1
|
Jiang L, Kong F, Yao L, Zhang F, Wu L, Zhang H, Yang G, Wang S, Jin X, Wang X, Tong X, Zhang S. Successful intracytoplasmic sperm injection in a macrozoospermia case with novel compound heterozygous aurora kinase C (AURKC) mutations. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 310:2211-2221. [PMID: 39133293 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07619-7] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the application possibility of macrocephalic sperm from a patient with 100% macrocephalic sperm and AURKC gene variations. METHODS We diagnosed a case of macrozoospermia with 100% macrocephalic sperm and 39.5% multi-tailed spermatozoa by morphological analysis. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used for the patient and his wife. Sanger sequencing technique was used to verify the AURKC mutations in the patient's parents and his offspring. Sperm's ploidy was tested by flow cytometry. The couple asked for intra-couple ART therapy. RESULTS The patient presented novel compound heterozygous AURKC mutations (c.434C > T, c.497A > T) by WES. Sanger sequencing validation showed that variant of c.434C > T was observed in his father and c.497A > T was observed in his mother. Flow cytometry revealed that there existed a certain proportion of haploid sperm. Macrocephalic spermatozoa whose heads were smaller than the diameter of injection needle were selected for microinjection. A singleton pregnancy was achieved after embryo transfer. Prenatal diagnosis revealed that the fetus had normal chromosomal karyotype. Sanger sequencing technique showed that the fetus carried a c.434C > T mutation in one AURKC allele. A 3730 g healthy male fetus was delivered at term. CONCLUSION Our study reported a successful live birth from a patient with definite AURKC gene variants and may provide insights for such patients to choose donor sperm or their own sperm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingying Jiang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feifei Kong
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lv Yao
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fuxing Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingfeng Wu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haocheng Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guobing Yang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shasha Wang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoying Jin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiufen Wang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaomei Tong
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ly J, Blengini CS, Cady SL, Schindler K, Cheeseman IM. A conserved germline-specific Dsn1 alternative splice isoform supports oocyte and embryo development. Curr Biol 2024; 34:4307-4317.e6. [PMID: 39178843 PMCID: PMC11421959 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.07.089] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
The chromosome segregation and cell division programs associated with somatic mitosis and germline meiosis display dramatic differences such as kinetochore orientation, cohesin removal, or the presence of a gap phase.1,2,3,4,5,6 These changes in chromosome segregation require alterations to the established cell division machinery.5,6 It remains unclear what aspects of kinetochore function and its regulatory control differ between the mitotic and meiotic cell divisions to rewire these core processes. Alternative RNA splicing can generate distinct protein isoforms to allow for the differential control of cell processes across cell types. However, alternative splice isoforms that differentially modulate distinct cell division programs have remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate that mammalian germ cells express an alternative mRNA splice isoform for the kinetochore component, DSN1, a subunit of the MIS12 complex that links the centromeres to spindle microtubules during chromosome segregation. This germline DSN1 isoform bypasses the requirement for Aurora kinase phosphorylation for its centromere localization due to the absence of a key regulatory region allowing DSN1 to display persistent centromere localization. Expression of the germline DSN1 isoform in somatic cells results in constitutive kinetochore localization, chromosome segregation errors, and growth defects, providing an explanation for its tight cell-type-specific expression. Reciprocally, precisely eliminating expression of the germline-specific DSN1 splice isoform in mouse models disrupts oocyte maturation and early embryonic divisions coupled with a reduction in fertility. Together, this work identifies a germline-specific splice isoform for a chromosome segregation component and implicates its role in mammalian fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Ly
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | - Sarah L Cady
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Iain M Cheeseman
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Skinner MW, Simington CJ, López-Jiménez P, Baran KA, Xu J, Dayani Y, Pryzhkova MV, Page J, Gómez R, Holland AJ, Jordan PW. Spermatocytes have the capacity to segregate chromosomes despite centriole duplication failure. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:3373-3405. [PMID: 38943004 PMCID: PMC11316026 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00187-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Centrosomes are the canonical microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) of most mammalian cells, including spermatocytes. Centrosomes comprise a centriole pair within a structurally ordered and dynamic pericentriolar matrix (PCM). Unlike in mitosis, where centrioles duplicate once per cycle, centrioles undergo two rounds of duplication during spermatogenesis. The first duplication is during early meiotic prophase I, and the second is during interkinesis. Using mouse mutants and chemical inhibition, we have blocked centriole duplication during spermatogenesis and determined that non-centrosomal MTOCs (ncMTOCs) can mediate chromosome segregation. This mechanism is different from the acentriolar MTOCs that form bipolar spindles in oocytes, which require PCM components, including gamma-tubulin and CEP192. From an in-depth analysis, we identified six microtubule-associated proteins, TPX2, KIF11, NuMA, and CAMSAP1-3, that localized to the non-centrosomal MTOC. These factors contribute to a mechanism that ensures bipolar MTOC formation and chromosome segregation during spermatogenesis when centriole duplication fails. However, despite the successful completion of meiosis and round spermatid formation, centriole inheritance and PLK4 function are required for normal spermiogenesis and flagella assembly, which are critical to ensure fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marnie W Skinner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carter J Simington
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Pablo López-Jiménez
- Department of Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Kerstin A Baran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jingwen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yaron Dayani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marina V Pryzhkova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jesús Page
- Department of Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Gómez
- Department of Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrew J Holland
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Philip W Jordan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen S, Sun Q, Yao B, Ren Y. The Molecular Mechanism of Aurora-B Regulating Kinetochore-Microtubule Attachment in Mitosis and Oocyte Meiosis. Cytogenet Genome Res 2024; 164:69-77. [PMID: 39068909 DOI: 10.1159/000540588] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aurora kinase B (Aurora-B), a member of the chromosomal passenger complex, is involved in correcting kinetochore-microtubule (KT-MT) attachment errors and regulating sister chromatid condensation and cytoplasmic division during mitosis. SUMMARY However, few reviews have discussed its mechanism in oocyte meiosis and the differences between its role in mitosis and meiosis. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the localization, recruitment, activation, and functions of Aurora-B in mitosis and oocyte meiosis. The accurate regulation of Aurora-B is essential for ensuring accurate chromosomal segregation and correct KT-MT attachments. Aurora-B regulates the stability of KT-MT attachments by competing with cyclin-dependent kinase 1 to control the phosphorylation of the SILK and RVSF motifs on kinetochore scaffold 1 and by competing with protein phosphatase 1 to influence the phosphorylation of NDC80 which is the substrate of Aurora-B. In addition, Aurora-B regulates the spindle assembly checkpoint by promoting the recruitment and activation of mitotic arrest deficient 2. KEY MESSAGES This review provides a theoretical foundation for elucidating the mechanism of cell division and understanding oocyte chromosomal aneuploidy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,
| | - Qiqi Sun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Bo Yao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yanping Ren
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kogo H, Kikuchi-Kokubo Y, Tajika Y, Iizuka-Kogo A, Yamamoto H, Ikezawa M, Kurahashi H, Matsuzaki T. Differential phosphorylation of two serine clusters in mouse HORMAD1 during meiotic prophase I progression. Exp Cell Res 2024; 440:114133. [PMID: 38897409 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114133] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Mouse HORMAD1 is a phospho-protein involved in multiple functions during meiotic prophase I. To obtain insight into the significance of its phosphorylation, we generated phospho-specific antibodies against two serine residues, Ser307 and Ser378, representing each of two serine clusters in mouse HORMAD1. The Ser307 phosphorylation is detectable from early leptotene substage in both wild-type and Spo11-/- spermatocytes, indicating that Ser307 is a primary and SPO11-independent phosphorylation site. In contrast, the Ser378 phosphorylation is negligible at earlier substages in wild-type and Spo11-/- spermatocytes. After mid-zygotene substage, the Ser378 phosphorylation is abundant on unsynapsed chromosome axes in wild-type spermatocytes and is detected only in a part of unsynapsed chromosome axes in Spo11-/- spermatocytes. We also generated a non-phosphorylated Ser307-specific antibody and found that Ser307 is phosphorylated on sex chromosome axes but is almost entirely unphosphorylated on desynapsed chromosome axes in diplotene spermatocytes. These results demonstrated a substage-specific phosphorylation status of mouse HORMAD1, which might be associated with multiple substage-specific functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kogo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan; Division of Molecular Genetics, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Yuka Kikuchi-Kokubo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Yukiko Tajika
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Akiko Iizuka-Kogo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hanako Yamamoto
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Maiko Ikezawa
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kurahashi
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Matsuzaki
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ly J, Blengini CS, Cady SL, Schindler K, Cheeseman IM. A conserved germline-specific Dsn1 alternative splice isoform supports oocyte and embryo development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.17.589883. [PMID: 38659852 PMCID: PMC11042369 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.17.589883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Alternative mRNA splicing can generate distinct protein isoforms to allow for the differential control of cell processes across cell types. However, alternative splice isoforms that differentially modulate distinct cell division programs have remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate that mammalian germ cells express an alternate mRNA splice isoform for the kinetochore component, DSN1, a subunit of the MIS12 complex that links the centromeres to spindle microtubules during chromosome segregation. This germline DSN1 isoform bypasses the requirement for Aurora kinase phosphorylation for its centromere localization due to the absence of a key regulatory region allowing DSN1 to display persistent centromere localization. Expression of the germline DSN1 isoform in somatic cells results in constitutive kinetochore localization, chromosome segregation errors, and growth defects, providing an explanation for its tight cell type-specific expression. Reciprocally, precisely eliminating expression of the germline DSN1 splice isoform in mouse models disrupts oocyte maturation and early embryonic divisions coupled with a reduction in fertility. Together, this work identifies a germline-specific splice isoform for a chromosome segregation component and implicates its role in mammalian fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Ly
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Cecilia S. Blengini
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States
| | - Sarah L. Cady
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States
| | - Iain M. Cheeseman
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gupta D, Kumar M, Saifi S, Rawat S, Ethayathulla AS, Kaur P. A comprehensive review on role of Aurora kinase inhibitors (AKIs) in cancer therapeutics. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 265:130913. [PMID: 38508544 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130913] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Aurora kinases (AURKs) are a family of serine /threonine protein kinases that have a crucial role in cell cycle process mainly in the event of chromosomal segregation, centrosome maturation and cytokinesis. The family consists of three members including Aurora kinase A (AURK-A), Aurora kinase B (AURK-B) and Aurora kinase C (AURK-C). All AURKs contain a conserved kinase domain for their activity but differ in their cellular localization and functions. AURK-A and AURK-B are expressed mainly in somatic cells while the expression of AURK-C is limited to germ cells. AURK-A promotes G2 to M transition of cell cycle by controlling centrosome maturation and mitotic spindle assembly. AURK-B and AURK-C form the chromosome passenger complex (CPC) that ensures proper chromosomal alignments and segregation. Aberrant expression of AURK-A and AURK-B has been detected in several solid tumours and malignancies. Hence, they have become an attractive therapeutic target against cancer. The first part of this review focuses on AURKs structure, functions, subcellular localization, and their role in tumorigenesis. The review also highlights the functional and clinical impact of selective as well as pan kinase inhibitors. Currently, >60 compounds that target AURKs are in preclinical and clinical studies. The drawbacks of existing inhibitors like selectivity, drug resistance and toxicity have also been addressed. Since, majority of inhibitors are Aurora kinase inhibitor (AKI) type-1 that bind to the active (DFGin and Cin) conformation of the kinase, this information may be utilized to design highly selective kinase inhibitors that can be combined with other therapeutic agents for better clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepali Gupta
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110029, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110029, India
| | - Sana Saifi
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110029, India
| | - Shivani Rawat
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110029, India
| | - A S Ethayathulla
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110029, India
| | - Punit Kaur
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110029, India.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chi RPA, Xu X, Li JL, Xu X, Hu G, Brown P, Willson C, Kirsanov O, Geyer C, Huang CL, Morgan M, DeMayo F. WNK1 is required during male pachynema to sustain fertility. iScience 2023; 26:107616. [PMID: 37694147 PMCID: PMC10485039 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
WNK1 is an important regulator in many physiological functions, yet its role in male reproduction is unexplored. In the male germline, WNK1 is upregulated in preleptotene spermatocytes indicating possible function(s) in spermatogenic meiosis. Indeed, deletion of Wnk1 in mid-pachytene spermatocytes using the Wnt7a-Cre mouse led to male sterility which resembled non-obstructive azoospermia in humans, where germ cells failed to complete spermatogenesis and produced no sperm. Mechanistically, we found elevated MTOR expression and signaling in the Wnk1-depleted spermatocytes. As MTOR is a central mediator of translation, we speculated that translation may be accelerated in these spermatocytes. Supporting this, we found the acrosome protein, ACRBP to be prematurely expressed in the spermatocytes with Wnk1 deletion. Our study uncovered an MTOR-regulating factor in the male germline with potential implications in translation, and future studies will aim to understand how WNK1 regulates MTOR activity and impact translation on a broader spectrum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ru-pin Alicia Chi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Xiaojiang Xu
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jian-Liang Li
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Xin Xu
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Guang Hu
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Paula Brown
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Cynthia Willson
- Integrated Laboratory Systems LLC, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Oleksandr Kirsanov
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Christopher Geyer
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Chou-Long Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa, IA 52242, USA
| | - Marcos Morgan
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Francesco DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mipam T, Chen X, Zhao W, Zhang P, Chai Z, Yue B, Luo H, Wang J, Wang H, Wu Z, Wang J, Wang M, Wang H, Zhang M, Wang H, Jing K, Zhong J, Cai X. Single-cell transcriptome analysis and in vitro differentiation of testicular cells reveal novel insights into male sterility of the interspecific hybrid cattle-yak. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:149. [PMID: 36973659 PMCID: PMC10045231 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09251-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interspecific hybridization plays vital roles in enriching animal diversity, while male hybrid sterility (MHS) of the offspring commonly suffered from spermatogenic arrest constitutes the postzygotic reproductive isolation. Cattle-yak, the hybrid offspring of cattle (Bos taurus) and yak (Bos grunniens) can serve as an ideal MHS animal model. Although meiotic arrest was found to contribute to MHS of cattle-yak, yet the cellular characteristics and developmental potentials of male germline cell in pubertal cattle-yak remain to be systematically investigated. RESULTS Single-cell RNA-seq analysis of germline and niche cell types in pubertal testis of cattle-yak and yak indicated that dynamic gene expression of developmental germ cells was terminated at late primary spermatocyte (meiotic arrest) and abnormal components of niche cell in pubertal cattle-yak. Further in vitro proliferation and differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis of specific type of cells revealed that undifferentiated spermatogonia of cattle-yak exhibited defects in viability and proliferation/differentiation potentials. CONCLUSION Comparative scRNA-seq and in vitro proliferation analysis of testicular cells indicated that not only meiotic arrest contributed to MHS of cattle-yak. Spermatogenic arrest of cattle-yak may originate from the differentiation stage of undifferentiated spermatogonia and niche cells of cattle-yak may provide an adverse microenvironment for spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- TserangDonko Mipam
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhixin Chai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Binglin Yue
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Luo
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Jikun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhijuan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiabo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingxiu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongying Wang
- College of Chemistry & Environment, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Kemin Jing
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jincheng Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu L, Li H, Wang M, Zhang X, Ren J, Yuan Y, Sha J, Guo X. Multi-Omics Approaches for Revealing the Epigenetic Regulation of Histone H3.1 during Spermatogonial Stem Cell Differentiation In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043314. [PMID: 36834727 PMCID: PMC9958608 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation, particularly post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histones, participates in spermatogonial stem cell (SSCs) differentiation. However, there is a lack of systemic studies of histone PTM regulation during the differentiation of SSCs due to its low number in vivo. Herein, we quantified dynamic changes of 46 different PTMs on histone H3.1 by targeted quantitative proteomics using mass spectrometry during SSCs differentiation in vitro, in combination with our RNA-seq data. We identified seven histone H3.1 modifications to be differentially regulated. In addition, we selected H3K9me2 and H3S10ph for subsequent biotinylated peptide pull-down experiments and identified 38 H3K9me2-binding proteins and 42 H3S10ph-binding proteins, which contain several transcription factors, such as GTF2E2 and SUPT5H, which appear to be crucial for epigenetic regulation of SSC differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Haojie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Mengjie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xiangzheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jie Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jiahao Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Correspondence: (J.S.); (X.G.)
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Correspondence: (J.S.); (X.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gómez R, Viera A, Moreno-Mármol T, Berenguer I, Guajardo-Grence A, Tóth A, Parra MT, Suja JA. Kinase PLK1 regulates the disassembly of the lateral elements and the assembly of the inner centromere during the diakinesis/metaphase I transition in male mouse meiosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1069946. [PMID: 36733339 PMCID: PMC9887526 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1069946] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PLK1 is a serine/threonine kinase with crucial roles during mitosis. However, its involvement during mammalian male meiosis remains largely unexplored. By inhibiting the kinase activity of PLK1 using BI 2536 on organotypic cultures of seminiferous tubules, we found that the disassembly of SYCP3 and HORMAD1 from the lateral elements of the synaptonemal complex during diakinesis is impeded. We also found that the normal recruitment of SYCP3 and HORMAD1 to the inner centromere in prometaphase I spermatocytes did not occur. Additionally, we analyzed the participation of PLK1 in the assembly of the inner centromere by studying its implication in the Bub1-H2AT120ph-dependent recruitment of shugoshin SGO2, and the Haspin-H3T3ph-dependent recruitment of Aurora B/C and Borealin. Our results indicated that both pathways are regulated by PLK1. Altogether, our results demonstrate that PLK1 is a master regulator of the late prophase I/metaphase I transition in mouse spermatocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Gómez
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,*Correspondence: Rocío Gómez, ; José A. Suja,
| | - Alberto Viera
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tania Moreno-Mármol
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Berenguer
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,Departamento de Neuropatología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Campus de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Guajardo-Grence
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Attila Tóth
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - María Teresa Parra
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A. Suja
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,*Correspondence: Rocío Gómez, ; José A. Suja,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Singh M, Haque MA, Tikhomirov AS, Shchekotikhin AE, Das U, Kaur P. Computational and Biophysical Characterization of Heterocyclic Derivatives of Anthraquinone against Human Aurora Kinase A. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:39603-39618. [PMID: 36385832 PMCID: PMC9647706 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Human Aurora kinase A (AurA) has recently garnered the attention of researchers worldwide as a promising effective mitotic drug target for its involvement in cancer and related inflammatory anomalies. This study has explored the binding affinity of newly identified heteroarene-fused anthraquinone derivatives against AurA. Molecular docking analyses showed that all the heteroanthraquinone compounds bind to AurA with different affinities. Molecular dynamics simulation studies revealed that the compounds maintained relatively stable binding modes in the active site pocket while inducing minimal conformational changes in the AurA structure, interacting with key residues through several noncovalent interactions, including hydrogen bonds. Fluorescence spectroscopy and biolayer interferometry binding assays with synthesized compounds against recombinantly expressed AurA further verified their binding efficacy. Naphthoisatine 3 proved to be the best binder, with compounds anthraimidazole 5 and anthrathiophene 2 showing comparable results. Overall, this study indicates decent binding of heterocyclic derivatives of anthraquinone with the target AurA, which can further be assessed by performing enzymatic assays and cellular studies. The studies also highlight the applicability of the heteroarene-fused anthraquinone scaffold to construct selective and potent inhibitors of Aurora kinases after necessary structural modifications for the development of new anticancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep Singh
- Department
of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical
Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi110029, India
| | - Md. Anzarul Haque
- Department
of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical
Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi110029, India
| | | | | | - Uddipan Das
- Department
of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical
Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi110029, India
| | - Punit Kaur
- Department
of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical
Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi110029, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
I B, López-Jiménez P, Mena I, Viera A, Page J, González-Martínez J, Maestre C, Malumbres M, Suja JA, Gómez R. Haspin participates in AURKB recruitment to centromeres and contributes to chromosome congression in male mouse meiosis. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:275954. [PMID: 35694956 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259546] [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: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome segregation requires that centromeres properly attach to spindle microtubules. This essential step regulates the accuracy of cell division and therefore must be precisely regulated. One of the main centromeric regulatory signaling pathways is the Haspin-H3T3ph-chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) cascade, which is responsible for the recruitment of the CPC to the centromeres. In mitosis, Haspin kinase phosphorylates histone H3 at threonine 3 (H3T3ph), an essential epigenetic mark that recruits the CPC, whose catalytic component is Aurora B kinase. However, the centromeric Haspin-H3T3ph-CPC pathway remains largely uncharacterized in mammalian male meiosis. We have analyzed Haspin functions by either its chemical inhibition in cultured spermatocytes using LDN-192960, or the ablation of Haspin gene in Haspin-/-. Our studies suggest that Haspin kinase activity is required for proper chromosome congression during both meiotic divisions and for the recruitment of Aurora B and kinesin MCAK to meiotic centromeres. However, the absence of H3T3ph histone mark does not alter Borealin and SGO2 centromeric localization. These results add new and relevant information regarding the regulation of the Haspin-H3T3ph-CPC pathway and centromere function during meiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Berenguer I
- Cell Biology Unit, Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - P López-Jiménez
- Cell Biology Unit, Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - I Mena
- Cell Biology Unit, Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - A Viera
- Cell Biology Unit, Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - J Page
- Cell Biology Unit, Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - J González-Martínez
- Cell Division and Cancer group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 29029 Madrid, Spain
| | - C Maestre
- Cell Division and Cancer group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 29029 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Malumbres
- Cell Division and Cancer group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 29029 Madrid, Spain
| | - J A Suja
- Cell Biology Unit, Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - R Gómez
- Cell Biology Unit, Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Niazi Tabar A, Azizi H, Hashemi Karoii D, Skutella T. Testicular Localization and Potential Function of Vimentin Positive Cells during Spermatogonial Differentiation Stages. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030268. [PMID: 35158592 PMCID: PMC8833806 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) in the testis are responsible for transmitting genetic information to subsequent generations. During the differentiation of SSCs, various cytoskeletons are involved in giving the cell shape and internal organization. One of the essential cytoskeletons that play functions in these spermatogenic processes is vimentin. This study examined the vimentin expression in vivo and in vitro by immunocytochemistry (ICC), immunohistochemistry (IMH), Fluidigm real-time polymerase chain reaction, and bioinformatics analysis. IMH analysis demonstrated that the high vimentin expression was localized in the middle and central testicular cords cells of seminiferous tubules and low expression in the basal region under in vivo conditions. To evaluate the expression of vimentin in vitro, we first isolated SSCs and then cultured cells from the testis. Our results showed that vimentin plays important roles in the differentiation of testicular germ cells. Abstract Vimentin is a type of intermediate filament (IF) and one of the first filaments expressed in spermatogenesis. Vimentin plays numerous roles, consisting of the determination of cell shape, differentiation, cell motility, the maintenance of cell junctions, intracellular trafficking, and assisting in keeping normal differentiating germ cell morphology. This study investigated the vimentin expression in two populations of undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonia. We examined vimentin expression in vivo and in vitro by immunocytochemistry (ICC), immunohistochemistry (IMH), and Fluidigm real-time polymerase chain reaction. IMH data showed that the high vimentin expression was localized in the middle of seminiferous tubules, and low expression was in the basal membrane. ICC analysis of the colonies by isolated differentiated spermatogonia indicated the positive expression for the vimentin antibody, but vimentin’s expression level in the undifferentiated population was negative under in vitro conditions. Fluidigm real-time PCR analysis showed significant vimentin expression in differentiated spermatogonia compared to undifferentiated spermatogonia (p < 0.05). Our results showed that vimentin is upregulated in the differentiation stages of spermatogenesis, proving that vimentin is an intermediate filament with crucial roles in the differentiation stages of testicular germ cells. These results support the advanced investigations of the spermatogenic process, both in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amirreza Niazi Tabar
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol 4616849767, Iran; (A.N.T.); (D.H.K.)
| | - Hossein Azizi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol 4616849767, Iran; (A.N.T.); (D.H.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Danial Hashemi Karoii
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol 4616849767, Iran; (A.N.T.); (D.H.K.)
| | - Thomas Skutella
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 307, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Menon DU, Kirsanov O, Geyer CB, Magnuson T. Mammalian SWI/SNF chromatin remodeler is essential for reductional meiosis in males. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6581. [PMID: 34772938 PMCID: PMC8589837 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26828-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian SWI/SNF nucleosome remodeler is essential for spermatogenesis. Here, we identify a role for ARID2, a PBAF (Polybromo - Brg1 Associated Factor)-specific subunit, in meiotic division. Arid2cKO spermatocytes arrest at metaphase-I and are deficient in spindle assembly, kinetochore-associated Polo-like kinase1 (PLK1), and centromeric targeting of Histone H3 threonine3 phosphorylation (H3T3P) and Histone H2A threonine120 phosphorylation (H2AT120P). By determining ARID2 and BRG1 genomic associations, we show that PBAF localizes to centromeres and promoters of genes known to govern spindle assembly and nuclear division in spermatocytes. Consistent with gene ontology of target genes, we also identify a role for ARID2 in centrosome stability. Additionally, misexpression of genes such as Aurkc and Ppp1cc (Pp1γ), known to govern chromosome segregation, potentially compromises the function of the chromosome passenger complex (CPC) and deposition of H3T3P, respectively. Our data support a model where-in PBAF activates genes essential for meiotic cell division.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debashish U Menon
- Department of Genetics, and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7264, USA
| | - Oleksandr Kirsanov
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Terry Magnuson
- Department of Genetics, and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7264, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang FG, Zhang RR, Gao JM. The organization, regulation, and biological functions of the synaptonemal complex. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:580-589. [PMID: 34528517 PMCID: PMC8577265 DOI: 10.4103/aja202153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a meiosis-specific proteinaceous macromolecular structure that assembles between paired homologous chromosomes during meiosis in various eukaryotes. The SC has a highly conserved ultrastructure and plays critical roles in controlling multiple steps in meiotic recombination and crossover formation, ensuring accurate meiotic chromosome segregation. Recent studies in different organisms, facilitated by advances in super-resolution microscopy, have provided insights into the macromolecular structure of the SC, including the internal organization of the meiotic chromosome axis and SC central region, the regulatory pathways that control SC assembly and dynamics, and the biological functions exerted by the SC and its substructures. This review summarizes recent discoveries about how the SC is organized and regulated that help to explain the biological functions associated with this meiosis-specific structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Guo Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Rui-Rui Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jin-Min Gao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lester WC, Johnson T, Hale B, Serra N, Elgart B, Wang R, Geyer CB, Sperry AO. Aurora a kinase (AURKA) is required for male germline maintenance and regulates sperm motility in the mouse. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:1603-1616. [PMID: 34518881 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab168] [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: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aurora A kinase (AURKA) is an important regulator of cell division and is required for assembly of the mitotic spindle. We recently reported the unusual finding that this mitotic kinase is also found on the sperm flagellum. To determine its requirement in spermatogenesis, we generated conditional knockout animals with deletion of the Aurka gene in either spermatogonia or spermatocytes to assess its role in mitotic and postmitotic cells, respectively. Deletion of Aurka in spermatogonia resulted in disappearance of all developing germ cells in the testis, as expected given its vital role in mitotic cell division. Deletion of Aurka in spermatocytes reduced testis size, sperm count, and fertility, indicating disruption of meiosis or an effect on spermiogenesis in developing mice. Interestingly, deletion of Aurka in spermatocytes increased apoptosis in spermatocytes along with an increase in the percentage of sperm with abnormal morphology. Despite the increase in abnormal sperm, sperm from spermatocyte Aurka knockout mice displayed increased progressive motility. In addition, sperm lysate prepared from Aurka knockout animals had decreased protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) activity. Together, our results show that AURKA plays multiple roles in spermatogenesis, from mitotic divisions of spermatogonia to sperm morphology and motility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William C Lester
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine
| | - Taylor Johnson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine.,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville NC, USA 27834
| | - Ben Hale
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine.,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville NC, USA 27834
| | - Nicholas Serra
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine.,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville NC, USA 27834
| | - Brian Elgart
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine.,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville NC, USA 27834
| | - Ann O Sperry
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ignatieva EV, Osadchuk AV, Kleshchev MA, Bogomolov AG, Osadchuk LV. A Catalog of Human Genes Associated With Pathozoospermia and Functional Characteristics of These Genes. Front Genet 2021; 12:662770. [PMID: 34290736 PMCID: PMC8287579 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.662770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic causes of the global decline in male fertility are among the hot spots of scientific research in reproductive genetics. The most common way to evaluate male fertility in clinical trials is to determine semen quality. Lower semen quality is very often accompanied by subfertility or infertility, occurs in many diseases and can be caused by many factors, including genetic ones. The following forms of lowered semen quality (pathozoospermia) are known: azoospermia, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, and some combined forms. To systematize information about the genetic basis of impaired spermatogenesis, we created a catalog of human genes associated with lowered semen quality (HGAPat) and analyzed their functional characteristics. The catalog comprises data on 126 human genes. Each entry of the catalog describes an association between an allelic variant of the gene and a particular form of lowered semen quality, extracted from the experimental study. Most genes included into the catalog are located on autosomes and are associated with such pathologies as non-obstructive azoospermia, oligozoospermia or asthenozoospermia. Slightly less than half of the included genes (43%) are expressed in the testes in a tissue-specific manner. Functional annotation of genes from the catalog showed that spermatogenic failure can be associated with mutations in genes that control biological processes essential for spermiogenesis (regulating DNA metabolism, cell division, formation of cellular structures, which provide cell movement) as well as with mutations in genes that control cellular responses to unfavorable conditions (stress factors, including oxidative stress and exposure to toxins).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Ignatieva
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Department of Natural Science, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alexander V Osadchuk
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Maxim A Kleshchev
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Anton G Bogomolov
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ludmila V Osadchuk
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kar FM, Hochwagen A. Phospho-Regulation of Meiotic Prophase. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:667073. [PMID: 33928091 PMCID: PMC8076904 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.667073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cells undergoing meiosis rely on an intricate network of surveillance mechanisms that govern the production of euploid gametes for successful sexual reproduction. These surveillance mechanisms are particularly crucial during meiotic prophase, when cells execute a highly orchestrated program of chromosome morphogenesis and recombination, which must be integrated with the meiotic cell division machinery to ensure the safe execution of meiosis. Dynamic protein phosphorylation, controlled by kinases and phosphatases, has emerged as one of the main signaling routes for providing readout and regulation of chromosomal and cellular behavior throughout meiotic prophase. In this review, we discuss common principles and provide detailed examples of how these phosphorylation events are employed to ensure faithful passage of chromosomes from one generation to the next.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Funda M Kar
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Andreas Hochwagen
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Blengini CS, Ibrahimian P, Vaskovicova M, Drutovic D, Solc P, Schindler K. Aurora kinase A is essential for meiosis in mouse oocytes. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009327. [PMID: 33901174 PMCID: PMC8102010 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Aurora protein kinases are well-established regulators of spindle building and chromosome segregation in mitotic and meiotic cells. In mouse oocytes, there is significant Aurora kinase A (AURKA) compensatory abilities when the other Aurora kinase homologs are deleted. Whether the other homologs, AURKB or AURKC can compensate for loss of AURKA is not known. Using a conditional mouse oocyte knockout model, we demonstrate that this compensation is not reciprocal because female oocyte-specific knockout mice are sterile, and their oocytes fail to complete meiosis I. In determining AURKA-specific functions, we demonstrate that its first meiotic requirement is to activate Polo-like kinase 1 at acentriolar microtubule organizing centers (aMTOCs; meiotic spindle poles). This activation induces fragmentation of the aMTOCs, a step essential for building a bipolar spindle. We also show that AURKA is required for regulating localization of TACC3, another protein required for spindle building. We conclude that AURKA has multiple functions essential to completing MI that are distinct from AURKB and AURKC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia S. Blengini
- Department of Genetics; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey; Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Patricia Ibrahimian
- Department of Genetics; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Michaela Vaskovicova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - David Drutovic
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Solc
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey; Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
First person – Stephen Wellard. J Cell Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.257410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping early-career researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Stephen Wellard is first author on ‘Aurora B and C kinases regulate chromosome desynapsis and segregation during mouse and human spermatogenesis’, published in JCS. Stephen is a PhD student in the lab of Philip W. Jordan at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, investigating the regulation of accurate chromosome segregation during mammalian meiosis.
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia is a distinct diagnosis within male infertility in which no sperm is found in the ejaculate as a result of spermatogenesis failure. Because of the increased prevalence of genetic abnormalities in men with non-obstructive azoospermia, male infertility guidelines recommend screening for karyotype abnormalities and Y chromosome microdeletions in this population. Numerous karyotype abnormalities may be present resulting in impaired spermatogenesis, including: Klinefelter syndrome, translocations, and deletions. Y chromosome microdeletions of the AZFa, AZFb, AZFc subregions all can also result in non-obstructive azoospermia with the possibility of sperm being present if only the AZFc subregion is deleted. While these are the two genetic tests recommended by the guidelines, nearly 50%-80% of non-obstructive azoospermia has no identifiable cause and is deemed idiopathic. Several other genetic defects can lead to non-obstructive azoospermia including Kallmann syndrome, mild androgen insensitivity syndrome, and TEX11. While many additional candidate genes have been proposed, many have yet to be verified or are so infrequent in the population that screening is cost-ineffective. Much research is still required in the genetics of non-obstructive azoospermia and will require multi-institutional initiatives to better understand the genetics of condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa N Peña
- Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Taylor P Kohn
- Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amin S Herati
- Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|