1
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Blücher RO, Lim RS, Ritchie ME, Western PS. VEGF-dependent testicular vascularisation involves MEK1/2 signalling and the essential angiogenesis factors, SOX7 and SOX17. BMC Biol 2024; 22:222. [PMID: 39354506 PMCID: PMC11445939 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-02003-y] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormalities of in utero testis development are strongly associated with reproductive health conditions, including male infertility and testis cancer. In mouse testes, SOX9 and FGF9 support Sertoli cell development, while VEGF signalling is essential for the establishment of vasculature. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is a major signalling cascade, essential for cell proliferation, differentiation and activation of Sry during primary sex-determination, but little is known about its function during fetal testis morphogenesis. We explored potential functions of MAPK signalling immediately after the establishment of testis cords in embryonic day (E)12.5 Oct4-eGFP transgenic mouse testes cultured using a MEK1/2 inhibitor. RESULTS RNA sequencing in isolated gonadal somatic cells identified 116 and 114 differentially expressed genes after 24 and 72 h of MEK1/2 inhibition, respectively. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed an association of MEK1/2 signalling with biological functions such as angiogenesis, vasculogenesis and cell migration. This included a failure to upregulate the master transcriptional regulators of vascular development, Sox7 and Sox17, VEGF receptor genes, the cell adhesion factor gene Cd31 and a range of other endothelial cell markers such as Cdh5 (encoding VE-cadherin) and gap junction genes Gja4 and Gja5. In contrast, only a small number of Sertoli cell enriched genes were affected. Immunofluorescent analyses of control testes revealed that the MEK1/2 downstream target, ERK1/2 was phosphorylated in endothelial cells and Sertoli cells. Inhibition of MEK1/2 eliminated pERK1/2 in fetal testes, and CD31, VE-cadherin, SOX7 and SOX17 and endothelial cells were lost. Consistent with a role for VEGF in driving endothelial cell development in the testis, inhibition of VEGFR also abrogated pERK1/2 and SOX7 and SOX17 expressing endothelial cells. Moreover, while Sertoli cell proliferation and localisation to the testis cord basement membrane was disrupted by inhibition of MEK1/2, it was unaffected by VEGFR inhibition. Instead, inhibition of FGF signalling compromised Sertoli cell proliferation and localisation to the testis cord basement membrane. CONCLUSIONS Together, our data highlight an essential role for VEGF-dependent MEK1/2 signalling in promoting vasculature and indicate that FGF signalling through MEK1/2 regulates Sertoli cell organisation in the developing mouse testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rheannon O Blücher
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Rachel S Lim
- Epigenetics and Development Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Matthew E Ritchie
- Epigenetics and Development Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Patrick S Western
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
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2
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Yang J, Ou X, Zeng H, Shao L. A comprehensive review on p38MAPK signaling as a potent radioprotector in testis. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 39287511 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13760] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that the activation of p38MAPK signaling plays a crucial role in regulating gonadal cell fate decisions in both mouse and human. Excessive activation of p38MAPK by radiation significantly causes testicular damage and negatively affects the male reproductive function. Therefore, fine-tuned regulation of p38MAPK signaling is critical in both physiological and pathological conditions. RESULT This review summarizes the impact of p38MAPK signaling on testicular germ cells and microenvironment under normal condition. The relationship between radiation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and p38MAPK is summarized. In conclusion, radiation exposure triggers the overactivation of p38MAPK, which is regulated by ROS, resulting in testicular damage. Various p38MAPK-targeting agents are discussed, providing guidance for developing new strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Disease Preventive and Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiangying Ou
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Disease Preventive and Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Huihong Zeng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lijian Shao
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Disease Preventive and Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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3
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Yin H, Staples SCR, Pickering JG. The fundamentals of fibroblast growth factor 9. Differentiation 2024; 139:100731. [PMID: 37783652 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) was first identified during a screen for factors acting on cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Research over the subsequent two decades has revealed this protein to be a critically important and elegantly regulated growth factor. A hallmark control feature is reciprocal compartmentalization, particularly during development, with epithelium as a dominant source and mesenchyme a prime target. This mesenchyme selectivity is accomplished by the high affinity of FGF9 to the IIIc isoforms of FGFR1, 2, and 3. FGF9 is expressed widely in the embryo, including the developing heart and lungs, and more selectively in the adult, including the CNS and kidneys. Global Fgf9-null mice die shortly after birth due to respiratory failure from hypoplastic lungs. As well, their hearts are dilated and poorly vascularized, the skeleton is small, the intestine is shortened, and male-to-female sex reversal can be found. Conditional Fgf9-null mice have revealed CNS phenotypes, including ataxia and epilepsy. In humans, FGF9 variants have been found to underlie multiple synostoses syndrome 3, a syndrome characterized by multiple joint fusions. Aberrant FGF9 signaling has also been implicated in differences of sex development and cancer, whereas vascular stabilizing effects of FGF9 could benefit chronic diseases. This primer reviews the attributes of this vital growth factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yin
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Sabrina C R Staples
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada
| | - J Geoffrey Pickering
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, Canada; Department of Medicine, Western University, London, Canada; London Health Sciences Centre, London, Canada.
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4
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Abou Nader N, Charrier L, Meisnsohn MC, Banville L, Deffrennes B, St-Jean G, Boerboom D, Zamberlam G, Brind'Amour J, Pépin D, Boyer A. Lats1 and Lats2 regulate YAP and TAZ activity to control the development of mouse Sertoli cells. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23633. [PMID: 38690712 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400346r] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Recent reports suggest that the Hippo signaling pathway regulates testis development, though its exact roles in Sertoli cell differentiation remain unknown. Here, we examined the functions of the main Hippo pathway kinases, large tumor suppressor homolog kinases 1 and 2 (Lats1 and Lats2) in developing mouse Sertoli cells. Conditional inactivation of Lats1/2 in Sertoli cells resulted in the disorganization and overgrowth of the testis cords, the induction of a testicular inflammatory response and germ cell apoptosis. Stimulated by retinoic acid 8 (STRA8) expression in germ cells additionally suggested that germ cells may have been preparing to enter meiosis prior to their loss. Gene expression analyses of the developing testes of conditional knockout animals further suggested impaired Sertoli cell differentiation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and the induction of a specific set of genes associated with Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ)-mediated integrin signaling. Finally, the involvement of YAP/TAZ in Sertoli cell differentiation was confirmed by concomitantly inactivating Yap/Taz in Lats1/2 conditional knockout model, which resulted in a partial rescue of the testicular phenotypic changes. Taken together, these results identify Hippo signaling as a crucial pathway for Sertoli cell development and provide novel insight into Sertoli cell fate maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Abou Nader
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Laureline Charrier
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Charlotte Meisnsohn
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laurence Banville
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bérengère Deffrennes
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Guillaume St-Jean
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Derek Boerboom
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gustavo Zamberlam
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julie Brind'Amour
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - David Pépin
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexandre Boyer
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
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5
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Cao J, El Mansouri F, Reynoso S, Liu Z, Zhu J, Taketo T. Inefficient Sox9 upregulation and absence of Rspo1 repression lead to sex reversal in the B6.XYTIR mouse gonad†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:985-999. [PMID: 38376238 PMCID: PMC11094394 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Sry on the Y-chromosome upregulates Sox9, which in turn upregulates a set of genes such as Fgf9 to initiate testicular differentiation in the XY gonad. In the absence of Sry expression, genes such as Rspo1, Foxl2, and Runx1 support ovarian differentiation in the XX gonad. These two pathways antagonize each other to ensure the development of only one gonadal sex in normal development. In the B6.YTIR mouse, carrying the YTIR-chromosome on the B6 genetic background, Sry is expressed in a comparable manner with that in the B6.XY mouse, yet, only ovaries or ovotestes develop. We asked how testicular and ovarian differentiation pathways interact to determine the gonadal sex in the B6.YTIR mouse. Our results showed that (1) transcript levels of Sox9 were much lower than in B6.XY gonads while those of Rspo1 and Runx1 were as high as B6.XX gonads at 11.5 and 12.5 days postcoitum. (2) FOXL2-positive cells appeared in mosaic with SOX9-positive cells at 12.5 days postcoitum. (3) SOX9-positive cells formed testis cords in the central area while those disappeared to leave only FOXL2-positive cells in the poles or the entire area at 13.5 days postcoitum. (4) No difference was found at transcript levels of all genes between the left and right gonads up to 12.5 days postcoitum, although ovotestes developed much more frequently on the left than the right at 13.5 days postcoitum. These results suggest that inefficient Sox9 upregulation and the absence of Rspo1 repression prevent testicular differentiation in the B6.YTIR gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangqin Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Guangling College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fatima El Mansouri
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sofia Reynoso
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiaqiao Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Guangling College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Teruko Taketo
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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6
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Hurtado A, Mota-Gómez I, Lao M, Real FM, Jedamzick J, Burgos M, Lupiáñez DG, Jiménez R, Barrionuevo FJ. Complete male-to-female sex reversal in XY mice lacking the miR-17~92 cluster. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3809. [PMID: 38714644 PMCID: PMC11076593 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47658-x] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sex determination is controlled by antagonistic gene cascades operating in embryonic undifferentiated gonads. The expression of the Y-linked gene SRY is sufficient to trigger the testicular pathway, whereas its absence in XX embryos leads to ovarian differentiation. Yet, the potential involvement of non-coding regulation in this process remains unclear. Here we show that the deletion of a single microRNA cluster, miR-17~92, induces complete primary male-to-female sex reversal in XY mice. Sry expression is delayed in XY knockout gonads, which develop as ovaries. Sertoli cell differentiation is reduced, delayed and unable to sustain testicular development. Pre-supporting cells in mutant gonads undergo a transient state of sex ambiguity which is subsequently resolved towards the ovarian fate. The miR-17~92 predicted target genes are upregulated, affecting the fine regulation of gene networks controlling gonad development. Thus, microRNAs emerge as key components for mammalian sex determination, controlling Sry expression timing and Sertoli cell differentiation.
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Grants
- P20-00583 Consejería de Economía, Innovación, Ciencia y Empleo, Junta de Andalucía (Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment, Government of Andalucia)
- P20-00583 Consejería de Economía, Innovación, Ciencia y Empleo, Junta de Andalucía (Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment, Government of Andalucia)
- P11-CVI-7291 Consejería de Economía, Innovación, Ciencia y Empleo, Junta de Andalucía (Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment, Government of Andalucia)
- P20-00583 Consejería de Economía, Innovación, Ciencia y Empleo, Junta de Andalucía (Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment, Government of Andalucia)
- IRTG2403 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)
- IRTG2403 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)
- IRTG2403 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)
- IRTG2403 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)
- grant no. 101045439, 3D-REVOLUTION EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council)
- Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación. Agencia Estatal de Investigación. Grant No. PID2022-139302NB-I00
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Hurtado
- Department of Genetics and Institute of Biotechnology, Labs. 127 and A105, Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Armilla, Granada, Spain
- Epigenetics and Sex Development Group, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), CSIC/UPO/JA, Seville, Spain
| | - Irene Mota-Gómez
- Epigenetics and Sex Development Group, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Miguel Lao
- Department of Genetics and Institute of Biotechnology, Labs. 127 and A105, Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisca M Real
- Research Group Development & Disease, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna Jedamzick
- Epigenetics and Sex Development Group, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Miguel Burgos
- Department of Genetics and Institute of Biotechnology, Labs. 127 and A105, Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - Darío G Lupiáñez
- Epigenetics and Sex Development Group, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), CSIC/UPO/JA, Seville, Spain.
| | - Rafael Jiménez
- Department of Genetics and Institute of Biotechnology, Labs. 127 and A105, Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Armilla, Granada, Spain.
| | - Francisco J Barrionuevo
- Department of Genetics and Institute of Biotechnology, Labs. 127 and A105, Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Armilla, Granada, Spain.
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7
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Cheng D, Lu CF, Gong F, Du J, Yuan S, Luo KL, Tan YQ, Lu GX, Lin G. A case report of a normal fertile woman with 46,XX/46,XY somatic chimerism reveals a critical role for germ cells in sex determination. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:849-855. [PMID: 38420683 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae026] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Individuals with 46,XX/XY chimerism can display a wide range of characteristics, varying from hermaphroditism to complete male or female, and can display sex chromosome chimerism in multiple tissues, including the gonads. The gonadal tissues of females contain both granulosa and germ cells. However, the specific sex chromosome composition of the granulosa and germ cells in 46,XX/XY chimeric female is currently unknown. Here, we reported a 30-year-old woman with secondary infertility who displayed a 46,XX/46,XY chimerism in the peripheral blood. FISH testing revealed varying degrees of XX/XY chimerism in multiple tissues of the female patient. Subsequently, the patient underwent preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) treatment, and 26 oocytes were retrieved. From the twenty-four biopsied mature oocytes, a total of 23 first polar bodies (PBs) and 10 second PBs were obtained. These PBs and two immature metaphase I (MI) oocytes only displayed X chromosome signals with no presence of the Y, suggesting that all oocytes in this chimeric female were of XX germ cell origin. On the other hand, granulosa cells obtained from individual follicles exhibited varied proportions of XX/XY cell types, and six follicles possessed 100% XX or XY granulosa cells. A total of 24 oocytes were successfully fertilized, and 12 developed into blastocysts, where 5 being XY and 5 were XX. Two blastocysts were transferred with one originating from an oocyte aspirated from a follicle containing 100% XY granulosa cells. This resulted in a twin pregnancy. Subsequent prenatal diagnosis confirmed normal male and female karyotypes. Ultimately, healthy boy-girl twins were delivered at full term. In summary, this 46,XX/XY chimerism with XX germ cells presented complete female, suggesting that germ cells may exert a significant influence on the sexual determination of an individual, which provide valuable insights into the intricate processes associated with sexual development and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Cheng
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
| | - Chang-Fu Lu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Du
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Shimin Yuan
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
| | - Ke-Li Luo
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Guang-Xiu Lu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
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8
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Dube R, Kar SS, Jhancy M, George BT. Molecular Basis of Müllerian Agenesis Causing Congenital Uterine Factor Infertility-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:120. [PMID: 38203291 PMCID: PMC10778982 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010120] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects around 1 in 5 couples in the world. Congenital absence of the uterus results in absolute infertility in females. Müllerian agenesis is the nondevelopment of the uterus. Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a condition of uterovaginal agenesis in the presence of normal ovaries and the 46 XX Karyotype. With advancements in reproductive techniques, women with MA having biological offspring is possible. The exact etiology of MA is unknown, although several genes and mechanisms affect the development of Müllerian ducts. Through this systematic review of the available literature, we searched for the genetic basis of MA. The aims included identification of the genes, chromosomal locations, changes responsible for MA, and fertility options, in order to offer proper management and counseling to these women with MA. A total of 85 studies were identified through searches. Most of the studies identified multiple genes at various locations, although the commonest involved chromosomes 1, 17, and 22. There is also conflicting evidence of the involvement of various candidate genes in the studies. The etiology of MA seems to be multifactorial and complex, involving multiple genes and mechanisms including various mutations and mosaicism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajani Dube
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical & Health Sciences University, Ras al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | - Subhranshu Sekhar Kar
- Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical & Health Sciences University, Ras al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates; (S.S.K.); (M.J.)
| | - Malay Jhancy
- Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical & Health Sciences University, Ras al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates; (S.S.K.); (M.J.)
| | - Biji Thomas George
- Department of General Surgery, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical & Health Sciences University, Ras al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates;
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9
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Blücher RO, Lim RS, Jarred EG, Ritchie ME, Western PS. FGF-independent MEK1/2 signalling in the developing foetal testis is essential for male germline differentiation in mice. BMC Biol 2023; 21:281. [PMID: 38053127 PMCID: PMC10696798 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01777-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disrupted germline differentiation or compromised testis development can lead to subfertility or infertility and are strongly associated with testis cancer in humans. In mice, SRY and SOX9 induce expression of Fgf9, which promotes Sertoli cell differentiation and testis development. FGF9 is also thought to promote male germline differentiation but the mechanism is unknown. FGFs typically signal through mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) to phosphorylate ERK1/2 (pERK1/2). We explored whether FGF9 regulates male germline development through MAPK by inhibiting either FGF or MEK1/2 signalling in the foetal testis immediately after gonadal sex determination and testis cord formation, but prior to male germline commitment. RESULTS pERK1/2 was detected in Sertoli cells and inhibition of MEK1/2 reduced Sertoli cell proliferation and organisation and resulted in some germ cells localised outside of the testis cords. While pERK1/2 was not detected in germ cells, inhibition of MEK1/2 after somatic sex determination profoundly disrupted germ cell mitotic arrest, dysregulated a broad range of male germline development genes and prevented the upregulation of key male germline markers, DPPA4 and DNMT3L. In contrast, while FGF inhibition reduced Sertoli cell proliferation, expression of male germline markers was unaffected and germ cells entered mitotic arrest normally. While male germline differentiation was not disrupted by FGF inhibition, a range of stem cell and cancer-associated genes were commonly altered after 24 h of FGF or MEK1/2 inhibition, including genes involved in the maintenance of germline stem cells, Nodal signalling, proliferation, and germline cancer. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data demonstrate a novel role for MEK1/2 signalling during testis development that is essential for male germline differentiation, but indicate a more limited role for FGF signalling. Our data indicate that additional ligands are likely to act through MEK1/2 to promote male germline differentiation and highlight a need for further mechanistic understanding of male germline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rheannon O Blücher
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Rachel S Lim
- Epigenetics and Development Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Ellen G Jarred
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Matthew E Ritchie
- Epigenetics and Development Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Patrick S Western
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
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10
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Wamaitha SE, Nie X, Pandolfi EC, Wang X, Yang Y, Stukenborg JB, Cairns BR, Guo J, Clark AT. Single-cell analysis of the developing human ovary defines distinct insights into ovarian somatic and germline progenitors. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2097-2111.e3. [PMID: 37582368 PMCID: PMC10615783 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.07.014] [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: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Formation of either an ovary or a testis during human embryonic life is one of the most important sex-specific events leading to the emergence of secondary sexual characteristics and sex assignment of babies at birth. Our study focused on the sex-specific and sex-indifferent characteristics of the prenatal ovarian stromal cells, cortical cords, and germline, with the discovery that the ovarian mesenchymal cells of the stroma are transcriptionally indistinguishable from the mesenchymal cells of the testicular interstitium. We found that first-wave pre-granulosa cells emerge at week 7 from early supporting gonadal cells with stromal identity and are spatially defined by KRT19 levels. We also identified rare transient state f0 spermatogonia cells within the ovarian cords between weeks 10 and 16. Taken together, our work illustrates a unique plasticity of the embryonic ovary during human development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sissy E Wamaitha
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xichen Nie
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Erica C Pandolfi
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yifan Yang
- NORDFERTIL Research Laboratory Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Bioclinicum J9:30, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna 17164, Sweden
| | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Laboratory Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Bioclinicum J9:30, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna 17164, Sweden
| | - Bradley R Cairns
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jingtao Guo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Amander T Clark
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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11
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Danti L, Lundin K, Sepponen K, Yohannes DA, Kere J, Tuuri T, Tapanainen JS. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated activation of NR5A1 steers female human embryonic stem cell-derived bipotential gonadal-like cells towards a steroidogenic cell fate. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:194. [PMID: 37726790 PMCID: PMC10510196 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01264-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5A1), encoding steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1), has been identified as a critical factor in gonadal development in animal studies. A previous study of ours suggested that upregulation of NR5A1 during early gonadal differentiation in male (46,XY) human pluripotent stem cells steers the cells into a more mature gonadal cell type. However, the detailed role of NR5A1 in female gonadal differentiation has yet to be determined. In this study, by combining the processes of gonadal differentiation and conditional gene activation, we show that NR5A1 induction predominantly upregulates the female gonadal marker inhibin subunit α (INHA) and steroidogenic markers steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1 (CYP11A1), cytochrome P450 family 17 subfamily A member 1 (CYP17A1), hydroxy-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B2) and hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 1 (HSD17B1). In contrast, NR5A1 induction did not seem to affect the bipotential gonadal markers gata binding protein 4 (GATA4) and Wilms' tumour suppressor 1 (WT1) nor the female gonadal markers r-spondin 1 (RSPO1) and wnt family member 4 (WNT4). Differentially expressed genes were highly associated with adrenal and ovarian steroidogenesis pathways. Moreover, time-series analysis revealed different dynamic changes between male and female induced samples, where continuously upregulated genes in female gonadal differentiation were mostly associated with adrenal steroidogenesis. Thus, in contrast to male gonadal differentiation, NR5A1 is necessary but not sufficient to steer human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived bipotential gonadal-like cells towards a more mature somatic, female cell fate. Instead, it seems to direct bipotential gonadal-like cells more towards a steroidogenic-like cell population. The information obtained in this study helps in elucidating the role of NR5A1 in gonadal differentiation of a female stem cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Danti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, 00290, Finland
| | - Karolina Lundin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, 00290, Finland
| | - Kirsi Sepponen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, 00290, Finland
| | - Dawit A Yohannes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, 00290, Finland
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Immunology & Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, 00290, Finland
| | - Juha Kere
- Folkhälsan Research Centre, Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, 00290, Finland
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, 14183, Sweden
| | - Timo Tuuri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, 00290, Finland
| | - Juha S Tapanainen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, 00290, Finland.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HFR - Cantonal Hospital of Fribourg and University of Fribourg, Fribourg, 1708, Switzerland.
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12
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Ayers KL, Eggers S, Rollo BN, Smith KR, Davidson NM, Siddall NA, Zhao L, Bowles J, Weiss K, Zanni G, Burglen L, Ben-Shachar S, Rosensaft J, Raas-Rothschild A, Jørgensen A, Schittenhelm RB, Huang C, Robevska G, van den Bergen J, Casagranda F, Cyza J, Pachernegg S, Wright DK, Bahlo M, Oshlack A, O'Brien TJ, Kwan P, Koopman P, Hime GR, Girard N, Hoffmann C, Shilon Y, Zung A, Bertini E, Milh M, Ben Rhouma B, Belguith N, Bashamboo A, McElreavey K, Banne E, Weintrob N, BenZeev B, Sinclair AH. Variants in SART3 cause a spliceosomopathy characterised by failure of testis development and neuronal defects. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3403. [PMID: 37296101 PMCID: PMC10256788 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39040-0] [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: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma antigen recognized by T cells 3 (SART3) is an RNA-binding protein with numerous biological functions including recycling small nuclear RNAs to the spliceosome. Here, we identify recessive variants in SART3 in nine individuals presenting with intellectual disability, global developmental delay and a subset of brain anomalies, together with gonadal dysgenesis in 46,XY individuals. Knockdown of the Drosophila orthologue of SART3 reveals a conserved role in testicular and neuronal development. Human induced pluripotent stem cells carrying patient variants in SART3 show disruption to multiple signalling pathways, upregulation of spliceosome components and demonstrate aberrant gonadal and neuronal differentiation in vitro. Collectively, these findings suggest that bi-allelic SART3 variants underlie a spliceosomopathy which we tentatively propose be termed INDYGON syndrome (Intellectual disability, Neurodevelopmental defects and Developmental delay with 46,XY GONadal dysgenesis). Our findings will enable additional diagnoses and improved outcomes for individuals born with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie L Ayers
- The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Stefanie Eggers
- The Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ben N Rollo
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Katherine R Smith
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nadia M Davidson
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicole A Siddall
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Liang Zhao
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Karin Weiss
- Genetics Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ginevra Zanni
- Unit of Muscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders and Unit of Developmental Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lydie Burglen
- Centre de Référence des Malformations et Maladies Congénitales du Cervelet, Et Laboratoire de Neurogénétique Moléculaire, Département de Génétique et Embryologie Médicale, APHP. Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Trousseau, Paris, France
- Developmental Brain Disorders Laboratory, Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Shay Ben-Shachar
- Genetic Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jenny Rosensaft
- Genetics Institute, Kaplan Medical Center, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Annick Raas-Rothschild
- Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ralf B Schittenhelm
- Monash Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Cheng Huang
- Monash Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | | | | | - Franca Casagranda
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Justyna Cyza
- The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Svenja Pachernegg
- The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David K Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melanie Bahlo
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alicia Oshlack
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Terrence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Patrick Kwan
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gary R Hime
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nadine Girard
- Aix-Marseille Université, APHM. Department of Pediatric Neurology, Timone Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Chen Hoffmann
- Radiology Department, Sheba medical Centre, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yuval Shilon
- Kaplan Medical Center, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Amnon Zung
- Pediatrics Department, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Unit of Muscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders and Unit of Developmental Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mathieu Milh
- Aix-Marseille Université, APHM. Department of Pediatric Neurology, Timone Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Bochra Ben Rhouma
- Higher Institute of Nursing Sciences of Gabes, University of Gabes, Gabes, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Neila Belguith
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia
- Department of Congenital and Hereditary Diseases, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Anu Bashamboo
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3738, Human Developmental Genetics, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Kenneth McElreavey
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3738, Human Developmental Genetics, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Ehud Banne
- Genetics Institute, Kaplan Medical Center, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
- The Rina Mor Genetic Institute, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, 58100, Israel
| | - Naomi Weintrob
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Andrew H Sinclair
- The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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13
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Yao HHC, Rodriguez KF. From Enrico Sertoli to freemartinism: the many phases of the master testis-determining cell†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:866-870. [PMID: 36951956 PMCID: PMC10266947 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad037] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells, first identified in the adult testis by Enrico Sertoli in the mid-nineteenth century, are known for their role in fostering male germ cell differentiation and production of mature sperm. It was not until the late twentieth century with the discovery of the testis-determining gene SRY that Sertoli cells' new function as the master regulator of testis formation and maleness was unveiled. Fetal Sertoli cells facilitate the establishment of seminiferous cords, induce appearance of androgen-producing Leydig cells, and cause regression of the female reproductive tracts. Originally thought be a terminally differentiated cell type, adult Sertoli cells, at least in the mouse, retain their plasticity and ability to transdifferentiate into the ovarian counterpart, granulosa cells. In this review, we capture the many phases of Sertoli cell differentiation from their fate specification in fetal life to fate maintenance in adulthood. We also introduce the discovery of a new phase of fetal Sertoli cell differentiation via autocrine/paracrine factors with the freemartin characteristics. There remains much to learn about this intriguing cell type that lay the foundation for the maleness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Karina F Rodriguez
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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14
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Pan B, Yuan S, Mayernik L, Yap YT, Moin K, Chung CS, Maddipati K, Krawetz SA, Zhang Z, Hess RA, Chen X. Disrupted intercellular bridges and spermatogenesis in fatty acyl-CoA reductase 1 knockout mice: A new model of ether lipid deficiency. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22908. [PMID: 37039784 PMCID: PMC10150578 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201848r] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Peroxisomal fatty acyl-CoA reductase 1 (FAR1) is a rate-limiting enzyme for ether lipid (EL) synthesis. Gene mutations in FAR1 cause a rare human disease. Furthermore, altered EL homeostasis has also been associated with various prevalent human diseases. Despite their importance in human health, the exact cellular functions of FAR1 and EL are not well-understood. Here, we report the generation and initial characterization of the first Far1 knockout (KO) mouse model. Far1 KO mice were subviable and displayed growth retardation. The adult KO male mice had smaller testes and were infertile. H&E and immunofluorescent staining showed fewer germ cells in seminiferous tubules. Round spermatids were present but no elongated spermatids or spermatozoa were observed, suggesting a spermatogenesis arrest at this stage. Large multi-nucleated giant cells (MGC) were found lining the lumen of seminiferous tubules with many of them undergoing apoptosis. The immunofluorescent signal of TEX14, an essential component of intercellular bridges (ICB) between developing germ cells, was greatly reduced and mislocalized in KO testis, suggesting the disrupted ICBs as an underlying cause of MGC formation. Integrative analysis of our total testis RNA-sequencing results and published single-cell RNA-sequencing data unveiled cell type-specific molecular alterations underlying the spermatogenesis arrest. Many genes essential for late germ cell development showed dramatic downregulation, whereas genes essential for extracellular matrix dynamics and cell-cell interactions were among the most upregulated genes. Together, this work identified the cell type-specific requirement of ELs in spermatogenesis and suggested a critical role of Far1/ELs in the formation/maintenance of ICB during meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Pan
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Shuo Yuan
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Linda Mayernik
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Yi Tian Yap
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Kamiar Moin
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Charles S. Chung
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Krishnarao Maddipati
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Stephen A. Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Rex A. Hess
- Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Xuequn Chen
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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15
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Bird AD, Frost ER, Bagheri-Fam S, Croft BM, Ryan JM, Zhao L, Koopman P, Harley VR. Somatic FGFR2 is Required for Germ Cell Maintenance in the Mouse Ovary. Endocrinology 2023; 164:7036407. [PMID: 36786658 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
During sex determination in the mouse, fibroblast growth factor 9 signals through the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2c isoform (FGFR2c) to trigger Sertoli cell and testis development from 11.5 days post coitum (dpc). In the XX gonad, the FOXL2 and WNT4/RSPO1 pathways drive granulosa cell and ovarian development. The function of FGFR2 in the developing ovary, and whether FGFR2 is required in the testis after sex determination, is not clear. In fetal mouse gonads from 12.5 dpc, FGFR2 shows sexually dimorphic expression. In XX gonads, FGFR2c is coexpressed with FOXL2 in pregranulosa cells, whereas XY gonads show FGFR2b expression in germ cells. Deletion of Fgfr2c in XX mice led to a marked decrease/absence of germ cells by 13.5 dpc in the ovary. This indicates that FGFR2c in the somatic pregranulosa cells is required for the maintenance of germ cells. Surprisingly, on the Fgfr2c-/- background, the germ cell phenotype could be rescued by ablation of Foxl2, suggesting a novel mechanism whereby FGFR2 and FOXL2 act antagonistically during germ cell development. Consistent with low/absent FGFR2 expression in the Sertoli cells of 12.5 and 13.5 dpc XY gonads, XY AMH:Cre; Fgfr2flox/flox mice showed normal testis morphology and structures during fetal development and in adulthood. Thus, FGFR2 is not essential for maintaining Sertoli cell fate after sex determination. Combined, these data show that FGFR2 is not necessary for Sertoli cell function after sex determination but does play an important role in the ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D Bird
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010, Australia
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, 3168, Australia
| | - Emily R Frost
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Brittany M Croft
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Janelle M Ryan
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Liang Zhao
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Vincent R Harley
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
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16
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Croft B, Bird AD, Ono M, Eggers S, Bagheri‐Fam S, Ryan JM, Reyes AP, van den Bergen J, Baxendale A, Thompson EM, Kueh AJ, Stanton P, Thomas T, Sinclair AH, Harley VR. FGF9 variant in 46,XY DSD patient suggests a role for dimerization in sex determination. Clin Genet 2023; 103:277-287. [PMID: 36349847 PMCID: PMC10952601 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14261] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
46,XY gonadal dysgenesis (GD) is a Disorder/Difference of Sex Development (DSD) that can present with phenotypes ranging from ambiguous genitalia to complete male-to-female sex reversal. Around 50% of 46,XY DSD cases receive a molecular diagnosis. In mice, Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) is an important component of the male sex-determining pathway. Two FGF9 variants reported to date disrupt testis development in mice, but not in humans. Here, we describe a female patient with 46,XY GD harbouring the rare FGF9 variant (missense mutation), NM_002010.2:c.583G > A;p.(Asp195Asn) (D195N). By biochemical and cell-based approaches, the D195N variant disrupts FGF9 protein homodimerisation and FGF9-heparin-binding, and reduces both Sertoli cell proliferation and Wnt4 repression. XY Fgf9D195N/D195N foetal mice show a transient disruption of testicular cord development, while XY Fgf9D195N/- foetal mice show partial male-to-female gonadal sex reversal. In the general population, the D195N variant occurs at an allele frequency of 2.4 × 10-5 , suggesting an oligogenic basis for the patient's DSD. Exome analysis of the patient reveals several known and novel variants in genes expressed in human foetal Sertoli cells at the time of sex determination. Taken together, our results indicate that disruption of FGF9 homodimerization impairs testis determination in mice and, potentially, also in humans in combination with other variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Croft
- Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchMonash Medical CentreMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Molecular & Translational ScienceMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
- Murdoch Children's Research InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Anthony D. Bird
- Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchMonash Medical CentreMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Molecular & Translational ScienceMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Makoto Ono
- Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchMonash Medical CentreMelbourneAustralia
- Department of PaediatricsChiba Kaihin Municipal HospitalChibaJapan
- Present address:
Department of PediatricsChiba Kaihin Municipal HospitalChibaJapan
| | | | - Stefan Bagheri‐Fam
- Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchMonash Medical CentreMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Molecular & Translational ScienceMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Janelle M. Ryan
- Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchMonash Medical CentreMelbourneAustralia
| | - Alejandra P. Reyes
- Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchMonash Medical CentreMelbourneAustralia
| | | | - Anne Baxendale
- Department of PaediatricsChiba Kaihin Municipal HospitalChibaJapan
- SA Clinical Genetics ServiceWomen's and Children's HospitalAdelaideAustralia
| | - Elizabeth M. Thompson
- SA Clinical Genetics ServiceWomen's and Children's HospitalAdelaideAustralia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideAustralia
| | - Andrew J. Kueh
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, ParkvilleMelbourneAustralia
| | - Peter Stanton
- Hudson Institute of Medical ResearchMonash Medical CentreMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Molecular & Translational ScienceMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Tim Thomas
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, ParkvilleMelbourneAustralia
| | - Andrew H. Sinclair
- Murdoch Children's Research InstituteMelbourneAustralia
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | - Vincent R. Harley
- Department of Molecular & Translational ScienceMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
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17
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Bunce C, Barske L, Zhang G, Capel B. Biased precursor ingression underlies the center-to-pole pattern of male sex determination in mouse. Development 2023; 150:297121. [PMID: 36912416 PMCID: PMC10112898 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201060] [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: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
During mammalian development, gonadal sex determination results from the commitment of bipotential supporting cells to Sertoli or granulosa cell fates. Typically, this decision is coordinated across the gonad to ensure commitment to a single organ fate. When unified commitment fails in an XY mouse, an ovotestis forms in which supporting cells in the center of the gonad typically develop as Sertoli cells, while supporting cells in the poles develop as granulosa cells. This central bias for Sertoli cell fate was thought to result from the initial expression of the drivers of Sertoli cell fate, SRY and/or SOX9, in the central domain, followed by paracrine expansion to the poles. However, we show here that the earliest cells expressing SRY and SOX9 are widely distributed across the gonad. In addition, Sertoli cell fate does not spread among supporting cells through paracrine relay. Instead, we uncover a center-biased pattern of supporting cell precursor ingression that occurs in both sexes and results in increased supporting cell density in the central domain. Our findings prompt a new model of gonad patterning in which a density-dependent organizing principle dominates Sertoli cell fate stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey Bunce
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Lindsey Barske
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Gloria Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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18
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Ye Z, Bishop T, Wang Y, Shahriari R, Lynch M. Evolution of sex determination in crustaceans. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 5:1-11. [PMID: 37073332 PMCID: PMC10077267 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-023-00163-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Sex determination (SD) involves mechanisms that determine whether an individual will develop into a male, female, or in rare cases, hermaphrodite. Crustaceans harbor extremely diverse SD systems, including hermaphroditism, environmental sex determination (ESD), genetic sex determination (GSD), and cytoplasmic sex determination (e.g., Wolbachia controlled SD systems). Such diversity lays the groundwork for researching the evolution of SD in crustaceans, i.e., transitions among different SD systems. However, most previous research has focused on understanding the mechanism of SD within a single lineage or species, overlooking the transition across different SD systems. To help bridge this gap, we summarize the understanding of SD in various clades of crustaceans, and discuss how different SD systems might evolve from one another. Furthermore, we review the genetic basis for transitions between different SD systems (i.e., Dmrt genes) and propose the microcrustacean Daphnia (clade Branchiopoda) as a model to study the transition from ESD to GSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Ye
- Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287 USA
| | - Trent Bishop
- Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287 USA
| | - Yaohai Wang
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, KLMME, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Ryan Shahriari
- Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287 USA
| | - Michael Lynch
- Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287 USA
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19
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Chen HA, Grimshaw AA, Taylor-Giorlando M, Vijayakumar P, Li D, Margetts M, Pelosi E, Vash-Margita A. Ovarian absence: a systematic literature review and case series report. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:13. [PMID: 36642704 PMCID: PMC9841619 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-022-01090-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian absence is an uncommon condition that most frequently presents unilaterally. Several etiologies for the condition have been proposed, including torsion, vascular accident, and embryological defect. A systematic review was conducted to describe the clinical presentation of ovarian absence, as well as its associations with other congenital anomalies, through a systematic search of Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google Scholar, Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Exclusion criteria included cases with suspicion for Differences of Sex Development, lack of surgically-confirmed ovarian absence, and karyotypes other than 46XX. Our search yielded 12,120 citations, of which 79 studies were included. 10 additional studies were found by citation chasing resulting in a total 113 cases including two unpublished cases presented in this review. Abdominal/pelvic pain (30%) and infertility/subfertility (19%) were the most frequent presentations. Ovarian abnormalities were not noted in 28% of cases with pre-operative ovarian imaging results. Approximately 17% of cases had concomitant uterine abnormalities, while 22% had renal abnormalities. Renal abnormalities were more likely in patients with uterine abnormalities (p < 0.005). Torsion or vascular etiology was the most frequently suspected etiology of ovarian absence (52%), followed by indeterminate (27%) and embryologic etiology (21%). Most cases of ovarian absence are likely attributable to torsion or vascular accidents, despite many references to the condition as "agenesis" in the literature. Imaging may fail to correctly diagnose ovarian absence, and diagnostic laparoscopy may be preferable in many cases as genitourinary anatomy and fertility considerations can be assessed during the procedure. Fertility is likely minimally or not affected in women with unilateral ovarian absence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alyssa A Grimshaw
- Yale University, Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Pavithra Vijayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Dan Li
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Miranda Margetts
- Center for American Indian and Rural Health Equity, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Emanuele Pelosi
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Alla Vash-Margita
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Yale Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine, Farnam Memorial Building, 310 Cedar Street, Fl 3, Rm 329, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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20
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Gonen N, Eozenou C, Mitter R, Elzaiat M, Stévant I, Aviram R, Bernardo AS, Chervova A, Wankanit S, Frachon E, Commère PH, Brailly-Tabard S, Valon L, Barrio Cano L, Levayer R, Mazen I, Gobaa S, Smith JC, McElreavey K, Lovell-Badge R, Bashamboo A. In vitro cellular reprogramming to model gonad development and its disorders. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eabn9793. [PMID: 36598988 PMCID: PMC9812383 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn9793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
During embryonic development, mutually antagonistic signaling cascades determine gonadal fate toward a testicular or ovarian identity. Errors in this process result in disorders of sex development (DSDs), characterized by discordance between chromosomal, gonadal, and anatomical sex. The absence of an appropriate, accessible in vitro system is a major obstacle in understanding mechanisms of sex-determination/DSDs. Here, we describe protocols for differentiation of mouse and human pluripotent cells toward gonadal progenitors. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that the in vitro-derived murine gonadal cells are equivalent to embryonic day 11.5 in vivo progenitors. Using similar conditions, Sertoli-like cells derived from 46,XY human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) exhibit sustained expression of testis-specific genes, secrete anti-Müllerian hormone, migrate, and form tubular structures. Cells derived from 46,XY DSD female hiPSCs, carrying an NR5A1 variant, show aberrant gene expression and absence of tubule formation. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated variant correction rescued the phenotype. This is a robust tool to understand mechanisms of sex determination and model DSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitzan Gonen
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Caroline Eozenou
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3738, Human Developmental Genetics, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Richard Mitter
- Bioinformatics Core, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Maëva Elzaiat
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3738, Human Developmental Genetics, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Stévant
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Rona Aviram
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Andreia Sofia Bernardo
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Almira Chervova
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75724, France
| | - Somboon Wankanit
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3738, Human Developmental Genetics, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Frachon
- Biomaterials and Microfluidics Core Facility, Institut Pasteur, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Henri Commère
- Cytometry and Biomarkers, Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Brailly-Tabard
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Bicêtre Hospital, Molecular Genetics, Pharmacogenetics, and Hormonology, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Léo Valon
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3738, Cell Death and Epithelial Homeostasis, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Laura Barrio Cano
- Cytometry and Biomarkers, Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Romain Levayer
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3738, Cell Death and Epithelial Homeostasis, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Inas Mazen
- Genetics Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samy Gobaa
- Biomaterials and Microfluidics Core Facility, Institut Pasteur, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - James C. Smith
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Kenneth McElreavey
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3738, Human Developmental Genetics, F-75015 Paris, France
| | | | - Anu Bashamboo
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3738, Human Developmental Genetics, F-75015 Paris, France
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21
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Reconstitution of reproductive organ system that produces functional oocytes. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2022; 77:101982. [PMID: 36179583 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2022.101982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive organs have unique developmental and functional properties that enable them to manage both germ cell development and the endocrine system in a sex-dependent manner. Proper reconstitution of the reproductive organs, therefore, will contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying germ cell development and sex-determination. However, reproductive organs have not yet been systematically reconstituted from pluripotent stem cells. This is largely due to technical problems in the reconstitution of the germ cell and somatic cell lineages, which have very different developmental trajectories. Accordingly, faithful construction of reproductive organoids requires that the reconstitution and evaluation of these two different cell lineages be performed separately. Here, we update the state-of-the-art in the reconstitution of reproductive organoids that produce functional oocytes.
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22
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Fan M, Yang W, Zhang W, Zhang L. The ontogenic gonadal transcriptomes provide insights into sex change in the ricefield eel Monopterus albus. BMC ZOOL 2022; 7:56. [PMID: 37170354 PMCID: PMC10127409 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-022-00155-4] [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: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ricefield eel is a freshwater protogynous hermaphrodite fish and has become an important aquaculture species in China. The sex change of ricefield eel is impeding its aquaculture practice, particularly the large-scale artificial breeding. Many studies including transcriptomes of mixed gonadal samples from different individuals have been aimed to elucidate mechanisms underlying the sex change. However, the key physiological factors involved in the initiation of sex change remain to be identified. RESULTS: The present study performed transcriptomic analysis on gonadal samples of different sexual stages obtained through biopsy from the same fish undergoing sex change. A total of 539,764,816 high-quality reads were generated from twelve cDNA libraries of gonadal tissues at female (F), early intersexual (EI), mid-intersexual (MI), and late intersexual (LI) stages of three individual sex-changing fish. Pairwise comparisons between EI and F, MI and EI, and LI and MI identified 886, 319, and 10,767 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively. Realtime quantitative PCR analysis of 12 representative DEGs showed similar expression profiles to those inferred from transcriptome data, suggesting the reliability of RNA-seq data for gene expression analysis. The expression of apoeb, csl2, and enpp2 was dramatically increased and peaked at EI while that of cyp19a1a, wnt4a, fgf16, and foxl2a significantly downregulated from F to EI and remained at very low levels during subsequent development until LI, which suggests that apoeb, csl2, enpp2, cyp19a1a, wnt4a, fgf16, and foxl2a may be closely associated with the initiation of sex change of ricefield eels. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, results of the present study confirmed that the down-regulation of female-related genes, such as cyp19a1a, wnt4a, fgf16, and foxl2a, is important for the sex change of ricefield eels. More importantly, some novel genes, including apoeb, csl2, and enpp2, were shown to be expressed with peak values at EI, which are potentially involved in the initiation of sex change. The present transcriptomic data may provide an important research resource for further unraveling the mechanisms underlying the sex change and testicular development in ricefield eels as well as other teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Fan
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Yang
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Present address: Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Weimin Zhang
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
- Biology Department, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lihong Zhang
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
- Biology Department, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Elias FM, Nishi MY, Sircili MHP, Bastista RL, Gomes NL, Ferrari MTM, Costa EMF, Denes FT, Mendonca BB, Domenice S. Elevated plasma miR-210 expression is associated with atypical genitalia in patients with 46,XY differences in sex development. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e2084. [PMID: 36369742 PMCID: PMC9747552 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences of sex development (DSD) is a term used for conditions in which the chromosomal, gonadal or phenotypical sex is atypical. 46,XY DSD patients frequently present undervirilized external genitalia. The expression of different miRNAs in many organs of the male genital system has been reported, and these miRNAs have been associated with testicular function and its disorders, but no description has been related to DSD conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the plasma expression of miR-210 in 46,XY DSD patients who presented atypical genitalia at birth. METHODS Eighteen 46,XY DSD patients who presented atypical genitalia (undescended testis and/or hypospadias, bifid scrotum or micropenis) at birth and 36 male control individuals were selected. Plasma levels of miR-210 and reference miR-23a were measured using RT-qPCR and the data were analysed by the 2-ΔCt method. RESULTS MiR-210 plasma levels were significantly higher in 46,XY DSD patients with atypical genitalia than in male control subjects (p = 0.0024). A positive association between miR-210 levels and the presence of cryptorchidism and hypospadias (p = 0.0146 and p = 0.0223) was found in these patients. Significantly higher levels of miR-210 were observed in patients with 46,XY DSD and cryptorchidism than in control subjects (p = 0.0118). These results are in agreement with previous literature reports, in which increased levels of miR-210 expression were observed in human testicular tissue from adult males with undescended testes in comparison with samples of descended testes. CONCLUSION Our study showed a positive association between the presence of atypical genitalia and plasma levels of miR-210 expression in the group of patients with 46,XY DSD of unknown aetiology studied. These findings contribute to reveal a new perspective on the role of miRNAs in the development of male external genitalia and the broad spectrum of phenotypes presented by patients with 46,XY DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Martins Elias
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM‐42Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Mirian Yumi Nishi
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM‐42Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Maria Helena Palma Sircili
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM‐42Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil,Departamento de Urologia do Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Rafael Loch Bastista
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM‐42Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Nathalia Lisboa Gomes
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM‐42Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Maria Tereza Martins Ferrari
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM‐42Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Elaine Maria Frade Costa
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM‐42Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Francisco Tibor Denes
- Departamento de Urologia do Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Berenice Bilharinho Mendonca
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM‐42Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Sorahia Domenice
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM‐42Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
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24
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Targeted Disruption of Lats1 and Lats2 in Mice Impairs Testis Development and Alters Somatic Cell Fate. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113585. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hippo signaling plays an essential role in the development of numerous tissues. Although it was previously shown that the transcriptional effectors of Hippo signaling Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) can fine-tune the regulation of sex differentiation genes in the testes, the role of Hippo signaling in testis development remains largely unknown. To further explore the role of Hippo signaling in the testes, we conditionally deleted the key Hippo kinases large tumor suppressor homolog kinases 1 and -2 (Lats1 and Lats2, two kinases that antagonize YAP and TAZ transcriptional co-regulatory activity) in the somatic cells of the testes using an Nr5a1-cre strain (Lats1flox/flox;Lats2flox/flox;Nr5a1-cre). We report here that early stages of testis somatic cell differentiation were not affected in this model but progressive testis cord dysgenesis was observed starting at gestational day e14.5. Testis cord dysgenesis was further associated with the loss of polarity of the Sertoli cells and the loss of SOX9 expression but not WT1. In parallel with testis cord dysgenesis, a loss of steroidogenic gene expression associated with the appearance of myofibroblast-like cells in the interstitial space was also observed in mutant animals. Furthermore, the loss of YAP phosphorylation, the accumulation of nuclear TAZ (and YAP) in both the Sertoli and interstitial cell populations, and an increase in their transcriptional co-regulatory activity in the testes suggest that the observed phenotype could be attributed at least in part to YAP and TAZ. Taken together, our results suggest that Hippo signaling is required to maintain proper differentiation of testis somatic cells.
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25
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Imaimatsu K, Uchida A, Hiramatsu R, Kanai Y. Gonadal Sex Differentiation and Ovarian Organogenesis along the Cortical-Medullary Axis in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13373. [PMID: 36362161 PMCID: PMC9655463 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In most mammals, the sex of the gonads is based on the fate of the supporting cell lineages, which arises from the proliferation of coelomic epithelium (CE) that surfaces on the bipotential genital ridge in both XY and XX embryos. Recent genetic studies and single-cell transcriptome analyses in mice have revealed the cellular and molecular events in the two-wave proliferation of the CE that produce the supporting cells. This proliferation contributes to the formation of the primary sex cords in the medullary region of both the testis and the ovary at the early phase of gonadal sex differentiation, as well as to that of the secondary sex cords in the cortical region of the ovary at the perinatal stage. To support gametogenesis, the testis forms seminiferous tubules in the medullary region, whereas the ovary forms follicles mainly in the cortical region. The medullary region in the ovary exhibits morphological and functional diversity among mammalian species that ranges from ovary-like to testis-like characteristics. This review focuses on the mechanism of gonadal sex differentiation along the cortical-medullary axis and compares the features of the cortical and medullary regions of the ovary in mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenya Imaimatsu
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Aya Uchida
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
- RIKEN BioResouce Research Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan
| | - Ryuji Hiramatsu
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Yoshiakira Kanai
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
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Ming Z, Vining B, Bagheri-Fam S, Harley V. SOX9 in organogenesis: shared and unique transcriptional functions. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:522. [PMID: 36114905 PMCID: PMC9482574 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04543-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor SOX9 is essential for the development of multiple organs including bone, testis, heart, lung, pancreas, intestine and nervous system. Mutations in the human SOX9 gene led to campomelic dysplasia, a haploinsufficiency disorder with several skeletal malformations frequently accompanied by 46, XY sex reversal. The mechanisms underlying the diverse SOX9 functions during organ development including its post-translational modifications, the availability of binding partners, and tissue-specific accessibility to target gene chromatin. Here we summarize the expression, activities, and downstream target genes of SOX9 in molecular genetic pathways essential for organ development, maintenance, and function. We also provide an insight into understanding the mechanisms that regulate the versatile roles of SOX9 in different organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Ming
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, PO Box 5152, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Brittany Vining
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, PO Box 5152, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, PO Box 5152, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Vincent Harley
- Sex Development Laboratory, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, PO Box 5152, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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Zhang J, Xia X, Zhu Y, Lian Z, Tian H, Xiao H, Hu Q. Potential antagonistic relationship of fgf9 and rspo1 genes in WNT4 pathway to regulate the sex differentiation in Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus). Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:974348. [PMID: 36203875 PMCID: PMC9530786 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.974348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Farmed chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) was an important distinctive economically amphibian that exhibited male-biased sexual size dimorphism. Fgf9 and rspo1 genes antagonize each other in Wnt4 signal pathway to regulate mammalian gonadal differentiation has been demonstrated. However, their expression profile and function in A. davidianus are unclear. In this study, we firstly characterized fgf9 and rspo1 genes expression in developing gonad. Results showed that fgf9 expression level was higher in testes than in ovaries and increased from 1 to 6 years while rspo1 expression was higher in ovaries than in testes. In situ hybridization assay showed that both fgf9 and rspo1 genes expressed at 62 dpf in undifferentiated gonad, and fgf9 gene was mainly expressed in spermatogonia and sertoli cells in testis while strong positive signal of rspo1 was detected in granular cell in ovary. During sex-reversal, fgf9 expression was significantly higher in reversed testes and normal testes than in ovaries, and opposite expression pattern was detected for rspo1. When FH535 was used to inhibit Wnt/β-catenin pathway, expression of rspo1, wnt4 and β-catenin was down-regulated. Conversely, expression of fgf9, dmrt1, ftz-f1 and cyp17 were up-regulated. Furthermore, when rspo1 and fgf9 were knocked down using RNAi technology, respectively. We observed that female biased genes were down regulated in ovary primordial cells after rspo1 was knocked down, while the opposite expression profile was observed in testis primordial cells after fgf9 was knocked down. These results suggested that fgf9 and rspo1 played an antagonistic role to regulate sex differentiation in the process of the gonadal development and provided a foundation for further functional characterizations. The data also provided basic information for genome editing breeding to improve the Chinese giant salamander farming industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiankang Zhang
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xueping Xia
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zitong Lian
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Haifeng Tian
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Hanbing Xiao
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiaomu Hu
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Qiaomu Hu,
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Nicol B, Estermann MA, Yao HHC, Mellouk N. Becoming female: Ovarian differentiation from an evolutionary perspective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:944776. [PMID: 36158204 PMCID: PMC9490121 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.944776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of the bipotential gonadal primordium into ovaries and testes is a common process among vertebrate species. While vertebrate ovaries eventually share the same functions of producing oocytes and estrogens, ovarian differentiation relies on different morphogenetic, cellular, and molecular cues depending on species. The aim of this review is to highlight the conserved and divergent features of ovarian differentiation through an evolutionary perspective. From teleosts to mammals, each clade or species has a different story to tell. For this purpose, this review focuses on three specific aspects of ovarian differentiation: ovarian morphogenesis, the evolution of the role of estrogens on ovarian differentiation and the molecular pathways involved in granulosa cell determination and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States,*Correspondence: Barbara Nicol,
| | - Martin A. Estermann
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Humphrey H-C Yao
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Namya Mellouk
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy en Josas, France
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Xie M, Hu X, Li L, Xiong Z, Zhang H, Zhuang Y, Huang Z, Liu J, Lian J, Huang C, Xie Q, Kang X, Fan Y, Bai X, Chen Z. Loss of Raptor induces Sertoli cells into an undifferentiated state in mice. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1125-1138. [PMID: 35594452 PMCID: PMC9562113 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, testis development is triggered by the expression of the sex-determining Y-chromosome gene SRY to commit the Sertoli cell (SC) fate at gonadal sex determination in the fetus. Several genes have been identified to be required to promote the testis pathway following SRY activation (i.e., SRY box 9 (SOX9)) in an embryo; however, it largely remains unknown about the genes and the mechanisms involved in stabilizing the testis pathway after birth and throughout adulthood. Herein, we report postnatal males with SC-specific deletion of Raptor demonstrated the absence of SC unique identity and adversely acquired granulosa cell-like characteristics, along with loss of tubular architecture and scattered distribution of SCs and germ cells. Subsequent genome-wide analysis by RNA sequencing revealed a profound decrease in the transcripts of testis genes (i.e., Sox9, Sox8, and anti-Mullerian hormone (Amh)) and, conversely, an increase in ovary genes (i.e., LIM/Homeobox gene 9 (Lhx9), Forkhead box L2 (Foxl2) and Follistatin (Fst)); these changes were further confirmed by immunofluorescence and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Importantly, co-immunofluorescence demonstrated that Raptor deficiency induced SCs dedifferentiation into a progenitor state; the Raptor-mutant gonads showed some ovarian somatic cell features, accompanied by enhanced female steroidogenesis and elevated estrogen levels, yet the zona pellucida 3 (ZP3)-positive terminally feminized oocytes were not observed. In vitro experiments with primary SCs suggested that Raptor is likely involved in the fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9)-induced formation of cell junctions among SCs. Our results established that Raptor is required to maintain SC identity, stabilize the male pathway, and promote testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhi Xiong
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hanbin Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuge Zhuang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zicong Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinsheng Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingyao Lian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuyu Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiang Xie
- Center for Reproduction, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University (Dongguan People’s Hospital), Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangjin Kang
- Correspondence: Xiangjin Kang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Yong Fan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Xiaochun Bai, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Zhenguo Chen, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: (Lead Contact)
| | - Yong Fan
- Correspondence: Xiangjin Kang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Yong Fan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Xiaochun Bai, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Zhenguo Chen, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: (Lead Contact)
| | - Xiaochun Bai
- Correspondence: Xiangjin Kang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Yong Fan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Xiaochun Bai, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Zhenguo Chen, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: (Lead Contact)
| | - Zhenguo Chen
- Correspondence: Xiangjin Kang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Yong Fan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Xiaochun Bai, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Zhenguo Chen, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: (Lead Contact)
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30
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Chen TA, Lin KY, Yang SM, Tseng CY, Wang YT, Lin CH, Luo L, Cai Y, Hsu HJ. Canonical Wnt Signaling Promotes Formation of Somatic Permeability Barrier for Proper Germ Cell Differentiation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:877047. [PMID: 35517512 PMCID: PMC9062081 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.877047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphogen-mediated signaling is critical for proper organ development and stem cell function, and well-characterized mechanisms spatiotemporally limit the expression of ligands, receptors, and ligand-binding cell-surface glypicans. Here, we show that in the developing Drosophila ovary, canonical Wnt signaling promotes the formation of somatic escort cells (ECs) and their protrusions, which establish a physical permeability barrier to define morphogen territories for proper germ cell differentiation. The protrusions shield germ cells from Dpp and Wingless morphogens produced by the germline stem cell (GSC) niche and normally only received by GSCs. Genetic disruption of EC protrusions allows GSC progeny to also receive Dpp and Wingless, which subsequently disrupt germ cell differentiation. Our results reveal a role for canonical Wnt signaling in specifying the ovarian somatic cells necessary for germ cell differentiation. Additionally, we demonstrate the morphogen-limiting function of this physical permeability barrier, which may be a common mechanism in other organs across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-An Chen
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Yang Lin
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Min Yang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Chen-Yuan Tseng
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Wang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hung Lin
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lichao Luo
- Temasek Life Science Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu Cai
- Temasek Life Science Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hwei-Jan Hsu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Hwei-Jan Hsu,
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31
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Lao M, Hurtado A, de Castro AC, Burgos M, Jiménez R, Barrionuevo FJ. Sox9 is required for nail bed differentiation and digit tip regeneration. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 142:2613-2622.e6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Hart D, Rodríguez Gutiérrez D, Biason-Lauber A. CBX2 in DSD: The Quirky Kid on the Block. Sex Dev 2022; 16:162-170. [PMID: 35263754 DOI: 10.1159/000522164] [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: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex development is an intricate and crucial process in all vertebrates that ensures the continued propagation of genetic diversity within a species, and ultimately their survival. Perturbations in this process can manifest as disorders/differences of sex development (DSD). Various transcriptional networks have been linked to development of the gonad into either male or female, which is actively driven by a set of genes that function in a juxtaposed manner and is maintained through the developmental stages to preserve the final sexual identity. One such identified gene is Chromobox homolog 2 (CBX2), an important ortholog of the Polycomb group (PcG) proteins, that functions as both chromatin modifier and highly dynamic transactivator. CBX2 was shown to be an essential factor for gonadal development in mammals, as genetic variants or loss-of-function of CBX2 can cause sex reversal in mice and humans. Here we will provide an overview of CBX2, its biological functions at molecular level, and the CBX2-dependent transcriptional landscape in gonadal development and DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Hart
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Cardiovascular System, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland,
| | - Daniel Rodríguez Gutiérrez
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Cardiovascular System, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Anna Biason-Lauber
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Cardiovascular System, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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33
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Ben Maamar M, Beck D, Nilsson E, McCarrey JR, Skinner MK. Developmental alterations in DNA methylation during gametogenesis from primordial germ cells to sperm. iScience 2022; 25:103786. [PMID: 35146397 PMCID: PMC8819394 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Because epigenetics is a critical component for gene expression, the hypothesis was tested that DNA methylation alterations are dynamic and continually change throughout gametogenesis to generate the mature sperm. Developmental alterations and stage-specific DNA methylation during gametogenesis from primordial germ cells (PGCs) to mature sperm are investigated. Individual developmental stage germ cells were isolated and analyzed for differential DNA methylation regions (DMRs). The number of DMRs was highest in the first three comparisons with mature PGCs, prospermatogonia, and spermatogonia. The most statistically significant DMRs were present at all stages of development and had variations involving both increases or decreases in DNA methylation. DMR-associated genes were identified and correlated with gene functional categories, pathways, and cellular processes. Observations identified a dynamic cascade of epigenetic changes during development that is dramatic during the early developmental stages. Complex epigenetic alterations are required to regulate genome biology and gene expression during gametogenesis. A dynamic cascade of epigenetic change throughout gametogenesis from PGC to sperm Most dramatic epigenetic alterations in PGC and spermatogenic stem cell stages Different DNA methylation regions between and within stages were identified Complex epigenetic alterations required for gene expression during gametogenesis
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Affiliation(s)
- Millissia Ben Maamar
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Daniel Beck
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Eric Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - John R McCarrey
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
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Wang Y, Luo X, Qu C, Xu T, Zou G, Liang H. The Important Role of Sex-Related Sox Family Genes in the Sex Reversal of the Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle ( Pelodiscus sinensis). BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11010083. [PMID: 35053081 PMCID: PMC8773217 DOI: 10.3390/biology11010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
The Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis shows obvious sexual dimorphism. The economic and nutrition value of male individuals are significantly higher than those of female individuals. Pseudo-females which are base to all-male breeding have been obtained by estrogen induction, while the gene function and molecular mechanism of sex reversal remain unclear in P. sinensis. Here, comparative transcriptome analyses of female, male, and pseudo-female gonads were performed, and 14,430 genes differentially expressed were identified in the pairwise comparison of three groups. GO and KEGG analyses were performed on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which mainly concentrated on steroid hormone synthesis. Furthermore, the results of gonadal transcriptome analysis revealed that 10 sex-related sox genes were differentially expressed in males vs. female, male vs. pseudo-female, and female vs. pseudo-female. Through the differential expression analysis of these 10 sox genes in mature gonads, six sox genes related to sex reversal were further screened. The molecular mechanism of the six sox genes in the embryo were analyzed during sex reversal after E2 treatment. In mature gonads, some sox family genes, such as sox9sox12, and sox30 were highly expressed in the testis, while sox1, sox3, sox6, sox11, and sox17 were lowly expressed. In the male embryos, exogenous estrogen can activate the expression of sox3 and inhibit the expression of sox8, sox9, and sox11. In summary, sox3 may have a role in the process of sex reversal from male to pseudo-female, when sox8 and sox9 are inhibited. Sox family genes affect both female and male pathways in the process of sex reversal, which provides a new insight for the all-male breeding of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubin Wang
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China;
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China;
| | - Xiangzhong Luo
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China;
| | - Chunjuan Qu
- Bengbu Aquatic Technology Promotion Center, Bengbu 233000, China;
| | - Tao Xu
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China;
| | - Guiwei Zou
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China;
- Correspondence: (G.Z.); (H.L.)
| | - Hongwei Liang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China;
- Correspondence: (G.Z.); (H.L.)
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35
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Aharon D, Marlow FL. Sexual determination in zebrafish. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:8. [PMID: 34936027 PMCID: PMC11072476 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04066-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish have emerged as a major model organism to study vertebrate reproduction due to their high fecundity and external development of eggs and embryos. The mechanisms through which zebrafish determine their sex have come under extensive investigation, as they lack a definite sex-determining chromosome and appear to have a highly complex method of sex determination. Single-gene mutagenesis has been employed to isolate the function of genes that determine zebrafish sex and regulate sex-specific differentiation, and to explore the interactions of genes that promote female or male sexual fate. In this review, we focus on recent advances in understanding of the mechanisms, including genetic and environmental factors, governing zebrafish sex development with comparisons to gene functions in other species to highlight conserved and potentially species-specific mechanisms for specifying and maintaining sexual fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devora Aharon
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy, Place Box 1020, New York, NY, 10029-6574, USA
| | - Florence L Marlow
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy, Place Box 1020, New York, NY, 10029-6574, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this study was to provide a basic overview on human sex development with a focus on involved genes and pathways, and also to discuss recent advances in the molecular diagnostic approaches applied to clinical workup of individuals with a difference/disorder of sex development (DSD). RECENT FINDINGS Rapid developments in genetic technologies and bioinformatics analyses have helped to identify novel genes and genomic pathways associated with sex development, and have improved diagnostic algorithms to integrate clinical, hormonal and genetic data. Recently, massive parallel sequencing approaches revealed that the phenotype of some DSDs might be only explained by oligogenic inheritance. SUMMARY Typical sex development relies on very complex biological events, which involve specific interactions of a large number of genes and pathways in a defined spatiotemporal sequence. Any perturbation in these genetic and hormonal processes may result in atypical sex development leading to a wide range of DSDs in humans. Despite the huge progress in the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying DSDs in recent years, in less than 50% of DSD individuals, the genetic cause is currently solved at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idoia Martinez de LaPiscina
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, UPV/EHU, CIBERER, CIBERDEM, ENDO-ERN, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Christa E Flück
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Wen Y, Ma X, Wang X, Wang F, Dong J, Wu Y, Lv C, Liu K, Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Yuan S. hnRNPU in Sertoli cells cooperates with WT1 and is essential for testicular development by modulating transcriptional factors Sox8/9. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:10030-10046. [PMID: 34815802 PMCID: PMC8581416 DOI: 10.7150/thno.66819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sertoli cells are essential regulators of testicular fate in the differentiating gonad; however, its role and underlying molecular mechanism of regulating testicular development in prepubertal testes are poorly understood. Although several critical regulatory factors of Sertoli cell development and function have been identified, identifying extrinsic factors that regulate gonocyte proliferation and migration processes during neonatal testis development remains largely unknown. Methods: We used the Sertoli cell-specific conditional knockout strategy (Cre/Loxp) in mice and molecular biological analyses (Luciferase assay, ChIP-qPCR, RNA-Seq, etc.) in vitro and in vivo to study the physiological roles of hnRNPU in Sertoli cells on regulating testicular development in prepubertal testes. Results: We identified a co-transcription factor, hnRNPU, which is highly expressed in mouse and human Sertoli cells and required for neonatal Sertoli cell and pre-pubertal testicular development. Conditional knockout of hnRNPU in murine Sertoli cells leads to severe testicular atrophy and male sterility, characterized by rapid depletion of both Sertoli cells and germ cells and failure of spermatogonia proliferation and migration during pre-pubertal testicular development. At molecular levels, we found that hnRNPU interacts with two Sertoli cell markers WT1 and SOX9, and enhances the expression of two transcriptional factors, Sox8 and Sox9, in Sertoli cells by directly binding to their promoter regions. Further RNA-Seq and bioinformatics analyses revealed the transcriptome-wide of key genes essential for Sertoli cell and germ cell fate control, such as biological adhesion, proliferation and migration, were deregulated in Sertoli cell-specific hnRNPU mutant testes. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate an essential role of hnRNPU in Sertoli cells for prepubertal testicular development and testis microenvironment maintenance and define a new insight for our understanding of male infertility therapy.
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Migale R, Neumann M, Lovell-Badge R. Long-Range Regulation of Key Sex Determination Genes. Sex Dev 2021; 15:360-380. [PMID: 34753143 DOI: 10.1159/000519891] [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: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of sexually dimorphic gonads is a unique process that starts with the specification of the bipotential genital ridges and culminates with the development of fully differentiated ovaries and testes in females and males, respectively. Research on sex determination has been mostly focused on the identification of sex determination genes, the majority of which encode for proteins and specifically transcription factors such as SOX9 in the testes and FOXL2 in the ovaries. Our understanding of which factors may be critical for sex determination have benefited from the study of human disorders of sex development (DSD) and animal models, such as the mouse and the goat, as these often replicate the same phenotypes observed in humans when mutations or chromosomic rearrangements arise in protein-coding genes. Despite the advances made so far in explaining the role of key factors such as SRY, SOX9, and FOXL2 and the genes they control, what may regulate these factors upstream is not entirely understood, often resulting in the inability to correctly diagnose DSD patients. The role of non-coding DNA, which represents 98% of the human genome, in sex determination has only recently begun to be fully appreciated. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the long-range regulation of 2 important sex determination genes, SOX9 and FOXL2, and discuss the challenges that lie ahead and the many avenues of research yet to be explored in the sex determination field.
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Poulat F. Non-Coding Genome, Transcription Factors, and Sex Determination. Sex Dev 2021; 15:295-307. [PMID: 34727549 DOI: 10.1159/000519725] [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: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, gonadal sex determination is the process by which transcription factors drive the choice between the testicular and ovarian identity of undifferentiated somatic progenitors through activation of 2 different transcriptional programs. Studies in animal models suggest that sex determination always involves sex-specific transcription factors that activate or repress sex-specific genes. These transcription factors control their target genes by recognizing their regulatory elements in the non-coding genome and their binding motifs within their DNA sequence. In the last 20 years, the development of genomic approaches that allow identifying all the genomic targets of a transcription factor in eukaryotic cells gave the opportunity to globally understand the function of the nuclear proteins that control complex genetic programs. Here, the major transcription factors involved in male and female vertebrate sex determination and the genomic profiling data of mouse gonads that contributed to deciphering their transcriptional regulation role will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Poulat
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UMR9002 University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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40
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Ridnik M, Schoenfelder S, Gonen N. Cis-Regulatory Control of Mammalian Sex Determination. Sex Dev 2021; 15:317-334. [PMID: 34710870 PMCID: PMC8743899 DOI: 10.1159/000519244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex determination is the process by which an initial bipotential gonad adopts either a testicular or ovarian cell fate. The inability to properly complete this process leads to a group of developmental disorders classified as disorders of sex development (DSD). To date, dozens of genes were shown to play roles in mammalian sex determination, and mutations in these genes can cause DSD in humans or gonadal sex reversal/dysfunction in mice. However, exome sequencing currently provides genetic diagnosis for only less than half of DSD patients. This points towards a major role for the non-coding genome during sex determination. In this review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of non-coding, cis-acting gene regulatory elements and discuss how they may control transcriptional programmes that underpin sex determination in the context of the 3-dimensional folding of chromatin. As a paradigm, we focus on the Sox9 gene, a prominent pro-male factor and one of the most extensively studied genes in gonadal cell fate determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meshi Ridnik
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Stefan Schoenfelder
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nitzan Gonen
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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41
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Gómez-Redondo I, Planells B, Navarrete P, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Role of Alternative Splicing in Sex Determination in Vertebrates. Sex Dev 2021; 15:381-391. [PMID: 34583366 DOI: 10.1159/000519218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During the process of sex determination, a germ-cell-containing undifferentiated gonad is converted into either a male or a female reproductive organ. Both the composition of sex chromosomes and the environment determine sex in vertebrates. It is assumed that transcription level regulation drives this cascade of mechanisms; however, transcription factors can alter gene expression beyond transcription initiation by controlling pre-mRNA splicing and thereby mRNA isoform production. Using the key time window in sex determination and gonad development in mice, it has been reported that new non-transcriptional events, such as alternative splicing, could play a key role in sex determination in mammals. We know the role of key regulatory factors, like WT1(+/-KTS) or FGFR2(b/c) in pre-mRNA splicing and sex determination, indicating that important steps in the vertebrate sex determination process probably operate at a post-transcriptional level. Here, we discuss the role of pre-mRNA splicing regulators in sex determination in vertebrates, focusing on the new RNA-seq data reported from mice fetal gonadal transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamín Planells
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Madrid, Spain.,School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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42
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Estermann MA, Major AT, Smith CA. Genetic Regulation of Avian Testis Development. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1459. [PMID: 34573441 PMCID: PMC8470383 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As in other vertebrates, avian testes are the site of spermatogenesis and androgen production. The paired testes of birds differentiate during embryogenesis, first marked by the development of pre-Sertoli cells in the gonadal primordium and their condensation into seminiferous cords. Germ cells become enclosed in these cords and enter mitotic arrest, while steroidogenic Leydig cells subsequently differentiate around the cords. This review describes our current understanding of avian testis development at the cell biology and genetic levels. Most of this knowledge has come from studies on the chicken embryo, though other species are increasingly being examined. In chicken, testis development is governed by the Z-chromosome-linked DMRT1 gene, which directly or indirectly activates the male factors, HEMGN, SOX9 and AMH. Recent single cell RNA-seq has defined cell lineage specification during chicken testis development, while comparative studies point to deep conservation of avian testis formation. Lastly, we identify areas of future research on the genetics of avian testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Craig Allen Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (M.A.E.); (A.T.M.)
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43
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Shimada R, Koike H, Hirano T, Kato Y, Saga Y. NANOS2 suppresses the cell cycle by repressing mTORC1 activators in embryonic male germ cells. iScience 2021; 24:102890. [PMID: 34401671 PMCID: PMC8350546 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102890] [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: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During murine germ cell development, male germ cells enter the mitotically arrested G0 stage, which is an initial step of sexually dimorphic differentiation. The male-specific RNA-binding protein NANOS2 has a key role in suppressing the cell cycle in germ cells. However, the detailed mechanism of how NANOS2 regulates the cell cycle remains unclear. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we extracted the cell cycle state of each germ cell in wild-type and Nanos2-KO testes and revealed that Nanos2 expression starts in mitotic cells and induces mitotic arrest. We identified Rheb, a regulator of mTORC1, and Ptma as possible targets of NANOS2. We propose that repression of the cell cycle is a primary function of NANOS2 and that it is mediated via the suppression of mTORC1 activity through the repression of Rheb in a post-transcriptional manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuki Shimada
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Hiroko Koike
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Takamasa Hirano
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Yuzuru Kato
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Yumiko Saga
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,Division for the Development of Genetically Engineered Mouse Resources, Genetic Resource Center, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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44
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Bird AD, Croft BM, Harada M, Tang L, Zhao L, Ming Z, Bagheri-Fam S, Koopman P, Wang Z, Akita K, Harley VR. Ovotesticular disorders of sex development in FGF9 mouse models of human synostosis syndromes. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:2148-2161. [PMID: 32452519 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In mice, male sex determination depends on FGF9 signalling via FGFR2c in the bipotential gonads to maintain the expression of the key testis gene SOX9. In humans, however, while FGFR2 mutations have been linked to 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD), the role of FGF9 is unresolved. The only reported pathogenic mutations in human FGF9, FGF9S99N and FGF9R62G, are dominant and result in craniosynostosis (fusion of cranial sutures) or multiple synostoses (fusion of limb joints). Whether these synostosis-causing FGF9 mutations impact upon gonadal development and DSD etiology has not been explored. We therefore examined embryonic gonads in the well-characterized Fgf9 missense mouse mutants, Fgf9S99N and Fgf9N143T, which phenocopy the skeletal defects of FGF9S99N and FGF9R62G variants, respectively. XY Fgf9S99N/S99N and XY Fgf9N143T/N143T fetal mouse gonads showed severely disorganized testis cords and partial XY sex reversal at 12.5 days post coitum (dpc), suggesting loss of FGF9 function. By 15.5 dpc, testis development in both mutants had partly recovered. Mitotic analysis in vivo and in vitro suggested that the testicular phenotypes in these mutants arise in part through reduced proliferation of the gonadal supporting cells. These data raise the possibility that human FGF9 mutations causative for dominant skeletal conditions can also lead to loss of FGF9 function in the developing testis, at least in mice. Our data suggest that, in humans, testis development is largely tolerant of deleterious FGF9 mutations which lead to skeletal defects, thus offering an explanation as to why XY DSDs are rare in patients with pathogenic FGF9 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D Bird
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Brittany M Croft
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Masayo Harada
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - 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 (SJTUSM), Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Zhenhua Ming
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - 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 (SJTUSM), Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Keiichi Akita
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Vincent R Harley
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
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45
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Mori Y, Takashima S, Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Yi Z, Shinohara T. Cdc42 is required for male germline niche development in mice. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109550. [PMID: 34407418 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are maintained in a special microenvironment called a niche. However, much is unknown about components that constitute the niche. Here, we report that Cdc42 is essential for germline niche development. Sertoli cell-specific Cdc42-deficient mice showed normal premeiotic spermatogenesis. However, germ cells gradually disappeared during haploid cell formation and few germ cells remained in the mature testes. Spermatogonial transplantation experiments revealed a significant loss of SSCs in Cdc42-deficient testes. Moreover, Cdc42 deficiency in Sertoli cells downregulated GDNF, a critical factor for SSC maintenance. Cdc42-deficient Sertoli cells also exhibited lower nuclear MAPK1/3 staining. Inhibition of MAP2K1 or depletion of Pea15a scaffold protein downregulated GDNF expression. A screen of transcription factors revealed that Cdc42-deficient Sertoli cells downregulate DMRT1 and SOX9, both of which are critical for Sertoli cell development. These results indicate that Cdc42 is essential for niche function via MAPK1/3-dependent GDNF secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Mori
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Seiji Takashima
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; AMED-CREST, AMED 1-7-1 Otemachi, Chiyodaku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Zheng Yi
- Division of Experimental Hematology, Molecular Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Children's Hospital Research Foundation, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Takashi Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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46
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Estermann MA, Hirst CE, Major AT, Smith CA. The homeobox gene TGIF1 is required for chicken ovarian cortical development and generation of the juxtacortical medulla. Development 2021; 148:dev199646. [PMID: 34387307 PMCID: PMC8406534 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During early embryogenesis in amniotic vertebrates, the gonads differentiate into either ovaries or testes. The first cell lineage to differentiate gives rise to the supporting cells: Sertoli cells in males and pre-granulosa cells in females. These key cell types direct the differentiation of the other cell types in the gonad, including steroidogenic cells. The gonadal surface epithelium and the interstitial cell populations are less well studied, and little is known about their sexual differentiation programs. Here, we show the requirement of the homeobox transcription factor gene TGIF1 for ovarian development in the chicken embryo. TGIF1 is expressed in the two principal ovarian somatic cell populations: the cortex and the pre-granulosa cells of the medulla. TGIF1 expression is associated with an ovarian phenotype in estrogen-mediated sex reversal experiments. Targeted misexpression and gene knockdown indicate that TGIF1 is required, but not sufficient, for proper ovarian cortex formation. In addition, TGIF1 is identified as the first known regulator of juxtacortical medulla development. These findings provide new insights into chicken ovarian differentiation and development, specifically cortical and juxtacortical medulla formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Craig Allen Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
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47
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Zhang Y, Xiao L, Sun W, Li P, Zhou Y, Qian G, Ge C. Knockdown of R-spondin1 leads to partial sex reversal in genetic female Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 309:113788. [PMID: 33865850 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis is an important aquaculture species in China, the male individual being more valuable in aquaculture because of its larger body size, higher growth rate and less fat compared with females. Understanding the mechanism of ovarian differentiation and development is crucial for the production of mono-sex male offspring. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism underlying turtle ovarian differentiation. Here, we characterized the Rspo1 gene, an upstream regulator of vertebrate female sexual differentiation, in P. sinensis. The messenger RNA of Rspo1 was initially expressed at stage 14, preceding gonadal sex differentiation, and exhibited a sexually dimorphic expression pattern throughout the sex determination and gonadal differentiation periods. Rspo1 was rapidly downregulated during aromatase inhibitor-induced female-to-male sex reversal, which occurred prior to gonadal differentiation. Rspo1 loss of function by RNA interference led to partial female-to-male sex reversal, with masculinized changes in the phenotype of gonads, the distribution of germ cells and the expression of testicular regulators. Collectively, these findings suggest that Rspo1 is necessary for primary female sexual differentiation in P. sinensis. This study demonstrates for the first time the functional role of Rspo1 in reptilian sex determination, and is of fundamental significance for the production of fertile pseudo-female parents and mono-sex male offspring of P.sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China; College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China; College of Fisheries and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Ling Xiao
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China; College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China; College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Pan Li
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China; College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Yingjie Zhou
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China; College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Guoying Qian
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China; College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Chutian Ge
- Institute of Animal Sex and Development, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China; College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China.
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48
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Weber C, Capel B. Sex determination without sex chromosomes. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200109. [PMID: 34247500 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With or without sex chromosomes, sex determination is a synthesis of many molecular events that drives a community of cells towards a coordinated tissue fate. In this review, we will consider how a sex determination pathway can be engaged and stabilized without an inherited genetic determinant. In many reptilian species, no sex chromosomes have been identified, yet a conserved network of gene expression is initiated. Recent studies propose that epigenetic regulation mediates the effects of temperature on these genes through dynamic post-transcriptional, post-translational and metabolic pathways. It is likely that there is no singular regulator of sex determination, but rather an accumulation of molecular events that shift the scales towards one fate over another until a threshold is reached sufficient to maintain and stabilize one pathway and repress the alternative pathway. Investigations into the mechanism underlying sex determination without sex chromosomes should focus on cellular processes that are frequently activated by multiple stimuli or can synthesize multiple inputs and drive a coordinated response. This article is part of the theme issue 'Challenging the paradigm in sex chromosome evolution: empirical and theoretical insights with a focus on vertebrates (Part I)'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceri Weber
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, 456 Nanaline Duke, 307 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, 456 Nanaline Duke, 307 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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49
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Pitzer LM, Moroney MR, Nokoff NJ, Sikora MJ. WNT4 Balances Development vs Disease in Gynecologic Tissues and Women's Health. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6272210. [PMID: 33963381 PMCID: PMC8197283 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The WNT family of proteins is crucial in numerous developmental pathways and tissue homeostasis. WNT4, in particular, is uniquely implicated in the development of the female phenotype in the fetus, and in the maintenance of müllerian and reproductive tissues. WNT4 dysfunction or dysregulation can drive sex-reversal syndromes, highlighting the key role of WNT4 in sex determination. WNT4 is also critical in gynecologic pathologies later in life, including several cancers, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and infertility. The role of WNT4 in normal decidualization, implantation, and gestation is being increasingly appreciated, while aberrant activation of WNT4 signaling is being linked both to gynecologic and breast cancers. Notably, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the WNT4 gene locus are strongly associated with these pathologies and may functionally link estrogen and estrogen receptor signaling to upregulation and activation of WNT4 signaling. Importantly, in each of these developmental and disease states, WNT4 gene expression and downstream WNT4 signaling are regulated and executed by myriad tissue-specific pathways. Here, we review the roles of WNT4 in women's health with a focus on sex development, and gynecologic and breast pathologies, and our understanding of how WNT4 signaling is controlled in these contexts. Defining WNT4 functions provides a unique opportunity to link sex-specific signaling pathways to women's health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Pitzer
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Marisa R Moroney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Natalie J Nokoff
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Endocrinology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Matthew J Sikora
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
- Correspondence: Matthew J. Sikora, PhD; Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 8104, Research Complex 1 South, Rm 5117, 12801 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. . Twitter: @mjsikora
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Rore H, Owen N, Piña-Aguilar RE, Docherty K, Sekido R. Testicular somatic cell-like cells derived from embryonic stem cells induce differentiation of epiblasts into germ cells. Commun Biol 2021; 4:802. [PMID: 34183774 PMCID: PMC8239049 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02322-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Regeneration of the testis from pluripotent stem cells is a real challenge, reflecting the complexity of the interaction of germ cells and somatic cells. Here we report the generation of testicular somatic cell-like cells (TesLCs) including Sertoli cell-like cells (SCLCs) from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in xeno-free culture. We find that Nr5a1/SF1 is critical for interaction between SCLCs and PGCLCs. Intriguingly, co-culture of TesLCs with epiblast-like cells (EpiLCs), rather than PGCLCs, results in self-organised aggregates, or testicular organoids. In the organoid, EpiLCs differentiate into PGCLCs or gonocyte-like cells that are enclosed within a seminiferous tubule-like structure composed of SCLCs. Furthermore, conditioned medium prepared from TesLCs has a robust inducible activity to differentiate EpiLCs into PGCLCs. Our results demonstrate conditions for in vitro reconstitution of a testicular environment from ESCs and provide further insights into the generation of sperm entirely in xeno-free culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Rore
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Nicholas Owen
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Kevin Docherty
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Ryohei Sekido
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.
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