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Subrini J, Turner J. Y chromosome functions in mammalian spermatogenesis. eLife 2021; 10:67345. [PMID: 34606444 PMCID: PMC8489898 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian Y chromosome is critical for male sex determination and spermatogenesis. However, linking each Y gene to specific aspects of male reproduction has been challenging. As the Y chromosome is notoriously hard to sequence and target, functional studies have mostly relied on transgene-rescue approaches using mouse models with large multi-gene deletions. These experimental limitations have oriented the field toward the search for a minimum set of Y genes necessary for male reproduction. Here, considering Y-chromosome evolutionary history and decades of discoveries, we review the current state of research on its function in spermatogenesis and reassess the view that many Y genes are disposable for male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremie Subrini
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - James Turner
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
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2
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Reddy HM, Bhattacharya R, Tiwari S, Mishra K, Annapurna P, Jehan Z, Praveena NM, Alex JL, Dhople VM, Singh L, Sivaramakrishnan M, Chaturvedi A, Rangaraj N, Shiju TM, Sreedevi B, Kumar S, Dereddi RR, Rayabandla SM, Jesudasan RA. Y chromosomal noncoding RNAs regulate autosomal gene expression via piRNAs in mouse testis. BMC Biol 2021; 19:198. [PMID: 34503492 PMCID: PMC8428117 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01125-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Deciphering the functions of Y chromosome in mammals has been slow owing to the presence of repeats. Some of these repeats transcribe coding RNAs, the roles of which have been studied. Functions of the noncoding transcripts from Y chromosomal repeats however, remain unclear. While a majority of the genes expressed during spermatogenesis are autosomal, mice with different deletions of the long arm of the Y chromosome (Yq) were previously also shown to be characterized by subfertility, sterility and sperm abnormalities, suggesting the presence of effectors of spermatogenesis at this location. Here we report a set of novel noncoding RNAs from mouse Yq and explore their connection to some of the autosomal genes expressed in testis. Results We describe a set of novel mouse male-specific Y long arm (MSYq)-derived long noncoding (lnc) transcripts, named Pirmy and Pirmy-like RNAs. Pirmy shows a large number of splice variants in testis. We also identified Pirmy-like RNAs present in multiple copies at different loci on mouse Y chromosome. Further, we identified eight differentially expressed autosome-encoded sperm proteins in a mutant mouse strain, XYRIIIqdel (2/3 Yq-deleted). Pirmy and Pirmy-like RNAs have homology to 5′/3′UTRs of these deregulated autosomal genes. Several lines of experiments show that these short homologous stretches correspond to piRNAs. Thus, Pirmy and Pirmy-like RNAs act as templates for several piRNAs. In vitro functional assays reveal putative roles for these piRNAs in regulating autosomal genes. Conclusions Our study elucidates a set of autosomal genes that are potentially regulated by MSYq-derived piRNAs in mouse testis. Sperm phenotypes from the Yq-deleted mice seem to be similar to that reported in inter-specific male-sterile hybrids. Taken together, this study provides novel insights into possible role of MSYq-derived ncRNAs in male sterility and speciation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01125-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemakumar M Reddy
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India.,Present address: Brown University BioMed Division, Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, 185 Meeting Street room 257, Sidney Frank Life Sciences Building, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Rupa Bhattacharya
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India.,, Pennington, NJ, 08534, USA
| | - Shrish Tiwari
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India
| | - Kankadeb Mishra
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India.,Department of Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, Rockefeller Research Laboratory, 430 East 67th Street, RRL 445, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Pranatharthi Annapurna
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India.,Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery & Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 376A Stemmler Hall, 36th Street & Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Zeenath Jehan
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India.,Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicines, Vasavi Medical and Research Centre, 6-1-91 Khairatabad, Hyderabad, 500 004, India
| | | | - Jomini Liza Alex
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India
| | - Vishnu M Dhople
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India.,Department of Functional Genomics, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University of Greifswald Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Straße 15 a, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lalji Singh
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India
| | - Mahadevan Sivaramakrishnan
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India.,Jubilant Biosystems Ltd., #96, Industrial Suburb, 2nd Stage, Yeshwantpur, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560022, India
| | - Anurag Chaturvedi
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India.,Environmental Genomics Group, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nandini Rangaraj
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India
| | - Thomas Michael Shiju
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India.,Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, 44120, USA
| | - Badanapuram Sreedevi
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India
| | - Ram Reddy Dereddi
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India.,Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, building-307, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sunayana M Rayabandla
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India.,Telangana Social Welfare Residential Degree College for Women, Suryapet, Telangana, 508213, India
| | - Rachel A Jesudasan
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India. .,Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India. .,Inter University Centre for Genomics & Gene Technology, Karyavattom Campus, University of Kerala, Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
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3
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Yoshikawa N, Oda A, Yamazaki H, Yamamoto M, Kuribara-Souta A, Uehara M, Tanaka H. The Influence of Glucocorticoid Receptor on Sex Differences of Gene Expression Profile in Skeletal Muscle. Endocr Res 2021; 46:99-113. [PMID: 33590778 DOI: 10.1080/07435800.2021.1884874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle functions as a locomotory system and maintains whole-body metabolism. Sex differences in such skeletal muscle morphology and function have been documented; however, their underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Glucocorticoids are adrenocortical hormones maintaining homeostasis, including regulating whole-body energy metabolism in addition to stress response. In skeletal muscle, glucocorticoids can reduce the synthesis of muscle proteins and simultaneously accelerate the breakdown of proteins to regulate skeletal muscle mass and energy metabolism via a transcription factor glucocorticoid receptor (GR). We herein evaluated the related contributions of the GR to sex differences of gene expression profiles in skeletal muscle using GR-floxed (GRf/f) and skeletal muscle-specific GR knockout (GRmKO) mice. There were no differences in GR mRNA and protein expression levels in gastrocnemius muscle between males and females. A DNA microarray analysis using gastrocnemius muscle from GRf/f and GRmKO mice revealed that, although most gene expression levels were identical in both sexes, genes related to cholesterol and apolipoprotein synthesis and fatty acid biosynthesis and the immunological system were predominantly expressed in males and females, respectively, in GRf/f but not in GRmKO mice. Moreover, many genes were up-regulated in response to starvation in GRf/f but not in GRmKO mice, many of which were sex-independent and functioned to maintain homeostasis, while genes that showed sex dominance related to a variety of functions. Although the genes expressed in skeletal muscle may be predominantly sex-independent, sex-dominant genes may relate to sex differences in energy metabolism and the immune system and could be controlled by the GR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noritada Yoshikawa
- Division of Rheumatology, Center for Antibody and Vaccine Therapy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo;, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Rheumatology and Allergy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aya Oda
- Department of Rheumatology and Allergy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yamazaki
- Department of Rheumatology and Allergy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Motohisa Yamamoto
- Division of Rheumatology, Center for Antibody and Vaccine Therapy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo;, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Rheumatology and Allergy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiko Kuribara-Souta
- Department of Rheumatology and Allergy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaaki Uehara
- Department of Rheumatology and Allergy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotoshi Tanaka
- Division of Rheumatology, Center for Antibody and Vaccine Therapy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo;, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Rheumatology and Allergy, IMSUT Hospital, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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4
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Molaro A, Wood AJ, Janssens D, Kindelay SM, Eickbush MT, Wu S, Singh P, Muller CH, Henikoff S, Malik HS. Biparental contributions of the H2A.B histone variant control embryonic development in mice. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3001001. [PMID: 33362208 PMCID: PMC7757805 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone variants expand chromatin functions in eukaryote genomes. H2A.B genes are testis-expressed short histone H2A variants that arose in placental mammals. Their biological functions remain largely unknown. To investigate their function, we generated a knockout (KO) model that disrupts all 3 H2A.B genes in mice. We show that H2A.B KO males have globally altered chromatin structure in postmeiotic germ cells. Yet, they do not show impaired spermatogenesis or testis function. Instead, we find that H2A.B plays a crucial role postfertilization. Crosses between H2A.B KO males and females yield embryos with lower viability and reduced size. Using a series of genetic crosses that separate parental and zygotic contributions, we show that the H2A.B status of both the father and mother, but not of the zygote, affects embryonic viability and growth during gestation. We conclude that H2A.B is a novel parental-effect gene, establishing a role for short H2A histone variants in mammalian development. We posit that parental antagonism over embryonic growth drove the origin and ongoing diversification of short histone H2A variants in placental mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Molaro
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Anna J. Wood
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Derek Janssens
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Selina M. Kindelay
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Eickbush
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Steven Wu
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Priti Singh
- Comparative Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Charles H. Muller
- Male Fertility Laboratory, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Steven Henikoff
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Harmit S. Malik
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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5
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Rathje CC, Johnson EEP, Drage D, Patinioti C, Silvestri G, Affara NA, Ialy-Radio C, Cocquet J, Skinner BM, Ellis PJI. Differential Sperm Motility Mediates the Sex Ratio Drive Shaping Mouse Sex Chromosome Evolution. Curr Biol 2019; 29:3692-3698.e4. [PMID: 31630954 PMCID: PMC6839398 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The mouse sex chromosomes exhibit an extraordinary level of copy number amplification of postmeiotically expressed genes [1, 2], driven by an “arms race” (genomic conflict) between the X and Y chromosomes over the control of offspring sex ratio. The sex-linked ampliconic transcriptional regulators Slx and Sly [3, 4, 5, 6, 7] have opposing effects on global transcription levels of the sex chromosomes in haploid spermatids via regulation of postmeiotic sex chromatin (PMSC) [8, 9, 10, 11] and opposing effects on offspring sex ratio. Partial deletions of the Y chromosome (Yq) that reduce Sly copy number lead to global overexpression of sex-linked genes in spermatids and either a distorted sex ratio in favor of females (smaller deletions) or sterility (larger deletions) [12, 13, 14, 15, 16]. Despite a large body of work studying the role of the sex chromosomes in regulating spermatogenesis (recent reviews [17, 18, 19, 20]), most studies do not address differential fertility effects on X- and Y-bearing cells. Hence, in this study, we concentrate on identifying physiological differences between X- and Y-bearing sperm from Yq-deleted males that affect their relative fertilizing ability and consequently lead to sex ratio skewing. We show that X- and Y-bearing sperm in these males have differential motility and morphology but are equally able to penetrate the cumulus and fertilize the egg once at the site of fertilization. The altered motility is thus deduced to be the proximate cause of the skew. This represents the first demonstration of a specific difference in sperm function associated with sex ratio skewing. The sex ratio skew in the offspring of Yq-deleted male mice is abolished by IVF In Yqdel males, Y sperm are more severely morphologically distorted than X sperm Similarly, Y sperm in these males have relatively impaired motility This motility difference explains the sex ratio skew in offspring of these males
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Deborah Drage
- University Biomedical Services, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 2SP, UK
| | | | | | - Nabeel Ahmed Affara
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Côme Ialy-Radio
- Department of Development, Reproduction and Cancer, INSERM, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France; CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France; Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Julie Cocquet
- Department of Development, Reproduction and Cancer, INSERM, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France; CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France; Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Matthew Skinner
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
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6
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Abstract
Mammalian sex chromosomes evolved from an ordinary pair of autosomes. The X chromosome is highly conserved, whereas the Y chromosome varies among species in size, structure, and gene content. Unlike autosomes that contain randomly mixed collections of genes, the sex chromosomes are enriched in testis-biased genes related to sexual development and reproduction, particularly in spermatogenesis and male fertility. This review focuses on how sex chromosome dosage compensation takes place and why meiotic sex chromosome inactivation occurs during spermatogenesis. Furthermore, the review also emphasizes how testis-biased genes are enriched on the sex chromosomes and their functions in male fertility. It is concluded that sex chromosomes are critical to sexual development and male fertility; however, our understanding of how sex chromosome genes direct sexual development and fertility has been hampered by the structural complexities of the sex chromosomes and by the multicopy nature of the testis gene families that also play a role in immunity, cancer development, and brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Sheng Liu
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
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7
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Riel JM, Yamauchi Y, Ruthig VA, Malinta QU, Blanco M, Moretti C, Cocquet J, Ward MA. Rescue of Sly Expression Is Not Sufficient to Rescue Spermiogenic Phenotype of Mice with Deletions of Y Chromosome Long Arm. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10020133. [PMID: 30759861 PMCID: PMC6409976 DOI: 10.3390/genes10020133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice with deletions of the Y-specific (non-PAR) region of the mouse Y chromosome long arm (NPYq) have sperm defects and fertility problems that increase proportionally to deletion size. Mice with abrogated function of NPYq-encoded gene Sly (sh367 Sly-KD) display a phenotype similar to that of NPYq deletion mutants but less severe. The milder phenotype can be due to insufficient Sly knockdown, involvement of another NPYq gene, or both. To address this question and to further elucidate the role of Sly in the infertile phenotype of mice with NPYq deletions, we developed an anti-SLY antibody specifically recognizing SLY1 and SLY2 protein isoforms and used it to characterize SLY expression in NPYq- and Sly-deficient mice. We also carried out transgene rescue by adding Sly1/2 transgenes to mice with NPYq deletions. We demonstrated that SLY1/2 expression in mutant mice decreased proportionally to deletion size, with ~12% of SLY1/2 retained in shSLY sh367 testes. The addition of Sly1/2 transgenes to mice with NPYq deletions rescued SLY1/2 expression but did not ameliorate fertility and testicular/spermiogenic defects. Together, the data suggest that Sly deficiency is not the sole underlying cause of the infertile phenotype of mice with NPYq deletions and imply the involvement of another NPYq gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Riel
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
| | - Yasuhiro Yamauchi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
| | - Victor A Ruthig
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
| | - Qushay U Malinta
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
| | - Mélina Blanco
- INSERM, U1016, Institut Cochin, 75013 Paris, France.
- CNRS, UMR8104, 75014 Paris, France.
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Paris 75014, France.
| | - Charlotte Moretti
- INSERM, U1016, Institut Cochin, 75013 Paris, France.
- CNRS, UMR8104, 75014 Paris, France.
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Paris 75014, France.
| | - Julie Cocquet
- INSERM, U1016, Institut Cochin, 75013 Paris, France.
- CNRS, UMR8104, 75014 Paris, France.
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Paris 75014, France.
| | - Monika A Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
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Genetic Factors Affecting Sperm Chromatin Structure. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1166:1-28. [PMID: 31301043 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21664-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Spermatozoa genome has unique features that make it a fascinating field of investigation: first, because, with oocyte genome, it can be transmitted generation after generation; second, because of genetic shuffling during meiosis, each spermatozoon is virtually unique in terms of genetic content, with consequences for species evolution; and finally, because its chromatin organization is very different from that of somatic cells or oocytes, as it is not based on nucleosomes but on nucleoprotamines which confer a higher order of packaging. Histone-to-protamine transition involves many actors, such as regulators of spermatid gene expression, components of the nuclear envelop, histone-modifying enzymes and readers, chaperones, histone variants, transition proteins, protamines, and certainly many more to be discovered.In this book chapter, we will present what is currently known about sperm chromatin structure and how it is established during spermiogenesis, with the aim to list the genetic factors that regulate its organization.
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9
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El Kennani S, Adrait A, Permiakova O, Hesse AM, Ialy-Radio C, Ferro M, Brun V, Cocquet J, Govin J, Pflieger D. Systematic quantitative analysis of H2A and H2B variants by targeted proteomics. Epigenetics Chromatin 2018; 11:2. [PMID: 29329550 PMCID: PMC5767011 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-017-0172-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histones organize DNA into chromatin through a variety of processes. Among them, a vast diversity of histone variants can be incorporated into chromatin and finely modulate its organization and functionality. Classically, the study of histone variants has largely relied on antibody-based assays. However, antibodies have a limited efficiency to discriminate between highly similar histone variants. RESULTS In this study, we established a mass spectrometry-based analysis to address this challenge. We developed a targeted proteomics method, using selected reaction monitoring or parallel reaction monitoring, to quantify a maximum number of histone variants in a single multiplexed assay, even when histones are present in a crude extract. This strategy was developed on H2A and H2B variants, using 55 peptides corresponding to 25 different histone sequences, among which a few differ by a single amino acid. The methodology was then applied to mouse testis extracts in which almost all histone variants are expressed. It confirmed the abundance profiles of several testis-specific histones during successive stages of spermatogenesis and the existence of predicted H2A.L.1 isoforms. This methodology was also used to explore the over-expression pattern of H2A.L.1 isoforms in a mouse model of male infertility. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that targeted proteomics is a powerful method to quantify highly similar histone variants and isoforms. The developed method can be easily transposed to the study of human histone variants, whose abundance can be deregulated in various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara El Kennani
- INSERM U1038, CEA, BIG-BGE, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Annie Adrait
- INSERM U1038, CEA, BIG-BGE, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Olga Permiakova
- INSERM U1038, CEA, BIG-BGE, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Anne-Marie Hesse
- INSERM U1038, CEA, BIG-BGE, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Côme Ialy-Radio
- INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, CNRS UMR8104, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Myriam Ferro
- INSERM U1038, CEA, BIG-BGE, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Virginie Brun
- INSERM U1038, CEA, BIG-BGE, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Julie Cocquet
- INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, CNRS UMR8104, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Govin
- INSERM U1038, CEA, BIG-BGE, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.
| | - Delphine Pflieger
- INSERM U1038, CEA, BIG-BGE, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France. .,CNRS, FR CNRS 3425, Biosciences and Biotechnology Institute of Grenoble, Grenoble, France.
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10
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Ruthig VA, Nielsen T, Riel JM, Yamauchi Y, Ortega EA, Salvador Q, Ward MA. Testicular abnormalities in mice with Y chromosome deficiencies. Biol Reprod 2017; 96:694-706. [PMID: 28339606 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.144006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently investigated mice with Y chromosome gene contribution limited to two, one, or no Y chromosome genes in respect to their ability to produce haploid round spermatids and live offspring following round spermatid injection. Here we explored the normalcy of germ cells and Sertoli cells within seminiferous tubules, and the interstitial tissue of the testis in these mice. We performed quantitative analysis of spermatogenesis and interstitial tissue on Periodic acid-Schiff and hematoxylin-stained mouse testis sections. The seminiferous epithelium of mice with limited Y gene contribution contained various cellular abnormalities, the total number of which was higher than in the males with an intact Y chromosome. The distribution of specific abnormality types varied among tested genotypes. The males with limited Y genes also had an increased population of testicular macrophages and internal vasculature structures. The data indicate that Y chromosome gene deficiencies in mice are associated with cellular abnormalities of the seminiferous epithelium and some changes within the testicular interstitium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A Ruthig
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Torbjoern Nielsen
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, CIUSSS-NÎM - Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montréal, Que., Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que., Canada H3T 1J4
| | - Jonathan M Riel
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Yamauchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Fukuoka University Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Egle A Ortega
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | | | - Monika A Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
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11
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Liu Q, Lei Z, Dai M, Wang X, Yuan Z. Toxic metabolites, Sertoli cells and Y chromosome related genes are potentially linked to the reproductive toxicity induced by mequindox. Oncotarget 2017; 8:87512-87528. [PMID: 29152098 PMCID: PMC5675650 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mequindox (MEQ) is a relatively new synthetic antibacterial agent widely applied in China since the 1980s. However, its reproductive toxicity has not been adequately performed. In the present study, four groups of male Kunming mice (10 mice/group) were fed diets containing MEQ (0, 25, 55 and 110 mg/kg in the diet) for up to 18 months. The results show that M4 could pass through the blood-testis barrier (BTB), and demonstrate that Sertoli cells (SCs) are the main toxic target for MEQ to induce spermatogenesis deficiency. Furthermore, adrenal toxicity, adverse effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA) and Leydig cells, as well as the expression of genes related to steroid biosynthesis and cholesterol transport, were responsible for the alterations in sex hormones in the serum of male mice after exposure to MEQ. Additionally, the changed levels of Y chromosome microdeletion related genes, such as DDX3Y, HSF2, Sly and Ssty2 in the testis might be a mechanism for the inhibition of spermatogenesis induced by MEQ. The present study illustrates for the first time the toxic metabolites of MEQ in testis of mice, and suggests that SCs, sex hormones and Y chromosome microdeletion genes are involved in reproductive toxicity mediated by MEQ in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianying Liu
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhixin Lei
- MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Menghong Dai
- MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xu Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zonghui Yuan
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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12
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Lech T, Styrna J, Kotarska K. The contribution of p53 and Y chromosome long arm genes to regulation of apoptosis in mouse testis. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 30:469-476. [PMID: 28763629 DOI: 10.1071/rd17217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis of excessive or defective germ cells is a natural process occurring in mammalian testes. Tumour suppressor protein p53 is involved in this process both in developing and adult male gonads. Its contribution to testicular physiology is known to be modified by genetic background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined influence of the p53 and Y chromosome long arm genes on male germ cell apoptosis. Knockout of the transformation related protein 53 (Trp53) gene was introduced into congenic strains: B10.BR (intact Y chromosome) and B10.BR-Ydel (Y chromosome with a deletion in the long arm). The level of apoptosis in the testes of 19-day-old and 3-month-old male mice was determined using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate in situ nick-end labelling (TUNEL) method. The study revealed that although p53 is involved in germ cell apoptosis in peripubertal testes, this process can also be mediated by p53-independent mechanisms. However, activation of p53-independent apoptotic pathways in the absence of the p53 protein requires engagement of the multicopy Yq genes and was not observed in gonads of B10.BR-Ydel-p53-/- males. The role of Yq genes in the regulation of testicular apoptosis seems to be restricted to the initial wave of spermatogenesis and is not evident in adult gonads. The study confirmed, instead, that p53 does participate in spontaneous apoptosis in mature testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Lech
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Commodity Science, Cracow University of Economics, Rakowicka 27, PL 31-510, Krakow, Poland
| | - Józefa Styrna
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, PL 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kotarska
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, PL 30-387, Krakow, Poland
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13
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SLY regulates genes involved in chromatin remodeling and interacts with TBL1XR1 during sperm differentiation. Cell Death Differ 2017; 24:1029-1044. [PMID: 28475176 PMCID: PMC5442469 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2017.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm differentiation requires unique transcriptional regulation and chromatin remodeling after meiosis to ensure proper compaction and protection of the paternal genome. Abnormal sperm chromatin remodeling can induce sperm DNA damage, embryo lethality and male infertility, yet, little is known about the factors which regulate this process. Deficiency in Sly, a mouse Y chromosome-encoded gene expressed only in postmeiotic male germ cells, has been shown to result in the deregulation of hundreds of sex chromosome-encoded genes associated with multiple sperm differentiation defects and subsequent male infertility. The underlying mechanism remained, to date, unknown. Here, we show that SLY binds to the promoter of sex chromosome-encoded and autosomal genes highly expressed postmeiotically and involved in chromatin regulation. Specifically, we demonstrate that Sly knockdown directly induces the deregulation of sex chromosome-encoded H2A variants and of the H3K79 methyltransferase DOT1L. The modifications prompted by loss of Sly alter the postmeiotic chromatin structure and ultimately result in abnormal sperm chromatin remodeling with negative consequences on the sperm genome integrity. Altogether our results show that SLY is a regulator of sperm chromatin remodeling. Finally we identified that SMRT/N-CoR repressor complex is involved in gene regulation during sperm differentiation since members of this complex, in particular TBL1XR1, interact with SLY in postmeiotic male germ cells.
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14
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Cao J, Chen Y, Chen J, Yan H, Li M, Wang J. Fluoride exposure changed the structure and the expressions of Y chromosome related genes in testes of mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 161:292-299. [PMID: 27441988 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.06.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
It is known that during spermatogenesis, pluripotent germ cells differentiate to become efficient delivery vehicles to the oocyte of paternal DNA, and the process is easily damaged by external poison. In this study, the effects of fluoride on the body weight, fluoride content in femur, testosterone levels in serum and testis, sperm quality, and the expressions of Y chromosome microdeletion genes and protein levels were examined in testes of Kunming male mice treated with different concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100 mg/L of NaF in drinking water for 11 weeks, respectively. The results showed that compared with the control group, fluoride contents in three treatment groups were significantly increased and the structure of testes was seriously injured. The testosterone contents and the sperm count were decreased. Sperm malformation ratio was distinctly elevated. The expressions of Sly and HSF2 mRNA were markedly reduced in 100 mg/L NaF group and Ssty2 mRNA expression was dramatically decreased in 50 and 100 mg/L NaF groups. Meanwhile, the protein levels of Ssty2 and Sly were significantly reduced in 50 and 100 mg/L NaF groups and HSF2 protein levels were significantly decreased in 100 mg/L NaF group. These studies indicated that fluoride had toxic effects on male reproductive system by reducing the testosterone and sperm count, and increasing the sperm malformation ratio, supported by the damage of testicular structure, as a consequence of depressed HSF2 level, which resulted in the down-regulation of Ssty2 and Sly mRNA and protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinling Cao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Chen
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjie Chen
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanghang Yan
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Meiyan Li
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Jundong Wang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Yamauchi Y, Riel JM, Ruthig VA, Ortega EA, Mitchell MJ, Ward MA. Two genes substitute for the mouse Y chromosome for spermatogenesis and reproduction. Science 2016; 351:514-6. [PMID: 26823431 DOI: 10.1126/science.aad1795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian Y chromosome is considered a symbol of maleness, as it encodes a gene driving male sex determination, Sry, as well as a battery of other genes important for male reproduction. We previously demonstrated in the mouse that successful assisted reproduction can be achieved when the Y gene contribution is limited to only two genes, Sry and spermatogonial proliferation factor Eif2s3y. Here, we replaced Sry by transgenic activation of its downstream target Sox9, and Eif2s3y, by transgenic overexpression of its X chromosome-encoded homolog Eif2s3x. The resulting males with no Y chromosome genes produced haploid male gametes and sired offspring after assisted reproduction. Our findings support the existence of functional redundancy between the Y chromosome genes and their homologs encoded on other chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Yamauchi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Jonathan M Riel
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Victor A Ruthig
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Eglė A Ortega
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM, GMGF UMR_S 910, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Monika A Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
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16
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Hu YC, Namekawa SH. Functional significance of the sex chromosomes during spermatogenesis. Reproduction 2016; 149:R265-77. [PMID: 25948089 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian sex chromosomes arose from an ordinary pair of autosomes. Over hundreds of millions of years, they have evolved into highly divergent X and Y chromosomes and have become increasingly specialized for male reproduction. Both sex chromosomes have acquired and amplified testis-specific genes, suggestive of roles in spermatogenesis. To understand how the sex chromosome genes participate in the regulation of spermatogenesis, we review genes, including single-copy, multi-copy, and ampliconic genes, whose spermatogenic functions have been demonstrated in mouse genetic studies. Sex chromosomes are subject to chromosome-wide transcriptional silencing in meiotic and postmeiotic stages of spermatogenesis. We also discuss particular sex-linked genes that escape postmeiotic silencing and their evolutionary implications. The unique gene contents and genomic structures of the sex chromosomes reflect their strategies to express genes at various stages of spermatogenesis and reveal the driving forces that shape their evolution.Free Chinese abstract: A Chinese translation of this abstract is freely available at http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/149/6/R265/suppl/DC1.Free Japanese abstract: A Japanese translation of this abstract is freely available at http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/149/6/R265/suppl/DC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Chiang Hu
- Division of Developmental BiologyDivision of Reproductive SciencesCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Division of Developmental BiologyDivision of Reproductive SciencesCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA Division of Developmental BiologyDivision of Reproductive SciencesCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
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17
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Case LK, Teuscher C. Y genetic variation and phenotypic diversity in health and disease. Biol Sex Differ 2015; 6:6. [PMID: 25866616 PMCID: PMC4392626 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-015-0024-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexually dimorphic traits arise through the combined effects of sex hormones and sex chromosomes on sex-biased gene expression, and experimental mouse models have been instrumental in determining their relative contribution in modulating sex differences. A role for the Y chromosome (ChrY) in mediating sex differences outside of development and reproduction has historically been overlooked due to its unusual genetic composition and the predominant testes-specific expression of ChrY-encoded genes. However, ample evidence now exists supporting ChrY as a mediator of other physiological traits in males, and genetic variation in ChrY has been linked to several diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune diseases in experimental animal models, as well as humans. The genetic and molecular mechanisms by which ChrY modulates phenotypic variation in males remain unknown but may be a function of copy number variation between homologous X-Y multicopy genes driving differential gene expression. Here, we review the literature identifying an association between ChrY polymorphism and phenotypic variation and present the current evidence depicting the mammalian ChrY as a member of the regulatory genome in males and as a factor influencing paternal parent-of-origin effects in female offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure K Case
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Ave, Burlington, VT 05405 USA
| | - Cory Teuscher
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Ave, Burlington, VT 05405 USA ; Department of Pathology, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Ave, Burlington, VT 05405 USA ; University of Vermont, Given Medical Building C317, Burlington, VT 05405 USA
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18
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Case LK, Wall EH, Osmanski EE, Dragon JA, Saligrama N, Zachary JF, Lemos B, Blankenhorn EP, Teuscher C. Copy number variation in Y chromosome multicopy genes is linked to a paternal parent-of-origin effect on CNS autoimmune disease in female offspring. Genome Biol 2015; 16:28. [PMID: 25886764 PMCID: PMC4396973 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-015-0591-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of some autoimmune diseases is greater in females compared with males, although disease severity is often greater in males. The reason for this sexual dimorphism is unknown, but it may reflect negative selection of Y chromosome-bearing sperm during spermatogenesis or male fetuses early in the course of conception/pregnancy. Previously, we showed that the sexual dimorphism in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is associated with copy number variation (CNV) in Y chromosome multicopy genes. Here, we test the hypothesis that CNV in Y chromosome multicopy genes influences the paternal parent-of-origin effect on EAE susceptibility in female mice. Results We show that C57BL/6 J consomic strains of mice possessing an identical X chromosome and CNV in Y chromosome multicopy genes exhibit sperm head abnormalities and female-biased sex ratio. This is consistent with X-Y intragenomic conflict arising from an imbalance in CNV between homologous X:Y chromosome multicopy genes. These males also display paternal transmission of EAE to female offspring and differential loading of microRNAs within the sperm nucleus. Furthermore, in humans, families of probands with multiple sclerosis similarly exhibit a female-biased sex ratio, whereas families of probands affected with non-sexually dimorphic autoimmune diseases exhibit unbiased sex ratios. Conclusions These findings provide evidence for a mechanism at the level of the male gamete that contributes to the sexual dimorphism in EAE and paternal parent-of-origin effects in female mice, raising the possibility that a similar mechanism may contribute to the sexual dimorphism in multiple sclerosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13059-015-0591-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure K Case
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Given Medical Building C317, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
| | - Emma H Wall
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Given Medical Building C317, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
| | - Erin E Osmanski
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Given Medical Building C317, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
| | - Julie A Dragon
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
| | - Naresha Saligrama
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Given Medical Building C317, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA. .,Current address: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - James F Zachary
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA.
| | - Bernardo Lemos
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Elizabeth P Blankenhorn
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA.
| | - Cory Teuscher
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Given Medical Building C317, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA. .,Department of Pathology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
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19
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de Boer P, de Vries M, Ramos L. A mutation study of sperm head shape and motility in the mouse: lessons for the clinic. Andrology 2014; 3:174-202. [PMID: 25511638 DOI: 10.1111/andr.300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mouse mutants that show effects on sperm head shape, the sperm tail (flagellum), and motility were analysed in a systematic way. This was achieved by grouping mutations in the following classes: manchette, acrosome, Sertoli cell contact, chromatin remodelling, and mutations involved in complex regulations such as protein (de)phosphorylation and RNA stability, and flagellum/motility mutations. For all mutant phenotypes, flagellum function (motility) was affected. Head shape, including the nucleus, was also affected in spermatozoa of most mouse models, though with considerable variation. For the mutants that were categorized in the flagellum/motility group, generally normal head shapes were found, even when the flagellum did not develop or only poorly so. Most mutants are sterile, an occasional one semi-sterile. For completeness, the influence of the sex chromosomes on sperm phenotype is included. Functionally, the genes involved can be categorized as regulators of spermiogenesis. When extrapolating these data to human sperm samples, in vivo selection for motility would be the tool for weeding out the products of suboptimal spermiogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation. The striking dependency of motility on proper sperm head development is not easy to understand, but likely is of evolutionary benefit. Also, sperm competition after mating can never act against the long-term multi-generation interest of genetic integrity. Hence, it is plausible to suggest that short-term haplophase fitness i.e., motility, is developmentally integrated with proper nucleus maturation, including genetic integrity to protect multi-generation fitness. We hypothesize that, when the prime defect is in flagellum formation, apparently a feedback loop was not necessary as head morphogenesis in these mutants is mostly normal. Extrapolating to human-assisted reproductive techniques practice, this analysis would supply the arguments for the development of tools to select for motility as a continuous (non-discrete) parameter.
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Affiliation(s)
- P de Boer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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20
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Comptour A, Moretti C, Serrentino ME, Auer J, Ialy-Radio C, Ward MA, Touré A, Vaiman D, Cocquet J. SSTY proteins co-localize with the post-meiotic sex chromatin and interact with regulators of its expression. FEBS J 2014; 281:1571-84. [PMID: 24456183 DOI: 10.1111/febs.12724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Revised: 12/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, X- and Y-encoded genes are transcriptionally shut down during male meiosis, but expression of many of them is (re)activated in spermatids after meiosis. Post-meiotic XY gene expression is regulated by active epigenetic marks, which are de novo incorporated in the sex chromatin of spermatids, and by repressive epigenetic marks inherited during meiosis; alterations in this process lead to male infertility. In the mouse, post-meiotic XY gene expression is known to depend on genetic information carried by the male-specific region of the Y chromosome long arm (MSYq). The MSYq gene Sly has been shown to be a key regulator of post-meiotic sex chromosome gene expression and is necessary for the maintenance/recruitment of repressive epigenetic marks on the sex chromatin, but studies suggest that another MSYq gene may also be required. The best candidate to date is Ssty, an MSYq multi-copy gene of unknown function. Here, we show that SSTY proteins are specifically expressed in round and elongating spermatids, and co-localize with post-meiotic sex chromatin. Moreover, SSTY proteins interact with SLY protein and its X-linked homolog SLX/SLXL1, and may be required for localization of SLX/SLY proteins in the spermatid nucleus and sex chromatin. Our data suggest that SSTY is a second MSYq factor involved in the control of XY gene expression during sperm differentiation. As Slx/Slxl1 and Sly genes have been shown to be involved in the XY intra-genomic conflict, which affects the offspring sex ratio, Ssty may constitute another player in this conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Comptour
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR8104, Paris, France; Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
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21
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Yamauchi Y, Riel JM, Stoytcheva Z, Ward MA. Two Y genes can replace the entire Y chromosome for assisted reproduction in the mouse. Science 2014; 343:69-72. [PMID: 24263135 PMCID: PMC3880637 DOI: 10.1126/science.1242544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The Y chromosome is thought to be important for male reproduction. We have previously shown that, with the use of assisted reproduction, live offspring can be obtained from mice lacking the entire Y chromosome long arm. Here, we demonstrate that live mouse progeny can also be generated by using germ cells from males with the Y chromosome contribution limited to only two genes, the testis determinant factor Sry and the spermatogonial proliferation factor Eif2s3y. Sry is believed to function primarily in sex determination during fetal life. Eif2s3y may be the only Y chromosome gene required to drive mouse spermatogenesis, allowing formation of haploid germ cells that are functional in assisted reproduction. Our findings are relevant, but not directly translatable, to human male infertility cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Yamauchi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Rd, Honolulu, HI, 96822
| | - Jonathan M. Riel
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Rd, Honolulu, HI, 96822
| | - Zoia Stoytcheva
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Rd, Honolulu, HI, 96822
| | - Monika A. Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Rd, Honolulu, HI, 96822
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