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Dai P, Ma C, Chen C, Liang M, Dong S, Chen H, Zhang X. Unlocking Genetic Mysteries during the Epic Sperm Journey toward Fertilization: Further Expanding Cre Mouse Lines. Biomolecules 2024; 14:529. [PMID: 38785936 PMCID: PMC11117649 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The spatiotemporal expression patterns of genes are crucial for maintaining normal physiological functions in animals. Conditional gene knockout using the cyclization recombination enzyme (Cre)/locus of crossover of P1 (Cre/LoxP) strategy has been extensively employed for functional assays at specific tissue or developmental stages. This approach aids in uncovering the associations between phenotypes and gene regulation while minimizing interference among distinct tissues. Various Cre-engineered mouse models have been utilized in the male reproductive system, including Dppa3-MERCre for primordial germ cells, Ddx4-Cre and Stra8-Cre for spermatogonia, Prm1-Cre and Acrv1-iCre for haploid spermatids, Cyp17a1-iCre for the Leydig cell, Sox9-Cre for the Sertoli cell, and Lcn5/8/9-Cre for differentiated segments of the epididymis. Notably, the specificity and functioning stage of Cre recombinases vary, and the efficiency of recombination driven by Cre depends on endogenous promoters with different sequences as well as the constructed Cre vectors, even when controlled by an identical promoter. Cre mouse models generated via traditional recombination or CRISPR/Cas9 also exhibit distinct knockout properties. This review focuses on Cre-engineered mouse models applied to the male reproductive system, including Cre-targeting strategies, mouse model screening, and practical challenges encountered, particularly with novel mouse strains over the past decade. It aims to provide valuable references for studies conducted on the male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (P.D.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (M.L.); (S.D.); (H.C.)
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2
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Klees C, Alexandri C, Demeestere I, Lybaert P. The Role of microRNA in Spermatogenesis: Is There a Place for Fertility Preservation Innovation? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:460. [PMID: 38203631 PMCID: PMC10778981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Oncological treatments have dramatically improved over the last decade, and as a result, survival rates for cancer patients have also improved. Quality of life, including concerns about fertility, has become a major focus for both oncologists and patients. While oncologic treatments are often highly effective at suppressing neoplastic growth, they are frequently associated with severe gonadotoxicity, leading to infertility. For male patients, the therapeutic option to preserve fertility is semen cryopreservation. In prepubertal patients, immature testicular tissue can be sampled and stored to allow post-cure transplantation of the tissue, immature germ cells, or in vitro spermatogenesis. However, experimental techniques have not yet been proven effective for restoring sperm production for these patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising molecular markers and therapeutic tools in various diseases. These small regulatory RNAs possess the unique characteristic of having multiple gene targets. MiRNA-based therapeutics can, therefore, be used to modulate the expression of different genes involved in signaling pathways dysregulated by changes in the physiological environment (disease, temperature, ex vivo culture, pharmacological agents). This review discusses the possible role of miRNA as an innovative treatment option in male fertility preservation-restoration strategies and describes the diverse applications where these new therapeutic tools could serve as fertility protection agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Klees
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (C.K.); (C.A.); (I.D.)
| | - Chrysanthi Alexandri
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (C.K.); (C.A.); (I.D.)
| | - Isabelle Demeestere
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (C.K.); (C.A.); (I.D.)
- Fertility Clinic, HUB-Erasme Hospital, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pascale Lybaert
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (C.K.); (C.A.); (I.D.)
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3
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Olotu O, Ahmedani A, Kotaja N. Small Non-Coding RNAs in Male Reproduction. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:213-225. [PMID: 38346711 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1779726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Male reproductive functions are strictly regulated in order to maintain sperm production and fertility. All processes are controlled by precise regulation of gene expression, which creates specific gene expression programs for different developmental stages and cell types, and forms the functional basis for the reproductive system. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) are involved in gene regulation by targeting mRNAs for translational repression and degradation through complementary base pairing to recognize their targets. This review article summarizes the current knowledge on the function of different classes of sncRNAs, in particular microRNAs (miRNAs) and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), during male germ cell differentiation, with the focus on sncRNAs expressed in the germline. Although transcriptionally inactive, mature spermatozoa contain a complex population of sncRNAs, and we also discuss the recently identified role of sperm sncRNAs in the intergenerational transmission of epigenetic information on father's environmental and lifestyle exposures to offspring. Finally, we summarize the current information on the utility of sncRNAs as potential biomarkers of infertility that may aid in the diagnosis and prediction of outcomes of medically assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Opeyemi Olotu
- Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ammar Ahmedani
- Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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4
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Lu L, Abbott AL. Male gonad-enriched microRNAs function to control sperm production in C. elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.10.561762. [PMID: 37873419 PMCID: PMC10592766 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.10.561762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Germ cell development and gamete production in animals require small RNA pathways. While studies indicate that microRNAs (miRNAs) are necessary for normal sperm production and function, the specific roles for individual miRNAs are largely unknown. Here, we use small RNA sequencing of dissected gonads and functional analysis of new loss of function alleles to identify functions for miRNAs in the control of fecundity and sperm production in Caenorhabditis elegans males and hermaphrodites. We describe a set of 29 male gonad-enriched miRNAs and identify a set of 3 individual miRNAs (mir-58.1, mir-83, and mir-235) and a miRNA cluster (mir-4807-4810.1) that are required for optimal sperm production at 20°C and 5 additional miRNAs (mir-49, mir-57, mir-261, and mir-357/358) that are required for sperm production at 25°C. We observed defects in meiotic progression in mir-58.1, mir-83, mir-235, and mir-4807-4810.1 mutants that may contribute to the reduced number of sperm. Further, analysis of multiple mutants of these miRNAs suggested complex genetic interactions between these miRNAs for sperm production. This study provides insights on the regulatory roles of miRNAs that promote optimal sperm production and fecundity in males and hermaphrodites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, 53201 USA
| | - Allison L. Abbott
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, 53201 USA
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5
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Garrido N, Boitrelle F, Saleh R, Durairajanayagam D, Colpi G, Agarwal A. Sperm epigenetics landscape: correlation with embryo quality, reproductive outcomes and offspring's health. Panminerva Med 2023; 65:166-178. [PMID: 37335245 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.23.04871-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to how gene expression and function are modulated without modifying the DNA sequence but through subtle molecular changes or interactions with it. As spermatogenesis progresses, male germ cells suffer plenty of epigenetic modifications, resulting in the definitive epigenome of spermatozoa conditioning its functionality, and this process can be altered by several internal and external factors. The paternal epigenome is crucial for sperm function, fertilization, embryo development, and offspring's health, and altered epigenetic states are associated with male infertility with or without altered semen parameters, embryo quality impairment, and worse ART outcomes together with the future offspring's health risks mainly through intergenerational transmission of epigenetic marks. Identifying epigenetic biomarkers may improve male factor diagnosis and the development of targeted therapies, not only to improve fertility but also to allow an early detection of risk and disease prevention in the progeny. While still there is much research to be done, hopefully in the near future, improvements in high-throughput technologies applied to epigenomes will permit our understanding of the underlying epigenetic mechanisms and the development of diagnostics and therapies leading to improved reproductive outcomes. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of epigenetics in sperm and how epigenetics behave during spermatogenesis. Additionally, we elaborate on the relationship of sperm epigenetics with sperm parameters and male infertility, and highlight the impact of sperm epigenetic alterations on sperm parameters, embryo quality, ART outcomes, miscarriage rates and offspring's health. Furthermore, we provide insights into the future research of epigenetic alterations in male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Garrido
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Giovanni Colpi
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Next Fertility Procrea, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA -
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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6
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Chen J, Han C. In vivo functions of miRNAs in mammalian spermatogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1154938. [PMID: 37215089 PMCID: PMC10196063 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1154938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are believed to play important roles in mammalian spermatogenesis mainly because spermatogenesis is more or less disrupted when genes encoding key enzymes for miRNA biogenesis are mutated. However, it is challenging to study the functions of individual miRNAs due to their family-wise high sequence similarities and the clustered genomic distributions of their genes, both of which expose difficulties in using genetic methods. Accumulating evidence shows that a number of miRNAs indeed play important roles in mammalian spermatogenesis and the underlying mechanisms start to be understood. In this mini review, we focus on highlighting the roles of miRNAs in mammalian spermatogenesis elucidated mainly by using in vivo genetic methods and on discussing the underlying mechanisms. We propose that studies on the roles of miRNAs in spermatogenesis should and can be conducted in a more fruitful way given the progress in traditional methods and the birth of new technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chunsheng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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7
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Kasimanickam VR, Kasimanickam RK. In Silico Analysis of miRNA-Mediated Genes in the Regulation of Dog Testes Development from Immature to Adult Form. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091520. [PMID: 37174557 PMCID: PMC10177090 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
High-throughput in-silico techniques help us understand the role of individual proteins, protein-protein interaction, and their biological functions by corroborating experimental data as epitomized biological networks. The objective of this investigation was to elucidate the association of miRNA-mediated genes in the regulation of dog testes development from immature to adult form by in-silico analysis. Differentially expressed (DE) canine testis miRNAs between healthy immature (2.2 ± 0.13 months; n = 4) and mature (11 ± 1.0 months; n = 4) dogs were utilized in this investigation. In silico analysis was performed using miRNet, STRING, and ClueGo programs. The determination of mRNA and protein expressions of predicted pivotal genes and their association with miRNA were studied. The results showed protein-protein interaction for the upregulated miRNAs, which revealed 978 enriched biological processes GO terms and 127 KEGG enrichment pathways, and for the down-regulated miRNAs revealed 405 significantly enriched biological processes GO terms and 72 significant KEGG enrichment pathways (False Recovery Rate, p < 0.05). The in-silico analysis of DE-miRNA's associated genes revealed their involvement in the governing of several key biological functions (cell cycle, cell proliferation, growth, maturation, survival, and apoptosis) in the testis as they evolve from immature to adult forms, mediated by several key signaling pathways (ErbB, p53, PI3K-Akt, VEGF and JAK-STAT), cytokines and hormones (estrogen, GnRH, relaxin, thyroid hormone, and prolactin). Elucidation of DE-miRNA predicted genes' specific roles, signal transduction pathways, and mechanisms, by mimics and inhibitors, which could perhaps offer diagnostic and therapeutic targets for infertility, cancer, and birth control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanmathy R Kasimanickam
- Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Ramanathan K Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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8
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Cason C, Lord T. RNA Interference as a Method of Gene Knockdown in Cultured Spermatogonia. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:161-177. [PMID: 37249871 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Maintenance and self-renewal of the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) population in the testis are dictated by the expression of a unique suite of genes. In manipulating gene expression through loss-of-function approaches, we can identify important regulatory mechanisms that dictate spermatogonial fate decisions. One such approach is RNA interference (RNAi), which uses natural cellular responses to small interfering RNAs to decrease levels of a targeted transcript. RNAi is performed in primary cultures of undifferentiated spermatogonia, and can be paired with techniques such as spermatogonial transplantation to assess the functional consequences of downregulated expression of the target gene on stem cell maintenance. This approach provides an alternative or complementary strategy to the generation of knockout mouse lines / cell lines. Here, we describe the methodology of RNAi in undifferentiated spermatogonia, and outline its inherent advantages and disadvantages over other technologies in the study of gene regulation in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Cason
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
- Infertility and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
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9
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Legrand JMD, Hobbs RM. Defining Gene Function in Spermatogonial Stem Cells Through Conditional Knockout Approaches. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:261-307. [PMID: 37249877 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian male fertility is maintained throughout life by a population of self-renewing mitotic germ cells known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Much of our current understanding regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying SSC activity is derived from studies using conditional knockout mouse models. Here, we provide a guide for the selection and use of mouse strains to develop conditional knockout models for the study of SSCs, as well as their precursors and differentiation-committed progeny. We describe Cre recombinase-expressing strains, breeding strategies to generate experimental groups, and treatment regimens for inducible knockout models and provide advice for verifying and improving conditional knockout efficiency. This resource can be beneficial to those aiming to develop conditional knockout models for the study of SSC development and postnatal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien M D Legrand
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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10
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Prakash Yadav R, Leskinen S, Ma L, Mäkelä JA, Kotaja N. Chromatin remodelers HELLS, WDHD1 and BAZ1A are dynamically expressed during mouse spermatogenesis. Reproduction 2023; 165:49-63. [PMID: 36194437 PMCID: PMC9782464 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In brief Proper regulation of heterochromatin is critical for spermatogenesis. This study reveals the dynamic localization patterns of distinct chromatin regulators during spermatogenesis and disrupted sex chromatin status in spermatocytes in the absence of DICER. Abstract Heterochromatin is dynamically formed and organized in differentiating male germ cells, and its proper regulation is a prerequisite for normal spermatogenesis. While heterochromatin is generally transcriptionally silent, we have previously shown that major satellite repeat (MSR) DNA in the pericentric heterochromatin (PCH) is transcribed during spermatogenesis. We have also shown that DICER associates with PCH and is involved in the regulation of MSR-derived transcripts. To shed light on the heterochromatin regulation in the male germline, we studied the expression, localization and heterochromatin association of selected testis-enriched chromatin regulators in the mouse testis. Our results show that HELLS, WDHD1 and BAZ1A are dynamically expressed during spermatogenesis. They display limited overlap in expression, suggesting involvement in distinct heterochromatin-associated processes at different steps of differentiation. We also show that HELLS and BAZ1A interact with DICER and MSR chromatin. Interestingly, deletion of Dicer1 affects the sex chromosome heterochromatin status in late pachytene spermatocytes, as demonstrated by mislocalization of Polycomb protein family member SCML1 to the sex body. These data substantiate the importance of dynamic heterochromatin regulation during spermatogenesis and emphasize the key role of DICER in the maintenance of chromatin status in meiotic male germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Prakash Yadav
- 1Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Sini Leskinen
- 1Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Lin Ma
- 1Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- 1Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Noora Kotaja
- 1Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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11
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Lehtiniemi T, Bourgery M, Ma L, Ahmedani A, Mäkelä M, Asteljoki J, Olotu O, Laasanen S, Zhang FP, Tan K, Chousal JN, Burow D, Koskinen S, Laiho A, Elo L, Chalmel F, Wilkinson M, Kotaja N. SMG6 localizes to the chromatoid body and shapes the male germ cell transcriptome to drive spermatogenesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:11470-11491. [PMID: 36259644 PMCID: PMC9723633 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) is a highly conserved and selective RNA turnover pathway that depends on the endonuclease SMG6. Here, we show that SMG6 is essential for male germ cell differentiation in mice. Germ-cell conditional knockout (cKO) of Smg6 induces extensive transcriptome misregulation, including a failure to eliminate meiotically expressed transcripts in early haploid cells, and accumulation of NMD target mRNAs with long 3' untranslated regions (UTRs). Loss of SMG6 in the male germline results in complete arrest of spermatogenesis at the early haploid cell stage. We find that SMG6 is strikingly enriched in the chromatoid body (CB), a specialized cytoplasmic granule in male germ cells also harboring PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and the piRNA-binding protein PIWIL1. This raises the possibility that SMG6 and the piRNA pathway function together, which is supported by several findings, including that Piwil1-KO mice phenocopy Smg6-cKO mice and that SMG6 and PIWIL1 co-regulate many genes in round spermatids. Together, our results demonstrate that SMG6 is an essential regulator of the male germline transcriptome, and highlight the CB as a molecular platform coordinating RNA regulatory pathways to control sperm production and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Lehtiniemi
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matthieu Bourgery
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Lin Ma
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ammar Ahmedani
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Margareeta Mäkelä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Juho Asteljoki
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Opeyemi Olotu
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Samuli Laasanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Fu-Ping Zhang
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- GM-Unit, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kun Tan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jennifer N Chousal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dana Burow
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Satu Koskinen
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Asta Laiho
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura L Elo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Frédéric Chalmel
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Miles F Wilkinson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine (IGM), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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12
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Qian B, Li Y, Yan R, Han S, Bu Z, Gong J, Zheng B, Yuan Z, Ren S, He Q, Zhang J, Xu C, Wang R, Sun Z, Lin M, Zhou J, Ye L. RNA binding protein RBM46 regulates mitotic-to-meiotic transition in spermatogenesis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq2945. [PMID: 36001654 PMCID: PMC9401620 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq2945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Meiosis entry during spermatogenesis requires reprogramming from mitotic to meiotic gene expression profiles. Transcriptional regulation has been extensively studied in meiosis entry, but gain of function for master transcription factors is insufficient to down-regulate mitotic genes. RNA helicase YTHDC2 and its partner MEIOC emerge as essential posttranscriptional regulators of meiotic entry. However, it is unclear what governs the RNA binding specificity of YTHDC2/MEIOC. Here, we identified RNA binding protein RBM46 as a component of the YTHDC2/MEIOC complex. Testis-specific Rbm46 knockout in mice causes infertility with defective mitotic-to-meiotic transition, phenocopying global Ythdc2 or Meioc knockout. RBM46 binds to 3' UTR of mitotic transcripts within 100 nucleotides from YTHDC2 U-rich motifs and targets these transcripts for degradation. Dysregulated RBM46 expression is associated with human male fertility disorders. These findings establish the RBM46/YTHDC2/MEIOC complex as the major posttranscriptional regulator responsible for down-regulating mitotic transcripts during meiosis entry in mammalian spermatogenesis, with implications for understanding meiosis-related fertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baomei Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ruoyu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Shenglin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhiwen Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jie Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Bangjin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zihan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Sen Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Qing He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jinwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ruilin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zheng Sun
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mingyan Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Laboratory, The Affiliated Wuxi Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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13
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Chen J, Gao C, Luo M, Zheng C, Lin X, Ning Y, Ma L, He W, Xie D, Liu K, Hong K, Han C. MicroRNA-202 safeguards meiotic progression by preventing premature SEPARASE-mediated REC8 cleavage. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e54298. [PMID: 35712867 PMCID: PMC9346496 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202154298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are believed to play important roles in mammalian spermatogenesis but the in vivo functions of single miRNAs in this highly complex developmental process remain unclear. Here, we report that miR-202, a member of the let-7 family, plays an important role in spermatogenesis by phenotypic evaluation of miR-202 knockout (KO) mice. Loss of miR-202 results in spermatocyte apoptosis and perturbation of the zygonema-to-pachynema transition. Multiple processes during meiosis prophase I including synapsis and crossover formation are disrupted, and inter-sister chromatid synapses are detected. Moreover, we demonstrate that Separase mRNA is a miR-202 direct target and provides evidence that miR-202 upregulates REC8 by repressing Separase expression. Therefore, we have identified miR-202 as a new regulating noncoding gene that acts on the established SEPARASE-REC8 axis in meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Chenxu Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
- Savaid Medical SchoolUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Mengcheng Luo
- Department of Tissue and EmbryologyHubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated DiseaseSchool of Basic Medical SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Chunwei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xiwen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Yan Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
- Savaid Medical SchoolUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Longfei Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
- Savaid Medical SchoolUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Wei He
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
- Savaid Medical SchoolUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Dan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
- Savaid Medical SchoolUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Kui Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility RegulationCenter of Assisted Reproduction and EmbryologyThe University of Hong Kong‐Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Kai Hong
- Department of UrologyPeking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Chunsheng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
- Savaid Medical SchoolUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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14
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Walker WH. Regulation of mammalian spermatogenesis by miRNAs. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 121:24-31. [PMID: 34006455 PMCID: PMC8591147 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Male fertility requires the continual production of sperm by the process of spermatogenesis. This process requires the correct timing of regulatory signals to germ cells during each phase of their development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in germ cells and supporting Sertoli cells respond to regulatory signals and cause down- or upregulation of mRNAs and proteins required to produce proteins that act in various pathways to support spermatogenesis. The targets and functional consequences of altered miRNA expression in undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and Sertoli cells are discussed. Mechanisms are reviewed by which miRNAs contribute to decisions that promote spermatogonia stem cell self-renewal versus differentiation, entry into and progression through meiosis, differentiation of spermatids, as well as the regulation of Sertoli cell proliferation and differentiation. Also discussed are miRNA actions providing the very first signals for the differentiation of spermatogonia stem cells in a non-human primate model of puberty initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H. Walker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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15
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Chen J, Gao C, Lin X, Ning Y, He W, Zheng C, Zhang D, Yan L, Jiang B, Zhao Y, Hossen MA, Han C. The microRNA miR-202 prevents precocious spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic initiation during mouse spermatogenesis. Development 2021; 148:273742. [PMID: 34913465 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic initiation during spermatogenesis are tightly regulated by a number of genes, including those encoding enzymes for miRNA biogenesis. However, whether and how single miRNAs regulate these processes remain unclear. Here, we report that miR-202, a member of the let-7 family, prevents precocious spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic initiation in spermatogenesis by regulating the timely expression of many genes, including those for key regulators such as STRA8 and DMRT6. In miR-202 knockout (KO) mice, the undifferentiated spermatogonial pool is reduced, accompanied by age-dependent decline of fertility. In KO mice, SYCP3, STRA8 and DMRT6 are expressed earlier than in wild-type littermates, and Dmrt6 mRNA is a direct target of miR-202-5p. Moreover, the precocious spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic initiation were also observed in KO spermatogonial stem cells when cultured and induced in vitro, and could be partially rescued by the knockdown of Dmrt6. Therefore, we have not only shown that miR-202 is a regulator of meiotic initiation but also identified a previously unknown module in the underlying regulatory network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chenxu Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiwen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yan Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei He
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunwei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Daoqin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601 Anhui, China
| | - Binjie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yuting Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Md Alim Hossen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunsheng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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16
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Sellem E, Jammes H, Schibler L. Sperm-borne sncRNAs: potential biomarkers for semen fertility? Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:160-173. [PMID: 35231268 DOI: 10.1071/rd21276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Semen infertility or sub-fertility, whether in humans or livestock species, remains a major concern for clinicians and technicians involved in reproduction. Indeed, they can cause tragedies in human relationships or have a dramatic overall negative impact on the sustainability of livestock breeding. Understanding and predicting semen fertility issues is therefore crucial and quality control procedures as well as biomarkers have been proposed to ensure sperm fertility. However, their predictive values appeared to be too limited and additional relevant biomarkers are still required to diagnose sub-fertility efficiently. During the last decade, the study of molecular mechanisms involved in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation highlighted the regulatory role of a variety of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) and led to the discovery that sperm sncRNAs comprise both remnants from spermatogenesis and post-testicular sncRNAs acquired through interactions with extracellular vesicles along epididymis. This has led to the hypothesis that sncRNAs may be a source of relevant biomarkers, associated either with sperm functionality or embryo development. This review aims at providing a synthetic overview of the current state of knowledge regarding implication of sncRNA in spermatogenesis defects and their putative roles in sperm maturation and embryo development, as well as exploring their use as fertility biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Sellem
- R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Hélène Jammes
- Université Paris Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France; and Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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17
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Morgan M, Kumar L, Li Y, Baptissart M. Post-transcriptional regulation in spermatogenesis: all RNA pathways lead to healthy sperm. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:8049-8071. [PMID: 34748024 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04012-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Multiple RNA pathways are required to produce functional sperm. Here, we review RNA post-transcriptional regulation during spermatogenesis with particular emphasis on the role of 3' end modifications. From early studies in the 1970s, it became clear that spermiogenesis transcripts could be stored for days only to be translated at advanced stages of spermatid differentiation. The transition between the translationally repressed and active states was observed to correlate with the shortening of the transcripts' poly(A) tail, establishing a link between RNA 3' end metabolism and male germ cell differentiation. Since then, numerous RNA metabolic pathways have been implicated not only in the progression through spermatogenesis, but also in the maintenance of genomic integrity. Recent studies have characterized the elusive 3' biogenesis of Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), identified a critical role for messenger RNA (mRNA) 3' uridylation in meiotic progression, established the mechanisms that destabilize transcripts with long 3' untranslated regions (3'UTRs) in post-mitotic cells, and defined the physiological relevance of RNA exonucleases and deadenylases in male germ cells. In this review, we discuss RNA processing in the male germline in the light of the most recent findings. A brief recollection of different RNA-processing events will aid future studies exploring post-transcriptional regulation in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Morgan
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Lokesh Kumar
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Yin Li
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Marine Baptissart
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
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18
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Burgos M, Hurtado A, Jiménez R, Barrionuevo FJ. Non-Coding RNAs: lncRNAs, miRNAs, and piRNAs in Sexual Development. Sex Dev 2021; 15:335-350. [PMID: 34614501 DOI: 10.1159/000519237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a group of RNAs that do not encode functional proteins, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), and short interfering RNAs (siRNAs). In the last 2 decades an effort has been made to uncover the role of ncRNAs during development and disease, and nowadays it is clear that these molecules have a regulatory function in many of the developmental and physiological processes where they have been studied. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of ncRNAs during gonad determination and development, focusing mainly on mammals, although we also provide information from other species, in particular when there is not much information on the function of particular types of ncRNAs during mammalian sexual development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Burgos
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Lab. 127, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Alicia Hurtado
- Epigenetics and Sex Development Group, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rafael Jiménez
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Lab. 127, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco J Barrionuevo
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Lab. 127, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
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19
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Chen H, Alves MBR, Belleannée C. Contribution of epididymal epithelial cell functions to sperm epigenetic changes and the health of progeny. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 28:51-66. [PMID: 34618012 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa acquire their motility and fertilizing abilities during their maturation through the epididymis. This process is controlled by epididymal epithelial cells that possess features adapted to sense and respond to their surrounding environment and to communicate with spermatozoa. During the past decade, new intercellular communication processes have been discovered, including the secretion and transport of molecules from the epithelium to spermatozoa via extracellular vesicles (EVs), as well as sensing of the intraluminal milieu by cellular extensions. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review addresses recent findings regarding epididymal epithelial cell features and interactions between spermatozoa and the epididymal epithelium as well as epigenetic modifications undergone by spermatozoa during transit through the epididymal microenvironment. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search was conducted in Pubmed with the keyword 'epididymis'. Results were filtered on original research articles published from 2009 to 2021 and written in the English language. One hundred fifteen original articles presenting recent advancements on the epididymis contribution to sperm maturation were selected. Some additional papers cited in the primary reference were also included. A special focus was given to higher mammalian species, particularly rodents, bovines and humans, that are the most studied in this field. OUTCOMES This review provides novel insights into the contribution of epididymal epithelium and EVs to post-testicular sperm maturation. First, new immune cell populations have been described in the epididymis, where they are proposed to play a role in protecting the environment surrounding sperm against infections or autoimmune responses. Second, novel epididymal cell extensions, including dendrites, axopodia and primary cilia, have been identified as sensors of the environment surrounding sperm. Third, new functions have been outlined for epididymal EVs, which modify the sperm epigenetic profile and participate in transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of paternal traits. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Although the majority of these findings result from studies in rodents, this fundamental research will ultimately improve our knowledge of human reproductive physiopathologies. Recent discoveries linking sperm epigenetic modifications with paternal environmental exposure and progeny outcome further stress the importance of advancing fundamental research on the epididymis. From this, new therapeutic options for infertile couples and better counseling strategies may arise to increase positive health outcomes in children conceived either naturally or with ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Clémence Belleannée
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
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20
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Werner A, Clark JE, Samaranayake C, Casement J, Zinad HS, Sadeq S, Al-Hashimi S, Smith M, Kotaja N, Mattick JS. Widespread formation of double-stranded RNAs in testis. Genome Res 2021; 31:1174-1186. [PMID: 34158368 PMCID: PMC8256860 DOI: 10.1101/gr.265603.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The testis transcriptome is highly complex and includes RNAs that potentially hybridize to form double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). We isolated dsRNA using the monoclonal J2 antibody and deep-sequenced the enriched samples from testes of juvenile Dicer1 knockout mice, age-matched controls, and adult animals. Comparison of our data set with recently published data from mouse liver revealed that the dsRNA transcriptome in testis is markedly different from liver: In testis, dsRNA-forming transcripts derive from mRNAs including promoters and immediate downstream regions, whereas in somatic cells they originate more often from introns and intergenic transcription. The genes that generate dsRNA are significantly expressed in isolated male germ cells with particular enrichment in pachytene spermatocytes. dsRNA formation is lower on the sex (X and Y) chromosomes. The dsRNA transcriptome is significantly less complex in juvenile mice as compared to adult controls and, possibly as a consequence, the knockout of Dicer1 has only a minor effect on the total number of transcript peaks associated with dsRNA. The comparison between dsRNA-associated genes in testis and liver with a reported set of genes that produce endogenous siRNAs reveals a significant overlap in testis but not in liver. Testis dsRNAs also significantly associate with natural antisense genes-again, this feature is not observed in liver. These findings point to a testis-specific mechanism involving natural antisense transcripts and the formation of dsRNAs that feed into the RNA interference pathway, possibly to mitigate the mutagenic impacts of recombination and transposon mobilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Werner
- Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - James E Clark
- Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Calum Samaranayake
- Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - John Casement
- Bioinformatics Support Unit, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Hany S Zinad
- Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Shaymaa Sadeq
- Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
- Fallujah College of Medicine, Al-Fallujah University, Al-Fallujah, 9Q4V+H3, Iraq
| | - Surar Al-Hashimi
- Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Smith
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, FIN-20520, Finland
| | - John S Mattick
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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21
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Vashisht A, Gahlay GK. Using miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for male infertility: opportunities and challenges. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:199-214. [PMID: 32084276 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The non-coding genome has been extensively studied for its role in human development and diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs, which can regulate the expression of hundreds of genes at the post-transcriptional level. Therefore, any defects in miRNA biogenesis or processing can affect the genes and have been linked to several diseases. Male infertility is a clinical disorder with a significant number of cases being idiopathic. Problems in spermatogenesis and epididymal maturation, testicular development, sperm maturation or migration contribute to male infertility, and many of these idiopathic cases are related to issues with the miRNAs which tightly regulate these processes. This review summarizes the recent research on various such miRNAs and puts together the candidate miRNAs that may be used as biomarkers for diagnosis. The development of strategies for male infertility treatment using anti-miRs or miRNA mimics is also discussed. Although promising, the development of miRNA diagnostics and therapeutics is challenging, and ways to overcome some of these challenges are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vashisht
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab 143005 India
| | - G K Gahlay
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab 143005 India
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22
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Yin H, Kang Z, Zhang Y, Gong Y, Liu M, Xue Y, He W, Wang Y, Zhang S, Xu Q, Fu K, Zheng B, Xie J, Zhang J, Wang Y, Lin M, Zhang Y, Feng H, Xin C, Guan Y, Huang C, Guo X, Wang P, Baur JA, Zheng K, Sun Z, Ye L. HDAC3 controls male fertility through enzyme-independent transcriptional regulation at the meiotic exit of spermatogenesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:5106-5123. [PMID: 33939832 PMCID: PMC8136829 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The transition from meiotic spermatocytes to postmeiotic haploid germ cells constitutes an essential step in spermatogenesis. The epigenomic regulatory mechanisms underlying this transition remain unclear. Here, we find a prominent transcriptomic switch from the late spermatocytes to the early round spermatids during the meiotic-to-postmeiotic transition, which is associated with robust histone acetylation changes across the genome. Among histone deacetylases (HDACs) and acetyltransferases, we find that HDAC3 is selectively expressed in the late meiotic and early haploid stages. Three independent mouse lines with the testis-specific knockout of HDAC3 show infertility and defects in meiotic exit with an arrest at the late stage of meiosis or early stage of round spermatids. Stage-specific RNA-seq and histone acetylation ChIP-seq analyses reveal that HDAC3 represses meiotic/spermatogonial genes and activates postmeiotic haploid gene programs during meiotic exit, with associated histone acetylation alterations. Unexpectedly, abolishing HDAC3 catalytic activity by missense mutations in the nuclear receptor corepressor (NCOR or SMRT) does not cause infertility, despite causing histone hyperacetylation as HDAC3 knockout, demonstrating that HDAC3 enzyme activity is not required for spermatogenesis. Motif analysis of the HDAC3 cistrome in the testes identified SOX30, which has a similar spatiotemporal expression pattern as HDAC3 during spermatogenesis. Depletion of SOX30 in the testes abolishes the genomic recruitment of the HDAC3 to the binding sites. Collectively, these results establish the SOX30/HDAC3 signaling as a key regulator of the transcriptional program in a deacetylase-independent manner during the meiotic-to-postmeiotic transition in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqi Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenlong Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingyun Gong
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengrou Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanfeng Xue
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wenxiu He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuya Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiushi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaiqiang Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Bangjin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyan Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Yihan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Hua Feng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Changpeng Xin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Peoples' Republic of China
| | - Yichun Guan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Peoples' Republic of China
| | - Chaoyang Huang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - P Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Joseph A Baur
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism and Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Sun
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China
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23
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Oyama K, Baba T, Kashiwabara SI. Functional characterization of testis-brain RNA-binding protein, TB-RBP/Translin, in translational regulation. J Reprod Dev 2021; 67:35-42. [PMID: 33268667 PMCID: PMC7902210 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2020-120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Testis-brain RNA-binding protein (TB-RBP/Translin) is known to contribute to the translational repression of a subset of haploid cell-specific mRNAs, including protamine 2 (Prm2) mRNA. Mutant mice lacking TB-RBP display abnormal spermatogenesis, despite normal male fertility. In this study, we carried out functional analysis of TB-RBP in mammalian cultured cells to understand the mechanism of translational repression by this RNA-binding protein. Although the amino acid sequence contained a eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (EIF4E)-recognition motif, TB-RBP failed to interact with EIF4E. In cultured cells, TB-RBP was unable to reduce the activity of luciferase encoded by a reporter mRNA carrying the 3'-untranslated region of Prm2. However, λΝ-BoxB tethering assay revealed that the complex of TB-RBP with its binding partner, Translin-associated factor X (TRAX), exhibits the ability to reduce the luciferase reporter activity by degrading the mRNA. These results suggest that TB-RBP may play a regulatory role in determining the sequence specificity of TRAX-catalyzed mRNA degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanako Oyama
- Ph.D. Program in Human Biology, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan.,Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Tadashi Baba
- Ph.D. Program in Human Biology, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan.,Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan.,Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Kashiwabara
- Ph.D. Program in Human Biology, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan.,Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan.,Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
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24
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Kyrgiafini MA, Markantoni M, Sarafidou T, Chatziparasidou A, Christoforidis N, Mamuris Z. Genome-wide association study identifies candidate markers related to lincRNAs associated with male infertility in the Greek population. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2869-2881. [PMID: 32880781 PMCID: PMC7642051 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01937-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is currently one of the most common problems faced by couples worldwide. We performed a GWAS on Greek population and gathered statistically significant SNPs in order to investigate whether they lie within or near lncRNA regions. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphisms on or near lncRNAs affect interactions with miRNAs and can cause male infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the present study, a GWAS was conducted, using samples from 159 individuals (83 normozoospermic individuals and 76 patients of known fertility issues). Standard procedures for quality controls and association testing were followed, based on case-control testing. RESULTS We detected six lncRNAs (LINC02231, LINC00347, LINC02134, NCRNA00157, LINC02493, Lnc-CASK-1) that are associated with male infertility through their interaction with miRNAs. Furthermore, we identified the genes targeted by those miRNAs and highlighted their functions in spermatogenesis and the fertilization process. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION lncRNAs are involved in spermatogenesis through their interaction with miRNAs. Thus, their study is very important, and it may contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Anna Kyrgiafini
- Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500, Larisa, Greece
| | - Maria Markantoni
- Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500, Larisa, Greece
| | - Theologia Sarafidou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500, Larisa, Greece
| | | | | | - Zissis Mamuris
- Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500, Larisa, Greece.
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25
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Di Palo A, Siniscalchi C, Salerno M, Russo A, Gravholt CH, Potenza N. What microRNAs could tell us about the human X chromosome. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:4069-4080. [PMID: 32356180 PMCID: PMC7854456 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03526-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small-non coding RNAs endowed with great regulatory power, thus playing key roles not only in almost all physiological pathways, but also in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Surprisingly, genomic distribution analysis revealed the highest density of miRNA sequences on the X chromosome; this evolutionary conserved mammalian feature equips females with a larger miRNA machinery than males. However, miRNAs contribution to some X-related conditions, properties or functions is still poorly explored. With the aim to support and focus research in the field, this review analyzes the literature and databases about X-linked miRNAs, trying to understand how miRNAs could contribute to emerging gender-biased functions and pathological mechanisms, such as immunity and cancer. A fine map of miRNA sequences on the X chromosome is reported, and their known functions are discussed; in addition, bioinformatics functional analyses of the whole X-linked miRNA targetome (predicted and validated) were performed. The emerging scenario points to different gaps in the knowledge that should be filled with future experimental investigations, also in terms of possible implications and pathological perspectives for X chromosome aneuploidy syndromes, such as Turner and Klinefelter syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Di Palo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Chiara Siniscalchi
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Mariacarolina Salerno
- Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Aniello Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Claus Højbjerg Gravholt
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nicoletta Potenza
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
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26
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Dicing the Disease with Dicer: The Implications of Dicer Ribonuclease in Human Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197223. [PMID: 33007856 PMCID: PMC7583940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression dictates fundamental cellular processes and its de-regulation leads to pathological conditions. A key contributor to the fine-tuning of gene expression is Dicer, an RNA-binding protein (RBPs) that forms complexes and affects transcription by acting at the post-transcriptional level via the targeting of mRNAs by Dicer-produced small non-coding RNAs. This review aims to present the contribution of Dicer protein in a wide spectrum of human pathological conditions, including cancer, neurological, autoimmune, reproductive and cardiovascular diseases, as well as viral infections. Germline mutations of Dicer have been linked to Dicer1 syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that predisposes to the development of both benign and malignant tumors, but the exact correlation of Dicer protein expression within the different cancer types is unclear, and there are contradictions in the data. Downregulation of Dicer is related to Geographic atrophy (GA), a severe eye-disease that is a leading cause of blindness in industrialized countries, as well as to psychiatric and neurological diseases such as depression and Parkinson's disease, respectively. Both loss and upregulation of Dicer protein expression is implicated in severe autoimmune disorders, including psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and autoimmune thyroid diseases. Loss of Dicer contributes to cardiovascular diseases and causes defective germ cell differentiation and reproductive system abnormalities in both sexes. Dicer can also act as a strong antiviral with a crucial role in RNA-based antiviral immunity. In conclusion, Dicer is an essential enzyme for the maintenance of physiology due to its pivotal role in several cellular processes, and its loss or aberrant expression contributes to the development of severe human diseases. Further exploitation is required for the development of novel, more effective Dicer-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, with the goal of new clinical benefits and better quality of life for patients.
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27
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Yadav RP, Mäkelä JA, Hyssälä H, Cisneros-Montalvo S, Kotaja N. DICER regulates the expression of major satellite repeat transcripts and meiotic chromosome segregation during spermatogenesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:7135-7153. [PMID: 32484548 PMCID: PMC7367195 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Constitutive heterochromatin at the pericentric regions of chromosomes undergoes dynamic changes in its epigenetic and spatial organization during spermatogenesis. Accurate control of pericentric heterochromatin is required for meiotic cell divisions and production of fertile and epigenetically intact spermatozoa. In this study, we demonstrate that pericentric heterochromatin is expressed during mouse spermatogenesis to produce major satellite repeat (MSR) transcripts. We show that the endonuclease DICER localizes to the pericentric heterochromatin in the testis. Furthermore, DICER forms complexes with MSR transcripts, and their processing into small RNAs is compromised in Dicer1 knockout mice leading to an elevated level of MSR transcripts in meiotic cells. We also show that defective MSR forward transcript processing in Dicer1 cKO germ cells is accompanied with reduced recruitment of SUV39H2 and H3K9me3 to the pericentric heterochromatin and meiotic chromosome missegregation. Altogether, our results indicate that the physiological role of DICER in maintenance of male fertility extends to the regulation of pericentric heterochromatin through direct targeting of MSR transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Prakash Yadav
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Hanna Hyssälä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Sheyla Cisneros-Montalvo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Noora Kotaja
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +358 44 2539225;
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28
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Hsieh CL, Xia J, Lin H. MIWI prevents aneuploidy during meiosis by cleaving excess satellite RNA. EMBO J 2020; 39:e103614. [PMID: 32677148 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019103614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
MIWI, a murine member of PIWI proteins mostly expressed during male meiosis, is crucial for piRNA biogenesis, post-transcriptional regulation, and spermiogenesis. However, its meiotic function remains unknown. Here, we report that MIWI deficiency alters meiotic kinetochore assembly, significantly increases chromosome misalignment at the meiosis metaphase I plate, and causes chromosome mis-segregation. Consequently, Miwi-deficient mice show elevated aneuploidy in metaphase II and spermatid death. Furthermore, in Miwi-null and Miwi slicer-deficient mutants, major and minor satellite RNAs from centromeric and pericentromeric satellite repeats accumulate in excess. Over-expression of satellite repeats in wild-type spermatocytes also causes elevated chromosome misalignment, whereas reduction of both strands of major or minor satellite RNAs results in lower frequencies of chromosome misalignment. We show that MIWI, guided by piRNA, cleaves major satellite RNAs, generating RNA fragments that may form substrates for subsequent Dicer cleavage. Furthermore, Dicer cleaves all satellite RNAs in conjunction with MIWI. These findings reveal a novel mechanism in which MIWI- and Dicer-mediated cleavage of the satellite RNAs prevents the over-expression of satellite RNAs, thus ensuring proper kinetochore assembly and faithful chromosome segregation during meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Ling Hsieh
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jing Xia
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Haifan Lin
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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29
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Vishlaghi N, Lisse TS. Dicer- and Bulge Stem Cell-Dependent MicroRNAs During Induced Anagen Hair Follicle Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:338. [PMID: 32478074 PMCID: PMC7240072 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a major class of conserved non-coding RNAs that have a wide range of functions during development and disease. Biogenesis of canonical miRNAs depend on the cytoplasmic processing of pre-miRNAs to mature miRNAs by the Dicer endoribonuclease. Once mature miRNAs are generated, the miRNA-induced silencing complex (miRISC), or miRISC, incorporates one strand of miRNAs as a template for recognizing complementary target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) to dictate post-transcriptional gene expression. Besides regulating miRNA biogenesis, Dicer is also part of miRISC to assist in activation of the complex. Dicer associates with other regulatory miRISC co-factors such as trans-activation responsive RNA-binding protein 2 (Tarbp2) to regulate miRNA-based RNA interference. Although the functional role of miRNAs within epidermal keratinocytes has been extensively studied within embryonic mouse skin, its contribution to the normal function of hair follicle bulge stem cells (BSCs) during post-natal hair follicle development is unclear. With this question in mind, we sought to ascertain whether Dicer-Tarpb2 plays a functional role within BSCs during induced anagen development by utilizing conditional knockout mouse models. Our findings suggest that Dicer, but not Tarbp2, functions within BSCs to regulate induced anagen (growth phase) development of post-natal hair follicles. These findings strengthen our understanding of miRNA-dependency within hair follicle cells during induced anagen development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Vishlaghi
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - Thomas S Lisse
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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30
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Behzadi Fard S, Mazaheri Z, Ghorbanmehr N, Movahedin M, Behzadi Fard M, Gholampour MA. Analysis of MiRNA-17 and MiRNA-146 Expression During Differentiation of Spermatogonial Stem Like Cells Derived from Mouse Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR MEDICINE 2019; 8:14-23. [PMID: 32195202 PMCID: PMC7073265 DOI: 10.22088/ijmcm.bums.8.1.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In vitro derivation of germ cells from different stem cell sources has been challenging in the treatment of male infertility. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have an essential role in gene expression at post-transcriptional level. The aim of this research was to find more about miRNA-17 and miRNA-146 expression during differentiation of spermatogonial stem cell like cells (SSC like cells) from mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) through bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4) and retinoic acid (RA) induction. BMSCs were treated with BMP4 to produce primordial germ cell like cells (PGC like cells). The cells were differentiated into SSC like cells by an inducer cocktail including RA, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The PGC like cells and SSC like cells were evaluated for pluripotency (Nanog, Oct-4) and germ cell specific gene (Piwil2, Plzf, Dazl, and Stra8) expression, protein expression (Plzf, Stra8), and miRNA-17 and miRNA-146 mRNA expression. Our results showed that BMP4 leads to Dazl upregulation and Nanog downregulation expression in PGC like cells. RA upregulated Stra8 and Piwil2, and downregulated Nanog and Oct-4. MiRNA-17 and miRNA-146 expression decreased significantly in SSC like cells after RA treatment. This research indicated the aberrant miRNA-17 and miRNA-146 expression in SSC like cells in comparison with SSCs. Downregulation of the two miRNAs using RA in the stimulated undifferentiated state could probably be one of the key factors of SSC like cell arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Behzadi Fard
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Mazaheri
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Ghorbanmehr
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Movahedin
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Bai S, Cheng L, Zhang Y, Zhu C, Zhu Z, Zhu R, Cheng CY, Ye L, Zheng K. A germline-specific role for the mTORC2 component Rictor in maintaining spermatogonial differentiation and intercellular adhesion in mouse testis. Mol Hum Reprod 2019. [PMID: 29518209 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the physiological role of Rictor in spermatogenic cells? SUMMARY ANSWER Germline expression of Rictor regulates spermatogonial differentiation and has an essential role in coordinating germ cells and Sertoli cells in maintaining intact cell-cell adhesion dynamics and cytoskeleton-based architecture in the seminiferous epithelium. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) resides in its functions as the catalytic subunits of the structurally and functionally distinct mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes. In the mammalian testis, mTORC1 regulates spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, whereas mTORC2 is required for Sertoli cell function. In contrast to mTORC1, mTORC2 has been much less well studied. Rictor is a distinct component of the mTORC2 complex. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We investigated the effects of germ cell-specific ablation of Rictor on testicular development by using a mouse model of germline-specific ablation of Rictor. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We analyzed the in-vivo functions of Rictor through different methods including histology, immunofluorescent staining, chromosome spreads, blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity assays and RNA sequencing. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Mutant mice did not show a defect in meiotic synapsis or recombination, but exhibited compromised spermatogonial differentiation potential, disorganized cell-cell junctions, impaired BTB dynamics and defective spermiogenesis. Concomitantly, RNA-seq profiling revealed that many genes involved in adhesion and migration were expressed inappropriately. LARGE SCALE DATA RNA-seq data are published in the SRA database (PRJNA419273). LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION A detailed analysis of the mechanisms underlying the phenotype needs further investigations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our work provides previously unidentified in-vivo evidence that germline expression of Rictor plays a role in maintaining spermatogonial differentiation and cell-cell adhesion. These findings are important for understanding the regulation of spermatogenesis and have clinical implications for the effect of mTOR inhibitors on human fertility. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by National Key R&D Program of China (2016YFA0500902), National Natural Science Foundation of China (31471228 and 31771653), Jiangsu Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars (BK20150047), and Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20140897, 14KJA180005 and 14KJB310004) to K.Z. The authors declare no competing or financial interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Le Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yingwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chunsen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhiping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ruping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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Khawar MB, Mehmood R, Roohi N. MicroRNAs: Recent insights towards their role in male infertility and reproductive cancers. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2019; 19:31-42. [PMID: 30599090 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2018.3477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a tightly controlled, multi-step process in which mature spermatozoa are produced. Disruption of regulatory mechanisms in spermatogenesis can lead to male infertility, various diseases of male reproductive system, or even cancer. The spermatogenic impairment in infertile men can be associated with different etiologies, and the exact molecular mechanisms are yet to be determined. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a type of non-protein coding RNAs, about 22 nucleotides long, with an essential role in post-transcriptional regulation. miRNAs have been recognized as important regulators of various biological processes, including spermatogenesis. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent literature on the role of miRNAs in spermatogenesis, male infertility and reproductive cancers, and to evaluate their potential in diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of disease. Experimental evidence shows that aberrant expression of miRNAs affects spermatogenesis at multiple stages and in different cell types, most often resulting in infertility. In more severe cases, dysregulation of miRNAs leads to cancer. miRNAs have enormous potential to be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers as well as therapeutic targets in male infertility and reproductive system diseases. However, to exploit this potential fully, we need a better understanding of miRNA-mediated regulation of spermatogenesis, including the characterization of yet unidentified miRNAs and related regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Molecular Physiology/Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan State Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Genetic Factors Affecting Sperm Chromatin Structure. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1166:1-28. [PMID: 31301043 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21664-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Spermatozoa genome has unique features that make it a fascinating field of investigation: first, because, with oocyte genome, it can be transmitted generation after generation; second, because of genetic shuffling during meiosis, each spermatozoon is virtually unique in terms of genetic content, with consequences for species evolution; and finally, because its chromatin organization is very different from that of somatic cells or oocytes, as it is not based on nucleosomes but on nucleoprotamines which confer a higher order of packaging. Histone-to-protamine transition involves many actors, such as regulators of spermatid gene expression, components of the nuclear envelop, histone-modifying enzymes and readers, chaperones, histone variants, transition proteins, protamines, and certainly many more to be discovered.In this book chapter, we will present what is currently known about sperm chromatin structure and how it is established during spermiogenesis, with the aim to list the genetic factors that regulate its organization.
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34
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Constitutive Dicer1 phosphorylation accelerates metabolism and aging in vivo. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 116:960-969. [PMID: 30593561 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1814377116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
DICER1 gene alterations and decreased expression are associated with developmental disorders and diseases in humans. Oscillation of Dicer1 phosphorylation and dephosphorylation regulates its function during the oocyte-to-embryo transition in Caenorhabditis elegans Dicer1 is also phosphorylated upon FGF stimulation at conserved serines in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and HEK293 cells. However, whether phosphorylation of Dicer1 has a role in mammalian development remains unknown. To investigate the consequence of constitutive phosphorylation, we generated phosphomimetic knock-in mouse models by replacing conserved serines 1712 and 1836 with aspartic acids individually or together. Dicer1 S1836D/S1836D mice display highly penetrant postnatal lethality, and the few survivors display accelerated aging and infertility. Homozygous dual-phosphomimetic Dicer1 augments these defects, alters metabolism-associated miRNAs, and causes a hypermetabolic phenotype. Thus, constitutive phosphorylation of Dicer1 results in multiple pathologic processes in mice, indicating that phosphorylation tightly regulates Dicer1 function and activity in mammals.
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35
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Mazilina MA, Komarova EM, Baranov VS. RNA in Human Sperm and Some Problems of Male Fertility. RUSS J GENET+ 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795418120098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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36
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Pradillo M, Santos JL. Genes involved in miRNA biogenesis affect meiosis and fertility. Chromosome Res 2018; 26:233-241. [PMID: 30343461 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-018-9588-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small (containing about 22 nucleotides) single-stranded non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level in plants and animals, being absent from unicellular organisms. They act on diverse key physiological and cellular processes, such as development and tissue differentiation, cell identity, cell cycle progression, and programmed cell death. They are also likely to be involved in a broad spectrum of human diseases. Particularly, this review examines and summarizes work characterizing the function of miRNAs in gametogenesis and fertility. Although numerous studies have elucidated the involvement of reproductive-specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in regulating germ cell development and meiosis, less is known about the role of miRNAs in these processes. We focus on the study of hypomorphic and null alleles of genes encoding components of miRNA biogenesis in both plants (Arabidopsis thaliana) and mammals (Mus musculus). We compare the consequences of the presence of these mutations on male meiosis in both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Pradillo
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan L Santos
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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37
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Reza AMMT, Choi YJ, Han SG, Song H, Park C, Hong K, Kim JH. Roles of microRNAs in mammalian reproduction: from the commitment of germ cells to peri-implantation embryos. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2018; 94:415-438. [PMID: 30151880 PMCID: PMC7379200 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are active regulators of numerous biological and physiological processes including most of the events of mammalian reproduction. Understanding the biological functions of miRNAs in the context of mammalian reproduction will allow a better and comparative understanding of fertility and sterility in male and female mammals. Herein, we summarize recent progress in miRNA‐mediated regulation of mammalian reproduction and highlight the significance of miRNAs in different aspects of mammalian reproduction including the biogenesis of germ cells, the functionality of reproductive organs, and the development of early embryos. Furthermore, we focus on the gene expression regulatory feedback loops involving hormones and miRNA expression to increase our understanding of germ cell commitment and the functioning of reproductive organs. Finally, we discuss the influence of miRNAs on male and female reproductive failure, and provide perspectives for future studies on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Musa Md Talimur Reza
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Centre (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Jung Choi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Centre (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Gu Han
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology of Animal Resources, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk Song
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Centre (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Chankyu Park
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Centre (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwonho Hong
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Centre (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hoi Kim
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Centre (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
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38
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Tang L, Zhao B, Zhang H, Du Q, Zhu J, Zhao Z, Chen C, Luo C, Kang Q, Yuan W, Bian S, Bi H, Sun H, Li Y. Regulation of nonylphenol-induced reproductive toxicity in mouse spermatogonia cells by miR-361-3p. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:1257-1270. [PMID: 29024157 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Tang
- Department of Urology; Baoji People's Hospital; Baoji Shananxi China
| | - Bo Zhao
- Department of Urology; Baoji People's Hospital; Baoji Shananxi China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Urology; Baoji People's Hospital; Baoji Shananxi China
| | - Qiao Du
- Department of Urology; Baoji People's Hospital; Baoji Shananxi China
| | - Jiang Zhu
- Department of Urology; Baoji People's Hospital; Baoji Shananxi China
| | - Zhijiang Zhao
- Department of Urology; Baoji People's Hospital; Baoji Shananxi China
| | - Ce Chen
- Department of Urology; Baoji People's Hospital; Baoji Shananxi China
| | - Cheng Luo
- Department of Urology; Baoji People's Hospital; Baoji Shananxi China
| | - Qiyuan Kang
- Department of Urology; Baoji People's Hospital; Baoji Shananxi China
| | - Wenbing Yuan
- Department of Urology; Baoji People's Hospital; Baoji Shananxi China
| | - Shaohua Bian
- Department of Urology; Baoji People's Hospital; Baoji Shananxi China
| | - Hang Bi
- Department of Urology; Baoji People's Hospital; Baoji Shananxi China
| | - Huimin Sun
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital; the Fourth Military Medical University; Xi'an Shananxi China
| | - Yingyi Li
- Department of Urology; Baoji People's Hospital; Baoji Shananxi China
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39
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Zinad HS, Natasya I, Werner A. Natural Antisense Transcripts at the Interface between Host Genome and Mobile Genetic Elements. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2292. [PMID: 29209299 PMCID: PMC5701935 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs are involved in epigenetic processes, playing a role in the regulation of gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. A particular group of ncRNA are natural antisense transcripts (NATs); these are transcribed in the opposite direction to protein coding transcripts and are widespread in eukaryotes. Their abundance, evidence of phylogenetic conservation and an increasing number of well-characterized examples of antisense-mediated gene regulation are indicative of essential biological roles of NATs. There is evidence to suggest that they interfere with their corresponding sense transcript to elicit concordant and discordant regulation. The main mechanisms involved include transcriptional interference as well as dsRNA formation. Sense–antisense hybrid formation can trigger RNA interference, RNA editing or protein kinase R. However, the exact molecular mechanisms elicited by NATs in the context of these regulatory roles are currently poorly understood. Several examples confirm that ectopic expression of antisense transcripts trigger epigenetic silencing of the related sense transcript. Genomic approaches suggest that the antisense transcriptome carries a broader biological significance which goes beyond the physiological regulation of the directly related sense transcripts. Because NATs show evidence of conservation we speculate that they played a role in evolution, with early eukaryotes gaining selective advantage through the regulatory effects. With the surge of genome and transcriptome sequencing projects, there is promise of a more comprehensive understanding of the biological role of NATs and the regulatory mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany S Zinad
- RNA Interest Group, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Inas Natasya
- RNA Interest Group, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Werner
- RNA Interest Group, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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40
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Isoler-Alcaraz J, Fernández-Pérez D, Larriba E, del Mazo J. Cellular and molecular characterization of gametogenic progression in ex vivo cultured prepuberal mouse testes. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:85. [PMID: 29047395 PMCID: PMC5648490 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-017-0305-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, an effective testis culture method using a gas-liquid interphase, capable of differentiate male germ cells from neonatal spermatogonia to spermatozoa has been developed. Nevertheless, this methodology needs deep analyses that allow future experimental approaches in basic, pathologic and/or reprotoxicologic studies. Because of this, we characterized at cellular and molecular levels the entire in vitro spermatogenic progression, in order to understand and evaluate the characteristics that define the spermatogenic process in ex vivo cultured testes compared to the in vivo development. METHODS Testicular explants of CD1 mice aged 6 and 10 days post-partum were respectively cultured during 55 and 89 days. Cytological and molecular approaches were performed, analyzing germ cell proportion at different time culture points, meiotic markers immunodetecting synaptonemal complex protein SYCP3 by immunocytochemistry and the relative expression of different marker genes along the differentiation process by Reverse Transcription - quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction. In addition, microRNA and piwi-interactingRNA profiles were also evaluated by Next Generation Sequencing and bioinformatic approaches. RESULTS The method promoted and maintained the spermatogenic process during 89 days. At a cytological level we detected spermatogenic development delays of cultured explants compared to the natural in vivo process. The expression of different spermatogenic stages gene markers correlated with the proportion of different cell types detected in the cytological preparations. CONCLUSIONS In vitro progression analysis of the different spermatogenic cell types, from both 6.5 dpp and 10.5 dpp testes explants, has revealed a relative delay in relation to in vivo process. The expression of the genes studied as biomarkers correlates with the cytologically and functional detected progression and differential expression identified in vivo. After a first analysis of deep sequencing data it has been observed that as long as cultures progress, the proportion of microRNAs declined respect to piwi-interactingRNAs levels that increased, showing a similar propensity than which happens in in vivo spermatogenesis. Our study allows to improve and potentially to control the ex vivo spermatogenesis development, opening new perspectives in the reproductive biology fields including male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Isoler-Alcaraz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - D. Fernández-Pérez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - E. Larriba
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - J. del Mazo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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41
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Chen X, Che D, Zhang P, Li X, Yuan Q, Liu T, Guo J, Feng T, Wu L, Liao M, He Z, Zeng W. Profiling of miRNAs in porcine germ cells during spermatogenesis. Reproduction 2017; 154:789-798. [PMID: 28947561 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis includes mitosis of spermatogonia, meiosis of pachytene spermatocytes and spermiogenesis of round spermatids. MiRNAs as a ~22 nt small noncoding RNA are involved in regulating spermatogenesis at post-transcriptional level. However, the dynamic miRNAs expression in the developmental porcine male germ cells remains largely undefined. In this study, we purified porcine spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids using a STA-PUT apparatus. A small RNA deep sequencing and analysis were conducted to establish a miRNAs profiling in these male germ cells. We found that 19 miRNAs were differentially expressed between spermatogonia and pachytene spermatocytes, and 74 miRNAs differentially expressed between pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. Furthermore, 91 miRNAs were upregulated, while 108 miRNAs were downregulated in spermatozoa. We demonstrated that ssc-miR-10a-5p, ssc-miR-125b, ssc-let-7f and ssc-miR-186 were highly expressed in spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocytes, round spermatids and spermatozoa respectively. The findings could provide novel insights into roles of miRNAs in regulation of porcine spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Chen
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dongxue Che
- College of Life ScienceNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xueliang Li
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qingqing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiantian Liu
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiayin Guo
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tongying Feng
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ligang Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular AndrologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Minzhi Liao
- College of Life ScienceNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zuping He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
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42
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Distinct Expression Profiles and Novel Targets of MicroRNAs in Human Spermatogonia, Pachytene Spermatocytes, and Round Spermatids between OA Patients and NOA Patients. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 9:182-194. [PMID: 29246297 PMCID: PMC5645173 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human spermatogenesis includes three main stages, namely, the mitosis of spermatogonia, meiosis of spermatocytes, and spermiogenesis of spermatids, which are precisely regulated by epigenetic and genetic factors. Abnormality of epigenetic and genetic factors can result in aberrant spermatogenesis and eventual male infertility. However, epigenetic regulators in controlling each stage of normal and abnormal human spermatogenesis remain unknown. Here, we have revealed for the first time the distinct microRNA profiles in human spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocytes, and round spermatids between obstructive azoospermia (OA) patients and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients. Human spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocytes, and round spermatids from OA patients and NOA patients were isolated using STA-PUT velocity sedimentation and identified by numerous hallmarks for these cells. RNA deep sequencing showed that 396 microRNAs were differentially expressed in human spermatogonia between OA patients and NOA patients and 395 differentially expressed microRNAs were found in human pachytene spermatocytes between OA patients and NOA patients. Moreover, 378 microRNAs were differentially expressed in human round spermatids between OA patients and NOA patients. The differential expression of numerous microRNAs identified by RNA deep sequencing was verified by real-time PCR. Moreover, a number of novel targeting genes for microRNAs were predicted using various kinds of software and further verified by real-time PCR. This study thus sheds novel insights into epigenetic regulation of human normal spermatogenesis and the etiology of azoospermia, and it could offer new targets for molecular therapy to treat male infertility.
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43
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Xiong M, Zhu Z, Tian S, Zhu R, Bai S, Fu K, Davis JG, Sun Z, Baur JA, Zheng K, Ye L. Conditional ablation of
Raptor
in the male germline causes infertility due to meiotic arrest and impaired inactivation of sex chromosomes. FASEB J 2017; 31:3934-3949. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700251r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mengneng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhiping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Suwen Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Ruping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Shun Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Kaiqiang Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - James G. Davis
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and MetabolismDepartment of PhysiologyPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Zheng Sun
- Baylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Joseph A. Baur
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and MetabolismDepartment of PhysiologyPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Ke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
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44
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Hilz S, Modzelewski AJ, Cohen PE, Grimson A. The roles of microRNAs and siRNAs in mammalian spermatogenesis. Development 2017; 143:3061-73. [PMID: 27578177 PMCID: PMC5047671 DOI: 10.1242/dev.136721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs and siRNAs, both of which are AGO-bound small RNAs, are essential for mammalian spermatogenesis. Although their precise germline roles remain largely uncharacterized, recent discoveries suggest that they function in mechanisms beyond microRNA-mediated post-transcriptional control, playing roles in DNA repair and transcriptional regulation within the nucleus. Here, we discuss the latest findings regarding roles for AGO proteins and their associated small RNAs in the male germline. We integrate genetic, clinical and genomics data, and draw upon findings from non-mammalian models, to examine potential roles for AGO-bound small RNAs during spermatogenesis. Finally, we evaluate the emerging and differing roles for AGOs and AGO-bound small RNAs in the male and female germlines, suggesting potential reasons for these sexual dimorphisms. Summary: This Review article summarizes the latest findings regarding roles for AGO proteins and their associated small RNAs in the male germline, with a particular focus on spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Hilz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Andrew J Modzelewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Paula E Cohen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Andrew Grimson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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45
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46
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Abstract
The nucleolus is a distinct compartment of the nucleus responsible for ribosome biogenesis. Mis-regulation of nucleolar functions and of the cellular translation machinery has been associated with disease, in particular with many types of cancer. Indeed, many tumor suppressors (p53, Rb, PTEN, PICT1, BRCA1) and proto-oncogenes (MYC, NPM) play a direct role in the nucleolus, and interact with the RNA polymerase I transcription machinery and the nucleolar stress response. We have identified Dicer and the RNA interference pathway as having an essential role in the nucleolus of quiescent Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells, distinct from pericentromeric silencing, by controlling RNA polymerase I release. We propose that this novel function is evolutionarily conserved and may contribute to the tumorigenic pre-disposition of DICER1 mutations in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Roche
- a Martienssen Lab, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory , Cold Spring Harbor , NY , USA
| | - Benoît Arcangioli
- b Genome Dynamics Unit, UMR 3525 CNRS, Institut Pasteur , Paris , France
| | - Rob Martienssen
- a Martienssen Lab, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory , Cold Spring Harbor , NY , USA.,c Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory , Cold Spring Harbor , NY , USA
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47
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Chen J, Cai T, Zheng C, Lin X, Wang G, Liao S, Wang X, Gan H, Zhang D, Hu X, Wang S, Li Z, Feng Y, Yang F, Han C. MicroRNA-202 maintains spermatogonial stem cells by inhibiting cell cycle regulators and RNA binding proteins. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:4142-4157. [PMID: 27998933 PMCID: PMC5397178 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw1287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
miRNAs play important roles during mammalian spermatogenesis. However, the function of most miRNAs in spermatogenesis and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we report that miR-202 is highly expressed in mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), and is oppositely regulated by Glial cell-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) and retinoic acid (RA), two key factors for SSC self-renewal and differentiation. We used inducible CRISPR-Cas9 to knockout miR-202 in cultured SSCs, and found that the knockout SSCs initiated premature differentiation accompanied by reduced stem cell activity and increased mitosis and apoptosis. Target genes were identified with iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis and RNA sequencing, and are enriched with cell cycle regulators and RNA-binding proteins. Rbfox2 and Cpeb1 were found to be direct targets of miR-202 and Rbfox2 but not Cpeb1, is essential for the differentiation of SSCs into meiotic cells. Accordingly, an SSC fate-regulatory network composed of signaling molecules of GDNF and RA, miR-202 and diverse downstream effectors has been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,The Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tanxi Cai
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,The Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chunwei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,The Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiwen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Guojun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shangying Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiuxia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Haiyun Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Daoqin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,The Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiangjing Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,The Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Si Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yanmin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,The Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fuquan Yang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,The Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chunsheng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,The Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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48
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Dicer expression is impaired in diabetic cutaneous wound healing. Int J Diabetes Dev Ctries 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s13410-017-0572-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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49
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Lehti MS, Zhang FP, Kotaja N, Sironen A. SPEF2 functions in microtubule-mediated transport in elongating spermatids to ensure proper male germ cell differentiation. Development 2017; 144:2683-2693. [PMID: 28619825 DOI: 10.1242/dev.152108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sperm differentiation requires specific protein transport for correct sperm tail formation and head shaping. A transient microtubular structure, the manchette, appears around the differentiating spermatid head and serves as a platform for protein transport to the growing tail. Sperm flagellar 2 (SPEF2) is known to be essential for sperm tail development. In this study we investigated the function of SPEF2 during spermatogenesis using a male germ cell-specific Spef2 knockout mouse model. In addition to defects in sperm tail development, we observed a duplication of the basal body and failure in manchette migration resulting in an abnormal head shape. We identified cytoplasmic dynein 1 and GOLGA3 as novel interaction partners for SPEF2. SPEF2 and dynein 1 colocalize in the manchette and the inhibition of dynein 1 disrupts the localization of SPEF2 to the manchette. Furthermore, the transport of a known SPEF2-binding protein, IFT20, from the Golgi complex to the manchette was delayed in the absence of SPEF2. These data indicate a possible novel role of SPEF2 as a linker protein for dynein 1-mediated cargo transport along microtubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari S Lehti
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Green Technology, FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland.,Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Fu-Ping Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland.,Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Anu Sironen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Green Technology, FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland
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50
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Chen X, Li X, Guo J, Zhang P, Zeng W. The roles of microRNAs in regulation of mammalian spermatogenesis. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2017; 8:35. [PMID: 28469844 PMCID: PMC5410700 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-017-0166-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis contains three continuous and organized processes, by which spermatogonia undergo mitosis and differentiate to spermatocytes, follow on meiosis to form haploid spermatids and ultimately transform into spermatozoa. These processes require an accurately, spatially and temporally regulated gene expression patterns. The microRNAs are a novel class of post-transcriptional regulators. Cumulating evidences have demonstrated that microRNAs are expressed in a cell-specific or stage-specific manner during spermatogenesis. In this review, we focus on the roles of microRNAs in spermatogenesis. We highlight that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in the biogenesis of microRNAs and miRNA regulates the m6A modification on mRNA, and that specific miRNAs have been exploited as potential biomarkers for the male factor infertility, which will provide insightful understanding of microRNA roles in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Xueliang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Jiayin Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
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