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Li F, Chen S, Zhang T, Pan L, Liu C, Bian L. Gonadal Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis Reveals the Candidate Sex-Related Genes and Signaling Pathways in the East Asian Common Octopus, Octopus sinensis. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:682. [PMID: 38927618 PMCID: PMC11202624 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The East Asian common octopus (Octopus sinensis) is an economically important species among cephalopods. This species exhibits a strict dioecious and allogamous reproductive strategy, along with a phenotypic sexual dimorphism, where the third right arm differentiates into hectocotylus in males. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie sex determination and differentiation in this species remains limited. In the present study, we surveyed gene-expression profiles in the immature male and female gonads of O. sinensis based on the RNA-seq, and a total of 47.83 Gb of high-quality data were generated. Compared with the testis, we identified 8302 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the ovary, of which 4459 genes were up-regulated and 3843 genes were down-regulated. Based on the GO enrichment, many GO terms related to sex differentiation were identified, such as sex differentiation (GO: 0007548), sexual reproduction (GO: 0019953) and male sex differentiation (GO: 0046661). A KEGG classification analysis identified three conserved signaling pathways that related to sex differentiation, including the Wnt signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway and Notch signaling pathway. Additionally, 21 sex-related DEGs were selected, of which 13 DEGs were male-biased, including Dmrt1, Foxn5, Foxj1, Sox30, etc., and 8 DEGs were female-biased, including Sox14, Nanos3, β-tubulin, Suh, etc. Ten DEGs were used to verify the expression patterns in the testis and ovary using the RT-qPCR method, and the results showed that the expression level shown by RT-qPCR was consistent with that from the RNA-seq, which confirmed the reliability of the transcriptome data. The results presented in this study will not only contribute to our understanding of sex-formation mechanisms in O. sinensis but also provide the foundational information for further investigating the molecular mechanisms that underline its gonadal development and facilitate the sustainable development of octopus artificial breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (F.L.); (S.C.); (L.P.); (C.L.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Siqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (F.L.); (S.C.); (L.P.); (C.L.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan 316021, China;
| | - Luying Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (F.L.); (S.C.); (L.P.); (C.L.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Changlin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (F.L.); (S.C.); (L.P.); (C.L.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Li Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (F.L.); (S.C.); (L.P.); (C.L.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
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Liu DX, Li ZF, Zhao YS, Wang LM, Qi HY, Zhao Z, Tan FQ, Yang WX. Es-β-CATENIN affects the hemolymph-testes barrier in Eriocheir sinensis by disrupting cell junctions and cytoskeleton. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124867. [PMID: 37201886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124867] [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: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
β-CATENIN is an evolutionarily conserved multifunctional molecule that maintains cell adhesion as a cell junction protein to safeguard the integrity of the mammalian blood-testes barrier, and also regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis as a key signaling molecule in the WNT/β-CATENIN signaling pathway. In the crustacean Eriocheir sinensis, Es-β-CATENIN has been shown to be involved in spermatogenesis, but the testes of E. sinensis have large and well-defined structural differences from those of mammals, and the impact of Es-β-CATENIN in them is still unknown. In the present study, we found that Es-β-CATENIN, Es-α-CATENIN and Es-ZO-1 interact differently in the testes of the crab compared to mammals. In addition, defective Es-β-CATENIN resulted in increased Es-α-CATENIN protein expression levels, distorted and deformed F-ACTIN, and disturbed localization of Es-α-CATENIN and Es-ZO-1, leading to loss of hemolymph-testes barrier integrity and impaired sperm release. In addition to this, we also performed the first molecular cloning and bioinformatics analysis of Es-AXIN in the WNT/β-CATENIN pathway to exclude the effect of the WNT/β-CATENIN pathway on the cytoskeleton. In conclusion, Es-β-CATENIN participates in maintaining the hemolymph-testes barrier in the spermatogenesis of E. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding-Xi Liu
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhen-Fang Li
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yan-Shuang Zhao
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lan-Min Wang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hong-Yu Qi
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhan Zhao
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fu-Qing Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Deng Y, Meng X, Ling C, Lu T, Chang H, Li L, Yang Y, Song G, Ding Y. Nanosized Titanium Dioxide Induced Apoptosis and Abnormal Expression of Blood-Testis Barrier Junction Proteins Through JNK Signaling Pathway in TM4 Cells. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:5172-5187. [PMID: 35013891 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03099-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nanosized titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) has been widely used in consumer products. It can cross the blood-testis barrier (BTB), and it has adverse effects on the male reproductive system. However, the specific mechanism has not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to understand the role of the JNK signaling pathway in the apoptosis and abnormal expression of BTB junction proteins induced by nano-TiO2 in TM4 cells. After different concentration of nano-TiO2 treatments, the cell viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), BTB junction proteins (Claudin-11, ZO-1, β-catenin), apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3), and phosphorylated (p)-JNK protein were examined. The results showed that cell viability, apoptosis rates, Δψm, and apoptosis-related protein levels changed in a concentration-dependent manner. Cell viability decreased significantly from 100 μg/mL nano-TiO2 group. Apoptosis rates increased significantly from 150 μg/mL nano-TiO2 group, and Δψm decreased significantly from 150 μg/mL nano-TiO2 group. The protein levels of Bax, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3 increased significantly from 150 μg/mL nano-TiO2 group, and the protein level of Bcl-2 decreased significantly from 100 μg/mL nano-TiO2 group. The protein level of p-JNK increased significantly from 100 μg/mL nano-TiO2 group. Abnormal expression of ZO-1 and β-catenin started from 150 μg/mL nano-TiO2 group, and abnormal expression of Claudin-11 started from 100 μg/mL nano-TiO2 group. Cells were treated with JNK inhibitor SP100625 to determine whether the changes of the above indicators in the concentration of 150 μg/mL nano-TiO2 group can be reversed. We found that SP100625 at 20 μM significantly reversed these effects. These results highlighted that nano-TiO2 could activate the JNK signaling pathway to induce mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and abnormal expression of BTB junction proteins in TM4 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Deng
- Department of Preventive Medicine/the Key Laboratories for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiaojia Meng
- Department of Preventive Medicine/the Key Laboratories for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang, China
| | - Chunmei Ling
- The Third People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, 830091, Xinjiang, China
| | - Tianjiao Lu
- Department of Preventive Medicine/the Key Laboratories for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hongmei Chang
- Department of Preventive Medicine/the Key Laboratories for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine/the Key Laboratories for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yaqian Yang
- Department of Preventive Medicine/the Key Laboratories for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang, China
| | - Guanling Song
- Department of Preventive Medicine/the Key Laboratories for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang, China.
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Yusong Ding
- Department of Preventive Medicine/the Key Laboratories for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang, China.
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Zhang Y. SPATA33 affects the formation of cell adhesion complex by interacting with CTNNA3 in TM4 cells. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 389:145-157. [PMID: 35536443 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03631-y] [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: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Communication between Sertoli cell is essential during spermatogenesis and testicular development in mice, and the dynamic balance of this communication is regulated by some adhesion proteins. In this study, we found that SPATA33 and CTNNA3 were involved in this process. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting showed similar trend of expression of two proteins in the testis of mice of different ages. Subsequently, CRISPR-Cas9 technique was used to prepare Spata33 knockout cell lines with TM4 cells, cell wound scratch assay showed that Spata33 gene knockout affected cell migration, and flow cytometry assay showed that Spata33 knockout resulted in a decreased percentage of G1 phase cells in TM4 cell line. In addition, phalloidin staining assay showed that Spata33 gene knockout disrupted the formation of F-actin. Moreover, the protein immunoprecipitation experiment showed the interaction between SPATA33 and CTNNA3, which affected the interaction between CTNNA3 and CTNNB1. SPATA33 inhibits the formation of CDH1-CTNNB1-CTNNA3 complex through its interaction with CTNNA3, thus weakening adhesion between Sertoli cell and promoting cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang, 471934, Henan, China.
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Misiakiewicz-Has K, Pilutin A, Wiszniewska B. Influence of hormonal imbalance on the integrity of seminiferous epithelium in the testes of adult rats chronically exposed to letrozole and rats exposed to soya isoflavones during the prenatal period, lactation, and up to sexual maturity. Reprod Biol 2021; 21:100562. [PMID: 34555686 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The structural integrity of the germ cells in the seminiferous epithelium and the correct process of spermatogenesis are made possible by proteins that participate in the formation of different types of junctions. This study was performed on samples of the testes of 4 groups (2 experimental and 2 corresponding control) of male Wistar rats. In the first experimental group, the adult rats received letrozole - a nonsteroidal inhibitor of cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom). The second experimental group was exposed to soya isoflavones during the prenatal period, lactation, and up to sexual maturity. The aim of this study was to examine the immunoexpression of β-catenin, N-cadherin, occludin, connexin43, annexin V, and advanced glycation end products (AGE) in the seminiferous epithelium of rat testes with chronic estrogen deficiency and of rats exposed to soya isoflavones. Series of sections of the testes were stained using PAS and silver impregnation. Moreover, immunohistochemistry tests were performed. A semi-quantitative determination of protein immunoexpression was performed using Image J. The number of annexin V positive Sertoli cells per tubule were counted manually. Comparisons between the experimental and corresponding control groups were performed using a non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. The most common alterations were prematurely sloughed germ cells in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules and invaginations of the seminiferous tubules. We observed a lower number of annexin V positive Sertoli cells and a lower expression of N-cadherin and occludin in the seminiferous epithelium of both groups of rats with hormonal imbalances. Moreover, a higher expression of AGE, a lower expression of connexin 43 and a lower amount of reticular fibers in the basal lamina of seminiferous tubules was present in rats treated with letrozole and a higher expression of β-catenin was found in rats exposed to soya isoflavones. The hormonal imbalance between androgens and estrogens resulted in a decreased number of annexin V positive Sertoli cells. This may be associated with a failed clearance of apoptotic germ cells that leads to disturbances in the blood-testis-barrier (BTB) by affecting the expression of junctional proteins in the seminiferous epithelium. Moreover, a decreased level of estrogens was also associated with an increased expression of AGEs and with a changed composition of basal lamina in the seminiferous tubules of rats. These changes could lead to germ cell sloughing and invaginations of the seminiferous tubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Misiakiewicz-Has
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - A Pilutin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - B Wiszniewska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
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Shemshaki G, Najafi M, Niranjana Murthy AS, Malini SS. Novel association of PhosphoSerine PHosphatase (PSPH) gene mutations with male infertility identified through whole exome sequencing of South Indians. Meta Gene 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2021.100897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Young JC, Kerr G, Micati D, Nielsen JE, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Abud HE, Loveland KL. WNT signalling in the normal human adult testis and in male germ cell neoplasms. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:1991-2003. [PMID: 32667987 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is WNT signalling functional in normal and/or neoplastic human male germ cells? SUMMARY ANSWER Regulated WNT signalling component synthesis in human testes indicates that WNT pathway function changes during normal spermatogenesis and is active in testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs), and that WNT pathway blockade may restrict seminoma growth and migration. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Regulated WNT signalling governs many developmental processes, including those affecting male fertility during early germ cell development at embryonic and adult (spermatogonial) ages in mice. In addition, although many cancers arise from WNT signalling alterations, the functional relevance and WNT pathway components in TGCT, including germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS), are unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The cellular distribution of transcripts and proteins in WNT signalling pathways was assessed in fixed human testis sections with normal spermatogenesis, GCNIS and seminoma (2-16 individuals per condition). Short-term (1-7 h) ligand activation and long-term (1-5 days) functional outcomes were examined using the well-characterised seminoma cell line, TCam-2. Pathway inhibition used siRNA or chemical exposures over 5 days to assess survival and migration. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The cellular localisation of WNT signalling components was determined using in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry on Bouin's- and formalin-fixed human testis sections with complete spermatogenesis or germ cell neoplasia, and was also assessed in TCam-2 cells. Pathway function tests included exposure of TCam-2 cells to ligands, small molecules and siRNAs. Outcomes were measured by monitoring beta-catenin (CTNNB1) intracellular localisation, cell counting and gap closure measurements. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Detection of nuclear-localised beta-catenin (CTNNB1), and key WNT signalling components (including WNT3A, AXIN2, TCF7L1 and TCF7L2) indicate dynamic and cell-specific pathway activity in the adult human testis. Their presence in germ cell neoplasia and functional analyses in TCam-2 cells indicate roles for active canonical WNT signalling in TGCT relating to viability and migration. All data were analysed to determine statistical significance. LARGE SCALE DATA No large-scale datasets were generated in this study. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION As TGCTs are rare and morphologically heterogeneous, functional studies in primary cancer cells were not performed. Functional analysis was performed with the only well-characterised, widely accepted seminoma-derived cell line. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study demonstrated the potential sites and involvement of the WNT pathway in human spermatogenesis, revealing similarities with murine testis that suggest the potential for functional conservation during normal spermatogenesis. Evidence that inhibition of canonical WNT signalling leads to loss of viability and migratory activity in seminoma cells suggests that potential treatments using small molecule or siRNA inhibitors may be suitable for patients with metastatic TGCTs. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (Project ID 1011340 to K.L.L. and H.E.A., and Fellowship ID 1079646 to K.L.L.) and supported by the Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Program. None of the authors have any competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Young
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Australia
| | - Genevieve Kerr
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Australia
| | - Diana Micati
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Australia.,Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - John E Nielsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helen E Abud
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Australia.,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Australia
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Australia.,Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, 3168, Australia
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Characterization of Estrogenic Activity and Site-Specific Accumulation of Bisphenol-A in Epididymal Fat Pad: Interfering Effects on the Endocannabinoid System and Temporal Progression of Germ Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052540. [PMID: 33802611 PMCID: PMC7961766 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this work has been to characterize the estrogenic activity of bisphenol-A (BPA) and the adverse effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in modulating germ cell progression. Male offspring exposed to BPA during the foetal-perinatal period at doses below the no-observed-adverse-effect-level were used to investigate the exposure effects in adulthood. Results showed that BPA accumulates specifically in epididymal fat rather than in abdominal fat and targets testicular expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and cytochrome P450 aromatase, thus promoting sustained increase of estrogens and a decrease of testosterone. The exposure to BPA affects the expression levels of some ECS components, namely type-1 (CB1) and type-2 cannabinoid (CB2) receptor and monoacylglycerol-lipase (MAGL). Furthermore, it affects the temporal progression of germ cells reported to be responsive to ECS and promotes epithelial germ cell exfoliation. In particular, it increases the germ cell content (i.e., spermatogonia while reducing spermatocytes and spermatids), accelerates progression of spermatocytes and spermatids, promotes epithelial detachment of round and condensed spermatids and interferes with expression of cell–cell junction genes (i.e., zonula occcludens protein-1, vimentin and β-catenin). Altogether, our study provides evidence that early exposure to BPA produces in adulthood sustained and site-specific BPA accumulation in epididymal fat, becoming a risk factor for the reproductive endocrine pathways associated to ECS.
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Xue R, Lin W, Sun J, Watanabe M, Xu A, Araki M, Nasu Y, Tang Z, Huang P. The role of Wnt signaling in male reproductive physiology and pathology. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaaa085. [PMID: 33543289 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has shown that Wnt signaling is deeply involved in male reproductive physiology, and malfunction of the signal path can cause pathological changes in genital organs and sperm cells. These abnormalities are diverse in manifestation and have been constantly found in the knockout models of Wnt studies. Nevertheless, most of the research solely focused on a certain factor in the Wnt pathway, and there are few reports on the overall relation between Wnt signals and male reproductive physiology. In our review, Wnt findings relating to the reproductive system were sought and summarized in terms of Wnt ligands, Wnt receptors, Wnt intracellular signals and Wnt regulators. By sorting out and integrating relevant functions, as well as underlining the controversies among different reports, our review aims to offer an overview of Wnt signaling in male reproductive physiology and pathology for further mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhi Xue
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenfeng Lin
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Jingkai Sun
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Masami Watanabe
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Abai Xu
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Motoo Araki
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yasutomo Nasu
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Zhengyan Tang
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Okayama Medical Innovation Center, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
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10
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Thompson EM, Stoker AW. A Review of DUSP26: Structure, Regulation and Relevance in Human Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020776. [PMID: 33466673 PMCID: PMC7828806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Dual specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) play a crucial role in the regulation of intracellular signalling pathways, which in turn influence a broad range of physiological processes. DUSP malfunction is increasingly observed in a broad range of human diseases due to deregulation of key pathways, most notably the MAP kinase (MAPK) cascades. Dual specificity phosphatase 26 (DUSP26) is an atypical DUSP with a range of physiological substrates including the MAPKs. The residues that govern DUSP26 substrate specificity are yet to be determined; however, recent evidence suggests that interactions with a binding partner may be required for DUSP26 catalytic activity. DUSP26 is heavily implicated in cancer where, akin to other DUSPs, it displays both tumour-suppressive and -promoting properties, depending on the context. Here we review DUSP26 by evaluating its transcriptional patterns, protein crystallographic structure and substrate binding, as well as its physiological role(s) and binding partners, its role in human disease and the development of DUSP26 inhibitors.
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11
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Snider PL, Simmons O, Conway SJ. Cracd Marks the First Wave of Meiosis during Spermatogenesis and Is Mis-Expressed in Azoospermia Mice. J Dev Biol 2020; 8:jdb8030021. [PMID: 32962040 PMCID: PMC7558608 DOI: 10.3390/jdb8030021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular development starts in utero and maturation continues postnatally, requiring a cascade of gene activation and differentiation into different cell types, with each cell type having its own specific function. As we had previously reported that the Capping protein inhibiting regulator of actin (Cracd) gene was expressed in the adult mouse testis, herein we examine when and where the β-catenin associated Cracd is initially expressed during postnatal testis development. Significantly, Cracd mRNA is present in both the immature postnatal and adult testis in round spermatid cells, with highest level of expression occurring during the first wave of meiosis and spermatogenesis. In the juvenile testes, Cracd is initially expressed within the innermost region but as maturation occurs, Cracd mRNA switches to a more peripheral location. Thereafter, Cracd is downregulated to maintenance levels in the haploid male germ cell lineage. As Cracd mRNA was expressed within developing round spermatids, we tested its effectiveness as a biomarker of non-obstructive azoospermia using transgenic knockout mice models. Meaningfully, Cracd expression was absent in Deleted in azoospermia like (Dazl) null testis, which exhibit a dramatic germ cell loss. Moreover, Cracd was abnormally regulated and ectopically mis-expressed in Polypyrimidine tract binding protein-2 (Ptbp2) conditional germ cell restricted knockout testis, which exhibit a block during spermatid differentiation and a reduction in the number of late stage spermatocytes coincident with reduced β-catenin expression. Combined, these data suggest that Cracd is a useful first wave of spermatogenesis biomarker of azoospermia phenotypes, even prior to an overt phenotype being evident.
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Hifnawy MS, Aboseada MA, Hassan HM, AboulMagd AM, Tohamy AF, Abdel-Kawi SH, Rateb ME, El Naggar EMB, Liu M, Quinn RJ, Alhadrami HA, Abdelmohsen UR. Testicular Caspase-3 and β-Catenin Regulators Predicted via Comparative Metabolomics and Docking Studies. Metabolites 2020; 10:metabo10010031. [PMID: 31940785 PMCID: PMC7022381 DOI: 10.3390/metabo10010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many routes have been explored to search for effective, safe, and affordable alternatives to hazardous female contraceptives. Herbal extracts and their secondary metabolites are some of the interesting research areas to address this growing issue. This study aims to investigate the effects of ten different plant extracts on testicular spermatogenesis. The correlation between the chemical profile of these extracts and their in vivo effect on male reproductive system was evaluated using various techniques. Approximately 10% of LD50 of hydro-methanolic extracts were orally administrated to rats for 60 days. Semen parameters, sexual organ weights, and serum levels of male sex hormones in addition to testes histopathology, were evaluated. Moreover, metabolomic analysis using (LC-HRESIMS), multivariate analysis (PCA), immunohistochemistry (caspase-3 and β-catenin), and a docking study were performed. Results indicated that three plant extracts significantly decreased epididymal sperm density and motility. Moreover, their effects on testicular cells were also assured by histopathological evaluations. Metabolomic profiling of the bioactive plant extracts showed the presence of diverse phytochemicals, mostly oleanane saponins, phenolic diterpenes, and lupane triterpenes. A docking study on caspase-3 enzyme showed that oleanane saponins possessed the highest binding affinity. An immunohistochemistry assay on β-catenin and caspase-3 indicated that Albizzia lebbeck was the most active extract for decreasing immunoexpression of β-catenin, while Rosmarinus officinalis showed the highest activity for increasing immunoexpression of caspase-3. The spermatogenesis decreasing the activity of A. lebbeck, Anagallis arvensis, and R. officinalis can be mediated via up-regulation of caspase-3 and down-regulation of β-catenin existing in testis cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed S. Hifnawy
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11865, Egypt;
| | - Mahmoud A. Aboseada
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef 62513, Egypt;
| | - Hossam M. Hassan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62513, Egypt; (H.M.H.); (M.E.R.)
| | - Asmaa M. AboulMagd
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef 62513, Egypt;
| | - Adel F. Tohamy
- Department of Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11865, Egypt;
| | - Samraa H. Abdel-Kawi
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62513, Egypt;
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Nahda University, Beni-Suef 62513, Egypt
| | - Mostafa E. Rateb
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62513, Egypt; (H.M.H.); (M.E.R.)
- Marine Biodiscovery Centre, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
- School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of West Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK
| | | | - Miaomiao Liu
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (M.L.); (R.J.Q.)
| | - Ronald J. Quinn
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (M.L.); (R.J.Q.)
| | - Hani A. Alhadrami
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, King Abdulaziz University, P. O. Box 80402, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabi
- King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, P. O. Box 80402, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (H.A.A.); (U.R.A.)
| | - Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, Universities Zone, New Minia City 61111, Egypt
- Correspondence: (H.A.A.); (U.R.A.)
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Tao S, Wang L, Zhu Z, Liu Y, Wu L, Yuan C, Zhang G, Wang Z. Adverse effects of bisphenol A on Sertoli cell blood-testis barrier in rare minnow Gobiocypris rarus. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 171:475-483. [PMID: 30639874 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA), an environmental contaminant, has been shown to disturb the dynamics of Sertoli cell blood-testis barrier (BTB) in mammal testis. However, the effects of BPA on Sertoli cell barrier (SC barrier) were little known in fish to date. To evaluate the potential mechanism of reproductive toxicity of BPA, we studied the damage of SC barrier using in vivo models. In this study, male adult rare minnow Gobiocypris rarus were exposed to 15 μg/L BPA for 7-35 days. Gonadal histology and the integrity of SC barrier were analyzed. Meanwhile, the expressions of SC barrier -associated proteins, tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) content, and the mRNA expressions of genes in the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were detected. Histological analysis demonstrated 15 μg/L BPA promoted the infiltration of inflammatory cells in fish testes after 7-days exposure. The biotin tracer assay showed that 7-days BPA exposure increased permeability for spermatid cysts. In addition, the BPA treatment caused increased TNFα in testis, which was reportedly related to SC barrier impairment. The expressions of Occludin and β-Catenin protein were significantly decreased in the testes after 7- and 21-days exposure. BPA also altered the mRNA expressions of occludin, β-catenin, p38 MAPK and JNK. Therefore, the detrimental effects of BPA on reproduction of male fish may attribute to the disturbed expressions of SC junction proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Tao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Lihong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Zeliang Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Lang Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Cong Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Guo Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Zaizhao Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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14
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Fahim AT, Abd El-Fattah AA, Sadik NAH, Ali BM. Resveratrol and dimethyl fumarate ameliorate testicular dysfunction caused by chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression in rats. Arch Biochem Biophys 2019; 665:152-165. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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15
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Identification of the X-linked germ cell specific miRNAs (XmiRs) and their functions. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211739. [PMID: 30707741 PMCID: PMC6358104 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in multiple aspects of biology. Dicer, an RNase III endonuclease, is essential for the biogenesis of miRNAs, and the germ cell-specific Dicer1 knockout mouse shows severe defects in gametogenesis. How miRNAs regulate germ cell development is still not fully understood. In this study, we identified germ cell-specific miRNAs (miR-741-3p, miR-871-3p, miR-880-3p) by analyzing published RNA-seq data of mouse. These miRNA genes are contiguously located on the X chromosome near other miRNA genes. We named them X chromosome-linked miRNAs (XmiRs). To elucidate the functions of XmiRs, we generated knockout mice of these miRNA genes using the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing system. Although no histological abnormalities were observed in testes of F0 mice in which each miRNA gene was disrupted, a deletion covering miR-871 and miR-880 or covering all XmiRs (ΔXmiRs) resulted in arrested spermatogenesis in meiosis in a few seminiferous tubules, indicating their redundant functions in spermatogenesis. Among candidate targets of XmiRs, we found increased expression of a gene encoding a WNT receptor, FZD4, in ΔXmiRs testis compared with that in wildtype testis. miR-871-3p and miR-880-3p repressed the expression of Fzd4 via the 3′-untranslated region of its mRNA. In addition, downstream genes of the WNT/β-catenin pathway were upregulated in ΔXmiRs testis. We also found that miR-871, miR-880, and Fzd4 were expressed in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids, and overexpression of miR-871 and miR-880 in germ stem cells in culture repressed their increase in number and Fzd4 expression. Previous studies indicated that the WNT/β-catenin pathway enhances and represses proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonia, respectively, and our results consistently showed that stable β-catenin enhanced GSC number. In addition, stable β-catenin partially rescued reduced GSC number by overexpression of miR-871 and miR-880. The results together suggest that miR-871 and miR-880 cooperatively regulate the WNT/β-catenin pathway during testicular germ cell development.
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Wei Y, Gao Q, Niu P, Xu K, Qiu Y, Hu Y, Liu S, Zhang X, Yu M, Liu Z, Wang B, Mu Y, Li K. Integrative Proteomic and Phosphoproteomic Profiling of Testis from Wip1 Phosphatase-Knockout Mice: Insights into Mechanisms of Reduced Fertility. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:216-230. [PMID: 30361445 PMCID: PMC6356077 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra117.000479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice lacking wild-type p53-induced phosphatase 1 (Wip1) display male reproductive defects including smaller testes, subfertility and spermatogenesis defects at the round- and elongating-spermatid stages. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these abnormalities remain unclear. Here we examined the proteome and phosphoproteome of testes from Wip1-knockout mice using a quantitative proteomic approach. From a total of 6872 proteins and 4280 phosphorylation sites identified, 58 proteins and 159 phosphorylation sites were found to be differentially regulated compared with wild type mice. Pathway enrichment analyses revealed that these regulated proteins and phosphosites were mainly involved in adherens/tight junctions, apoptosis, inflammatory response, spermatogenesis, sperm motility, and cytoskeletal assembly and depolymerization. Wip1-knockout mice showed decreased expression of junction-associated proteins (occludin, ZO-1, and N-cadherin) and impaired integrity of the blood-testis barrier. In addition, Wip1 deficiency was associated with elevated levels of cytokines and germ cell apoptosis in the testis. These results suggest that proinflammatory cytokines may impair the blood-testis barrier dynamics by decreasing the expression of junction-associated proteins, which could lead to subfertility and spermatogenesis defects. Collectively, these findings help to explain the low reproductive function caused by Wip1 deletion and provide novel insights into our understanding of causes of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghui Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qian Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Pengxia Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yiqing Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yanqing Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shasha Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Miaoying Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhiguo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Bingyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yulian Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Kui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
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17
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Kumar M, Atkins J, Cairns M, Ali A, Tanwar PS. Germ cell-specific sustained activation of Wnt signalling perturbs spermatogenesis in aged mice, possibly through non-coding RNAs. Oncotarget 2018; 7:85709-85727. [PMID: 27992363 PMCID: PMC5349868 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated Wnt signalling is associated with human infertility and testicular cancer. However, the role of Wnt signalling in male germ cells remains poorly understood. In this study, we first confirmed the activity of Wnt signalling in mouse, dog and human testes. To determine the physiological importance of the Wnt pathway, we developed a mouse model with germ cell-specific constitutive activation of βcatenin. In young mutants, similar to controls, germ cell development was normal. However, with age, mutant testes showed defective spermatogenesis, progressive germ cell loss, and flawed meiotic entry of spermatogonial cells. Flow sorting confirmed reduced germ cell populations at the leptotene/zygotene stages of meiosis in mutant group. Using thymidine analogues-based DNA double labelling technique, we further established decline in germ cell proliferation and differentiation. Overactivation of Wnt/βcatenin signalling in a spermatogonial cell line resulted in reduced cell proliferation, viability and colony formation. RNA sequencing analysis of testes revealed significant alterations in the non-coding regions of mutant mouse genome. One of the novel non-coding RNAs was switched on in mutant testes compared to controls. QPCR analysis confirmed upregulation of this unique non-coding RNA in mutant testis. In summary, our results highlight the significance of Wnt signalling in male germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joshua Atkins
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Murray Cairns
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ayesha Ali
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pradeep S Tanwar
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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18
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Kishi K, Uchida A, Takase HM, Suzuki H, Kurohmaru M, Tsunekawa N, Kanai-Azuma M, Wood SA, Kanai Y. Spermatogonial deubiquitinase USP9X is essential for proper spermatogenesis in mice. Reproduction 2017; 154:135-143. [PMID: 28559472 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
USP9X (ubiquitin-specific peptidase 9, X chromosome) is the mammalian orthologue of Drosophila deubiquitinase fat facets that was previously shown to regulate the maintenance of the germ cell lineage partially through stabilizing Vasa, one of the widely conserved factors crucial for gametogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that USP9X is expressed in the gonocytes and spermatogonia in mouse testes from newborn to adult stages. By using Vasa-Cre mice, germ cell-specific conditional deletion of Usp9x from the embryonic stage showed no abnormality in the developing testes by 1 week and no appreciable defects in the undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia at postnatal and adult stages. Interestingly, after 2 weeks, Usp9x-null spermatogenic cells underwent apoptotic cell death at the early spermatocyte stage, and then, caused subsequent aberrant spermiogenesis, which resulted in a complete infertility of Usp9x conditional knockout male mice. These data provide the first evidence of the crucial role of the spermatogonial USP9X during transition from the mitotic to meiotic phases and/or maintenance of early meiotic phase in Usp9x conditional knockout testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasane Kishi
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aya Uchida
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hinako M Takase
- Department of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCentre for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitomi Suzuki
- Department of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCentre for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masamichi Kurohmaru
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoki Tsunekawa
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masami Kanai-Azuma
- Department of Experimental Animal Model for Human DiseaseCentre for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Stephen A Wood
- Griffith Institute for Drug DiscoveryGriffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yoshiakira Kanai
- Department of Veterinary AnatomyThe University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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19
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Chassot AA, Le Rolle M, Jourden M, Taketo MM, Ghyselinck NB, Chaboissier MC. Constitutive WNT/CTNNB1 activation triggers spermatogonial stem cell proliferation and germ cell depletion. Dev Biol 2017; 426:17-27. [PMID: 28456466 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The differentiation of germ cells into oogonia or spermatogonia is the first step that eventually gives rise to fully mature gametes. In the female fetal gonad, the RSPO1/WNT/CTNNB1 signalling pathway is involved in primordial germ cell proliferation and differentiation into female germ cells, which are able to enter meiosis. In the postnatal testis, the WNT/CTNNB1 pathway also mediates proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells and progenitor cells. Here we show that forced activation of the WNT/CTNNB1 pathway in fetal gonocytes using transgenic mice leads to deregulated spermatogonial proliferation, and exhaustion of the spermatocytes by apoptosis, resulting in a hypoplastic testis. These findings demonstrate that a finely tuned timing in WNT/CTNNB1 signalling activity is required for spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maketo M Taketo
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Norbert B Ghyselinck
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), CNRS UMR7104, INSERM U964, Université de Strasbourg, F-67404 Illkirch, France
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20
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Does murine spermatogenesis require WNT signalling? A lesson from Gpr177 conditional knockout mouse models. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2281. [PMID: 27362799 PMCID: PMC5108341 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Wingless-related MMTV integration site (WNT) proteins and several other components of the WNT signalling pathway are expressed in the murine testes. However, mice mutant for WNT signalling effector β-catenin using different Cre drivers have phenotypes that are inconsistent with each other. The complexity and overlapping expression of WNT signalling cascades have prevented researchers from dissecting their function in spermatogenesis. Depletion of the Gpr177 gene (the mouse orthologue of Drosophila Wntless), which is required for the secretion of various WNTs, makes it possible to genetically dissect the overall effect of WNTs in testis development. In this study, the Gpr177 gene was conditionally depleted in germ cells (Gpr177flox/flox, Mvh-Cre; Gpr177flox/flox, Stra8-Cre) and Sertoli cells (Gpr177flox/flox, Amh-Cre). No obvious defects in fertility and spermatogenesis were observed in these three Gpr177 conditional knockout (cKO) mice at 8 weeks. However, late-onset testicular atrophy and fertility decline in two germ cell-specific Gpr177 deletion mice were noted at 8 months. In contrast, we did not observe any abnormalities of spermatogenesis and fertility, even in 8-month-old Gpr177flox/flox, Amh-Cre mice. Elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected in Gpr177 cKO germ cells and Sertoli cells and exhibited an age-dependent manner. However, significant increase in the activity of Caspase 3 was only observed in germ cells from 8-month-old germ cell-specific Gpr177 knockout mice. In conclusion, GPR177 in Sertoli cells had no apparent influence on spermatogenesis, whereas loss of GPR177 in germ cells disrupted spermatogenesis in an age-dependent manner via elevating ROS levels and triggering germ cell apoptosis.
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21
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Wu L, Yang P, Luo F, Wang D, Zhou L. R-spondin1 signaling pathway is required for both the ovarian and testicular development in a teleosts, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 230-231:177-85. [PMID: 27044511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The furin-domain-containing peptide R-spondin 1 (RSPO1) has recently emerged as an important regulator of ovarian development, upregulating the WNT/β-catenin pathway to oppose testis formation in mammals. However, little information has been reported on the Rspo1 signaling pathway in teleosts. In this study, Rspo1 was isolated from the gonads of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. An in situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that Rspo1 is expressed in the germ cells of the ovary and the testis. An ontogenic analysis demonstrated that Rspo1 expression is upregulated just before meiotic initiation in both the ovary and testis during the early developmental stages of the tilapia. The expression pattern is sexually dimorphic from 20days after hatching, with higher expression in the ovary. The reduction of Rspo1 expression by transcription activator-like (TAL) effector nuclease (TALEN) caused retarded ovarian development, the ectopic expression of male-dominant genes, and increased serum 11-ketotestosterone. Intriguingly, a deficiency of Rspo1 in XY fish caused a delay in spermatogenesis, the inhibition of igf3 and amh expression and a reduction in serum 11-ketotestosterone. Furthermore, incubation with FH535, an inhibitor of the Rspo1/Wnt pathway, decreased β-catenin, while increased cyp11c1 and dmrt1 expression in the in vitro cultured ovaries; decreased cyp11c1, amh and igf3 expression in the in vitro cultured testes. Taken together, our data suggest that the Rspo1 signaling pathway might be involved in both ovarian and testicular development in the tilapia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Peng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Feng Luo
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Linyan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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22
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Paracrine Wnt/β-catenin signaling mediates proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonia in the adult mouse testis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E1489-97. [PMID: 26929341 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1601461113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) fuel the production of male germ cells but the mechanisms behind SSC self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation are still poorly understood. Using the Wnt target gene Axin2 and genetic lineage-tracing experiments, we found that undifferentiated spermatogonia, comprising SSCs and transit amplifying progenitor cells, respond to Wnt/β-catenin signals. Genetic elimination of β-catenin indicates that Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes the proliferation of these cells. Signaling is likely initiated by Wnt6, which is uniquely expressed by neighboring Sertoli cells, the only somatic cells in the seminiferous tubule that support germ cells and act as a niche for SSCs. Therefore, unlike other stem cell systems where Wnt/β-catenin signaling is implicated in self-renewal, the Wnt pathway in the testis specifically contributes to the proliferation of SSCs and progenitor cells.
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23
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Ghaffari Novin M, Mirfakhraie R, Nazarian H. Aberrant Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Testis of Azoospermic Men. Adv Pharm Bull 2015; 5:373-7. [PMID: 26504759 DOI: 10.15171/apb.2015.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2014] [Revised: 01/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Importance and key role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in spermatogenesis is known. Abnormalities of this pathway in Sertoli and germ cells leads to infertility. Leydig cells play an important role in spermatogenesis and male reproduction. As of now, exact position of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway disorders in the tissue and possible involvement of Leydig cells has not been investigated. METHODS Samples of our previous study were used for common Y chromosome microdeletions screening and common CFTR gene mutations.1 β-catenin gene expression were evaluated and compared between testicular tissue obtained by testicular sperm extraction (TESE) in two groups of obstructive (n=10) and non-obstructive (n=10) azoospermic infertile men. Location of β-catenin accumulation was detected by immunofluorescence technic and quantitatively compared in the tissue followed by counterstaining with anti-vimentin antibody. It was used as specific marker of leydig cells to determine and confirm the cells in which this gathering was occurred. RESULTS β-catenin gene expression does not have a significant difference between the obstructive azoospermia (0.998) and non-obstructive azoospermia group (0.891). β-catenin was abnormally aggregated in leydig cell of non-obstructive azoospermic men. CONCLUSION Gathering β-catenin in cytoplasm of leydig cells can disrupt spermatogenesis and cause infertility in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center (IRHRC), Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mirfakhraie
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Nazarian
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Devi AN, Anil Kumar TR, Pillai SM, Jayakrishnan K, Kumar PG. Expression profiles of NPHP1 in the germ cells in the semen of men with male factor infertility. Andrology 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. N. Devi
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology; Thiruvananthapuram Kerala India
| | - T. R. Anil Kumar
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology; Thiruvananthapuram Kerala India
| | - S. M. Pillai
- Samad IVF Hospital; Thiruvananthapuram Kerala India
| | | | - P. G. Kumar
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology; Thiruvananthapuram Kerala India
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25
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Wnt signaling in testis development: Unnecessary or essential? Gene 2015; 565:155-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.04.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 03/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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26
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Zarzycka M, Chojnacka K, Mruk D, Gorowska E, Hejmej A, Kotula-Balak M, Pardyak L, Bilinska B. Flutamide alters the distribution of c-Src and affects the N-cadherin-β-catenin complex in the seminiferous epithelium of adult rat. Andrology 2015; 3:569-81. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Zarzycka
- Department of Endocrinology; Institute of Zoology; Jagiellonian University; Krakow Poland
| | - K. Chojnacka
- Department of Endocrinology; Institute of Zoology; Jagiellonian University; Krakow Poland
| | - D.D. Mruk
- Center for Biomedical Research; Population Council; New York City New York USA
| | - E. Gorowska
- Department of Endocrinology; Institute of Zoology; Jagiellonian University; Krakow Poland
| | - A. Hejmej
- Department of Endocrinology; Institute of Zoology; Jagiellonian University; Krakow Poland
| | - M. Kotula-Balak
- Department of Endocrinology; Institute of Zoology; Jagiellonian University; Krakow Poland
| | - L. Pardyak
- Department of Endocrinology; Institute of Zoology; Jagiellonian University; Krakow Poland
| | - B. Bilinska
- Department of Endocrinology; Institute of Zoology; Jagiellonian University; Krakow Poland
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27
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Pollack D, Xiao Y, Shrivasatava V, Levy A, Andrusier M, D'Armiento J, Holz MK, Vigodner M. CDK14 expression is down-regulated by cigarette smoke in vivo and in vitro. Toxicol Lett 2015; 234:120-30. [PMID: 25680692 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In this study, DNA arrays have been employed to monitor gene expression patterns in testis of mice exposed to tobacco smoke for 24 weeks and compared to control animals. The results of the analysis revealed significant changes in expression of several genes that may have a role in spermatogenesis. Cdk14 was chosen for further characterization because of a suggested role in the testis and in regulation of Wnt signaling. RT-PCR analysis confirmed down regulation of Cdk14 in mice exposed to cigarette smoke (CS). Cdk14 is expressed in all testicular cells; spermatogonia- and Sertoli-derived cell lines treated with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) in vitro showed down-regulation of CDK14 mRNA and protein levels as well as down-regulation of β-catenin levels. CS-induced down-regulation of CDK14 mRNA and protein levels was also observed in several lung epithelium-derived cell lines including primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE), suggesting that the effect is not restricted to the testis. Similar to testicular cells, CS-induced down-regulation of CDK14 in lung cells correlated with decreased levels of β-catenin, a finding suggesting impaired Wnt signaling. In the lungs, CDK14 was localized to the alveolar and bronchial epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pollack
- Department of Biology, Stern College, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yuxuan Xiao
- Department of Biology, Stern College, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vibha Shrivasatava
- Department of Biology, Stern College, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Avi Levy
- Department of Biology, Stern College, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Miriam Andrusier
- Department of Biology, Stern College, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeanine D'Armiento
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marina K Holz
- Department of Biology, Stern College, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Margarita Vigodner
- Department of Biology, Stern College, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York, USA.
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28
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Covarrubias AA, Yeste M, Salazar E, Ramírez-Reveco A, Rodriguez Gil JE, Concha II. The Wnt1 ligand/Frizzled 3 receptor system plays a regulatory role in the achievement of the ‘in vitro’ capacitation and subsequent ‘in vitro’ acrosome exocytosis of porcine spermatozoa. Andrology 2015; 3:357-67. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. A. Covarrubias
- Facultad de Ciencias; Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia Chile
| | - M. Yeste
- Facultat de Veterinària; Unitat de Reproducció Animal; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Barcelona Spain
| | - E. Salazar
- Facultad de Ciencias; Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia Chile
| | - A. Ramírez-Reveco
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria; Instituto de Ciencia Animal; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia Chile
| | - J. E. Rodriguez Gil
- Facultat de Veterinària; Unitat de Reproducció Animal; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Barcelona Spain
| | - I. I. Concha
- Facultad de Ciencias; Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia Chile
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Lombardi APG, Royer C, Pisolato R, Cavalcanti FN, Lucas TFG, Lazari MFM, Porto CS. Physiopathological aspects of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the male reproductive system. SPERMATOGENESIS 2014; 3:e23181. [PMID: 23687614 PMCID: PMC3644045 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.23181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway controls several biological processes throughout development and adult life. Dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling underlies a wide range of pathologies in animals and humans, including cancer in different tissues. In this review, we provide an update of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the possible roles of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the biology of testis, epididymis and prostate. Data from our laboratory suggest the involvement of 17β-estradiol and estrogen receptors (ERs) on the regulation of β-catenin expression in rat Sertoli cells. We also provide emerging evidences of the involvement of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in testis and prostate cancer. Our understanding of the role of Wnt/β-Catenin signaling in male reproductive tissues is still evolving, and several questions are open to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paola G Lombardi
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology; Department of Pharmacology; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo, SP Brazil
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Baptissart M, Vega A, Martinot E, Pommier AJ, Houten SM, Marceau G, de Haze A, Baron S, Schoonjans K, Lobaccaro JMA, Volle DH. Bile acids alter male fertility through G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 signaling pathways in mice. Hepatology 2014; 60:1054-65. [PMID: 24798773 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Bile acids (BAs) are signaling molecules that are involved in many physiological functions, such as glucose and energy metabolism. These effects are mediated through activation of the nuclear and membrane receptors, farnesoid X receptor (FXR-α) and TGR5 (G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1; GPBAR1). Although both receptors are expressed within the testes, the potential effect of BAs on testis physiology and male fertility has not been explored thus far. Here, we demonstrate that mice fed a diet supplemented with cholic acid have reduced fertility subsequent to testicular defects. Initially, germ cell sloughing and rupture of the blood-testis barrier occur and are correlated with decreased protein accumulation of connexin-43 (Cx43) and N-cadherin, whereas at later stages, apoptosis of spermatids is observed. These abnormalities are associated with increased intratesticular BA levels in general and deoxycholic acid, a TGR5 agonist, in particular. We demonstrate here that Tgr5 is expressed within the germ cell lineage, where it represses Cx43 expression through regulation of the transcriptional repressor, T-box transcription factor 2 gene. Consistent with this finding, mice deficient for Tgr5 are protected against the deleterious testicular effects of BA exposure. CONCLUSIONS These data identify the testis as a new target of BAs and emphasize TGR5 as a critical element in testicular pathophysiology. This work may open new perspectives on the potential effect of BAs on testis physiology during liver dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Baptissart
- INSERM U 1103, Génétique Reproduction et Développement (GReD), Aubière, France; Clermont Université, Université Blaise, Pascal, GReD, BP 80026, Aubière, France; CNRS, UMR 6293, GReD, Aubière, France; Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d'Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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31
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Rivas B, Huang Z, Agoulnik AI. Normal fertility in male mice with deletion of β-catenin gene in germ cells. Genesis 2014; 52:328-32. [DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Rivas
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics; Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University; Miami Florida
| | - Zaohua Huang
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics; Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University; Miami Florida
| | - Alexander I. Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics; Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University; Miami Florida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Baylor College of Medicine; Houston Texas
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Kerr GE, Young JC, Horvay K, Abud HE, Loveland KL. Regulated Wnt/beta-catenin signaling sustains adult spermatogenesis in mice. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:3. [PMID: 24258210 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.105809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of Wnt signaling for postnatal testis function has been previously studied in several mouse models, with chronic pathway disruption addressing its function in Sertoli cells and in postmeiotic germ cells. While chronic beta-catenin deletion in Sertoli cells does not profoundly affect testis development, new data indicate that Wnt signaling is required at multiple stages of spermatogenesis. We used two mouse models that allow acute disruption of Wnt signaling to explore the importance of regulated Wnt pathway activity for normal germ cell development in adult male mice. Short-term induction of mutations in Adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) and beta-catenin (Ctnnbl), which increase and decrease Wnt signaling levels, were generated in AhCre Apc(fl/fl) and AhCre Ctnnb1(fl/fl) mice, respectively. Each exhibited a distinct phenotype of disrupted spermatogenesis that was evident within 24 h and persisted for up to 4 days. Outcomes included germ cell apoptosis and rapid loss and altered blood-testis barrier protein distribution and morphology. The functional significance of nuclear localized beta-catenin protein in spermatocytes and round spermatids, indicative of active Wnt signaling, was highlighted by the profound loss of postmitotic germ cells in both models. Developmentally regulated Wnt signaling mediators identified through transcriptional profiling of wild-type and AhCre Ctnnb1(fl/fl) mouse testes identified Wnt receptors (e.g., Fzd4) and ligands (e.g., Wnt3, Wnt3a, Wnt5b, Wnt7a, and Wnt8b). This demonstration that Wnt signaling control is essential for adult spermatogenesis supports the growing understanding that its disruption may underpin certain cases of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve E Kerr
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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33
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Santerre C, Sourdaine P, Adeline B, Martinez AS. Cg-SoxE and Cg-β-catenin, two new potential actors of the sex-determining pathway in a hermaphrodite lophotrochozoan, the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2014; 167:68-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2013.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Revised: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Bae SM, Lim W, Jeong W, Lee JY, Kim J, Bazer FW, Song G. Sex-specific expression of CTNNB1 in the gonadal morphogenesis of the chicken. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; 11:89. [PMID: 24025394 PMCID: PMC3847165 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beta-catenin (CTNNB1), as a key transcriptional regulator in the WNT signal transduction cascade, plays a pivotal role in multiple biological functions such as embryonic development and homeostasis in adults. Although it has been suggested that CTNNB1 is required for gonad development and maintenance of ovarian function in mice, little is known about the expression and functional role of CTNNB1 in gonadal development and differentiation in the chicken reproductive system. METHODS To examine sex-specific, cell-specific and temporal expression of CTNNB1 mRNA and protein during gonadal development to maturation of reproductive organs, we collected left and right gonads apart from mesonephric kidney of chicken embryos on embryonic day (E) 6, E9, E14, E18, as well as testes, oviduct and ovaries from 12-week-old and adult chickens and performed quantitative PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemical analyses. In addition, localization of Sertoli cell markers such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1), cyclin D1 (CCND1) and N-cadherin (CDH2) during testicular development was evaluated. RESULTS Results of the present study showed that CTNNB1 mRNA and protein are expressed predominantly in the seminiferous cords on E6 to E14 in the male embryonic gonad, and are mainly localized to the medullary region of female embryonic gonads from E6 to E9. In addition, CTNNB1 mRNA and protein are abundant in the Sertoli cells in the testes and expressed predominantly in luminal epithelial cells of the oviduct, but not in the ovaries from 12-week-old and adult chickens. Concomitant with CTNNB1, AMH, ESR1, CCND1 and CDH2 were detected predominantly in the seminiferous cord of the medullary region of male gonads at E9 (after sex determination) and then maintained or decreased until hatching. Interestingly, AMH, ESR1, CCND1 and CDH2 were located in seminiferous tubules of the testes from 12-weeks-old chickens and ESR1, CCND1 and CDH2 were expressed predominantly in the Sertoli cells within seminiferous tubules of adult testes. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these results revealed that CTNNB1 is present in gonads of both sexes during embryonic development and it may play essential roles in differentiation of Sertoli cells during formation of seminiferous tubules during development of the testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Min Bae
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Whasun Lim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooyoung Jeong
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Young Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Kim
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Republic of Korea
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Center for Animal Biotechnology and Genomics and Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-2471, USA
| | - Gwonhwa Song
- Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 136-713, Republic of Korea
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Interaction between microRNAs and actin-associated protein Arpc5 regulates translational suppression during male germ cell differentiation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:5750-5. [PMID: 22447776 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1117837109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Decoupling of transcription and translation during postmeiotic germ cell differentiation is critical for successful spermatogenesis. Here we establish that the interaction between microRNAs and actin-associated protein Arpc5 sets the stage for an elaborate translational control mechanism by facilitating the sequestration of germ cell mRNAs into translationally inert ribonucleoprotein particles until they are later translated. Our studies reveal that loss of microRNA-dependent regulation of Arpc5, which controls the distribution of germ cell mRNAs between translationally active and inactive pools, results in abnormal round spermatid differentiation and impaired fertility. Interestingly, Arpc5 functions as a broadly acting translational suppressor, as it inhibits translation initiation by blocking 80S formation and facilitates the transport of mRNAs to chromatoid/P bodies. These findings identify a unique role for actin-associated proteins in translational regulation, and suggest that mRNA-specific and general translational control mechanisms work in tandem to regulate critical germ cell differentiation events and diverse somatic cell functions.
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