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Suen HC, Ou F, Miu KK, Wang Z, Chan WY, Liao J. The single-cell chromatin landscape in gonadal cell lineage specification. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:464. [PMID: 38741085 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10376-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Gonad development includes sex determination and divergent maturation of the testes and ovaries. Recent advances in measuring gene expression in single cells are providing new insights into this complex process. However, the underlying epigenetic regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we profiled chromatin accessibility in mouse gonadal cells of both sexes from embryonic day 11.5 to 14.5 using single-cell assay for transposase accessible chromatin by sequencing (scATAC-seq). Our results showed that individual cell types can be inferred by the chromatin landscape, and that cells can be temporally ordered along developmental trajectories. Integrative analysis of transcriptomic and chromatin-accessibility maps identified multiple putative regulatory elements proximal to key gonadal genes Nr5a1, Sox9 and Wt1. We also uncover cell type-specific regulatory factors underlying cell type specification. Overall, our results provide a better understanding of the epigenetic landscape associated with the progressive restriction of cell fates in the gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi Ching Suen
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fanghong Ou
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kai-Kei Miu
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhangting Wang
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai-Yee Chan
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jinyue Liao
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Faggion S, Boschi E, Veroneze R, Carnier P, Bonfatti V. Genomic Prediction and Genome-Wide Association Study for Boar Taint Compounds. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2450. [PMID: 37570259 PMCID: PMC10417264 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152450] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
With a perspective future ban on surgical castration in Europe, selecting pigs with reduced ability to accumulate boar taint (BT) compounds (androstenone, indole, skatole) in their tissues seems a promising strategy. BT compound concentrations were quantified in the adipose tissue of 1075 boars genotyped at 29,844 SNPs. Traditional and SNP-based breeding values were estimated using pedigree-based BLUP (PBLUP) and genomic BLUP (GBLUP), respectively. Heritabilities for BT compounds were moderate (0.30-0.52). The accuracies of GBLUP and PBLUP were significantly different for androstenone (0.58 and 0.36, respectively), but comparable for indole and skatole (~0.43 and ~0.47, respectively). Several SNP windows, each explaining a small percentage of the variance of BT compound concentrations, were identified in a genome-wide association study (GWAS). A total of 18 candidate genes previously associated with BT (MX1), reproduction traits (TCF21, NME5, PTGFR, KCNQ1, UMODL1), and fat metabolism (CTSD, SYT8, TNNI2, CD81, EGR1, GIPC2, MIGA1, NEGR1, CCSER1, MTMR2, LPL, ERFE) were identified in the post-GWAS analysis. The large number of genes related to fat metabolism might be explained by the relationship between sexual steroid levels and fat deposition and be partially ascribed to the pig line investigated, which is selected for ham quality and not for lean growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Faggion
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Padova, Italy; (E.B.); (P.C.); (V.B.)
| | - Elena Boschi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Padova, Italy; (E.B.); (P.C.); (V.B.)
| | - Renata Veroneze
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-999, Brazil;
| | - Paolo Carnier
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Padova, Italy; (E.B.); (P.C.); (V.B.)
| | - Valentina Bonfatti
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Padova, Italy; (E.B.); (P.C.); (V.B.)
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3
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Xie Y, Wu C, Li Z, Wu Z, Hong L. Early Gonadal Development and Sex Determination in Mammal. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147500. [PMID: 35886859 PMCID: PMC9323860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex determination is crucial for the transmission of genetic information through generations. In mammal, this process is primarily regulated by an antagonistic network of sex-related genes beginning in embryonic development and continuing throughout life. Nonetheless, abnormal expression of these sex-related genes will lead to reproductive organ and germline abnormalities, resulting in disorders of sex development (DSD) and infertility. On the other hand, it is possible to predetermine the sex of animal offspring by artificially regulating sex-related gene expression, a recent research hotspot. In this paper, we reviewed recent research that has improved our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of the gonad and primordial germ cells (PGCs), progenitors of the germline, to provide new directions for the treatment of DSD and infertility, both of which involve manipulating the sex ratio of livestock offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanshe Xie
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Changhua Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
- Correspondence: (Z.W.); (L.H.)
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
- Correspondence: (Z.W.); (L.H.)
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4
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Himanshu B, Arangasamy A, Sharanya JN, Soren N, Selvaraju S, Ghosh J, Backialakhmi S, Rani G, Ghosh S, Chouhan V, Kumar H, Bhatta R. Supplementation Effect of Dietary Flax Seed and Coconut Oil on Antioxidant Enzyme Activities, LPO, Seminal plasma protein profiling in adult ram. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
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5
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Shen L, Yu J, Ge Y, Li H, Li Y, Cao Z, Luan P, Xiao F, Gao H, Zhang H. Associations of Transcription Factor 21 Gene Polymorphisms with the Growth and Body Composition Traits in Broilers. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030393. [PMID: 35158719 PMCID: PMC8833368 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The functional SNPs discovered in this work will give helpful information on the crucial molecular markers that may be employed in breeding efforts to improve the heart development of broiler chickens. Abstract This study aims to identify molecular marker loci that could be applied in broiler breeding programs. In this study, we used public databases to locate the Transcription factor 21 (TCF21) gene that affected the economically important traits in broilers. Ten single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected in the TCF21 gene by monoclonal sequencing. The polymorphisms of these 10 SNPs in the TCF21 gene were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with multiple growth and body composition traits. Furthermore, the TT genotype of g.-911T>G was identified to significantly increase the heart weight trait without affecting the negative traits, such as abdominal fat and reproduction by multiple methods. Thus, it was speculated that the g.-911T>G identified in the TCF21 gene might be used in marker-assisted selection in the broiler breeding program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyong Shen
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (L.S.); (Y.G.); (H.L.); (Y.L.); (Z.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Jiaqiang Yu
- Forest Investigating and Planning Institute of Daxinganling, Yakshi 022150, China;
| | - Yaowen Ge
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (L.S.); (Y.G.); (H.L.); (Y.L.); (Z.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (L.S.); (Y.G.); (H.L.); (Y.L.); (Z.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Yumao Li
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (L.S.); (Y.G.); (H.L.); (Y.L.); (Z.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Zhiping Cao
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (L.S.); (Y.G.); (H.L.); (Y.L.); (Z.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Peng Luan
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (L.S.); (Y.G.); (H.L.); (Y.L.); (Z.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Fan Xiao
- Fujian Sunnzer Biotechnology Development Co., Ltd., Nanping 354100, China; (F.X.); (H.G.)
| | - Haihe Gao
- Fujian Sunnzer Biotechnology Development Co., Ltd., Nanping 354100, China; (F.X.); (H.G.)
| | - Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (L.S.); (Y.G.); (H.L.); (Y.L.); (Z.C.); (P.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-451-55191486
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6
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Shen YC, Shami AN, Moritz L, Larose H, Manske GL, Ma Q, Zheng X, Sukhwani M, Czerwinski M, Sultan C, Chen H, Gurczynski SJ, Spence JR, Orwig KE, Tallquist M, Li JZ, Hammoud SS. TCF21 + mesenchymal cells contribute to testis somatic cell development, homeostasis, and regeneration in mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3876. [PMID: 34162856 PMCID: PMC8222243 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24130-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular development and function rely on interactions between somatic cells and the germline, but similar to other organs, regenerative capacity declines in aging and disease. Whether the adult testis maintains a reserve progenitor population remains uncertain. Here, we characterize a recently identified mouse testis interstitial population expressing the transcription factor Tcf21. We found that TCF21lin cells are bipotential somatic progenitors present in fetal testis and ovary, maintain adult testis homeostasis during aging, and act as potential reserve somatic progenitors following injury. In vitro, TCF21lin cells are multipotent mesenchymal progenitors which form multiple somatic lineages including Leydig and myoid cells. Additionally, TCF21+ cells resemble resident fibroblast populations reported in other organs having roles in tissue homeostasis, fibrosis, and regeneration. Our findings reveal that the testis, like other organs, maintains multipotent mesenchymal progenitors that can be potentially leveraged in development of future therapies for hypoandrogenism and/or infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chi Shen
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Lindsay Moritz
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hailey Larose
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gabriel L Manske
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Qianyi Ma
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xianing Zheng
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael Czerwinski
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Caleb Sultan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Haolin Chen
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, John Hopkins, USA
| | | | - Jason R Spence
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michelle Tallquist
- University of Hawaii, Center for Cardiovascular Research, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Jun Z Li
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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7
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Lotfi CFP, Passaia BS, Kremer JL. Role of the bHLH transcription factor TCF21 in development and tumorigenesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 54:e10637. [PMID: 33729392 PMCID: PMC7959166 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x202010637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors control, coordinate, and separate the functions of distinct network modules spatially and temporally. In this review, we focus on the transcription factor 21 (TCF21) network, a highly conserved basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein that functions to integrate signals and modulate gene expression. We summarize the molecular and biological properties of TCF21 control with an emphasis on molecular and functional TCF21 interactions. We suggest that these interactions serve to modulate the development of different organs at the transcriptional level to maintain growth homeostasis and to influence cell fate. Importantly, TCF21 expression is epigenetically inactivated in different types of human cancers. The epigenetic modification or activation and/or loss of TCF21 expression results in an imbalance in TCF21 signaling, which may lead to tumor initiation and, most likely, to progression and tumor metastasis. This review focuses on research on the roles of TCF21 in development and tumorigenesis systematically considering the physiological and pathological function of TCF21. In addition, we focus on the main molecular bases of its different roles whose importance should be clarified in future research. For this review, PubMed databases and keywords such as TCF21, POD-1, capsulin, tumors, carcinomas, tumorigenesis, development, and mechanism of action were utilized. Articles were selected within a historical context as were a number of citations from journals with relevant impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- C F P Lotfi
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Anatomia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - B S Passaia
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Anatomia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - J L Kremer
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Anatomia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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8
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Gangisetty O, Mead EA, Sarkar DK. Sex-Determining Region Y Controls the Effects of Fetal Alcohol Exposure on Proopiomelanocortin Gene Expression. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:608102. [PMID: 33796006 PMCID: PMC8008069 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.608102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol exposure (FAE) causes various neurodevelopmental deficits in offspring, including reduced expression of the stress regulatory proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) gene and an elevated stress response for multiple generations via the male germline. Male germline-specific effects of FAE on the Pomc gene raises the question if the sex-determining region Y (SRY) may have a role in regulating Pomc gene expression. Using a transgenerational model of FAE in Fischer 344 rats, we determined the role of SRY in the regulation of the Pomc gene. FAEs, like on the Pomc gene, reduced Sry gene expression in sperm and the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) in male adult offspring. Fetal alcohol-induced inhibition of Sry gene expression was associated with increased Sry promoter DNA methylation. Additionally, fetal alcohol effects on the Sry gene persisted for three generations in the male germline but not in the female germline. Sry gene knockdown reduced the Pomc gene expression. Sry recruitment onto the Pomc promoter was found to be reduced in the hypothalamus of fetal alcohol-exposed rats compared to control rats. Pomc promoter luciferase activity was increased following Sry overexpression. A site-directed mutagenesis study revealed that SRY binding sites are required for POMC promoter transcription activity. Overall, these findings suggest that SRY plays a stimulatory role in the regulation of Pomc gene expression and may potentially contribute to the fetal alcohol-induced changes in the level of Pomc gene expression for multiple generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omkaram Gangisetty
- Rutgers Endocrine Research Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Edward A Mead
- Rutgers Endocrine Research Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Dipak K Sarkar
- Rutgers Endocrine Research Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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9
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TCF21: a critical transcription factor in health and cancer. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1055-1068. [DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01934-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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10
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Zhang H, Shen LY, Xu ZC, Kramer LM, Yu JQ, Zhang XY, Na W, Yang LL, Cao ZP, Luan P, Reecy JM, Li H. Haplotype-based genome-wide association studies for carcass and growth traits in chicken. Poult Sci 2020; 99:2349-2361. [PMID: 32359570 PMCID: PMC7597553 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been several genome-wide association study (GWAS) reported for carcass, growth, and meat traits in chickens. Most of these studies have been based on single SNPs GWAS. In contrast, haplotype-based GWAS reports have been limited. In the present study, 2 Northeast Agricultural University broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat content (NEAUHLF) and genotyped with the chicken 60K SNP chip were used to perform a haplotype-based GWAS. The lean and fat chicken lines were selected for abdominal fat content for 11 yr. Abdominal fat weight was significantly different between the 2 lines; however, there was no difference for body weight between the lean and fat lines. A total of 132 haplotype windows were significantly associated with abdominal fat weight. These significantly associated haplotype windows were primarily located on chromosomes 2, 4, 8, 10, and 26. Seven candidate genes, including SHH, LMBR1, FGF7, IL16, PLIN1, IGF1R, and SLC16A1, were located within these associated regions. These genes may play important roles in the control of abdominal fat content. Two regions on chromosomes 3 and 10 were significantly associated with testis weight. These 2 regions were previously detected by the single SNP GWAS using this same resource population. TCF21 on chromosome 3 was identified as a potentially important candidate gene for testis growth and development based on gene expression analysis and the reported function of this gene. TCF12, which was previously detected in our SNP by SNP interaction analysis, was located in a region on chromosome 10 that was significantly associated with testis weight. Six candidate genes, including TNFRSF1B, PLOD1, NPPC, MTHFR, EPHB2, and SLC35A3, on chromosome 21 may play important roles in bone development based on the known function of these genes. In addition, several regions were significantly associated with other carcass and growth traits, but no candidate genes were identified. The results of the present study may be helpful in understanding the genetic mechanisms of carcass and growth traits in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Lin-Yong Shen
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Zi-Chun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Luke M Kramer
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Jia-Qiang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Xin-Yang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Wei Na
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Li-Li Yang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Zhi-Ping Cao
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Peng Luan
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - James M Reecy
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China.
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11
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Ganna A, Verweij KJH, Nivard MG, Maier R, Wedow R, Busch AS, Abdellaoui A, Guo S, Sathirapongsasuti JF, Lichtenstein P, Lundström S, Långström N, Auton A, Harris KM, Beecham GW, Martin ER, Sanders AR, Perry JRB, Neale BM, Zietsch BP. Large-scale GWAS reveals insights into the genetic architecture of same-sex sexual behavior. Science 2019; 365:eaat7693. [PMID: 31467194 PMCID: PMC7082777 DOI: 10.1126/science.aat7693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Twin and family studies have shown that same-sex sexual behavior is partly genetically influenced, but previous searches for specific genes involved have been underpowered. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 477,522 individuals, revealing five loci significantly associated with same-sex sexual behavior. In aggregate, all tested genetic variants accounted for 8 to 25% of variation in same-sex sexual behavior, only partially overlapped between males and females, and do not allow meaningful prediction of an individual's sexual behavior. Comparing these GWAS results with those for the proportion of same-sex to total number of sexual partners among nonheterosexuals suggests that there is no single continuum from opposite-sex to same-sex sexual behavior. Overall, our findings provide insights into the genetics underlying same-sex sexual behavior and underscore the complexity of sexuality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ganna
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin J H Verweij
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 5, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Michel G Nivard
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Robert Maier
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Robbee Wedow
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Sociology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Sociology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0483, USA
- Health and Society Program and Population Program, Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0483, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0483, USA
| | - Alexander S Busch
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Abdel Abdellaoui
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 5, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Shengru Guo
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | | | - Paul Lichtenstein
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Lundström
- Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Niklas Långström
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Kathleen Mullan Harris
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
- Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gary W Beecham
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Eden R Martin
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Alan R Sanders
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, NorthShore University HealthSystem Research Institute, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - John R B Perry
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin M Neale
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Brendan P Zietsch
- Centre for Psychology and Evolution, School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia.
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Gao Y, Li S, Lai Z, Zhou Z, Wu F, Huang Y, Lan X, Lei C, Chen H, Dang R. Analysis of Long Non-Coding RNA and mRNA Expression Profiling in Immature and Mature Bovine ( Bos taurus) Testes. Front Genet 2019; 10:646. [PMID: 31333723 PMCID: PMC6624472 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Testis development and spermatogenesis are strictly regulated by numbers of genes and non-coding genes. However, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as key regulators in multitudinous biological processes have not been systematically identified in bovine testes during sexual maturation. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed lncRNA and mRNA expression profiling of six bovine testes at 3 days after birth and 13 months by RNA sequencing. 23,735 lncRNAs and 22,118 mRNAs were identified, in which 540 lncRNAs (P-value < 0.05) and 3,525 mRNAs (P-adjust < 0.05) were significantly differentially expressed (DE) between two stages. Correspondingly, the results of RT-qPCR analysis showed well correlation with the transcriptome data. Moreover, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that DE genes and target genes of DE lncRNAs were enriched in spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we constructed lncRNA–gene interaction networks; consequently, 15 DE lncRNAs and 12 cis-target genes were involved. The target genes (SPATA16, TCF21, ZPBP, PACRG, ATP8B3, COMP, ACE, and OSBP2) were found associated with bovine sexual maturation. In addition, the expression of lncRNAs and cis-target genes was detected in bovine Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and spermatogonia. Our study identified and analyzed lncRNAs and mRNAs in testis tissues, suggesting that lncRNAs may regulate testis development and spermatogenesis. Our findings provided new insights for further investigation of biological function in bovine lncRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Shipeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Zhenyu Lai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Zihui Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Fei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yongzhen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Xianyong Lan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Chuzhao Lei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Ruihua Dang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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13
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Sexual dimorphism in brain transcriptomes of Amami spiny rats (Tokudaia osimensis): a rodent species where males lack the Y chromosome. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:87. [PMID: 30683046 PMCID: PMC6347839 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5426-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Brain sexual differentiation is sculpted by precise coordination of steroid hormones during development. Programming of several brain regions in males depends upon aromatase conversion of testosterone to estrogen. However, it is not clear the direct contribution that Y chromosome associated genes, especially sex-determining region Y (Sry), might exert on brain sexual differentiation in therian mammals. Two species of spiny rats: Amami spiny rat (Tokudaia osimensis) and Tokunoshima spiny rat (T. tokunoshimensis) lack a Y chromosome/Sry, and these individuals possess an XO chromosome system in both sexes. Both Tokudaia species are highly endangered. To assess the neural transcriptome profile in male and female Amami spiny rats, RNA was isolated from brain samples of adult male and female spiny rats that had died accidentally and used for RNAseq analyses. Results RNAseq analyses confirmed that several genes and individual transcripts were differentially expressed between males and females. In males, seminal vesicle secretory protein 5 (Svs5) and cytochrome P450 1B1 (Cyp1b1) genes were significantly elevated compared to females, whereas serine (or cysteine) peptidase inhibitor, clade A, member 3 N (Serpina3n) was upregulated in females. Many individual transcripts elevated in males included those encoding for zinc finger proteins, e.g. zinc finger protein X-linked (Zfx). Conclusions This method successfully identified several genes and transcripts that showed expression differences in the brain of adult male and female Amami spiny rat. The functional significance of these findings, especially differential expression of transcripts encoding zinc finger proteins, in this unusual rodent species remains to be determined. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5426-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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14
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Yang Y, Workman S, Wilson M. The molecular pathways underlying early gonadal development. J Mol Endocrinol 2018; 62:JME-17-0314. [PMID: 30042122 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The body of knowledge surrounding reproductive development spans the fields of genetics, anatomy, physiology and biomedicine, to build a comprehensive understanding of the later stages of reproductive development in humans and animal models. Despite this, there remains much to learn about the bi-potential progenitor structure that the ovary and testis arise from, known as the genital ridge (GR). This tissue forms relatively late in embryonic development and has the potential to form either the ovary or testis, which in turn produce hormones required for development of the rest of the reproductive tract. It is imperative that we understand the genetic networks underpinning GR development if we are to begin to understand abnormalities in the adult. This is particularly relevant in the contexts of disorders of sex development (DSDs) and infertility, two conditions that many individuals struggle with worldwide, with often no answers as to their aetiology. Here, we review what is known about the genetics of GR development. Investigating the genetic networks required for GR formation will not only contribute to our understanding of the genetic regulation of reproductive development, it may in turn open new avenues of investigation into reproductive abnormalities and later fertility issues in the adult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisheng Yang
- Y Yang, Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Megan Wilson
- M Wilson , Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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15
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Rosenfeld CS. Brain Sexual Differentiation and Requirement of SRY: Why or Why Not? Front Neurosci 2017; 11:632. [PMID: 29200993 PMCID: PMC5696354 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain sexual differentiation is orchestrated by precise coordination of sex steroid hormones. In some species, programming of select male brain regions is dependent upon aromatization of testosterone to estrogen. In mammals, these hormones surge during the organizational and activational periods that occur during perinatal development and adulthood, respectively. In various fish and reptiles, incubation temperature during a critical embryonic period results in male or female sexual differentiation, but this can be overridden in males by early exposure to estrogenic chemicals. Testes development in mammals requires a Y chromosome and testis determining gene SRY (in humans)/Sry (all other therian mammals), although there are notable exceptions. Two species of spiny rats: Amami spiny rat (Tokudaia osimensis) and Tokunoshima spiny rat (Tokudaia tokunoshimensis) and two species of mole voles (Ellobius lutescens and Ellobius tancrei), lack a Y chromosome/Sry and possess an XO chromosome system in both sexes. Such rodent species, prototherians (monotremes, who also lack Sry), and fish and reptile species that demonstrate temperature sex determination (TSD) seemingly call into question the requirement of Sry for brain sexual differentiation. This review will consider brain regions expressing SRY/Sry in humans and rodents, respectively, and potential roles of SRY/Sry in the brain will be discussed. The evidence from various taxa disputing the requirement of Sry for brain sexual differentiation in mammals (therians and prototherians) and certain fish and reptilian species will be examined. A comparative approach to address this question may elucidate other genes, pathways, and epigenetic modifications stimulating brain sexual differentiation in vertebrate species, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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16
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Molecular characterization of Pod1 during sex development in Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 494:714-718. [PMID: 29106955 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.10.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pod1 encodes a Class II bHLH transcription factor involved in the development of a number of tissues such as gonad, spleen, lungs and heart. However, to date, little is known about its function in teleosts. In this study, we cloned and characterized Pod1 gene from Cynoglossus semilaevis. This gene contains three exons and two introns, with the full-length cDNA of 918 nucleotides that encodes a 183 amino acid protein with a conserved bHLH domain. Realtime quantitative PCR revealed that Pod1 was predominantly expressed in the testes of C. semilaevis. In different stages of testes development, Pod1 expression was undetectable up to 120 days after hatching (dah), and then increased at 210 dah and 1 year after hatching (yah). Furthermore, in situ hybridization (ISH) analysis revealed that Pod1 was mainly localized in the germ cells of testes, but was not detected in ovarian cells; which suggested its possible functions in spermatogenesis of C. semilaevis. The methylation profile analysis of Pod1 genomic sequence in the gonads showed that the differences in their putative promoter regions of Pod1 among ovary, male and pseudo-male testes were not obvious. Thus, further research might be needed to evaluate whether Pod1 expression is regulated by epigenetic level.
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17
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Zhang H, Na W, Zhang HL, Wang N, Du ZQ, Wang SZ, Wang ZP, Zhang Z, Li H. TCF21 is related to testis growth and development in broiler chickens. Genet Sel Evol 2017; 49:25. [PMID: 28235410 PMCID: PMC5326497 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-017-0299-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Large amounts of fat deposition often lead to loss of reproductive efficiency in humans and animals. We used broiler chickens as a model species to conduct a two-directional selection for and against abdominal fat over 19 generations, which resulted in a lean and a fat line. Direct selection for abdominal fat content also indirectly resulted in significant differences (P < 0.05) in testis weight (TeW) and in TeW as a percentage of total body weight (TeP) between the lean and fat lines. Results A total of 475 individuals from the generation 11 (G11) were genotyped. Genome-wide association studies revealed two regions on chicken chromosomes 3 and 10 that were associated with TeW and TeP. Forty G16 individuals (20 from each line), were further profiled by focusing on these two chromosomal regions, to identify candidate genes with functions that may be potentially related to testis growth and development. Of the nine candidate genes identified with database mining, a significant association was confirmed for one gene, TCF21, based on mRNA expression analysis. Gene expression analysis of the TCF21 gene was conducted again across 30 G19 individuals (15 individuals from each line) and the results confirmed the findings on the G16 animals. Conclusions This study revealed that the TCF21 gene is related to testis growth and development in male broilers. This finding will be useful to guide future studies to understand the genetic mechanisms that underlie reproductive efficiency. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12711-017-0299-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Na
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Du
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Shou-Zhi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Peng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Bashamboo A, Eozenou C, Rojo S, McElreavey K. Anomalies in human sex determination provide unique insights into the complex genetic interactions of early gonad development. Clin Genet 2017; 91:143-156. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.12932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Bashamboo
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit; Institut Pasteur; Paris France
| | - C. Eozenou
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit; Institut Pasteur; Paris France
| | - S. Rojo
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit; Institut Pasteur; Paris France
| | - K. McElreavey
- Human Developmental Genetics Unit; Institut Pasteur; Paris France
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19
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Contreras GA, Thelen K, Ayala-Lopez N, Watts SW. The distribution and adipogenic potential of perivascular adipose tissue adipocyte progenitors is dependent on sexual dimorphism and vessel location. Physiol Rep 2016; 4:e12993. [PMID: 27738018 PMCID: PMC5064145 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.12993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There are sex associated differences in the risk for cardiovascular comorbidities in obesity and metabolic syndrome. A common clinical finding in these diseases is the expansion of perivascular adipose tissues (PVAT) which is associated with alterations in their role as regulators of vessel function. PVAT hyperplasia and hypertrophy are dependent on the biology of populations of adipocyte progenitor cells (APC). It is currently unclear if PVAT enlargement diverges between males and females and the mechanisms linking APC biology with sexual dimorphism remain poorly understood. This study tested the hypothesis that vessel location and sexual dimorphism affect the distribution and adipogenic capacity of APC in cardiovascular disease risk relevant PVAT sites. PVAT from thoracic aorta (aPVAT) and mesenteric resistance arteries (mPVAT) was collected from 10-week-old female and male Sprague-Dawley rats. Differences in APC distribution in stromal vascular fraction cells from PVAT were determined. APC were defined as cells expressing CD34, CD44, and platelet derived growth factor α In both sexes aPVAT had fewer APC compared to mPVAT and perigonadal adipose tissue (GON). Sex-related differences were observed in the expression of CD34, where females had fewer CD34+ cells in PVATs. APC proliferation and adipogenic capacity in vitro were not affected by sex. However, APC from aPVAT had a lower proliferation capacity compared to mPVAT These data demonstrate that the distribution of APC within PVAT exhibits sexual dimorphism and is affected by anatomical location.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Andres Contreras
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Kyan Thelen
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Nadia Ayala-Lopez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Stephanie W Watts
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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20
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Wang LH, Baker NE. E Proteins and ID Proteins: Helix-Loop-Helix Partners in Development and Disease. Dev Cell 2016; 35:269-80. [PMID: 26555048 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2015.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 10/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) proteins represent a well-known class of transcriptional regulators. Many bHLH proteins act as heterodimers with members of a class of ubiquitous partners, the E proteins. A widely expressed class of inhibitory heterodimer partners-the Inhibitor of DNA-binding (ID) proteins-also exists. Genetic and molecular analyses in humans and in knockout mice implicate E proteins and ID proteins in a wide variety of diseases, belying the notion that they are non-specific partner proteins. Here, we explore relationships of E proteins and ID proteins to a variety of disease processes and highlight gaps in knowledge of disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Hsin Wang
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Nicholas E Baker
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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21
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Skinner MK, Bhandari RK, Haque MM, Nilsson EE. Environmentally Induced Epigenetic Transgenerational Inheritance of Altered SRY Genomic Binding During Gonadal Sex Determination. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2015; 1:dvv004. [PMID: 27175298 PMCID: PMC4862609 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvv004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A critical transcription factor required for mammalian male sex determination is SRY (sex determining region on the Y chromosome). The expression of SRY in precursor Sertoli cells is one of the initial events in testis development. The current study was designed to determine the impact of environmentally induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance on SRY binding during gonadal sex determination in the male. The agricultural fungicide vinclozolin and vehicle control (DMSO) exposed gestating females (F0 generation) during gonadal sex determination promoted the transgenerational inheritance of differential DNA methylation in sperm of the F3 generation (great grand-offspring). The fetal gonads in F3 generation males were used to identify potential alterations in SRY binding sites in the developing Sertoli cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation with an SRY antibody followed by genome-wide promoter tiling array (ChIP-Chip) was used to identify alterations in SRY binding. A total of 81 adjacent oligonucleotide sites and 173 single oligo SRY binding sites were identified to be altered transgenerationally in the Sertoli cell vinclozolin lineage F3 generation males. Observations demonstrate the majority of the previously identified normal SRY binding sites were not altered and the altered SRY binding sites were novel and new additional sites. The chromosomal locations, gene associations and potentially modified cellular pathways were investigated. In summary, environmentally induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of germline epimutations appears to alter the cellular differentiation and development of the precursor Sertoli cell SRY binding during gonadal sex determination that influence the developmental origins of adult onset testis disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K. Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
| | - Ramji K. Bhandari
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
| | - M. Muksitul Haque
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
| | - Eric E. Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
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22
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Yang Z, Li DM, Xie Q, Dai DQ. Protein expression and promoter methylation of the candidate biomarker TCF21 in gastric cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2014; 141:211-20. [PMID: 25156819 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-014-1809-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Transcription factor 21 (TCF21) has been identified as a candidate tumor suppressor at 6q23-q24 that is epigenetically inactivated in many types of human cancers. This study aimed to determine the expression of TCF21 mRNA and protein in gastric cancer cell lines and tissue specimens and then investigate the prognostic impact of TCF21 expression in gastric cancer and analyze the relationship between TCF21 expression and methylation level. METHODS We used real-time PCR and immunohistochemical staining to detect the expression of TCF21 and used methylation-specific-PCR to determine the methylation status of TCF21 in gastric cancer samples and gastric cancer cell lines. RESULTS The results showed that TCF21 expression level in gastric cancer samples was significantly lower than in normal adjacent tissue samples. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that TCF21 was a significant prognosticator of cancer-specific survival (p = 0.001). Furthermore, the methylation level of TCF21 in gastric cancer samples was much higher than the samples in normal adjacent tissue. Treatment with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-Aza-2'-deoxy-cytidine can upregulate the expression of TCF21 in gastric cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the low expression of TCF21 was an independent prognostic factor for poor survival in patients with gastric cancer. Aberrant methylation was an important reason for the downregulation of TCF21 and may be associated with tumorigenesis in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Yang
- Cancer Center, The Fourth Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Regulation of male sex determination: genital ridge formation and Sry activation in mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:4781-802. [PMID: 25139092 PMCID: PMC4233110 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1703-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sex determination is essential for the sexual reproduction to generate the next generation by the formation of functional male or female gametes. In mammals, primary sex determination is commenced by the presence or absence of the Y chromosome, which controls the fate of the gonadal primordium. The somatic precursor of gonads, the genital ridge is formed at the mid-gestation stage and gives rise to one of two organs, a testis or an ovary. The fate of the genital ridge, which is governed by the differentiation of somatic cells into Sertoli cells in the testes or granulosa cells in the ovaries, further determines the sex of an individual and their germ cells. Mutation studies in human patients with disorders of sex development and mouse models have revealed factors that are involved in mammalian sex determination. In most of mammals, a single genetic trigger, the Y-linked gene Sry (sex determination region on Y chromosome), regulates testicular differentiation. Despite identification of Sry in 1990, precise mechanisms underlying the sex determination of bipotential genital ridges are still largely unknown. Here, we review the recent progress that has provided new insights into the mechanisms underlying genital ridge formation as well as the regulation of Sry expression and its functions in male sex determination of mice.
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Guerrero-Bosagna C, Skinner MK. Environmental epigenetics and effects on male fertility. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 791:67-81. [PMID: 23955673 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-7783-9_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Environmental exposures to factors such as toxicants or nutrition can have impacts on testis biology and male fertility. The ability of these factors to influence epigenetic mechanisms in early life exposures or from ancestral exposures will be reviewed. A growing number of examples suggest environmental epigenetics will be a critical factor to consider in male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Guerrero-Bosagna
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
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The Potential Role of SRY in Epigenetic Gene Regulation During Brain Sexual Differentiation in Mammals. EPIGENETIC SHAPING OF SOCIOSEXUAL INTERACTIONS - FROM PLANTS TO HUMANS 2014; 86:135-65. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800222-3.00007-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Kakhki SA, Shahhoseini M, Salekdeh GH. Comparative SRY incorporation on the regulatory regions of pluripotency/differentiation genes in human embryonic carcinoma cells after retinoic acid induction. Mol Cell Biochem 2013; 376:145-50. [PMID: 23361361 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-013-1562-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Members of the SOX (SRY box) family proteins play critical roles in multiple aspects of development. SRY, as a founder member of SOX family, has been long believed to be involved in the development of sexual gonads by triggering signaling cascades which lead to the formation of testis or ovary from bipotential gonads. However, less is known about other potential regulatory roles of SRY in the development and differentiation. In order to gain further insight into the possible roles of SRY during development, we looked into possible SRY-regulated genes and their levels of expression in a human embryonic carcinoma cell line, named NTera2, before and after induction of differentiation. For this respect, SRY incorporation on the regulatory regions of two groups of genes including OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2 as pluripotency marker genes, and NESTIN and PAX6 as differentiation marker genes were evaluated quantitatively. Chromatin immunoprecipitation using SRY antibody was performed on chromatin extract of a human embryonic carcinoma cell line, NT2/NTERA-2, before and after onset of differentiation. The results showed that incorporation of SRY in both groups of genes was increased after induction of differentiation. Besides, lower expression of OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG and higher expression of PAX6 and NESTIN genes in differentiated cells suggest that SRY may act as a transcription repressor for pluripotency-associated genes and as a transcription activator for differentiation-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ashrafi Kakhki
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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27
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Bhandari RK, Schinke EN, Haque MM, Sadler-Riggleman I, Skinner MK. SRY induced TCF21 genome-wide targets and cascade of bHLH factors during Sertoli cell differentiation and male sex determination in rats. Biol Reprod 2012; 87:131. [PMID: 23034159 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.099663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Male sex determination is initiated through the testis-determining factor SRY that promotes Sertoli cell differentiation and subsequent gonadal development. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) gene Tcf21 was identified as one of the direct downstream targets of SRY. The current study was designed to identify the downstream targets of TCF21 and the potential cascade of bHLH genes that promote Sertoli cell differentiation. A modified ChIP-Chip comparative hybridization analysis identified 121 direct downstream binding targets for TCF21. The gene networks and cellular pathways potentially regulated by these TCF21 targets were identified. One of the main bHLH targets for TCF21 was the bHLH gene scleraxis (Scx). An embryonic ovarian gonadal cell culture was used to examine the functional role of Sry, Tcf21, and Scx to promote an in vitro sex reversal and induction of Sertoli cell differentiation. SRY and TCF21 were found to induce the initial stages of Sertoli cell differentiation, whereas SCX was found to induce the later stages of Sertoli cell differentiation associated with pubertal development using transferrin gene expression as a marker. Therefore, a cascade of SRY followed by TCF21 followed by SCX appears to promote, in part, Sertoli cell fate determination and subsequent differentiation. The current observations help elucidate the initial molecular events involved in the induction of Sertoli cell differentiation and testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramji K Bhandari
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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29
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Bhandari RK, Haque MM, Skinner MK. Global genome analysis of the downstream binding targets of testis determining factor SRY and SOX9. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43380. [PMID: 22984422 PMCID: PMC3440412 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A major event in mammalian male sex determination is the induction of the testis determining factor Sry and its downstream gene Sox9. The current study provides one of the first genome wide analyses of the downstream gene binding targets for SRY and SOX9 to help elucidate the molecular control of Sertoli cell differentiation and testis development. A modified ChIP-Chip analysis using a comparative hybridization was used to identify 71 direct downstream binding targets for SRY and 109 binding targets for SOX9. Interestingly, only 5 gene targets overlapped between SRY and SOX9. In addition to the direct response element binding gene targets, a large number of atypical binding gene targets were identified for both SRY and SOX9. Bioinformatic analysis of the downstream binding targets identified gene networks and cellular pathways potentially involved in the induction of Sertoli cell differentiation and testis development. The specific DNA sequence binding site motifs for both SRY and SOX9 were identified. Observations provide insights into the molecular control of male gonadal sex determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramji K. Bhandari
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Md. M. Haque
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Michael K. Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
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Viveros MP, Mendrek A, Paus T, López-Rodríguez AB, Marco EM, Yehuda R, Cohen H, Lehrner A, Wagner EJ. A comparative, developmental, and clinical perspective of neurobehavioral sexual dimorphisms. Front Neurosci 2012; 6:84. [PMID: 22701400 PMCID: PMC3372960 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2012.00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Women and men differ in a wide variety of behavioral traits and in their vulnerability to developing certain mental disorders. This review endeavors to explore how recent preclinical and clinical research findings have enhanced our understanding of the factors that underlie these disparities. We start with a brief overview of some of the important genetic, molecular, and hormonal determinants that contribute to the process of sexual differentiation. We then discuss the importance of animal models in studying the mechanisms responsible for sex differences in neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., drug dependence) - with a special emphasis on experimental models based on the neurodevelopmental and "three hits" hypotheses. Next, we describe the most common brain phenotypes observed in vivo with magnetic resonance imaging. We discuss the challenges in interpreting these phenotypes vis-à-vis the underlying neurobiology and revisit the known sex differences in brain structure from birth, through adolescence, and into adulthood. This is followed by a presentation of pertinent clinical and epidemiological data that point to important sex differences in the prevalence, course, and expression of psychopathologies such as schizophrenia, and mood disorders including major depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Recent evidence implies that mood disorders and psychosis share some common genetic predispositions and neurobiological bases. Therefore, modern research is emphasizing dimensional representation of mental disorders and conceptualization of schizophrenia and major depression as a continuum of cognitive deficits and neurobiological abnormalities. Herein, we examine available evidence on cerebral sexual dimorphism to verify if sex differences vary quantitatively and/or qualitatively along the psychoses-depression continuum. Finally, sex differences in the prevalence of posttraumatic disorder and drug abuse have been described, and we consider the genomic and molecular data supporting these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Paz Viveros
- Physiology Department (Animal Physiology II), Biology Faculty, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Complutense University of Madrid Madrid, Spain
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31
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Increased loss of the Y chromosome in peripheral blood cells in male patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. J Autoimmun 2012; 38:J193-6. [PMID: 22196921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2011.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Xu Z, Gao X, He Y, Ju J, Zhang M, Liu R, Wu Y, Ma C, Ma C, Lin Z, Huang X, Zhao Q. Synergistic effect of SRY and its direct target, WDR5, on Sox9 expression. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34327. [PMID: 22523547 PMCID: PMC3327683 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 02/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
SRY is a sex-determining gene that encodes a transcription factor, which triggers male development in most mammals. The molecular mechanism of SRY action in testis determination is, however, poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that WDR5, which encodes a WD-40 repeat protein, is a direct target of SRY. EMSA experiments and ChIP assays showed that SRY could bind to the WDR5 gene promoter directly. Overexpression of SRY in LNCaP cells significantly increased WDR5 expression concurrent with histone H3K4 methylation on the WDR5 promoter. To specifically address whether SRY contributes to WDR5 regulation, we introduced a 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen-inducible SRY allele into LNCaP cells. Conditional SRY expression triggered enrichment of SRY on the WDR5 promoter resulting in induction of WDR5 transcription. We found that WDR5 was self regulating through a positive feedback loop. WDR5 and SRY interacted and were colocalized in cells. In addition, the interaction of WDR5 with SRY resulted in activation of Sox9 while repressing the expression of β-catenin. These results suggest that, in conjunction with SRY, WDR5 plays an important role in sex determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Molecular Immunology and Cancer Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinxing Gao
- Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yinghong He
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Molecular Immunology and Cancer Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Dali University, Yunnan, China
| | - Junyi Ju
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Molecular Immunology and Cancer Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Molecular Immunology and Cancer Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ronghua Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Molecular Immunology and Cancer Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yupeng Wu
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Molecular Immunology and Cancer Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunyan Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Molecular Immunology and Cancer Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chi Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Molecular Immunology and Cancer Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhaoyu Lin
- Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingxu Huang
- Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Quan Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Molecular Immunology and Cancer Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail:
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33
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Warr N, Greenfield A. The molecular and cellular basis of gonadal sex reversal in mice and humans. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2012; 1:559-77. [PMID: 23801533 PMCID: PMC3709125 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian gonad is adapted for the production of germ cells and is an endocrine gland that controls sexual maturation and fertility. Gonadal sex reversal, namely, the development of ovaries in an XY individual or testes in an XX, has fascinated biologists for decades. The phenomenon suggests the existence of genetic suppressors of the male and female developmental pathways and molecular genetic studies, particularly in the mouse, have revealed controlled antagonism at the core of mammalian sex determination. Both testis and ovary determination represent design solutions to a number of problems: how to generate cells with the right properties to populate the organ primordium; how to produce distinct organs from an initially bipotential primordium; how to pattern an organ when the expression of key cell fate determinants is initiated only in a discrete region of the primordium and extends to other regions asynchronously; how to coordinate the interaction between distinct cell types in time and space and stabilize the resulting morphology; and how to maintain the differentiated state of the organ throughout the adult period. Some of these, and related problems, are common to organogenesis in general; some are distinctive to gonad development. In this review, we discuss recent studies of the molecular and cellular events underlying testis and ovary development, with an emphasis on the phenomenon of gonadal sex reversal and its causes in mice and humans. Finally, we discuss sex-determining loci and disorders of sex development in humans and the future of research in this important area. WIREs Dev Biol 2012, 1:559–577. doi: 10.1002/wdev.42
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Warr
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell, Oxfordshire, UK
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