1
|
Han C. Gene expression programs in mammalian spermatogenesis. Development 2024; 151:dev202033. [PMID: 38691389 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202033] [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] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis, probably the most complex of all cellular developmental processes, is an ideal model both for studying the specific mechanism of gametogenesis and for understanding the basic rules governing all developmental processes, as it entails both cell type-specific and housekeeping molecular processes. Spermatogenesis can be viewed as a mission with many tasks to accomplish, and its success is genetically programmed and ensured by the collaboration of a large number of genes. Here, I present an overview of mammalian spermatogenesis and the mechanisms underlying each step in the process, covering the cellular and molecular activities that occur at each developmental stage and emphasizing their gene regulation in light of recent studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunsheng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, 100101 Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nie H, Kong X, Song X, Guo X, Li Z, Fan C, Zhai B, Yang X, Wang Y. Roles of histone post-translational modifications in meiosis†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:648-659. [PMID: 38224305 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae011] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, methylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination, play vital roles in various chromatin-based cellular processes. Meiosis is crucial for organisms that depend on sexual reproduction to produce haploid gametes, during which chromatin undergoes intricate conformational changes. An increasing body of evidence is clarifying the essential roles of histone post-translational modifications during meiotic divisions. In this review, we concentrate on the post-translational modifications of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4, as well as the linker histone H1, that are required for meiosis, and summarize recent progress in understanding how these modifications influence diverse meiotic events. Finally, challenges and exciting open questions for future research in this field are discussed. Summary Sentence Diverse histone post-translational modifications exert important effects on the meiotic cell cycle and these "histone codes" in meiosis might lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies against reproductive diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Nie
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xueyu Kong
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoyu Song
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoyu Guo
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhanyu Li
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Cunxian Fan
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Binyuan Zhai
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Feng HW, Zhao Y, Gao YL, Liu DT, Huo LJ. Caseinolytic mitochondrial matrix peptidase X is essential for homologous chromosome synapsis and recombination during meiosis of male mouse germ cells. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:165-174. [PMID: 37856231 PMCID: PMC10919424 DOI: 10.4103/aja202343] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is the process of producing haploid gametes through a series of complex chromosomal events and the coordinated action of various proteins. The mitochondrial protease complex (ClpXP), which consists of caseinolytic mitochondrial matrix peptidase X (ClpX) and caseinolytic protease P (ClpP) and mediates the degradation of misfolded, damaged, and oxidized proteins, is essential for maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. ClpXP has been implicated in meiosis regulation, but its precise role is currently unknown. In this study, we engineered an inducible male germ cell-specific knockout caseinolytic mitochondrial matrix peptidase X ( ClpxcKO ) mouse model to investigate the function of ClpX in meiosis. We found that disrupting Clpx in male mice induced germ cell apoptosis and led to an absence of sperm in the epididymis. Specifically, it caused asynapsis of homologous chromosomes and impaired meiotic recombination, resulting in meiotic arrest in the zygotene-to-pachytene transition phase. The loss of ClpX compromised the double-strand break (DSB) repair machinery by markedly reducing the recruitment of DNA repair protein RAD51 homolog 1 (RAD51) to DSB sites. This dysfunction may be due to an insufficient supply of energy from the aberrant mitochondria in ClpxcKO spermatocytes, as discerned by electron microscopy. Furthermore, ubiquitination signals on chromosomes and the expression of oxidative phosphorylation subunits were both significantly attenuated in ClpxcKO spermatocytes. Taken together, we propose that ClpX is essential for maintaining mitochondrial protein homeostasis and ensuring homologous chromosome pairing, synapsis, and recombination in spermatocytes during meiotic prophase I.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Wei Feng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Yan-Ling Gao
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Institute, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shenzhen Baoan Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518100, China
| | - Dong-Teng Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Li-Jun Huo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Saadh MJ, Pecho RDC, Jamal A, Alothaim AS, Kamal MA, Warsi MK, Ahmad F, Obaid M, Moslem H, Zainab HA, Amin AH, Arias-Gonzáles JL, Margiana R, Akhavan-Sigari R. Reduced expression of miR-221 is associated with the pro-apoptotic pathways in spermatozoa of oligospermia men. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 160:104159. [PMID: 37913711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.104159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Oligospermia and asthenozoospermia, both frequent, can lead to male infertility. Oligospermia might be viewed as a milder form of azoospermia because the same mutations that produce azoospermia in some individuals also create oligospermia in other individuals. In this, we looked at different characteristics of oligospermia men, counting the level of apoptosis and a few related apoptotic and oxidative stress components, and compared them to solid controls. In this study, semen samples from healthy fertile men (n = 35) and oligospermia (n = 35) were collected, and sperm death rates in both groups were examined using flow cytometry. Also, gene expression of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic markers and miR-221 were investigated (Real-Time PCR). Moreover, for the evaluation of catalase and SOD activity and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-10 and TGF-β, the specific ELISA kits and procedures were applied. As a result, higher gene and protein expression levels of PTEN, P27, and P57 were observed in patients with oligospermia. In contrast, lower mRNA expression of AKT and miR-221 was detected in this group. In addition, IL-10, TGF-β, and catalase activity were suppressed in the oligospermia group compared with healthy men samples. Moreover, the frequency of apoptosis of sperm cells is induced in patients. In conclusion, apoptosis-related markers, PTEN, and the measurement of significant and efficient oxidative stress markers like SOD and catalase in semen plasma could be considered as the critical diagnostic markers for oligospermia. Future studies will be better able to treat oligospermia by showing whether these indicators are rising or falling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed J Saadh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman 11831, Jordan; Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Azfar Jamal
- Health and Basic Science Research Centre, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biology, College of Science, Al-Zulfi-, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz S Alothaim
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Al-Zulfi-, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Azhar Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohiuddin Khan Warsi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 23890, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fuzail Ahmad
- College of Applied Sciences, Almaarefa University, Diriya, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Hani Moslem
- Department of Dental Industry Techniques, Al-Noor University College, Nineveh, Iraq
| | - H A Zainab
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Zahrawi University College, Karbala, Iraq
| | - Ali H Amin
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - José Luis Arias-Gonzáles
- Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Studies, University of British Columbia, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Ria Margiana
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia; Master's Programme Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia; Andrology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia; Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia.
| | - Reza Akhavan-Sigari
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Tuebingen, Germany; Department of Health Care Management and Clinical Research, Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management University Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Boston AM, Dwead AM, Al-Mathkour MM, Khazaw K, Zou J, Zhang Q, Wang G, Cinar B. Discordant interactions between YAP1 and polycomb group protein SCML2 determine cell fate. iScience 2023; 26:107964. [PMID: 37810219 PMCID: PMC10558808 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Polycomb group protein SCML2 and the transcriptional cofactor YAP1 regulate diverse cellular biology, including stem cell maintenance, developmental processes, and gene regulation in mammals and flies. However, their molecular and functional interactions are unknown. Here, we show that SCML2 interacts with YAP1, as revealed by immunological assays and mass spectroscopy. We have demonstrated that the steroid hormone androgen regulates the interaction of SCML2 with YAP1 in human tumor cell models. Our proximity ligation assay and GST pulldown showed that SCML2 and YAP1 physically interacted with each other. Silencing SCML2 by RNAi changed the growth behaviors of cells in response to androgen signaling. Mechanistically, this phenomenon is attributed to the interplay between distinct chromatin modifications and transcriptional programs, likely coordinated by the opposing SCML2 and YAP1 activity. These findings suggest that YAP1 and SCML2 cooperate to regulate cell growth, cell survival, and tumor biology downstream of steroid hormones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ava M Boston
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Abdulrahman M Dwead
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marwah M Al-Mathkour
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kezhan Khazaw
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jin Zou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Guangdi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Bekir Cinar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang S, Liu K, Han X, Cheng Y, Zhao E, Brat DJ, Sun Z, Fang D. ATXN3 deubiquitinates YAP1 to promote tumor growth. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:4222-4234. [PMID: 37818078 PMCID: PMC10560956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-specific peptidase Ataxin-3 (ATXN3) has emerged as a potential oncogene in a variety of human cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying how ATXN3 achieves its tumorigenic functions remain largely undefined. Herein, we report that targeted deletion of the ATXN3 gene in cancer cells by the CRISPR-Cas9 system resulted in decreased protein expression of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) without altering its mRNA transcription. Interestingly, genetic ATXN3 suppression selectively inhibited the expression levels of YAP1 target genes including the connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf) and cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61), both of which have important functions in cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and angiogenesis. Consequently, ATXN3 suppression resulted in reduced cancer cell growth and migration, which can also be largely rescued by YAP1 reconstitution. At the molecular level, ATNX3 interacts with the WW domains of YAP1 to protect YAP1 from ubiquitination-mediated degradation. Immunohistology analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between ATXN3 and YAP1 protein expression in human breast and pancreatic cancers. Collectively, our study defines ATXN3 as a previously unknown YAP1 deubiquitinase in tumorigenesis and provides a rationale for ATXN3 targeting in antitumor chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Wang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical UniversityDalian 116044, Liaoning, China
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Xiaohua Han
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao UniversityNingxia Road 308, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Yang Cheng
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical UniversityDalian 116044, Liaoning, China
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Emily Zhao
- Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern UniversityEvanston, IL 60201, USA
| | - Daniel J Brat
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Zhaolin Sun
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical UniversityDalian 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Deyu Fang
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicago, IL 60611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chukrallah LG, Potgieter S, Chueh L, Snyder EM. Two RNA binding proteins, ADAD2 and RNF17, interact to form a heterogeneous population of novel meiotic germ cell granules with developmentally dependent organelle association. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010519. [PMID: 37428816 PMCID: PMC10359003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian male germ cell differentiation relies on complex RNA biogenesis events, many of which occur in non-membrane bound organelles termed RNA germ cell granules that are rich in RNA binding proteins (RBPs). Though known to be required for male germ cell differentiation, we understand little of the relationships between the numerous granule subtypes. ADAD2, a testis specific RBP, is required for normal male fertility and forms a poorly characterized granule in meiotic germ cells. This work aimed to understand the role of ADAD2 granules in male germ cell differentiation by clearly defining their molecular composition and relationship to other granules. Biochemical analyses identified RNF17, a testis specific RBP that forms meiotic male germ cell granules, as an ADAD2-interacting protein. Phenotypic analysis of Adad2 and Rnf17 mutants identified a rare post-meiotic chromatin defect, suggesting shared biological roles. ADAD2 and RNF17 were found to be dependent on one another for granularization and together form a previously unstudied set of germ cell granules. Based on co-localization studies with well-characterized granule RBPs and organelle-specific markers, a subset of the ADAD2-RNF17 granules are found to be associated with the intermitochondrial cement and piRNA biogenesis. In contrast, a second, morphologically distinct population of ADAD2-RNF17 granules co-localized with the translation regulators NANOS1 and PUM1, along with the molecular chaperone PDI. These large granules form a unique funnel-shaped structure that displays distinct protein subdomains and is tightly associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. Developmental studies suggest the different granule populations represent different phases of a granule maturation process. Lastly, a double Adad2-Rnf17 mutant model suggests the interaction between ADAD2 and RNF17, as opposed to loss of either, is the likely driver of the Adad2 and Rnf17 mutant phenotypes. These findings shed light on the relationship between germ cell granule pools and define new genetic approaches to their study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren G. Chukrallah
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Sarah Potgieter
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Lisa Chueh
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth M. Snyder
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Peng Q, Shi X, Li D, Guo J, Zhang X, Zhang X, Chen Q. SCML2 contributes to tumor cell resistance to DNA damage through regulating p53 and CHK1 stability. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:1849-1867. [PMID: 37353627 PMCID: PMC10307790 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01184-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
SCML2 has been found to be highly expressed in various tumors. However, the extent to which SCML2 is involved in tumorigenesis and cancer therapy is yet to be fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between SCML2 and DNA damage response (DDR). Firstly, DNA damage stabilizes SCML2 through CHK1-mediated phosphorylation at Ser570. Functionally, this increased stability of SCML2 enhances resistance to DNA damage agents in p53-positive, p53-mutant, and p53-negative cells. Notably, SCML2 promotes chemoresistance through distinct mechanisms in p53-positive and p53-negative cancer cells. SCML2 binds to the TRAF domain of USP7, and Ser441 is a critical residue for their interaction. In p53-positive cancer cells, SCML2 competes with p53 for USP7 binding and destabilizes p53, which prevents DNA damage-induced p53 overactivation and increases chemoresistance. In p53-mutant or p53-negative cancer cells, SCML2 promotes CHK1 and p21 stability by inhibiting their ubiquitination, thereby enhancing the resistance to DNA damage agents. Interestingly, we found that SCML2A primarily stabilizes CHK1, while SCML2B regulates the stability of p21. Therefore, we have identified SCML2 as a novel regulator of chemotherapy resistance and uncovered a positive feedback loop between SCML2 and CHK1 after DNA damage, which serves to promote the chemoresistance to DNA damage agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Peng
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Xin Shi
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Dingwei Li
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Xiaqing Zhang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Qiang Chen
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China.
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lin H, Cossu IG, Leu NA, Deshpande AJ, Bernt KM, Luo M, Wang PJ. The DOT1L-MLLT10 complex regulates male fertility and promotes histone removal during spermiogenesis. Development 2023; 150:dev201501. [PMID: 37082953 PMCID: PMC10259658 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Histone modifications regulate chromatin remodeling and gene expression in development and diseases. DOT1L, the sole histone H3K79 methyltransferase, is essential for embryonic development. Here, we report that DOT1L regulates male fertility in mouse. DOT1L associates with MLLT10 in testis. DOT1L and MLLT10 localize to the sex chromatin in meiotic and post-meiotic germ cells in an inter-dependent manner. Loss of either DOT1L or MLLT10 leads to reduced testis weight, decreased sperm count and male subfertility. H3K79me2 is abundant in elongating spermatids, which undergo the dramatic histone-to-protamine transition. Both DOT1L and MLLT10 are essential for H3K79me2 modification in germ cells. Strikingly, histones are substantially retained in epididymal sperm from either DOT1L- or MLLT10-deficient mice. These results demonstrate that H3K79 methylation promotes histone replacement during spermiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huijuan Lin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Department of Histoembryology, TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Isabella G. Cossu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - N. Adrian Leu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Aniruddha J. Deshpande
- Tumor Initiation & Maintenance Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Kathrin M. Bernt
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania and Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mengcheng Luo
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Department of Histoembryology, TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - P. Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhou H, Feng W, Yu J, Shafiq TA, Paulo JA, Zhang J, Luo Z, Gygi SP, Moazed D. SENP3 and USP7 regulate Polycomb-rixosome interactions and silencing functions. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112339. [PMID: 37014752 PMCID: PMC10777863 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The rixosome and PRC1 silencing complexes are associated with deSUMOylating and deubiquitinating enzymes, SENP3 and USP7, respectively. How deSUMOylation and deubiquitylation contribute to rixosome- and Polycomb-mediated silencing is not fully understood. Here, we show that the enzymatic activities of SENP3 and USP7 are required for silencing of Polycomb target genes. SENP3 deSUMOylates several rixosome subunits, and this activity is required for association of the rixosome with PRC1. USP7 associates with canonical PRC1 (cPRC1) and deubiquitinates the chromodomain subunits CBX2 and CBX4, and inhibition of USP activity results in disassembly of cPRC1. Finally, both SENP3 and USP7 are required for Polycomb- and rixosome-dependent silencing at an ectopic reporter locus. These findings demonstrate that SUMOylation and ubiquitination regulate the assembly and activities of the rixosome and Polycomb complexes and raise the possibility that these modifications provide regulatory mechanisms that may be utilized during development or in response to environmental challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haining Zhou
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Wenzhi Feng
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Juntao Yu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tiasha A Shafiq
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jiuchun Zhang
- Initiative for Genome Editing and Neurodegeneration, Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhenhua Luo
- Precision Medicine Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Steven P Gygi
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Danesh Moazed
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li C, Yan Y, Pan C, Adjei M, Shahzad K, Wang P, Pan M, Li K, Wang Y, Zhao W. Identification and analysis of differentially expressed (DE) circRNA in epididymis of yak and cattleyak. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1040419. [PMID: 36825227 PMCID: PMC9941329 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1040419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs), as endogenous non-coding RNA with unique closed ring structure, is closely related to animal reproduction, and understanding the expression of circRNA in yak and cattleyak epididymal tissues is of great significance for understanding cattleyak sterility. Based on this, we screened and identified the differentially expressed circRNA in the epididymis of three yaks and two cattleyak. A total of 1,298 circRNAs were identified in the epididymis of yak and cattleyak, of which 137 differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs and the functions of some of them were elucidated in this research, as well as qPCR verification to 6 circRNAs from the 137 DE circRNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggested that DE circRNAs were mainly related to metabolic process, development process, immune system process, reproductive process, reproduction, biological adhesion and growth. COG classification analysis showed that the DE circRNAs derived genes were mainly related to replication, recombination and repair. KEGG pathway analysis suggested that DE circRNAs were mainly involved in RNA degradation. In addition, we also screened Bta-mir-103, which is a circRNA binding miRNA related to sperm activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunhai Li
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Yan
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'An, Shaanxi, China
| | - Cheng Pan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Michael Adjei
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Khuram Shahzad
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Meilan Pan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Kerui Li
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,*Correspondence: Ye Wang ✉
| | - Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China,Wangsheng Zhao ✉
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li M. Sex body: A nest of protein mixture. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1165745. [PMID: 37123420 PMCID: PMC10140345 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1165745] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
During the pachytene stage in mammalian meiosis, the X and Y chromosomes remain largely unsynapsed outside the pseudoautosomal region, while autosomes are fully synapsed. Then, the sex chromosomes are compartmentalized into a "sex body" in the nucleus and are subjected to meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). For decades, the formation and functioning of the sex body and MSCI have been subjects worth exploring. Notably, a series of proteins have been reported to be located on the sex body area and inferred to play an essential role in MSCI; however, the proteins that are actually located in this area and how these proteins promote sex body formation and establish MSCI remain unclear. Collectively, the DNA damage response factors, downstream fanconi anemia proteins, and other canonical repressive histone modifications have been reported to be associated with the sex body. Here, this study reviews the factors located on the sex body area and tries to provide new insights into studying this mysterious domain.
Collapse
|
13
|
Abe H, Yeh YH, Munakata Y, Ishiguro KI, Andreassen PR, Namekawa SH. Active DNA damage response signaling initiates and maintains meiotic sex chromosome inactivation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7212. [PMID: 36443288 PMCID: PMC9705562 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34295-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) is an essential process in the male germline. While genetic experiments have established that the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway directs MSCI, due to limitations to the experimental systems available, mechanisms underlying MSCI remain largely unknown. Here we establish a system to study MSCI ex vivo, based on a short-term culture method, and demonstrate that active DDR signaling is required both to initiate and maintain MSCI via a dynamic and reversible process. DDR-directed MSCI follows two layers of modifications: active DDR-dependent reversible processes and irreversible histone post-translational modifications. Further, the DDR initiates MSCI independent of the downstream repressive histone mark H3K9 trimethylation (H3K9me3), thereby demonstrating that active DDR signaling is the primary mechanism of silencing in MSCI. By unveiling the dynamic nature of MSCI, and its governance by active DDR signals, our study highlights the sex chromosomes as an active signaling hub in meiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Abe
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 USA ,grid.274841.c0000 0001 0660 6749Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811 Japan
| | - Yu-Han Yeh
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Yasuhisa Munakata
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Kei-Ichiro Ishiguro
- grid.274841.c0000 0001 0660 6749Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811 Japan
| | - Paul R. Andreassen
- grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593Division of Experimental Hematology & Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA
| | - Satoshi H. Namekawa
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kim JJ, Kingston RE. Context-specific Polycomb mechanisms in development. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:680-695. [PMID: 35681061 PMCID: PMC9933872 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00499-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are crucial chromatin regulators that maintain repression of lineage-inappropriate genes and are therefore required for stable cell fate. Recent advances show that PcG proteins form distinct multi-protein complexes in various cellular environments, such as in early development, adult tissue maintenance and cancer. This surprising compositional diversity provides the basis for mechanistic diversity. Understanding this complexity deepens and refines the principles of PcG complex recruitment, target-gene repression and inheritance of memory. We review how the core molecular mechanism of Polycomb complexes operates in diverse developmental settings and propose that context-dependent changes in composition and mechanism are essential for proper epigenetic regulation in development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jongmin J. Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology and MGH Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert E. Kingston
- Department of Molecular Biology and MGH Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xiong Y, Yu C, Zhang Q. Ubiquitin-Proteasome System-Regulated Protein Degradation in Spermatogenesis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11061058. [PMID: 35326509 PMCID: PMC8947704 DOI: 10.3390/cells11061058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a prolonged and highly ordered physiological process that produces haploid male germ cells through more than 40 steps and experiences dramatic morphological and cellular transformations. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) plays central roles in the precise control of protein homeostasis to ensure the effectiveness of certain protein groups at a given stage and the inactivation of them after this stage. Many UPS components have been demonstrated to regulate the progression of spermatogenesis at different levels. Especially in recent years, novel testis-specific proteasome isoforms have been identified to be essential and unique for spermatogenesis. In this review, we set out to discuss our current knowledge in functions of diverse USP components in mammalian spermatogenesis through: (1) the composition of proteasome isoforms at each stage of spermatogenesis; (2) the specificity of each proteasome isoform and the associated degradation events; (3) the E3 ubiquitin ligases mediating protein ubiquitination in male germ cells; and (4) the deubiquitinases involved in spermatogenesis and male fertility. Exploring the functions of UPS machineries in spermatogenesis provides a global picture of the proteome dynamics during male germ cell production and shed light on the etiology and pathogenesis of human male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xiong
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Rd, Haining 314400, China;
| | - Chao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, 3 East Qing Chun Rd, Hangzhou 310020, China;
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qianting Zhang
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Rd, Haining 314400, China;
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-13789821134
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chukrallah LG, Badrinath A, Vittor GG, Snyder EM. ADAD2 regulates heterochromatin in meiotic and post-meiotic male germ cells via translation of MDC1. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:jcs259196. [PMID: 35191498 PMCID: PMC8919335 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Male germ cells establish a unique heterochromatin domain, the XY-body, early in meiosis. How this domain is maintained through the end of meiosis and into post-meiotic germ cell differentiation is poorly understood. ADAD2 is a late meiotic male germ cell-specific RNA-binding protein, loss of which leads to post-meiotic germ cell defects. Analysis of ribosome association in Adad2 mouse mutants revealed defective translation of Mdc1, a key regulator of XY-body formation, late in meiosis. As a result, Adad2 mutants show normal establishment but failed maintenance of the XY-body. Observed XY-body defects are concurrent with abnormal autosomal heterochromatin and ultimately lead to severely perturbed post-meiotic germ cell heterochromatin and cell death. These findings highlight the requirement of ADAD2 for Mdc1 translation, the role of MDC1 in maintaining meiotic male germ cell heterochromatin and the importance of late meiotic heterochromatin for normal post-meiotic germ cell differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aditi Badrinath
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Gabrielle G. Vittor
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Snyder
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Farahani M, Yaghobi Z, Ramezani M, Piravar Z. USP7 and SET9 Expression in The Oligospermic Human Semen: A Case-Control Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2022; 16:306-309. [PMID: 36273318 PMCID: PMC9627007 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2021.537310.1174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oligospermia is defined as a less than 15 million per milliliter sperm in each ejaculation of semen. Proper and complete spermatogenesis requires the expression of a large number of genes. As a result, stopping the expression of any of them may lead to disrupt the process of spermatogenesis. In order to understand the disorders of spermatogenesis, it is necessary to study expression of effective genes in the spermatogenesis process. Therefore, in the present study, USP7 and SET9 (SETD7) gene expression was examined in the healthy and oligospermic men. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this case-control study, semen samples of individuals with normal sperm and oligospermia were collected from men who referred to the Roya Clinic (Qom, Iran) according to World Health Organization (WHO) parameters after obtaining consent. Then the expression of USP7 and SET9 genes in two groups was analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS There was no difference forage between the healthy and oligospermic individuals (P=0.889). The data showed that, USP7 gene expression in the patients was 3.99 times higher than the control group (P<0.001). The expression of SET9 gene in the patient was 1.28 times less than the control group, which was not significant (P=0.231). The results indicated that USP7 gene expression was increased in the 84% of oligospermic individuals. CONCLUSION The USP7 gene can be considered as one of the molecular markers in the development of oligospermia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mina Ramezani
- P.O.Box: 14696-69191Department of BiologyCentral Tehran BranchIslamic Azad UniversityTehranIran
Emails: ,
| | - Zeynab Piravar
- P.O.Box: 14696-69191Department of BiologyCentral Tehran BranchIslamic Azad UniversityTehranIran
Emails: ,
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Alavattam KG, Maezawa S, Andreassen PR, Namekawa SH. Meiotic sex chromosome inactivation and the XY body: a phase separation hypothesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:18. [PMID: 34971404 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04075-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian male meiosis, the heterologous X and Y chromosomes remain unsynapsed and, as a result, are subject to meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). MSCI is required for the successful completion of spermatogenesis. Following the initiation of MSCI, the X and Y chromosomes undergo various epigenetic modifications and are transformed into a nuclear body termed the XY body. Here, we review the mechanisms underlying the initiation of two essential, sequential processes in meiotic prophase I: MSCI and XY-body formation. The initiation of MSCI is directed by the action of DNA damage response (DDR) pathways; downstream of the DDR, unique epigenetic states are established, leading to the formation of the XY body. Accumulating evidence suggests that MSCI and subsequent XY-body formation may be driven by phase separation, a physical process that governs the formation of membraneless organelles and other biomolecular condensates. Thus, here we gather literature-based evidence to explore a phase separation hypothesis for the initiation of MSCI and the formation of the XY body.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kris G Alavattam
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.,Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.,Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - So Maezawa
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
| | - Paul R Andreassen
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Xu W, Zhang Y, Qin D, Gui Y, Wang S, Du G, Yang F, Li L, Yuan S, Wang M, Wu X. Transcription factor-like 5 is a potential DNA/RNA-binding protein essential for maintaining male fertility in mice. J Cell Sci 2021; 135:273810. [PMID: 34931239 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor-like 5 (TCFL5) is a testis-specific protein that contains the basic helix-loop-helix domain, but the in vivo functions of TCFL5 remain unknown. Herein, we generated CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout mice to dissect the function of TCFL5 in mouse testes. Surprisingly, we found that it was difficult to generate homozygous mice with the Tcfl5 deletion since the heterozygous males (Tcfl5+/-) were infertile. We did; however, observe markedly abnormal phenotypes of spermatids and spermatozoa in the testes and epididymides of Tcfl5+/- mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that TCFL5 transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally regulated a set of genes participating in male germ cell development via TCFL5 ChIP-DNA and eCLIP-RNA high-throughput sequencing. We also identified a known RBP, FXR1 as an interacting partner of TCFL5 that may coordinate the transition and localization of TCFL5 in the nucleus. Collectively, we herein report for the first time that Tcfl5 is haploinsufficient in vivo and acts as a dual-function protein that mediates DNA and RNA to regulate spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiya Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yiyun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Dongdong Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yiqian Gui
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Guihua Du
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Lufan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Mei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China.,Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222000, China
| | - Xin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Li Q, Sun H, Luo D, Gan L, Mo S, Dai W, Liang L, Yang Y, Xu M, Li J, Zheng P, Li X, Li Y, Wang Z. Lnc-RP11-536 K7.3/SOX2/HIF-1α signaling axis regulates oxaliplatin resistance in patient-derived colorectal cancer organoids. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:348. [PMID: 34740372 PMCID: PMC8570024 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02143-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Resistance to oxaliplatin is a major obstacle for the management of locally advanced and metastatic colon cancer (CC). Although long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play key roles in CC, the relationships between lncRNAs and resistance to oxaliplatin have been poorly understood yet. Methods Chemo-sensitive and chemo-resistant organoids were established from colon cancer tissues of the oxaliplatin-sensitive or -resistant patients. Analysis of the patient cohort indicated that lnc-RP11-536 K7.3 had a potential oncogenic role in CC. Further, a series of functional in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to assess the effects of lnc-RP11-536 K7.3 on CC proliferation, glycolysis, and angiogenesis. RNA pull-down assay, luciferase reporter and fluorescent in situ hybridization assays were used to confirm the interactions between lnc-RP11-536 K7.3, SOX2 and their downstream target HIF-1α. Results In this study, we identified a novel lncRNA, lnc-RP11-536 K7.3, was associated with resistance to oxaliplatin and predicted a poor survival. Knockout of lnc-RP11-536 K7.3 inhibited the proliferation, glycolysis, and angiogenesis, whereas enhanced chemosensitivity in chemo-resistant organoids and CC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that lnc-RP11-536 K7.3 recruited SOX2 to transcriptionally activate USP7 mRNA expression. The accumulative USP7 resulted in deubiquitylation and stabilization of HIF-1α, thereby facilitating resistance to oxaliplatin. Conclusion In conclusion, our findings indicated that lnc-RP11-536 K7.3 could promote proliferation, glycolysis, angiogenesis, and chemo-resistance in CC by SOX2/USP7/HIF-1α signaling axis. This revealed a new insight into how lncRNA could regulate chemosensitivity and provide a potential therapeutic target for reversing resistance to oxaliplatin in the management of CC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02143-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingguo Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Huizhen Sun
- Clinical Medicine Transformation Center and Office of Academic Research, Shanghai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Dakui Luo
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lu Gan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Shaobo Mo
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Weixing Dai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lei Liang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yufei Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Midie Xu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Pathology and Biobank, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of CyberKnife Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Peiyong Zheng
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xinxiang Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd., Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Ziliang Wang
- Clinical Medicine Transformation Center and Office of Academic Research, Shanghai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhan J, Li J, Wu Y, Wu P, Yu Z, Cui P, Zhou M, Xu Y, Jin T, Du Z, Luo M, Liu C. Chromatin-Associated Protein Sugp2 Involved in mRNA Alternative Splicing During Mouse Spermatogenesis. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:754021. [PMID: 34733907 PMCID: PMC8558236 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.754021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly ordered process that is determined by chromatin-associated moderators which still remain poorly understood. Through a multi-control group proteomics strategy, we confirmed that Sugp2 was a chromatin-associated candidate protein, and its signal arose along spermatogenesis. The expression results showed that Sugp2, which is mainly expressed in the testis, had two transcripts, encoding one protein. During spermatogenesis, Sugp2 was enriched in the nucleus of male germ cells. With the depletion of Sugp2 by CRISPER-Cas9 technology, we found that Sugp2 controlled a network of genes on metal ion and ATP binding, suggesting that alternative splicing regulation by Sugp2 is involved in cellular ion and energy metabolism during spermatogenesis, while it had a little effect on meiotic progression and male fertility. Collectively, these data demonstrated that, as a chromatin-associated protein, Sugp2 mediated the alternative splicing regulatory network during spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Zhan
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianbo Li
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuerong Wu
- Center for Animal Experiment, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Panfeng Wu
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziqi Yu
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Cui
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Mofan Zhou
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yumin Xu
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingyu Jin
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziye Du
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengcheng Luo
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Distinct roles of haspin in stem cell division and male gametogenesis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19901. [PMID: 34615946 PMCID: PMC8494884 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99307-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The kinase haspin phosphorylates histone H3 at threonine-3 (H3T3ph) during mitosis. H3T3ph provides a docking site for the Chromosomal Passenger Complex at the centromere, enabling correction of erratic microtubule-chromosome contacts. Although this mechanism is operational in all dividing cells, haspin-null mice do not exhibit developmental anomalies, apart from aberrant testis architecture. Investigating this problem, we show here that mouse embryonic stem cells that lack or overexpress haspin, albeit prone to chromosome misalignment during metaphase, can still divide, expand and differentiate. RNA sequencing reveals that haspin dosage affects severely the expression levels of several genes that are involved in male gametogenesis. Consistent with a role in testis-specific expression, H3T3ph is detected not only in mitotic spermatogonia and meiotic spermatocytes, but also in non-dividing cells, such as haploid spermatids. Similarly to somatic cells, the mark is erased in the end of meiotic divisions, but re-installed during spermatid maturation, subsequent to methylation of histone H3 at lysine-4 (H3K4me3) and arginine-8 (H3R8me2). These serial modifications are particularly enriched in chromatin domains containing histone H3 trimethylated at lysine-27 (H3K27me3), but devoid of histone H3 trimethylated at lysine-9 (H3K9me3). The unique spatio-temporal pattern of histone H3 modifications implicates haspin in the epigenetic control of spermiogenesis.
Collapse
|
23
|
Maat H, Atsma TJ, Hogeling SM, Rodríguez López A, Jaques J, Olthuis M, de Vries MP, Gravesteijn C, Brouwers-Vos AZ, van der Meer N, Datema S, Salzbrunn J, Huls G, Baas R, Martens JHA, van den Boom V, Schuringa JJ. The USP7-TRIM27 axis mediates non-canonical PRC1.1 function and is a druggable target in leukemia. iScience 2021; 24:102435. [PMID: 34113809 PMCID: PMC8169803 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In an attempt to unravel functionality of the non-canonical PRC1.1 Polycomb complex in human leukemogenesis, we show that USP7 and TRIM27 are integral components of PRC1.1. USP7 interactome analyses show that PRC1.1 is the predominant Polycomb complex co-precipitating with USP7. USP7 inhibition results in PRC1.1 disassembly and loss of chromatin binding, coinciding with reduced H2AK119ub and H3K27ac levels and diminished gene transcription of active PRC1.1-controlled loci, whereas H2AK119ub marks are also lost at PRC1 loci. TRIM27 and USP7 are reciprocally required for incorporation into PRC1.1, and TRIM27 knockdown partially rescues USP7 inhibitor sensitivity. USP7 inhibitors effectively impair proliferation in AML cells in vitro, also independent of the USP7-MDM2-TP53 axis, and MLL-AF9-induced leukemia is delayed in vivo in human leukemia xenografts. We propose a model where USP7 counteracts TRIM27 E3 ligase activity, thereby maintaining PRC1.1 integrity and function. Moreover, USP7 inhibition may be a promising new strategy to treat AML patients. We identify USP7 and TRIM27 as integral components of non-canonical PRC1.1 USP7 inhibition results in PRC1.1 disassembly and loss of chromatin binding TRIM27 and USP7 are reciprocally required for incorporation into PRC1.1 USP7 inhibitors effectively impair AML proliferation, also independent of TP53
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henny Maat
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tjerk Jan Atsma
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Shanna M Hogeling
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Aida Rodríguez López
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Jaques
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Olthuis
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel P de Vries
- Department of Pharmacy, Interfaculty Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Center for Liver, Digestive, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Chantal Gravesteijn
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Annet Z Brouwers-Vos
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nisha van der Meer
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Suzan Datema
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jonas Salzbrunn
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerwin Huls
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Roy Baas
- Division of Biochemistry and Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joost H A Martens
- Department of Molecular Biology, RIMLS, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent van den Boom
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Jacob Schuringa
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhao LW, Fan HY. Revisiting poly(A)-binding proteins: Multifaceted regulators during gametogenesis and early embryogenesis. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2000335. [PMID: 33830517 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Post-transcriptional regulation faces a distinctive challenge in gametes. Transcription is limited when the germ cells enter the division phase due to condensed chromatin, while gene expression during gamete maturation, fertilization, and early cleavage depends on existing mRNA post-transcriptional coordination. The dynamics of the 3'-poly(A) tail play crucial roles in defining mRNA fate. The 3'-poly(A) tail is covered with poly(A)-binding proteins (PABPs) that help to mediate mRNA metabolism and recent work has shed light on the number and function of germ cell-specific expressed PABPs. There are two structurally different PABP groups distinguished by their cytoplasmic and nuclear localization. Both lack catalytic activity but are coupled with various roles through their interaction with multifunctional partners during mRNA metabolism. Here, we present a synopsis of PABP function during gametogenesis and early embryogenesis and describe both conventional and current models of the functions and regulation of PABPs, with an emphasis on the physiological significance of how germ cell-specific PABPs potentially affect human fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Long-Wen Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Heng-Yu Fan
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Berruti G. Destruction or Reconstruction: A Subtle Liaison between the Proteolytic and Signaling Role of Protein Ubiquitination in Spermatogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:215-240. [PMID: 34453739 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitination is one of the most diverse forms of protein post-translational modification that changes the function of the landscape of substrate proteins in response to stimuli, without the need for "de novo" protein synthesis. Ubiquitination is involved in almost all aspects of eukaryotic cell biology, from the best-studied role in promoting the removal of faulty or unnecessary proteins by the way of the ubiquitin proteasome system and autophagy-lysosome pathway to the recruitment of proteins in specific non-proteolytic signaling pathways, as emerged by the more recent discoveries about the protein signature with peculiar types of ubiquitin chains. Spermatogenesis, on its own, is a complex cellular developmental process in which mitosis, meiosis, and cell differentiation coexist so to result in the continuous formation of haploid spermatozoa. Successful spermatogenesis is thus at the same time a mixed result of the precise expression and correct intracellular destination of structural proteins and enzymes, from one hand, and the fine removal by targeted degradation of unfolded or damaged proteins as well as of obsolete, outlived proteins, from the other hand. In this minireview, I will focus on the importance of the ubiquitin system all over the spermatogenic process, discussing both proteolytic and non-proteolytic functions of protein ubiquitination. Alterations in the ubiquitin system have been in fact implicated in pathologies leading to male infertility. Notwithstanding several aspects of the multifaceted world of the ubiquitin system have been clarified, the physiological meaning of the so-called ubiquitin code remains still partially elusive. The studies reviewed in this chapter provide information that could aid the investigators to pursue new promising discoveries in the understanding of human and animal reproductive potential.
Collapse
|
26
|
Stützer A, Welp LM, Raabe M, Sachsenberg T, Kappert C, Wulf A, Lau AM, David SS, Chernev A, Kramer K, Politis A, Kohlbacher O, Fischle W, Urlaub H. Analysis of protein-DNA interactions in chromatin by UV induced cross-linking and mass spectrometry. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5250. [PMID: 33067435 PMCID: PMC7567871 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19047-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein–DNA interactions are key to the functionality and stability of the genome. Identification and mapping of protein–DNA interaction interfaces and sites is crucial for understanding DNA-dependent processes. Here, we present a workflow that allows mass spectrometric (MS) identification of proteins in direct contact with DNA in reconstituted and native chromatin after cross-linking by ultraviolet (UV) light. Our approach enables the determination of contact interfaces at amino-acid level. With the example of chromatin-associated protein SCML2 we show that our technique allows differentiation of nucleosome-binding interfaces in distinct states. By UV cross-linking of isolated nuclei we determined the cross-linking sites of several factors including chromatin-modifying enzymes, demonstrating that our workflow is not restricted to reconstituted materials. As our approach can distinguish between protein–RNA and DNA interactions in one single experiment, we project that it will be possible to obtain insights into chromatin and its regulation in the future. Cross-linking mass spectrometry (XLMS) allows mapping of protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions, but the analysis of protein-DNA complexes remains challenging. Here, the authors develop a UV light-based XLMS workflow to determine protein-DNA interfaces in reconstituted chromatin and isolated nuclei.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Stützer
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Luisa M Welp
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Monika Raabe
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Timo Sachsenberg
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,Applied Bioinformatics, Department for Computer Science, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christin Kappert
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.,Somatosensory Signaling and Systems Biology Group, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alexander Wulf
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andy M Lau
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, London, SE1 1DB, UK
| | - Stefan-Sebastian David
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.,King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Laboratory of Chromatin Biochemistry, 23955, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aleksandar Chernev
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Argyris Politis
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, London, SE1 1DB, UK
| | - Oliver Kohlbacher
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,Applied Bioinformatics, Department for Computer Science, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute for Translational Bioinformatics, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,Biomolecular Interactions, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Fischle
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.,King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Laboratory of Chromatin Biochemistry, 23955, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077, Göttingen, Germany. .,Bioanalytics Group, Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
The novel male meiosis recombination regulator coordinates the progression of meiosis prophase I. J Genet Genomics 2020; 47:451-465. [PMID: 33250349 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Meiosis is a specialized cell division for producing haploid gametes in sexually reproducing organisms. In this study, we have independently identified a novel meiosis protein male meiosis recombination regulator (MAMERR)/4930432K21Rik and showed that it is indispensable for meiosis prophase I progression in male mice. Using super-resolution structured illumination microscopy, we found that MAMERR functions at the same double-strand breaks as the replication protein A and meiosis-specific with OB domains/spermatogenesis associated 22 complex. We generated a Mamerr-deficient mouse model by deleting exons 3-6 and found that most of Mamerr-/- spermatocytes were arrested at pachynema and failed to progress to diplonema, although they exhibited almost intact synapsis and progression to the pachytene stage along with XY body formation. Further mechanistic studies revealed that the recruitment of DMC1/RAD51 and heat shock factor 2-binding protein in Mamerr-/- spermatocytes was only mildly impaired with a partial reduction in double-strand break repair, whereas a substantial reduction in ubiquitination on the autosomal axes and on the XY body appeared as a major phenotype in Mamerr-/- spermatocytes. We propose that MAMERR may participate in meiotic prophase I progression by regulating the ubiquitination of key meiotic proteins on autosomes and XY chromosomes, and in the absence of MAMERR, the repressed ubiquitination of key meiotic proteins leads to pachytene arrest and cell death.
Collapse
|
28
|
Regulation of Histone Ubiquitination in Response to DNA Double Strand Breaks. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071699. [PMID: 32708614 PMCID: PMC7407225 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells are constantly exposed to both endogenous and exogenous stressors that promote the induction of DNA damage. Of this damage, double strand breaks (DSBs) are the most lethal and must be efficiently repaired in order to maintain genomic integrity. Repair of DSBs occurs primarily through one of two major pathways: non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or homologous recombination (HR). The choice between these pathways is in part regulated by histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) including ubiquitination. Ubiquitinated histones not only influence transcription and chromatin architecture at sites neighboring DSBs but serve as critical recruitment platforms for repair machinery as well. The reversal of these modifications by deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) is increasingly being recognized in a number of cellular processes including DSB repair. In this context, DUBs ensure proper levels of ubiquitin, regulate recruitment of downstream effectors, dictate repair pathway choice, and facilitate appropriate termination of the repair response. This review outlines the current understanding of histone ubiquitination in response to DSBs, followed by a comprehensive overview of the DUBs that catalyze the removal of these marks.
Collapse
|
29
|
LINC00265 promotes colorectal tumorigenesis via ZMIZ2 and USP7-mediated stabilization of β-catenin. Cell Death Differ 2019; 27:1316-1327. [PMID: 31527801 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0417-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent world cancer and oncogenic β-catenin is frequently dysregulated in CRC. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in colorectal tumorigenesis; however, the contributions of lncRNAs to human CRC remain largely unknown. In this study, we report that LINC00265 is upregulated and predicts poor clinical outcome in human patients with CRC. Depletion of LINC00265 and ZMIZ2 distinctly attenuates colorectal tumorigenesis in mice. Mechanistically, LINC00265 augments ZMIZ2 expression by acting as an endogenous sponge against several miRNAs, which directly target ZMIZ2 expression. Moreover, ZMIZ2 recruits the enzyme USP7, which deubiquitylates and stabilizes β-catenin, thereby facilitating colorectal tumorigenesis. In addition, β-catenin mediates LINC00265 and ZMIZ2 oncogenic phenotypes. Taken together, the LINC00265-ZMIZ2-β-catenin signaling axis plays a critical role in the colorectal tumorigenesis, which may be a potential therapeutic target.
Collapse
|
30
|
Menon DU, Shibata Y, Mu W, Magnuson T. Mammalian SWI/SNF collaborates with a polycomb-associated protein to regulate male germline transcription in the mouse. Development 2019; 146:dev174094. [PMID: 31043422 PMCID: PMC6803380 DOI: 10.1242/dev.174094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A deficiency in BRG1, the catalytic subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, results in a meiotic arrest during spermatogenesis. Here, we explore the causative mechanisms. BRG1 is preferentially enriched at active promoters of genes essential for spermatogonial pluripotency and meiosis. In contrast, BRG1 is also associated with the repression of somatic genes. Chromatin accessibility at these target promoters is dependent upon BRG1. These results favor a model in which BRG1 coordinates spermatogenic transcription to ensure meiotic progression. In spermatocytes, BRG1 interacts with SCML2, a testis-specific PRC1 factor that is associated with the repression of somatic genes. We present evidence to suggest that BRG1 and SCML2 concordantly regulate genes during meiosis. Furthermore, BRG1 is required for the proper localization of SCML2 and its associated deubiquitylase, USP7, to the sex chromosomes during pachynema. SCML2-associated mono-ubiquitylation of histone H2A lysine 119 (H2AK119ub1) and acetylation of histone lysine 27 (H3K27ac) are elevated in Brg1cKO testes. Coincidentally, the PRC1 ubiquitin ligase RNF2 is activated while a histone H2A/H2B deubiquitylase USP3 is repressed. Thus, BRG1 impacts the male epigenome by influencing the localization and expression of epigenetic modifiers. This mechanism highlights a novel paradigm of cooperativity between SWI/SNF and PRC1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debashish U Menon
- Department of Genetics, and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7264, USA
| | - Yoichiro Shibata
- Department of Genetics, and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7264, USA
| | - Weipeng Mu
- Department of Genetics, and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7264, USA
| | - Terry Magnuson
- Department of Genetics, and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7264, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Felipe-Medina N, Gómez-H L, Condezo YB, Sanchez-Martín M, Barbero JL, Ramos I, Llano E, Pendás AM. Ubiquitin-specific protease 26 (USP26) is not essential for mouse gametogenesis and fertility. Chromosoma 2019; 128:237-247. [PMID: 30887115 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-019-00697-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 26 (USP26) is a deubiquitylating enzyme belonging to the USPs family with a transcription pattern restricted to the male germline. Since protein ubiquitination is an essential regulatory mechanism during meiosis, many efforts have been focused on elucidating the function of USP26 and its relationship with fertility. During the last decade, several studies have reported the presence of different polymorphisms in USP26 in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) or severe oligozoospermia suggesting that this gene may be associated with human infertility. However, other studies have revealed the presence of these and novel polymorphisms, including nonsense mutations, in men with normal spermatogenesis as well. Thus, the results remain controversial and its function is unknown. In the present study, we describe the in vivo functional analysis of mice lacking USP26. The phenotypic analysis of two different Usp26-null mutants showed no overt-phenotype with both males and females being fertile. Cytological analysis of spermatocytes showed no defects in synapsis, chromosome dynamics, DNA repair, or recombination. Histopathological analysis revealed a normal distribution and number of the different cell types in both male and female mice. Finally, normal counts were observed in fertility assessments. These results represent the first in vivo evidence showing that USP26 is not essential for mouse gametogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Felipe-Medina
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Laura Gómez-H
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Yazmine B Condezo
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Manuel Sanchez-Martín
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, 37007, Spain
- Transgenic Facility, Nucleus platform, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, 37007, Spain
| | - José Luis Barbero
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Isabel Ramos
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Llano
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, 37007, Spain
| | - Alberto M Pendás
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
L3MBTL2 regulates chromatin remodeling during spermatogenesis. Cell Death Differ 2019; 26:2194-2207. [PMID: 30760872 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0283-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Lethal (3) malignant brain tumor like 2 (L3MBTL2) is a member of the MBT-domain proteins, which are involved in transcriptional repression and implicated in chromatin compaction. Our previous study has shown that L3MBTL2 is highly expressed in the testis, but its role in spermatogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, we found that L3MBTL2 was most highly expressed in pachytene spermatocytes within the testis. Germ cell-specific ablation of L3mbtl2 in the testis led to increased abnormal spermatozoa, progressive decrease of sperm counts and premature testicular failure in mice. RNA-sequencing analysis on L3mbtl2 deficient testes confirmed that L3MBTL2 was a transcriptional repressor but failed to reveal any significant changes in spermatogenesis-associated genes. Interestingly, L3mbtl2 deficiency resulted in increased γH2AX deposition in the leptotene spermatocytes, subsequent inappropriate retention of γH2AX on autosomes, and defective crossing-over and synapsis during the pachytene stage of meiosis I, and more germ cell apoptosis and degeneration in aging mice. L3MBTL2 interacted with the histone ubiquitin ligase RNF8. Inhibition of L3MBTL2 reduced nuclear RNF8 and ubH2A levels in GC2 cells. L3mbtl2 deficiency led to decreases in the levels of the RNF8 and ubH2A pathway and in histone acetylation in elongating spermatids, and in protamine 1 deposition and chromatin condensation in sperm. These results suggest that L3MBTL2 plays important roles in chromatin remodeling during meiosis and spermiogenesis.
Collapse
|
33
|
Shi B, Xue J, Yin H, Guo R, Luo M, Ye L, Shi Q, Huang X, Liu M, Sha J, Wang PJ. Dual functions for the ssDNA-binding protein RPA in meiotic recombination. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1007952. [PMID: 30716097 PMCID: PMC6375638 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiotic recombination permits exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes. The replication protein A (RPA) complex, the predominant ssDNA-binding complex, is required for nearly all aspects of DNA metabolism, but its role in mammalian meiotic recombination remains unknown due to the embryonic lethality of RPA mutant mice. RPA is a heterotrimer of RPA1, RPA2, and RPA3. We find that loss of RPA1, the largest subunit, leads to disappearance of RPA2 and RPA3, resulting in the absence of the RPA complex. Using an inducible germline-specific inactivation strategy, we find that loss of RPA completely abrogates loading of RAD51/DMC1 recombinases to programmed meiotic DNA double strand breaks, thus blocking strand invasion required for chromosome pairing and synapsis. Surprisingly, loading of MEIOB, SPATA22, and ATR to DNA double strand breaks is RPA-independent and does not promote RAD51/DMC1 recruitment in the absence of RPA. Finally, inactivation of RPA reduces crossover formation. Our results demonstrate that RPA plays two distinct roles in meiotic recombination: an essential role in recombinase recruitment at early stages and an important role in promoting crossover formation at later stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baolu Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jiangyang Xue
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao Yin
- USTC-SJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mengcheng Luo
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- USTC-SJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiahao Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - P. Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abe H, Alavattam KG, Kato Y, Castrillon DH, Pang Q, Andreassen PR, Namekawa SH. CHEK1 coordinates DNA damage signaling and meiotic progression in the male germline of mice. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:1136-1149. [PMID: 29360988 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The continuity of life depends on mechanisms in the germline that ensure the integrity of the genome. The DNA damage response/checkpoint kinases ATM and ATR are essential signaling factors in the germline. However, it remains unknown how a downstream transducer, Checkpoint Kinase 1 (CHEK1 or CHK1), mediates signaling in the male germline. Here, we show that CHEK1 has distinct functions in both the mitotic and meiotic phases of the male germline in mice. In the mitotic phase, CHEK1 is required for the resumption of prospermatogonia proliferation after birth and the maintenance of spermatogonia. In the meiotic phase, we uncovered two functions for CHEK1: one is the stage-specific attenuation of DNA damage signaling on autosomes, and the other is coordination of meiotic stage progression. On autosomes, the loss of CHEK1 delays the removal of DNA damage signaling that manifests as phosphorylation of histone variant H2AX at serine 139 (γH2AX). Importantly, CHEK1 does not have a direct function in meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI), an essential event in male meiosis, in which ATR is a key regulator. Thus, the functions of ATR and CHEK1 are uncoupled in MSCI, in contrast to their roles in DNA damage signaling in somatic cells. Our study reveals stage-specific functions for CHEK1 that ensure the integrity of the male germline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Abe
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Kris G Alavattam
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Yasuko Kato
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Diego H Castrillon
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Qishen Pang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Division of Experimental Hematology & Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Paul R Andreassen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Division of Experimental Hematology & Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hirota T, Blakeley P, Sangrithi MN, Mahadevaiah SK, Encheva V, Snijders AP, ElInati E, Ojarikre OA, de Rooij DG, Niakan KK, Turner JMA. SETDB1 Links the Meiotic DNA Damage Response to Sex Chromosome Silencing in Mice. Dev Cell 2018; 47:645-659.e6. [PMID: 30393076 PMCID: PMC6286383 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Meiotic synapsis and recombination ensure correct homologous segregation and genetic diversity. Asynapsed homologs are transcriptionally inactivated by meiotic silencing, which serves a surveillance function and in males drives meiotic sex chromosome inactivation. Silencing depends on the DNA damage response (DDR) network, but how DDR proteins engage repressive chromatin marks is unknown. We identify the histone H3-lysine-9 methyltransferase SETDB1 as the bridge linking the DDR to silencing in male mice. At the onset of silencing, X chromosome H3K9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) enrichment is downstream of DDR factors. Without Setdb1, the X chromosome accrues DDR proteins but not H3K9me3. Consequently, sex chromosome remodeling and silencing fail, causing germ cell apoptosis. Our data implicate TRIM28 in linking the DDR to SETDB1 and uncover additional factors with putative meiotic XY-silencing functions. Furthermore, we show that SETDB1 imposes timely expression of meiotic and post-meiotic genes. Setdb1 thus unites the DDR network, asynapsis, and meiotic chromosome silencing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Hirota
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Paul Blakeley
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Mahesh N Sangrithi
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Singapore 229899, Singapore; Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | | | - Vesela Encheva
- Mass Spectrometry Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Ambrosius P Snijders
- Mass Spectrometry Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Elias ElInati
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Obah A Ojarikre
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, the Netherlands; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Kathy K Niakan
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - James M A Turner
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Maezawa S, Hasegawa K, Alavattam KG, Funakoshi M, Sato T, Barski A, Namekawa SH. SCML2 promotes heterochromatin organization in late spermatogenesis. J Cell Sci 2018; 131:jcs.217125. [PMID: 30097555 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.217125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis involves the progressive reorganization of heterochromatin. However, the mechanisms that underlie the dynamic remodeling of heterochromatin remain unknown. Here, we identify SCML2, a germline-specific Polycomb protein, as a critical regulator of heterochromatin organization in spermatogenesis. We show that SCML2 accumulates on pericentromeric heterochromatin (PCH) in male germ cells, where it suppresses PRC1-mediated monoubiquitylation of histone H2A at Lysine 119 (H2AK119ub) and promotes deposition of PRC2-mediated H3K27me3 during meiosis. In postmeiotic spermatids, SCML2 is required for heterochromatin organization, and the loss of SCML2 leads to the formation of ectopic patches of facultative heterochromatin. Our data suggest that, in the absence of SCML2, the ectopic expression of somatic lamins drives this process. Furthermore, the centromere protein CENP-V is a specific marker of PCH in postmeiotic spermatids, and SCML2 is required for CENP-V localization on PCH. Given the essential functions of PRC1 and PRC2 for genome-wide gene expression in spermatogenesis, our data suggest that heterochromatin organization and spermatogenesis-specific gene expression are functionally linked. We propose that SCML2 coordinates the organization of heterochromatin and gene expression through the regulation of Polycomb complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- So Maezawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA.,Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan
| | - Kazuteru Hasegawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA
| | - Kris G Alavattam
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA
| | - Mayuka Funakoshi
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan
| | - Taiga Sato
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan
| | - Artem Barski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA.,Division of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Yeasmin Khusbu F, Chen FZ, Chen HC. Targeting ubiquitin specific protease 7 in cancer: A deubiquitinase with great prospects. Cell Biochem Funct 2018; 36:244-254. [PMID: 29781103 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Deubiquitinase (DUB)-mediated cleavage of ubiquitin chain balances ubiquitination and deubiquitination for determining protein fate. USP7 is one of the best characterized DUBs and functionally important. Numerous proteins have been identified as potential substrates and binding partners of USP7; those play crucial roles in diverse array of cellular and biological processes including tumour suppression, cell cycle, DNA repair, chromatin remodelling, and epigenetic regulation. This review aims at summarizing the current knowledge of this wide association of USP7 with many cellular processes that enlightens the possibility of abnormal USP7 activity in promoting oncogenesis and the importance of identification of specific inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farjana Yeasmin Khusbu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fang-Zhi Chen
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Han-Chun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Wang L, Xu Z, Khawar MB, Liu C, Li W. The histone codes for meiosis. Reproduction 2018; 154:R65-R79. [PMID: 28696245 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Revised: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Meiosis is a specialized process that produces haploid gametes from diploid cells by a single round of DNA replication followed by two successive cell divisions. It contains many special events, such as programmed DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation, homologous recombination, crossover formation and resolution. These events are associated with dynamically regulated chromosomal structures, the dynamic transcriptional regulation and chromatin remodeling are mainly modulated by histone modifications, termed 'histone codes'. The purpose of this review is to summarize the histone codes that are required for meiosis during spermatogenesis and oogenesis, involving meiosis resumption, meiotic asymmetric division and other cellular processes. We not only systematically review the functional roles of histone codes in meiosis but also discuss future trends and perspectives in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiliang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Manterola M, Brown TM, Oh MY, Garyn C, Gonzalez BJ, Wolgemuth DJ. BRDT is an essential epigenetic regulator for proper chromatin organization, silencing of sex chromosomes and crossover formation in male meiosis. PLoS Genet 2018. [PMID: 29513658 PMCID: PMC5841650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The double bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins are critical epigenetic readers that bind to acetylated histones in chromatin and regulate transcriptional activity and modulate changes in chromatin structure and organization. The testis-specific BET member, BRDT, is essential for the normal progression of spermatogenesis as mutations in the Brdt gene result in complete male sterility. Although BRDT is expressed in both spermatocytes and spermatids, loss of the first bromodomain of BRDT leads to severe defects in spermiogenesis without overtly compromising meiosis. In contrast, complete loss of BRDT blocks the progression of spermatocytes into the first meiotic division, resulting in a complete absence of post-meiotic cells. Although BRDT has been implicated in chromatin remodeling and mRNA processing during spermiogenesis, little is known about its role in meiotic processes. Here we report that BRDT is an essential regulator of chromatin organization and reprograming during prophase I of meiosis. Loss of BRDT function disrupts the epigenetic state of the meiotic sex chromosome inactivation in spermatocytes, affecting the synapsis and silencing of the X and Y chromosomes. We also found that BRDT controls the global chromatin organization and histone modifications of the chromatin attached to the synaptonemal complex. Furthermore, the homeostasis of crossover formation and localization during pachynema was altered, underlining a possible epigenetic mechanism by which crossovers are regulated and differentially established in mammalian male genomes. Our observations reveal novel findings about the function of BRDT in meiosis and provide insight into how epigenetic regulators modulate the progression of male mammalian meiosis and the formation of haploid gametes. BRDT, a testis-specific member of the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) subfamily of epigenetic reader proteins, is essential for the generation of male gametes. In post-meiotic cells, BRDT is involved in chromatin organization and transcriptional regulation through its first bromodomain motif, as loss of the BD1 results in a truncated BRDT protein that fully interrupts the differentiation of the germ cells during the process of spermiogenesis. Complete loss of BRDT function results in an arrest during meiotic prophase with no cells progressing into post-meiotic stages. However, neither the specific role of BRDT in meiosis nor the pathways affected by its depletion are known. We investigated how BRDT controls meiosis by examining its subcellular localization during prophase I as well as the meiotic consequences observed with the loss of BRDT function. BRDT localizes throughout the chromatin of autosomes and sex chromosomes in a dynamic pattern during pachynema and diplonema. Loss of BRDT severely disrupts the epigenetic reprograming and silencing of transcription of the sex chromosomes, the global and regional chromatin configuration, and the formation and localization of crossovers in spermatocytes. Thus, BRDT regulates key meiotic processes that determine the genetic and epigenetic homeostasis of the male gamete.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcia Manterola
- Department of Genetics & Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
- Human Genetics Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Taylor M. Brown
- Department of Genetics & Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Min Young Oh
- Department of Genetics & Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Corey Garyn
- Department of Genetics & Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Bryan J. Gonzalez
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY,United States of America
| | - Debra J. Wolgemuth
- Department of Genetics & Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY,United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY,United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Adams SR, Maezawa S, Alavattam KG, Abe H, Sakashita A, Shroder M, Broering TJ, Sroga Rios J, Thomas MA, Lin X, Price CM, Barski A, Andreassen PR, Namekawa SH. RNF8 and SCML2 cooperate to regulate ubiquitination and H3K27 acetylation for escape gene activation on the sex chromosomes. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007233. [PMID: 29462142 PMCID: PMC5834201 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The sex chromosomes are enriched with germline genes that are activated during the late stages of spermatogenesis. Due to meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI), these sex chromosome-linked genes must escape silencing for activation in spermatids, thereby ensuring their functions for male reproduction. RNF8, a DNA damage response protein, and SCML2, a germline-specific Polycomb protein, are two major, known regulators of this process. Here, we show that RNF8 and SCML2 cooperate to regulate ubiquitination during meiosis, an early step to establish active histone modifications for subsequent gene activation. Double mutants of Rnf8 and Scml2 revealed that RNF8-dependent monoubiquitination of histone H2A at Lysine 119 (H2AK119ub) is deubiquitinated by SCML2, demonstrating interplay between RNF8 and SCML2 in ubiquitin regulation. Additionally, we identify distinct functions of RNF8 and SCML2 in the regulation of ubiquitination: SCML2 deubiquitinates RNF8-independent H2AK119ub but does not deubiquitinate RNF8-dependent polyubiquitination. RNF8-dependent polyubiquitination is required for the establishment of H3K27 acetylation, a marker of active enhancers, while persistent H2AK119ub inhibits establishment of H3K27 acetylation. Following the deposition of H3K27 acetylation, H3K4 dimethylation is established as an active mark on poised promoters. Together, we propose a model whereby regulation of ubiquitin leads to the organization of poised enhancers and promoters during meiosis, which induce subsequent gene activation from the otherwise silent sex chromosomes in postmeiotic spermatids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannel R. Adams
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - So Maezawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Kris G. Alavattam
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Hironori Abe
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Akihiko Sakashita
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Megan Shroder
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Tyler J. Broering
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Julie Sroga Rios
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Thomas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Xinhua Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Carolyn M. Price
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Artem Barski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Paul R. Andreassen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Satoshi H. Namekawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
USP7-Specific Inhibitors Target and Modify the Enzyme's Active Site via Distinct Chemical Mechanisms. Cell Chem Biol 2017; 24:1501-1512.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
42
|
DNA damage response protein TOPBP1 regulates X chromosome silencing in the mammalian germ line. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:12536-12541. [PMID: 29114052 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1712530114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiotic synapsis and recombination between homologs permits the formation of cross-overs that are essential for generating chromosomally balanced sperm and eggs. In mammals, surveillance mechanisms eliminate meiotic cells with defective synapsis, thereby minimizing transmission of aneuploidy. One such surveillance mechanism is meiotic silencing, the inactivation of genes located on asynapsed chromosomes, via ATR-dependent serine-139 phosphorylation of histone H2AFX (γH2AFX). Stimulation of ATR activity requires direct interaction with an ATR activation domain (AAD)-containing partner. However, which partner facilitates the meiotic silencing properties of ATR is unknown. Focusing on the best-characterized example of meiotic silencing, meiotic sex chromosome inactivation, we reveal this AAD-containing partner to be the DNA damage and checkpoint protein TOPBP1. Conditional TOPBP1 deletion during pachynema causes germ cell elimination associated with defective X chromosome gene silencing and sex chromosome condensation. TOPBP1 is essential for localization to the X chromosome of silencing "sensors," including BRCA1, and effectors, including ATR, γH2AFX, and canonical repressive histone marks. We present evidence that persistent DNA double-strand breaks act as silencing initiation sites. Our study identifies TOPBP1 as a critical factor in meiotic sex chromosome silencing.
Collapse
|
43
|
Kim RQ, Sixma TK. Regulation of USP7: A High Incidence of E3 Complexes. J Mol Biol 2017; 429:3395-3408. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2017.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
44
|
Zhuang XJ, Huang J, Li M, Wang YP, Qiu X, Zhu WW, Liu QL, Zhu JY, Lian Y, Liu P, Qiao J. Role of tripartite motif protein 27 as a gametogenesis-related protein in human germ cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2017; 10:9427-9435. [PMID: 31966815 PMCID: PMC6965999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The distribution and functional integrity of members of the tripartite motif (TRIM) protein family are essential for cell proliferation, development and apoptosis, and TRIM proteins have been linked to various cancers. To explore the diagnostic potential and mechanisms of TRIM27 in human spermatogenesis and oogenesis, we analyzed its localization pattern and putative roles in human testes and ovaries. METHODS TRIM27 mRNA and protein levels in human testes and ovaries were investigated using RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. TRIM27 was abundantly transcribed in human testes and ovaries, particularly during the early stages of spermatogenesis, and localized in the nuclei of primary spermatocytes. Immunofluorescence also revealed a diffuse distribution in the cytoplasm of round spermatids, and the protein was abundant in ovary tissue during various stages of oogenesis development. RESULTS TRIM27 mRNA and protein was abundantly transcribed in male and female human germ cells by RT-PCR and western blotting in the human testes followed by the ovary. Immunohistochemical results revealed TRIM27 protein was abundant in the sex body of primary spermatocytes undergoing meiotic prophase during the first cycle of spermatogenesis. Moreover, Trim27 was diffusely localized in the cytoplasm of spermatids and round spermatids. Furthermore, TRIM27 was localized to both the nucleus and cytoplasm of human ovary cells. CONCLUSIONS TRIM27 as a gametogenesis-related protein could play multiple roles in the regulation of sex body formation and germ cell proliferation during spermatogenesis and oogenesis. The identification and characterization of TRIM27 enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning its functions, and provides insight into its potential role in the pathogenesis of germ cell differentiation and infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Jie Zhuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of EducationBeijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted ReproductionBeijing, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of EducationBeijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted ReproductionBeijing, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of EducationBeijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted ReproductionBeijing, China
| | - Ya-Peng Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of EducationBeijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted ReproductionBeijing, China
| | - Xin Qiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of EducationBeijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted ReproductionBeijing, China
| | - Wei-Wei Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of EducationBeijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted ReproductionBeijing, China
| | - Qin-Li Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of EducationBeijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted ReproductionBeijing, China
| | - Jing-Yi Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of EducationBeijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted ReproductionBeijing, China
| | - Ying Lian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of EducationBeijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted ReproductionBeijing, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of EducationBeijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted ReproductionBeijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third HospitalBeijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of EducationBeijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted ReproductionBeijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Yang JJ, Huang H, Xiao MB, Jiang F, Ni WK, Ji YF, Lu CH, Ni RZ. Sex comb on midleg like-2 is a novel specific marker for the diagnosis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:1749-1755. [PMID: 28810646 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex comb on midleg like-2 (SCML2) is a polycomb-group protein that encodes transcriptional repressors essential for appropriate development in the fly and in mammals. On the basis of previous findings, the present study aimed to explore the possibility of developing SCML2 into a new diagnostic marker for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). A total of 64 paired GEP-NET tissues and adjacent non-tumorous tissues were obtained from patients who had undergone surgical resection between January 2009 and January 2014, and the expression of SCML2 and two neuroendocrine markers, namely synaptophysin (Syn) and chromogranin A (CgA), in the tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Strong SCML2 staining was observed predominantly in the cell nuclei of GEP-NET tissues, and the overall expression rate and staining intensity of SCML2 were higher than those of Syn or CgA, respectively. Spearman rank correlation analysis demonstrated that SCML2 was not correlated with either Syn or CgA, while the combined detection of SCML2 with Syn or with CgA increased the diagnostic sensitivity to 100%. SCML2 expression in GEP-NETs was associated with several clinicopathological parameters, such as histological type, tumor grade, depth of invasion and clinical stage. Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed that patients with higher SCML2 expression had lower survival rates than those with lower expression levels, while Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that SCML2 was not an independent prognostic factor for GEP-NET patients. Therefore, SCML2 may have potential as a specific marker for joint use with other markers to improve the diagnostic efficiency of GEP-NETs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao-Jiao Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Hua Huang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Ming-Bing Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Kai Ni
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Fei Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Cui-Hua Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Run-Zhou Ni
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Wang L, Cao C, Wang F, Zhao J, Li W. H2B ubiquitination: Conserved molecular mechanism, diverse physiologic functions of the E3 ligase during meiosis. Nucleus 2017. [PMID: 28628358 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2017.1330237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RNF20/Bre1 mediated H2B ubiquitination (H2Bub) has various physiologic functions. Recently, we found that H2Bub participates in meiotic recombination by promoting chromatin relaxation during meiosis. We then analyzed the phylogenetic relationships among the E3 ligase for H2Bub, its E2 Rad6 and their partner WW domain-containing adaptor with a coiled-coil (WAC) or Lge1, and found that the molecular mechanism underlying H2Bub is evolutionarily conserved from yeast to mammals. However, RNF20 has diverse physiologic functions in different organisms, which might be caused by the evolutionary divergency of their domain/motif architectures. In the current extra view, we not only elucidate the evolutionarily conserved molecular mechanism underlying H2Bub, but also discuss the diverse physiologic functions of RNF20 during meiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liying Wang
- a State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology , Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , P.R. China.,b University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , P.R. China
| | - Chunwei Cao
- a State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology , Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , P.R. China.,b University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , P.R. China
| | - Fang Wang
- a State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology , Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , P.R. China.,b University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , P.R. China
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- a State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology , Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- a State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology , Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Tedeschi G, Albani E, Borroni EM, Parini V, Brucculeri AM, Maffioli E, Negri A, Nonnis S, Maccarrone M, Levi-Setti PE. Proteomic profile of maternal-aged blastocoel fluid suggests a novel role for ubiquitin system in blastocyst quality. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 34:225-238. [PMID: 27924460 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0842-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The etiology of maternal aging, a common cause of female factor infertility and a rate-limiting step in vitro fertilization (IVF) success, remains still unclear. Proteomic changes responsible for the impaired successful pregnancy outcome after IVF with aged blastocysts have not been yet evaluated. The objective of this prospective study was to employ proteomic techniques and bioinformatic tools to enlight differences at the protein level in blastocoel fluid of aged and younger woman. METHODS Protein composition of human blastocoel fluid isolated by micromanipulation from 46 blastocysts of women aged <37 years (group A) and 29 of women aged ≥37 years (group B) have been identified by a shotgun proteomic approach based on high-resolution nano-liquid chromatography electrospray-ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (nLC-ESI-MS/MS) using label free for the relative quantification of their expression levels. RESULTS The proteomic analysis leads to the identification and quantification of 148 proteins; 132 and 116 proteins were identified in groups A and B, respectively. Interestingly, the identified proteins are mainly involved in processes aimed at fine tuning embryo implantation and development. Among the 100 proteins commonly expressed in both groups, 17 proteins are upregulated and 44 downregulated in group B compared to group A. Overall, the analysis identified 33 proteins, which were increased or present only in B while 76 were decreased in B or present only in A. CONCLUSIONS Data revealed that maternal aging mainly affects blastocyst survival and implantation through unbalancing the equilibrium of the ubiquitin system known to play a crucial role in fine-tuning several aspects required to ensure successful pregnancy outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Tedeschi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Fondazione Filarete, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Albani
- Humanitas Fertility Center, Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Monica Borroni
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Valentina Parini
- Humanitas Fertility Center, Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Brucculeri
- Humanitas Fertility Center, Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Armando Negri
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Nonnis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Emanuele Levi-Setti
- Humanitas Fertility Center, Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Meiosis is essential for reproduction in sexually reproducing organisms. A key stage in meiosis is the synapsis of maternal and paternal homologous chromosomes, accompanied by exchange of genetic material to generate crossovers. A decade ago, studies found that when chromosomes fail to synapse, the many hundreds of genes housed within them are transcriptionally inactivated. This process, meiotic silencing, is conserved in all mammals studied to date, but its purpose is not yet defined. Here, I review the molecular genetics of meiotic silencing and consider the many potential functions that it could serve in the mammalian germ line. In addition, I discuss how meiotic silencing influences sex differences in meiotic infertility and the profound impact that meiotic silencing has had on the evolution of mammalian sex chromosomes.
Collapse
|
49
|
Pinto-Fernandez A, Kessler BM. DUBbing Cancer: Deubiquitylating Enzymes Involved in Epigenetics, DNA Damage and the Cell Cycle As Therapeutic Targets. Front Genet 2016; 7:133. [PMID: 27516771 PMCID: PMC4963401 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2016.00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Controlling cell proliferation is one of the hallmarks of cancer. A number of critical checkpoints ascertain progression through the different stages of the cell cycle, which can be aborted when perturbed, for instance by errors in DNA replication and repair. These molecular checkpoints are regulated by a number of proteins that need to be present at the right time and quantity. The ubiquitin system has emerged as a central player controlling the fate and function of such molecules such as cyclins, oncogenes and components of the DNA repair machinery. In particular, proteases that cleave ubiquitin chains, referred to as deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs), have attracted recent attention due to their accessibility to modulation by small molecules. In this review, we describe recent evidence of the critical role of DUBs in aspects of cell cycle checkpoint control, associated DNA repair mechanisms and regulation of transcription, representing pathways altered in cancer. Therefore, DUBs involved in these processes emerge as potentially critical targets for the treatment of not only hematological, but potentially also solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adan Pinto-Fernandez
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
| | - Benedikt M Kessler
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Branco MR, King M, Perez-Garcia V, Bogutz AB, Caley M, Fineberg E, Lefebvre L, Cook SJ, Dean W, Hemberger M, Reik W. Maternal DNA Methylation Regulates Early Trophoblast Development. Dev Cell 2016; 36:152-63. [PMID: 26812015 PMCID: PMC4729543 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2015.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Critical roles for DNA methylation in embryonic development are well established, but less is known about its roles during trophoblast development, the extraembryonic lineage that gives rise to the placenta. We dissected the role of DNA methylation in trophoblast development by performing mRNA and DNA methylation profiling of Dnmt3a/3b mutants. We find that oocyte-derived methylation plays a major role in regulating trophoblast development but that imprinting of the key placental regulator Ascl2 is only partially responsible for these effects. We have identified several methylation-regulated genes associated with trophoblast differentiation that are involved in cell adhesion and migration, potentially affecting trophoblast invasion. Specifically, trophoblast-specific DNA methylation is linked to the silencing of Scml2, a Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 protein that drives loss of cell adhesion in methylation-deficient trophoblast. Our results reveal that maternal DNA methylation controls multiple differentiation-related and physiological processes in trophoblast via both imprinting-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Oocyte-derived DNA methylation is an important regulator of trophoblast transcription DNA methylation controls trophoblast cell adhesion Silencing of Polycomb gene Scml2 is necessary for normal trophoblast development
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel R Branco
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL, London E1 2AT, UK.
| | - Michelle King
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Vicente Perez-Garcia
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Aaron B Bogutz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Matthew Caley
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Elena Fineberg
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Louis Lefebvre
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Simon J Cook
- Signalling Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Wendy Dean
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Myriam Hemberger
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| |
Collapse
|