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Fischer V, Kretschmer M, Germain PL, Kaur J, Mompart-Barrenechea S, Pelczar P, Schürmann D, Schär P, Gapp K. Sperm chromatin accessibility's involvement in the intergenerational effects of stress hormone receptor activation. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:378. [PMID: 38065942 PMCID: PMC10709351 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02684-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Dexamethasone is a stress hormone receptor agonist used widely in clinics. We and others previously showed that paternal administration of dexamethasone in mice affects the phenotype of their offspring. The substrate of intergenerational transmission of environmentally induced effects often involves changes in sperm RNA, yet other epigenetic modifications in the germline can be affected and are also plausible candidates. First, we tested the involvement of altered sperm RNAs in the transmission of dexamethasone induced phenotypes across generations. We did this by injecting sperm RNA into naïve fertilized oocytes, before performing metabolic and behavioral phenotyping of the offspring. We observed phenotypic changes in discordance with those found in offspring generated by in vitro fertilization using sperm from dexamethasone exposed males. Second, we investigated the effect of dexamethasone on chromatin accessibility using ATAC sequencing and found significant changes at specific genomic features and gene regulatory loci. Employing q-RT-PCR, we show altered expression of a gene in the tissue of offspring affected by accessibility changes in sperm. Third, we establish a correlation between specific DNA modifications and stress hormone receptor activity as a likely contributing factor influencing sperm accessibility. Finally, we independently investigated this dependency by genetically reducing thymine-DNA glycosylase levels and observing concomitant changes at the level of chromatin accessibility and stress hormone receptor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Fischer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Kretschmer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Luc Germain
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Zürich, Switzerland
- Computational Neurogenomics, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Zürich, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Statistical Bioinformatics, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jasmine Kaur
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sergio Mompart-Barrenechea
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Pawel Pelczar
- Center for Transgenic Models, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Schürmann
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Primo Schär
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Gapp
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Taghian Dinani H, Naderi N, Tavalaee M, Rabiee F, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Aberrant Expression of TET2 Accounts for DNA Hypomethylation in Varicocele. CELL JOURNAL 2023; 25:706-716. [PMID: 37865879 PMCID: PMC10591265 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2023.2000170.1284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation play a key role in male infertility etiology. This study aimed to explore the global DNA methylation status in testicular spermatogenic cells of varicocele-induced rats and consider their semen quality, with a focus on key epigenetic marks, namely 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), as well as the mRNA and proteins of ten-eleven translocation (TET) methylcytosine dioxygenases 1-3. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, 24 mature male Wistar rats (8 in each group) were assigned amongst the control, sham, and varicocele groups. Sperm quality was assessed, and DNA methylation patterns of testicular spermatogenic cells were investigated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blot, and immunofluorescence techniques. RESULTS Sperm parameters, chromatin and DNA integrity were significantly lower, and sperm lipid peroxidation significantly increased in varicocele-induced rats in comparison with control rats. During spermatogenesis in rat testis, 5-mC and 5-hmC epigenetic marks, and TET1-3 mRNA and proteins were expressed. In contrast to the 5-mC fluorescent signal which was presented in all testicular cells, the 5-hmC fluorescent signal was presented exclusively in spermatogonia and a few spermatids. In varicocele-induced rats, the 5-mC signal decreased in all cells within the tubules, whereas a strong signal of 5-hmC was detected in seminiferous tubules compared to the control group. As well, the levels of TET2 mRNA and protein expression were significantly upregulated in varicocele-induced rats in comparison with the control group. Also, our results showed that the varicocele-induced animals exhibited strong fluorescent signals of TET1-3 in testicular cells, whereas weak fluorescent signals were identified in the seminiferous tubules of the control animals. CONCLUSION Consequently, we showed TET2 upregulation and the 5-hmC gain at testicular levels are associated with varicocele and sperm quality decline, and therefore they can be exploited as potential biomarkers of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengameh Taghian Dinani
- ACECR Institute of Higher Education, Isfahan Branch, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nushin Naderi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- ACECR Institute of Higher Education, Isfahan Branch, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Farzaneh Rabiee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- ACECR Institute of Higher Education, Isfahan Branch, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
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Krasic J, Skara Abramovic L, Himelreich Peric M, Vanjorek V, Gangur M, Zovko D, Malnar M, Masic S, Demirovic A, Juric B, Ulamec M, Coric M, Jezek D, Kulis T, Sincic N. Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Tissue Biomarker Analysis: A Comparison of Human Protein Atlas and Individual Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Component Immunohistochemistry. Cells 2023; 12:1841. [PMID: 37508506 PMCID: PMC10378501 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The accurate management of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) depends on identifying the individual histological tumor components. Currently available data on protein expression in TGCTs are limited. The human protein atlas (HPA) is a comprehensive resource presenting the expression and localization of proteins across tissue types and diseases. In this study, we have compared the data from the HPA with our in-house immunohistochemistry on core TGCT diagnostic genes to test reliability and potential biomarker genes. We have compared the protein expression of 15 genes in TGCT patients and non-neoplastic testicles with the data from the HPA. Protein expression was converted into diagnostic positivity. Our study discovered discrepancies in three of the six core TGCT diagnostic genes, POU5F1, KIT and SOX17 in HPA. DPPA3, CALCA and TDGF1 were presented as potential novel TGCT biomarkers. MGMT was confirmed while RASSF1 and PRSS21 were identified as biomarkers of healthy testicular tissue. Finally, SALL4, SOX17, RASSF1 and PRSS21 dysregulation in the surrounding testicular tissue with complete preserved spermatogenesis of TGCT patients was detected, a potential early sign of neoplastic transformation. We highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary collaborative approach to fully understand the protein landscape of human testis and its pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jure Krasic
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Skara Abramovic
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marta Himelreich Peric
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Health Centre Zagreb-West, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vedran Vanjorek
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Gangur
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dragana Zovko
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Malnar
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Silvija Masic
- Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Clinical Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alma Demirovic
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Clinical Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Bernardica Juric
- Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Clinical Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Ulamec
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Clinical Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marijana Coric
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Davor Jezek
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Kulis
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nino Sincic
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Funke K, Einsfelder U, Hansen A, Arévalo L, Schneider S, Nettersheim D, Stein V, Schorle H. Genome-scale CRISPR screen reveals neddylation to contribute to cisplatin resistance of testicular germ cell tumours. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:2270-2282. [PMID: 37024667 PMCID: PMC10241889 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02247-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type II testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT) are the most prevalent tumours in young men. Patients suffering from cisplatin-resistant TGCTs are facing very poor prognosis demanding novel therapeutic options. Neddylation is a known posttranslational modification mediating many important biological processes, including tumorigenesis. Overactivation of the neddylation pathway promotes carcinogenesis and tumour progression in various entities by inducing proteasomal degradation of tumour suppressors (e.g., p21, p27). METHODS We used a genome-scale CRISPR/Cas9 activation screen to identify cisplatin resistance factors. TGCT cell lines were treated with the neddylation inhibitor (MLN4924)/cisplatin/combination and investigated for changes in viability (XTT assay), apoptosis/cell cycle (flow cytometry) as well as in the transcriptome (3'mRNA sequencing). RESULTS NAE1 overexpression was detected in cisplatin-resistant colonies from the CRISPR screen. Inhibition of neddylation using MLN4924 increased cisplatin cytotoxicity in TGCT cell lines and sensitised cisplatin-resistant cells towards cisplatin. Apoptosis, G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest, γH2A.X/P27 accumulation and mesoderm/endoderm differentiation were observed in TGCT cells, while fibroblast cells were unaffected. CONCLUSIONS We identified overactivation of neddylation as a factor for cisplatin resistance in TGCTs and highlighted the additive effect of NAE1 inhibition by MLN4924 in combination with cisplatin as a novel treatment option for TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Funke
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ulf Einsfelder
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Aylin Hansen
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Valentin Stein
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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Xiang J, Zhang J, Liao L, Jiang B, Yuan R, Xiang Y. Label-free and sensitive fluorescent sensing of ten-eleven translocation enzyme via cascaded recycling signal amplifications. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1251:341025. [PMID: 36925297 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341025] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
The sensitive detection of ten-eleven translocation (TET) dioxygenase is of significance for understanding the demethylation mechanism of 5-methylocytosine (5mC), which is responsible for a wide range of biological functions that can affect gene expression in eukaryotic species. Here, a non-label and sensitive fluorescence biosensing method for TET assay using TET1 as the model target molecule is established on the basis of target-triggered Mg2+-dependent DNAzyme and catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA)-mediated multiple signal amplification cascades. 5mC sites in the hairpin DNA probe are first oxidized by TET1 into 5-carboxycytosine, which are further reduced by pyridine borane into dihydrouracil, followed by its recognition and cleavage by the USER enzyme to liberate active DNAzyme and G-quadruplex sequences from the probe. The DNAzyme further cyclically cleaves the substrate hairpins to trigger subsequent CHA reaction and DNAzyme cleavage cycles for yielding many G-quadruplex strands. Thioflavin T dye then intercalates into G-quadruplexes to cause a magnificent increase of fluorescence for high sensitivity assay of TET1 with 47 fM detection limit. And, application of this method for TET1 monitoring in diluted serum has also been confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Junyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Lei Liao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, PR China
| | - Bingying Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, PR China.
| | - Ruo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Yun Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China.
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Cheng Y, Chen C, Wang F, Chen Z. A highly sensitive signal-on biosensor based on restriction enzyme-mediated molecular switch for detection of TET1. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 152:108433. [PMID: 37031472 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) is a member of the TET enzyme family of dioxygenases, which plays an important role in active DNA demethylation. Therefore, the sensitive TET1 detection could help us better understand DNA methylation-demethylation in epigenetics. Here we report a detection method that consists of electrode fabrication, TET1 modification, DNA digestion, signal-on oxidoreduction, and current peak monitoring. An exquisitely designed 5'end-G-rich oligodeoxynucleotide was synthesized bearing a methylated cytosine (5-mC), which formed into hairpin dsDNA with the MspI recognition sequence (CmCGG/GGCC). Then hairpin dsDNA was fabricated onto gold nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode (DNA/AuNPs/GCE) via Au-S bond. The combination uses of restriction enzyme MspI and hemin converted fabricated-dsDNA into peroxidase-mimicking DNAzyme, thereby promoting the reduction of H2O2 with a current peak. However, the current peak was extremely decreased once TET1 and T4 β-GT were used in advance. We confirmed a delicately linear relationship matching between the current difference and TET1 activity from 0.7 to 10.5 ng μL-1 with a detection limit of 0.027 ng μL-1, which outcompeted the former methods at least one order of magnitudes. The TET1 activity evaluation in the existence of Bobcat339 was also tested as the proof of concept of inhibitors screening. Our strategy provides a novel, label-free, and sensitive electrochemical approach that enables us to complete both TET1 activity evaluation and potential TET1 inhibitors screening.
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von Eyben FE, Kristiansen K, Kapp DS, Hu R, Preda O, Nogales FF. Epigenetic Regulation of Driver Genes in Testicular Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044148. [PMID: 36835562 PMCID: PMC9966837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In testicular germ cell tumor type II (TGCT), a seminoma subtype expresses an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) panel with four upregulated genes, OCT4/POU5F1, SOX17, KLF4, and MYC, and embryonal carcinoma (EC) has four upregulated genes, OCT4/POU5F1, SOX2, LIN28, and NANOG. The EC panel can reprogram cells into iPSC, and both iPSC and EC can differentiate into teratoma. This review summarizes the literature on epigenetic regulation of the genes. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as methylations of cytosines on the DNA string and methylations and acetylations of histone 3 lysines, regulate expression of these driver genes between the TGCT subtypes. In TGCT, the driver genes contribute to well-known clinical characteristics and the driver genes are also important for aggressive subtypes of many other malignancies. In conclusion, epigenetic regulation of the driver genes are important for TGCT and for oncology in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finn E. von Eyben
- Center for Tobacco Control Research, Birkevej 17, 5230 Odense, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-66145862
| | - Karsten Kristiansen
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biomedicine, August Krogh Building Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- BGI-Research, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518120, China
- Institute of Metagenomics, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, Qingdao 166555, China
| | - Daniel S. Kapp
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Ovidiu Preda
- Department of Pathology, San Cecilio University Hospital, 18071 Granada, CP, Spain
| | - Francisco F. Nogales
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University Granada, 18071 Granada, CP, Spain
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Funke K, Düster R, Wilson PDG, Arévalo L, Geyer M, Schorle H. Transcriptional CDK Inhibitors as Potential Treatment Option for Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071690. [PMID: 35406461 PMCID: PMC8997165 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Type II testicular germ cell tumors are a severe type of cancer in young men demanding alternative treatment options to conventional chemotherapy with less side effects. In particular, patients with chemotherapy-resistant tumors face a bad prognosis and low survival rates. In other tumor entities, transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinases (7/8/9/12/13) have been demonstrated to be effective targets. Here, we studied the effects of transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors on a cellular and molecular level. We found several inhibitors to be highly cytotoxic for certain testicular germ cell tumor cell lines while leaving a somatic (fibroblast) control cell line unaffected. This opens up a novel field for effective and specified treatment of type II testicular germ cell tumors. Abstract Type II testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are the most frequently diagnosed solid malignancy in young men. Up to 15% of patients with metastatic non-seminomas show cisplatin resistance and a very poor survival rate due to lacking treatment options. Transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) have been shown to be effective targets in the treatment of different types of cancer. Here, we investigated the effects of the CDK inhibitors dinaciclib, flavopiridol, YKL-5-124, THZ1, NVP2, SY0351 and THZ531. An XTT viability assay revealed a strong cytotoxic impact of CDK7/12/13 inhibitor SY0351 and CDK9 inhibitor NVP2 on the TGCT wild-type cell lines (2102EP, NCCIT, TCam2) and the cisplatin-resistant cell lines (2102EP-R, NCCIT-R). The CDK7 inhibitor YKL-5-124 showed a strong impact on 2102EP, 2102EP-R, NCCIT and NCCIT-R cell lines, leaving the MPAF control cell line mostly unaffected. FACS-based analysis revealed mild effects on the cell cycle of 2102EP and TCam2 cells after SY0351, YKL-5-124 or NVP2 treatment. Molecular analysis showed a cell-line-specific response for SY0351 and NVP2 inhibition while YKL-5-124 induced similar molecular changes in 2102EP, TCam2 and MPAF cells. Thus, after TGCT subtype determination, CDK inhibitors might be a potential alternative for optimized and individualized therapy independent of chemotherapy sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Funke
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (K.F.); (P.D.-G.W.); (L.A.)
| | - Robert Düster
- The Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (R.D.); (M.G.)
| | - Prince De-Graft Wilson
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (K.F.); (P.D.-G.W.); (L.A.)
| | - Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (K.F.); (P.D.-G.W.); (L.A.)
| | - Matthias Geyer
- The Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (R.D.); (M.G.)
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (K.F.); (P.D.-G.W.); (L.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Therapeutical interference with the epigenetic landscape of germ cell tumors: a comparative drug study and new mechanistical insights. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:5. [PMID: 34996497 PMCID: PMC8742467 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01223-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Type II germ cell tumors (GCT) are the most common solid cancers in males of age 15 to 35 years. Treatment of these tumors includes cisplatin-based therapy achieving high cure rates, but also leading to late toxicities. As mainly young men are suffering from GCTs, late toxicities play a major role regarding life expectancy, and the development of therapy resistance emphasizes the need for alternative therapeutic options. GCTs are highly susceptible to interference with the epigenetic landscape; therefore, this study focuses on screening of drugs against epigenetic factors as a treatment option for GCTs.
Results We present seven different epigenetic inhibitors efficiently decreasing cell viability in GCT cell lines including cisplatin-resistant subclones at low concentrations by targeting epigenetic modifiers and interactors, like histone deacetylases (Quisinostat), histone demethylases (JIB-04), histone methyltransferases (Chaetocin), epigenetic readers (MZ-1, LP99) and polycomb-repressive complexes (PRT4165, GSK343). Mass spectrometry-based analyses of the histone modification landscape revealed effects beyond the expected mode-of-action of each drug, suggesting a wider spectrum of activity than initially assumed. Moreover, we characterized the effects of each drug on the transcriptome of GCT cells by RNA sequencing and found common deregulations in gene expression of ion transporters and DNA-binding factors. A kinase array revealed deregulations of signaling pathways, like cAMP, JAK-STAT and WNT. Conclusion Our study identified seven drugs against epigenetic modifiers to treat cisplatin-resistant GCTs. Further, we extensively analyzed off-target effects and modes-of-action, which are important for risk assessment of the individual drugs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01223-1.
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10
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Liu WJ, Zhang X, Hu J, Zhang CY. A label-free and self-circulated fluorescent biosensor for sensitive detection of ten-eleven translocation 1 in cancer cells. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:7996-7999. [DOI: 10.1039/d2cc03019e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We develop a label-free and self-circulated fluorescent biosensor to sensitively detect ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) activity in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-jing Liu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Xinyi Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Zhongshan 528458, China
| | - Juan Hu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Chun-yang Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
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Liu MH, Wang CR, Liu WJ, Xu Q, Zhang CY. Development of a single quantum dot-mediated FRET biosensor for amplification-free detection of ten-eleven translocation 2. Talanta 2021; 239:123135. [PMID: 34920263 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.123135] [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: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Ten-eleven translocation (TET) family proteins play key roles in multiple cellular processes by mediating the oxidation of 5-methylcytosine to directly participate in DNA demethylation, and often aberrantly expressed in various diseases. In this research, we develop a single-quantum-dot (QD)-mediated fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor for amplification-free measurement of ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2). When TET2 is present, it catalyzes the oxidation of 5-vinylcytosine in dsDNA to 5-formylmethylcytosine, and the subsequent labeling of dsDNA with Cy5 generates a biotinylated Cy5-dsDNA complex. Biotinylated Cy5-dsDNA complexes are conjugated to the streptavidin-coated 605QDs to obtain a Cy5-dsDNA-605QD nanostructures, inducing FRET from 605QD to Cy5. FRET signal can be simply measured by single-molecule counting. This biosensor enables homogeneous detection of TET2 with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.042 ng/μL, and it can accurately measure cellular TET2 down to 1 cell. Moreover, this biosensor can be used to screen TET2 inhibitors, offering a new platform for TET2-related medical research and clinical diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hao Liu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Chuan-Rui Wang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Wen-Jing Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Qinfeng Xu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China.
| | - Chun-Yang Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China.
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12
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de Souza AF, Bressan FF, Pieri NCG, Botigelli RC, Revay T, Haddad SK, Covas DT, Ramos ES, King WA, Meirelles FV. Generation of Primordial Germ Cell-like Cells from iPSCs Derived from Turner Syndrome Patients. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113099. [PMID: 34831322 PMCID: PMC8624672 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) is a genetic disorder in females with X Chromosome monosomy associated with highly variable clinical features, including premature primary gonadal failure leading to ovarian dysfunction and infertility. The mechanism of development of primordial germ cells (PGCs) and their connection with ovarian failure in TS is poorly understood. An in vitro model of PGCs from TS would be beneficial for investigating genetic and epigenetic factors that influence germ cell specification. Here we investigated the potential of reprogramming peripheral mononuclear blood cells from TS women (PBMCs-TS) into iPSCs following in vitro differentiation in hPGCLCs. All hiPSCs-TS lines demonstrated pluripotency state and were capable of differentiation into three embryonic layers (ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm). The PGCLCs-TS recapitulated the initial germline development period regarding transcripts and protein marks, including the epigenetic profile. Overall, our results highlighted the feasibility of producing in vitro models to help the understanding of the mechanisms associated with germ cell formation in TS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Fernanda de Souza
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-000, Brazil; (F.F.B.); (N.C.G.P.); (R.C.B.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
- Correspondence: (A.F.d.S.); (F.V.M.)
| | - Fabiana Fernandes Bressan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-000, Brazil; (F.F.B.); (N.C.G.P.); (R.C.B.)
| | - Naira Caroline Godoy Pieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-000, Brazil; (F.F.B.); (N.C.G.P.); (R.C.B.)
| | - Ramon Cesar Botigelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-000, Brazil; (F.F.B.); (N.C.G.P.); (R.C.B.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences (IBB), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Tamas Revay
- Department Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
| | - Simone Kashima Haddad
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy, Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14051-060, Brazil; (S.K.H.); (D.T.C.)
| | - Dimas Tadeu Covas
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy, Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14051-060, Brazil; (S.K.H.); (D.T.C.)
| | - Ester Silveira Ramos
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil;
| | - Willian Allan King
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Flavio Vieira Meirelles
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-000, Brazil; (F.F.B.); (N.C.G.P.); (R.C.B.)
- Correspondence: (A.F.d.S.); (F.V.M.)
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13
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Umer N, Arévalo L, Phadke S, Lohanadan K, Kirfel G, Sons D, Sofia D, Witke W, Schorle H. Loss of Profilin3 Impairs Spermiogenesis by Affecting Acrosome Biogenesis, Autophagy, Manchette Development and Mitochondrial Organization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:749559. [PMID: 34869336 PMCID: PMC8632698 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.749559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Profilins (PFNs) are key regulatory proteins for the actin polymerization in cells and are encoded in mouse and humans by four Pfn genes. PFNs are involved in cell mobility, cell growth, neurogenesis, and metastasis of tumor cells. The testes-specific PFN3 is localized in the acroplaxome-manchette complex of developing spermatozoa. We demonstrate that PFN3 further localizes in the Golgi complex and proacrosomal vesicles during spermiogenesis, suggesting a role in vesicle transport for acrosome formation. Using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we generated mice deficient for Pfn3. Pfn3-/- males are subfertile, displaying a type II globozoospermia. We revealed that Pfn3-/- sperm display abnormal manchette development leading to an amorphous sperm head shape. Additionally, Pfn3-/- sperm showed reduced sperm motility resulting from flagellum deformities. We show that acrosome biogenesis is impaired starting from the Golgi phase, and mature sperm seems to suffer from a cytoplasm removal defect. An RNA-seq analysis revealed an upregulation of Trim27 and downregulation of Atg2a. As a consequence, mTOR was activated and AMPK was suppressed, resulting in the inhibition of autophagy. This dysregulation of AMPK/mTOR affected the autophagic flux, which is hallmarked by LC3B accumulation and increased SQSTM1 protein levels. Autophagy is involved in proacrosomal vesicle fusion and transport to form the acrosome. We conclude that this disruption leads to the observed malformation of the acrosome. TRIM27 is associated with PFN3 as determined by co-immunoprecipitation from testis extracts. Further, actin-related protein ARPM1 was absent in the nuclear fraction of Pfn3-/- testes and sperm. This suggests that lack of PFN3 leads to destabilization of the PFN3-ARPM1 complex, resulting in the degradation of ARPM1. Interestingly, in the Pfn3-/- testes, we detected increased protein levels of essential actin regulatory proteins, cofilin-1 (CFL1), cofilin-2 (CFL2), and actin depolymerizing factor (ADF). Taken together, our results reveal the importance for PFN3 in male fertility and implicate this protein as a candidate for male factor infertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naila Umer
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sharang Phadke
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Gregor Kirfel
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dominik Sons
- Department of Membrane Biochemistry, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Denise Sofia
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Walter Witke
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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14
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Rotondo JC, Lanzillotti C, Mazziotta C, Tognon M, Martini F. Epigenetics of Male Infertility: The Role of DNA Methylation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:689624. [PMID: 34368137 PMCID: PMC8339558 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.689624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of studies focused on the role of epigenetics, including DNA methylation, in spermatogenesis and male infertility. We aimed to provide an overview of the knowledge concerning the gene and genome methylation and its regulation during spermatogenesis, specifically in the context of male infertility etiopathogenesis. Overall, the findings support the hypothesis that sperm DNA methylation is associated with sperm alterations and infertility. Several genes have been found to be differentially methylated in relation to impaired spermatogenesis and/or reproductive dysfunction. Particularly, DNA methylation defects of MEST and H19 within imprinted genes and MTHFR within non-imprinted genes have been repeatedly linked with male infertility. A deep knowledge of sperm DNA methylation status in association with reduced reproductive potential could improve the development of novel diagnostic tools for this disease. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the mechanisms affecting methylation in sperm and their impact on male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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15
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Skowron MA, Becker TK, Kurz L, Jostes S, Bremmer F, Fronhoffs F, Funke K, Wakileh GA, Müller MR, Burmeister A, Lenz T, Stefanski A, Stühler K, Petzsch P, Köhrer K, Altevogt P, Albers P, Kristiansen G, Schorle H, Nettersheim D. The signal transducer CD24 suppresses the germ cell program and promotes an ectodermal rather than mesodermal cell fate in embryonal carcinomas. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:982-1008. [PMID: 34293822 PMCID: PMC8847992 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) are stratified into seminomas and nonseminomas. Seminomas share many histological and molecular features with primordial germ cells, whereas the nonseminoma stem cell population—embryonal carcinoma (EC)—is pluripotent and thus able to differentiate into cells of all three germ layers (teratomas). Furthermore, ECs are capable of differentiating into extra‐embryonic lineages (yolk sac tumors, choriocarcinomas). In this study, we deciphered the molecular and (epi)genetic mechanisms regulating expression of CD24, a highly glycosylated signaling molecule upregulated in many cancers. CD24 is overexpressed in ECs compared with other GCT entities and can be associated with an undifferentiated pluripotent cell fate. We demonstrate that CD24 can be transactivated by the pluripotency factor SOX2, which binds in proximity to the CD24 promoter. In GCTs, CD24 expression is controlled by epigenetic mechanisms, that is, histone acetylation, since CD24 can be induced by the application histone deacetylase inhibitors. Vice versa, CD24 expression is downregulated upon inhibition of histone methyltransferases, E3 ubiquitin ligases, or bromodomain (BRD) proteins. Additionally, three‐dimensional (3D) co‐cultivation of EC cells with microenvironmental cells, such as fibroblasts, and endothelial or immune cells, reduced CD24 expression, suggesting that crosstalk with the somatic microenvironment influences CD24 expression. In a CRISPR/Cas9 deficiency model, we demonstrate that CD24 fulfills a bivalent role in differentiation via regulation of homeobox, and phospho‐ and glycoproteins; that is, it is involved in suppressing the germ cell/spermatogenesis program and mesodermal/endodermal differentiation, while poising the cells for ectodermal differentiation. Finally, blocking CD24 by a monoclonal antibody enhanced sensitivity toward cisplatin in EC cells, including cisplatin‐resistant subclones, highlighting CD24 as a putative target in combination with cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaretha A Skowron
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Teresa K Becker
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lukas Kurz
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sina Jostes
- Department of Oncological Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Hess Center for Science and Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Felix Bremmer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany
| | | | - Kai Funke
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Gamal A Wakileh
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Urology, University Hospital Ulm, Germany
| | - Melanie R Müller
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Aaron Burmeister
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Lenz
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anja Stefanski
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kai Stühler
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Patrick Petzsch
- Genomics & Transcriptomics Lab, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl Köhrer
- Genomics & Transcriptomics Lab, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Altevogt
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Albers
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
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16
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Deshpande SSS, Nemani H, Balasinor NH. High fat diet-induced- and genetically inherited- obesity differential alters DNA demethylation pathways in the germline of adult male rats. Reprod Biol 2021; 21:100532. [PMID: 34246869 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a multifactorial condition with predominantly genetic and environmental causes and is an emerging risk factor for male infertility/subfertility. Epigenetic mechanisms are vulnerable to genetic and environmental changes. Our earlier studies have shown differential effects of genetically inherited (GIO) - and diet-induced- obesity (DIO) on DNA methylation in male germline. Contrary to DNA methylation is DNA demethylation, which also regulates the gene expression by activating transcription. The present study aimed to delineate the effects of obesity on the DNA demethylation pathway using two rat models: GIO (WNIN/Ob) and DIO (high-fat diet). We observed differential alterations in enzymes involved in DNA demethylation by oxidation (Tet1-3) pathway in testis in both groups. An increase in Tets in DIO group and a decrease in GIO group were noted. Analysis of oxidation pathway intermediates (5-hmC, 5-fC, and 5-caC) did not show any effect on testis in DIO group but an increase in 5-hmC and decrease in 5-caC levels in GIO group was observed. Analysis of transcript levels of enzymes related to deamination pathway in testis showed an increase (Gadd45a, Aicda, and Tdg) in DIO group and a decrease (Gadd45a, Aicda, and Tdg) in GIO group. Also, 5-hmC levels were differentially altered in the spermatozoa of both groups without any changes in Tet enzyme levels. These findings highlight differences in effects of GIO and DIO on DNA demethylation mechanisms in male germline, which could be due to differences in endocrine and metabolic profile as well as white fat distribution observed earlier in two groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharvari S S Deshpande
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Harishankar Nemani
- National Institute of Nutrition Animal Facility, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Jamai-Osmania PO, Hyderabad, 500 007, India
| | - Nafisa H Balasinor
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
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17
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Hu J, Yao J, Wang J, Pan LY, Qiu JG, Zhang CY. A single quantum dot-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer biosensor for antibody-free detection of ten-eleven translocation 1. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:3543-3546. [PMID: 33870340 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc01057c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
We developed a single quantum dot-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer biosensor for antibody-free detection of ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1). This biosensor can sensitively detect TET1 in a homogeneous manner without the involvement of any specific antibodies, and it can be used for accurate measurement of TET1 activity in human neuroblastoma cells and the screening of TET1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Hu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clean Production of Fine Chemicals, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China.
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18
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Yu Z, Chen X, Cheng Y, Yang H, Wang F, Chen Z. Novel label-free electrochemical strategy for sensitive determination of ten-eleven translocation protein 1. Anal Chim Acta 2021; 1146:140-145. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2020.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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19
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Lobo J, Guimarães R, Miranda-Gonçalves V, Monteiro-Reis S, Cantante M, Antunes L, Braga I, Maurício J, Looijenga LH, Jerónimo C, Henrique R. Differential expression of DNA methyltransferases and demethylases among the various testicular germ cell tumor subtypes. Epigenomics 2020; 12:1579-1592. [PMID: 32957806 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Characterize DNA methyltransferases/demethylases expression in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). Methods:In silico analysis of TCGA database, assessment of transcript levels of most relevant enzymes in four TGCT cell lines and validation in patient cohort (real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction; immunohistochemistry). Results:DNMT3A, DNMT3B and TET2 were the most differentially expressed between seminomas (SEs) and nonseminomas (NSs). DNMT3B was significantly overexpressed in NS-related cell lines, and the opposite was found for TET2. Significantly higher DNMT3A/B mRNA expression was observed in NS, indicating a role for de novo methylation in reprogramming. Significantly higher TET2 protein expression was observed in SEs, suggesting active demethylation contributes for SE hypomethylated state. More differentiated histologies disclosed distinct expression patterns. Conclusion: DNA-modifying enzymes are differentially expressed between TGCT subtypes, influencing reprogramming and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rita Guimarães
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vera Miranda-Gonçalves
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Monteiro-Reis
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Cantante
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Antunes
- Department of Epidemiology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Epidemiology Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CEG CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isaac Braga
- Department of Urology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joaquina Maurício
- Department of Medical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Leendert Hj Looijenga
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
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20
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Cardoso AR, Lobo J, Miranda-Gonçalves V, Henrique R, Jerónimo C. Epigenetic alterations as therapeutic targets in Testicular Germ Cell Tumours : current and future application of 'epidrugs'. Epigenetics 2020; 16:353-372. [PMID: 32749176 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1805682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are heterogeneous neoplasms mostly affecting young-adult men. Despite high survival rates, some patients with disseminated disease acquire cisplatin resistance, entailing the need for less toxic therapies. Epigenetic alterations constitute an important feature of TGCTs, which are also implicated in resistance mechanism(s). These alterations might be used as potential targets to design epigenetic drugs. To date, several compounds have been explored and evaluated regarding therapeutic efficacy, making use of pre-clinical studies with in vitro and in vivo models, and some have already been explored in clinical trials. This review summarizes the several epigenetic mechanisms at play in these neoplasms, the current challenges in the field of TGCTs and critically reviews available data on 'epidrugs' in those tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Cardoso
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Master in Oncology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vera Miranda-Gonçalves
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
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21
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Schneider S, Shakeri F, Trötschel C, Arévalo L, Kruse A, Buness A, Poetsch A, Steger K, Schorle H. Protamine-2 Deficiency Initiates a Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-Mediated Destruction Cascade during Epididymal Sperm Maturation in Mice. Cells 2020; 9:E1789. [PMID: 32727081 PMCID: PMC7463811 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Protamines are the safeguards of the paternal sperm genome. They replace most of the histones during spermiogenesis, resulting in DNA hypercondensation, thereby protecting its genome from environmental noxa. Impaired protamination has been linked to male infertility in mice and humans in many studies. Apart from impaired DNA integrity, protamine-deficient human and murine sperm show multiple secondary effects, including decreased motility and aberrant head morphology. In this study, we use a Protamine-2 (Prm2)-deficient mouse model in combination with label-free quantitative proteomics to decipher the underlying molecular processes of these effects. We show that loss of the sperm's antioxidant capacity, indicated by downregulation of key proteins like Superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1) and Peroxiredoxin 5 (PRDX5), ultimately initiates an oxidative stress-mediated destruction cascade during epididymal sperm maturation. This is confirmed by an increased level of 8-OHdG in epididymal sperm, a biomarker for oxidative stress-mediated DNA damage. Prm2-deficient testicular sperm are not affected and initiate the proper development of blastocyst stage preimplantation embryos in vitro upon intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) into oocytes. Our results provide new insight into the role of Prm2 and its downstream molecular effects on sperm function and present an important contribution to the investigation of new treatment regimens for infertile men with impaired protamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Schneider
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (S.S.); (L.A.)
| | - Farhad Shakeri
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (F.S.); (A.B.)
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Trötschel
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (C.T.); (A.P.)
| | - Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (S.S.); (L.A.)
| | - Alexander Kruse
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Biomedical Research Center of the Justus-Liebig University Gießen, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (A.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Andreas Buness
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (F.S.); (A.B.)
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ansgar Poetsch
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (C.T.); (A.P.)
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Klaus Steger
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Biomedical Research Center of the Justus-Liebig University Gießen, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (A.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (S.S.); (L.A.)
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22
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Müller MR, Skowron MA, Albers P, Nettersheim D. Molecular and epigenetic pathogenesis of germ cell tumors. Asian J Urol 2020; 8:144-154. [PMID: 33996469 PMCID: PMC8099689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajur.2020.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of germ cell tumors (GCTs) is a unique pathogenesis occurring at an early developmental stage during specification, migration or colonization of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in the genital ridge. Since driver mutations could not be identified so far, the involvement of the epigenetic machinery during the pathogenesis seems to play a crucial role. Currently, it is investigated whether epigenetic modifications occurring between the omnipotent two-cell stage and the pluripotent implanting PGCs might result in disturbances eventually leading to GCTs. Although progress in understanding epigenetic mechanisms during PGC development is ongoing, little is known about the complete picture of its involvement during GCT development and eventual classification into clinical subtypes. This review will shed light into the current knowledge of the complex epigenetic and molecular contribution during pathogenesis of GCTs by emphasizing on early developmental stages until arrival of late PGCs in the gonads. We questioned how misguided migrating and/or colonizing PGCs develop to either type I or type II GCTs. Additionally, we asked how pluripotency can be regulated during PGC development and which epigenetic changes contribute to GCT pathogenesis. We propose that SOX2 and SOX17 determine either embryonic stem cell-like (embryonal carcinoma) or PGC-like cell fate (seminoma). Finally, we suggest that factors secreted by the microenvironment, i.e. BMPs and BMP inhibiting molecules, dictate the fate decision of germ cell neoplasia in situ (into seminoma and embryonal carcinoma) and seminomas (into embryonal carcinoma or extraembryonic lineage), indicating an important role of the microenvironment on GCT plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie R Müller
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Margaretha A Skowron
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Albers
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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23
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Skowron MA, Vermeulen M, Winkelhausen A, Becker TK, Bremmer F, Petzsch P, Schönberger S, Calaminus G, Köhrer K, Albers P, Nettersheim D. CDK4/6 inhibition presents as a therapeutic option for paediatric and adult germ cell tumours and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via canonical and non-canonical mechanisms. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:378-391. [PMID: 32418994 PMCID: PMC7403155 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0891-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germ cell tumours (GCTs) are the most common solid malignancies in young men. Although high cure rates can be achieved, metastases, resistance to cisplatin-based therapy and late toxicities still represent a lethal threat, arguing for the need of new therapeutic options. In this study, we analysed the potential of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors palbociclib and ribociclib (PaRi) as molecular drugs to treat cisplatin-resistant and -sensitive paediatric and adult GCTs. METHODS Ten GCT cell lines, including cisplatin-resistant subclones and non-malignant controls, were treated with PaRi and screened for changes in viability (triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (XTT) assay), apoptosis rates (flow cytometry, caspase assay), the cell cycle (flow cytometry), the transcriptome (RNA-sequencing, quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and on protein level (western blot). Expression profiling was performed on paediatric and adult GCT tissues (expression microarrays, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, 'The Cancer Genome Atlas' database). RESULTS We demonstrate that adult GCTs highly express CDK4, while paediatric GCTs strongly express CDK6 instead. Thus, both GCT types are potentially treatable by PaRi. GCTs presented as highly sensitive towards PaRi, which caused a decrease in viability, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Although GCTs mainly arrested in the G1/G0 phase, some embryonal carcinoma cell lines were able to bypass the G1/S checkpoint and progressed to the G2/M phase. We found that upregulation of CDK3 and downregulation of many mitosis regulation factors, like the HAUS genes, might be responsible for bypassing the G1/S checkpoint and termination of mitosis, respectively. We postulate that GCT cells do not tolerate these alterations in the cell cycle and eventually induce apoptosis. CONCLUSION Our study highlights PaRi as therapeutic options for cisplatin-resistant and -sensitive paediatric and adult GCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaretha A Skowron
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marieke Vermeulen
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna Winkelhausen
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Teresa K Becker
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Felix Bremmer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Petzsch
- Genomics and Transcriptomics Lab, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stefan Schönberger
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gabriele Calaminus
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karl Köhrer
- Genomics and Transcriptomics Lab, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Albers
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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24
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Kurz L, Miklyaeva A, Skowron MA, Overbeck N, Poschmann G, Becker T, Eul K, Kurz T, Schönberger S, Calaminus G, Stühler K, Dykhuizen E, Albers P, Nettersheim D. ARID1A Regulates Transcription and the Epigenetic Landscape via POLE and DMAP1 while ARID1A Deficiency or Pharmacological Inhibition Sensitizes Germ Cell Tumor Cells to ATR Inhibition. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E905. [PMID: 32272809 PMCID: PMC7226530 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common solid malignancies found in young men. Although they generally have high cure rates, metastases, resistance to cisplatin-based therapy, and late toxicities still represent a lethal threat, arguing for the need of new therapeutic options. In a previous study, we identified downregulation of the chromatin-remodeling SWI/SNF complex member ARID1A as a key event in the mode of action of the histone deacetylase inhibitor romidepsin. Additionally, the loss-of-function mutations re-sensitize different tumor types to various drugs, like EZH2-, PARP-, HDAC-, HSP90- or ATR-inhibitors. Thus, ARID1A presents as a promising target for synthetic lethality and combination therapy. In this study, we deciphered the molecular function of ARID1A and screened for the potential of two pharmacological ARID1A inhibitors as a new therapeutic strategy to treat GCTs. By CRISPR/Cas9, we generated ARID1A-deficient GCT cells and demonstrate by mass spectrometry that ARID1A is putatively involved in regulating transcription, DNA repair and the epigenetic landscape via DNA Polymerase POLE and the DNA methyltransferase 1-associated protein DMAP1. Additionally, ARID1A/ARID1A deficiency or pharmacological inhibition increased the efficacy of romidepsin and considerably sensitized GCT cells, including cisplatin-resistant subclones, towards ATR inhibition. Thus, targeting ARID1A in combination with romidepsin and ATR inhibitors presents as a new putative option to treat GCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Kurz
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alissa Miklyaeva
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Margaretha A. Skowron
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nina Overbeck
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Medicine I, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gereon Poschmann
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Medicine I, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Teresa Becker
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina Eul
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurz
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stefan Schönberger
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Gabriele Calaminus
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Kai Stühler
- Institute for Molecular Medicine I, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Emily Dykhuizen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 479078, USA
| | - Peter Albers
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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25
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Huang G, Liu L, Wang H, Gou M, Gong P, Tian C, Deng W, Yang J, Zhou TT, Xu GL, Liu L. Tet1 Deficiency Leads to Premature Reproductive Aging by Reducing Spermatogonia Stem Cells and Germ Cell Differentiation. iScience 2020; 23:100908. [PMID: 32114381 PMCID: PMC7049665 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.100908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ten-eleven translocation (Tet) enzymes are involved in DNA demethylation, important in regulating embryo development, stem cell pluripotency and tumorigenesis. Alterations of DNA methylation with age have been shown in various somatic cell types. We investigated whether Tet1 and Tet2 regulate aging. We showed that Tet1-deficient mice undergo a progressive reduction of spermatogonia stem cells and spermatogenesis and thus accelerated infertility with age. Tet1 deficiency decreases 5hmC levels in spermatogonia and downregulates a subset of genes important for cell cycle, germ cell differentiation, meiosis and reproduction, such as Ccna1 and Spo11, resulting in premature reproductive aging. Moreover, Tet1 and 5hmC both regulate signaling pathways key for stem cell development, including Wnt and PI3K-Akt, autophagy and stress response genes. In contrast, effect of Tet2 deficiency on male reproductive aging is minor. Hence, Tet1 maintains spermatogonia stem cells with age, revealing an important role of Tet1 in regulating stem cell aging. Tet1 regulates stem cell aging and differentiation Tet1 plays an important role in maintaining spermatogonial stem cells Loss of Tet1 results in exhaustion of spermatogonia and premature reproductive aging Effect of Tet2 deficiency on reproductive aging in males is minor
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Affiliation(s)
- Guian Huang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Linlin Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Huasong Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Mo Gou
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Peng Gong
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Chenglei Tian
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wei Deng
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Tian-Tian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Guo-Liang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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26
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Liu J, Hu H, Panserat S, Marandel L. Evolutionary history of DNA methylation related genes in chordates: new insights from multiple whole genome duplications. Sci Rep 2020; 10:970. [PMID: 31969623 PMCID: PMC6976628 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57753-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism involved in many biological processes, i.e. gametogenesis and embryonic development. However, increased copy numbers of DNA methylation related genes (dnmt, tet and tdg) have been found during chordate evolution due to successive whole genome duplication (WGD) events. Their evolutionary history and phylogenetic relationships remain unclear. The present study is the first to clarify the evolutionary history of DNA methylation genes in chordates. In particular, our results highlight the fixation of several dnmt3-related genes following successive WGD throughout evolution. The rainbow trout genome offered a unique opportunity to study the early evolutionary fates of duplicated genes due to a recent round of WGD at the radiation of salmonids. Differences highlighted in transcriptional patterns of these genes during gametogenesis and ontogenesis in trout indicated that they might be subjected to sub- or neo-functionalisation after WDG. The fixation of multiple dnmt3 genes in genomes after WGD could contribute to the diversification and plastic adaptation of the teleost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Liu
- INRAE, Univ Pau & Pays de l'Adour, E2S-UPPA, UMR1419 Nutrition Metabolism and Aquaculture, Aquapôle, F-64310, Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, France
| | - Huihua Hu
- INRAE, Univ Pau & Pays de l'Adour, E2S-UPPA, UMR1419 Nutrition Metabolism and Aquaculture, Aquapôle, F-64310, Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, France.,State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Stéphane Panserat
- INRAE, Univ Pau & Pays de l'Adour, E2S-UPPA, UMR1419 Nutrition Metabolism and Aquaculture, Aquapôle, F-64310, Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, France
| | - Lucie Marandel
- INRAE, Univ Pau & Pays de l'Adour, E2S-UPPA, UMR1419 Nutrition Metabolism and Aquaculture, Aquapôle, F-64310, Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, France.
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27
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Portela JMD, Heckmann L, Wistuba J, Sansone A, van Pelt AMM, Kliesch S, Schlatt S, Neuhaus N. Development and Disease-Dependent Dynamics of Spermatogonial Subpopulations in Human Testicular Tissues. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9010224. [PMID: 31947706 PMCID: PMC7019285 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9010224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapy and conditioning treatments of non-malignant diseases affect spermatogonial function and may lead to male infertility. Data on the molecular properties of spermatogonia and the influence of disease and/or treatment on spermatogonial subpopulations remain limited. Here, we assessed if the density and percentage of spermatogonial subpopulation changes during development (n = 13) and due to disease and/or treatment (n = 18) in tissues stored in fertility preservation programs, using markers for spermatogonia (MAGEA4), undifferentiated spermatogonia (UTF1), proliferation (PCNA), and global DNA methylation (5mC). Throughout normal prepubertal testicular development, only the density of 5mC-positive spermatogonia significantly increased with age. In comparison, patients affected by disease and/or treatment showed a reduced density of UTF1-, PCNA- and 5mC-positive spermatogonia, whereas the percentage of spermatogonial subpopulations remained unchanged. As an exception, sickle cell disease patients treated with hydroxyurea displayed a reduction in both density and percentage of 5mC- positive spermatogonia. Our results demonstrate that, in general, a reduction in spermatogonial density does not alter the percentages of undifferentiated and proliferating spermatogonia, nor the establishment of global methylation. However, in sickle cell disease patients’, establishment of spermatogonial DNA methylation is impaired, which may be of importance for the potential use of this tissues in fertility preservation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana M. D. Portela
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Laura Heckmann
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Andrea Sansone
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ans M. M. van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.M.D.P.); (L.H.); (J.W.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence:
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28
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Hiester A, Nettersheim D, Nini A, Lusch A, Albers P. Management, Treatment, and Molecular Background of the Growing Teratoma Syndrome. Urol Clin North Am 2019; 46:419-427. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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29
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TCam-2 Cells Deficient for SOX2 and FOXA2 Are Blocked in Differentiation and Maintain a Seminoma-Like Cell Fate In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050728. [PMID: 31130628 PMCID: PMC6562827 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) are very common in young men and can be stratified into seminomas and non-seminomas. While seminomas share a similar gene expression and epigenetic profile with primordial germ cells, the stem cell population of the non-seminomas, the embryonal carcinoma (EC), resembles malignant embryonic stem cells. Thus, ECs are able to differentiate into cells of all three germ layers (teratomas) and even extra-embryonic-tissue-like cells (yolk-sac tumor, choriocarcinoma). In the last years, we demonstrated that the cellular microenvironment considerably influences the plasticity of seminomas (TCam-2 cells). Upon a microenvironment-triggered inhibition of the BMP signaling pathway in vivo (murine flank or brain), seminomatous TCam-2 cells reprogram to an EC-like cell fate. We identified SOX2 as a key factor activated upon BMP inhibition mediating the reprogramming process by regulating pluripotency, reprogramming and epigenetic factors. Indeed, CRISPR/Cas9 SOX2-deleted TCam-2 cells were able to maintain a seminoma-cell fate in vivo for about six weeks, but after six weeks in vivo still small sub-populations initiated differentiation. Closer analyses of these differentiated clusters suggested that the pioneer factor FOXA2 might be the driving force behind this induction of differentiation, since many FOXA2 interacting genes and differentiation factors like AFP, EOMES, CDX1, ALB, HAND1, DKK, DLK1, MSX1 and PITX2 were upregulated. In this study, we generated TCam-2 cells double-deficient for SOX2 and FOXA2 using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique and xenografted those cells into the flank of nude mice. Upon loss of SOX2 and FOXA2, TCam-2 maintained a seminoma cell fate for at least twelve weeks, demonstrating that both factors are key players in the reprogramming to an EC-like cell fate. Therefore, our study adds an important piece to the puzzle of GCT development and plasticity, providing interesting insights in what can be expected in a patient, when GCT cells are confronted with different microenvironments.
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Nettersheim D, Berger D, Jostes S, Kristiansen G, Lochnit G, Schorle H. N6-Methyladenosine detected in RNA of testicular germ cell tumors is controlled by METTL3, ALKBH5, YTHDC1/F1/F2, and HNRNPC as writers, erasers, and readers. Andrology 2019; 7:498-506. [PMID: 30903744 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type II testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) arise from a common precursor lesion (germ cell neoplasia in situ) and are stratified into seminomas and non-seminomas, which differ considerably in morphology, gene expression, and epigenetic landscape. The N6-methyladenosine (6mA) epigenetic modification is the most abundant modification in mRNA and is also detectable in eukaryotic DNA. The functional role of 6mA is not fully understood, but 6mA residues may influence transcription by affecting splicing, miRNA processing, and mRNA stability. Additionally, the methyl group of 6mA destabilizes Watson-Crick base-pairing affecting RNA structure and protein binding. OBJECTIVES Here, we analyzed the presence of the 6mA epigenetic modification in germ cells and GCT tissues and cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS We screened for the presence of 6mA in DNA and RNA by immunohistochemistry, mass spectrometry or ELISA-based quantification assays. Additionally, expression of 6mA writer-, eraser- and reader-factors was analyzed by microarrays, qRT-PCR, western blotting and screening of public databases. RESULTS We demonstrate that 6mA is detectable in RNA, but not DNA, of GCT cell lines and tissues, fibroblasts, and Sertoli cells as well as germ cells of different developmental stages. Based on expression analyses, our results suggest METTL3, ALKBH5, YTHDC1, YTHDF1, YTHDF2 and HNRNPC as main writers, erasers, and readers of the 6mA modification in GCTs. DISCUSSION Owing to the lack of 6mA in DNA of GCTs, a functional role in regulating DNA transcription can be excluded. Interestingly, expression levels of 6mA regulators are comparable between tumor and normal tissues/cells, suggesting a similar mechanism of 6mA regulation in RNA. Finally, we demonstrate that 6mA levels in RNA increase upon differentiation of GCT cell lines, suggesting a role of 6mA in cell fate decisions. CONCLUSION In summary, our data provide the starting point for further experiments deciphering the role of 6mA in the RNA of GCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational Urooncology, University Medical School Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - D Berger
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Bonn University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - S Jostes
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Bonn University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - G Kristiansen
- Institute of Pathology, Bonn University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - G Lochnit
- Institute of Biochemistry, Protein Analytics, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - H Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Bonn University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
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Nettersheim D, Berger D, Jostes S, Skowron M, Schorle H. Deciphering the molecular effects of romidepsin on germ cell tumours: DHRS2 is involved in cell cycle arrest but not apoptosis or induction of romidepsin effectors. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 23:670-679. [PMID: 30460772 PMCID: PMC6307807 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumours (GCTs) mostly affect young men at age 17‐40. Although high cure rates can be achieved by orchiectomy and chemotherapy, GCTs can still be a lethal threat to young patients with metastases or therapy resistance. Thus, alternative treatment options are needed. Based on studies utilising GCT cell lines, the histone deacetylase inhibitor romidepsin is a promising therapeutic option, showing high toxicity at very low doses towards cisplatin‐resistant GCT cells, but not fibroblasts or Sertoli cells. In this study, we extended our analysis of the molecular effects of romidepsin to deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Patients will benefit from these analyses, since detailed knowledge of the romidepsin effects allows for a better risk and side‐effect assessment. We screened for changes in histone acetylation of specific lysine residues and analysed changes in the DNA methylation landscape after romidepsin treatment of the GCT cell lines TCam‐2, 2102EP, NCCIT and JAR, while human fibroblasts were used as controls. In addition, we focused on the role of the dehydrogenase/reductase DHRS2, which was strongly up‐regulated in romidepsin treated cells, by generating DHRS2‐deficient TCam‐2 cells using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. We show that DHRS2 is dispensable for up‐regulation of romidepsin effectors (GADD45B,DUSP1,ZFP36,ATF3,FOS,CDKN1A,ID2) but contributes to induction of cell cycle arrest. Finally, we show that a combinatory treatment of romidepsin plus the gluccocorticoid dexamethasone further boosts expression of the romidepsin effectors and reduces viability of GCT cells more strongly than under single agent treatment. Thus, romidepsin and dexamethasone might represent a new combinatorial approach for treatment of GCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational Urooncology, University Medical School Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Berger
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Medical School Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sina Jostes
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Medical School Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Margaretha Skowron
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational Urooncology, University Medical School Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Medical School Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Ruden DM, Bolnick A, Awonuga A, Abdulhasan M, Perez G, Puscheck EE, Rappolee DA. Effects of Gravity, Microgravity or Microgravity Simulation on Early Mammalian Development. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:1230-1236. [PMID: 29562866 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant and animal life forms evolved mechanisms for sensing and responding to gravity on Earth where homeostatic needs require responses. The lack of gravity, such as in the International Space Station (ISS), causes acute, intra-generational changes in the quality of life. These include maintaining calcium levels in bone, maintaining muscle tone, and disturbances in the vestibular apparatus in the ears. These problems decrease work efficiency and quality of life of humans not only during microgravity exposures but also after return to higher gravity on Earth or destinations such as Mars or the Moon. It has been hypothesized that lack of gravity during mammalian development may cause prenatal, postnatal and transgenerational effects that conflict with the environment, especially if the developing organism and its progeny are returned, or introduced de novo, into the varied gravity environments mentioned above. Although chicken and frog pregastrulation development, and plant root development, have profound effects due to orientation of cues by gravity-sensing mechanisms and responses, mammalian development is not typically characterized as gravity-sensing. Although no effects of microgravity simulation (MGS) on mouse fertilization were observed in two reports, negative effects of MGS on early mammalian development after fertilization and before gastrulation are presented in four reports that vary with the modality of MGS. This review will analyze the positive and negative mammalian early developmental outcomes, and enzymatic and epigenetic mechanisms known to mediate developmental responses to simulated microgravity on Earth and microgravity during spaceflight experiments. We will update experimental techniques that have already been developed or need to be developed for zero gravity molecular, cellular, and developmental biology experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas M Ruden
- 1 Department of Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan.,2 Institutes for Environmental Health Science, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan
| | - Alan Bolnick
- 1 Department of Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan
| | - Awoniyi Awonuga
- 1 Department of Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan
| | - Mohammed Abdulhasan
- 1 Department of Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan
| | - Gloria Perez
- 3 Reproductive Stress, Inc. , Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan
| | - Elizabeth E Puscheck
- 1 Department of Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan.,3 Reproductive Stress, Inc. , Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan
| | - Daniel A Rappolee
- 1 Department of Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan.,2 Institutes for Environmental Health Science, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan.,3 Reproductive Stress, Inc. , Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan.,4 Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan.,5 Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan.,6 Institutes for Environmental Health Science, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan.,7 Department of Biology, University of Windsor , Windsor, Canada
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Koivunen P, Laukka T. The TET enzymes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:1339-1348. [PMID: 29184981 PMCID: PMC11105636 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2721-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
During the past decade, we have learnt that the most common DNA modification, 5-methylcytosine (5mC), playing crucial roles in development and disease, is not stable but can be actively reversed to its unmodified form via enzymatic catalysis involving the TET enzymes. These ground-breaking discoveries have been achieved thanks to technological advances in the detection of the oxidized forms of 5mC and to the boldness of individual scientists. The TET enzymes require molecular oxygen for their catalysis, making them important targets for hypoxia research. They also require special cofactors which enable additional levels of regulation. Moreover, mutations and other genetic alterations in TETs are found, especially in myeloid malignances. This review focuses on the kinetic and inhibitory properties of the TET enzymes and the role of TETs in cellular differentiation and transformation and in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peppi Koivunen
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Tuomas Laukka
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland
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Nettersheim D, Heimsoeth A, Jostes S, Schneider S, Fellermeyer M, Hofmann A, Schorle H. SOX2 is essential for in vivo reprogramming of seminoma-like TCam-2 cells to an embryonal carcinoma-like fate. Oncotarget 2018; 7:47095-47110. [PMID: 27283990 PMCID: PMC5216926 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Type II germ cell cancers (GCC) are divided into seminomas, which are highly similar to primordial germ cells and embryonal carcinomas (EC), often described as malignant counterparts to embryonic stem cells. Previously, we demonstrated that the development of GCCs is a highly plastic process and strongly influenced by the microenvironment. While orthotopic transplantation into the testis promotes seminomatous growth of the seminoma-like cell line TCam-2, ectopic xenotransplantation into the flank initiates reprogramming into an EC-like fate. During this reprogramming, BMP signaling is inhibited, leading to induction of NODAL signaling, upregulation of pluripotency factors and downregulation of seminoma markers, like SOX17. The pluripotency factor and EC-marker SOX2 is strongly induced. Here, we adressed the molecular role of SOX2 in this reprogramming. Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome-editing, we established SOX2-deficient TCam-2 cells. Xenografting of SOX2-deficient cells into the flank of nude mice resulted in maintenance of a seminoma-like fate, indicated by the histology and expression of OCT3/4, SOX17, TFAP2C, PRDM1 and PRAME. In SOX2-deficient cells, BMP signaling is inhibited, but NODAL signaling is not activated. Thus, SOX2 appears to be downstream of BMP signaling but upstream of NODAL activation. So, SOX2 is an essential factor in acquiring an EC-like cell fate from seminomas. A small population of differentiated cells was identified resembling a mixed non-seminoma. Analyses of these cells revealed downregulation of the pluripotency and seminoma markers OCT3/4, SOX17, PRDM1 and TFAP2C. In contrast, the pioneer factor FOXA2 and its target genes were upregulated, suggesting that FOXA2 might play an important role in induction of non-seminomatous differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Nettersheim
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alena Heimsoeth
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sina Jostes
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Martin Fellermeyer
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andrea Hofmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
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Inácio V, Martins MT, Graça J, Morais-Cecílio L. Cork Oak Young and Traumatic Periderms Show PCD Typical Chromatin Patterns but Different Chromatin-Modifying Genes Expression. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:1194. [PMID: 30210513 PMCID: PMC6120546 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Plants are subjected to adverse conditions being outer protective tissues fundamental to their survival. Tree stems are enveloped by a periderm made of cork cells, resulting from the activity of the meristem phellogen. DNA methylation and histone modifications have important roles in the regulation of plant cell differentiation. However, studies on its involvement in cork differentiation are scarce despite periderm importance. Cork oak periderm development was used as a model to study the formation and differentiation of secondary protective tissues, and their behavior after traumatic wounding (traumatic periderm). Nuclei structural changes, dynamics of DNA methylation, and posttranslational histone modifications were assessed in young and traumatic periderms, after cork harvesting. Lenticular phellogen producing atypical non-suberized cells that disaggregate and form pores was also studied, due to high impact for cork industrial uses. Immunolocalization of active and repressive marks, transcription analysis of the corresponding genes, and correlations between gene expression and cork porosity were investigated. During young periderm development, a reduction in nuclei area along with high levels of DNA methylation occurred throughout epidermis disruption. As cork cells became more differentiated, whole nuclei progressive chromatin condensation with accumulation in the nuclear periphery and increasing DNA methylation was observed. Lenticular cells nuclei were highly fragmented with faint 5-mC labeling. Phellogen nuclei were less methylated than in cork cells, and in lenticular phellogen were even lower. No significant differences were detected in H3K4me3 and H3K18ac signals between cork cells layers, although an increase in H3K4me3 signals was found from the phellogen to cork cells. Distinct gene expression patterns in young and traumatic periderms suggest that cork differentiation might be under specific silencing regulatory pathways. Significant correlations were found between QsMET1, QsMET2, and QsSUVH4 gene expression and cork porosity. This work evidences that DNA methylation and histone modifications play a role in cork differentiation and epidermis induced tension-stress. It also provides the first insights into chromatin dynamics during cork and lenticular cells differentiation pointing to a distinct type of remodeling associated with cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Inácio
- Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food (LEAF), Institute of Agronomy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Vera Inácio,
| | - Madalena T. Martins
- Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food (LEAF), Institute of Agronomy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Graça
- Forest Research Center (CEF), Institute of Agronomy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Leonor Morais-Cecílio
- Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food (LEAF), Institute of Agronomy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Morabito C, Guarnieri S, Catizone A, Schiraldi C, Ricci G, Mariggiò MA. Transient increases in intracellular calcium and reactive oxygen species levels in TCam-2 cells exposed to microgravity. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15648. [PMID: 29142208 PMCID: PMC5688167 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15935-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of microgravity on functions of the human body are well described, including alterations in the male and female reproductive systems. In the present study, TCam-2 cells, which are considered a good model of mitotically active male germ cells, were used to investigate intracellular signalling and cell metabolism during exposure to simulated microgravity, a condition that affects cell shape and cytoskeletal architecture. After a 24 hour exposure to simulated microgravity, TCam-2 cells showed 1) a decreased proliferation rate and a delay in cell cycle progression, 2) increased anaerobic metabolism accompanied by increased levels of intracellular Ca2+, reactive oxygen species and superoxide anion and modifications in mitochondrial morphology. Interestingly, all these events were transient and were no longer evident after 48 hours of exposure. The presence of antioxidants prevented not only the effects described above but also the modifications in cytoskeletal architecture and the activation of the autophagy process induced by simulated microgravity. In conclusion, in the TCam-2 cell model, simulated microgravity activated the oxidative machinery, triggering transient macroscopic cell events, such as a reduction in the proliferation rate, changes in cytoskeleton-driven shape and autophagy activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Morabito
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences and Centro Scienze dell' Invecchiamento e Medicina Traslazionale (CeSI-MeT), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - S Guarnieri
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences and Centro Scienze dell' Invecchiamento e Medicina Traslazionale (CeSI-MeT), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - A Catizone
- Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic and Orthopaedic Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Schiraldi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - G Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - M A Mariggiò
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences and Centro Scienze dell' Invecchiamento e Medicina Traslazionale (CeSI-MeT), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
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Nettersheim D, Jostes S, Schneider S, Schorle H. Elucidating human male germ cell development by studying germ cell cancer. Reproduction 2017; 152:R101-13. [PMID: 27512122 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Human germ cell development is regulated in a spatio-temporal manner by complex regulatory networks. Here, we summarize results obtained in germ cell tumors and respective cell lines and try to pinpoint similarities to normal germ cell development. This comparison allows speculating about the critical and error-prone mechanisms, which when disturbed, lead to the development of germ cell tumors. Short after specification, primordial germ cells express markers of pluripotency, which, in humans, persists up to the stage of fetal/infantile spermatogonia. Aside from the rare spermatocytic tumors, virtually all seminomas and embryonal carcinomas express markers of pluripotency and show signs of pluripotency or totipotency. Therefore, it appears that proper handling of the pluripotency program appears to be the most critical step in germ cell development in terms of tumor biology. Furthermore, data from mice reveal that germline cells display an epigenetic signature, which is highly similar to pluripotent cells. This signature (poised histone code, DNA hypomethylation) is required for the rapid induction of toti- and pluripotency upon fertilization. We propose that adult spermatogonial cells, when exposed to endocrine disruptors or epigenetic active substances, are prone to reinitiate the pluripotency program, giving rise to a germ cell tumor. The fact that pluripotent cells can be derived from adult murine and human testicular cells further corroborates this idea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Developmental PathologyInstitute of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sina Jostes
- Department of Developmental PathologyInstitute of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Department of Developmental PathologyInstitute of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental PathologyInstitute of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
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Schönberger S, van Beekum C, Götz B, Nettersheim D, Schorle H, Schneider DT, Casati A, Craveiro RB, Calaminus G, Dilloo D. Brentuximab vedotin exerts profound antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic efficacy in CD30-positive as well as cocultured CD30-negative germ cell tumour cell lines. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 22:568-575. [PMID: 28941150 PMCID: PMC5742680 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prognosis in patients suffering from high‐risk, refractory and relapsed germ cell tumours (GCT) often comprising of CD30‐positive embryonal carcinoma (EC) components remains poor. Thus, novel treatment strategies are warranted. The antibody‐drug conjugate (ADC) brentuximab vedotin delivers the potent antimitotic drug monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) to CD30‐expressing tumour cells. After CD30 binding, internalization and intracellular linker cleavage cytotoxic MMAE can efflux and eradicate neighbouring CD30‐negative cells. To analyse cytotoxicity and a potential bystander effect of brentuximab vedotin in GCT, we established an in vitro coculture model mimicking GCT of heterogeneous CD30 positivity and measured cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis after exposure to brentuximab vedotin and unbound MMAE by MTS‐ and flow cytometry‐based CFSE/Hoechst assay. CD30 expression being assessed by quantitative RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry was apparent in all EC cell lines with different intensity. Brentuximab vedotin abrogates cell viability of CD30‐positive GCT27 EC line exerting marked time‐dependent antiproliferative and pro‐apoptotic activity. CD30‐negative JAR cultured alone barely responds to brentuximab vedotin, while in coculture with GCT27 brentuximab vedotin induces clear dose‐dependent cytotoxicity. Cellular proliferation and cell death are significantly enhanced in CD30‐negative JAR cocultured with CD30‐positive GCT27 compared to JAR cultured alone in proof of substantial bystander activity of brentuximab vedotin in CD30‐negative GCT. We present first evidence that in an in vitro model mimicking GCT of heterogeneous histology, brentuximab vedotin exerts potent antiproliferative and pro‐apoptotic activity against both CD30‐positive as well as CD30‐negative GCT subsets. Our results strongly support translational efforts to evaluate clinical efficacy of brentuximab vedotin in high‐risk GCT of heterogeneous CD30 positivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schönberger
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Cornelius van Beekum
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Barbara Götz
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Anna Casati
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rogerio B Craveiro
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gabriele Calaminus
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dagmar Dilloo
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
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Genome-wide 5-hydroxymethylcytosine patterns in human spermatogenesis are associated with semen quality. Oncotarget 2017; 8:88294-88307. [PMID: 29179435 PMCID: PMC5687605 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We performed immunofluorescent analysis of DNA hydroxymethylation and methylation in human testicular spermatogenic cells from azoospermic patients and ejaculated spermatozoa from sperm donors and patients from infertile couples. In contrast to methylation which was present throughout spermatogenesis, hydroxymethylation was either high or almost undetectable in both spermatogenic cells and ejaculated spermatozoa. On testicular cytogenetic preparations, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine was undetectable in mitotic and meiotic chromosomes, and was present exclusively in interphase spermatogonia Ad and in a minor spermatid population. The proportions of hydroxymethylated and non-hydroxymethylated diploid and haploid nuclei were similar among samples, suggesting that the observed alterations of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine patterns in differentiating spermatogenic cells are programmed. In ejaculates, a few spermatozoa had high 5-hydroxymethylcytosine level, while in the other ones hydroxymethylation was almost undetectable. The percentage of highly hydroxymethylated (5-hydroxymethylcytosine-positive) spermatozoa varied strongly among individuals. In patients from infertile couples, it was higher than in sperm donors (P<0.0001) and varied in a wider range: 0.12-21.24% versus 0.02-0.46%. The percentage of highly hydroxymethylated spermatozoa correlated strongly negatively with the indicators of good semen quality – normal morphology (r=-0.567, P<0.0001) and normal head morphology (r=-0.609, P<0.0001) – and strongly positively with the indicator of poor semen quality: sperm DNA fragmentation (r=0.46, P=0.001). Thus, the immunocytochemically detected increase of 5hmC in individual spermatozoa is associated with infertility in a couple and with deterioration of sperm parameters. We hypothesize that this increase is not programmed, but represents an induced abnormality and, therefore, it can be potentially used as a novel indicator of semen quality.
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Benešová M, Trejbalová K, Kučerová D, Vernerová Z, Hron T, Szabó A, Amouroux R, Klézl P, Hajkova P, Hejnar J. Overexpression of TET dioxygenases in seminomas associates with low levels of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation. Mol Carcinog 2017; 56:1837-1850. [PMID: 28218476 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Revised: 01/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Germ cell tumors and particularly seminomas reflect the epigenomic features of their parental primordial germ cells (PGCs), including genomic DNA hypomethylation and expression of pluripotent cell markers. Because the DNA hypomethylation might be a result of TET dioxygenase activity, we examined expression of TET1-3 enzymes and the level of their product, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), in a panel of histologically characterized seminomas and non-seminomatous germ cell tumors. Expression of TET dioxygenase mRNAs was quantified by real-time PCR. TET1 expression and the level of 5hmC were examined immunohistochemically. Quantitative assessment of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5hmC levels was done by the liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy technique. We found highly increased expression of TET1 dioxygenase in most seminomas and strong TET1 staining in seminoma cells. Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 mutations were not detected, suggesting the enzymatic activity of TET1. The levels of 5mC and 5hmC in seminomas were found decreased in comparison to non-seminomatous germ cell tumors and healthy testicular tissue. We propose that TET1 expression should be studied as a potential marker of seminomas and mixed germ cell tumors and we suggest that elevated expression of TET dioxygenase enzymes is associated with the maintenance of low DNA methylation levels in seminomas. This "anti-methylator" phenotype of seminomas is in contrast to the CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) observed in a fraction of tumors of various types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Benešová
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Videnska 1083, CZ-14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Trejbalová
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Videnska 1083, CZ-14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Kučerová
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Videnska 1083, CZ-14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenka Vernerová
- Department of Pathology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Ruska 87, CZ-10000, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Hron
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Videnska 1083, CZ-14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Arpád Szabó
- Department of Pathology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Ruska 87, CZ-10000, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Rachel Amouroux
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK and Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Petr Klézl
- Department of Urology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Ruska 87, CZ-10000, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Hajkova
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK and Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Jiří Hejnar
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Videnska 1083, CZ-14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic
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Yamazaki T, Hatano Y, Handa T, Kato S, Hoida K, Yamamura R, Fukuyama T, Uematsu T, Kobayashi N, Kimura H, Yamagata K. Targeted DNA methylation in pericentromeres with genome editing-based artificial DNA methyltransferase. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177764. [PMID: 28542388 PMCID: PMC5436701 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
To study the impact of epigenetic changes on biological functions, the ability to manipulate the epigenetic status of certain genomic regions artificially could be an indispensable technology. “Epigenome editing” techniques have gradually emerged that apply TALE or CRISPR/Cas9 technologies with various effector domains isolated from epigenetic code writers or erasers such as DNA methyltransferase, 5-methylcytosine oxidase, and histone modification enzymes. Here we demonstrate that a TALE recognizing a major satellite, consisting of a repeated sequence in pericentromeres, could be fused with the bacterial CpG methyltransferase, SssI. ChIP-qPCR assays demonstrated that the fusion protein TALMaj-SssI preferentially bound to major chromosomal satellites in cultured cell lines. Then, TALMaj-SssI was expressed in fertilized mouse oocytes with hypomethylated major satellites (10–20% CpG islands). Bisulfite sequencing revealed that the DNA methylation status was increased specifically in major satellites (50–60%), but not in minor satellites or other repeat elements, such as Intracisternal A-particle (IAP) or long interspersed nuclear elements-1 (Line1) when the expression level of TALMaj-SssI is optimized in the cell. At a microscopic level, distal ends of chromosomes at the first mitotic stage were dramatically highlighted by the mCherry-tagged methyl CpG binding domain of human MBD1 (mCherry-MBD-NLS). Moreover, targeted DNA methylation to major satellites did not interfere with kinetochore function during early embryonic cleavages. Co-injection of dCas9 fused with SssI and guide RNA (gRNA) recognizing major satellite sequences enabled increment of the DNA methylation in the satellites, but a few off-target effects were also observed in minor satellites and retrotransposons. Although CRISPR can be applied instead of the TALE system, technical improvements to reduce off-target effects are required. We have demonstrated a new method of introducing DNA methylation without the need of other binding partners using the CpG methyltransferase, SssI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiga Yamazaki
- Division of Biomedical Research, Kitasato University Medical Center, Kitasato University, Kitamoto, Saitama, Japan
- * E-mail: (TY); (KY)
| | - Yu Hatano
- Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, KINDAI University, Kinokawa, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Handa
- Cell Biology Unit, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Sakiko Kato
- Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, KINDAI University, Kinokawa, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kensuke Hoida
- Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, KINDAI University, Kinokawa, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Rui Yamamura
- Division of Biomedical Research, Kitasato University Medical Center, Kitasato University, Kitamoto, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takashi Fukuyama
- Division of Biomedical Research, Kitasato University Medical Center, Kitasato University, Kitamoto, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takayuki Uematsu
- Division of Biomedical Research, Kitasato University Medical Center, Kitasato University, Kitamoto, Saitama, Japan
| | - Noritada Kobayashi
- Division of Biomedical Research, Kitasato University Medical Center, Kitasato University, Kitamoto, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kimura
- Cell Biology Unit, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kazuo Yamagata
- Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, KINDAI University, Kinokawa, Wakayama, Japan
- * E-mail: (TY); (KY)
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Nettersheim D, Schorle H. The plasticity of germ cell cancers and its dependence on the cellular microenvironment. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 21:1463-1467. [PMID: 28244655 PMCID: PMC5543455 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
So far, the understanding of germ cell cancer (GCC) pathogenesis is based on a model, where seminomas and non‐seminomas represent distinct entities although originating from a common precursor termed germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS). Embryonal carcinomas (ECs), the stem cell population of the non‐seminomas, is pluri‐ to totipotent and able to differentiate into cells of all three germ layers, giving rise to teratomas or tumours mimicking extraembryonic tissues (yolk sac tumours, choriocarcinomas). With regard to gene expression, (epi)genetics and histology, seminomas are highly similar to GCNIS and primordial germ cells, but limited in development. It remains elusive, whether this block in differentiation is controlled by cell intrinsic mechanisms or by signals from the surrounding microenvironment. Here, we reviewed the recent literature emphasizing the plasticity of GCCs, especially of seminomas. We propose that this plasticity is controlled by the microenvironment, allowing seminomas to transit into an EC or mixed non‐seminoma and vice versa. We discuss several mechanisms and routes of reprogramming that might be responsible for this change in the cell fate. We finally integrate this plasticity into a new model of GCC pathogenesis, allowing for an alternative view on the dynamics of GCC development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
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Jostes S, Nettersheim D, Fellermeyer M, Schneider S, Hafezi F, Honecker F, Schumacher V, Geyer M, Kristiansen G, Schorle H. The bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 triggers growth arrest and apoptosis in testicular germ cell tumours in vitro and in vivo. J Cell Mol Med 2016; 21:1300-1314. [PMID: 28026145 PMCID: PMC5487916 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Type II testicular germ cell cancers (TGCT) are the most frequently diagnosed tumours in young men (20–40 years) and are classified as seminoma or non‐seminoma. TGCTs are commonly treated by orchiectomy and chemo‐ or radiotherapy. However, a subset of metastatic non‐seminomas (embryonal carcinomas) displays only incomplete remission or relapse and requires novel treatment options. Recent studies have shown effective application of the small‐molecule inhibitor JQ1 in tumour therapy, which interferes with the function of ‘bromodomain and extraterminal (BET)’ proteins. JQ1‐treated TGCT cell lines display up‐regulation of genes indicative for DNA damage and cellular stress response and induce cell cycle arrest. Embryonal carcinoma (EC) cell lines, which presented as JQ1 sensitive, display down‐regulation of pluripotency factors and induction of mesodermal differentiation. In contrast, seminoma‐like TCam‐2 cells tolerated higher JQ1 concentrations and were resistant to differentiation. ECs xenografted in vivo showed a reduction in tumour size, proliferation rate and angiogenesis in response to JQ1. Finally, the combination of JQ1 and the histone deacetylase inhibitor romidepsin allowed for lower doses and less frequent application, compared with monotherapy. Thus, we propose that JQ1 in combination with romidepsin may serve as a novel therapeutic option for (mixed) TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Jostes
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Martin Fellermeyer
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - François Hafezi
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Valerie Schumacher
- Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthias Geyer
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Structural Immunology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Glen Kristiansen
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
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Zheng L, Zhai Y, Li N, Ma F, Zhu H, Du X, Li G, Hua J. The Modification of Tet1 in Male Germline Stem Cells and Interact with PCNA, HDAC1 to promote their Self-renewal and Proliferation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37414. [PMID: 27857213 PMCID: PMC5114665 DOI: 10.1038/srep37414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modification plays key roles in spermatogenesis, especially DNA methylation dynamic is important in sustaining normal spermatogenesis. Ten-eleven translocation 1 (Tet1) is not only a key demethylase, which works in specific gene regions, but also crosstalks with partners to regulate epigenetic progress as protein complexes. Dairy goat is an important livestock in China, while the unstable culture system in vitro inhibits optimization of new dairy goat species. The study of epigenetic modification in male germline stem cells (mGSCs) is beneficial to the optimization of adult stem cell culture system in vitro, and the improvement of sperm quality and breeding of selected livestock. In our study, we not only analyzed the morphology, gene expression, DNA methylation and histone methylation dynamic in mouse Tet1 (mTet1) modified mGSCs, we also analyzed the stemness ability by in vivo transplantation and explored the functional mechanism of Tet1 in dairy goat mGSCs. The results showed mTet1 modified mGSCs had better self-renewal and proliferation ability than wild-type mGSCs, mTet1 could also up-regulate JMJD3 to decrease H3K27me3, which also showed to suppress the MEK-ERK pathway. Furthermore, Co-IP analysis demonstrated that TET1 interact with PCNA and HDAC1 by forming protein complexes to comprehensively regulate dairy goat mGSCs and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering &Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 China
| | - Yuanxin Zhai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering &Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 China
| | - Na Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering &Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 China
| | - Fanglin Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering &Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 China
| | - Haijing Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering &Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 China
| | - Xiaomin Du
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering &Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 China
| | - Guangpeng Li
- Key Laboratory for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, China
| | - Jinlian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering &Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 China
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Re-visiting the Protamine-2 locus: deletion, but not haploinsufficiency, renders male mice infertile. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36764. [PMID: 27833122 PMCID: PMC5105070 DOI: 10.1038/srep36764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Protamines are arginine-rich DNA-binding proteins that replace histones in elongating spermatids. This leads to hypercondensation of chromatin and ensures physiological sperm morphology, thereby protecting DNA integrity. In mice and humans, two protamines, protamine-1 (Prm1) and protamine-2 (Prm2) are expressed in a species-specific ratio. In humans, alterations of this PRM1/PRM2 ratio is associated with subfertility. By applying CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene-editing in oocytes, we established Prm2-deficient mice. Surprisingly, heterozygous males remained fertile with sperm displaying normal head morphology and motility. In Prm2-deficient sperm, however, DNA-hypercondensation and acrosome formation was severely impaired. Further, the sperm displayed severe membrane defects resulting in immotility. Thus, lack of Prm2 leads not only to impaired histone to protamine exchange and disturbed DNA-hypercondensation, but also to severe membrane defects resulting in immotility. Interestingly, previous attempts using a regular gene-targeting approach failed to establish Prm2-deficient mice. This was due to the fact that already chimeric animals generated with Prm2+/− ES cells were sterile. However, the Prm2-deficient mouse lines established here clearly demonstrate that mice tolerate loss of one Prm2 allele. As such they present an ideal model for further studies on protamine function and chromatin organization in murine sperm.
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Epigenetics in male reproduction: effect of paternal diet on sperm quality and offspring health. Nat Rev Urol 2016; 13:584-95. [PMID: 27578043 DOI: 10.1038/nrurol.2016.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic inheritance and its underlying molecular mechanisms are among the most intriguing areas of current biological and medical research. To date, studies have shown that both female and male germline development follow distinct paths of epigenetic events and both oocyte and sperm possess their own unique epigenomes. Fertilizing male and female germ cells deliver not only their haploid genomes but also their epigenomes, which contain the code for preimplantation and postimplantation reprogramming and embryonal development. For example, in spermatozoa, DNA methylation profile, DNA-associated proteins, protamine 1:protamine 2 ratio, nucleosome distribution pattern, histone modifications and other properties make up a unique epigenetic landscape. However, epigenetic factors and mechanisms possess certain plasticity and are affected by environmental conditions. Paternal and maternal lifestyle, including physical activity, nutrition and exposure to hazardous substances, can alter the epigenome and, moreover, can affect the health of their children. In male reproductive health, data are emerging on epigenetically mediated effects of a man's diet on sperm quality, for example through phytochemicals, minerals and vitamins, and nutritional support for subfertile men is already being used. In addition, studies in animal models and human epidemiological data point toward a transgenerational effect of the paternally contributed sperm epigenome on offspring health.
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Nettersheim D, Arndt I, Sharma R, Riesenberg S, Jostes S, Schneider S, Hölzel M, Kristiansen G, Schorle H. The cancer/testis-antigen PRAME supports the pluripotency network and represses somatic and germ cell differentiation programs in seminomas. Br J Cancer 2016; 115:454-64. [PMID: 27441500 PMCID: PMC4985348 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2016.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer/testis-antigens (CTAs) are specifically expressed in human malignancies and testis tissue, but their molecular functions are poorly understood. CTAs serve as regulators of gene expression, cell cycle and spermatogenesis, as well as targets for immune-based therapies. The CTA PRAME is expressed in various cancers, antagonises retinoic acid signalling and is regulated by DNA methylation and histone acetylation. METHODS We analysed the molecular function of the CTA PRAME in primordial germ cells (PGC) and testicular germ cell cancers (GCC). GCCs arise from a common precursor lesion termed germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS), which itself is thought to originate from a defective PGC. GCNIS cells eventually develop into unipotent seminomas or totipotent embryonal carcinomas (ECs), which are capable of differentiation into teratomas, yolk-sac tumours and choriocarcinomas. RESULTS PRAME is, like the master regulator of PGCs SOX17 expressed in human PGCs, GCNIS and seminomas but absent in ECs. shRNA-mediated knockdown of PRAME in seminomatous TCam-2 cells left SOX17 levels unchanged, but resulted in downregulation of pluripotency- and PGC-related genes (LIN28, PRDM14, ZSCAN10), whereas somatic and germ cell differentiation markers were upregulated. So, PRAME seems to act downstream of SOX17 by mediating the regulation of the germ cell differentiation and pluripotency programme. Endoderm differentiation is triggered in somatic cells by SOX17, suggesting that in PGCs, PRAME represses this programme and modulates SOX17 to function as a PGC-master regulator. Surprisingly, knockdown of PRAME in TCam-2 cells did not render the cells sensitive towards retinoic acid, despite the fact that PRAME has been described to antagonise retinoic acid signalling. Finally, we demonstrate that in non-seminomas PRAME expression is silenced by DNA methylation, which can be activated by formation of euchromatin via histone-deacetylase-inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS We identified the CTA PRAME as a downstream factor of SOX17 and LIN28 in regulating pluripotency and suppressing somatic/germ cell differentiation in PGC, GCNIS and seminomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Isabell Arndt
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Rakesh Sharma
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefanie Riesenberg
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bonn Medical School, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sina Jostes
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hölzel
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bonn Medical School, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Glen Kristiansen
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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Ni K, Dansranjavin T, Rogenhofer N, Oeztuerk N, Deuker J, Bergmann M, Schuppe HC, Wagenlehner F, Weidner W, Steger K, Schagdarsurengin U. TET enzymes are successively expressed during human spermatogenesis and their expression level is pivotal for male fertility. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:1411-24. [PMID: 27141042 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are ten-eleven-translocation (TET) 1-3 family enzymes involved in human spermatogenesis and do they impact male fertility? SUMMARY ANSWER TET1, TET2 and TET3 are successively expressed at different stages of human spermatogenesis, and their expression levels associate with male fertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Spermatogenesis is a complex cell differentiation process accompanied by a drastic epigenetic remodeling. TET1-3 dioxygenases are essential for active DNA demethylation in the paternal pronucleus and in embryonic stem cells. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Expression of TET1-3 mRNAs and proteinss and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) proteins were analyzed in human testis tissues from men with obstructive azoospermia and exhibiting histologically normal spermatogenesis. Ejaculated spermatozoa from normozoospermic healthy volunteers, the 'controls' (TET1: n = 58; TET2-3: n = 63), and subfertile men who participated with their female partners in an ICSI-program, the 'patients' (TET1: n = 66; TET2-3: n = 64), were analyzed concerning the stored TET1-3 mRNAs, and the values were correlated to semen parameters and ICSI-outcomes. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Testis sections were used for in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemical (IHC) studies to determine TET1-3 mRNA and protein expression, and for immunofluorescence (IF) detection of 5-hmC. Sperm samples from controls were analyzed by western blot, immunocytochemistry (ICC) and RT-PCR concerning the presence of non-degraded TET1-3 protein and mRNA. Sperm samples from controls and patients were used for quantitative TET1-3 mRNA analyses (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) and for comparative statistical evaluations under consideration of semen parameters and ICSI-outcome (pregnancy). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE During human spermatogenesis TET1-3 proteins are successively expressed: TET2 is expressed in the cytoplasm of late pachytene spermatocytes of Stage V, TET1 starts to be expressed in the nuclei of Step 1 round spermatids at Stage I, and TET3 starts to be expressed in the nuclei of Step 3 round spermatids at Stage III. Five-hmC appears only in Step 5 elongated spermatids. All three TETs are still detectable at the mRNA and protein level in sperm cells in considerable amounts. Control men generally exhibited higher levels of TET1-3 in sperm. TET1- and TET3-mRNA levels in sperm were significantly negatively correlated with age (P = 0.0025 and P = 0.0343) and positively correlated with progressive sperm motility (P = 0.0007 and P = 0.018). All TETs showed a significant association with sperm concentration (P < 0.03). Patients diagnosed with oligozoospermia and/or asthenozoospermia (TET1: n = 35; TET2-3: n = 32) showed significantly reduced TET1-3 in sperm in comparison to controls (P = 0.003, P = 0.041 and P = 0.028), but not compared with normozoospermic patients. Levels of TET3 in sperm was significantly associated with high-fertilization rates (P = 0.009). Concerning ICSI-outcome, the lowest levels of TET1-3 mRNAs in sperm were found in the non-pregnant group. Increased TET2 in sperm was significantly associated with pregnancy (P = 0.006). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our results concerning the association of the mRNA level of TETs in ejaculated sperm cells to different fertility parameters are descriptive. Further studies clarifying the reasons for decreased TET1-3 levels in subfertile men and their effect on their sperm methylome are essential. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The study gives a substantial indication that in human spermiogenesis, an active DNA demethylation process occurs with an involvement of TET enzymes, and that the level of TET1-3 expression is pivotal for male fertility. STUDY FUNDING Research grant from the German Research Foundation (DFG) to U.S. (SCHA1531/1-1 and SCHA1531/2-1). COMPETING INTERESTS None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Ni
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim Str. 7, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Temuujin Dansranjavin
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim Str. 7, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Nina Rogenhofer
- Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Centre of Ludwig Maximilians University, Campus Grosshadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Nihan Oeztuerk
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim Str. 7, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Johanna Deuker
- Division of Pulmonary Pharmacotherapy, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Aulweg 130, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Bergmann
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 94, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim Str. 7, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Florian Wagenlehner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim Str. 7, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Weidner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim Str. 7, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Klaus Steger
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim Str. 7, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Undraga Schagdarsurengin
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim Str. 7, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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50
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Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumours are at the crossroads of developmental and neoplastic processes. Their cause has not been fully elucidated but differences in incidences suggest that a combination of genetic and environment factors are involved, with environmental factors predominating early in life. Substantial progress has been made in understanding genetic susceptibility in the past 5 years on the basis of the results of large genome-wide association studies. Testicular germ cell tumours are highly sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and hence have among the best outcomes of all tumours. Because the tumours occur mainly in young men, preservation of reproductive function, quality of life after treatment, and late effects are crucial concerns. In this Seminar, we provide an overview of advances in the understanding of the epidemiology, genetics, and biology of testicular germ cell tumours. We also summarise the consensus on how to treat testicular germ cell tumours and focus on a few controversies and improvements in the understanding of late effects of treatment and quality of life for survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark; International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disrupting Effects on Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katherine A McGlynn
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Keisei Okamoto
- Department of Urology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa, Seta, Shiga, Japan.
| | - Michael A S Jewett
- Departments of Surgery (Urology) and Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and the University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carsten Bokemeyer
- Department of Oncology, Haematology, Bone Marrow Transplantation with section Pneumology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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