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Tang X, Chen C, Yan S, Yang A, Deng Y, Chen B, Gu J. Single-Nucleus RNA-Seq Reveals Spermatogonial Stem Cell Developmental Pattern in Shaziling Pigs. Biomolecules 2024; 14:607. [PMID: 38927011 PMCID: PMC11202124 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060607] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Normal testicular development ensures the process of spermatogenesis, which is a complex biological process. The sustained high productivity of spermatogenesis throughout life is predominantly attributable to the constant proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The self-renewal and differentiation processes of SSCs are strictly regulated by the SSC niche. Therefore, understanding the developmental pattern of SSCs is crucial for spermatogenesis. The Shaziling pig is a medium-sized indigenous pig breed originating from central China. It is renowned for its superior meat quality and early male sexual maturity. The spermatogenic ability of the boars is of great economic importance to the pig industry. To investigate testicular development, particularly the pattern of SSC development in Shaziling pigs, we used single-cell transcriptomics to identify gene expression patterns in 82,027 individual cells from nine Shaziling pig testes at three key postnatal developmental stages. We generated an unbiased cell developmental atlas of Shaziling pig testicular tissues. We elucidated the complex processes involved in the development of SSCs within their niche in the Shaziling pig. Specifically, we identified potential marker genes and cellular signaling pathways that regulate SSC self-renewal and maintenance. Additionally, we proposed potential novel marker genes for SSCs that could be used for SSC isolation and sorting in Shaziling pigs. Furthermore, by immunofluorescence staining of testicular tissues of different developmental ages using marker proteins (UCHL1 and KIT), the developmental pattern of the spermatogonia of Shaziling pigs was intensively studied. Our research enhances the comprehension of the development of SSCs and provides a valuable reference for breeding Shaziling pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangwei Tang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (X.T.); (C.C.); (A.Y.); (Y.D.)
| | - Chujie Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (X.T.); (C.C.); (A.Y.); (Y.D.)
| | - Saina Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China;
| | - Anqi Yang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (X.T.); (C.C.); (A.Y.); (Y.D.)
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yanhong Deng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (X.T.); (C.C.); (A.Y.); (Y.D.)
| | - Bin Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (X.T.); (C.C.); (A.Y.); (Y.D.)
| | - Jingjing Gu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (X.T.); (C.C.); (A.Y.); (Y.D.)
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Gao J, Xu Z, Song W, Huang J, Liu W, He Z, He L. USP11 regulates proliferation and apoptosis of human spermatogonial stem cells via HOXC5-mediated canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:211. [PMID: 38722330 PMCID: PMC11082041 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05248-6] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are capable of transmitting genetic information to the next generations and they are the initial cells for spermatogenesis. Nevertheless, it remains largely unknown about key genes and signaling pathways that regulate fate determinations of human SSCs and male infertility. In this study, we explored the expression, function, and mechanism of USP11 in controlling the proliferation and apoptosis of human SSCs as well as the association between its abnormality and azoospermia. We found that USP11 was predominantly expressed in human SSCs as shown by database analysis and immunohistochemistry. USP11 silencing led to decreases in proliferation and DNA synthesis and an enhancement in apoptosis of human SSCs. RNA-sequencing identified HOXC5 as a target of USP11 in human SSCs. Double immunofluorescence, Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), and molecular docking demonstrated an interaction between USP11 and HOXC5 in human SSCs. HOXC5 knockdown suppressed the growth of human SSCs and increased apoptosis via the classical WNT/β-catenin pathway. In contrast, HOXC5 overexpression reversed the effect of proliferation and apoptosis induced by USP11 silencing. Significantly, lower levels of USP11 expression were observed in the testicular tissues of patients with spermatogenic disorders. Collectively, these results implicate that USP11 regulates the fate decisions of human SSCs through the HOXC5/WNT/β-catenin pathway. This study thus provides novel insights into understanding molecular mechanisms underlying human spermatogenesis and the etiology of azoospermia and it offers new targets for gene therapy of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Gao
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhipeng Xu
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weijie Song
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiwei Huang
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Zuping He
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.
| | - Leye He
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Indu S, Devi AN, Sahadevan M, Sengottaiyan J, Basu A, K SR, Kumar PG. Expression profiling of stemness markers in testicular germline stem cells from neonatal and adult Swiss albino mice during their transdifferentiation in vitro. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:93. [PMID: 38561834 PMCID: PMC10985951 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03701-8] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) were considered to be stem cells with limited potencies due to their existence in adult organisms. However, the production of spermatogonial stem cell colonies with broader differentiation capabilities in primary germ cell cultures from mice of select genetic backgrounds (C57BL6/Tg14, ddY, FVB and 129/Ola) indicated that SSCs from these strains were pluripotent. METHODS We established primary cultures of SSCs from neonatal and adult Swiss 3T3 Albino mice. Stemness of SSC colonies were evaluated by performing real-time PCR and immunofluorescence analysis for a panel of chosen stemness markers. Differentiation potentials of SSCs were examined by attempting the generation of embryoid bodies and evaluating the expression of ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal markers using immunofluorescence and real-time PCR analysis. RESULTS Spermatogonial stem cells from neonatal and mature mice testes colonised in vitro and formed compact spermatogonial stem cell colonies in culture. The presence of stem cell markers ALPL, ITGA6 and CD9 indicated stemness in these colonies. The differentiation potential of these SSC colonies was demonstrated by their transformation into embryoid bodies upon withdrawal of growth factors from the culture medium. SSC colonies and embryoid bodies formed were evaluated using immunofluorescence and real-time PCR analysis. Embryoid body like structures derived from both neonatal and adult mouse testis were quite similar in terms of the expression of germ layer markers. CONCLUSION These results strongly suggest that SSC-derived EB-like structures could be used for further differentiation into cells of interest in cell-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivankutty Indu
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud PO, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, 695 014, Kerala, India
| | - Anandavally N Devi
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud PO, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, 695 014, Kerala, India
| | - Mahitha Sahadevan
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud PO, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, 695 014, Kerala, India
| | - Jeeva Sengottaiyan
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud PO, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, 695 014, Kerala, India
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala, Karyavattom Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, 695581, Kerala, India
| | - Asmita Basu
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud PO, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, 695 014, Kerala, India
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala, Karyavattom Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, 695581, Kerala, India
| | - Shabith Raj K
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud PO, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, 695 014, Kerala, India
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala, Karyavattom Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, 695581, Kerala, India
| | - Pradeep G Kumar
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud PO, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, 695 014, Kerala, India.
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala, Karyavattom Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, 695581, Kerala, India.
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Gille AS, Givelet M, Pehlic D, Lapoujade C, Lassalle B, Barroca V, Bemelmans AP, Borderie D, Moison D, Livera G, Gauthier LR, Boussin FD, Thiounn N, Allemand I, Peyssonnaux C, Wolf JP, Barraud-Lange V, Riou L, Fouchet P. Impact of the hypoxic microenvironment on spermatogonial stem cells in culture. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1293068. [PMID: 38304612 PMCID: PMC10830753 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1293068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The stem cell niche plays a crucial role in the decision to either self-renew or differentiate. Recent observations lead to the hypothesis that O2 supply by blood and local O2 tension could be key components of the testicular niche of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). In this study, we investigated the impact of different hypoxic conditions (3.5%, 1%, and 0.1% O2 tension) on murine and human SSCs in culture. We observed a deleterious effect of severe hypoxia (1% O2 and 0.1% O2) on the capacity of murine SSCs to form germ cell clusters when plated at low density. Severe effects on SSCs proliferation occur at an O2 tension ≤1% and hypoxia was shown to induce a slight differentiation bias under 1% and 0.1% O2 conditions. Exposure to hypoxia did not appear to change the mitochondrial mass and the potential of membrane of mitochondria in SSCs, but induced the generation of mitochondrial ROS at 3.5% and 1% O2. In 3.5% O2 conditions, the capacity of SSCs to form colonies was maintained at the level of 21% O2 at low cell density, but it was impossible to amplify and maintain stem cell number in high cell density culture. In addition, we observed that 3.5% hypoxia did not improve the maintenance and propagation of human SSCs. Finally, our data tend to show that the transcription factors HIF-1α and HIF-2α are not involved in the SSCs cell autonomous response to hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. S. Gille
- Université Paris Cité, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Département de Génétique, Développement et Cancer. Team from Gametes to Birth, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - M. Givelet
- Université Paris Cité, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Département de Génétique, Développement et Cancer. Team from Gametes to Birth, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - D. Pehlic
- Université Paris Cité, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - C. Lapoujade
- Université Paris Cité, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - B. Lassalle
- Université Paris Cité, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - V. Barroca
- Université Paris Cité, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - A. P. Bemelmans
- CEA, IBFJ, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - D. Borderie
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, T3S, Paris, France
- Department of Biochemistry AP-HP, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - D. Moison
- Université Paris Cité, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - G. Livera
- Université Paris Cité, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - L. R. Gauthier
- Université Paris Cité, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - F. D. Boussin
- Université Paris Cité, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - N. Thiounn
- Université de Paris Cité, Service d’Urologie, Centre Hospitalier Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Centre, Paris, France
| | - I. Allemand
- Université Paris Cité, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - C. Peyssonnaux
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
- Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex, Paris, France
| | - J. P. Wolf
- Département de Génétique, Développement et Cancer. Team from Gametes to Birth, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - V. Barraud-Lange
- Département de Génétique, Développement et Cancer. Team from Gametes to Birth, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - L. Riou
- Université Paris Cité, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - P. Fouchet
- Université Paris Cité, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, CEA, Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
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Morimoto H, Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Shinohara T. WIN18,446 enhances spermatogonial stem cell homing and fertility after germ cell transplantation by increasing blood-testis barrier permeability. J Reprod Dev 2023; 69:347-355. [PMID: 37899250 PMCID: PMC10721852 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2023-074] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) possess a unique ability to recolonize the seminiferous tubules. Upon microinjection into the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous tubules, SSCs transmigrate through the blood-testis barrier (BTB) to the basal compartment of the tubule and reinitiate spermatogenesis. It was recently discovered that inhibiting retinoic acid signaling with WIN18,446 enhances SSC colonization by transiently suppressing spermatogonia differentiation, thereby promoting fertility restoration. In this study, we report that WIN18,446 increases SSC colonization by disrupting the BTB. WIN18,446 altered the expression patterns of tight junction proteins (TJPs) and disrupted the BTB in busulfan-treated mice. WIN18,446 upregulated the expression of FGF2, one of the self-renewal factors for SSCs. While WIN18,446 enhanced SSC colonization in busulfan-treated wild-type mice, it did not increase colonization levels in busulfan-treated Cldn11-deficient mice, which lack the BTB, indicating that the enhancement of SSC colonization in wild-type testes depended on the loss of the BTB. Serial transplantation analysis revealed impaired self-renewal caused by WIN18,446, indicating that WIN18,446-mediated inhibition of retinoic acid signaling impaired SSC self-renewal. Strikingly, WIN18,446 administration resulted in the death of 45% of busulfan-treated recipient mice. These findings suggest that TJP modulation is the primary mechanism behind enhanced SSC homing by WIN18,446 and raise concerns regarding the use of WIN18,446 for human SSC transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Morimoto
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- AMED-CREST, AMED, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Takashi Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Jokar J, Abdulabbas HT, Alipanah H, Ghasemian A, Ai J, Rahimian N, Mohammadisoleimani E, Najafipour S. Tissue engineering studies in male infertility disorder. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1617-1635. [PMID: 37791451 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2251678] [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: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is an important issue among couples worldwide which is caused by a variety of complex diseases. Male infertility is a problem in 7% of all men. In vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) is the experimental approach that has been developed for mimicking seminiferous tubules-like functional structures in vitro. Currently, various researchers are interested in finding and developing a microenvironmental condition or a bioartificial testis applied for fertility restoration via gamete production in vitro. The tissue engineering (TE) has developed new approaches to treat male fertility preservation through development of functional male germ cells. This makes TE a possible future strategy for restoration of male fertility. Although 3D culture systems supply the perception of the effect of cellular interactions in the process of spermatogenesis, formation of a native gradient of autocrine/paracrine factors in 3D culture systems have not been considered. These results collectively suggest that maintaining the microenvironment of testicular cells even in the form of a 3D-culture system is crucial in achieving spermatogenesis ex vivo. It is also possible to engineer the testicular structures using biomaterials to provide a supporting scaffold for somatic and stem cells. The insemination of these cells with GFs is possible for temporally and spatially adjusted release to mimic the microenvironment of the in situ seminiferous epithelium. This review focuses on recent studies and advances in the application of TE strategies to cell-tissue culture on synthetic or natural scaffolds supplemented with growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Jokar
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran
| | | | - Hiva Alipanah
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Jafar Ai
- Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloofar Rahimian
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Elham Mohammadisoleimani
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Sohrab Najafipour
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
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Zhao X, Huang Z, Chen Y, Zhou Q, Zhu F, Zhang H, Zhou D. MAGEB2-Mediated Degradation of EGR1 Regulates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Human Spermatogonial Stem Cell Lines. Stem Cells Int 2023; 2023:3610466. [PMID: 37304127 PMCID: PMC10256451 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3610466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells are committed to initiating and maintaining male spermatogenesis, which is the foundation of male fertility. Understanding the mechanisms underlying SSC fate decisions is critical for controlling spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the key molecules and mechanisms responsible for regulating human SSC development are not clearly understood. Here, we analyzed normal human testis single-cell sequencing data from the GEO dataset (GSE149512 and GSE112013). Melanoma antigen gene B2 (MAGEB2) was found to be predominantly expressed in human SSCs and further validated by immunohistology. Overexpression of MAGEB2 in SSC lines severely weakened cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. Further, using protein interaction prediction, molecular docking, and immunoprecipitation, we found that MAGEB2 interacted with early growth response protein 1 (EGR1) in SSC lines. Reexpression of EGR1 in MAGEB2 overexpression cells partially rescued decreased cell proliferation. Furthermore, MAGEB2 was shown to be downregulated in specific NOA patients, implying that abnormal expression of MAGEB2 may impair spermatogenesis and male fertility. Our results offer new insights into the functional and regulatory mechanisms in MAGEB2-mediated human SSC line proliferation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueheng Zhao
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Zenghui Huang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Yongzhe Chen
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421000, China
| | - Qianyin Zhou
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Dai Zhou
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
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8
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Yao B, Kang Y, An K, Tan Y, Hou Q, Zhang D, Su J. Comparative analysis of microRNA and messengerRNA expression profiles in plateau zokor testicular cells under reproductive suppression. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1184120. [PMID: 37275617 PMCID: PMC10235463 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1184120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Reproductive suppression is an adaptive strategy that affects the success rate and reproductive efficiency in animals, which in turn affects population continuation and evolution. However, no studies on the miRNAs in testicular development and spermatogenesis regulatory mechanisms under reproductive suppression have been reported. Methods In this study, the differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs, miRNA-mRNA interaction network and function of the plateau zokor testicular cells of non-breeders and breeders during the breeding season were comprehensively analyzed by transcriptomics. Results In total, 381 known and 94 novel miRNAs were determined. Compared with that in the breeders, 70 downregulated and 68 upregulated DE miRNAs were identified in the non-breeders. We predicted 1670 significant target mRNAs by analyzing the miRNA and mRNA expression profiles. According to the miRNA-mRNA interaction network, the target mRNAs of the DE miRNAs were related to testicular development and spermatogenesis. GO indicate that the target mRNAs were related to testicular development and spermatogenesis. KEGG indicate that pathways of target mRNAs enrichment related to testicular development, spermatogenesis, and energy metabolism. PROK2 was determined as the target mRNA of rno-miR-143-3p. Discussion Our study offers a basis for the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in testicular development and spermatogenesis in plateau zokor under reproductive suppression and offers a reference for reproductive regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohui Yao
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yukun Kang
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Kang An
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuchen Tan
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiqi Hou
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Degang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junhu Su
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
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9
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Cason C, Lord T. RNA Interference as a Method of Gene Knockdown in Cultured Spermatogonia. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:161-177. [PMID: 37249871 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Maintenance and self-renewal of the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) population in the testis are dictated by the expression of a unique suite of genes. In manipulating gene expression through loss-of-function approaches, we can identify important regulatory mechanisms that dictate spermatogonial fate decisions. One such approach is RNA interference (RNAi), which uses natural cellular responses to small interfering RNAs to decrease levels of a targeted transcript. RNAi is performed in primary cultures of undifferentiated spermatogonia, and can be paired with techniques such as spermatogonial transplantation to assess the functional consequences of downregulated expression of the target gene on stem cell maintenance. This approach provides an alternative or complementary strategy to the generation of knockout mouse lines / cell lines. Here, we describe the methodology of RNAi in undifferentiated spermatogonia, and outline its inherent advantages and disadvantages over other technologies in the study of gene regulation in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Cason
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
- Infertility and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
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10
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Lesko P, Chovanec M, Mego M. Biomarkers of disease recurrence in stage I testicular germ cell tumours. Nat Rev Urol 2022; 19:637-658. [PMID: 36028719 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00624-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Stage I testicular cancer is a disease restricted to the testicle. After orchiectomy, patients are considered to be without disease; however, the tumour is prone to relapse in ~4-50% of patients. Current predictive markers of relapse, which are tumour size and invasion to rete testis (in seminoma) or lymphovascular invasion (in non-seminoma), have limited clinical utility and are unable to correctly predict relapse in a substantial proportion of patients. Adjuvant therapeutic strategies based on available biomarkers can lead to overtreatment of 50-85% of patients. Discovery and implementation of novel biomarkers into treatment decision making will help to reduce the burden of adjuvant treatments and improve patient selection for adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lesko
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Chovanec
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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11
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Skroblyn T, Joedicke JJ, Pfau M, Krüger K, Bourquin JP, Izraeli S, Eckert C, Höpken UE. CXCR4 mediates leukemic cell migration and survival in the testicular microenvironment. J Pathol 2022; 258:12-25. [PMID: 35522562 DOI: 10.1002/path.5924] [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: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The testis is the second most frequent extramedullary site of relapse in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The mechanism for B-cell (B) ALL cell migration towards and survival within the testis remains elusive. Here, we identified CXCL12-CXCR4 as the leading signaling axis for B-ALL cell migration and survival in the testicular leukemic niche. We combined analysis of primary human ALL with a novel patient-derived xenograft (PDX)-ALL mouse model with testicular involvement. Prerequisites for leukemic cell infiltration in the testis were pre-pubertal age of the recipient mice, high surface expression of CXCR4 on PDX-ALL cells, and CXCL12 secretion from the testicular stroma. Analysis of primary pediatric patient samples revealed that CXCR4 was the only chemokine receptor being robustly expressed on B-ALL cells both at the time of diagnosis and relapse. In affected patient testes, leukemic cells localized within the interstitial space in close proximity to testicular macrophages. Mouse macrophages isolated from affected testes, in the PDX model, revealed a macrophage polarization towards a M2-like phenotype in the presence of ALL cells. Therapeutically, blockade of CXCR4-mediated functions using an anti-CXCR4 antibody treatment completely abolished testicular infiltration of PDX-ALL cells and strongly impaired the overall development of leukemia. Collectively, we identified a pre-pubertal condition together with high CXCR4 expression as factors affecting the leukemia permissive testicular microenvironment. We propose CXCR4 as a promising target for therapeutic prevention of testicular relapses in childhood B-ALL. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Skroblyn
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, MDC, Department of Microenvironmental Regulation in Autoimmunity and Cancer, 13125, Berlin, Germany.,Charité-University Medicine, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Campus Virchow Klinikum, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jara J Joedicke
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, MDC, Department of Translational Tumorimmunology, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Madlen Pfau
- Charité-University Medicine, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Campus Virchow Klinikum, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerstin Krüger
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, MDC, Department of Microenvironmental Regulation in Autoimmunity and Cancer, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jean P Bourquin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Shai Izraeli
- Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tiqva, and Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Cornelia Eckert
- Charité-University Medicine, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Campus Virchow Klinikum, 13353, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium, and German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uta E Höpken
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, MDC, Department of Microenvironmental Regulation in Autoimmunity and Cancer, 13125, Berlin, Germany
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12
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Matilionyte G, Tharmalingam MD, Sanou I, Lopes F, Lane S, Stukenborg JB, Spears N, Anderson RA, Mitchell RT. Maintenance of Sertoli Cell Number and Function in Immature Human Testicular Tissues Exposed to Platinum-Based Chemotherapy-Implications for Fertility Restoration. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:825734. [PMID: 35387428 PMCID: PMC8977418 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.825734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Retrospective studies in adult survivors of childhood cancer show long-term impacts of exposure to alkylating chemotherapy on future fertility. We recently demonstrated germ cell loss in immature human testicular tissues following exposure to platinum-based chemotherapeutic drugs. This study investigated the effects of platinum-based chemotherapy exposure on the somatic Sertoli cell population in human fetal and pre-pubertal testicular tissues. Methods: Human fetal (n = 23; 14-22 gestational weeks) testicular tissue pieces were exposed to cisplatin (0.5 or 1.0 μg/ml) or vehicle for 24 h in vitro and analysed 24-240 h post-exposure or 12 weeks after xenografting. Human pre-pubertal (n = 10; 1-12 years) testicular tissue pieces were exposed to cisplatin (0.5 μg/ml), carboplatin (5 μg/ml) or vehicle for 24 h in vitro and analysed 24-240 h post-exposure; exposure to carboplatin at 10-times the concentration of cisplatin reflects the relative clinical doses given to patients. Immunohistochemistry was performed for SOX9 and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) expression and quantification was carried out to assess effects on Sertoli cell number and function respectively. AMH and inhibin B was measured in culture medium collected post-exposure to assess effects on Sertoli cell function. Results: Sertoli cell (SOX9+ve) number was maintained in cisplatin-exposed human fetal testicular tissues (7,647 ± 459 vs. 7,767 ± 498 cells/mm2; p > 0.05) at 240 h post-exposure. No effect on inhibin B (indicator of Sertoli cell function) production was observed at 96 h after cisplatin (0.5 and 1.0 μg/ml) exposure compared to control (21 ± 5 (0.5 μg/ml cisplatin) vs. 23 ± 7 (1.0 μg/ml cisplatin) vs. 25 ± 7 (control) ng/ml, p > 0.05). Xenografting of cisplatin-exposed (0.5 μg/ml) human fetal testicular tissues had no long-term effect on Sertoli cell number or function (percentage seminiferous area stained for SOX9 and AMH, respectively), compared with non-exposed tissues. Sertoli cell number was maintained in human pre-pubertal testicular tissues following exposure to either 0.5 μg/ml cisplatin (6,723 ± 1,647 cells/mm2) or 5 μg/ml carboplatin (7,502 ± 627 cells/mm2) compared to control (6,592 ± 1,545 cells/mm2). Conclusions: This study demonstrates maintenance of Sertoli cell number and function in immature human testicular tissues exposed to platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents. The maintenance of a functional Sertoli cell environment following chemotherapy exposure suggests that fertility restoration by spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplant may be possible in boys facing platinum-based cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Matilionyte
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa D. Tharmalingam
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Edinburgh, Singapore
| | - Iris Sanou
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Federica Lopes
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Sheila Lane
- Department of Womens and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Norah Spears
- Biomedical Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A. Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rod T. Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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13
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Nakamura H, Iwakawa G, Matsubara K. Activation of Migratory Ability in Male Mouse Primordial Germ Cells by in vitro Organ Culture. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3923/jms.2022.53.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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14
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Kitadate Y, Yoshida S. Regulation of spermatogenic stem cell homeostasis by mitogen competition in an open niche microenvironment. Gene 2022; 97:15-25. [DOI: 10.1266/ggs.21-00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kitadate
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
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15
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MiRNA-34c Regulates Bovine Sertoli Cell Proliferation, Gene Expression, and Apoptosis by Targeting the AXL Gene. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082393. [PMID: 34438849 PMCID: PMC8388803 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Fertility is one of the essential reproduction traits of bulls, and accurate prediction of fertility potential using a semen sample from a donor bull for artificial insemination is crucial to achieve consistently high reproductive efficiency. Somatic cells, such as Sertoli cells and Leydig cells, are important in testis formation and provide a nurturing and regulatory environment for spermatogenesis. Furthermore, it was suggested that non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs, and Piwi-interacting RNA, function as important regulators of gene expression at post-transcriptional level in spermatogenesis. In this study, microRNA-34c was verified to specifically regulate the AXL gene by targeting a sequence in the 3’ UTR; miRNA-34c can also influence the proliferation, apoptosis, and relative abundance of the transcript of male-reproduction-related genes. Therefore, microRNA-34c can be considered an essential regulator in the process of bull spermatogenesis. These results identify a key microRNA and functional genes in the process of cattle male reproduction, providing useful information for future marker-assisted selection of bulls with excellent sperm quality. Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play significant roles in mammalian spermatogenesis. Sertoli cells can provide a stable microenvironment and nutritional factors for germ cells, thus playing a vital role in spermatogenesis. However, few studies elucidate the regulation of bovine testicular Sertoli cells by miRNAs. Here, we have reported that miRNA-34c (miR-34c) regulates proliferation, apoptosis, and relative transcripts abundance gene in bovine Sertoli cells. In bovine Sertoli cells, overexpression of miR-34c inhibited proliferation and relative abundance of gene transcripts while promoting apoptosis of Sertoli cells, and the effects were the opposite when miR-34c was knocked down. Receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) was identified as a direct target gene of miR-34c in Sertoli cells, validated by analysis of the relative abundance of AXL transcript and dual-luciferase reporter assay. The relative abundance of the transcript of genes related to male reproduction in Sertoli cells was changed after the AXL gene was overexpressed, as demonstrated by the RT2 Profiler PCR Array results. In summary, miR-34c specifically regulated the AXL gene by targeting a sequence in the 3′-UTR, which could influence proliferation, apoptosis, and relative abundance of the transcript of male reproduction-related genes. Therefore, miR-34c could be considered an essential regulator in the process of bull spermatogenesis.
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16
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Yamamuro T, Nakamura S, Yamano Y, Endo T, Yanagawa K, Tokumura A, Matsumura T, Kobayashi K, Mori H, Enokidani Y, Yoshida G, Imoto H, Kawabata T, Hamasaki M, Kuma A, Kuribayashi S, Takezawa K, Okada Y, Ozawa M, Fukuhara S, Shinohara T, Ikawa M, Yoshimori T. Rubicon prevents autophagic degradation of GATA4 to promote Sertoli cell function. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009688. [PMID: 34351902 PMCID: PMC8341604 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy degrades unnecessary proteins or damaged organelles to maintain cellular function. Therefore, autophagy has a preventive role against various diseases including hepatic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Although autophagy in germ cells or Sertoli cells is known to be required for spermatogenesis and male fertility, it remains poorly understood how autophagy participates in spermatogenesis. We found that systemic knockout mice of Rubicon, a negative regulator of autophagy, exhibited a substantial reduction in testicular weight, spermatogenesis, and male fertility, associated with upregulation of autophagy. Rubicon-null mice also had lower levels of mRNAs of Sertoli cell–related genes in testis. Importantly, Rubicon knockout in Sertoli cells, but not in germ cells, caused a defect in spermatogenesis and germline stem cell maintenance in mice, indicating a critical role of Rubicon in Sertoli cells. In mechanistic terms, genetic loss of Rubicon promoted autophagic degradation of GATA4, a transcription factor that is essential for Sertoli cell function. Furthermore, androgen antagonists caused a significant decrease in the levels of Rubicon and GATA4 in testis, accompanied by elevated autophagy. Collectively, we propose that Rubicon promotes Sertoli cell function by preventing autophagic degradation of GATA4, and that this mechanism could be regulated by androgens. Androgens, known as “male” hormones, stimulate and activate their receptors in various tissues, including testicular cells and skeletal muscle cells, thereby maintaining spermatogenesis and muscle mass. Notably, androgens-dependent maintenance of male reproduction is of particular interest because the incidence of male infertility has increased in recent decades. Previous studies revealed that Androgen receptor knockout in Sertoli cells causes defective spermatogenesis, indicating a crucial role of androgens in Sertoli cells. Another study suggested that fatherhood-dependent downregulation of androgens could decrease male fertility, leading the male to concentrate on parenting existing offspring. However, it remains largely unknown how androgen regulates Sertoli cell function for male reproduction. In the present study, our results suggest that androgens regulate testicular levels of Rubicon, a negative regulator of autophagy, to control autophagic degradation of GATA4 that is required for Sertoli cell function. Because autophagy and androgens participate in various cellular processes, we anticipate that this study will provide a solid evidence for understanding such processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Yamamuro
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shuhei Nakamura
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Intracellular Membrane Dynamics, Graduate school of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- * E-mail: (SN); (TY)
| | - Yu Yamano
- Laboratory of Intracellular Membrane Dynamics, Graduate school of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Endo
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Yanagawa
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ayaka Tokumura
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takafumi Matsumura
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kiyonori Kobayashi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideto Mori
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan
- Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yusuke Enokidani
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Gota Yoshida
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hitomi Imoto
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Intracellular Membrane Dynamics, Graduate school of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kawabata
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Intracellular Membrane Dynamics, Graduate school of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Maho Hamasaki
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Intracellular Membrane Dynamics, Graduate school of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akiko Kuma
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Intracellular Membrane Dynamics, Graduate school of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sohei Kuribayashi
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kentaro Takezawa
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Okada
- Laboratory of Pathology and Development, The Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Manabu Ozawa
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Fukuhara
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takashi Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Yoshimori
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Intracellular Membrane Dynamics, Graduate school of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- * E-mail: (SN); (TY)
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17
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Meiotic Silencing in Pigs: A Case Study in a Translocated Azoospermic Boar. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081137. [PMID: 34440311 PMCID: PMC8394674 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Carriers of balanced constitutional reciprocal translocations usually present a normal phenotype, but often show reproductive disorders. For the first time in pigs, we analyzed the meiotic process of an autosome-autosome translocation associated with azoospermia. Meiotic process analysis revealed the presence of unpaired autosomal segments with histone γH2AX accumulation sometimes associated with the XY body. Additionally, γH2AX signals were observed on apparently synapsed autosomes other than the SSC1 or SSC15, as previously observed in Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2 patients or knock-out mice for the Senataxin gene. Gene expression showed a downregulation of genes selected on chromosomes 1 and 15, but no upregulation of SSCX genes. We hypothesized that the total meiotic arrest observed in this boar might be due to the silencing of crucial autosomal genes by the mechanism referred to as meiotic silencing of unsynapsed chromatin (MSUC).
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18
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Jia GX, Lin Z, Yan RG, Wang GW, Zhang XN, Li C, Tong MH, Yang QE. WTAP Function in Sertoli Cells Is Essential for Sustaining the Spermatogonial Stem Cell Niche. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 15:968-982. [PMID: 33053361 PMCID: PMC7566211 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are the major component of the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche; however, regulatory mechanisms in Sertoli cells that dictate SSC fate decisions remain largely unknown. Here we revealed features of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA modification in Sertoli cells and demonstrated the functions of WTAP, the key subunit of the m6A methyltransferase complex in spermatogenesis. m6A-sequencing analysis identified 21,909 m6A sites from 15,365 putative m6A-enriched transcripts within 6,122 genes, including many Sertoli cell-specific genes. Conditional deletion of Wtap in Sertoli cells resulted in sterility and the progressive loss of the SSC population. RNA sequencing and ribosome nascent-chain complex-bound mRNA sequencing analyses suggested that alternative splicing events of transcripts encoding SSC niche factors were sharply altered and translation of these transcripts were severely dysregulated by Wtap deletion. Collectively, this study uncovers a novel regulatory mechanism of the SSC niche and provide insights into molecular interactions between stem cells and their cognate niches in mammals. WTAP is highly expressed in Sertoli cell and is essential in spermatogenesis Wtap knockout in Sertoli cell causes defective spermatogonial stem cell maintenance WTAP regulates transcription and translation of m6A-enriched genes in Sertoli cell
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Affiliation(s)
- Gong-Xue Jia
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China; Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Zhen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rong-Ge Yan
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guo-Wen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cen Li
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China.
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19
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Parker N, Laychur A, Sukwani M, Orwig KE, Oatley JM, Zhang C, Rutaganira FU, Shokat K, Wright WW. Spermatogonial Stem Cell Numbers Are Reduced by Transient Inhibition of GDNF Signaling but Restored by Self-Renewing Replication when Signaling Resumes. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:597-609. [PMID: 33636117 PMCID: PMC7940257 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
One cause of human male infertility is a scarcity of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in testes with Sertoli cells that neither produce adequate amounts of GDNF nor form the Sertoli-Sertoli junctions that form the blood-testis barrier (BTB). These patients raise the issue of whether a pool of SSCs, depleted due to inadequate GDNF stimulation, will expand if normal signaling is restored. Here, we reduce adult mouse SSC numbers by 90% using a chemical-genetic approach that reversibly inhibits GDNF signaling. Signal resumption causes all remaining SSCs to replicate immediately, but they primarily form differentiating progenitor spermatogonia. Subsequently, self-renewing replication restores SSC numbers. Testicular GDNF levels are not increased during restoration. However, SSC replication decreases as numbers of SSCs and progenitors increase, suggesting important regulatory interactions among these cells. Finally, sequential loss of SSCs and then pachytene spermatocytes causes dissolution of the BTB, thereby recapitulating another important characteristic of some infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Parker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andrew Laychur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Meena Sukwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jon M Oatley
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164, USA
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, 600 16(th) Street, MC 2280, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Florentine U Rutaganira
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, 600 16(th) Street, MC 2280, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Kevan Shokat
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, 600 16(th) Street, MC 2280, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - William W Wright
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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20
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Yang G, He Y, Yang H. The involvement of bioactive factors in the self-renewal and stemness maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:1813-1823. [PMID: 33459979 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-04028-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is usually accompanied throughout mammalian lifetime, transmitting genetic information to the next generation, which is mainly dependent on the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). With further investigation on profiles of SSCs, the previous prevailing orthodoxy that SSCs are unipotent stem cells to differentiate into spermatids only, has been challenged. More notably, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that SSCs are capable of giving rise to cell lineages of the three germ layers, highlighting potential important applications of SSCs for regenerative medicine. Nevertheless, it is unknown how the proliferation and stemness maintenance of SSCs are regulated intrinsically and strictly controlled in a special niche microenvironment in the seminiferous tubules. Based on the special niche microenvironment for SSCs, it is of vital interest to summarize the recent knowledge regarding several critical bioactive molecules in the self-renewal and stemness maintenance of SSCs. In this review, we discuss most recent findings about these critical bioactive factors and further address the new advances on the self-renewal and stemness maintenance of SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqing Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuqing He
- School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712000, Shaanxi, China. .,School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China. .,Translational Medicine Center, Hong Hui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China.
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21
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Adolfi MC, Herpin A, Martinez-Bengochea A, Kneitz S, Regensburger M, Grunwald DJ, Schartl M. Crosstalk Between Retinoic Acid and Sex-Related Genes Controls Germ Cell Fate and Gametogenesis in Medaka. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:613497. [PMID: 33537305 PMCID: PMC7848095 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.613497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex determination (SD) is a highly diverse and complex mechanism. In vertebrates, one of the first morphological differences between the sexes is the timing of initiation of the first meiosis, where its initiation occurs first in female and later in male. Thus, SD is intimately related to the responsiveness of the germ cells to undergo meiosis in a sex-specific manner. In some vertebrates, it has been reported that the timing for meiosis entry would be under control of retinoic acid (RA), through activation of Stra8. In this study, we used a fish model species for sex determination and lacking the stra8 gene, the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes), to investigate the connection between RA and the sex determination pathway. Exogenous RA treatments act as a stress factor inhibiting germ cell differentiation probably by activation of dmrt1a and amh. Disruption of the RA degrading enzyme gene cyp26a1 induced precocious meiosis and oogenesis in embryos/hatchlings of female and even some males. Transcriptome analyzes of cyp26a1–/–adult gonads revealed upregulation of genes related to germ cell differentiation and meiosis, in both ovaries and testes. Our findings show that germ cells respond to RA in a stra8 independent model species. The responsiveness to RA is conferred by sex-related genes, restricting its action to the sex differentiation period in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus C Adolfi
- University of Wuerzburg, Developmental Biochemistry, Biocenter, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Amaury Herpin
- INRA, UR1037, Fish Physiology and Genomics, Rennes, France.,State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Anabel Martinez-Bengochea
- University of Wuerzburg, Developmental Biochemistry, Biocenter, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Morphology, Institute of Bioscience of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Susanne Kneitz
- University of Wuerzburg, Developmental Biochemistry, Biocenter, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Martina Regensburger
- University of Wuerzburg, Developmental Biochemistry, Biocenter, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - David J Grunwald
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Manfred Schartl
- University of Wuerzburg, Developmental Biochemistry, Biocenter, Wuerzburg, Germany.,University of Wuerzburg, Developmental Biochemistry, Biocenter, Wuerzburg, Germany
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22
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Elrashidy RA, Hasan RA. Stromal cell-derived factor-1α predominantly mediates the ameliorative effect of linagliptin against cisplatin-induced testicular injury in adult male rats. Cytokine 2020; 136:155260. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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23
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Chen L, Zhang J, Liu X, Yao M, Zhang H. The protective effects of umbilical cord-derived endothelial colony forming cells on hepatic veno-occlusive disease. Cell Biol Int 2020; 44:2541-2552. [PMID: 32876991 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11461] [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: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD) characterized by endothelial cell dysfunction is one of the serious complications after hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation or chemotherapeutic drug application. The mortality of HVOD patients with multiorgan dysfunction is as high as 80%. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether the infusion of human umbilical cord-derived endothelial colony forming cells (hUC-ECFCs) could mitigate HVOD injury and investigate the underlying mechanism. We found that the expression of chemokine C-X-C chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) was markedly increased in the livers of HVOD mice. Meanwhile, hUC-ECFCs infusion could significantly ameliorate liver injury in HVOD mice, which was accompanied by hUC-ECFCs recruitment in the liver, reduced liver pathological alterations, and decreased serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activity. Besides, CXCL12-induced migration in hUC-ECFCs was partly impeded by chemokine receptor type 7 (CXCR7) silence or CXCR4 blockage. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that hUC-ECFCs could mitigate HVOD through homing to the injured liver via the CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Chen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Graduate School, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.,Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.,Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.,Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Graduate School, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.,Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.,Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Mingkang Yao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Graduate School, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.,Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.,Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Graduate School, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.,Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.,Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
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24
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Suzuki S, Diaz VD, Hermann BP. What has single-cell RNA-seq taught us about mammalian spermatogenesis? Biol Reprod 2020; 101:617-634. [PMID: 31077285 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex developmental program that transforms mitotic testicular germ cells (spermatogonia) into mature male gametes (sperm) for production of offspring. For decades, it has been known that this several-weeks-long process involves a series of highly ordered and morphologically recognizable cellular changes as spermatogonia proliferate, spermatocytes undertake meiosis, and spermatids develop condensed nuclei, acrosomes, and flagella. Yet, much of the underlying molecular logic driving these processes has remained opaque because conventional characterization strategies often aggregated groups of cells to meet technical requirements or due to limited capability for cell selection. Recently, a cornucopia of single-cell transcriptome studies has begun to lift the veil on the full compendium of gene expression phenotypes and changes underlying spermatogenic development. These datasets have revealed the previously obscured molecular heterogeneity among and between varied spermatogenic cell types and are reinvigorating investigation of testicular biology. This review describes the extent of available single-cell RNA-seq profiles of spermatogenic and testicular somatic cells, how those data were produced and evaluated, their present value for advancing knowledge of spermatogenesis, and their potential future utility at both the benchtop and bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinnosuke Suzuki
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Victoria D Diaz
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Brian P Hermann
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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25
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Xie Y, Wei BH, Ni FD, Yang WX. Conversion from spermatogonia to spermatocytes: Extracellular cues and downstream transcription network. Gene 2020; 764:145080. [PMID: 32858178 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Spermatocyte (spc) formation from spermatogonia (spg) differentiation is the first step of spermatogenesis which produces prodigious spermatozoa for a lifetime. After decades of studies, several factors involved in the functioning of a mouse were discovered both inside and outside spg. Considering the peculiar expression and working pattern of each factor, this review divides the whole conversion of spg to spc into four consecutive development processes with a focus on extracellular cues and downstream transcription network in each one. Potential coordination among Dmrt1, Sohlh1/2 and BMP families mediates Ngn3 upregulation, which marks progenitor spg, with other changes. After that, retinoic acid (RA), as a master regulator, promotes A1 spg formation with its helpers and Sall4. A1-to-B spg transition is under the control of Kitl and impulsive RA signaling together with early and late transcription factors Stra8 and Dmrt6. Finally, RA and its responsive effectors conduct the entry into meiosis. The systematic transcription network from outside to inside still needs research to supplement or settle the controversials in each process. As a step further ahead, this review provides possible drug targets for infertility therapy by cross-linking humans and mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xie
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bang-Hong Wei
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei-Da Ni
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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26
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New CXCR4 Antagonist Peptide R (Pep R) Improves Standard Therapy in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071952. [PMID: 32708431 PMCID: PMC7409147 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is overexpressed and functional in colorectal cancer. To investigate the role of CXCR4 antagonism in potentiating colon cancer standard therapy, the new peptide CXCR4 antagonist Peptide R (Pep R) was employed. Human colon cancer HCT116 xenograft-bearing mice were treated with chemotherapeutic agents (CT) 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) and oxaliplatin (OX) or 5FU and radio chemotherapy (RT-CT) in the presence of Pep R. After two weeks, CT plus Pep R reduced by 4-fold the relative tumor volume (RTV) as compared to 2- and 1.6-fold reductions induced, respectively, by CT and Pep R. In vitro Pep R addition to CT/RT-CT impaired HCT116 cell growth and further reduced HCT116 and HT29 clonal capability. Thus, the hypothesis that Pep R could target the epithelial mesenchyme transition (EMT) process was evaluated. While CT decreased ECAD and increased ZEB-1 and CD90 expression, the addition of Pep R restored the pretreatment expression. In HCT116 and HT29 cells, CT/RT-CT induced a population of CD133+CXCR4+ cells, supposedly a stem-resistant cancer cell population, while Pep R reduced it. Taken together, the results showed that targeting CXCR4 ameliorates the effect of treatment in colon cancer through inhibition of cell growth and reversal of EMT treatment-induced markers, supporting further clinical studies.
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27
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Zheng Y, Feng T, Zhang P, Lei P, Li F, Zeng W. Establishment of cell lines with porcine spermatogonial stem cell properties. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2020; 11:33. [PMID: 32308978 PMCID: PMC7146966 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-020-00439-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are capable of both self-renewal and differentiation to mature functional spermatozoa, being the only adult stem cells in the males that can transmit genetic information to the next generation. Porcine SSCs hold great value in transgenic pig production and in establishment of porcine models for regenerative medicine. However, studies and applications of porcine SSCs have been greatly hampered by the low number of SSCs in the testis as well as the lack of an ideal stable long-term culture system to propagate porcine SSCs perpetually. Results In the present study, by lentiviral transduction of plasmids expressing the simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen into porcine primary SSCs, we developed two immortalized cell lines with porcine SSC attributes. The established cell lines, with the expression of porcine SSC and germ cell markers UCHL1, PLZF, THY1, VASA and DAZL, could respond to retinoic acid (RA), and could colonize the recipient mouse testis without tumor formation after transplantation. The cell lines displayed infinite proliferation potential, and have now been cultured for more than 7 months and passaged for over 35 times without morphological abnormalities. Conclusions We have for the first time established porcine SSC lines that could provide abundant cell sources for mechanistic studies on porcine SSC self-renewal and differentiation, thereby facilitating development of an optimal long-term culture system for porcine primary SSCs and their application to animal husbandry and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Tongying Feng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Peipei Lei
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Fuyuan Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
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28
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Chen Z, Li X, Jin J, Zhou W, Chen J, Fok KL. Connective tissue growth factor mediates mouse spermatogonial migration associated with differentiation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118708. [PMID: 32240712 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonia migrate to the microenvironment during the establishment from gonocytes and leave it when they differentiate. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of spermatogonial differentiation-associated migration remain mostly unknown. In this study, we show that spermatogonial differentiation induced by retinoic acid (RA) was accompanied with increased migration ability and elevated expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a member of the CCN family. CTGF was mainly expressed in the testicular somatic cells and committed spermatogonial progenitors. Recombinant CTGF (rCTGF) promoted the spermatogonial migration and silencing of endogenous CTGF suppressed the migration of homogenous spermatogonial cell lines. Moreover, depletion of CTGF by neutralizing antibody inhibited the elevated migration ability induced by RA, suggesting both the paracrine and autocrine roles of CTGF in spermatogonial migration associated with differentiation. Finally, CTGF interacted with β1-integrin and regulated its level in spermatogonial cell lines. Together, our study provides novel insights into the regulation of spermatogonial migration by CTGF, which may shed light on the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jing Jin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Wei Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Junjiang Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Kin Lam Fok
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; School of Biomedical Sciences Core Laboratory, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
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29
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Tan K, Song HW, Wilkinson MF. Single-cell RNAseq analysis of testicular germ and somatic cell development during the perinatal period. Development 2020; 147:dev.183251. [PMID: 31964773 DOI: 10.1242/dev.183251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pro-spermatogonia (SG) serve as the gateway to spermatogenesis. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (RNAseq), we studied the development of ProSG, their SG descendants and testicular somatic cells during the perinatal period in mice. We identified both gene and protein markers for three temporally distinct ProSG cell subsets, including a migratory cell population with a transcriptome distinct from the previously defined T1- and T2-ProSG stages. This intermediate (I)-ProSG subset translocates from the center of seminiferous tubules to the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) 'niche' in its periphery soon after birth. We identified three undifferentiated SG subsets at postnatal day 7, each of which expresses distinct genes, including transcription factor and signaling genes. Two of these subsets have the characteristics of newly emergent SSCs. We also molecularly defined the development of Sertoli, Leydig and peritubular myoid cells during the perinatal period, allowing us to identify candidate signaling pathways acting between somatic and germ cells in a stage-specific manner during the perinatal period. Our study provides a rich resource for those investigating testicular germ and somatic cell developmental during the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Tan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Hye-Won Song
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Miles F Wilkinson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA .,Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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30
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Quinn KE, Mackie DI, Caron KM. Emerging roles of atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3) in normal development and physiology. Cytokine 2019; 109:17-23. [PMID: 29903572 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The discovery that atypical chemokine receptors (ACKRs) can initiate alternative signaling pathways rather than classical G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling has changed the paradigm of chemokine receptors and their roles in modulating chemotactic responses. The ACKR family has grown over the years, with discovery of new functions and roles in a variety of pathophysiological conditions. However, the extent to which these receptors regulate normal physiology is still continuously expanding. In particular, atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3) has proven to be an important receptor in mediating normal biological functions, including cardiac development and migration of cortical neurons. In this review, we illustrate the versatile and intriguing role of ACKR3 in physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Quinn
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, 111 MasonFarm Rd., 6312B MBRB CB# 7545, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7545, USA
| | - D I Mackie
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, 111 MasonFarm Rd., 6312B MBRB CB# 7545, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7545, USA
| | - K M Caron
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, 111 MasonFarm Rd., 6312B MBRB CB# 7545, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7545, USA.
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31
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Archana SS, Selvaraju S, Binsila BK, Arangasamy A, Krawetz SA. Immune regulatory molecules as modifiers of semen and fertility: A review. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1485-1504. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Siddalingappa Archana
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology DivisionICAR‐National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology Bengaluru India
- Department of BiochemistryJain University Bengaluru India
| | - Sellappan Selvaraju
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology DivisionICAR‐National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology Bengaluru India
| | - B. Krishnan Binsila
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology DivisionICAR‐National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology Bengaluru India
| | - Arunachalam Arangasamy
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology DivisionICAR‐National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology Bengaluru India
| | - Stephen A. Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWayne State University School of Medicine Detroit Michigan
- Center for Molecular Medicine and GeneticsC.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine Detroit Michigan
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32
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Kubota H, Brinster RL. Spermatogonial stem cells. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:52-74. [PMID: 29617903 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the most primitive spermatogonia in the testis and have an essential role to maintain highly productive spermatogenesis by self-renewal and continuous generation of daughter spermatogonia that differentiate into spermatozoa, transmitting genetic information to the next generation. Since the 1950s, many experimental methods, including histology, immunostaining, whole-mount analyses, and pulse-chase labeling, had been used in attempts to identify SSCs, but without success. In 1994, a spermatogonial transplantation method was reported that established a quantitative functional assay to identify SSCs by evaluating their ability to both self-renew and differentiate to spermatozoa. The system was originally developed using mice and subsequently extended to nonrodents, including domestic animals and humans. Availability of the functional assay for SSCs has made it possible to develop culture systems for their ex vivo expansion, which dramatically advanced germ cell biology and allowed medical and agricultural applications. In coming years, SSCs will be increasingly used to understand their regulation, as well as in germline modification, including gene correction, enhancement of male fertility, and conversion of somatic cells to biologically competent male germline cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kubota
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
| | - Ralph L Brinster
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Wang G, Li Y, Yang Q, Xu S, Ma S, Yan R, Zhang R, Jia G, Ai D, Yang Q. Gene expression dynamics during the gonocyte to spermatogonia transition and spermatogenesis in the domestic yak. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2019; 10:64. [PMID: 31338188 PMCID: PMC6624888 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-019-0360-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spermatogenesis is a cellular differentiation process that includes three major events: mitosis of spermatogonia, meiosis of spermatocytes and spermiogenesis. Steady-state spermatogenesis relies on functions of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Establishing and maintaining a foundational SSC pool is essential for continued spermatogenesis in mammals. Currently, our knowledge about SSC and spermatogenesis is severely limited in domestic animals. Results In the present study, we examined transcriptomes of testes from domestic yaks at four different stages (3, 5, 8 and 24 months of age) and attempted to identify genes that are associated with key developmental events of spermatogenesis. Histological analyses showed that the most advanced germ cells within seminiferous tubules of testes from 3, 5, 8 and 24 months old yaks were gonocytes, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and elongated spermatids, respectively. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses revealed that 11904, 4381 and 2459 genes were differentially expressed during the gonocyte to spermatogonia transition, the mitosis to meiosis transition and the meiosis to post-meiosis transition. Further analyses identified a list of candidate genes than may regulate these important cellular processes. CXCR4, a previously identified SSC niche factor in mouse, was one of the up-regulated genes in the 5 months old yak testis. Results of immunohistochemical staining confirmed that CXCR4 was exclusively expressed in gonocytes and a subpopulation of spermatogonia in the yak testis. Conclusions Together, these findings demonstrated histological changes of postnatal testis development in the domestic yak. During development of spermatogonial lineage, meiotic and haploid germ cells are supported by dynamic transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Our transcriptomic analyses provided a list of candidate genes that potentially play crucial roles in directing the establishment of SSC and spermatogenesis in yak. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40104-019-0360-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowen Wang
- 1Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810000 Qinghai China.,2University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Yongchang Li
- 1Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810000 Qinghai China.,2University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Qilin Yang
- 3Department of Veterinary Sciences, Qinghai Vocational and Technical Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
| | - Shangrong Xu
- 4Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
| | - Shike Ma
- 4Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016 China
| | - Rongge Yan
- 1Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810000 Qinghai China.,2University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Ruina Zhang
- 1Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810000 Qinghai China
| | - Gongxue Jia
- 1Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810000 Qinghai China
| | - Deqiang Ai
- Animal Husbandry Technology Extension Station of Qinghai Province, Xining, 810001 Qinghai China
| | - Qi'en Yang
- 1Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810000 Qinghai China.,6Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001 Qinghai China.,7CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
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Wang JH, Li Y, Deng SL, Liu YX, Lian ZX, Yu K. Recent Research Advances in Mitosis during Mammalian Gametogenesis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8060567. [PMID: 31185583 PMCID: PMC6628140 DOI: 10.3390/cells8060567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitosis is a highly sophisticated and well-regulated process during the development and differentiation of mammalian gametogenesis. The regulation of mitosis plays an essential role in keeping the formulation in oogenesis and gametogenesis. In the past few years, substantial research progress has been made by showing that cyclins/cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) have roles in the regulation of meiosis. In addition, more functional signaling molecules have been discovered in mitosis. Growing evidence has also indicated that miRNAs influence cell cycling. In this review, we focus on specific genes, cyclins/Cdk, signaling pathways/molecules, and miRNAs to discuss the latest achievements in understanding their roles in mitosis during gametogenesis. Further elucidation of mitosis during gametogenesis may facilitate delineating all processes of mammalian reproduction and the development of disease treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Hao Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Shou-Long Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Zheng-Xing Lian
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Kun Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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Paduch DA, Hilz S, Grimson A, Schlegel PN, Jedlicka AE, Wright WW. Aberrant gene expression by Sertoli cells in infertile men with Sertoli cell-only syndrome. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216586. [PMID: 31071133 PMCID: PMC6508736 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cell-only (SCO) syndrome is a severe form of human male infertility seemingly characterized by the lack all spermatogenic cells. However, tubules of some SCO testes contain small patches of active spermatogenesis and thus spermatogonial stem cells. We hypothesized that these stem cells cannot replicate and seed spermatogenesis in barren areas of tubule because as-of-yet unrecognized deficits in Sertoli cell gene expression disable most stem cell niches. Performing the first thorough comparison of the transcriptomes of human testes exhibiting complete spermatogenesis with the transcriptomes of testes with SCO syndrome, we defined transcripts that are both predominantly expressed by Sertoli cells and expressed at aberrant levels in SCO testes. Some of these transcripts encode proteins required for the proper assembly of adherent and gap junctions at sites of contact with other cells, including spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Other transcripts encode GDNF, FGF8 and BMP4, known regulators of mouse SSCs. Thus, most SCO Sertoli cells can neither organize junctions at normal sites of cell-cell contact nor stimulate SSCs with adequate levels of growth factors. We propose that the critical deficits in Sertoli cell gene expression we have identified contribute to the inability of spermatogonial stem cells within small patches of spermatogenesis in some SCO testes to seed spermatogenesis to adjacent areas of tubule that are barren of spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we predict that one or more of these deficits in gene expression are primary causes of human SCO syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius A. Paduch
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Hilz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Genomic Analysis and Sequencing Core Facility, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Andrew Grimson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Peter N. Schlegel
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Anne E. Jedlicka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - William W. Wright
- Consulting Research Services, Inc, North Bergen, N.J., United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Faisal I, Cisneros-Montalvo S, Hamer G, Tuominen MM, Laurila PP, Tumiati M, Jauhiainen M, Kotaja N, Toppari J, Mäkelä JA, Kauppi L. Transcription Factor USF1 Is Required for Maintenance of Germline Stem Cells in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1119-1136. [PMID: 30759202 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-01088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A prerequisite for lifelong sperm production is that spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) balance self-renewal and differentiation, yet factors required for this balance remain largely undefined. Using mouse genetics, we now demonstrate that the ubiquitously expressed transcription factor upstream stimulatory factor (USF)1 is critical for the maintenance of SSCs. We show that USF1 is not only detected in Sertoli cells as previously reported, but also in SSCs. Usf1-deficient mice display progressive spermatogenic decline as a result of age-dependent loss of SSCs. According to our data, the germ cell defect in Usf1-/- mice cannot be attributed to impairment of Sertoli cell development, maturation, or function, but instead is likely due to an inability of SSCs to maintain a quiescent state. SSCs of Usf1-/- mice undergo continuous proliferation, which provides an explanation for their age-dependent depletion. The proliferation-coupled exhaustion of SSCs in turn results in progressive degeneration of the seminiferous epithelium, gradual decrease in sperm production, and testicular atrophy. We conclude that the general transcription factor USF1 is indispensable for the proper maintenance of mammalian spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imrul Faisal
- Genome-Scale Biology Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Doctoral Program in Biomedicine, Doctoral School in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sheyla Cisneros-Montalvo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Doctoral Program of Molecular Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Minna M Tuominen
- Genome-Scale Biology Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pirkka-Pekka Laurila
- Genomics and Biomarkers Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Manuela Tumiati
- Genome-Scale Biology Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti Jauhiainen
- Genomics and Biomarkers Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Liisa Kauppi
- Genome-Scale Biology Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Larose H, Shami AN, Abbott H, Manske G, Lei L, Hammoud SS. Gametogenesis: A journey from inception to conception. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 132:257-310. [PMID: 30797511 PMCID: PMC7133493 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Gametogenesis, the process of forming mature germ cells, is an integral part of both an individual's and a species' health and well-being. This chapter focuses on critical male and female genetic and epigenetic processes underlying normal gamete formation through their differentiation to fertilization. Finally, we explore how knowledge gained from this field has contributed to progress in areas with great clinical promise, such as in vitro gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey Larose
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Haley Abbott
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Gabriel Manske
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Lei Lei
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
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38
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Biscotti MA, Adolfi MC, Barucca M, Forconi M, Pallavicini A, Gerdol M, Canapa A, Schartl M. A Comparative View on Sex Differentiation and Gametogenesis Genes in Lungfish and Coelacanths. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 10:1430-1444. [PMID: 29850809 PMCID: PMC6007259 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadal sex differentiation and reproduction are the keys to the perpetuation of favorable gene combinations and positively selected traits. In vertebrates, several gonad development features that differentiate tetrapods and fishes are likely to be, at least in part, related to the water-to-land transition. The collection of information from basal sarcopterygians, coelacanths, and lungfishes, is crucial to improve our understanding of the molecular evolution of pathways involved in reproductive functions, since these organisms are generally regarded as “living fossils” and as the direct ancestors of tetrapods. Here, we report for the first time the characterization of >50 genes related to sex differentiation and gametogenesis in Latimeria menadoensis and Protopterus annectens. Although the expression profiles of most genes is consistent with the intermediate position of basal sarcopterygians between actinopterygian fish and tetrapods, their phylogenetic placement and presence/absence patterns often reveal a closer affinity to the tetrapod orthologs. On the other hand, particular genes, for example, the male gonad factor gsdf (Gonadal Soma-Derived Factor), provide examples of ancestral traits shared with actinopterygians, which disappeared in the tetrapod lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Assunta Biscotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Marco Barucca
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mariko Forconi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Marco Gerdol
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Trieste, Italy
| | - Adriana Canapa
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Manfred Schartl
- Physiological Chemistry, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Clinic Wuerzburg, Germany.,Hagler Institute of Advanced Study and Department of Biology,Texa A&M University, USA
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Yang C, Yao C, Tian R, Zhu Z, Zhao L, Li P, Chen H, Huang Y, Zhi E, Gong Y, Xue Y, Wang H, Yuan Q, He Z, Li Z. miR-202-3p Regulates Sertoli Cell Proliferation, Synthesis Function, and Apoptosis by Targeting LRP6 and Cyclin D1 of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 14:1-19. [PMID: 30513418 PMCID: PMC6280020 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in mammalian spermatogenesis, which is highly dependent on Sertoli cells. However, the functions and mechanisms of miRNAs in regulating human Sertoli cells remain largely unknown. Here, we report that hsa-miR-202-3p mediates the proliferation, apoptosis, and synthesis function of human Sertoli cells. miR-202-3p was upregulated in Sertoli cells of Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) patients compared with obstructive azoospermia (OA) patients with normal spermatogenesis. Overexpression of miR-202-3p induced Sertoli cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation and synthesis, and the effects were opposite when miR-202-3p was knocked down. Lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) and Cyclin D1 of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were identified as direct targets of miR-202-3p in Sertoli cells, which were validated by bioinformatics tools and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Differentially expressed LRP6 and Cyclin D1 between OA and SCOS Sertoli cells were also verified. LRP6 small interfering RNA (siRNA) interference not only mimicked the effects of miR-202-3p overexpression, but also antagonized the effects of miR-202-3p inhibition on Sertoli cells. Collectively, miR-202-3p controls the proliferation, apoptosis, and synthesis function of human Sertoli cells via targeting LRP6 and Cyclin D1 of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This study thus provides a novel insight into fate determinations of human Sertoli cells and niche of human testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Dadao, Jiangning District, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Zijue Zhu
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Huixing Chen
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Yuehua Gong
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Yunjing Xue
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Qingqing Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Lingshan Road, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Zuping He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
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Testicular endothelial cells are a critical population in the germline stem cell niche. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4379. [PMID: 30348976 PMCID: PMC6197186 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06881-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of adult tissues depends on stem cell self-renewal in local niches. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) are germline adult stem cells necessary for spermatogenesis and fertility. We show that testicular endothelial cells (TECs) are part of the SSC niche producing glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and other factors to support human and mouse SSCs in long-term culture. We demonstrate that FGF-2 binding to FGFR1 on TECs activates the calcineurin pathway to produce GDNF. Comparison of the TEC secretome to lung and liver endothelial cells identified 5 factors sufficient for long-term maintenance of human and mouse SSC colonies in feeder-free cultures. Male cancer survivors after chemotherapy are often infertile since SSCs are highly susceptible to cytotoxic injury. Transplantation of TECs alone restores spermatogenesis in mice after chemotherapy-induced depletion of SSCs. Identifying TECs as a niche population necessary for SSC self-renewal may facilitate fertility preservation for prepubertal boys diagnosed with cancer. Self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) is necessary for spermatogenesis and male fertility. Here the authors identify testicular endothelial cells (TECs) as a source of 5 key growth factors for self-renewal and expansion of human and mouse SSCs.
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Guo J, Grow EJ, Mlcochova H, Maher GJ, Lindskog C, Nie X, Guo Y, Takei Y, Yun J, Cai L, Kim R, Carrell DT, Goriely A, Hotaling JM, Cairns BR. The adult human testis transcriptional cell atlas. Cell Res 2018; 28:1141-1157. [PMID: 30315278 PMCID: PMC6274646 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-018-0099-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 372] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Human adult spermatogenesis balances spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) self-renewal and differentiation, alongside complex germ cell-niche interactions, to ensure long-term fertility and faithful genome propagation. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of ~6500 testicular cells from young adults. We found five niche/somatic cell types (Leydig, myoid, Sertoli, endothelial, macrophage), and observed germline-niche interactions and key human-mouse differences. Spermatogenesis, including meiosis, was reconstructed computationally, revealing sequential coding, non-coding, and repeat-element transcriptional signatures. Interestingly, we identified five discrete transcriptional/developmental spermatogonial states, including a novel early SSC state, termed State 0. Epigenetic features and nascent transcription analyses suggested developmental plasticity within spermatogonial States. To understand the origin of State 0, we profiled testicular cells from infants, and identified distinct similarities between adult State 0 and infant SSCs. Overall, our datasets describe key transcriptional and epigenetic signatures of the normal adult human testis, and provide new insights into germ cell developmental transitions and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingtao Guo
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.,Department of Surgery (Andrology/Urology), Center for Reconstructive Urology and Men's Health, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, 84122, USA
| | - Edward J Grow
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Hana Mlcochova
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX39DS, UK
| | - Geoffrey J Maher
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX39DS, UK
| | - Cecilia Lindskog
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Xichen Nie
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Yixuan Guo
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Yodai Takei
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Jina Yun
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Long Cai
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Robin Kim
- Section of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Douglas T Carrell
- Department of Surgery (Andrology/Urology), Center for Reconstructive Urology and Men's Health, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, 84122, USA
| | - Anne Goriely
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX39DS, UK
| | - James M Hotaling
- Department of Surgery (Andrology/Urology), Center for Reconstructive Urology and Men's Health, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, 84122, USA
| | - Bradley R Cairns
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
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Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Morimoto H, Watanabe S, Shinohara T. Reversible inhibition of the blood-testis barrier protein improves stem cell homing in mouse testes. J Reprod Dev 2018; 64:511-522. [PMID: 30175719 PMCID: PMC6305854 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2018-093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell homing is a complex phenomenon that involves multiple steps; thus far, attempts to increase homing efficiency have met with limited success. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs)
migrate to the niche after microinjection into seminiferous tubules, but the homing efficiency is very low. Here we report that reversible disruption of the blood-testis barrier (BTB)
between Sertoli cells enhances the homing efficiency of SSCs. We found that SSCs on a C57BL/6 background are triggered to proliferate in vitro when MHY1485, which stimulates
MTORC, were added to culture medium. However, the cultured cells did not produce offspring by direct injection into the seminiferous tubules. When acyline, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone
(GnRH) analogue, was administered into infertile recipients, SSC colonization increased by ~5-fold and the recipients sired offspring. In contrast, both untreated individuals and recipients
that received leuprolide, another GnRH analogue, remained infertile. Acyline not only decreased CLDN5 expression but also impaired the BTB, suggesting that increased colonization was caused
by efficient SSC migration through the BTB. Enhancement of stem cell homing by tight junction protein manipulation constitutes a new approach to improve homing efficiency, and similar
strategy may be applicable to other self-renewing tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroko Morimoto
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Satoshi Watanabe
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Takashi Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Goissis MD, Giassetti MI, Worst RA, Mendes CM, Moreira PV, Assumpção MEOA, Visintin JA. Spermatogonial stem cell potential of CXCR4-positive cells from prepubertal bull testes. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 196:219-229. [PMID: 30120011 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) have the potential to restore spermatogenesis when transplanted into testes depleted of germ cells. Due to this property, SSC could be used in breeding programs and in transgenic animal research. Particularly in cattle, SSC are not as well characterized as in mice or humans. In mice, C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 4 positive (CXCR4+) testicular cells have high SSC potential. It, therefore, was hypothesized that CXCR4 is a marker of undifferentiated spermatogonia in cattle. Using samples from pre-pubertal calves, the CXCR4 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry in a few cells of the seminiferous tubules. Testicular cells were isolated, frozen-thawed and submitted to magnetic-activated cell sorting using anti-CXCR4 antibody. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that CXCR4+ cells had THY1, OCT4 and ZBTB16 (or PLZF) mRNA in these cells. Flow cytometry results indicated that the proportion of THY1+ cells is enriched in CXCR4+ populations. Colonization potential of CXCR4+ cells was assessed after xenotransplantation into testes of nude mice treated with busulfan. Transplantation of CXCR4+ cells yielded an increase of 5.4-fold when compared to CXCR4- cells. These results indicate that CXCR4 could be used as a marker to enrich and sort cells of bulls with putative spermatogonial stem cell potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo D Goissis
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Mariana I Giassetti
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Robinson A Worst
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camilla M Mendes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro V Moreira
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mayra E O A Assumpção
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose A Visintin
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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Comparison of Hematopoietic and Spermatogonial Stem Cell Niches from the Regenerative Medicine Aspect. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1107:15-40. [DOI: 10.1007/5584_2018_217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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In vitro chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 6-dependent non-inflammatory chemotaxis during spermatogenesis. Biol Res 2018; 51:12. [PMID: 29788995 PMCID: PMC5963036 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-018-0161-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 6 (CCR6) is present in sperm and plays a significant role in sperm motility and chemotaxis acting in the reproductive tracts. However, the expression and functional significance of CCR6 in testis are still poorly understood, especially in the process of spermatogenesis. Methods and results CCR6 was expressed in spermatogenic cell lines and its expression was shown in an age-dependent upregulation manner from puberty to adulthood in mouse testis. Immunostaining results confirmed the localization of CCR 6 in testis. Further chemotaxis assays demonstrated that spermatogenic cells GC-1 and -2 exhibited a directional movement toward CCR6-specific ligand such as CCL20 or Sertoli cells in vitro. Conclusions The present findings indicate that CCR6 is involved in the chemotaxis of spermatogenic cells in vitro and promotes chemotaxis under non-inflammatory conditions during normal spermatogenesis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40659-018-0161-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Kakiuchi K, Taniguchi K, Kubota H. Conserved and non-conserved characteristics of porcine glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor expressed in the testis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7656. [PMID: 29769589 PMCID: PMC5955883 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25924-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is essential for the self-renewal and proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in mice, rats, and rabbits. Although the key extrinsic factors essential for spermatogonial proliferation in other mammals have not been determined, GDNF is one of the potential candidates. In this study, we isolated porcine GDNF (pGDNF) cDNAs from neonatal testis and generated recombinant pGDNF to investigate its biological activity on gonocytes/undifferentiated spermatogonia, including SSCs. In porcine testis, long and short forms of GDNF transcripts, the counterparts of pre-(α)pro and pre-(β)pro GDNF identified in humans and rodents, were expressed. The two transcripts encode identical mature proteins. Recombinant pGDNF supported proliferation of murine SSCs in culture, and their stem cell activity was confirmed by a transplantation assay. Subsequently, porcine gonocytes/undifferentiated spermatogonia were cultured with pGDNF; however, pGDNF did not affect their proliferation. Furthermore, GDNF expression was localised to the vascular smooth muscle cells, and its cognate receptor GFRA1 expression was negligible during spermatogonial proliferation in the testes. These results indicate that although pGDNF retains structural similarity with those of other mammals and conserves the biological activity on the self-renewal of murine SSCs, porcine SSCs likely require extrinsic factors other than GDNF for their proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazue Kakiuchi
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
| | - Kazumi Taniguchi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kubota
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan.
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Takashima S, Shinohara T. Culture and transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells. Stem Cell Res 2018; 29:46-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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Heckmann L, Pock T, Tröndle I, Neuhaus N. The C-X-C signalling system in the rodent vs primate testis: impact on germ cell niche interaction. Reproduction 2018; 155:R211-R219. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In zebrafish, action of the chemokine Cxcl12 is mediated through its G-protein-coupled seven-transmembrane domain receptor Cxcr4 and the atypical receptor Cxcr7. Employing this animal model, it was revealed that this Cxcl12 signalling system plays a crucial role for directed migration of primordial germ cells (PGC) during early testicular development. Importantly, subsequent studies indicated that this regulatory mechanism is evolutionarily conserved also in mice. What is more, the functional role of the CXCL12 system does not seem to be limited to early phases of testicular development. Data from mouse studies rather demonstrate that CXCL12 and its receptors are also involved in the homing process of gonocytes into their niches at the basal membrane of the seminiferous tubules. Intriguingly, even the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) present in the adult mouse testis appear to maintain the ability to migrate towards a CXCL12 gradient as demonstrated by functional in vitro migration assays and in vivo germ cell transplantation assays. These findings not only indicate a role of the CXCL12 system throughout male germ cell development in mice but also suggest that this system may be evolutionarily conserved. In this review, we take into account the available literature focusing on the localization patterns of the CXCL12 system not only in rodents but also in primates, including the human. Based on these data, we discuss whether the CXCL12 system is also conserved between rodents and primates and discuss the known and potential functional consequences.
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Costa MJ, Kudaravalli J, Liu WH, Stock J, Kong S, Liu SH. A mouse model for evaluation of efficacy and concomitant toxicity of anti-human CXCR4 therapeutics. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194688. [PMID: 29554149 PMCID: PMC5858835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies through mouse immunization often originates drug candidates that are not cross-reactive to the mouse ortholog. In such cases, and particularly in oncology, drug efficacy studies are performed on human tumor xenografts or with "surrogate" anti-mouse ortholog antibodies if targeting tumor host cells. Safety assessment of drug candidate(s) is performed at a later development stage in healthy non-human primates. While the latter remains necessary before a drug advances into human subjects, it precludes evaluation of safety in disease conditions and drug de-risking during early development. Therefore, mouse models that allow concomitant evaluation of drug efficacy and safety are highly desirable. The C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is an attractive target for tumor-targeted and immuno-oncology therapeutics, with multiple mouse immunization-derived antibodies undergoing clinical trials. Given the pleiotropic role of CXCR4 in cancer biology, we anticipate continuous interest in this target, particularly in the testing of therapeutic combinations for immuno-oncology. Here, we describe the generation and validation of the first mouse knock-in of the whole coding region of human CXCR4. Homozygous human CXCR4 knock-in (hereafter designated as HuCXCR4KI) mice were viable and outwardly healthy, reproduced normally and nursed their young. The expression pattern of human CXCR4 in this model was similar to that of CXCR4 expression in normal human tissues. The human CXCR4 knock-in gene was expressed as a biologically active protein, thereby allowing normal animal development and adequate"homing" of leukocytes to the bone marrow. To further validate our model, we used an in vivo functional assay of leukocyte mobilization from bone marrow to peripheral blood by blocking CXCR4 signaling. Both an anti-human CXCR4 -specific blocking antibody and the small molecule CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 induced increased leukocyte counts in peripheral blood, whereas an anti-mouse CXCR4 -specific blocking antibody had no effect. This new mouse model is useful to evaluate efficacy and safety of anti-human CXCR4 -specific drugs as single agents or in combination therapies, particularly in the oncology, immuno-oncology, wound healing and chronic inflammation therapeutic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria José Costa
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jyothirmayee Kudaravalli
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Wen-Hui Liu
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Stock
- Discovery Sciences, Medicinal Sciences, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Sophanna Kong
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Shu-Hui Liu
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Oncology Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
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Expression patterns and role of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in boar spermatogonial stem cells. Theriogenology 2018; 113:221-228. [PMID: 29573661 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The signaling of chemokine stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 and its receptor C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is involved in the cellular proliferation, survival, and migration of various cell types. Although SDF-1/CXCR4 has been implicated in the maintenance of the spermatogonial population during mouse testis development, their expression patterns and functions in boar testis remain unclear. In the present study, the expression pattern of SDF-1 and CXCR4 was determined during pre-pubertal and post-pubertal stage boar testes and in vitro cultured porcine spermatogonial stem cells (pSSCs). The role of these proteins in colony formation in cultured pSSCs was also investigated. Interestingly, SDF-1 expression was observed in PGP 9.5-positve spermatogonia in all developing stages of boar testis; however, CXCR4 expression was only detected in spermatogonia from 5-day-old boar testis. In addition, SDF-1 and CXCR4 expression was observed in cultured pSSCs from 5-day-old boar testes, and inhibition of the CXCR4 receptor signaling pathway by AMD3100 significantly decreased the colony formation of pSSCs. These results suggest that SDF-1 and CXCR4 are useful markers for detecting stage-specific spermatogonia in boar testis. Our results reveal the role of the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in pSSC in vitro culture.
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