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Wang Y, Papayova M, Warren E, Pears CJ. mTORC1 pathway activity biases cell fate choice. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20832. [PMID: 39242621 PMCID: PMC11379915 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71298-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into distinct cell types but the intracellular pathways controlling cell fate choice are not well understood. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum is a simplified system to study choice preference as proliferating amoebae enter a developmental cycle upon starvation and differentiate into two major cell types, stalk and spores, organised in a multicellular fruiting body. Factors such as acidic vesicle pH predispose amoebae to one fate. Here we show that the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway has a role in cell fate bias in Dictyostelium. Inhibiting the mTORC1 pathway activity by disruption of Rheb (activator Ras homolog enriched in brain), or treatment with the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin prior to development, biases cells to a spore cell fate. Conversely activation of the pathway favours stalk cell differentiation. The Set1 histone methyltransferase, responsible for histone H3 lysine4 methylation, in Dictyostelium cells regulates transcription at the onset of development. Disruption of Set1 leads to high mTORC1 pathway activity and stalk cell predisposition. The ability of the mTORC1 pathway to regulate cell fate bias of cells undergoing differentiation offers a potential target to increase the efficiency of stem cell differentiation into a particular cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuntao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Monika Papayova
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Eleanor Warren
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Catherine J Pears
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
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Yang L, Liao J, Huang H, Lee TL, Qi H. Stage-specific regulation of undifferentiated spermatogonia by AKT1S1-mediated AKT-mTORC1 signaling during mouse spermatogenesis. Dev Biol 2024; 509:11-27. [PMID: 38311163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Undifferentiated spermatogonia are composed of a heterogeneous cell population including spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of various spermatogonial cohorts during their self-renewal and differentiation are largely unclear. Here we show that AKT1S1, an AKT substrate and inhibitor of mTORC1, regulates the homeostasis of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Although deletion of Akt1s1 in mouse appears not grossly affecting steady-state spermatogenesis and male mice are fertile, the subset of differentiation-primed OCT4+ spermatogonia decreased significantly, whereas self-renewing GFRα1+ and proliferating PLZF+ spermatogonia were sustained. Both neonatal prospermatogonia and the first wave spermatogenesis were greatly reduced in Akt1s1-/- mice. Further analyses suggest that OCT4+ spermatogonia in Akt1s1-/- mice possess altered PI3K/AKT-mTORC1 signaling, gene expression and carbohydrate metabolism, leading to their functionally compromised developmental potential. Collectively, these results revealed an important role of AKT1S1 in mediating the stage-specific signals that regulate the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonia during mouse spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Yang
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Jinyue Liao
- GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hongying Huang
- The Experimental Animal Center, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Tin Lap Lee
- GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Huayu Qi
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
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3
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Clémot M, D’Alterio C, Kwang AC, Jones DL. mTORC1 is required for differentiation of germline stem cells in the Drosophila melanogaster testis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300337. [PMID: 38512882 PMCID: PMC10956854 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolism participates in the control of stem cell function and subsequent maintenance of tissue homeostasis. How this is achieved in the context of adult stem cell niches in coordination with other local and intrinsic signaling cues is not completely understood. The Target of Rapamycin (TOR) pathway is a master regulator of metabolism and plays essential roles in stem cell maintenance and differentiation. In the Drosophila male germline, mTORC1 is active in germline stem cells (GSCs) and early germ cells. Targeted RNAi-mediated downregulation of mTor in early germ cells causes a block and/or a delay in differentiation, resulting in an accumulation of germ cells with GSC-like features. These early germ cells also contain unusually large and dysfunctional autolysosomes. In addition, downregulation of mTor in adult male GSCs and early germ cells causes non-autonomous activation of mTORC1 in neighboring cyst cells, which correlates with a disruption in the coordination of germline and somatic differentiation. Our study identifies a previously uncharacterized role of the TOR pathway in regulating male germline differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Clémot
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Cecilia D’Alterio
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Alexa C. Kwang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - D. Leanne Jones
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Departments of Anatomy, Division of Geriatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- Departments of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
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Lu X, Yin P, Li H, Gao W, Jia H, Ma W. Transcriptome Analysis of Key Genes Involved in the Initiation of Spermatogonial Stem Cell Differentiation. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:141. [PMID: 38397131 PMCID: PMC10888189 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to screen the genes and pathways that are involved in spermatogonia stem cell (SSC) differentiation regulation during the transition from Aundiff to A1. Methods: RNA sequencing was performed to screen differentially expressed genes at 1 d and 2 d after SSC differentiation culture. KEGG pathway enrichment and GO function analysis were performed to reveal the genes and pathways related to the initiation of early SSC differentiation. RESULTS The GO analysis showed that Rpl21, which regulates cell differentiation initiation, significantly increased after 1 day of SSC differentiation. The expressions of Fn1, Cd9, Fgf2, Itgb1, Epha2, Ctgf, Cttn, Timp2 and Fgfr1, which are related to promoting differentiation, were up-regulated after 2 days of SSC differentiation. The analysis of the KEGG pathway revealed that RNA transport is the most enriched pathway 1 day after SSC differentiation. Hspa2, which promotes the differentiation of male reproductive cells, and Cdkn2a, which participates in the cell cycle, were significantly up-regulated. The p53 pathway and MAPK pathway were the most enriched pathways 2 days after SSC differentiation. Cdkn1a, Hmga2, Thbs1 and Cdkn2a, microRNAs that promote cell differentiation, were also significantly up-regulated. CONCLUSIONS RNA transport, the MAPK pathway and the p53 pathway may play vital roles in early SSC differentiation, and Rpl21, Fn1, Cd9, Fgf2, Itgb1, Epha2, Ctgf, Cttn, Timp2, Fgfr1, Hspa2, Cdkn2a, Cdkn1a, Hmga2 and Thbs1 are involved in the initiation of SSC differentiation. The findings of this study provide a reference for further revelations of the regulatory mechanism of SSC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Wenzhi Ma
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; (X.L.); (P.Y.); (H.L.); (W.G.); (H.J.)
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Mason EC, Menon S, Schneider BR, Gaskill CF, Dawson MM, Moore CM, Armstrong LC, Cho O, Richmond BW, Kropski JA, West JD, Geraghty P, Gomperts BN, Ess KC, Gally F, Majka SM. Activation of mTOR signaling in adult lung microvascular progenitor cells accelerates lung aging. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e171430. [PMID: 37874650 PMCID: PMC10721153 DOI: 10.1172/jci171430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactivation and dysregulation of the mTOR signaling pathway are a hallmark of aging and chronic lung disease; however, the impact on microvascular progenitor cells (MVPCs), capillary angiostasis, and tissue homeostasis is unknown. While the existence of an adult lung vascular progenitor has long been hypothesized, these studies show that Abcg2 enriches for a population of angiogenic tissue-resident MVPCs present in both adult mouse and human lungs using functional, lineage, and transcriptomic analyses. These studies link human and mouse MVPC-specific mTORC1 activation to decreased stemness, angiogenic potential, and disruption of p53 and Wnt pathways, with consequent loss of alveolar-capillary structure and function. Following mTOR activation, these MVPCs adapt a unique transcriptome signature and emerge as a venous subpopulation in the angiodiverse microvascular endothelial subclusters. Thus, our findings support a significant role for mTOR in the maintenance of MVPC function and microvascular niche homeostasis as well as a cell-based mechanism driving loss of tissue structure underlying lung aging and the development of emphysema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C. Mason
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Swapna Menon
- Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute Kochi and AnalyzeDat Consulting Services, Kerala, India
| | - Benjamin R. Schneider
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Christa F. Gaskill
- Department of Dermatology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Maggie M. Dawson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Camille M. Moore
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Laura Craig Armstrong
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Okyong Cho
- Genomics and Microarray Core, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Bradley W. Richmond
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jonathan A. Kropski
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - James D. West
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Patrick Geraghty
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Brigitte N. Gomperts
- Translational Research, UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center; Pediatrics Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kevin C. Ess
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Fabienne Gally
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Susan M. Majka
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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6
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Luo Y, Yamada M, N’Tumba-Byn T, Asif H, Gao M, Hu Y, Marangoni P, Liu Y, Evans T, Rafii S, Klein OD, Voss HU, Hadjantonakis AK, Elemento O, Martin LA, Seandel M. SPRY4-dependent ERK negative feedback demarcates functional adult stem cells in the male mouse germline†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:533-551. [PMID: 37552049 PMCID: PMC10577279 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Niche-derived growth factors support self-renewal of mouse spermatogonial stem and progenitor cells through ERK MAPK signaling and other pathways. At the same time, dysregulated growth factor-dependent signaling has been associated with loss of stem cell activity and aberrant differentiation. We hypothesized that growth factor signaling through the ERK MAPK pathway in spermatogonial stem cells is tightly regulated within a narrow range through distinct intracellular negative feedback regulators. Evaluation of candidate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-responsive genes known to dampen downstream signaling revealed robust induction of specific negative feedback regulators, including Spry4, in cultured mouse spermatogonial stem cells in response to glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor or fibroblast growth factor 2. Undifferentiated spermatogonia in vivo exhibited high levels of Spry4 mRNA. Quantitative single-cell analysis of ERK MAPK signaling in spermatogonial stem cell cultures revealed both dynamic signaling patterns in response to growth factors and disruption of such effects when Spry4 was ablated, due to dysregulation of ERK MAPK downstream of RAS. Whereas negative feedback regulator expression decreased during differentiation, loss of Spry4 shifted cell fate toward early differentiation with concomitant loss of stem cell activity. Finally, a mouse Spry4 reporter line revealed that the adult spermatogonial stem cell population in vivo is demarcated by strong Spry4 promoter activity. Collectively, our data suggest that negative feedback-dependent regulation of ERK MAPK is critical for preservation of spermatogonial stem cell fate within the mammalian testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyun Luo
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Makiko Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Hana Asif
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meng Gao
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pauline Marangoni
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hartman Institute for Therapeutic Organ Regeneration, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Todd Evans
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hartman Institute for Therapeutic Organ Regeneration, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ophir D Klein
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Henning U Voss
- College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura A Martin
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marco Seandel
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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7
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Podinić T, Werstuck G, Raha S. The Implications of Cannabinoid-Induced Metabolic Dysregulation for Cellular Differentiation and Growth. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11003. [PMID: 37446181 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311003] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) governs and coordinates several physiological processes through an integrated signaling network, which is responsible for inducing appropriate intracellular metabolic signaling cascades in response to (endo)cannabinoid stimulation. This intricate cellular system ensures the proper functioning of the immune, reproductive, and nervous systems and is involved in the regulation of appetite, memory, metabolism, and development. Cannabinoid receptors have been observed on both cellular and mitochondrial membranes in several tissues and are stimulated by various classes of cannabinoids, rendering the ECS highly versatile. In the context of growth and development, emerging evidence suggests a crucial role for the ECS in cellular growth and differentiation. Indeed, cannabinoids have the potential to disrupt key energy-sensing metabolic signaling pathways requiring mitochondrial-ER crosstalk, whose functioning is essential for successful cellular growth and differentiation. This review aims to explore the extent of cannabinoid-induced cellular dysregulation and its implications for cellular differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Podinić
- The Department of Pediatrics and the Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Geoff Werstuck
- Department of Medicine and the Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute, David Braley Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2, Canada
| | - Sandeep Raha
- The Department of Pediatrics and the Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
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8
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Elcombe CS, Monteiro A, Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei M, Padmanabhan V, Lea R, Sinclair KD, Evans NP, Bellingham M. Developmental exposure to a real-life environmental chemical mixture alters testicular transcription factor expression in neonatal and pre-pubertal rams, with morphological changes persisting into adulthood. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 100:104152. [PMID: 37209889 PMCID: PMC10457458 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Environmental chemical (EC) exposure may be impacting male reproductive health. The translationally relevant biosolids treated pasture (BTP) sheep model was used to investigate gestational low-level EC mixture exposure on the testes of F1 male offspring. Adult rams from ewes exposed to BTP 1 month before and throughout pregnancy had more seminiferous tubules with degeneration and depletion of elongating spermatids, indicating possible "recovery" from previously reported testicular dysgenesis syndrome-like phenotype in neonatal and pre-pubertal BTP lambs. Expression of transcription factors CREB1 (neonatal) and BCL11A and FOXP2 (pre-pubertal) were significantly higher in the BTP exposed testes, with no changes seen in adults. Increased CREB1, which is crucial for testes development and regulation of steroidogenic enzymes, could be an adaptive response to gestational EC exposure to facilitate the phenotypic recovery. Overall, this demonstrates that testicular effects from gestational exposure to low-level mixtures of ECs can last into adulthood, potentially impacting fertility and fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris S Elcombe
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.
| | - Ana Monteiro
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Mohammad Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Richard Lea
- University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
| | - Kevin D Sinclair
- University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
| | - Neil P Evans
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Michelle Bellingham
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.
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9
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Gobé C, Ialy-Radio C, Pierre R, Cocquet J. Generation and Characterization of a Transgenic Mouse That Specifically Expresses the Cre Recombinase in Spermatids. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14050983. [PMID: 37239343 DOI: 10.3390/genes14050983] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is the step during which post-meiotic cells, called spermatids, undergo numerous morphological changes and differentiate into spermatozoa. Thousands of genes have been described to be expressed at this stage and could contribute to spermatid differentiation. Genetically-engineered mouse models using Cre/LoxP or CrispR/Cas9 are the favored approaches to characterize gene function and better understand the genetic basis of male infertility. In the present study, we produced a new spermatid-specific Cre transgenic mouse line, in which the improved iCre recombinase is expressed under the control of the acrosomal vesicle protein 1 gene promoter (Acrv1-iCre). We show that Cre protein expression is restricted to the testis and only detected in round spermatids of stage V to VIII seminiferous tubules. The Acrv1-iCre line can conditionally knockout a gene during spermiogenesis with a > 95% efficiency. Therefore, it could be useful to unravel the function of genes during the late stage of spermatogenesis, but it can also be used to produce an embryo with a paternally deleted allele without causing early spermatogenesis defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Gobé
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, CNRS, Institut Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Côme Ialy-Radio
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, CNRS, Institut Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Rémi Pierre
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, CNRS, Institut Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
- Homologous Recombination, Embryo Transfer and Cryopreservation Facility, Cochin Institute, University of Paris, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Julie Cocquet
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, CNRS, Institut Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
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10
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Shamhari A‘A, Jefferi NES, Abd Hamid Z, Budin SB, Idris MHM, Taib IS. The Role of Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger (PLZF) and Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Family Receptor Alpha 1 (GFRα1) in the Cryopreservation of Spermatogonia Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031945. [PMID: 36768269 PMCID: PMC9915902 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031945] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The cryopreservation of spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) has been widely used as an alternative treatment for infertility. However, cryopreservation itself induces cryoinjury due to oxidative and osmotic stress, leading to reduction in the survival rate and functionality of SSCs. Glial-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha 1 (GFRα1) and promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) are expressed during the self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs, making them key tools for identifying the functionality of SSCs. To the best of our knowledge, the involvement of GFRα1 and PLZF in determining the functionality of SSCs after cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to determine the role of GFRα1 and PLZF as biomarkers for evaluating the functionality of SSCs in cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention. Therapeutic intervention, such as the use of antioxidants, and enhancement in cryopreservation protocols, such as cell encapsulation, cryoprotectant agents (CPA), and equilibrium of time and temperature increase the expression of GFRα1 and PLZF, resulting in maintaining the functionality of SSCs. In conclusion, GFRα1 and PLZF have the potential as biomarkers in cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention of SSCs to ensure the functionality of the stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma’ ‘Afifah Shamhari
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Nur Erysha Sabrina Jefferi
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Zariyantey Abd Hamid
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Siti Balkis Budin
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Muhd Hanis Md Idris
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute (iPROMISE), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Izatus Shima Taib
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +603-928-97608
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11
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Legrand JMD, Hobbs RM. Defining Gene Function in Spermatogonial Stem Cells Through Conditional Knockout Approaches. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:261-307. [PMID: 37249877 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian male fertility is maintained throughout life by a population of self-renewing mitotic germ cells known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Much of our current understanding regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying SSC activity is derived from studies using conditional knockout mouse models. Here, we provide a guide for the selection and use of mouse strains to develop conditional knockout models for the study of SSCs, as well as their precursors and differentiation-committed progeny. We describe Cre recombinase-expressing strains, breeding strategies to generate experimental groups, and treatment regimens for inducible knockout models and provide advice for verifying and improving conditional knockout efficiency. This resource can be beneficial to those aiming to develop conditional knockout models for the study of SSC development and postnatal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien M D Legrand
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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12
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Xie M, Hu X, Li L, Xiong Z, Zhang H, Zhuang Y, Huang Z, Liu J, Lian J, Huang C, Xie Q, Kang X, Fan Y, Bai X, Chen Z. Loss of Raptor induces Sertoli cells into an undifferentiated state in mice. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1125-1138. [PMID: 35594452 PMCID: PMC9562113 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, testis development is triggered by the expression of the sex-determining Y-chromosome gene SRY to commit the Sertoli cell (SC) fate at gonadal sex determination in the fetus. Several genes have been identified to be required to promote the testis pathway following SRY activation (i.e., SRY box 9 (SOX9)) in an embryo; however, it largely remains unknown about the genes and the mechanisms involved in stabilizing the testis pathway after birth and throughout adulthood. Herein, we report postnatal males with SC-specific deletion of Raptor demonstrated the absence of SC unique identity and adversely acquired granulosa cell-like characteristics, along with loss of tubular architecture and scattered distribution of SCs and germ cells. Subsequent genome-wide analysis by RNA sequencing revealed a profound decrease in the transcripts of testis genes (i.e., Sox9, Sox8, and anti-Mullerian hormone (Amh)) and, conversely, an increase in ovary genes (i.e., LIM/Homeobox gene 9 (Lhx9), Forkhead box L2 (Foxl2) and Follistatin (Fst)); these changes were further confirmed by immunofluorescence and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Importantly, co-immunofluorescence demonstrated that Raptor deficiency induced SCs dedifferentiation into a progenitor state; the Raptor-mutant gonads showed some ovarian somatic cell features, accompanied by enhanced female steroidogenesis and elevated estrogen levels, yet the zona pellucida 3 (ZP3)-positive terminally feminized oocytes were not observed. In vitro experiments with primary SCs suggested that Raptor is likely involved in the fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9)-induced formation of cell junctions among SCs. Our results established that Raptor is required to maintain SC identity, stabilize the male pathway, and promote testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhi Xiong
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hanbin Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuge Zhuang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zicong Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinsheng Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingyao Lian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuyu Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiang Xie
- Center for Reproduction, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University (Dongguan People’s Hospital), Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangjin Kang
- Correspondence: Xiangjin Kang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Yong Fan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Xiaochun Bai, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Zhenguo Chen, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: (Lead Contact)
| | - Yong Fan
- Correspondence: Xiangjin Kang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Yong Fan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Xiaochun Bai, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Zhenguo Chen, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: (Lead Contact)
| | - Xiaochun Bai
- Correspondence: Xiangjin Kang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Yong Fan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Xiaochun Bai, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Zhenguo Chen, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: (Lead Contact)
| | - Zhenguo Chen
- Correspondence: Xiangjin Kang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Yong Fan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Xiaochun Bai, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: ; Zhenguo Chen, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. E-mail: (Lead Contact)
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13
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Distinctive molecular features of regenerative stem cells in the damaged male germline. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2500. [PMID: 35523793 PMCID: PMC9076627 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30130-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of male fertility requires spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that self-renew and generate differentiating germ cells for production of spermatozoa. Germline cells are sensitive to genotoxic drugs and patients receiving chemotherapy can become infertile. SSCs surviving treatment mediate germline recovery but pathways driving SSC regenerative responses remain poorly understood. Using models of chemotherapy-induced germline damage and recovery, here we identify unique molecular features of regenerative SSCs and characterise changes in composition of the undifferentiated spermatogonial pool during germline recovery by single-cell analysis. Increased mitotic activity of SSCs mediating regeneration is accompanied by alterations in growth factor signalling including PI3K/AKT and mTORC1 pathways. While sustained mTORC1 signalling is detrimental for SSC maintenance, transient mTORC1 activation is critical for the regenerative response. Concerted inhibition of growth factor signalling disrupts core features of the regenerative state and limits germline recovery. We also demonstrate that the FOXM1 transcription factor is a target of growth factor signalling in undifferentiated spermatogonia and provide evidence for a role in regeneration. Our data confirm dynamic changes in SSC functional properties following damage and support an essential role for microenvironmental growth factors in promoting a regenerative state. Male germline regeneration after damage is dependent on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) but pathways mediating the regenerative response are unclear. Here the authors define roles for growth factor signalling and mTORC1 in SSC-driven regeneration.
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14
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ROCK ‘n TOR: An Outlook on Keratinocyte Stem Cell Expansion in Regenerative Medicine via Protein Kinase Inhibition. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071130. [PMID: 35406693 PMCID: PMC8997668 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratinocyte stem cells play a fundamental role in homeostasis and repair of stratified epithelial tissues. Transplantation of cultured keratinocytes autografts provides a landmark example of successful cellular therapies by restoring durable integrity in stratified epithelia lost to devastating tissue conditions. Despite the overall success of such procedures, failures still occur in case of paucity of cultured stem cells in therapeutic grafts. Strategies aiming at a further amplification of stem cells during keratinocyte ex vivo expansion may thus extend the applicability of these treatments to subjects in which endogenous stem cells pools are depauperated by aging, trauma, or disease. Pharmacological targeting of stem cell signaling pathways is recently emerging as a powerful strategy for improving stem cell maintenance and/or amplification. Recent experimental data indicate that pharmacological inhibition of two prominent keratinocyte signaling pathways governed by apical mTOR and ROCK protein kinases favor stem cell maintenance and/or amplification ex vivo and may improve the effectiveness of stem cell-based therapeutic procedures. In this review, we highlight the pathophysiological roles of mTOR and ROCK in keratinocyte biology and evaluate existing pre-clinical data on the effects of their inhibition in epithelial stem cell expansion for transplantation purposes.
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15
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Mäkelä JA, Toppari J. Retinoblastoma-E2F Transcription Factor Interplay Is Essential for Testicular Development and Male Fertility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:903684. [PMID: 35663332 PMCID: PMC9161260 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.903684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The retinoblastoma (RB) protein family members (pRB, p107 and p130) are key regulators of cell cycle progression, but also play crucial roles in apoptosis, and stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. RB proteins exert their effects through binding to E2F transcription factors, which are essential developmental and physiological regulators of tissue and organ homeostasis. According to the canonical view, phosphorylation of RB results in release of E2Fs and induction of genes needed for progress of the cell cycle. However, there are eight members in the E2F transcription factor family with both activator (E2F1-3a) and repressor (E2F3b-E2F8) roles, highlighting the functional diversity of RB-E2F pathway. In this review article we summarize the data showing that RB-E2F interaction is a key cell-autonomous mechanism responsible for establishment and maintenance of lifelong male fertility. We also review the expression pattern of RB proteins and E2F transcription factors in the testis and male germ cells. The available evidence supports that RB and E2F family members are widely and dynamically expressed in the testis, and they are known to have versatile roles during spermatogenesis. Knowledge of the function and significance of RB-E2F interplay for testicular development and spermatogenesis comes primarily from gene knock-out (KO) studies. Several studies conducted in Sertoli cell-specific pRB-KO mice have demonstrated that pRB-mediated inhibition of E2F3 is essential for Sertoli cell functional maturation and cell cycle exit, highlighting that RB-E2F interaction in Sertoli cells is paramount to male fertility. Similarly, ablation of either pRB or E2F1 in the germline results in progressive testicular atrophy due to germline stem cell (GSC) depletion, emphasizing the importance of proper RB-E2F interplay for germline maintenance and lifelong sperm production. In summary, while balanced RB-E2F interplay is essential for cell-autonomous maintenance of GSCs and, the pRB-E2F3 system in Sertoli cells is critical for providing GSC niche thus laying the basis for spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- *Correspondence: Jorma Toppari,
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16
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Varuzhanyan G, Ladinsky MS, Yamashita SI, Abe M, Sakimura K, Kanki T, Chan DC. Fis1 ablation in the male germline disrupts mitochondrial morphology and mitophagy, and arrests spermatid maturation. Development 2021; 148:271183. [PMID: 34355730 PMCID: PMC8380467 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Male germline development involves choreographed changes to mitochondrial number, morphology and organization. Mitochondrial reorganization during spermatogenesis was recently shown to require mitochondrial fusion and fission. Mitophagy, the autophagic degradation of mitochondria, is another mechanism for controlling mitochondrial number and physiology, but its role during spermatogenesis is largely unknown. During post-meiotic spermatid development, restructuring of the mitochondrial network results in packing of mitochondria into a tight array in the sperm midpiece to fuel motility. Here, we show that disruption of mouse Fis1 in the male germline results in early spermatid arrest that is associated with increased mitochondrial content. Mutant spermatids coalesce into multinucleated giant cells that accumulate mitochondria of aberrant ultrastructure and numerous mitophagic and autophagic intermediates, suggesting a defect in mitophagy. We conclude that Fis1 regulates mitochondrial morphology and turnover to promote spermatid maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigor Varuzhanyan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91125, USA
| | - Mark S Ladinsky
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91125, USA
| | - Shun-Ichi Yamashita
- Department of Cellular Physiology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Manabu Abe
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | - Kenji Sakimura
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | - Tomotake Kanki
- Department of Cellular Physiology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - David C Chan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91125, USA
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17
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Codino A, Turowski T, van de Lagemaat LN, Ivanova I, Tavosanis A, Much C, Auchynnikava T, Vasiliauskaitė L, Morgan M, Rappsilber J, Allshire RC, Kranc KR, Tollervey D, O'Carroll D. NANOS2 is a sequence-specific mRNA-binding protein that promotes transcript degradation in spermatogonial stem cells. iScience 2021; 24:102762. [PMID: 34278268 PMCID: PMC8271163 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) sustain spermatogenesis and fertility throughout adult male life. The conserved RNA-binding protein NANOS2 is essential for the maintenance of SSCs, but its targets and mechanisms of function are not fully understood. Here, we generated a fully functional epitope-tagged Nanos2 mouse allele and applied the highly stringent cross-linking and analysis of cDNAs to define NANOS2 RNA occupancy in SSC lines. NANOS2 recognizes the AUKAAWU consensus motif, mostly found in the 3' untranslated region of defined messenger RNAs (mRNAs). We find that NANOS2 is a regulator of key signaling and metabolic pathways whose dosage or activity are known to be critical for SSC maintenance. NANOS2 interacts with components of CCR4-NOT deadenylase complex in SSC lines, and consequently, NANOS2 binding reduces the half-lives of target transcripts. In summary, NANOS2 contributes to SSC maintenance through the regulation of target mRNA stability and key self-renewal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azzurra Codino
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Tomasz Turowski
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Louie N. van de Lagemaat
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
- Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell & Leukaemia Biology, Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Ivayla Ivanova
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Andrea Tavosanis
- Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell & Leukaemia Biology, Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Christian Much
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Tania Auchynnikava
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Lina Vasiliauskaitė
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Marcos Morgan
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robin C. Allshire
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Kamil R. Kranc
- Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell & Leukaemia Biology, Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - David Tollervey
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Dónal O'Carroll
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
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18
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Ho UY, Feng CWA, Yeap YY, Bain AL, Wei Z, Shohayeb B, Reichelt ME, Homer H, Khanna KK, Bowles J, Ng DCH. WDR62 is required for centriole duplication in spermatogenesis and manchette removal in spermiogenesis. Commun Biol 2021; 4:645. [PMID: 34059773 PMCID: PMC8167107 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
WDR62 is a scaffold protein involved in centriole duplication and spindle assembly during mitosis. Mutations in WDR62 can cause primary microcephaly and premature ovarian insufficiency. We have generated a genetrap mouse model deficient in WDR62 and characterised the developmental effects of WDR62 deficiency during meiosis in the testis. We have found that WDR62 deficiency leads to centriole underduplication in the spermatocytes due to reduced or delayed CEP63 accumulation in the pericentriolar matrix. This resulted in prolonged metaphase that led to apoptosis. Round spermatids that inherited a pair of centrioles progressed through spermiogenesis, however, manchette removal was delayed in WDR62 deficient spermatids due to delayed Katanin p80 accumulation in the manchette, thus producing misshapen spermatid heads with elongated manchettes. In mice, WDR62 deficiency resembles oligoasthenoteratospermia, a common form of subfertility in men that is characterised by low sperm counts, poor motility and abnormal morphology. Therefore, proper WDR62 function is necessary for timely spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis during male reproduction. Uda Ho et al find that loss of centriolar scaffold protein WDR62 in mouse testis leads to defects in spermatogenesis. They find that WDR62 deficiency leads to centriole underduplication in spermatocytes and delayed manchette removal in spermatids due to delayed Katanin p80 accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uda Y Ho
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Chun-Wei Allen Feng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Yvonne Y Yeap
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Amanda L Bain
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Zhe Wei
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Belal Shohayeb
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Melissa E Reichelt
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hayden Homer
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kum Kum Khanna
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Dominic C H Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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19
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Feng CW, Burnet G, Spiller CM, Cheung FKM, Chawengsaksophak K, Koopman P, Bowles J. Identification of regulatory elements required for Stra8 expression in fetal ovarian germ cells of the mouse. Development 2021; 148:dev.194977. [PMID: 33574039 DOI: 10.1242/dev.194977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In mice, the entry of germ cells into meiosis crucially depends on the expression of stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8). Stra8 is expressed specifically in pre-meiotic germ cells of females and males, at fetal and postnatal stages, respectively, but the mechanistic details of its spatiotemporal regulation are yet to be defined. In particular, there has been considerable debate regarding whether retinoic acid is required, in vivo, to initiate Stra8 expression in the mouse fetal ovary. We show that the distinctive anterior-to-posterior pattern of Stra8 initiation, characteristic of germ cells in the fetal ovary, is faithfully recapitulated when 2.9 kb of the Stra8 promoter is used to drive eGFP expression. Using in vitro transfection assays of cutdown and mutant constructs, we identified two functional retinoic acid responsive elements (RAREs) within this 2.9 kb regulatory element. We also show that the transcription factor DMRT1 enhances Stra8 expression, but only in the presence of RA and the most proximal RARE. Finally, we used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutation studies to demonstrate that both RAREs are required for optimal Stra8 expression levels in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wei Feng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Guillaume Burnet
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Cassy M Spiller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Fiona Ka Man Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Kallayanee Chawengsaksophak
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i. Vídenská 1083, 4 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia .,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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20
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Cao J, Lin ZB, Tong MH, Zhang YL, Li YP, Zhou YC. Mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase ( Mtor) is required for spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation in mice. Asian J Androl 2021; 22:169-176. [PMID: 31134915 PMCID: PMC7155804 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_14_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial development is a vital prerequisite for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the exact mechanisms underlying the behavior of spermatogonia, including spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) self-renewal and spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation, are not fully understood. Recent studies demonstrated that the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in spermatogonial development, but whether MTOR itself was also involved in any specific process of spermatogonial development remained undetermined. In this study, we specifically deleted Mtor in male germ cells of mice using Stra8-Cre and assessed its effect on the function of spermatogonia. The Mtor knockout (KO) mice exhibited an age-dependent perturbation of testicular development and progressively lost germ cells and fertility with age. These age-related phenotypes were likely caused by a delayed initiation of Mtor deletion driven by Stra8-Cre. Further examination revealed a reduction of differentiating spermatogonia in Mtor KO mice, suggesting that spermatogonial differentiation was inhibited. Spermatogonial proliferation was also impaired in Mtor KO mice, leading to a diminished spermatogonial pool and total germ cell population. Our results show that MTOR plays a pivotal role in male fertility and is required for spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cao
- 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
| | - Zuo-Bao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Cell 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
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- 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
| | - 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
| | - Yi-Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell 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
| | - 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
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21
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Kirsanov O, Renegar RH, Busada JT, Serra ND, Harrington EV, Johnson TA, Geyer CB. The rapamycin analog Everolimus reversibly impairs male germ cell differentiation and fertility in the mouse†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:1132-1143. [PMID: 32716476 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sirolimus, also known as rapamycin, and its closely related rapamycin analog (rapalog) Everolimus inhibit "mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1" (mTORC1), whose activity is required for spermatogenesis. Everolimus is Food and Drug Administration approved for treating human patients to slow growth of aggressive cancers and preventing organ transplant rejection. Here, we test the hypothesis that rapalog inhibition of mTORC1 activity has a negative, but reversible, impact upon spermatogenesis. Juvenile (P20) or adult (P>60) mice received daily injections of sirolimus or Everolimus for 30 days, and tissues were examined at completion of treatment or following a recovery period. Rapalog treatments reduced body and testis weights, testis weight/body weight ratios, cauda epididymal sperm counts, and seminal vesicle weights in animals of both ages. Following rapalog treatment, numbers of differentiating spermatogonia were reduced, with concomitant increases in the ratio of undifferentiated spermatogonia to total number of remaining germ cells. To determine if even low doses of Everolimus can inhibit spermatogenesis, an additional group of adult mice received a dose of Everolimus ∼6-fold lower than a human clinical dose used to treat cancer. In these animals, only testis weights, testis weight/body weight ratios, and tubule diameters were reduced. Return to control values following a recovery period was variable for each of the measured parameters and was duration and dose dependent. Together, these data indicate rapalogs exerted a dose-dependent restriction on overall growth of juvenile and adult mice and negative impact upon spermatogenesis that were largely reversed; following treatment cessation, males from all treatment groups were able to sire offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandr Kirsanov
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Randall H Renegar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jonathan T Busada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nicholas D Serra
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ellen V Harrington
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Taylor A Johnson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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22
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Tang RL, Fan LQ. PLZF posc-KIT pos-delineated A 1-A 4-differentiating spermatogonia by subset and stage detection upon Bouin fixation. Asian J Androl 2020; 21:309-318. [PMID: 30719983 PMCID: PMC6498726 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_103_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
While hallmarks of rodent spermatogonia stem cell biomarkers' heterogeneity have recently been identified, their stage and subset distributions remain unclear. Furthermore, it is currently difficult to accurately identify subset-specific SSC marker distributions due to the poor nuclear morphological characteristics associated with fixation in 4% paraformaldehyde. In the present study, testicular cross-sections and whole-mount samples were Bouin fixed to optimize nuclear resolution and visualized by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF). The results identified an expression pattern of PLZFhighc-KITpos in A1 spermatogonia, while A2-A4-differentiating spermatogonia were PLZFlowc-KITpos. Additionally, this procedure was used to examine asymmetrically expressing GFRA1 and PLZF clones, asymmetric Apr and false clones were distinguished based on the presence or absence of TEX14, a molecular maker of intercellular bridges, despite having identical nuclear morphology and intercellular distances that were <25 μm. In conclusion, this optimized Bouin fixation procedure facilitates the accurate identification of spermatogonium subsets based on their molecular profiles and is capable of distinguishing asymmetric and false clones. Therefore, the findings presented herein will facilitate further morphological and functional analysis studies and provide further insight into spermatogonium subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Ling Tang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Li-Qing Fan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
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23
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Chen Z, Li L, Wu W, Liu Z, Huang Y, Yang L, Luo Q, Chen J, Hou Y, Song G. Exercise protects proliferative muscle satellite cells against exhaustion via the Igfbp7-Akt-mTOR axis. Theranostics 2020; 10:6448-6466. [PMID: 32483463 PMCID: PMC7255041 DOI: 10.7150/thno.43577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: The exhaustion of muscle satellite cells (SCs) is correlated with muscle diseases, including sarcopenia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Exercise benefits skeletal muscle homeostasis and promotes proliferation of SCs. Elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying the muscle function-improving effect of exercise has important implications in regenerative medicine. Methods: Herein, we investigated the effect of 4-week treadmill training on skeletal muscle and SCs in mice. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was utilized to detect the morphometry of skeletal muscles. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were conducted to analyze the abundance and cell cycle of SCs. RNA sequencing was performed to elucidate the transcriptional regulatory network of SCs. The ChIP-PCR assay was used to detect enrichment of H3K27ac at the promoters of Akt. Results: We observed that exercise resulted in muscle hypertrophy and improved muscle regeneration in mice. Unexpectedly, exercise promoted cell cycling but suppressed the Akt-mTOR pathway in SCs. Proliferative SCs in "exercised mice" required suppressed mTOR activity to limit mitochondrial metabolism, maintaining the "limited activation status" of SCs against exhaustion. Mechanistically, exercise upregulated the expression of Igfbp7, thereby impeding the phosphorylation of Akt and resulting in inhibited mTOR activity and limited mitochondrial metabolism. The limited mitochondrial metabolism resulted in hypoacetylation of histone 3 and reduced enrichment of H3K27ac at promoters of Akt, decreasing the transcription of Akt. Moreover, repeatedly injured mice showed a preserved SC pool and improved muscle regeneration by the suppression of Akt-mTOR signaling. Conclusions: The findings of our study show that exercise protects proliferative SCs against exhaustion via the Igfbp7-Akt-mTOR axis. These findings establish a link between mechanical signaling, mitochondrial metabolism, epigenetic modification, and stem cell fate decisions; thus, present potential therapeutic targets for muscle diseases correlated with SC exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- Department of Hematology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Hematology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Weiru Wu
- Clinical hematology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhilong Liu
- Department of Hematology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yongxiu Huang
- Department of Hematology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Li Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Jieping Chen
- Department of Hematology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yu Hou
- Department of Hematology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Guanbin Song
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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24
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SOX3 promotes generation of committed spermatogonia in postnatal mouse testes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6751. [PMID: 32317665 PMCID: PMC7174399 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63290-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
SOX3 is a transcription factor expressed within the developing and adult nervous system where it mostly functions to help maintain neural precursors. Sox3 is also expressed in other locations, notably within the spermatogonial stem/progenitor cell population in postnatal testis. Independent studies have shown that Sox3 null mice exhibit a spermatogenic block as young adults, the mechanism of which remains poorly understood. Using a panel of spermatogonial cell marker genes, we demonstrate that Sox3 is expressed within the committed progenitor fraction of the undifferentiated spermatogonial pool. Additionally, we use a Sox3 null mouse model to define a potential role for this factor in progenitor cell function. We demonstrate that Sox3 expression is required for transition of undifferentiated cells from a GFRα1+ self-renewing state to the NGN3 + transit-amplifying compartment. Critically, using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we demonstrate that SOX3 binds to a highly conserved region in the Ngn3 promoter region in vivo, indicating that Ngn3 is a direct target of SOX3. Together these studies indicate that SOX3 functions as a pro-commitment factor in spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells.
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25
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Serra N, Velte EK, Niedenberger BA, Kirsanov O, Geyer CB. The mTORC1 component RPTOR is required for maintenance of the foundational spermatogonial stem cell pool in mice†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:429-439. [PMID: 30202948 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation of the spermatogonial populations must be finely coordinated in the mammalian testis, as dysregulation of these processes can lead to subfertility, infertility, or the formation of tumors. There are wide gaps in our understanding of how these spermatogonial populations are formed and maintained, and our laboratory has focused on identifying the molecular and cellular pathways that direct their development. Others and we have shown, using a combination of pharmacologic inhibitors and genetic models, that activation of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) is important for spermatogonial differentiation in vivo. Here, we extend those studies to directly test the germ cell-autonomous requirement for mTORC1 in spermatogonial differentiation. We created germ cell conditional knockout mice for "regulatory associated protein of MTOR, complex 1" (Rptor), which encodes an essential component of mTORC1. While germ cell KO mice were viable and healthy, they had smaller testes than littermate controls, and no sperm were present in their cauda epididymides. We found that an initial cohort of Rptor KO spermatogonia proliferated, differentiated, and entered meiosis (which they were unable to complete). However, no self-renewing spermatogonia were formed, and thus the entire germline was lost by adulthood, resulting in Sertoli cell-only testes. These results reveal the cell autonomous requirement for RPTOR in the formation or maintenance of the foundational self-renewing spermatogonial stem cell pool in the mouse testis and underscore complex roles for mTORC1 and its constituent proteins in male germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Serra
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ellen K Velte
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bryan A Niedenberger
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Oleksander Kirsanov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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26
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Zhu Z, Yue Q, Xie J, Zhang S, He W, Bai S, Tian S, Zhang Y, Xiong M, Sun Z, Huang C, Li Y, Zheng K, Ye L. Rapamycin-mediated mTOR inhibition impairs silencing of sex chromosomes and the pachytene piRNA pathway in the mouse testis. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 11:185-208. [PMID: 30636722 PMCID: PMC6339782 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) controls cell growth and metabolism in response to environmental and metabolic signals. Rapamycin robustly extends the lifespan in mammals and has clinical relevance in organ transplantation and cancer therapy but side effects include male infertility. Here, we report that chronic rapamycin treatment causes spermatogenic arrest in adult male mice due to defects in sex body formation and meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). Many sex chromosome-linked genes were up-regulated in isolated pachytene spermatocytes from rapamycin-treated mice. RNA-Seq analysis also identified mRNAs encoding the core piRNA pathway components were decreased. Furthermore, rapamycin treatment was associated with a drastic reduction in pachytene piRNA populations. The inhibitory effects of rapamycin on spermatogenesis were partially reversible, with restoration of testis mass and sperm motility within 2 months of treatment cessation. Collectively, we have defined an essential role of mTOR in MSCI and identified a novel function as a regulator of small RNA homeostasis in male germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,The People's Hospital of Gaochun, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuling Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuya Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenxiu He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shun Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Suwen Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengneng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Sun
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chaoyang Huang
- Heart and Vascular Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzho, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Yuebei Li
- The First Medical School of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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27
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Varuzhanyan G, Rojansky R, Sweredoski MJ, Graham RL, Hess S, Ladinsky MS, Chan DC. Mitochondrial fusion is required for spermatogonial differentiation and meiosis. eLife 2019; 8:51601. [PMID: 31596236 PMCID: PMC6805159 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiating cells tailor their metabolism to fulfill their specialized functions. We examined whether mitochondrial fusion is important for metabolic tailoring during spermatogenesis. Acutely after depletion of mitofusins Mfn1 and Mfn2, spermatogenesis arrests due to failure to accomplish a metabolic shift during meiosis. This metabolic shift includes increased mitochondrial content, mitochondrial elongation, and upregulation of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). With long-term mitofusin loss, all differentiating germ cell types are depleted, but proliferation of stem-like undifferentiated spermatogonia remains unaffected. Thus, compared with undifferentiated spermatogonia, differentiating spermatogonia and meiotic spermatocytes have cell physiologies that require high levels of mitochondrial fusion. Proteomics in fibroblasts reveals that mitofusin-null cells downregulate respiratory chain complexes and mitochondrial ribosomal subunits. Similarly, mitofusin depletion in immortalized spermatocytes or germ cells in vivo results in reduced OXPHOS subunits and activity. We reveal that by promoting OXPHOS, mitofusins enable spermatogonial differentiation and a metabolic shift during meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigor Varuzhanyan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
| | - Rebecca Rojansky
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
| | - Michael J Sweredoski
- Proteome Exploration Laboratory of the Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
| | - Robert Lj Graham
- Proteome Exploration Laboratory of the Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
| | - Sonja Hess
- Proteome Exploration Laboratory of the Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
| | - Mark S Ladinsky
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
| | - David C Chan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
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28
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La HM, Hobbs RM. Mechanisms regulating mammalian spermatogenesis and fertility recovery following germ cell depletion. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4071-4102. [PMID: 31254043 PMCID: PMC11105665 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03201-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly complex multi-step process sustained by a population of mitotic germ cells with self-renewal potential known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The maintenance and regulation of SSC function are strictly dependent on a supportive niche that is composed of multiple cell types. A detailed appreciation of the molecular mechanisms underpinning SSC activity and fate is of fundamental importance for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, different models of SSC identity and spermatogonial hierarchy have been proposed and recent studies indicate that cell populations supporting steady-state germline maintenance and regeneration following damage are distinct. Importantly, dynamic changes in niche properties may underlie the fate plasticity of spermatogonia evident during testis regeneration. While formation of spermatogenic colonies in germ-cell-depleted testis upon transplantation is a standard assay for SSCs, differentiation-primed spermatogonial fractions have transplantation potential and this assay provides readout of regenerative rather than steady-state stem cell capacity. The characterisation of spermatogonial populations with regenerative capacity is essential for the development of clinical applications aimed at restoring fertility in individuals following germline depletion by genotoxic treatments. This review will discuss regulatory mechanisms of SSCs in homeostatic and regenerative testis and the conservation of these mechanisms between rodent models and man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue M La
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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29
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Mahran AM, Mosad E, Abdel-Raheem MA, Ahmed EH, Abdel Motaleb AA, Hofny ER. The correlation between mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) gene expression and sperm DNA damage among infertile patients with and without varicocele. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13341. [PMID: 31195431 DOI: 10.1111/and.13341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the possible correlation between mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) gene expression and sperm DNA damage among infertile patients with and without varicocele. The study included sixty infertile males and fifty fertile males as controls. The infertile group was subdivided into the following subgroups: thirty males with varicocele and thirty males without varicocele. All subjects underwent medical history collection, clinical examination, semen analysis, sperm DNA integrity assessment, mTOR gene expression assessment and scrotal colour Doppler ultrasound. The mean mTOR gene expression in infertile patients with varicocele (23.52 ± 14.65) was significantly higher than that in infertile patients without varicocele (12.24 ± 12.44) and fertile control subjects (3.92 ± 3.26; p = 0.003 and p < 0.001 respectively). In the infertile varicocele-positive group, mTOR gene expression showed a significant negative correlation with sperm count (p = 0.028, r = -0.400) and progressive sperm motility (p = 0.038, r = -0.381), as well as a significant positive correlation with the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI; p = 0.001, r = 0.578). In the infertile varicocele-negative group, mTOR gene expression showed a significant negative correlation with progressive sperm motility (p = 0.018, r = -0.429) and a significant positive correlation with sperm DFI (p < 0.001, r = 0.673). In conclusion, according to these results, there is a significant positive correlation between mTOR gene expression and sperm DFI among infertile patients with and without varicocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali M Mahran
- Dermatology, Venereolgy and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Eman Mosad
- Clinical Pathology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | - Eman H Ahmed
- Clinical Pathology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Amira Ali Abdel Motaleb
- Dermatology, Venereolgy and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Eman R Hofny
- Dermatology, Venereolgy and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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30
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Sênos Demarco R, Uyemura BS, D'Alterio C, Jones DL. Mitochondrial fusion regulates lipid homeostasis and stem cell maintenance in the Drosophila testis. Nat Cell Biol 2019; 21:710-720. [PMID: 31160709 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-019-0332-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The capacity of stem cells to self-renew or differentiate has been attributed to distinct metabolic states. A genetic screen targeting regulators of mitochondrial dynamics revealed that mitochondrial fusion is required for the maintenance of male germline stem cells (GSCs) in Drosophila melanogaster. Depletion of Mitofusin (dMfn) or Opa1 led to dysfunctional mitochondria, activation of Target of rapamycin (TOR) and a marked accumulation of lipid droplets. Enhancement of lipid utilization by the mitochondria attenuated TOR activation and rescued the loss of GSCs that was caused by inhibition of mitochondrial fusion. Moreover, constitutive activation of the TOR-pathway target and lipogenesis factor Sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) also resulted in GSC loss, whereas inhibition of SREBP rescued GSC loss triggered by depletion of dMfn. Our findings highlight a critical role for mitochondrial fusion and lipid homeostasis in GSC maintenance, providing insight into the potential impact of mitochondrial and metabolic diseases on the function of stem and/or germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Sênos Demarco
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bradley S Uyemura
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cecilia D'Alterio
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - D Leanne Jones
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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31
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DDX5 plays essential transcriptional and post-transcriptional roles in the maintenance and function of spermatogonia. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2278. [PMID: 31123254 PMCID: PMC6533336 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09972-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is sustained by mitotic germ cells with self-renewal potential known as undifferentiated spermatogonia. Maintenance of undifferentiated spermatogonia and spermatogenesis is dependent on tightly co-ordinated transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. The RNA helicase DDX5 is expressed by spermatogonia but roles in spermatogenesis are unexplored. Using an inducible knockout mouse model, we characterise an essential role for DDX5 in spermatogonial maintenance and show that Ddx5 is indispensable for male fertility. We demonstrate that DDX5 regulates appropriate splicing of key genes necessary for spermatogenesis. Moreover, DDX5 regulates expression of cell cycle genes in undifferentiated spermatogonia post-transcriptionally and is required for cell proliferation and survival. DDX5 can also act as a transcriptional co-activator and we demonstrate that DDX5 interacts with PLZF, a transcription factor required for germline maintenance, to co-regulate select target genes. Combined, our data reveal a critical multifunctional role for DDX5 in regulating gene expression programmes and activity of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Sustained sperm production is dependent on activity of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Here, the authors demonstrate an essential role for RNA helicase DDX5 in maintenance of spermatogonia in adults through control of gene transcription plus RNA processing and export.
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Bai S, Cheng L, Zhang Y, Zhu C, Zhu Z, Zhu R, Cheng CY, Ye L, Zheng K. A germline-specific role for the mTORC2 component Rictor in maintaining spermatogonial differentiation and intercellular adhesion in mouse testis. Mol Hum Reprod 2019. [PMID: 29518209 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the physiological role of Rictor in spermatogenic cells? SUMMARY ANSWER Germline expression of Rictor regulates spermatogonial differentiation and has an essential role in coordinating germ cells and Sertoli cells in maintaining intact cell-cell adhesion dynamics and cytoskeleton-based architecture in the seminiferous epithelium. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) resides in its functions as the catalytic subunits of the structurally and functionally distinct mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes. In the mammalian testis, mTORC1 regulates spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, whereas mTORC2 is required for Sertoli cell function. In contrast to mTORC1, mTORC2 has been much less well studied. Rictor is a distinct component of the mTORC2 complex. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We investigated the effects of germ cell-specific ablation of Rictor on testicular development by using a mouse model of germline-specific ablation of Rictor. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We analyzed the in-vivo functions of Rictor through different methods including histology, immunofluorescent staining, chromosome spreads, blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity assays and RNA sequencing. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Mutant mice did not show a defect in meiotic synapsis or recombination, but exhibited compromised spermatogonial differentiation potential, disorganized cell-cell junctions, impaired BTB dynamics and defective spermiogenesis. Concomitantly, RNA-seq profiling revealed that many genes involved in adhesion and migration were expressed inappropriately. LARGE SCALE DATA RNA-seq data are published in the SRA database (PRJNA419273). LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION A detailed analysis of the mechanisms underlying the phenotype needs further investigations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our work provides previously unidentified in-vivo evidence that germline expression of Rictor plays a role in maintaining spermatogonial differentiation and cell-cell adhesion. These findings are important for understanding the regulation of spermatogenesis and have clinical implications for the effect of mTOR inhibitors on human fertility. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by National Key R&D Program of China (2016YFA0500902), National Natural Science Foundation of China (31471228 and 31771653), Jiangsu Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars (BK20150047), and Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20140897, 14KJA180005 and 14KJB310004) to K.Z. The authors declare no competing or financial interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Le Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yingwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chunsen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhiping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ruping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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Faisal I, Cisneros-Montalvo S, Hamer G, Tuominen MM, Laurila PP, Tumiati M, Jauhiainen M, Kotaja N, Toppari J, Mäkelä JA, Kauppi L. Transcription Factor USF1 Is Required for Maintenance of Germline Stem Cells in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1119-1136. [PMID: 30759202 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-01088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A prerequisite for lifelong sperm production is that spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) balance self-renewal and differentiation, yet factors required for this balance remain largely undefined. Using mouse genetics, we now demonstrate that the ubiquitously expressed transcription factor upstream stimulatory factor (USF)1 is critical for the maintenance of SSCs. We show that USF1 is not only detected in Sertoli cells as previously reported, but also in SSCs. Usf1-deficient mice display progressive spermatogenic decline as a result of age-dependent loss of SSCs. According to our data, the germ cell defect in Usf1-/- mice cannot be attributed to impairment of Sertoli cell development, maturation, or function, but instead is likely due to an inability of SSCs to maintain a quiescent state. SSCs of Usf1-/- mice undergo continuous proliferation, which provides an explanation for their age-dependent depletion. The proliferation-coupled exhaustion of SSCs in turn results in progressive degeneration of the seminiferous epithelium, gradual decrease in sperm production, and testicular atrophy. We conclude that the general transcription factor USF1 is indispensable for the proper maintenance of mammalian spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imrul Faisal
- Genome-Scale Biology Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Doctoral Program in Biomedicine, Doctoral School in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sheyla Cisneros-Montalvo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Doctoral Program of Molecular Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Minna M Tuominen
- Genome-Scale Biology Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pirkka-Pekka Laurila
- Genomics and Biomarkers Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Manuela Tumiati
- Genome-Scale Biology Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti Jauhiainen
- Genomics and Biomarkers Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Liisa Kauppi
- Genome-Scale Biology Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Moreira BP, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Molecular Mechanisms Controlled by mTOR in Male Reproductive System. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071633. [PMID: 30986927 PMCID: PMC6480367 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has emerged as a master integrator of upstream inputs, such as amino acids, growth factors and insulin availability, energy status and many others. The integration of these signals promotes a response through several downstream effectors that regulate protein synthesis, glucose metabolism and cytoskeleton organization, among others. All these biological processes are essential for male fertility, thus it is not surprising that novel molecular mechanisms controlled by mTOR in the male reproductive tract have been described. Indeed, since the first clinical evidence showed that men taking rapamycin were infertile, several studies have evidenced distinct roles for mTOR in spermatogenesis. However, there is a lack of consensus whether mTOR inhibition, which remains the experimental approach that originates the majority of available data, has a negative or positive impact on male reproductive health. Herein we discuss the latest findings concerning mTOR activity in testes, particularly its role on spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) maintenance and differentiation, as well as in the physiology of Sertoli cells (SCs), responsible for blood–testis barrier maintenance/restructuring and the nutritional support of spermatogenesis. Taken together, these recent advances highlight a crucial role for mTOR in determining the male reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno P Moreira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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La HM, Chan AL, Legrand JMD, Rossello FJ, Gangemi CG, Papa A, Cheng Q, Morand EF, Hobbs RM. GILZ-dependent modulation of mTORC1 regulates spermatogonial maintenance. Development 2018; 145:dev.165324. [PMID: 30126904 DOI: 10.1242/dev.165324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Male fertility is dependent on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that self-renew and produce differentiating germ cells. Growth factors produced within the testis are essential for SSC maintenance but intrinsic factors that dictate the SSC response to these stimuli are poorly characterised. Here, we have studied the role of GILZ, a TSC22D family protein and spermatogenesis regulator, in spermatogonial function and signalling. Although broadly expressed in the germline, GILZ was prominent in undifferentiated spermatogonia and Gilz deletion in adults resulted in exhaustion of the GFRα1+ SSC-containing population and germline degeneration. GILZ loss was associated with mTORC1 activation, suggesting enhanced growth factor signalling. Expression of deubiquitylase USP9X, an mTORC1 modulator required for spermatogenesis, was disrupted in Gilz mutants. Treatment with an mTOR inhibitor rescued GFRα1+ spermatogonial failure, indicating that GILZ-dependent mTORC1 inhibition is crucial for SSC maintenance. Analysis of cultured undifferentiated spermatogonia lacking GILZ confirmed aberrant activation of ERK MAPK upstream mTORC1 plus USP9X downregulation and interaction of GILZ with TSC22D proteins. Our data indicate an essential role for GILZ-TSC22D complexes in ensuring the appropriate response of undifferentiated spermatogonia to growth factors via distinct inputs to mTORC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue M La
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Ai-Leen Chan
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Julien M D Legrand
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Fernando J Rossello
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Christina G Gangemi
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Antonella Papa
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Qiang Cheng
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Eric F Morand
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia .,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
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La HM, Mäkelä JA, Chan AL, Rossello FJ, Nefzger CM, Legrand JMD, De Seram M, Polo JM, Hobbs RM. Identification of dynamic undifferentiated cell states within the male germline. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2819. [PMID: 30026551 PMCID: PMC6053434 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04827-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of stem cells in tissue maintenance is appreciated and hierarchical models of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation often proposed. Stem cell activity in the male germline is restricted to undifferentiated A-type spermatogonia (Aundiff); however, only a fraction of this population act as stem cells in undisturbed testis and Aundiff hierarchy remains contentious. Through newly developed compound reporter mice, here we define molecular signatures of self-renewing and differentiation-primed adult Aundiff fractions and dissect Aundiff heterogeneity by single-cell analysis. We uncover an unappreciated population within the self-renewing Aundiff fraction marked by expression of embryonic patterning genes and homeodomain transcription factor PDX1. Importantly, we find that PDX1 marks a population with potent stem cell capacity unique to mature, homeostatic testis and demonstrate dynamic interconversion between PDX1+ and PDX1- Aundiff states upon transplant and culture. We conclude that Aundiff exist in a series of dynamic cell states with distinct function and provide evidence that stability of such states is dictated by niche-derived cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue M La
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ai-Leen Chan
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Fernando J Rossello
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Christian M Nefzger
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Julien M D Legrand
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Mia De Seram
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Jose M Polo
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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RNA processing in the male germline: Mechanisms and implications for fertility. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 79:80-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Serra ND, Velte EK, Niedenberger BA, Kirsanov O, Geyer CB. Cell-autonomous requirement for mammalian target of rapamycin (Mtor) in spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation in the mouse†. Biol Reprod 2018; 96:816-828. [PMID: 28379293 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells must balance self-renewal with production of transit-amplifying progenitors that differentiate in response to retinoic acid (RA) before entering meiosis. This self-renewal vs. differentiation fate decision is critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis, as imbalances cause defects that can lead to human testicular cancer or infertility. Little is currently known about the program of differentiation initiated by RA, and the pathways and proteins involved are poorly defined. We recently found that RA stimulation of the Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase signaling pathway is required for differentiation, and that short-term inhibition of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) by rapamycin blocked spermatogonial differentiation in vivo and prevented RA-induced translational activation. Since this phenotype resulted from global inhibition of mTORC1, we created conditional germ cell knockout mice to investigate the germ cell-autonomous role of MTOR in spermatogonial differentiation. MTOR germ cell KO mice were viable and healthy, but testes from neonatal (postnatal day (P)8), juvenile (P18), and adult (P > 60) KO mice were smaller than littermate controls, and no sperm were produced in adult testes. Histological and immunostaining analyses revealed that spermatogonial differentiation was blocked, and no spermatocytes were formed at any of the ages examined. Although spermatogonial proliferation was reduced in the neonatal testis, it was blocked altogether in the juvenile and adult testis. Importantly, a small population of self-renewing undifferentiated spermatogonia remained in adult testes. Taken together, these results reveal that MTOR is dispensable for the maintenance of undifferentiated spermatogonia, but is cell autonomously required for their proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Serra
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ellen K Velte
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bryan A Niedenberger
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Oleksander Kirsanov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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Sharma M, Braun RE. Cyclical expression of GDNF is required for spermatogonial stem cell homeostasis. Development 2018; 145:dev.151555. [PMID: 29440301 DOI: 10.1242/dev.151555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the murine testis, self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) requires glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) secreted from neighboring somatic cells. However, it not clear how GDNF promotes self-renewal in vivo or what downstream signaling pathways are required for SSC maintenance. We found that GDNF is normally expressed cyclically during spermatogenesis. Stage-specific ectopic expression of GDNF caused the accumulation of a GFRA1+ LIN28- Asingle population, which has enhanced SSC activity compared with wild type, suggesting that GDNF normally limits self-renewal to specific stages. Despite the increase in SSC cell number, EdU labeling during steady-stage spermatogenesis, and during recovery after busulfan-mediated spermatogonial depletion, indicated that GDNF promotes self-renewal by blocking differentiation and not by promoting proliferation. Increased GDNF signaling led to increased phosphorylation of AKT3 in undifferentiated spermatogonia, but not of AKT1 or AKT2, and was independent of RPS6 phosphorylation, suggesting that AKT3 functions in SSC self-renewal or progenitor cell expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manju Sharma
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Robert E Braun
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
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Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) senses nutrients and growth factors to coordinate cell growth, metabolism and autophagy. Extensive research has mapped the signaling pathways regulated by mTOR that are involved in human diseases, such as cancer, and in diabetes and ageing. Recently, however, new studies have demonstrated important roles for mTOR in promoting the differentiation of adult stem cells, driving the growth and proliferation of stem and progenitor cells, and dictating the differentiation program of multipotent stem cell populations. Here, we review these advances, providing an overview of mTOR signaling and its role in murine and human stem and progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delong Meng
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Anderson R Frank
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jenna L Jewell
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA .,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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Xiong M, Zhu Z, Tian S, Zhu R, Bai S, Fu K, Davis JG, Sun Z, Baur JA, Zheng K, Ye L. Conditional ablation of
Raptor
in the male germline causes infertility due to meiotic arrest and impaired inactivation of sex chromosomes. FASEB J 2017; 31:3934-3949. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700251r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mengneng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhiping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Suwen Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Ruping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Shun Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Kaiqiang Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - James G. Davis
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and MetabolismDepartment of PhysiologyPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Zheng Sun
- Baylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Joseph A. Baur
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and MetabolismDepartment of PhysiologyPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Ke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
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LKB1 as a Tumor Suppressor in Uterine Cancer: Mouse Models and Translational Studies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 943:211-241. [PMID: 27910069 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-43139-0_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The LKB1 tumor suppressor was identified in 1998 as the gene mutated in the Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS), a hereditary cancer predisposition characterized by gastrointestinal polyposis and a high incidence of cancers, particularly carcinomas, at a variety of anatomic sites including the gastrointestinal tract, lung, and female reproductive tract. Women with PJS have a high incidence of carcinomas of the uterine corpus (endometrium) and cervix. The LKB1 gene is also somatically mutated in human cancers arising at these sites. Work in mouse models has highlighted the potency of LKB1 as an endometrial tumor suppressor and its distinctive roles in driving invasive and metastatic growth. These in vivo models represent tractable experimental systems for the discovery of underlying biological principles and molecular processes regulated by LKB1 in the context of tumorigenesis and also serve as useful preclinical model systems for experimental therapeutics. Here we review LKB1's known roles in mTOR signaling, metabolism, and cell polarity, with an emphasis on human pathology and mouse models relevant to uterine carcinogenesis, including cancers of the uterine corpus and cervix.
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Germline Stem Cell Activity Is Sustained by SALL4-Dependent Silencing of Distinct Tumor Suppressor Genes. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 9:956-971. [PMID: 28867346 PMCID: PMC5599261 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustained spermatogenesis in adult males and fertility recovery following germ cell depletion are dependent on undifferentiated spermatogonia. We previously demonstrated a key role for the transcription factor SALL4 in spermatogonial differentiation. However, whether SALL4 has broader roles within spermatogonia remains unclear despite its ability to co-regulate genes with PLZF, a transcription factor required for undifferentiated cell maintenance. Through development of inducible knockout models, we show that short-term integrity of differentiating but not undifferentiated populations requires SALL4. However, SALL4 loss was associated with long-term functional decline of undifferentiated spermatogonia and disrupted stem cell-driven regeneration. Mechanistically, SALL4 associated with the NuRD co-repressor and repressed expression of the tumor suppressor genes Foxl1 and Dusp4. Aberrant Foxl1 activation inhibited undifferentiated cell growth and survival, while DUSP4 suppressed self-renewal pathways. We therefore uncover an essential role for SALL4 in maintenance of undifferentiated spermatogonial activity and identify regulatory pathways critical for germline stem cell function.
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Zhou Z, Kawabe H, Suzuki A, Shinmyozu K, Saga Y. NEDD4 controls spermatogonial stem cell homeostasis and stress response by regulating messenger ribonucleoprotein complexes. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15662. [PMID: 28585553 PMCID: PMC5494183 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
P bodies (PBs) and stress granules (SGs) are conserved cytoplasmic aggregates of cellular messenger ribonucleoprotein complexes (mRNPs) that are implicated in mRNA metabolism and play crucial roles in adult stem cell homeostasis and stress responses. However, the mechanisms underlying the dynamics of mRNP granules are poorly understood. Here, we report NEDD4, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, as a key regulator of mRNP dynamics that controls the size of the spermatogonial progenitor cell (SPC) pool. We find that NEDD4 targets an RNA-binding protein, NANOS2, in spermatogonia to destabilize it, leading to cell differentiation. In addition, NEDD4 is required for SG clearance. NEDD4 targets SGs and facilitates their rapid clearance through the endosomal–lysosomal pathway during the recovery period. Therefore, NEDD4 controls the turnover of mRNP components and inhibits pathological SG accumulation. Accordingly, we propose that a NEDD4-mediated mechanism regulates mRNP dynamics, and facilitates SPC homeostasis and viability under normal and stress conditions. Stress granules (SG) comprise aggregates of cellular messenger ribonucleoproteins (mRNPs) but how they form is unclear. Here, the authors identify NEDD4, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, as regulating the RNA binding protein NANOS2 and turnover of mRNP components, and so SG disassembly in spermatogonial stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zhou
- Division of Mammalian Development, Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Hiroshi Kawabe
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein Strasse 3D, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Atsushi Suzuki
- Faculty of Engineering, Division of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501, Japan
| | - Kaori Shinmyozu
- National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, 5-7-1 Fujishiro-dai, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
| | - Yumiko Saga
- Division of Mammalian Development, Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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Sahin P, Gungor-Ordueri NE, Celik-Ozenci C. Inhibition of mTOR pathway decreases the expression of pre-meiotic and meiotic markers throughout postnatal development and in adult testes in mice. Andrologia 2017; 50. [PMID: 28488736 DOI: 10.1111/and.12811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor) has been reported to have negative effect on human male gonadal function. Previously, we showed that mTOR signalling molecules are expressed during early spermatogenesis in mice. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of mTOR signalling in meiosis both during the first wave of spermatogenesis and also during adult spermatogenesis. Day 5 post-partum mice were administered rapamycin and retinoic acid (RA; a Stra8 activator), and expression of p-p70S6K and Stra8 proteins was evaluated. p-p70S6K and Stra8 protein expressions decreased in post-natal testes after rapamycin treatment. Stra8 protein expression increased after RA and rapamycin+RA administrations in post-natal testes. In adult mice, rapamycin was administrated for 1 or 4 weeks. Morphological analysis for testicular damage and TUNEL assay was performed. After rapamycin administration, germ cell loss increased in adult testes. Ultrastructural analysis revealed disorganised testicular morphology and vacuolisation. The number of apoptotic germ cells increased after 4 weeks rapamycin administration. Stra8 and Dmc1 expressions decreased in 4 weeks rapamycin group, whereas Sycp3 and VASA expression did not change. Our findings suggest that mTOR pathway has an important role in meiotic progress of male germ cells both during first wave of spermatogenesis and in adult mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sahin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - N E Gungor-Ordueri
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Biruni University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - C Celik-Ozenci
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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Xiong M, Ferder IC, Ohguchi Y, Wang N. Quantitative analysis of male germline stem cell differentiation reveals a role for the p53-mTORC1 pathway in spermatogonial maintenance. Cell Cycle 2016; 14:2905-13. [PMID: 26177380 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2015.1069928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
p53 protects cells from DNA damage by inducing cell-cycle arrest upon encountering genomic stress. Among other pathways, p53 elicits such an effect by inhibiting mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), the master regulator of cell proliferation and growth. Although recent studies have indicated roles for both p53 and mTORC1 in stem cell maintenance, it remains unclear whether the p53-mTORC1 pathway is conserved to mediate this process under normal physiological conditions. Spermatogenesis is a classic stem cell-dependent process in which undifferentiated spermatogonia undergo self-renewal and differentiation to maintain the lifelong production of spermatozoa. To better understand this process, we have developed a novel flow cytometry (FACS)-based approach that isolates spermatogonia at consecutive differentiation stages. By using this as a tool, we show that genetic loss of p53 augments mTORC1 activity during early spermatogonial differentiation. Functionally, loss of p53 drives spermatogonia out of the undifferentiated state and causes a consistent expansion of early differentiating spermatogonia until the stage of preleptotene (premeiotic) spermatocyte. The frequency of early meiotic spermatocytes is, however, dramatically decreased. Thus, these data suggest that p53-mTORC1 pathway plays a critical role in maintaining the homeostasis of early spermatogonial differentiation. Moreover, our FACS approach could be a valuable tool in understanding spermatogonial differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulin Xiong
- a Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology; Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School ; Boston , MA USA
| | - Ianina C Ferder
- a Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology; Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School ; Boston , MA USA
| | - Yasuyo Ohguchi
- a Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology; Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School ; Boston , MA USA
| | - Ning Wang
- a Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology; Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School ; Boston , MA USA
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Zheng Y, Phillips LJ, Hartman R, An J, Dann CT. Ectopic POU5F1 in the male germ lineage disrupts differentiation and spermatogenesis in mice. Reproduction 2016; 152:363-77. [PMID: 27486267 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Expression levels of the pluripotency determinant, POU5F1, are tightly regulated to ensure appropriate differentiation during early embryogenesis. POU5F1 is also present in the spermatogonial stem cell/progenitor cell population in mice and it is downregulated as spermatogenesis progresses. To test if POU5F1 downregulation is required for SSCs to differentiate, we produced transgenic mice that ubiquitously express POU5F1 in Cre-expressing lineages. Using a Vasa-Cre driver to produce ectopic POU5F1 in all postnatal germ cells, we found that POU5F1 downregulation was necessary for spermatogonial expansion during the first wave of spermatogenesis and for the production of differentiated spermatogonia capable of undergoing meiosis. In contrast, undifferentiated spermatogonia were maintained throughout adulthood, consistent with a normal presence of POU5F1 in these cells. The results suggest that POU5F1 downregulation in differentiating spermatogonia is a necessary step for the progression of spermatogenesis. Further, the creation of a transgenic mouse model for conditional ectopic expression of POU5F1 may be a useful resource for studies of POU5F1 in other cell lineages, during tumorogenesis and cell fate reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- Department of ChemistryIndiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - LeAnna J Phillips
- Department of ChemistryIndiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Rachel Hartman
- Department of ChemistryIndiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Junhui An
- Department of ChemistryIndiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Christina T Dann
- Department of ChemistryIndiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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Alteration of protein prenylation promotes spermatogonial differentiation and exhausts spermatogonial stem cells in newborn mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28917. [PMID: 27374985 PMCID: PMC4931501 DOI: 10.1038/srep28917] [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: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis in adulthood depends on the successful neonatal establishment of the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) pool and gradual differentiation during puberty. The stage-dependent changes in protein prenylation in the seminiferous epithelium might be important during the first round of spermatogenesis before sexual maturation, but the mechanisms are unclear. We have previous found that altered prenylation in Sertoli cells induced spermatogonial apoptosis in the neonatal testis, resulting in adult infertility. Now we further explored the role of protein prenylation in germ cells, using a conditional deletion of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (Ggpps) in embryonic stage and postmeiotic stage respectively. We observed infertility of Ggpps(-/-) Ddx4-Cre mice that displayed a Sertoli-cell-only syndrome phenotype, which resulted from abnormal spermatogonial differentiation and SSC depletion during the prepubertal stage. Analysis of morphological characteristics and cell-specific markers revealed that spermatogonial differentiation was enhanced from as early as the 7(th) postnatal day in the first round of spermatogenesis. Studies of the molecular mechanisms indicated that Ggpps deletion enhanced Rheb farnesylation, which subsequently activated mTORC1 and facilitated spermatogonial differentiation. In conclusion, the prenylation balance in germ cells is crucial for spermatogonial differentiation fate decision during the prepubertal stage, and the disruption of this process results in primary infertility.
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