1
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Chu C, Yu L, Henry-Berger J, Ru YF, Kocer A, Champroux A, Li ZT, He M, Xie SS, Ma WB, Ni MJ, Ni ZM, Guo YL, Fei ZL, Gou LT, Liu Q, Sharma S, Zhou Y, Liu MF, Chen CD, Eamens AL, Nixon B, Zhou YC, Drevet JR, Zhang YL. Knockout of glutathione peroxidase 5 down-regulates the piRNAs in the caput epididymidis of aged mice. Asian J Androl 2021; 22:590-601. [PMID: 32270769 PMCID: PMC7705982 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_3_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian epididymis not only plays a fundamental role in the maturation of spermatozoa, but also provides protection against various stressors. The foremost among these is the threat posed by oxidative stress, which arises from an imbalance in reactive oxygen species and can elicit damage to cellular lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. In mice, the risk of oxidative damage to spermatozoa is mitigated through the expression and secretion of glutathione peroxidase 5 (GPX5) as a major luminal scavenger in the proximal caput epididymidal segment. Accordingly, the loss of GPX5-mediated protection leads to impaired DNA integrity in the spermatozoa of aged Gpx5-/- mice. To explore the underlying mechanism, we have conducted transcriptomic analysis of caput epididymidal epithelial cells from aged (13 months old) Gpx5-/- mice. This analysis revealed the dysregulation of several thousand epididymal mRNA transcripts, including the downregulation of a subgroup of piRNA pathway genes, in aged Gpx5-/- mice. In agreement with these findings, we also observed the loss of piRNAs, which potentially bind to the P-element-induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-like proteins PIWIL1 and PIWIL2. The absence of these piRNAs was correlated with the elevated mRNA levels of their putative gene targets in the caput epididymidis of Gpx5-/- mice. Importantly, the oxidative stress response genes tend to have more targeting piRNAs, and many of them were among the top increased genes upon the loss of GPX5. Taken together, our findings suggest the existence of a previously uncharacterized somatic piRNA pathway in the mammalian epididymis and its possible involvement in the aging and oxidative stress-mediated responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lu Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Joelle Henry-Berger
- Genetics Reproduction and Development Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Universitι Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand 63001, France
| | - Yan-Fei Ru
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ayhan Kocer
- Genetics Reproduction and Development Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Universitι Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand 63001, France
| | - Alexandre Champroux
- Genetics Reproduction and Development Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Universitι Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand 63001, France
| | - Zhi-Tong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Miao He
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Sheng-Song Xie
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wu-Bin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Min-Jie Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zi-Mei Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yun-Li Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhao-Liang Fei
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lan-Tao Gou
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0651, USA
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Samanta Sharma
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Charlie Degui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Yu-Chuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Joël R Drevet
- Genetics Reproduction and Development Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Universitι Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand 63001, France
| | - Yong-Lian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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2
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Wu C, Wang C, Zhai B, Zhao Y, Zhao Z, Yuan Z, Zhang M, Tian K, Fu X. Study of microRNA Expression Profile in Different Regions of Ram Epididymis. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:1209-1219. [PMID: 34169586 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13978] [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: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The regional expression of epididymal genes provides a guarantee for sperm maturation. As a class of endogenous non-coding small RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in spermatogenesis, maturation and fertilization. Currently, the regulatory role of miRNA in the epididymis is poorly understood. Here, transcriptome sequencing was used to analyse miRNA expression profiles in three regions of the epididymis of rams, including caput, corpus and cauda. The results showed that there were 13 known miRNAs between the caput and corpus controls, 29 between the caput and cauda and 22 differences between the corpus and cauda. Based on the analysis of miRNA target genes by GO and KEGG, a negative regulation network of miRNA-mRNA was constructed in which let-7, miR-541-5p, miR-133b and miR-150 may play an important regulatory role in the maturation regulation of ram epididymal sperm. This research provides a reference for studying the regulation mechanism of sperm maturation in male epididymis and improving semen quality and male reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiling Wu
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China.,Branch of Animal Husbandry, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gongzhuling, China.,Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Chunxin Wang
- Branch of Animal Husbandry, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gongzhuling, China
| | - Bo Zhai
- Branch of Animal Husbandry, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gongzhuling, China
| | - Yunhui Zhao
- Branch of Animal Husbandry, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gongzhuling, China
| | - Zhuo Zhao
- Branch of Animal Husbandry, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gongzhuling, China
| | - Zhiyu Yuan
- Branch of Animal Husbandry, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gongzhuling, China
| | - Mingxin Zhang
- Branch of Animal Husbandry, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gongzhuling, China
| | - Kechuan Tian
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Xuefeng Fu
- Key Laboratory of Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Xinjiang Wool sheep & Cashmere-goat, Institute of Animal Science, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumqi, China
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3
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Wang C, Hussain Solangi T, Wang H, Yang L, Shahzad K, Zhao W, Lang X. High-throughput sequencing reveals differential expression of miRNAs in yak and cattleyak epididymis. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 57:125-140. [PMID: 34057751 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cattleyaks (CY) are interspecific hybrids between cattle (Bos taurus) and yak (Bos gruniens, YK) exhibiting the same prominent adaptability and higher performances than YK. MiRNAs have played an important role in the acquisition and maintenance of male fertility in reproduction, where deletion of Dicer in mice germ cells results in infertility. According to a body of evidence, the function of miRNA in the male reproductive system extends from the testis into the epididymis and, as such, regulates gene expression and contributes to regional gene expression variations. Using RNA sequencing on biological replicates, we described differentially expressed miRNAs profiles for tissue from epididymis of YK and CY. In the present study, High-throughput sequencing analysis showed that 55 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified in the epididymis of YK and CY. Among these, 43 DE miRNAs were upregulated while the remaining 12 DE miRNAs were downregulated between epididymis of YK and CY. Our results showed that the top most important DE miRNAs, bta-miR-449c, bta-miR-539, bta-miR-136, bta-miR-504, bta-miR-31 and bta-miR-222 were found to be involved in the reproductive system of CY. In addition, some targeted genes, Clusterins (CLU), Retinoic Acid Receptor a (RARa) and Hydroxy acyl glutathione Hydrolase (HAGH) and HSPH1 targeted by bta-miR-2411-3p and bta-miR-1298 were involved in the sperm motility, sperm morphology and post-testicular sperm maturation. Furthermore, GO and KEGG analyses were performed to classify the functions of target genes for DE miRNAs. In addition, RT-qPCR validation of the DE miRNAs and its targeted genes revealed that putative miRNAs are involved in the male CY infertility by altering the gene expression. Present findings may not only increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulated by the miRNAs in epididymis, but also provide a valuable information to understand the male infertility mechanism of CY.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cailian Wang
- Key laboratory for sheep, goat and cattle germplasm and straw feed in Gansu Province, Institute of Animal & Pasture Science and Green Agricultural, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tajmal Hussain Solangi
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Liuyueling Yang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Khuram Shahzad
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Xia Lang
- Key laboratory for sheep, goat and cattle germplasm and straw feed in Gansu Province, Institute of Animal & Pasture Science and Green Agricultural, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
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4
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Cabej NR. A mechanism of inheritance of acquired traits in animals. Dev Biol 2021; 475:106-117. [PMID: 33741349 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Observational and experimental evidence for the inheritance of acquired traits in animals is slowly, but steadily accumulating. The onset and transmission of acquired traits implies the acquisition and transmission from parents to progeny of new information, which is different from the genetic information contained in DNA. The new non-genetic information most commonly is passed on from parents to the offspring via gamete(s), but how it is precisely transmitted to the successive generations is still unknown. Based on adequate empirical evidence presented herein, a hypothesis is proposed of the inheritance of acquired traits in animals and the flow of the relevant parental information to the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson R Cabej
- University of Tirana Faculty of Medicine, Universiteti i Mjekesise Tirane, Department of Biology, 147 Manhattan Terrace, Dumont, 07628, USA.
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5
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Zhao W, Hussain Solangi T, Wu Y, Yang X, Xu C, Wang H, Zheng X, Cai X, Zhu J. Comparative rna-seq analysis of region-specific miRNA expression in the epididymis of cattleyak. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:555-576. [PMID: 33438262 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The epididymis is the site of post-testicular sperm maturation, which constitutes the acquisition of sperm motility and the ability to recognize and fertilize oocytes. The role of miRNA in male reproductive system, including the control of different steps leading to proper fertilization such as gametogenesis, sperm maturation and maintenance of male fertility where the deletion of Dicer in mouse germ cells led to infertility, has been demonstrated. The identification of miRNA expression in a region-specific manner will therefore provide valuable insight into the functional differences between the regions of the epididymis. In this study, we employed RNA-seq technology to explore the expression pattern of miRNAs and establish some miRNAs of significant interest with regard to epididymal sperm maturation in the CY epididymis. We identified a total of 431 DE known miRNAs; 119, 185 and 127 DE miRNAs were detected for caput versus corpus, corpus versus cauda and caput versus cauda region pairs, respectively. Our results demonstrate region-specific miRNA expression in the CY epididymis. The GO and KEGG enrichment for the predicted target genes indicated the functional values of miRNAs. Furthermore, we observed that the expression of miR-200a was downregulated in the caput, compared with cauda. Since the family of miR-200 has previously been suggested to contribute to the distinct physiological function of sperm maturation in epididymis of adult rat, we speculate that the downregulation of miR-200a in CY caput epididymis may play an important role of sperm maturation in the epididymis of CY. Therefore, our findings may not only increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulated by the miRNA functions in region-specific miRNA expression in the CY epididymis, it could provide a valuable information to understand the mechanism of male infertility of CY.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Tajmal Hussain Solangi
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Yitao Wu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Xiankang Yang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Chuanfei Xu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Xuxin Zheng
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization (Southwest Minzu University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiangjiang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization (Southwest Minzu University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.,Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
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6
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Wang W, Liang K, Chang Y, Ran M, Zhang Y, Ali MA, Dai D, Qazi IH, Zhang M, Zhou G, Yang J, Angel C, Zeng C. miR-26a is Involved in Glycometabolism and Affects Boar Sperm Viability by Targeting PDHX. Cells 2020; 9:E146. [PMID: 31936222 PMCID: PMC7016825 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
miR-26a is associated with sperm metabolism and can affect sperm motility and apoptosis. However, how miR-26a affects sperm motility remains largely unknown. Our previous study indicated that the PDHX gene is predicted to be a potential target of miR-26a, which is responsible for pyruvate oxidative decarboxylation which is considered as a key step for connecting glycolysis with oxidative phosphorylation. In this study, we first reported a potential relationship between miR-26a and PDHX and their expressions in fresh, frozen-thawed, and epididymal boar sperm. Then, sperm viability and survival were determined after transfection of miR-26a. mRNA and protein expression level of PDHX in the liquid-preserved boar sperm after transfection were also determined by RT-qPCR and Western Blot (WB). Our results showed that expression level of PDHX was significantly increased during sperm transit from epididymal caput to corpus and cauda. Similarly, expression of PDHX was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in fresh sperm as compared to epididymal cauda and frozen-thawed sperm. However, the expression of miR-26a in epididymal corpus sperm was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of caput and cauda sperm. Furthermore, after transfection of boar sperm with miR-26a mimic and inhibitor under liquid storage, the lowest and highest sperm viability was observed in miR-26a mimic and inhibitor treatment (P < 0.05), respectively. The protein levels of PDHX, after 24 and 48 h of transfection of miR-26a mimics and inhibitor, were notably decreased and increased (P < 0.05), respectively, as compared to negative control (NC) group. In conclusion, the novel and enticing findings of our study provide a reasonable evidence that miR-26a via PDHX, a link between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, could regulate the glycometabolic pathway which eventually affect boar sperm viability and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencan Wang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.W.); (K.L.); (Y.C.); (M.R.); (Y.Z.); (M.A.A.); (D.D.); (I.H.Q.); (M.Z.); (G.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Kai Liang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.W.); (K.L.); (Y.C.); (M.R.); (Y.Z.); (M.A.A.); (D.D.); (I.H.Q.); (M.Z.); (G.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Yu Chang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.W.); (K.L.); (Y.C.); (M.R.); (Y.Z.); (M.A.A.); (D.D.); (I.H.Q.); (M.Z.); (G.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Mingxia Ran
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.W.); (K.L.); (Y.C.); (M.R.); (Y.Z.); (M.A.A.); (D.D.); (I.H.Q.); (M.Z.); (G.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.W.); (K.L.); (Y.C.); (M.R.); (Y.Z.); (M.A.A.); (D.D.); (I.H.Q.); (M.Z.); (G.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Malik Ahsan Ali
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.W.); (K.L.); (Y.C.); (M.R.); (Y.Z.); (M.A.A.); (D.D.); (I.H.Q.); (M.Z.); (G.Z.); (J.Y.)
- Department of Theriogenology, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Dinghui Dai
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.W.); (K.L.); (Y.C.); (M.R.); (Y.Z.); (M.A.A.); (D.D.); (I.H.Q.); (M.Z.); (G.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Izhar Hyder Qazi
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.W.); (K.L.); (Y.C.); (M.R.); (Y.Z.); (M.A.A.); (D.D.); (I.H.Q.); (M.Z.); (G.Z.); (J.Y.)
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy & Histology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand 67210, Pakistan
| | - Ming Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.W.); (K.L.); (Y.C.); (M.R.); (Y.Z.); (M.A.A.); (D.D.); (I.H.Q.); (M.Z.); (G.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Guangbin Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.W.); (K.L.); (Y.C.); (M.R.); (Y.Z.); (M.A.A.); (D.D.); (I.H.Q.); (M.Z.); (G.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Jiandong Yang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.W.); (K.L.); (Y.C.); (M.R.); (Y.Z.); (M.A.A.); (D.D.); (I.H.Q.); (M.Z.); (G.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Christiana Angel
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China;
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand 67210, Pakistan
| | - Changjun Zeng
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.W.); (K.L.); (Y.C.); (M.R.); (Y.Z.); (M.A.A.); (D.D.); (I.H.Q.); (M.Z.); (G.Z.); (J.Y.)
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7
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Sangeeta K, Yenugu S. siRNA-mediated knockdown of sperm-associated antigen 11a (Spag11a) mRNA in epididymal primary epithelial cells affects proliferation: a transcriptome analyses. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 379:601-612. [PMID: 31691005 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03107-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Differential expression of a variety of proteins in the four major regions of the epididymis contributes to maturation of spermatozoa and region-specific cellular functions as well. Proliferation of epithelial cells of the epididymis is highly controlled and thus is one of the major reasons for the nonoccurrence of cancers in this organ system. The molecular mechanisms and the contribution of region-specific genes in epithelial cell proliferation are not yet fully understood. In this study, for the first time, we analyzed the role of sperm-associated antigen 11a (Spag11a), a caput-specific beta-defensin-like antimicrobial gene in governing epididymal cell proliferation and global gene expression. siRNA-mediated knockdown of Spag11a mRNA in epididymal primary epithelial cells resulted in increased cell proliferation. Out of the 68,842 genes analyzed, 4182 genes were differentially expressed (2154 upregulated and 2028 downregulated). A variety of genes that participate in different cellular processes and pathways were differentially regulated. Genes that are important for epithelial cell proliferation were found to be differentially regulated and these changes were confirmed by real-time PCR. Overexpression of Spag11a in immortalized rat caput epididymal cells resulted in decreased proliferation capacity. Results of this study indicate that Spag11a plays a crucial role in governing epididymal epithelial cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumari Sangeeta
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Suresh Yenugu
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, 500046, India.
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8
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Browne JA, Leir SH, Eggener SE, Harris A. Region-specific microRNA signatures in the human epididymis. Asian J Androl 2019; 20:539-544. [PMID: 30058558 PMCID: PMC6219309 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_40_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelium of the human epididymis maintains an appropriate luminal environment for sperm maturation that is essential for male fertility. Regional expression of small noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs contributes to segment-specific gene expression and differentiated functions. MicroRNA profiles were reported in human epididymal tissues but not specifically in the epithelial cells derived from those regions. Here, we reveal miRNA signatures of primary cultures of caput, corpus, and cauda epididymis epithelial cells and of the tissues from which they were derived. We identify 324 epithelial cell-derived microRNAs and 259 tissue-derived microRNAs in the epididymis, some of which displayed regionalized expression patterns in cells and/or tissues. Caput cell-enriched miRNAs included miR-573 and miR-155. Cauda cell-enriched miRNAs included miR-1204 and miR-770. Next, we determined the gene ontology pathways associated with in silico predicted target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs. The effect of androgen receptor stimulation on miRNA expression was also investigated. These data show novel epithelial cell-derived miRNAs that may regulate the expression of important gene networks that are responsible for the regionalized gene expression and function of the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Browne
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.,Human Molecular Genetics Program, Lurie Children's Research Center, Chicago, IL 60614, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shih-Hsing Leir
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.,Human Molecular Genetics Program, Lurie Children's Research Center, Chicago, IL 60614, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Scott E Eggener
- Section of Urology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ann Harris
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.,Human Molecular Genetics Program, Lurie Children's Research Center, Chicago, IL 60614, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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9
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Chu C, Zhang YL, Yu L, Sharma S, Fei ZL, Drevet JR. Epididymal small non-coding RNA studies: progress over the past decade. Andrology 2019; 7:681-689. [PMID: 31044548 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) accomplish a huge variety of biological functions. Over the past decade, we have witnessed the substantial progress in the epididymal sncRNA studies. In the Epididymis 7, we had the true privilege of having a whole session to share our findings and exchange ideas on the epididymal sncRNA studies. OBJECTIVES This mini-review attempts to provide an overview of what is known about the sncRNAs in the mammalian epididymis and discuss the future directions in this field. METHODS We surveyed literature regarding the sncRNA studies in the mammalian epididymis, and integrated some of our unpublished findings as well. We focus on the progress in methodology and the advances in our understanding of the expression and functions of epididymal sncRNAs. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The applications of high-throughput approaches have made great contributions in the discovery of new sncRNA species and profiling their dynamics in the epithelial cells, the passing spermatozoa, and the luminal environment. The diverse classes of epididymal sncRNAs exert important biological functions from the in situ regulation of epididymal gene expression to the epigenetic inheritance in the offspring. CONCLUSION Although still in its infancy, we believe that the research on epididymal sncRNAs will not only lead to a better understanding of their physiological and pathological functions, but also contribute to the whole landscape of the RNA field.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Chu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Y L Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - L Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - S Sharma
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Z L Fei
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - J R Drevet
- Genetics Reproduction & Development Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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10
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Nixon B, De Iuliis GN, Dun MD, Zhou W, Trigg NA, Eamens AL. Profiling of epididymal small non-protein-coding RNAs. Andrology 2019; 7:669-680. [PMID: 31020794 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our understanding of epididymal physiology and function has been transformed over the three decades in which the International Meeting Series on the Epididymis has been hosted. This transformation has occurred along many fronts, but among the most significant advances has been the unexpected discovery of the diversity of small non-protein-coding RNAs (sRNAs) expressed in the epididymal epithelium and differentially accumulated in the luminal population of spermatozoa. OBJECTIVES Here we survey recent literature pertaining to profiling the sRNA landscape of the mammalian epididymis with the goal of demonstrating the contribution that these key regulatory elements, and their associated pathways, make to epididymal physiology and sperm maturation. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION High throughput sequencing strategies have fueled an unprecedented advance in our understanding of RNA biology. In the last decade, such high throughput profiling tools have been increasingly applied to study the mammalian epididymis, presaging the discovery of diverse classes of sRNA expressed along the length of the tract. Among the best studied sRNA classes are the microRNAs (miRNA), a sRNA species shown to act in concert with endocrine signals to fine-tune the segmental patterning of epididymal gene expression. In addition to performing this homeostatic role, epithelial cell-derived sRNAs also selectively accumulate into the epididymosomes and spermatozoa that occupy the duct lumen. This exciting discovery alludes to a novel form of intracellular communication that contributes to the establishment of the sperm epigenome and its modification under conditions of paternal stress. CONCLUSION Compelling literature has identified sRNAs as a crucial regulatory tier that allows the epididymis to fulfill its combined roles of sperm transport, maturation, and storage. Continued research in this emerging field will contribute to our growing understanding of the etiology of male factor infertility and potentially allow for the future design of rational therapeutic options for these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Reproduction and Pregnancy Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - G N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Reproduction and Pregnancy Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - M D Dun
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - W Zhou
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Reproduction and Pregnancy Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - N A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Reproduction and Pregnancy Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - A L Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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11
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Reza AMMT, Choi YJ, Han SG, Song H, Park C, Hong K, Kim JH. Roles of microRNAs in mammalian reproduction: from the commitment of germ cells to peri-implantation embryos. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2018; 94:415-438. [PMID: 30151880 PMCID: PMC7379200 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are active regulators of numerous biological and physiological processes including most of the events of mammalian reproduction. Understanding the biological functions of miRNAs in the context of mammalian reproduction will allow a better and comparative understanding of fertility and sterility in male and female mammals. Herein, we summarize recent progress in miRNA‐mediated regulation of mammalian reproduction and highlight the significance of miRNAs in different aspects of mammalian reproduction including the biogenesis of germ cells, the functionality of reproductive organs, and the development of early embryos. Furthermore, we focus on the gene expression regulatory feedback loops involving hormones and miRNA expression to increase our understanding of germ cell commitment and the functioning of reproductive organs. Finally, we discuss the influence of miRNAs on male and female reproductive failure, and provide perspectives for future studies on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Musa Md Talimur Reza
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Centre (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Jung Choi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Centre (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Gu Han
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology of Animal Resources, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk Song
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Centre (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Chankyu Park
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Centre (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwonho Hong
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Centre (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hoi Kim
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Centre (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
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12
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Tang ZP, Zhao W, Du JK, Ni X, Zhu XY, Lu JQ. miR-494 Contributes to Estrogen Protection of Cardiomyocytes Against Oxidative Stress via Targeting (NF-κB) Repressing Factor. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:215. [PMID: 29867756 PMCID: PMC5960695 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of cardiac diseases. Estrogens have been demonstrated to exert pleiotropic cardioprotective effects, among which antioxidative stress is one of the key effects linking estrogens to cardioprotection. By using a microRNAs (miRs) microarray screening approach, we discovered an increase in miR-494, which is known to exert cardioprotective effects, in estrogen-treated cardiomyocytes. We hypothesized that the upregulation of miR-494 might contribute to estrogen-mediated cardioprotection against oxidative stress. We found that E2 stimulates miR-494 expression via ERα in both cardiomyocytes and the myocardium of female mice. The miR-494 inhibitor attenuated the protective effect of 17β-estradiol (E2) against oxidative stress-induced injury in cardiomyocytes. By contrast, the miR-494 mimic protected cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress-induced cardiomyocyte injury. Using real-time PCR, western blot and dual-luciferase reporter gene analyses, we identified nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) repressing factor (NKRF) as the miR-494 target in cardiomyocytes. E2 was found to inhibit NKRF, thus activating NF-κB through a miR-494-dependent mechanism. In addition, the protective effects of E2 and miR-494 against oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes were eliminated by the NF-κB inhibitor. In summary, this study demonstrates for the first time that estrogen inhibits NKRF expression through ERα-mediated upregulation of miR-494 in cardiomyocytes, leading to the activation of NF-κB, which in turn results in an increase in antioxidative defense. ERα-mediated upregulation of miR-494 may contribute to estrogen protection of cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Ping Tang
- The Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Research Laboratory of Burn and Trauma, PLA 181 Hospital, Guilin, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-kui Du
- Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Ni
- Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Yan Zhu, ; Jian-Qiang Lu,
| | - Jian-Qiang Lu
- The Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Yan Zhu, ; Jian-Qiang Lu,
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13
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Lee KH. Changes in Expression of Connexin Isoforms in the Caudal Epididymis of Adult Sprague-Dawley Rats exposed to Estradiol Benzoate or Flutamide at the Neonatal Age. Dev Reprod 2016; 20:237-245. [PMID: 27796005 PMCID: PMC5078149 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2016.20.3.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Direct communication between neighboring cells via gap junction in tissue is important for maintenance and regulation of its physiological functions. Each epididymal region has different composition of cell types. It is well recognized that the epididymis is a steroid hormone-responsive tissue. The present study was designed to determine the effect of estradiol benzoate (EB) or flutamide exposured at the early postnatal age on the expression of connexin (Cx) isoforms in the caudal epididymis. The EB or flutamide was subcutaneously administrated to male Spragure Dawley rat at 7 days of age, and expressional changes of Cx isoforms in the adult corpus epididymis were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The treatment of low-dose EB resulted in decreases of Cx30.3, Cx31.1, Cx37, and Cx45 expression but caused an increase of Cx32 expression. Exposure to high-dose EB led into expressional increases of Cx31, Cx31.1, Cx32, Cx40, and Cx43, even though a decrease of Cx37 expression was found with a high-dose EB treatment. A low-dose flutamide induced increases of Cx31, Cx31.1, Cx32, and Cx43 expression but a decrease of Cx37 expression. Expression of most Cx genes were significantly increased by a high-dose flutamide, while no expressional change of Cx26 and Cx40 was detected by a high-dose flutamide. These results indicate that expression of Cx isoforms in the caudal epididymis is altered by exposure to steroidal compounds at the prepubertal age. It is suggested that a contact with environmental exogenous materials during the early postnatal period would lead to alteration of epididymal functions at the adult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Ho Lee
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Eulji University, Daejeon 301-746, Korea
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14
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Sipilä P, Björkgren I. Segment-specific regulation of epididymal gene expression. Reproduction 2016; 152:R91-9. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The epididymis is necessary for post-testicular sperm maturation. During their epididymal transit, spermatozoa gain ability for progressive movement and fertilization. The epididymis is composed of several segments that have distinct gene expression profiles that enable the establishment of the changing luminal environment required for sperm maturation. The epididymal gene expression is regulated by endocrine, lumicrine, and paracrine factors in a segment-specific manner. Thus, in addition to its importance for male fertility, the epididymis is a valuable model tissue for studying the regulation of gene expression. This review concentrates on recent advances in understanding the androgen, small RNA, and epigenetically mediated regulation of segment-specific gene expression in the epididymis.
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15
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Ji Z, Wang G, Hou L, Liu Z, Wang J, Chao T. miR-143 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of mammary epithelial cells in dairy goat. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2016.1165288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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16
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Nixon B, Stanger SJ, Mihalas BP, Reilly JN, Anderson AL, Tyagi S, Holt JE, McLaughlin EA. The microRNA signature of mouse spermatozoa is substantially modified during epididymal maturation. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:91. [PMID: 26333995 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.132209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years considerable effort has been devoted to understanding the epigenetic control of sperm development, leading to an increased appreciation of the importance of RNA interference pathways, and in particular miRNAs, as key regulators of spermatogenesis and epididymal maturation. It has also been shown that sperm are endowed with an impressive array of miRNA that have been implicated in various aspects of fertilization and embryo development. However, to date there have been no reports on whether the sperm miRNA signature is static or whether it is influenced by their prolonged maturation within the male reproductive tract. To investigate this phenomenon, we employed next-generation sequencing to systematically profile the miRNA signature of maturing mouse spermatozoa. In so doing we have provided the first evidence for the posttesticular modification of the sperm miRNA profile under normal physiological conditions. Such modifications include the apparent loss and acquisition of an impressive cohort of some 113 and 115 miRNAs, respectively, between the proximal and distal epididymal segments. Interestingly, the majority of these changes occur late in maturation and include the uptake of novel miRNA species in addition to a significant increase in many miRNAs natively expressed in immature sperm. Because sperm are not capable of de novo transcription, these findings identify the epididymis as an important site in establishing the sperm epigenome with the potential to influence the peri-conceptual environment of the female reproductive tract, contribute to the inheritance of acquired characteristics, and/or alter the developmental trajectory of the resulting offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bettina P Mihalas
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jackson N Reilly
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sonika Tyagi
- Australian Genome Research Facility Ltd, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Janet E Holt
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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