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Li C, Shen C, Xiong W, Ge H, Shen Y, Chi J, Zhang H, Tang L, Lu S, Wang J, Fei J, Wang Z. Spem2, a novel testis-enriched gene, is required for spermiogenesis and fertilization in mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:108. [PMID: 38421455 PMCID: PMC10904452 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05147-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is considered to be crucial for the production of haploid spermatozoa with normal morphology, structure and function, but the mechanisms underlying this process remain largely unclear. Here, we demonstrate that SPEM family member 2 (Spem2), as a novel testis-enriched gene, is essential for spermiogenesis and male fertility. Spem2 is predominantly expressed in the haploid male germ cells and is highly conserved across mammals. Mice deficient for Spem2 develop male infertility associated with spermiogenesis impairment. Specifically, the insufficient sperm individualization, failure of excess cytoplasm shedding, and defects in acrosome formation are evident in Spem2-null sperm. Sperm counts and motility are also significantly reduced compared to controls. In vivo fertilization assays have shown that Spem2-null sperm are unable to fertilize oocytes, possibly due to their impaired ability to migrate from the uterus into the oviduct. However, the infertility of Spem2-/- males cannot be rescued by in vitro fertilization, suggesting that defective sperm-egg interaction may also be a contributing factor. Furthermore, SPEM2 is detected to interact with ZPBP, PRSS21, PRSS54, PRSS55, ADAM2 and ADAM3 and is also required for their processing and maturation in epididymal sperm. Our findings establish SPEM2 as an essential regulator of spermiogenesis and fertilization in mice, possibly in mammals including humans. Understanding the molecular role of SPEM2 could provide new insights into future therapeutic treatment of human male infertility and development of non-hormonal male contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaojie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Chunling Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Wenfeng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Haoyang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jun Chi
- Shanghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Model Animals, Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hongxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Lingyun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Shunyuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jinjin Wang
- Shanghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Model Animals, Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jian Fei
- Shanghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Model Animals, Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhugang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Shanghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Model Animals, Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Hu Q, Xia X, Lian Z, Tian H, Li Z. Regulatory mechanism of LncRNAs in gonadal differentiation of hermaphroditic fish, Monopterus albus. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:74. [PMID: 37880697 PMCID: PMC10598917 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00559-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monopterus albus is a hermaphroditic fish with sex reversal from ovaries to testes via the ovotestes in the process of gonadal development, but the molecular mechanism of the sex reversal was unknown. METHODS We produced transcriptomes containing mRNAs and lncRNAs in the crucial stages of the gonad, including the ovary, ovotestis and testis. The expression of the crucial lncRNAs and their target genes was detected using qRT‒PCR and in situ hybridization. The methylation level and activity of the lncRNA promoter were analysed by applying bisulfite sequencing PCR and dual-luciferase reporter assays, respectively. RESULTS This effort revealed that gonadal development was a dynamic expression change. Regulatory networks of lncRNAs and their target genes were constructed through integrated analysis of lncRNA and mRNA data. The expression and DNA methylation of the lncRNAs MSTRG.38036 and MSTRG.12998 and their target genes Psmβ8 and Ptk2β were detected in developing gonads and sex reversal gonads. The results showed that lncRNAs and their target genes exhibited consistent expression profiles and that the DNA methylation levels were negatively regulated lncRNA expression. Furthermore, we found that Ptk2β probably regulates cyp19a1 expression via the Ptk2β/EGFR/STAT3 pathway to reprogram sex differentiation. CONCLUSIONS This study provides novel insight from lncRNA to explore the potential molecular mechanism by which DNA methylation regulates lncRNA expression to facilitate target gene transcription to reprogram sex differentiation in M. albus, which will also enrich the sex differentiation mechanism of teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaomu Hu
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wudayuan First Road 8, Wuhan, 430223, China.
| | - Xueping Xia
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wudayuan First Road 8, Wuhan, 430223, China
| | - Zitong Lian
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wudayuan First Road 8, Wuhan, 430223, China
| | - Haifeng Tian
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wudayuan First Road 8, Wuhan, 430223, China
| | - Zhong Li
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wudayuan First Road 8, Wuhan, 430223, China.
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MacPherson RA, Shankar V, Sunkara LT, Hannah RC, Campbell MR, Anholt RRH, Mackay TFC. Pleiotropic fitness effects of the lncRNA Uhg4 in Drosophila melanogaster. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:781. [PMID: 36451091 PMCID: PMC9710044 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08972-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a diverse class of RNAs that are critical for gene regulation, DNA repair, and splicing, and have been implicated in development, stress response, and cancer. However, the functions of many lncRNAs remain unknown. In Drosophila melanogaster, U snoRNA host gene 4 (Uhg4) encodes an antisense long noncoding RNA that is host to seven small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). Uhg4 is expressed ubiquitously during development and in all adult tissues, with maximal expression in ovaries; however, it has no annotated function(s). RESULTS We used CRISPR-Cas9 germline gene editing to generate multiple deletions spanning the promoter region and first exon of Uhg4. Females showed arrested egg development and both males and females were sterile. In addition, Uhg4 deletion mutants showed delayed development and decreased viability, and changes in sleep and responses to stress. Whole-genome RNA sequencing of Uhg4 deletion flies and their controls identified co-regulated genes and genetic interaction networks associated with Uhg4. Gene ontology analyses highlighted a broad spectrum of biological processes, including regulation of transcription and translation, morphogenesis, and stress response. CONCLUSION Uhg4 is a lncRNA essential for reproduction with pleiotropic effects on multiple fitness traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A MacPherson
- Center for Human Genetics and Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, 114 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA
| | - Vijay Shankar
- Center for Human Genetics and Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, 114 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA
| | - Lakshmi T Sunkara
- Present adress: Clemson Veterinary Diagnostic Center, Livestock Poultry Health, Clemson University, 500 Clemson Road, Columbia, SC, 29229, USA
| | - Rachel C Hannah
- Center for Human Genetics and Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, 114 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA
| | - Marion R Campbell
- Center for Human Genetics and Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, 114 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA
| | - Robert R H Anholt
- Center for Human Genetics and Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, 114 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA.
| | - Trudy F C Mackay
- Center for Human Genetics and Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, 114 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA.
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Tzur YB. lncRNAs in fertility: redefining the gene expression paradigm? Trends Genet 2022; 38:1170-1179. [PMID: 35728988 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Comparative transcriptome approaches assume that highly or dynamically expressed genes are important. This has led to the identification of many genes critical for cellular activity and organism development. However, while testes express the highest levels of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), there is scarcely any evidence for lncRNAs with significant roles in fertility. This was explained by changes in chromatin structure during spermatogenesis that lead to 'promiscuous transcription' with no functional roles for the transcripts. Recent discoveries offer novel and surprising alternatives. Here, I review the current knowledge regarding the involvement of lncRNAs in fertility, why I find gametogenesis different from other developmental processes, offer models to explain why the experimental evidence did not meet theoretical predictions, and suggest possible approaches to test the models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonatan B Tzur
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
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5
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Otsuka K, Yang H, Matsubara S, Shiraishi A, Kurihara M, Satake H, Kimura AP. Evidence for a functional role of Start, a long noncoding RNA, in mouse spermatocytes. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273279. [PMID: 36006924 PMCID: PMC9409574 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A mouse testis-specific long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), Start, is localized in the cytosol of Leydig cells and in the nucleus of pachytene spermatocytes. We previously showed that Start regulates steroidogenesis through controlling the expression of Star and Hsd3b1 genes in Leydig cells, but its function in germ cells was not known. Here we verified that a spermatocyte-specific protease gene, Prss43/Tessp-3, was downregulated in Start-knockout testes. To investigate the transcriptional regulatory activity of Start in spermatocytes, we first performed a series of reporter gene assays using a thymidine kinase promoter in spermatocyte-derived GC-2spd(ts) cells. A 5.4-kb genome sequence encompassing Start exhibited enhancer activity for this promoter, and the activity was decreased by knockdown of Start. Deletion of the Start promoter and replacement of the Start sequence abolished the enhancer activity and, consistently, the activity was detected in further experiments only when Start was actively transcribed. We then examined whether the Prss43/Tessp-3 gene could be a target of Start. A reporter gene assay demonstrated that the 5.4-kb sequence exhibited enhancer activity for a Prss43/Tessp-3 promoter in GC-2spd(ts) cells and that the activity was significantly decreased by knockdown of Start. These results suggest that Start functions in transcriptional activation of the Prss43/Tessp-3 gene in spermatocytes. Given that Start is presumed to regulate steroidogenic genes at the posttranscriptional level in Leydig cells, the function in spermatocytes is a novel role of Start. These findings provide an insight into multifunctionality of lncRNAs in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Otsuka
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, California United States of America
| | - Hong Yang
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shin Matsubara
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akira Shiraishi
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Misuzu Kurihara
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Honoo Satake
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Atsushi P. Kimura
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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lncRNA 1700101O22Rik and NONMMUG030480.1 Are Not Essential for Spermatogenesis in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158627. [PMID: 35955762 PMCID: PMC9369125 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Many testis-specific lncRNAs are highly expressed in late spermatogenesis, especially in spermiogenesis. However, their functions and the underlying mechanisms in male fertility are largely unknown. Here, we screened two highly expressed lncRNAs, 1700101O22Rik (O22Rik) and NONMMUG030480.1 (NM480) in testes, to investigate the roles in spermatogenesis using lncRNA knockout (KO) mouse generated by CRISPER/Cas9 technology. Both testis-specific lncRNAs were mainly expressed from secondary spermatocytes to round spermatids, suggesting that they might be involved in spermiogenesis. Phenotypic analysis showed that the deletion of O22Rik or NM480 did not affect the development of testis and epididymis or spermatogenesis. These results were confirmed in both young and middle-aged male mice. In addition, there was no significant difference in sperm morphology and other parameters including concentration and motility between wild type (WT) and KO mice. Fertility tests showed that litter size was significantly lower in O22Rik KO mice compared with WT controls. Although O22Rik did not exert dramatic roles in spermatogenesis, on molecular levels, its surrounding gene expression was disturbed significantly. Gm32773 was decreased; however, Gm32828 was increased in KO mice. In conclusion, lncRNA O22Rik and NM480 are not individually essential for spermatogenesis in mice.
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Overexpression of lncRNA-Gm2044 in spermatogonia impairs spermatogenesis in partial seminiferous tubules. Poult Sci 2022; 101:101930. [PMID: 35691049 PMCID: PMC9192819 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.101930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to regulate reproduction in mammals. Our previous study revealed that the expression level of lncRNA-Gm2044 was obviously elevated in nonobstructive azoospermia with spermatogonial arrest. Here, a transgenic mouse model of lncRNA-Gm2044 in spermatogonia using the Stra8 promoter was constructed to explore the roles of upregulated lncRNA-Gm2044 in male fertility. Testicular morphology and fertility weren't affected in transgenic mice expressing lncRNA-Gm2044. However, overexpression of lncRNA-Gm2044 in spermatogonia partially impaired spermatogenesis in the transgenic mice. Then, transcriptome sequencing was executed to find the potential signaling pathway repressing spermatogenesis in germ cells of lncRNA-Gm2044 transgenic mice. Through quantitative analysis of differentially expressed genes, 442 upregulated mRNAs and 147 downregulated mRNAs were displayed in male germ cells of Gm2044-transgenic mice (Gm2044-Tg) compared with non-transgenic mice (Non-Tg). Using gene ontology (GO) analysis, differentially expressed genes were shown to play vital roles in RNA_metabolic_process, Central_element, Enzyme_binding, and Intracellular_bridge. Using Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis, differentially expressed genes were shown to participate in RNA_transport, Cell_cycle, Renin-angiotensin_system, and Chemokine_signaling_pathway. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed that Acrosome_assembly and Sperm_plasma_membrane were involved in the overexpression of lncRNA-Gm2044 blocking spermatogenesis. Furthermore, some of the most differentially expressed mRNAs were verified by RT-qPCR. In addition, we determined that the lncRNA-Gm2044 has no ability to translate into peptides by the bioinformatics method and molecular experiment. Thus, lncRNA-Gm2044 is a novel molecular target for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Rappaport Y, Falk R, Achache H, Tzur YB. linc-20 and linc-9 do not have compensatory fertility roles in C. elegans. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2022; 2022:10.17912/micropub.biology.000524. [PMID: 35169683 PMCID: PMC8837906 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides which are transcribed from regions that do not overlap with protein coding sequences. Reproductive organs express high levels of lincRNAs, yet removal of many lincRNA genes with high and dynamic germline expression did not lead to fertility defects. It was previously suggested this stems from redundant roles of different lincRNA genes. We previously reported engineering C. elegans strains in which we deleted lincRNA genes with high and dynamic expression in the gonad. The individual mutations did not lead to major effects on fertility. Two of those lincRNA genes, linc-9 and linc-20, are highly homologous, suggesting they could perform redundant roles. Here we report that in the double mutant linc-9; linc-20 the brood size and embryonic lethality do not significantly differ from wild-type worms. This could be explained by either lack of fertility roles, or redundancy with other lincRNA genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisrael Rappaport
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Roni Falk
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Hanna Achache
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Yonatan B. Tzur
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel,
Correspondence to: Yonatan B. Tzur ()
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Chen H, Miao X, Xu J, Pu L, Li L, Han Y, Mao F, Ma Y. Alterations of mRNA and lncRNA profiles associated with the extracellular matrix and spermatogenesis in goats. Anim Biosci 2021; 35:544-555. [PMID: 34530511 PMCID: PMC8902208 DOI: 10.5713/ab.21.0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Spermatozoa are produced within the seminiferous tubules after sexual maturity. The expression levels of mRNAs and lncRNAs in testicular tissues are different at each stage of testicular development and are closely related to formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and spermatogenesis. Therefore, we set out to study the expression of lncRNAs and mRNAs during the different developmental stages of the goat testis. Methods We constructed 12 RNA libraries using testicular tissues from goats aged 3, 6, and 12 months, and studied the functions of mRNAs and lncRNAs using the gene ontogeny (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) databases. Relationships between differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network and protein-protein interaction network (PPI). Finally, the protein expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 6 (IGFBP6) were detected by western blotting. Results We found 23, 8, and 135 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 161, 12, and 665 differentially expressed mRNAs that were identified between 3 vs 6, 6 vs 12, and 3 vs 12 months, respectively. GO, KEGG, and PPI analyses showed that the differential genes were mainly related to the ECM. Moreover, MMP2 was a hub gene and co-expressed with the lncRNA TCONS-0002139 and TCONS-00093342. The results of quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction verification were consistent with those of RNA-seq sequencing. The expression trends of MMP2, IGF2, and IGFBP6 protein were the same as that of mRNA, which all decreased with age. IGF2 and MMP2 were significantly different in the 3 vs 6-month-old group (p<0.05). Conclusion These results improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in sexual maturation of the goat testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolin Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.,Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guizhou, 550000, China
| | - Xiaomeng Miao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guizhou, 550000, China
| | - Jinge Xu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guizhou, 550000, China
| | - Ling Pu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guizhou, 550000, China
| | - Liang Li
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guizhou, 550000, China
| | - Yong Han
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guizhou, 550000, China
| | - Fengxian Mao
- Guizhou Province Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources Management Station, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550000, China
| | - Youji Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
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Chadourne M, Poumerol E, Jouneau L, Passet B, Castille J, Sellem E, Pailhoux E, Mandon-Pépin B. Structural and Functional Characterization of a Testicular Long Non-coding RNA (4930463O16Rik) Identified in the Meiotic Arrest of the Mouse Topaz1 -/- Testes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:700290. [PMID: 34277642 PMCID: PMC8281061 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.700290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis involves coordinated processes, including meiosis, to produce functional gametes. We previously reported Topaz1 as a germ cell-specific gene highly conserved in vertebrates. Topaz1 knockout males are sterile with testes that lack haploid germ cells because of meiotic arrest after prophase I. To better characterize Topaz1–/– testes, we used RNA-sequencing analyses at two different developmental stages (P16 and P18). The absence of TOPAZ1 disturbed the expression of genes involved in microtubule and/or cilium mobility, biological processes required for spermatogenesis. Moreover, a quarter of P18 dysregulated genes are long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and three of them are testis-specific and located in spermatocytes, their expression starting between P11 and P15. The suppression of one of them, 4939463O16Rik, did not alter fertility although sperm parameters were disturbed and sperm concentration fell. The transcriptome of P18-4939463O16Rik–/– testes was altered and the molecular pathways affected included microtubule-based processes, the regulation of cilium movement and spermatogenesis. The absence of TOPAZ1 protein or 4930463O16Rik produced the same enrichment clusters in mutant testes despite a contrasted phenotype on male fertility. In conclusion, although Topaz1 is essential for the meiosis in male germ cells and regulate the expression of numerous lncRNAs, these studies have identified a Topaz1 regulated lncRNA (4930463O16Rik) that is key for both sperm production and motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Chadourne
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Elodie Poumerol
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Luc Jouneau
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Bruno Passet
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Johan Castille
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Eric Pailhoux
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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Verma P, Parte P. Revisiting the Characteristics of Testicular Germ Cell Lines GC-1(spg) and GC-2(spd)ts. Mol Biotechnol 2021; 63:941-952. [PMID: 34125394 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00352-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a multifaceted and meticulously orchestrated process involving meiosis, chromatin build up, transcriptional and translational hushing, and spermiogenesis. Male germ cell lines GC-1spg (GC-1) and GC-2(spd)ts (GC-2) provide a useful resource to comprehend the molecular events occurring during such a tightly regulated process. Using cDNA microarray, expression profiling of GC-1 and GC-2 cell lines was done to precisely understand their characteristics and uniqueness. Our observations indicate that whilst both the cell lines are indeed of testicular origin, GC-2 is not haploid as was originally thought. Data analysis of the 23,351 transcripts detected in GC-1 and 20,992 in GC-2 cell lines demonstrates an 80% transcript overlap between GC-1 and GC-2 cells and ~ 40% similarity of both with the primary spermatocyte transcriptome. 3152 and 793 transcripts exclusive to GC-1 and GC-2, respectively, were identified. The presence of transcripts for 36 genes was validated in these cell lines including those showing testis-specific expression, as well as genes not reported previously. Overall, this study provides the transcriptome database of GC-1 and GC-2 cells. Analysis of the data demonstrates the transcriptomic transitions between GC-1 and GC-2 thus providing a glimpse to the process of germ cell differentiation from type B spermatogonium into preleptotene spermatocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Verma
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR - National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Priyanka Parte
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR - National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, 400012, India.
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Zhou Y, Zhang X, Xiong S, Zeng X, Zhang X. Predicted gene 31453 (Gm31453) and the gene encoding carboxypeptidase A5 (Cpa5) are not essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility in the mouse. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:401-409. [PMID: 33745502 DOI: 10.1071/rd20284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous long non-coding (lnc) RNAs are highly enriched or exclusively expressed in the mammalian testis, even in spermatids. Spermatid perinuclear RNA-binding protein (STRBP) can bind many RNAs, and loss of STRBP impairs male fertility. However, the functions of lncRNAs interacting with STRBP are unknown. In this study, the roles of one STRBP-interacting lncRNA, namely predicted gene 31453 (Gm31453), and its potential target gene encoding carboxypeptidase A5 (Cpa5) in spermatogenesis were determined using gene-knockout (KO) mice. Gm31453 and Cpa5 are located adjacent to each other on the same chromosome and are highly expressed in the testis. Gm31453 and Cpa5 are primarily expressed from secondary spermatocytes to elongated spermatids, implying their involvement in spermiogenesis. Although deletion of Gm31453 disturbed the expression of both its target and interacting gene, as indicated by decreased Cpa5 and increased Strbp mRNA levels, both Gm31453- and Cpa5-KO mice showed normal spermatogenesis and fertility, and had no detectable abnormalities in terms of testicular and epididymal development, sperm production morphology or motility, pregnancy rate or litter size. Thus, Gm31453 and Cpa5 are dispensable for spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice. Their involvement in spermatogenesis may be a fine-tuning role, regulating gene expression at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, PR China
| | - Xiaona Zhang
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, PR China
| | - Suping Xiong
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, PR China; and Corresponding authors. ;
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, PR China; and Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China; and Corresponding authors. ;
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Cabs1 Maintains Structural Integrity of Mouse Sperm Flagella during Epididymal Transit of Sperm. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020652. [PMID: 33440775 PMCID: PMC7827751 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The calcium-binding protein spermatid-associated 1 (Cabs1) is a novel spermatid-specific protein. However, its function remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) transcripted from the Cabs1 gene antisense, AntiCabs1, was also exclusively expressed in spermatids. Cabs1 and AntiCabs1 knockout mice were generated separately (using Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)-Cas9 methods) to investigate their functions in spermatogenesis. The genetic loss of Cabs1 did not affect testicular and epididymal development; however, male mice exhibited significantly impaired sperm tail structure and subfertility. Ultrastructural analysis revealed defects in sperm flagellar differentiation leading to an abnormal annulus and disorganization of the midpiece-principal piece junction, which may explain the high proportion of sperm with a bent tail. Interestingly, the proportion of sperm with a bent tail increased during transit in the epididymis. Furthermore, Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses showed that a genetic loss of Cabs1 decreased Septin 4 and Krt1 and increased cyclin Y-like 1 (Ccnyl1) levels compared with the wild type, suggesting that Cabs1 deficiency disturbed the expression of cytoskeleton-related proteins. By contrast, AntiCabs1-/- mice were indistinguishable from the wild type regarding testicular and epididymal development, sperm morphology, concentration and motility, and male fertility. This study demonstrates that Cabs1 is an important component of the sperm annulus essential for proper sperm tail assembly and motility.
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Otsuka K, Matsubara S, Shiraishi A, Takei N, Satoh Y, Terao M, Takada S, Kotani T, Satake H, Kimura AP. A Testis-Specific Long Noncoding RNA, Start, Is a Regulator of Steroidogenesis in Mouse Leydig Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:665874. [PMID: 33897623 PMCID: PMC8061315 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.665874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The testis expresses many long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), but their functions and overview of lncRNA variety are not well understood. The mouse Prss/Tessp locus contains six serine protease genes and two lncRNAs that have been suggested to play important roles in spermatogenesis. Here, we found a novel testis-specific lncRNA, Start (Steroidogenesis activating lncRNA in testis), in this locus. Start is 1822 nucleotides in length and was found to be localized mostly in the cytosol of germ cells and Leydig cells, although nuclear localization was also observed. Start-knockout (KO) mice generated by the CRISPR/Cas9 system were fertile and showed no morphological abnormality in adults. However, in adult Start-KO testes, RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analyses revealed an increase in the expression of steroidogenic genes such as Star and Hsd3b1, while ELISA analysis revealed that the testosterone levels in serum and testis were significantly low. Interestingly, at 8 days postpartum, both steroidogenic gene expression and testosterone level were decreased in Start-KO mice. Since overexpression of Start in two Leydig-derived cell lines resulted in elevation of the expression of steroidogenic genes including Star and Hsd3b1, Start is likely to be involved in their upregulation. The increase in expression of steroidogenic genes in adult Start-KO testes might be caused by a secondary effect via the androgen receptor autocrine pathway or the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. Additionally, we observed a reduced number of Leydig cells at 8 days postpartum. Collectively, our results strongly suggest that Start is a regulator of steroidogenesis in Leydig cells. The current study provides an insight into the overall picture of the function of testis lncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Otsuka
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shin Matsubara
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akira Shiraishi
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Natsumi Takei
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yui Satoh
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Miho Terao
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuji Takada
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of NCCHD Child Health and Development, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoya Kotani
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Honoo Satake
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Atsushi P. Kimura
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Atsushi P. Kimura,
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Zhang X, Chen C, Zhong Y, Zeng X. lncRNA involved in triptonide-induced cytotoxicity in mouse germ cells. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 98:218-224. [PMID: 33045310 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Triptonide reportedly has strong antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities. However, its severe toxicity, including to the reproductive system, has greatly restricted its use in patients who wish to preserve fertility. lncRNAs play crucial roles in male fertility and reportedly regulate triptonide's antitumor activity. However, whether lncRNAs are involved in triptonide-induced reproductive toxicity is unknown. Here, we showed that triptonide induced significant cytotoxicity, as demonstrated by reduced cell viability and induction of apoptosis and autophagy in mouse germ cells (a spermatocyte cell line, GC2). The expression levels of numerous lncRNAs and mRNAs in GC2 cells were altered at the transcriptome level after treatment with triptonide for 24 h, as determined by RNA sequencing. Gene ontology and pathway analyses showed that the functions of the differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were closely linked with many processes, including gene expression regulation, cell death, cell cycle regulation, cell proliferation and development and others. After validating our RNA-seq data, we selected one lncRNA, Obox4-ps35, dramatically induced by triptonide for further investigation. Obox4-ps35 knock-out aggravated triptonide-induced cytotoxicity by decreasing cell survival and increasing apoptosis and autophagy rates. These data suggest that germ cells exposed to triptonide overexpress Obox4-ps35 to protect against triptonide-induced cytotoxicity. This study provides preliminary evidence and novel directions for exploring roles of lncRNAs in triptonide-induced cytotoxicity, especially in reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Zhang
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China; Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhong
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
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