proteins including DNAH2 and AKAP4, which accumulated at the sperm neck in the mutant. Severe annulus, fibrous sheath, and outer dense fibre abnormalities were also detected in sperm lacking CEP76. Finally, we identified that CEP76 dictates annulus positioning and structure. This study suggests CEP76 as a male germ cell transition zone protein and adds further evidence to the hypothesis that the spermatid transition zone and annulus are part of the same functional structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J Houston
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - D Jo Merriner
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - G Gemma Stathatos
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Joseph H Nguyen
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Anne E O'Connor
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Alexandra M Lopes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology & Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Donald F Conrad
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Mark Baker
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Jessica Em Dunleavy
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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6
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Stathatos GG, Merriner DJ, O'Connor AE, Zenker J, Dunleavy JE, O'Bryan MK. Epsilon tubulin is an essential determinant of microtubule-based structures in male germ cells. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:2722-2742. [PMID: 38773322 PMCID: PMC11169422 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00159-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Alpha, beta, and gamma tubulins are essential building blocks for all eukaryotic cells. The functions of the non-canonical tubulins, delta, epsilon, and zeta, however, remain poorly understood and their requirement in mammalian development untested. Herein we have used a spermatogenesis model to define epsilon tubulin (TUBE1) function in mice. We show that TUBE1 is essential for the function of multiple complex microtubule arrays, including the meiotic spindle, axoneme and manchette and in its absence, there is a dramatic loss of germ cells and male sterility. Moreover, we provide evidence for the interplay between TUBE1 and katanin-mediated microtubule severing, and for the sub-specialization of individual katanin paralogs in the regulation of specific microtubule arrays.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gemma Stathatos
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - D Jo Merriner
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Anne E O'Connor
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Jennifer Zenker
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Jessica Em Dunleavy
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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7
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Kleeman EA, Reisinger SN, Adithya P, Houston B, Stathatos G, Garnham AL, McLaughlin S, O'Bryan MK, Gubert C, Hannan AJ. Paternal immune activation by Poly I:C modulates sperm noncoding RNA profiles and causes transgenerational changes in offspring behavior. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:258-279. [PMID: 37820975 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Paternal pre-conceptual environmental experiences, such as stress and diet, can affect offspring brain and behavioral phenotypes via epigenetic modifications in sperm. Furthermore, maternal immune activation due to infection during gestation can reprogram offspring behavior and brain functioning in adulthood. However, the effects of paternal pre-conceptual exposure to immune activation on the behavior and physiology of offspring (F1) and grand-offspring (F2) are not currently known. We explored effects of paternal pre-conceptual exposure to viral-like immune activation on F1 and F2 behavioral and physiological phenotypes using a C57BL/6J mouse model. Males were treated with a single injection (intraperitoneal) of the viral mimetic polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C: 12 mg/kg) then bred with naïve female mice four weeks after the Poly I:C (or 0.9% saline control) injection. The F1 offspring of Poly I:C treated fathers displayed increased depression-like behavior in the Porsolt swim test, an altered stress response in the novelty-suppressed feeding test, and significant transcriptomic changes in their hippocampus. Additionally, the F1 male offspring of Poly I:C treated F0 males showed significantly increased immune responsivity after a Poly I:C immune challenge (12 mg/kg). Furthermore, the F2 male grand-offspring took longer to enter and travelled significantly shorter distances in the light zone of the light/dark box. An analysis of the small noncoding RNA profiles in sperm from Poly I:C treated males and their male offspring revealed significant effects of Poly I:C on the sperm microRNA content at the time of conception and on the sperm PIWI-interacting RNA content of the male offspring. Notably, eight miRNAs with an FDR < 0.05 (miR-141-3p, miR-126b-5p, miR-669o-5p, miR-10b-3p, miR-471-5p, miR-463-5p, miR-148b-3p, and miR-181c-5p) were found to be significantly downregulated in the sperm of Poly I:C treated males. Collectively, we demonstrate that paternal pre-conceptual exposure to a viral immune challenge results in both intergenerational and transgenerational effects on brain and behavior that may be mediated by alterations in the sperm small noncoding RNA content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Kleeman
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sonali N Reisinger
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pranav Adithya
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brendan Houston
- Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gemma Stathatos
- Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexandra L Garnham
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shae McLaughlin
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Carolina Gubert
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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8
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Wu T, Baatar D, O' Connor AE, O'Bryan MK, Stringer JM, Hutt KJ, Malimige Aponso M, Monro K, Luo J, Zhu Y, Ernst A, Swindells EOK, Alesi LR, Tho Tony Nguyen N, Piper MDW, Bennett LE. Exome-informed formulations of food proteins enhance body growth and feed conversion efficiency in ad libitum-fed mice. Food Res Int 2024; 176:113819. [PMID: 38163720 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Meeting requirements for dietary proteins, especially of essential amino acids (EAAs), is critical for the life-long health of living organisms. However, defining EAA targets for preparing biologically-matched nutrition that satisfies metabolic requirements for protein remains challenging. Previous research has shown the advantages of 'exome matching' in representing the specific requirement of dietary AAs, where the target dietary AA profile was derived from in silico translation of the genome of an organism, specifically responsible for protein expression (the 'exome'). However, past studies have assessed these effects in only one sex, for few parameters (body mass and composition), and have used purified diets in which protein is supplied as a mixture of individual AAs. Here, for the first time, we utilise a computational method to guide the formulation of custom protein blends and test if exome matching can be achieved at the intact protein level, through blending standard protein ingredients, ultimately leading to optimal growth, longevity and reproductive function. Mice were provided ad libitum (ad lib) access to one of the four iso-energetic protein-limited diets, two matched and two mis-matched to the mouse exome target, and fed at a fixed protein energy level of 6.2%. During or following 13-weeks of feeding, the food intake, body growth, composition and reproductive functions were measured. Compared to the two mis-matched diets, male and female animals on the exome-matched diet with protein digestibility correction applied, exhibited significantly improved growth rates and final body mass. The feed conversion efficiency in the same diet was also increased by 62% and 40% over the worst diets for males and females, respectively. Male, not female, exhibited higher accretion of lean body mass with the matched, digestibility-corrected diet. All reproductive function measures in both sexes were comparable among diets, with the exception of testicular daily sperm production in males, which was higher in the two matched diets versus the mis-matched diets. The results collectively demonstrate the pronounced advantages of exome-matching in supporting body growth and improving feed conversion efficiency in both sexes. However, the potential impact of this approach in enhancing fertility needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wu
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Davaatseren Baatar
- School of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Anne E O' Connor
- School of BioScience and the Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of BioScience and the Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jessica M Stringer
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Karla J Hutt
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Minoli Malimige Aponso
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Keyne Monro
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Jiaqiang Luo
- School of Agriculture and Food, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Yingchun Zhu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Shanxi Agricultural University, Shanxi, China
| | - Andreas Ernst
- School of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Elyse O K Swindells
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Lauren R Alesi
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Ngoc Tho Tony Nguyen
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Matthew D W Piper
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Louise E Bennett
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
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9
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Dunleavy JEM, Graffeo M, Wozniak K, O'Connor AE, Merriner DJ, Nguyen J, Schittenhelm RB, Houston BJ, O'Bryan MK. The katanin A-subunits KATNA1 and KATNAL1 act co-operatively in mammalian meiosis and spermiogenesis to achieve male fertility. Development 2023; 150:dev201956. [PMID: 37882691 PMCID: PMC10690054 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Katanins, a class of microtubule-severing enzymes, are potent M-phase regulators in oocytes and somatic cells. How the complex and evolutionarily crucial, male mammalian meiotic spindle is sculpted remains unknown. Here, using multiple single and double gene knockout mice, we reveal that the canonical katanin A-subunit KATNA1 and its close paralogue KATNAL1 together execute multiple aspects of meiosis. We show KATNA1 and KATNAL1 collectively regulate the male meiotic spindle, cytokinesis and midbody abscission, in addition to diverse spermatid remodelling events, including Golgi organisation, and acrosome and manchette formation. We also define KATNAL1-specific roles in sperm flagellum development, manchette regulation and sperm-epithelial disengagement. Finally, using proteomic approaches, we define the KATNA1, KATNAL1 and KATNB1 mammalian testis interactome, which includes a network of cytoskeletal and vesicle trafficking proteins. Collectively, we reveal that the presence of multiple katanin A-subunit paralogs in mammalian spermatogenesis allows for 'customised cutting' via neofunctionalisation and protective buffering via gene redundancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E. M. Dunleavy
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Maddison Graffeo
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Kathryn Wozniak
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Anne E. O'Connor
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - D. Jo Merriner
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Joseph Nguyen
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ralf B. Schittenhelm
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Facility, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Brendan J. Houston
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Moira K. O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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10
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Houston BJ, Nguyen J, Merriner DJ, O’Connor AE, Lopes AM, Nagirnaja L, Friedrich C, Kliesch S, Tüttelmann F, Aston KI, Conrad DF, Hobbs RM, Dunleavy JEM, O’Bryan MK. AXDND1 is required to balance spermatogonial commitment and for sperm tail formation in mice and humans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.02.565050. [PMID: 38014244 PMCID: PMC10680566 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.02.565050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Dynein complexes are large, multi-unit assemblies involved in many biological processes including male fertility via their critical roles in protein transport and axoneme motility. Previously we identified a pathogenic variant in the dynein gene AXDND1 in an infertile man. Subsequently we identified an additional four potentially compound heterozygous variants of unknown significance in AXDND1 in two additional infertile men. We thus tested the role of AXDND1 in mammalian male fertility by generating a knockout mouse model. Axdnd1-/- males were sterile at all ages but could undergo one round of histologically complete spermatogenesis. Subsequently, a progressive imbalance of spermatogonial commitment to spermatogenesis over self-renewal occurred, ultimately leading to catastrophic germ cell loss, loss of blood-testis barrier patency and immune cell infiltration. Sperm produced during the first wave of spermatogenesis were immotile due to abnormal axoneme structure, including the presence of ectopic vesicles and abnormalities in outer dense fibres and microtubule doublet structures. Sperm output was additionally compromised by a severe spermiation defect and abnormal sperm individualisation. Collectively, our data highlight the essential roles of AXDND1 as a regulator of spermatogonial commitment to spermatogenesis and during the processes of spermiogenesis where it is essential for sperm tail development, release and motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J. Houston
- School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Joseph Nguyen
- School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - D. Jo Merriner
- School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Anne E. O’Connor
- School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Alexandra M. Lopes
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CGPP-IBMC – Centro de Genética Preditiva e Preventiva, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Liina Nagirnaja
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, USA
- Genetics of Male Infertility Initiative (GEMINI) consortium
| | - Corinna Friedrich
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- International Male Infertility Genomics Consortium (IMIGC)
| | - Kenneth I. Aston
- Genetics of Male Infertility Initiative (GEMINI) consortium
- International Male Infertility Genomics Consortium (IMIGC)
- Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Donald F. Conrad
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, USA
- Genetics of Male Infertility Initiative (GEMINI) consortium
- International Male Infertility Genomics Consortium (IMIGC)
| | - Robin M. Hobbs
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jessica EM Dunleavy
- School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Moira K. O’Bryan
- School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Genetics of Male Infertility Initiative (GEMINI) consortium
- International Male Infertility Genomics Consortium (IMIGC)
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11
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Tsui V, Lyu R, Novakovic S, Stringer JM, Dunleavy JE, Granger E, Semple T, Leichter A, Martelotto LG, Merriner DJ, Liu R, McNeill L, Zerafa N, Hoffmann ER, O’Bryan MK, Hutt K, Deans AJ, Heierhorst J, McCarthy DJ, Crismani W. Fancm has dual roles in the limiting of meiotic crossovers and germ cell maintenance in mammals. CELL GENOMICS 2023; 3:100349. [PMID: 37601968 PMCID: PMC10435384 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Meiotic crossovers are required for accurate chromosome segregation and producing new allelic combinations. Meiotic crossover numbers are tightly regulated within a narrow range, despite an excess of initiating DNA double-strand breaks. Here, we reveal the tumor suppressor FANCM as a meiotic anti-crossover factor in mammals. We use unique large-scale crossover analyses with both single-gamete sequencing and pedigree-based bulk-sequencing datasets to identify a genome-wide increase in crossover frequencies in Fancm-deficient mice. Gametogenesis is heavily perturbed in Fancm loss-of-function mice, which is consistent with the reproductive defects reported in humans with biallelic FANCM mutations. A portion of the gametogenesis defects can be attributed to the cGAS-STING pathway after birth. Despite the gametogenesis phenotypes in Fancm mutants, both sexes are capable of producing offspring. We propose that the anti-crossover function and role in gametogenesis of Fancm are separable and will inform diagnostic pathways for human genomic instability disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Tsui
- DNA Repair and Recombination Laboratory, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ruqian Lyu
- Bioinformatics and Cellular Genomics, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Stevan Novakovic
- DNA Repair and Recombination Laboratory, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica M. Stringer
- Ovarian Biology Laboratory, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica E.M. Dunleavy
- Male Infertility and Germ Cell Biology Group, School of BioSciences and the Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Elissah Granger
- DNA Repair and Recombination Laboratory, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Tim Semple
- Single Cell Innovation Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anna Leichter
- Single Cell Innovation Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Luciano G. Martelotto
- Single Cell Innovation Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - D. Jo Merriner
- Male Infertility and Germ Cell Biology Group, School of BioSciences and the Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ruijie Liu
- Bioinformatics and Cellular Genomics, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Lucy McNeill
- DNA Repair and Recombination Laboratory, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Nadeen Zerafa
- Ovarian Biology Laboratory, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eva R. Hoffmann
- DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Moira K. O’Bryan
- Male Infertility and Germ Cell Biology Group, School of BioSciences and the Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Karla Hutt
- Ovarian Biology Laboratory, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Deans
- The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Genome Stability Unit, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Jörg Heierhorst
- The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Molecular Genetics Unit, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Davis J. McCarthy
- Bioinformatics and Cellular Genomics, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Wayne Crismani
- DNA Repair and Recombination Laboratory, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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12
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Cauchi LM, Houston BJ, Nagirnaja L, O'Connor AE, Merriner DJ, Aston KI, Schlegel PN, Conrad DF, Burke R, O'Bryan MK. Zinc finger RNA binding protein 2 (ZFR2) is not required for male fertility in the mouse. Dev Biol 2022; 489:55-61. [PMID: 35679955 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thousands of genes are expressed during spermatogenesis and male infertility has a strong genetic component. Within this study, we focus on the role of Zfr2 in male fertility, a gene previously implicated in human male fertility. To date, very little is known about the role of ZFR2 in either humans or mice. To this end, the requirement for ZFR2 in male fertility was assessed using a knockout mouse model. RESULTS Zfr2 was found to be expressed in the testes of both humans and mice. Deletion of Zfr2 was achieved via removal of exon 2 using CRISPR-Cas9 methods. The absence of Zfr2 did not result in a reduction in any fertility parameters assessed. Knockout males were capable of fostering litter sizes equal to wild type males, and there were no effects of Zfr2 knockout on sperm number or motility. We note Zfr2 knockout females were also fertile. CONCLUSIONS The absence of Zfr2 alone is not sufficient to cause a reduction in male fertility in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan M Cauchi
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia; Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Brendan J Houston
- The School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
| | - Liina Nagirnaja
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon, USA
| | - Anne E O'Connor
- The School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - D Jo Merriner
- The School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Utah, USA
| | | | - Don F Conrad
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon, USA
| | - Richard Burke
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- The School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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