Characterization of the role of tumor necrosis factor apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) in spermatogenesis through the evaluation of trail gene-deficient mice

Comprehensive analysis of the differential expression of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs in Zi goose testis with high and low sperm mobility

Sperm mobility (SM) is an objective index for measuring sperm motility; however, the mechanisms underlying its regulation in geese remain unclear. The present study sought to elucidate the genetic mechanism underlying SM traits in Zi geese (Anser cygnoides L.). To this end, three successive experiments were performed. In Experiment I, SM was determined in 40 ganders; the 3 ganders with the highest mobility and three with the lowest mobility were assigned to the high and low sperm mobility rank (SMR) groups, respectively. In Experiment II, the differences in fertility between the two SMR groups were assessed within two breeding flocks comprising the selected six ganders from Experiment I and 30 females (each flock had 3 ganders and 15 females). In Experiment III, the testes of the 6 ganders were harvested for histological observation and whole-transcriptome sequencing. Results revealed better fertility, well-developed seminiferous tubules, and abundant mature sperm in the high-SMR-flock compared to those of the low-SMR-flock (89 vs. 81%) (P < 0.05). Differential expression (DE) analysis identified 76 mRNAs, 344 lncRNAs, and 17 miRNAs between the SMR groups, with LOC106049708, XPNPEP3, GNB3, ADCY8, PRKAG3, oha-miR-182-5p, and ocu-miR-10b-5p identified as key mRNAs and miRNAs contributing to SM. Enrichment analysis implicated these DE RNAs in pathways related to ATP binding, cell metabolism, apelin signaling, Wnt signaling, and Adherens junctions. Additionally, competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks comprising 9 DE mRNAs, 17 DE miRNAs, and 169 DE lncRNAs were constructed. Two ceRNA network pathways (LOC106049708-oha-miR-182-5p-MSTRG.2479.6 and PRKAG3-ocu-miR-10b-5p-MSTRG.9047.14) were identified as key regulators of SM in geese. These findings offer crucial insights into the identification of key genes and ceRNA pathways influencing sperm mobility in geese.

Significance of TRAIL/Apo-2 ligand and its death receptors in apoptosis and necroptosis signalling: Implications for cancer-targeted therapeutics

The human immune defensesystem routinely expresses the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), which is the most prevalent element for antitumor immunity. TRAIL associates with its death receptors (DRs), DR4 (TRAIL-R1), and DR5 (TRAIL-R2), in cancer cells to initiate the intracellular apoptosis cascade. Accordingly, numerous academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies havetried to exploreTRAIL's capacity to kill tumourcells by producing recombinant versions of it (rhTRAIL) or TRAIL receptor agonists (TRAs) [monoclonal antibody (mAb), synthetic and natural compounds, etc.] and molecules that sensitize TRAIL signalling pathway for therapeutic applications. Recently, several microRNAs (miRs) have been found to activate or inhibit death receptor signalling. Therefore, pharmacological regulation of these miRs may activate or resensitize the TRAIL DRs signal, and this is a novel approach for developing anticancer therapeutics. In this article, we will discuss TRAIL and its receptors and molecular pathways by which it induces various cell death events. We will unravel potential innovative applications of TRAIL-based therapeutics, and other investigated therapeutics targeting TRAIL-DRs and summarize the current preclinical pharmacological studies and clinical trials. Moreover, we will also emphasizea few situations where future efforts may be addressed to modulate the TRAIL signalling pathway.

Differential gene expression of immunity and inflammation genes in colorectal cancer using targeted RNA sequencing

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease caused by molecular changes, as driver mutations, gene methylations, etc., and influenced by tumor microenvironment (TME) pervaded with immune cells with both pro- and anti-tumor effects. The studying of interactions between the immune system (IS) and the TME is important for developing effective immunotherapeutic strategies for CRC. In our study, we focused on the analysis of expression profiles of inflammatory and immune-relevant genes to identify aberrant signaling pathways included in carcinogenesis, metastatic potential of tumors, and association of Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) gene mutation.

Methods

A total of 91 patients were enrolled in the study. Using NGS, differential gene expression analysis of 11 tumor samples and 11 matching non-tumor controls was carried out by applying a targeted RNA panel for inflammation and immunity genes containing 475 target genes. The obtained data were evaluated by the CLC Genomics Workbench and R library. The significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed in Reactome GSA software, and some selected DEGs were used for real-time PCR validation.

Results

After prioritization, the most significant differences in gene expression were shown by the genes TNFRSF4, IRF7, IL6R, NR3CI, EIF2AK2, MIF, CCL5, TNFSF10, CCL20, CXCL11, RIPK2, and BLNK. Validation analyses on 91 samples showed a correlation between RNA-seq data and qPCR for TNFSF10, RIPK2, and BLNK gene expression. The top differently regulated signaling pathways between the studied groups (cancer vs. control, metastatic vs. primary CRC and KRAS positive and negative CRC) belong to immune system, signal transduction, disease, gene expression, DNA repair, and programmed cell death.

Conclusion

Analyzed data suggest the changes at more levels of CRC carcinogenesis, including surface receptors of epithelial or immune cells, its signal transduction pathways, programmed cell death modifications, alterations in DNA repair machinery, and cell cycle control leading to uncontrolled proliferation. This study indicates only basic molecular pathways that enabled the formation of metastatic cancer stem cells and may contribute to clarifying the function of the IS in the TME of CRC. A precise identification of signaling pathways responsible for CRC may help in the selection of personalized pharmacological treatment.

RANKL regulates male reproductive function

Infertile men have few treatment options. Here, we demonstrate that the transmembrane receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL) signaling system is active in mouse and human testis. RANKL is highly expressed in Sertoli cells and signals through RANK, expressed in most germ cells, whereas the RANKL-inhibitor osteoprotegerin (OPG) is expressed in germ and peritubular cells. OPG treatment increases wild-type mouse sperm counts, and mice with global or Sertoli-specific genetic suppression of Rankl have increased male fertility and sperm counts. Moreover, RANKL levels in seminal fluid are high and distinguishes normal from infertile men with higher specificity than total sperm count. In infertile men, one dose of Denosumab decreases RANKL seminal fluid concentration and increases serum Inhibin-B and anti-Müllerian-hormone levels, but semen quality only in a subgroup. This translational study suggests that RANKL is a regulator of male reproductive function, however, predictive biomarkers for treatment-outcome requires further investigation in placebo-controlled studies.

The Role of TNF-α and Anti-TNF-α Agents during Preconception, Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a multifunctional Th1 cytokine and one of the most important inflammatory cytokines. In pregnancy, TNF-α influences hormone synthesis, placental architecture, and embryonic development. It was also shown that increased levels of TNF-α are associated with pregnancy loss and preeclampsia. Increased TNF-α levels in complicated pregnancy draw attention to trophoblast biology, especially migratory activity, syncytialisation, and endocrine function. Additionally, elevated TNF-α levels may affect the maternal-fetal relationship by altering the secretory profile of placental immunomodulatory factors, which in turn affects maternal immune cells. There is growing evidence that metabolic/pro-inflammatory cytokines can program early placental functions and growth in the first trimester of pregnancy. Furthermore, early pregnancy placenta has a direct impact on fetal development and maternal immune system diseases that release inflammatory (e.g., TNF-α) and immunomodulatory factors, such as chronic inflammatory rheumatic, gastroenterological, or dermatological diseases, and may result in an abnormal release of cytokines and chemokines in syncytiotrophoblasts. Pregnancy poses a challenge in the treatment of chronic disease in patients who plan to have children. The activity of the disease, the impact of pregnancy on the course of the disease, and the safety of pharmacotherapy, including anti-rheumatic agents, in pregnancy should be considered.

Anti-TNF agents and potential effects on male fertility: are men being counseled?

BACKGROUND

Adult men with autoimmune conditions are commonly prescribed anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents; however, there is a paucity of quality evidence as to their effect on male fertility (e.g. semen parameters and sperm quality). Our objective was to determine if men with autoimmune conditions are being counseled regarding the unknown reproductive effects of anti-TNF agents prior to initiation of therapy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 1010 male patients age 18-45 who were prescribed an anti-TNF agent were assessed for (1) receipt of counseling regarding potential reproductive effects; (2) screening for anatomic or laboratory abnormalities associated with infertility; (3) election for sperm cryopreservation.

RESULTS

Only 10.3% of men received counseling, and this was not associated with age (p = 0.77). Those who received counseling were significantly more likely to have a genitourinary exam performed, be assessed for presence of a varicocele, be asked about or endorse low libido or erectile dysfunction, have a testosterone, LH, FSH, or prolactin level checked, and have a semen analysis performed (all, p < 0.0001). Rates of sperm cryopreservation were low, but statistically higher in men who received counseling (5.77% (+) counseling, 1.10% (-) counseling) (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The limited current literature lacks a consensus regarding the short- and long-term male reproductive effects of anti-TNF therapy. Despite this lack of clarity, rates of pre-initiation counseling were low. Rates of sperm cryopreservation, while improved in the counseled group remained low, suggesting prescribing physicians may be unaware of this option for patients.

Transcriptome profiling of porcine testis tissue reveals genes related to sperm hyperactive motility

BACKGROUND

Sperm hyperactive motility has previously been shown to influence litter size in pigs, but little is known about the underlying biological mechanisms. The aim of this study was to use RNA sequencing to investigate gene expression differences in testis tissue from Landrace and Duroc boars with high and low levels of sperm hyperactive motility. Boars with divergent phenotypes were selected based on their sperm hyperactivity values at the day of ejaculation (day 0) (contrasts (i) and (ii) for Landrace and Duroc, respectively) and on their change in hyperactivity between day 0 and after 96 h liquid storage at 18 °C (contrast (iii)).

RESULTS

RNA sequencing was used to measure gene expression in testis. In Landrace boars, 3219 genes were differentially expressed for contrast (i), whereas 102 genes were differentially expressed for contrast (iii). Forty-one differentially expressed genes were identified in both contrasts, suggesting a functional role of these genes in hyperactivity regardless of storage. Zinc finger DNLZ was the most up-regulated gene in contrasts (i) and (iii), whereas the most significant differentially expressed gene for the two contrasts were ADP ribosylation factor ARFGAP1 and solute carrier SLC40A1, respectively. For Duroc (contrast (ii)), the clustering of boars based on their gene expression data did not reflect their difference in sperm hyperactivity phenotypes. No results were therefore obtained for this breed. A case-control analysis of variants identified in the Landrace RNA sequencing data showed that SNPs in NEU3, CHRDL2 and HMCN1 might be important for sperm hyperactivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Differentially expressed genes were identified in Landrace boars with high and low levels of sperm hyperactivity at the day of ejaculate collection and high and low change in hyperactivity after 96 h of sperm storage. The results point towards important candidate genes, biochemical pathways and sequence variants underlying sperm hyperactivity in pigs.

In vitro cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic activity of phycocyanin nanoparticles from Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyta) algae

This study investigated the in vitro antioxidant, proapoptotic and anti-proliferative activity of phycocyanin extracted from Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyta) algae extract loaded on albumin nanoparticle (ULANP). The characterization of ULANP profile was done by using FTIR and its cytotoxicity was investigated by using MTT assay against HepG2 and MCF7 cell lines. The proapoptotic markers caspase 8 & 9 were measured. Analysis of ULANP by FTIR showed the characteristic band (2100 cm⁻¹ ~3700 cm⁻¹) that is indicated primarily by —COO, —CO and conjugated double bond. These bonds showed the spectral band at peaks of 2985 cm⁻¹ and 2860 cm⁻¹, 2986 cm⁻¹ respectively. The antioxidant potential and radical scavenging property of ULANP was also appreciable as compared to the vitamin C and gallic acid. The antiproliferative assay carried out by WST-1 suggests that ULANP was effective against both HepG2 (93.17%) and MCF7 (91.3%). Caspase-8 and −9 were significantly elevated (p < 0.001) in both the cell lines of breast and liver cancer. It was concluded that ULANP induced anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities on liver and breast cancer. It is promising as a novel antitumor activity for further investigation the mechanistic pathways mediated this action.

Transcriptomic analysis of reproductive damage in the epididymis of male Kunming mice induced by chronic infection of Toxoplasma gondii PRU strain

BACKGROUND

Some researchers have reported that Toxoplasma gondii can cause serious reproductive impairment in male animals. Specifically, T. gondii destroy the quality of sperm in the epididymis, which affects their sexual ability. However, among such studies, none have investigated the male reproductive transcriptome. Therefore, to investigate the relationship between T. gondii and sperm maturation, we infected mice with T. gondii prugniaud (PRU) strain and performed transcriptome sequencing of the epididymis.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, 431 upregulated and 229 downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found (P-value < 0.05, false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05 and |log2 (fold change)| ≥ 1). According to results of a bioinformatics analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) function is divided into three categories: cellular component, molecular function and biological process. Upon performing GO analysis, we found that some DEGs correlated with an integral part of membrane, protein complex, cell surface, ATP binding, immune system process, signal transduction and metabolic process which are responsible for the epididymal injury. DEGs were mapped to 101 unique KEGG pathways. Pathways such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and apoptosis are closely related to sperm quality. Moreover, Tnfsf10 and spata18 can damage the mitochondria in sperm, which decreases sperm motility and morphology.

CONCLUSIONS

We sequenced the reproductive system of male mice chronically infected with T. gondii, which provides a new direction for research into male sterility caused by Toxoplasma infection. This work provides valuable information and a comprehensive database for future studies of the interaction between T. gondii infection and the male reproductive system.

Developing TRAIL/TRAIL death receptor-based cancer therapies

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the TNF superfamily that can initiate the apoptosis pathway by binding to its associated death receptors DR4 and DR5. The activation of the TRAIL pathway in inducing tumor-selective apoptosis leads to the development of TRAIL-based cancer therapies, which include recombinant forms of TRAIL, TRAIL receptor agonists, and other therapeutic agents. Importantly, TRAIL, DR4, and DR5 can all be induced by synthetic and natural agents that activate the TRAIL apoptosis pathway in cancer cells. Thus, understanding the regulation of the TRAIL apoptosis pathway can aid in the development of TRAIL-based therapies for the treatment of human cancer.

Caspase-8 and Caspase-9 Functioned Differently at Different Stages of the Cyclic Stretch-Induced Apoptosis in Human Periodontal Ligament Cells

Background

Human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells underwent apoptosis after mechanical stretch loading. However, the exact signalling pathway remains unknown. This study aimed to elucidate how the apoptotic caspases functioned in the cyclic stretch-induced apoptosis in human PDL cells.

Materials and Methods

In the present study, 20% cyclic stretch was selected to load the cells for 6 or 24 h. The following parameters were analyzed: apoptotic rates, the protein levels of caspase-3, -7, -8 and -9 and the activities of caspase-8 and -9. Subsequently, the influences of caspase-8 and caspase-9 inhibitors on the apoptotic rate and the protein level of the activated caspase-3 were assessed as well.

Results

The apoptotic rates increased in response to cyclic stretch, but the cells entered different apoptotic stages after 6 and 24 h stretches. Caspase-3, -7, -8 and -9 were all activated after stretch loading. The stretch-induced apoptosis and the protein level of the activated caspase-3 were inhibited after inhibiting both caspase-8 and caspase-9 in both 6 and 24 h stretched cells and after inhibiting caspase-9 in 24 h stretched cells.

Conclusion

Caspase-8 and -9 functioned differently at different apoptotic stages in human PDL cells after cyclic stretch.

Soluble TRAIL is present at high concentrations in seminal plasma and promotes spermatozoa survival

The expression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL(TNFSF10)) and of its receptors (TRAILR1, TRAILR2, TRAILR3, and TRAILR4) have been documented in testis, but the presence of soluble TRAIL in seminal fluid, as well as the potential physiopathological role of the TRAIL/TRAILR system in spermatozoa, has not been previously investigated. Male donors (n=123) among couples presenting for infertility evaluation were consecutively enrolled in this study. The presence of soluble TRAIL was analyzed in seminal samples by ELISA, while the surface expression of TRAIL receptors was investigated by flow cytometry. High levels of soluble TRAIL were detected in seminal plasma (median, 11 621 pg/ml and mean±s.d., 13 371±8367 pg/ml) and flow cytometric analysis revealed a variable expression of TRAIL receptors in the sperm cellular fraction among different subjects. In addition, the effect of physiologically relevant concentrations of recombinant TRAIL was investigated on survival and motility of spermatozoa. Of interest, the in vitro exposure of capacitated spermatozoa to recombinant TRAIL (10 ng/ml) significantly preserved their overall survival. Therefore, the present study demonstrates for the first time the presence of elevated levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine TRAIL in seminal fluids. Moreover, the demonstration that recombinant TRAIL promotes spermatozoa survival after capacitation suggests potential therapeutic implications.