1
|
Gad F, Abdelghaffar Emam M, Eldeeb AA, Abdelhameed AA, Soliman MM, Alotaibi KS, Albattal SB, Abughrien B. Mitigative Effects of l-Arginine and N-Acetyl Cysteine against Cisplatin-Induced Testicular Dysfunction and Toxicity through the Regulation of Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Markers: Role of miR-155 and miR-34c Expression. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:27680-27691. [PMID: 38947789 PMCID: PMC11209920 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c03742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Testicular dysfunction is a common adverse effect of cisplatin (CIS) administration as a chemotherapeutic drug. The current study has outlined the role of micro-RNAs (miR-155 and 34c) in CIS-induced testicular dysfunction and evaluated the protective effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and/or l-arginine (LA). Seven groups of Albino rats were used for this study. The control (C) group received physiological saline; the CIS group was injected CIS (7 mg/kg IP, once) on day 21 of the experiment; the NAC group was administered NAC (150 mg/kg intragastric, for 28 days); and the LA group was injected LA (50 mg/kg IP, for 28 days). NAC+CIS, LA+CIS, and NAC+LA+CIS groups received the above regime. CIS significantly reduced serum testosterone, LH, and FSH concentrations with decline of testicular enzyme activities. CIS caused significant elevation in testicular oxidative-stress biomarkers, inflammation-associated cytokines, and apoptosis markers, along with overexpression of miR-155 and low miR-34c expression. Additionally, marked testicular degenerative changes were observed in the examined histological section; a significant decrease in the expression of PCNA with significant increase in expressions of F4/80 and BAX was confirmed. The administration of NAC or LA upregulated testicular functions and improved histopathological and immunohistochemical changes as well as miRNA expression compared with the CIS-administered group. Rats receiving both NAC and LA showed a more significant ameliorative effect compared with groups receiving NAC or LA alone. In conclusion, NAC or LA showed an ameliorative effect against CIS-induced testicular toxicity and dysfunction through the regulation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic markers and via modulating miR-155 and miR-34c expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatma
A. Gad
- Clinical
Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, P.O. Box13736 Benha, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Abdelghaffar Emam
- Histology
Department., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, P.O. Box 13736 Benha, Egypt
| | - Abeer A. Eldeeb
- Clinical
Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, 13511 Benha, Egypt
| | - Abeer A. Abdelhameed
- Clinical
Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, 13511 Benha, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Mohamed Soliman
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Turabah University College, Taif University, P.O.
Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid S. Alotaibi
- General
Science and English Language Department, College of Applied Sciences, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 71666, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shatha B. Albattal
- General
Science and English Language Department, College of Applied Sciences, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 71666, Saudi Arabia
| | - Badia Abughrien
- Anatomy and
Histology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tripoli University, 15673 Tripoli, Libya
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ahmed Z, Liu W, Yu J, Dong H, Naseer Z, Ahmad I, Ahmed I, Wang X. Exploring testicular miRNA profiles during developmental stages in Dezhou donkeys: A preliminary insight. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14502. [PMID: 38059393 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14502] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Testicular development and spermatogenesis are complex phenomena controlled by various genetic factors, including miRNA-based post-transcriptional gene expression regulation. Exploring the miRNA expression patterns during testicular development in Dezhou donkeys would enhance our understanding of equine fertility and spermatogenesis. In this investigation, we examined the testicular miRNA profiles at various stages of development. The experimental animals were divided into three groups based on their developmental stages: 2 months old (juvenile: n = 3), 12 months old (adolescent; n = 3) and 24 months old (adult; n = 3) donkeys. Total RNA was extracted from dissected testicles for miRNA sequencing and analysis. In total, 586 miRNAs, including 451 known miRNAs and 135 novel miRNAs, were identified. Among identified miRNAs, 315 displayed age-dependent expression differences. The levels of miRNA expression in the juvenile group were significantly higher than in the adolescent or adult groups. The MiR-483 exhibited the maximum fold change between juvenile and adolescent groups. Several screened genes, including SLC45A4 and TFCP2L1, have been linked to male reproductive pathways in donkeys. In addition, miR-744 was predicted to regulate SPIN2B, a gene implicated in spermatocyte cell cycle progression and genomic integrity of spermatozoa. These results contribute to our comprehension of microRNA regulation during testicular development and spermatogenesis in Dezhou donkeys. The identified microRNAs and their target genes have the potential to serve as biomarkers for evaluating the reproductive capacity of stud donkeys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zulfiqar Ahmed
- Network and Information Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Poonch, Rawalakot, Pakistan
| | - Wei Liu
- Network and Information Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Jie Yu
- National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., Dong-E, Shandong, China
| | - Hong Dong
- Institute of Animal Science, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Zahid Naseer
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Imtiaz Ahmad
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Poonch, Rawalakot, Pakistan
| | - Imran Ahmed
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Poonch, Rawalakot, Pakistan
| | - Xijun Wang
- Network and Information Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Joshi M, Sethi S, Mehta P, Kumari A, Rajender S. Small RNAs, spermatogenesis, and male infertility: a decade of retrospect. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:106. [PMID: 37924131 PMCID: PMC10625245 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01155-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), being the top regulators of gene expression, have been thoroughly studied in various biological systems, including the testis. Research over the last decade has generated significant evidence in support of the crucial roles of sncRNAs in male reproduction, particularly in the maintenance of primordial germ cells, meiosis, spermiogenesis, sperm fertility, and early post-fertilization development. The most commonly studied small RNAs in spermatogenesis are microRNAs (miRNAs), PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (ts-RNAs). Small non-coding RNAs are crucial in regulating the dynamic, spatial, and temporal gene expression profiles in developing germ cells. A number of small RNAs, particularly miRNAs and tsRNAs, are loaded on spermatozoa during their epididymal maturation. With regard to their roles in fertility, miRNAs have been studied most often, followed by piRNAs and tsRNAs. Dysregulation of more than 100 miRNAs has been shown to correlate with infertility. piRNA and tsRNA dysregulations in infertility have been studied in only 3-5 studies. Sperm-borne small RNAs hold great potential to act as biomarkers of sperm quality and fertility. In this article, we review the role of small RNAs in spermatogenesis, their association with infertility, and their potential as biomarkers of sperm quality and fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghali Joshi
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shruti Sethi
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Poonam Mehta
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anamika Kumari
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Singh Rajender
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhuo L, Zhou Y, Tian J, Li Y, Xie Z, Pei C, Yan B, Ma L. The role of miR-199a-3p in inhibiting the proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells under heat stress. Theriogenology 2023; 211:56-64. [PMID: 37573635 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. However, their specific functions in response to heat stress are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of miR-199a-3p on the proliferation of heat stress-treated spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). SSCs were isolated from mouse testes and cultured in vitro to identify marker molecules. Lentiviruses carrying miR-199a-3p-over, miR-199a-3p-inhibit, and ID4-over constructs were generated for stable transfection. Luciferase assay was employed to confirm the targeting relationship between miR-199a-3p and ID4. An in vitro SSCs heat stress model was established, and the miR-199a-3p-inhibit and ID4-over groups were included. Cellular proliferation was assessed using CCK-8, EdU, and cell cycle analysis methods after heat stress. Expression levels of miR-199a-3p and ID4 were evaluated by western blotting and qRT-PCR. The results demonstrated that miR-199a-3p-over inhibited SSCs proliferation, while ID4-over promoted an increase in SSCs number. Luciferase assay confirmed the regulatory effect of miR-199a-3p on ID4 expression. Moreover, after heat stress treatment, miR-199a-3p-inhibit and ID4-over enhanced SSCs proliferation compared to the control group. These findings suggest that miR-199a-3p modulates SSCs proliferation by targeting ID4, especially under heat stress conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lifan Zhuo
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jia Tian
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Zhiyuan Xie
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Chengbin Pei
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Bei Yan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
| | - Lianghong Ma
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China; Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Urology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tomczyk I, Rokicki M, Sieńko W, Rożek K, Nalepa A, Wiench J, Grzmil P. Mouse Pxt1 expression is regulated by Mir6996 miRNA. Theriogenology 2023; 210:9-16. [PMID: 37467697 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.010] [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: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Mouse Pxt1 gene is expressed exclusively in male germ cells and encodes for a small, cell death inducing protein. However, upon PXT1 interaction with BAG6, cell death is prevented. In transiently transfected cell lines the PXT1 expression triggered massive cell death, thus we ask the question whether the interaction of PXT1 and BAG6 is the only mechanism preventing normal, developing male germ cells from being killed by PXT1. The Pxt1 gene contains a long 3'UTR thus we have hypothesized that Pxt1 can be regulated by miRNA. We have applied Pxt1 knockout and used Pxt1 transgenic mice that overexpressed this gene to shed more light on Pxt1 regulation. Using the ELISA assay we have demonstrated that PXT1 protein is expressed in adult mouse testis, though at low abundance. The application of dual-Glo luciferase assay and the 3'UTR cloned into p-MIR-Glo plasmid showed that Pxt1 is regulated by miRNA. Combining the use of mirDB and the site-directed mutagenesis further demonstrated that Pxt1 translation is suppressed by Mir6996-3p. Considering previous reports and our current results we propose a model for Pxt1 regulation in the mouse male germ cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Tomczyk
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Mikołaj Rokicki
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Wioleta Sieńko
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Rożek
- Department of Plant Ecology, Institute of Botany, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Nalepa
- Department of Chemical Technology and Environmental Analytics, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jasmin Wiench
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Paweł Grzmil
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hall A, Mattison D, Singh N, Chatzistamou I, Zhang J, Nagarkatti M, Nagarkatti P. Effect of TCDD exposure in adult female and male mice on the expression of miRNA in the ovaries and testes and associated reproductive functions. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1268293. [PMID: 37854252 PMCID: PMC10579805 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1268293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is an environmental contaminant found widely across the world. While animal and human studies have shown that exposure to TCDD may cause significant alterations in the reproductive tract, the effect of TCDD on the expression of miRNA in the reproductive organs has not been previously tested. In the current study, we exposed adult female or male mice to TCDD or vehicle and bred them to study the impact on reproduction. The data showed that while TCDD treatment of females caused no significant change in litter size, it did alter the survival of the pups. Also, TCDD exposure of either the male or female mice led to an increase in the gestational period. While TCDD did not alter the gross morphology of the ovaries and testes, it induced significant alterations in the miRNA expression. The ovaries showed the differential expression of 426 miRNAs, of which 315 miRNAs were upregulated and 111 miRNA that were downregulated after TCDD exposure when compared to the vehicle controls. In the testes, TCDD caused the differential expression of 433 miRNAs, with 247 miRNAs upregulated and 186 miRNAs downregulated. Pathway analysis showed that several of these dysregulated miRNAs targeted reproductive functions. The current study suggests that the reproductive toxicity of TCDD may result from alterations in the miRNA expression in the reproductive organs. Because miRNAs also represent one of the epigenetic pathways of gene expression, our studies suggest that the transgenerational toxicity of TCDD may also result from dysregulation in the miRNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alina Hall
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Donald Mattison
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Narendra Singh
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Ioulia Chatzistamou
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Prakash Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu S, Sharma U. Sperm RNA Payload: Implications for Intergenerational Epigenetic Inheritance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5889. [PMID: 36982962 PMCID: PMC10052761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
There is mounting evidence that ancestral life experiences and environment can influence phenotypes in descendants. The parental environment regulates offspring phenotypes potentially via modulating epigenetic marks in the gametes. Here, we review examples of across-generational inheritance of paternal environmental effects and the current understanding of the role of small RNAs in such inheritance. We discuss recent advances in revealing the small RNA payload of sperm and how environmental conditions modulate sperm small RNAs. Further, we discuss the potential mechanism of inheritance of paternal environmental effects by focusing on sperm small RNA-mediated regulation of early embryonic gene expression and its role in influencing offspring phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Upasna Sharma
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
La Y, Ma X, Bao P, Chu M, Guo X, Liang C, Yan P. Identification and profiling of microRNAs during yak's testicular development. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:53. [PMID: 36803968 PMCID: PMC9940382 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03602-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Normal testicular development is highly crucial for male reproduction and is a precondition for spermatogenesis that is the production of spermatozoa in the testes. MiRNAs have been implicated in several testicular biological processes, including cell proliferation, spermatogenesis, hormone secretion, metabolism and reproductive regulation. In the present study, we used deep sequencing data to study the functions of miRNAs during testicular development and spermatogenesis, by analyzing the expression patterns of small RNAs in 6-, 18- and 30-month-old yak testis tissues. RESULTS A total of 737 known and 359 novel miRNAs were obtained from 6-, 18- and 30-month-old yak testes. In all, we obtained 12, 142 and 139 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in 30- vs. 18-, 18- vs. 6-, and 30- vs. 6-month-old testes, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of all DE miRNA target genes revealed BMP2, TGFB2, GDF6, SMAD6, TGFBR2 and other target genes as participants in different biological processes, including TGF-β, GnRH, Wnt, PI3K-Akt, MAPK signaling pathways and several other reproductive pathways. In addition, quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of seven randomly selected miRNAs in 6-, 18- and 30-month-old testes, and the results were consistent with the sequencing data. CONCLUSIONS The differential expression of miRNAs in yak testes at different development stages was characterized and investigated using deep sequencing technology. We believe that the results will contribute to further understanding the functions of miRNAs in regulating the development of yak testes and improving the reproductive performance of male yaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongfu La
- grid.464362.1Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China ,grid.410727.70000 0001 0526 1937Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding On Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China ,grid.410727.70000 0001 0526 1937Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoming Ma
- grid.464362.1Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China ,grid.410727.70000 0001 0526 1937Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding On Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China ,grid.410727.70000 0001 0526 1937Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Pengjia Bao
- grid.464362.1Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China ,grid.410727.70000 0001 0526 1937Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding On Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China ,grid.410727.70000 0001 0526 1937Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Min Chu
- grid.464362.1Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China ,grid.410727.70000 0001 0526 1937Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding On Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China ,grid.410727.70000 0001 0526 1937Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xian Guo
- grid.464362.1Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China ,grid.410727.70000 0001 0526 1937Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding On Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China ,grid.410727.70000 0001 0526 1937Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chunnian Liang
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding On Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Ping Yan
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding On Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xiong X, Min X, Yu H, Fei X, Zhu Y, Pan B, Xiong Y, Fu W, Li J. MicroRNA-34b-5p targets PPP1R11 to inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis in cattleyak Sertoli cells by regulating specific signaling pathways. Theriogenology 2022; 194:46-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
10
|
Prmt7 Downregulation in Mouse Spermatogonia Functions through miR-877-3p/ Col6a3. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12081194. [PMID: 36013373 PMCID: PMC9410080 DOI: 10.3390/life12081194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Protein arginine methyltransferases 7 (Prmt7) is expressed in male germ cells, including primordial germ cells, gonocytes, and spermatogonia. Our previous study demonstrated that Prmt7 downregulation reduced the proliferation of GC-1 cells (a cell line of mouse immortalized spermatogonia). However, how Prmt7 regulates spermatogonial proliferation through miRNA and the target gene remains elusive. Here, we experimentally reduced the Prmt7 expression in the GC-1 cells and subjected them to miRNA sequencing to explore the miRNA profile and its Prmt7-responsive members. In total, 48 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs), including 36 upregulated and 12 downregulated miRNAs, were identified. After verifying the validity of sequencing results through qRT-PCR assays in randomly selected DEmiRNAs, we predicted the target genes of these DEmiRNAs. Next, we combined DEmiRNA target genes and previously identified differentially expressed genes between Prmt7 knockdown and control groups of GC-1 cells, which resulted in seven miRNA/target gene pairs. Among these miRNA/target gene pairs, we further detected the expression of Col6a3 (collagen type VI alpha 3) as the target gene of mmu-miR-877-3p. The results suggested that Prmt7 downregulation in mouse spermatogonia might function through miR-877-3p/Col6a3. Overall, these findings provide new insights into the role of Prmt7 in male germ cell development through miRNA and target genes.
Collapse
|
11
|
Carro MDLM, Grimson A, Cohen PE. Small RNAs and their protein partners in animal meiosis. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 151:245-279. [PMID: 36681472 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.06.001] [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] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Meiosis is characterized by highly regulated transitions in gene expression that require diverse mechanisms of gene regulation. For example, in male mammals, transcription undergoes a global shut-down in early prophase I of meiosis, followed by increasing transcriptional activity into pachynema. Later, as spermiogenesis proceeds, the histones bound to DNA are replaced with transition proteins, which are themselves replaced with protamines, resulting in a highly condensed nucleus with repressed transcriptional activity. In addition, two specialized gene silencing events take place during prophase I: meiotic silencing of unsynapsed chromatin (MSUC), and the sex chromatin specific mechanism, meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). Notably, conserved roles for the RNA binding protein (RBP) machinery that functions with small non-coding RNAs have been described as participating in these meiosis-specific mechanisms, suggesting that RNA-mediated gene regulation is critical for fertility in many species. Here, we review roles of small RNAs and their associated RBPs in meiosis-related processes such as centromere function, silencing of unpaired chromatin and meiotic recombination. We will discuss the emerging evidence of non-canonical functions of these components in meiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María de Las Mercedes Carro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Cornell Reproductive Sciences Center (CoRe), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Andrew Grimson
- Cornell Reproductive Sciences Center (CoRe), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.
| | - Paula E Cohen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Cornell Reproductive Sciences Center (CoRe), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen H, Zhang M, Zhang J, Chen Y, Zuo Y, Xie Z, Zhou G, Chen S, Chen Y. Application of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Models for Investigating microRNA Regulation in Developmental Processes. Front Genet 2022; 13:899831. [PMID: 35719367 PMCID: PMC9204592 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.899831] [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: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) techniques have opened up new perspectives in research on developmental biology. Compared with other sources of human cellular models, iPSCs present a great advantage in hosting the unique genotype background of donors without ethical concerns. A wide spectrum of cellular and organoid models can be generated from iPSCs under appropriate in vitro conditions. The pluripotency of iPSCs is orchestrated by external signalling and regulated at the epigenetic, transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Recent decades have witnessed the progress of studying tissue-specific expressions and functions of microRNAs (miRNAs) using iPSC-derived models. MiRNAs are a class of short non-coding RNAs with regulatory functions in various biological processes during development, including cell migration, proliferation and apoptosis. MiRNAs are key modulators of gene expression and promising candidates for biomarker in development; hence, research on the regulation of human development by miRNAs is expanding. In this review, we summarize the current progress in the application of iPSC-derived models to studies of the regulatory roles of miRNAs in developmental processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mimi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingzhi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yapei Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yabo Zuo
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, KingMed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhishen Xie
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, KingMed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanqing Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shehong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaoyong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Li S, Wang Q, Huang L, Fan S, Li T, Shu Y, Zhang C, Zhou Y, Liu Q, Luo K, Tao M, Liu S. miR-199-5p regulates spermiogenesis at the posttranscriptional level via targeting Tekt1 in allotriploid crucian carp. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:44. [PMID: 35418106 PMCID: PMC9009052 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00693-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm abnormalities are one of the primary factors leading to male sterility, but their pathogenesis is still unclear. Although miRNAs are suggested to exert important roles in the regulation of spermatogenesis at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels, little is currently known regarding the regulation of sperm flagella assembly by microRNAs (miRNAs). The role of miRNAs in the development of sperm abnormalities in sterile triploid fish has not been studied. RESULTS In this study, we found that miR-199-5p was widely expressed in all detected tissues of different-ploidy crucian carp. As one of the testis-specific candidate markers, Tekt1 was predominantly expressed in the testis. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses showed that the expression trend of miR-199-5p was exactly opposite to that of Tekt1. Through bioinformatics analysis, we identified a putative miR-199-5p binding site in the Tekt1 mRNA. We further identified Tekt1 as a target of miR-199-5p using luciferase reporter assay. Finally, we confirmed that miR-199-5p was necessary for sperm flagellar assembly and spermatogenesis in vivo via intraperitoneal injection of miR-199-5p antagomir or agomir in diploid red crucian carp. Moreover, miR-199-5p gain-of-function could lead to spermatids apoptosis and abnormal spermatozoa structure, which is similar to that of allotriploid crucian carp. CONCLUSIONS Our studies suggested that abnormally elevated miR-199-5p inhibited the sperm flagella formation in spermiogenesis by negatively regulating the expression of Tekt1, thereby causing sperm abnormalities of male allotriploid crucian carp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Qiubei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Lu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Siyu Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Yuqing Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Chun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, PR China
| | - Yi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, PR China
| | - Qingfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Kaikun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Min Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China. .,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, PR China.
| | - Shaojun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China. .,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Diverse Roles and Targets of miRNA in the Pathogenesis of Testicular Germ Cell Tumour. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051190. [PMID: 35267498 PMCID: PMC8909779 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT) is the most common cancer type among young adults in many parts of the world. Although the pathogenesis of TGCT is not well understood, the involvement of heritable components is evident, and the risk is polygenic. Genome-wide association studies have so far found 78 susceptibility loci for TGCT, and many of the loci are in non-coding regions indicating the involvement of non-coding RNAs in TGCT pathogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, have emerged as important gene regulators at the post-transcriptional level. They are crucial in controlling many cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, and an aberrant miRNA expression may contribute to the pathogenesis of several cancers, including TGCT. In support of this notion, several studies reported differential expression of miRNAs in TGCTs. We previously demonstrated that miRNAs were the most common group of small non-coding RNAs in TGCTs, and several functional studies of miRNAs in TGCTs suggest that they may act as either oncogene or tumour suppressors. Moreover, individual miRNA targets and downstream pathways in the context of TGCT development have been explored. In this review, we will focus on the diverse roles and targets of miRNAs in TGCT pathogenesis.
Collapse
|
15
|
Walker WH. Regulation of mammalian spermatogenesis by miRNAs. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 121:24-31. [PMID: 34006455 PMCID: PMC8591147 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Male fertility requires the continual production of sperm by the process of spermatogenesis. This process requires the correct timing of regulatory signals to germ cells during each phase of their development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in germ cells and supporting Sertoli cells respond to regulatory signals and cause down- or upregulation of mRNAs and proteins required to produce proteins that act in various pathways to support spermatogenesis. The targets and functional consequences of altered miRNA expression in undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and Sertoli cells are discussed. Mechanisms are reviewed by which miRNAs contribute to decisions that promote spermatogonia stem cell self-renewal versus differentiation, entry into and progression through meiosis, differentiation of spermatids, as well as the regulation of Sertoli cell proliferation and differentiation. Also discussed are miRNA actions providing the very first signals for the differentiation of spermatogonia stem cells in a non-human primate model of puberty initiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William H. Walker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cheuquemán C, Maldonado R. Non-coding RNAs and chromatin: key epigenetic factors from spermatogenesis to transgenerational inheritance. Biol Res 2021; 54:41. [PMID: 34930477 PMCID: PMC8686607 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-021-00364-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular fate and gene expression patterns are modulated by different epigenetic factors including non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and chromatin organization. Both factors are dynamic throughout male germ cell differentiation on the seminiferous tubule, despite the transcriptional inactivation in the last stages of spermatogenesis. Sperm maturation during the caput-to-cauda transit on the epididymis involves changes in chromatin organization and the soma-to-germ line transference of ncRNAs that are essential to obtain a functional sperm for fertilization and embryo development. Here, the male environment (diseases, drugs, mental stress) is crucial to modulate these epigenetic factors throughout sperm maturation, affecting the corresponding offspring. Paternal transgenerational inheritance has been directly related to sperm epigenetic changes, most of them associated with variations in the ncRNA content and chromatin marks. Our aim is to give an overview about how epigenetics, focused on ncRNAs and chromatin, is pivotal to understand spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, and how the male environment impacts the sperm epigenome modulating the offspring gene expression pattern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Cheuquemán
- Núcleo de Ciencias Biológicas, Dirección de Núcleos Transversales, Facultad de estudios Interdisciplinarios, Universidad Mayor, Temuco, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Maldonado
- Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Asadpour R, Mofidi Chelan E. Using microRNAs as molecular biomarkers for the evaluation of male infertility. Andrologia 2021; 54:e14298. [PMID: 34738652 DOI: 10.1111/and.14298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a multiplex disorder in the reproductive system, and men are responsible for more than half of the cases. Nowadays, semen analysis has been considered the critical assessment test to diagnose infertile men; however, it has limitations so that the cause behind infertility in 40% of infertile men is unrevealed. Weaknesses of semen assessment indicate a global need for novel and better diagnostic tools and biomarkers. MicroRNAs are short (about 18-22 nucleotide length) non-coding RNAs that control most (>60%) of our protein-coding genes post-transcriptionally. These molecules are aberrant in the body fluids, and abnormal alterations in their expression level can signify a specific disease such as infertility. Therefore, microRNAs can be novel candidate biomarkers that can diagnose different types of male infertility, including azoospermia, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia. This narrative review aimed to collect and sum up new papers published about the significant role of microRNAs in different male infertility categories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Asadpour
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ehsan Mofidi Chelan
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Guo Q, Jiang Y, Bai H, Chen G, Chang G. miR-301a-5p Regulates TGFB2 during Chicken Spermatogenesis. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111695. [PMID: 34828300 PMCID: PMC8621736 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of spermatogenesis is complex and systemic, requiring the cooperation of many regulators. However, little is known about how micro RNAs (miRNAs) regulate spermatogenesis in poultry. In this study, we investigated key miRNAs and their target genes that are involved in spermatogenesis in chickens. Next-generation sequencing was conducted to determine miRNA expression profiles in five cell types: primordial germ cells (PGCs), spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), spermatogonia (Spa), and chicken sperm. Next, we analyzed and identified several key miRNAs that regulate spermatogenesis in the four germline cell miRNA profiles. Among the enriched miRNAs, miRNA-301a-5p was the key miRNA in PGCs, SSCs, and Spa. Through reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), dual-luciferase, and miRNA salience, we confirmed that miR-301a-5p binds to transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGFβ2) and is involved in the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway and germ cell development. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of miR-301a-5p involvement in spermatogenesis by direct binding to TGFβ2, a key gene in the TGF-β signaling pathway. This finding contributes to the insights into the molecular mechanism through which miRNAs regulate germline cell differentiation and spermatogenesis in chickens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qixin Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (Q.G.); (Y.J.); (H.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Yong Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (Q.G.); (Y.J.); (H.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Hao Bai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (Q.G.); (Y.J.); (H.B.); (G.C.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Guohong Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (Q.G.); (Y.J.); (H.B.); (G.C.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Guobin Chang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (Q.G.); (Y.J.); (H.B.); (G.C.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rastgar Rezaei Y, Zarezadeh R, Nikanfar S, Oghbaei H, Nazdikbin N, Bahrami-Asl Z, Zarghami N, Ahmadi Y, Fattahi A, Nouri M, Dittrich R. microRNAs in the pathogenesis of non-obstructive azoospermia: the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potentials. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2021; 67:337-353. [PMID: 34355990 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2021.1951890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
miRNAs are involved in different biological processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Interestingly, 38% of the X chromosome-linked miRNAs are testis-specific and have crucial roles in regulating the renewal and cell cycle of spermatogonial stem cells. Previous studies demonstrated that abnormal expression of spermatogenesis-related miRNAs could lead to nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Moreover, differential miRNAs expression in seminal plasma of NOA patients has been reported compared to normozoospermic men. However, the role of miRNAs in NOA pathogenesis and the underlying mechanisms have not been comprehensively studied. Therefore, the aim of this review is to mechanistically describe the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of NOA and discuss the possibility of using the miRNAs as therapeutic targets.Abbreviations: AMO: anti-miRNA antisense oligonucleotide; AZF: azoospermia factor region; CDK: cyclin-dependent kinase; DAZ: deleted in azoospermia; ESCs: embryonic stem cells; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; ICSI: intracytoplasmic sperm injection; JAK/STAT: Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription; miRNA: micro-RNA; MLH1: Human mutL homolog l; NF-κB: Nuclear factor-kappa B; NOA: nonobstructive azoospermia; OA: obstructive azoospermia; PGCs: primordial germ cells; PI3K/AKT: Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B; Rb: retinoblastoma tumor suppressor; ROS: Reactive Oxygen Species; SCOS: Sertoli cell-only syndrome; SIRT: sirtuin; SNPs: single nucleotide polymorphisms; SSCs: spermatogonial stem cells; TESE: testicular sperm extraction; TGF-β: transforming growth factor-beta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeganeh Rastgar Rezaei
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Zarezadeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saba Nikanfar
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hajar Oghbaei
- Department of Physiology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Bahrami-Asl
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nosratollah Zarghami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yadollah Ahmadi
- Department of Urology, Sina Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Fattahi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ralf Dittrich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chen W, Cui Y, Ning M, Zhang H, Yin C, He Z. The mechanisms and functions of microRNAs in mediating the fate determinations of human spermatogonial stem cells and Sertoli cells. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:32-39. [PMID: 34034987 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and Sertoli cells might have the applications in reproduction and regenerative medicine. Abnormal spermatogenesis results in male infertility, which seriously affects human reproduction and health. Spermatogenesis depends on the epigenetic and genetic regulation of male germ cells and somatic cells. A number of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified in human testicular tissues, and they are closely related to male fertility. Significantly, we and peers have recently demonstrated that numerous miRNAs are essential for regulating the self-renewal and apoptosis of human SSCs and Sertoli cells through controlling their mRNA and lncRNA targets. In this review, we critically discuss these findings regarding the important functions and mechanisms of miRNAs in mediating the fate determinations of human SSCs and Sertoli cells. Meanwhile, we illustrate the regulatory networks for miRNAs by forming the upstream and downstream regulators of mRNAs and lncRNAs in human SSCs, and we address that miRNAs regulate the decisions of Sertoli cells by targeting genes and via N6-methyladenosine (m6A). We also point out the future directions for further studies on this field. This review could offer an update on novel molecular targets for treating male infertility and new insights into epigenetic regulation of human spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yinghong Cui
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Minqi Ning
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Haorui Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Chenjun Yin
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Zuping He
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Geisinger A, Rodríguez-Casuriaga R, Benavente R. Transcriptomics of Meiosis in the Male Mouse. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:626020. [PMID: 33748111 PMCID: PMC7973102 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.626020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular studies of meiosis in mammals have been long relegated due to some intrinsic obstacles, namely the impossibility to reproduce the process in vitro, and the difficulty to obtain highly pure isolated cells of the different meiotic stages. In the recent years, some technical advances, from the improvement of flow cytometry sorting protocols to single-cell RNAseq, are enabling to profile the transcriptome and its fluctuations along the meiotic process. In this mini-review we will outline the diverse methodological approaches that have been employed, and some of the main findings that have started to arise from these studies. As for practical reasons most studies have been carried out in males, and mostly using mouse as a model, our focus will be on murine male meiosis, although also including specific comments about humans. Particularly, we will center on the controversy about gene expression during early meiotic prophase; the widespread existing gap between transcription and translation in meiotic cells; the expression patterns and potential roles of meiotic long non-coding RNAs; and the visualization of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation from the RNAseq perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Geisinger
- Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rosana Rodríguez-Casuriaga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ricardo Benavente
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
MicroRNA expression profiles in the seminal plasma of nonobstructive azoospermia patients with different histopathologic patterns. Fertil Steril 2021; 115:1197-1211. [PMID: 33602558 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in the seminal plasma of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients with different histopathologic patterns and evaluate potential noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers of NOA. DESIGN Sequencing and validation using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). SETTING Reproductive center and research institute. PATIENT(S) Thirteen patients with NOA (7 Sertoli cell-only syndrome [SCOS] and 6 hypospermatogenesis to spermatogenesis arrest [SA]) and 7 normal fertile controls for sequencing, six samples per group for validation; 54 patients with NOA (27 SCOS and 27 SA) and 19 normal fertile controls for large-sample qRT-PCR analysis. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) MicroRNA expression profiles in the seminal plasma of patients with NOA with different histopathologic patterns were assessed using high-throughput sequencing and validated using qRT-PCR. RESULT(S) There were 78 overexpressed and 132 underexpressed miRNAs in patients with SCOS and 32 up-regulated and 90 down-regulated miRNAs in patients with SA compared with fertile men with normozoospermia. Two down-regulated and one up-regulated miRNA were validated using qRT-PCR, which indicated that the qRT-PCR and sequencing results were basically consistent. Hsa-miR-34c-5p expression was significantly lower in the seminal plasma of patients with NOA than normal fertile controls. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC) for hsa-miR-34c-5p was 0.979 and 0.987 in the seminal plasma of patients with SA and patients with SCOS, respectively, compared with normal fertile controls. The AUC was 0.799 for hsa-miR-34c-5p in the seminal plasma between patients with SA and patients with SCOS. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis of differentially expressed miRNA target genes revealed that the Notch signaling pathway was one of the most abundant signaling pathways. The expression of Hes5, an effector of the Notch signaling pathway, was significantly higher in the seminal plasma of patients with NOA than normal fertile controls. CONCLUSION(S) MicroRNA expression profiles in seminal plasma were altered in patients with NOA compared with normal fertile controls. The profiles differed in patients with NOA with different pathologic patterns. We speculate that miR-34c-5p in seminal plasma could be a potential noninvasive biomarker to diagnose patients with NOA and distinguish different pathologic types of NOA. The Notch signaling pathway may be involved in the pathogenesis of NOA.
Collapse
|
23
|
Regulatory functions of gga-miR-218 in spermatogonial stem cells meiosis by targeting Stra8. Mech Dev 2020; 164:103636. [PMID: 32798699 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2020.103636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs play a crucial role in sperm formation, but its specific function remains unknown. Here, we found that gga-miR-218 regulates chicken sperm formation through in/ex vivo experiments. We constructed over-expression/interference carrier to overexpress and inhibit gga-miR-218 in chicken spermatogonial stem cells, separately, the detection of haploid and QRT-PCR of meiosis related genes revealed that gga-miR-218 inhibits meiosis. After injection of miR-218 in vivo, semen concentration and HE (Hematoxylin and Eosin staining) revealed that gga-miR-218 inhibits meiosis. Meanwhile, we discovered that gga-miR-218 could target Stra8 by prediction software which can inhibit the wild-type fluorescence activity by co-transfection of gga-miR-218 with the Stra8 3' untranslated regions fluorescent reporter vector (wild-type/mutant), QRT-PCR and Western blot showed that gga-miR-218 inhibits the expression level of Stra8 by targeting its 3' untranslated regions directly. Finally, we suggest that gga-miR-218 could target to srta8 directly and inhibit spermatogenesis.
Collapse
|
24
|
De Martino M, Esposito F, Chieffi P. An update on microRNAs as potential novel therapeutic targets in testicular germ cell tumors. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2020; 9:184-186. [PMID: 32844079 PMCID: PMC7441029 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2020.03025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most frequent solid malignant tumors in men 20- 40 years of age and the most frequent cause of death from solid tumors in this age group. Recent studies have underscored the fact that miRNA deregulation is a feature of carcinogenesis, including TGCT development and progression. MiRNAs are a group of small noncoding RNAs that bind to the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of the targeted mRNAs, thus causing mRNA degradation or the inhibition of its translation, regulating gene expression in a temporal and tissue-specific manner. However, few miRNAs have been found to play key roles in TGCTs; recently, other miRNAs have been identified, representing novel potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco De Martino
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Esposito
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Paolo Chieffi
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
- Address correspondence to:Paolo Chieffi, Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, 31 81100 Caserta, Italy. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chieffi P, De Martino M, Esposito F. Further insights into testicular germ cell tumor oncogenesis: potential therapeutic targets. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2020; 20:189-195. [PMID: 32164473 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2020.1736566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common neoplasia in the young male population, and the incidence has been constantly increasing in many parts of the world. These tumors are classified into seminomas and non-seminomas, and those divided, in turn, into yolk sac tumors, embryonal cell carcinomas, choriocarcinomas, and teratomas. Although therapeutic approaches have improved, approximately 25% of the patients relapse or, in a small number of cases, show platinum-resistant disease.Areas covered: We review several molecular targets that have recently emerged as powerful tools for both diagnosis and therapy of TGCTs. Moreover, we reviewed the most frequent deregulated pathways involved in TGCT tumorigenesis, reporting drugs that may emerge as novel therapeutic agents.Expert opinion: TGCT treatment is mainly based on platinum-derivative therapy with high cure rates. However, in the refractory patients, there are few alternative treatments. Thus, different pharmacological approaches have to be thoroughly investigated to shed new light on TGCT pathogenesis and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Chieffi
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università della Campania, Caserta, Italy
| | - Marco De Martino
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università della Campania, Caserta, Italy.,Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Esposito
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Fang N, Cao C, Wen Y, Wang X, Yuan S, Huang X. MicroRNA profile comparison of testicular tissues derived from successful and unsuccessful microdissection testicular sperm extraction retrieval in non-obstructive azoospermia patients. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:671-682. [PMID: 30423284 DOI: 10.1071/rd17423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe clinical diagnosis in cases of male infertility. Although in some cases of NOA spermatozoa can be retrieved by microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) to fertilise eggs through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), there remains a lack of potential biomarkers for non-invasive diagnosis before micro-TESE surgery. To determine predictive biomarkers for successful sperm retrieval before micro-TESE, the aim of this study was to explore whether microRNAs (miRNAs) were differentially expressed in testicular tissues in NOA patients in whom sperm retrieval had been successful (SSR) versus those in whom it had been unsuccessful (USR) using next-generation small RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). In all, 180 miRNAs were identified with significantly altered expression levels between SSR and USR testicular tissues. Of these, the expression of 13 miRNAs was upregulated and that of 167 miRNAs was downregulated in the USR compared with SSR group. Unexpectedly, 86 testicular miRNAs were found to be completely absent in the USR group, but showed high expression in the SSR group, suggesting that these miRNAs may serve as biomarkers for micro-TESE and may also play an essential role in spermatogenesis. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses indicated that the miRNAs that differed significantly between the USR and SSR groups were involved in cell apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation, which are of considerable importance during spermatogenesis. In summary, this study identified a panel of miRNAs highly expressed in testicular tissues of SSR but not USR NOA patients, providing new insights into specific miRNAs that may play important roles in epigenetic regulation during spermatogenesis. The findings provide a basis for further elucidation of the regulatory role of miRNAs in spermatogenesis and clues to identifying useful biomarkers to predict residual spermatogenic loci in NOA patients during treatment with assisted reproductive technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Fang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Congcong Cao
- Family Planning Research Institute, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Yujiao Wen
- Family Planning Research Institute, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Family Planning Research Institute, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Xunbin Huang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang J, Tian GG, Zheng Z, Li B, Xing Q, Wu J. Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis of Mouse Gonadal Development Involving Sexual Differentiation, Meiosis and Gametogenesis. Biol Proced Online 2019; 21:20. [PMID: 31636514 PMCID: PMC6794783 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-019-0108-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mammalian gonadal development is crucial for fertility. Sexual differentiation, meiosis and gametogenesis are critical events in the process of gonadal development. Abnormalities in any of these events may cause infertility. However, owing to the complexity of these developmental events, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood and require further research. Results In this study, we employed RNA sequencing to examine transcriptome profiles of murine female and male gonads at crucial stages of these developmental events. By bioinformatics analysis, we identified a group of candidate genes that may participate in sexual differentiation, including Erbb3, Erbb4, and Prkg2. One hundred and two and 134 candidate genes that may be important for female and male gonadal development, respectively, were screened by analyzing the global gene expression patterns of developing female and male gonads. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed on developing female gonads, and we identified a gene co-expression module related to meiosis. By alternative splicing analysis, we found that cassette-type exon and alternative start sites were the main forms of alternative splicing in developing gonads. A considerable portion of differentially expressed and alternatively spliced genes were involved in meiosis. Conclusion Taken together, our findings have enriched the gonadal transcriptome database and provided novel candidate genes and avenues to research the molecular mechanisms of sexual differentiation, meiosis, and gametogenesis. Supplementary information Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12575-019-0108-y.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- 1Renji Hospital, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Geng G Tian
- 1Renji Hospital, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Zhuxia Zheng
- 1Renji Hospital, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Bo Li
- 2Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004 China
| | - Qinghe Xing
- 4Children's Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 131 Dong-Chuan Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Ji Wu
- 1Renji Hospital, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032 China.,2Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004 China.,3State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Das MK, Evensen HSF, Furu K, Haugen TB. miRNA-302s may act as oncogenes in human testicular germ cell tumours. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9189. [PMID: 31235829 PMCID: PMC6591358 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45573-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT) represents the most common malignancy in young men in large parts of the world, but the aetiology is yet unclear. Multiple TGCT susceptibility loci have been identified, and we have shown that one of these, SPRY4, may act as a TGCT oncogene. Furthermore, many of the loci are in non-coding regions of the genome. miRNAs, a class of non-coding RNAs may play a crucial role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, and alteration in their expression may lead to oncogenesis. Differential expression of miRNAs in TGCT and normal testis has been reported in previous studies. In this study, we used qPCR to analyse, in normal and malignant testis tissue, the expression of the ten miRNAs that we had previously identified by sequencing to be the most upregulated in TGCT. We found high expression of these miRNAs also by qPCR analysis. The levels of miR-302a-3p, miR-302b-3p, and miR-302c-3p were downregulated after treatment of the TGCT cell lines NT2-D1 and 833 K with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. By using miRNA inhibitor-mediated transient transfection, we inhibited the expression of the three members of miR-302 family (miR-302s). Inhibition of miR-302s resulted in a decreased cell proliferation in NT2-D1 cells, but not in 833 K cells. In both cell lines, inhibition of miR-302s resulted in decreased expression of SPRY4, which we have previously shown to regulate MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signalling pathways in these cells. Inhibition of miR-302b-3p and miR-302c-3p decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, whereas inhibition of miR-302a-3p and miR-302b-3p led to decreased expression of the apoptosis inhibitor, survivin. Our findings suggest that miR-302s act as TGCT oncogenes by inducing the expression of SPRY4 and activating MAPK/ERK pathway while inhibiting apoptosis via increased survivin expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mrinal K Das
- Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Herman S F Evensen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kari Furu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.,Cancer Registry, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trine B Haugen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Mobasheri MB, Babatunde KA. Testicular miRNAs in relation to spermatogenesis, spermatogonial stem cells and cancer/testis genes. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2019.e00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
|
30
|
Liang M, Hu K, He C, Zhou J, Liao Y. Upregulated lncRNA Gm2044 inhibits male germ cell development by acting as miR-202 host gene. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2019; 23:128-134. [PMID: 30949400 PMCID: PMC6440523 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2019.1591506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to participate in the regulation of human spermatogenic cell development. However, little is known about the abnormal expression of lncRNAs associated with spermatogenic failure and their molecular mechanisms. Using lncRNA microarray of testicular tissue for male infertility and bioinformatics methods, we identified the relatively conserved lncRNA Gm2044 which may play important roles in non-obstructive azoospermia. The UCSC Genome Browser showed that lncRNA Gm2044 is the miR-202 host gene. This study revealed that lncRNA Gm2044 and miR-202 were significantly increased in non-obstructive azoospermia of spermatogonial arrest. The mRNA and protein levels of Rbfox2, a known direct target gene of miR-202, were regulated by lncRNA Gm2044. Furthermore, the miR-202-Rbfox2 signalling pathway was shown to mediate the suppressive effects of lncRNA Gm2044 on the proliferation of human testicular embryonic carcinoma cells. Understanding of the molecular signalling pathways for lncRNA-regulated spermatogenesis will provide new clues into the pathogenesis and treatment of patients with male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Liang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Hu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaofan He
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinzhao Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaping Liao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Integrated Analysis of miRNA and mRNA Expression Profiles Reveals Functional miRNA-Targets in Development Testes of Small Tail Han Sheep. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2019; 9:523-533. [PMID: 30559255 PMCID: PMC6385976 DOI: 10.1534/g3.118.200947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Small Tail Han Sheep is a highly valued local breed in China because of their precocity, perennial estrus, and high fecundity. The average annual lambing rate of ewes is as high as 180–270%, the semen of ram has characteristics of high yield, high density, and good motility. To reveal the key miRNAs and miRNA-targets underlying testis development and spermatogenesis in male Small Tail Han Sheep, integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in 2-, 6-, and 12-month-old testes was performed by RNA-seq technology and bioinformatics methods. The results showed that total of 153 known sheep miRNAs and 2712 novel miRNAs were obtained in 2-,6 - and 12-month-old Small Tail Han Sheep testes; 5, 1, and 4 differentially expressed (DE) known sheep miRNAs, and 132, 105, and 24 DE novel miRNAs were identified in 2- vs. 6-, 6- vs. 12-, and 2- vs. 12-month-old testes, respectively. We combined miRNA results of this study and the mRNA results obtained in our previous study to predict the target mRNAs of DE known sheep miRNAs; 131, 10, and 15 target mRNAs of DE known sheep miRNAs and 76, 1, and 11 DE miRNA–targets were identified in the three groups, respectively. GO and KEGG analyses showed that: in 2- vs. 6-month-olds, the target genes of DE known sheep miRNAs were involved in 100 biological processes and 11 signaling pathways; in 6- vs. 12-month-olds, the target genes of DE known sheep miRNAs were involved in 4 biological processes; and in 2- vs. 12-month-olds, the target genes of DE known sheep miRNAs were involved in 17 biological processes and 4 signaling pathways. Three miR–target regulatory networks were constructed based on these DE miRNA–targets. The key miRNA-Targets involved in testis development and spermatogenesis were screened. 6 known sheep miRNAs and 6 novel miRNAs were selected to validate the accuracy of miRNA sequencing data by qRT-PCR. The binding sites of oar-miR-379-5p with WNT8A was validated by a dual luciferase reporter gene detection system.
Collapse
|
32
|
A Novel Regulatory Axis, CHD1L-MicroRNA 486-Matrix Metalloproteinase 2, Controls Spermatogonial Stem Cell Properties. Mol Cell Biol 2019; 39:MCB.00357-18. [PMID: 30455250 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00357-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are unipotent germ cells that are at the foundation of spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms governing SSC stemness and growth properties remain elusive. We have recently identified chromodomain helicase/ATPase DNA binding protein 1-like (Chd1l) as a novel regulator for SSC survival and self-renewal, but how these functions are controlled by Chd1l remains to be resolved. Here, we applied high-throughput small RNA sequencing to uncover the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles controlled by Chd1l and showed that the expression levels of 124 miRNA transcripts were differentially regulated by Chd1l in SSCs. KEGG pathway analysis shows that the miRNAs that are differentially expressed upon Chd1l repression are significantly enriched in the pathways associated with stem cell pluripotency and proliferation. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate that one of the most highly upregulated miRNAs, miR-486, controls SSC stemness gene expression and growth properties. The matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) gene has been identified as a novel miR-486 target gene in the context of SSC stemness gene regulation and growth properties. Data from cotransfection experiments showed that Chd1l, miR-486, and MMP2 work in concert in regulating SSC stemness gene expression and growth properties. Finally, our data also revealed that MMP2 regulates SSC stemness gene expression and growth properties through activating β-catenin signaling by cleaving N-cadherin and increasing β-catenin nuclear translocation. Our data demonstrate that Chd1l-miR-486-MMP2 is a novel regulatory axis governing SSC stemness gene expression and growth properties, offering a novel therapeutic opportunity for treating male infertility.
Collapse
|
33
|
Vågerö D, Pinger PR, Aronsson V, van den Berg GJ. Paternal grandfather's access to food predicts all-cause and cancer mortality in grandsons. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5124. [PMID: 30538239 PMCID: PMC6290014 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07617-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of animals and plants suggest that nutritional conditions in one generation may affect phenotypic characteristics in subsequent generations. A small number of human studies claim to show that pre-pubertal nutritional experience trigger a sex-specific transgenerational response along the male line. A single historical dataset, the Överkalix cohorts in northern Sweden, is often quoted as evidence. To test this hypothesis on an almost 40 times larger dataset we collect harvest data during the pre-pubertal period of grandparents (G0, n = 9,039) to examine its potential association with mortality in children (G1, n = 7,280) and grandchildren (G2, n = 11,561) in the Uppsala Multigeneration Study. We find support for the main Överkalix finding: paternal grandfather's food access in pre-puberty predicts his male, but not female, grandchildren's all-cause mortality. In our study, cancer mortality contributes strongly to this pattern. We are unable to reproduce previous results for diabetes and cardiovascular mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denny Vågerö
- CHESS, Centre for Health Equity Studies, Department of Public Health Sciences, SE-106 91 Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Pia R Pinger
- Department of Economics, University of Bonn, Adenauerallee 24-42, 53113, Bonn, Germany.,briq, Institute on Behavior & Inequality, Bonn, Germany
| | - Vanda Aronsson
- CHESS, Centre for Health Equity Studies, Department of Public Health Sciences, SE-106 91 Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gerard J van den Berg
- Department of Economics, Priory Rd Complex, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 ITU, United Kingdom.,IFAU, Institute for Evaluation of Labor Market and Education Policy, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Mahabadi JA, Sabzalipoor H, Nikzad H, Seyedhosseini E, Enderami SE, Gheibi Hayat SM, Sahebkar A. The role of microRNAs in embryonic stem cell and induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation in male germ cells. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:12278-12289. [PMID: 30536380 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
New perspectives have been opened by advances in stem cell research for reproductive and regenerative medicine. Several different cell types can be differentiated from stem cells (SCs) under suitable in vitro and in vivo conditions. The differentiation of SCs into male germ cells has been reported by many groups. Due to their unlimited pluripotency and self-renewal, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be used as valuable tools for drug delivery, disease modeling, developmental studies, and cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine. The unique features of SCs are controlled by a dynamic interplay between extrinsic signaling pathways, and regulations at epigenetic, transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. In recent years, significant progress has been made toward better understanding of the functions and expression of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in the maintenance of SC pluripotency. miRNAs are short noncoding molecules, which play a functional role in the regulation of gene expression. In addition, the important regulatory role of miRNAs in differentiation and dedifferentiation has been recently demonstrated. A balance between differentiation and pluripotency is maintained by miRNAs in the embryo and stem cells. This review summarizes the recent findings about the role of miRNAs in the regulation of self-renewal and pluripotency of iPSCs and ESCs, as well as their impact on cellular reprogramming and stem cell differentiation into male germ cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javad Amini Mahabadi
- Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hamed Sabzalipoor
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Nikzad
- Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Elahe Seyedhosseini
- Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Seyed Ehsan Enderami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Gheibi Hayat
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kabekkodu SP, Shukla V, Varghese VK, D' Souza J, Chakrabarty S, Satyamoorthy K. Clustered miRNAs and their role in biological functions and diseases. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2018; 93:1955-1986. [PMID: 29797774 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, small non-coding RNAs known to regulate expression of protein-coding genes. A large proportion of miRNAs are highly conserved, localized as clusters in the genome, transcribed together from physically adjacent miRNAs and show similar expression profiles. Since a single miRNA can target multiple genes and miRNA clusters contain multiple miRNAs, it is important to understand their regulation, effects and various biological functions. Like protein-coding genes, miRNA clusters are also regulated by genetic and epigenetic events. These clusters can potentially regulate every aspect of cellular function including growth, proliferation, differentiation, development, metabolism, infection, immunity, cell death, organellar biogenesis, messenger signalling, DNA repair and self-renewal, among others. Dysregulation of miRNA clusters leading to altered biological functions is key to the pathogenesis of many diseases including carcinogenesis. Here, we review recent advances in miRNA cluster research and discuss their regulation and biological functions in pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shama P Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Vaibhav Shukla
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Vinay K Varghese
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Jeevitha D' Souza
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Sanjiban Chakrabarty
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
1700108J01Rik and 1700101O22Rik are mouse testis-specific long non-coding RNAs. Histochem Cell Biol 2018; 149:517-527. [PMID: 29411102 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-018-1642-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs; > 200 nucleotides in length) have attracted attention as fine-tuners of gene expression. However, little is known about the cell- and stage-specific expression pattern and function of lncRNAs in spermatogenesis. The purpose of this study was to identify mouse testis-associated lncRNAs using a combination of computational and experimental approaches. We first used the FANTOM5 database to survey lncRNA expression in the mouse testis and performed reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH) analyses. In silico analysis showed that most of the highly expressed lncRNAs in the adult mouse testis were testis-specific lncRNAs and were expressed at and following the initiation of spermatogenesis. We selected the antisense lncRNA 1700108J01Rik and long intergenic non-coding RNA 1700101O22Rik from the most highly expressed lncRNAs in the adult testis for further analysis. Real-time PCR analysis confirmed that 1700108J01Rik and 1700101O22Rik were specifically expressed in the testis. ISH analysis revealed that the two mouse-testis-specific lncRNAs were expressed exclusively in testicular germ cells in meiotic prophase and the round spermatid stage, which coincide with the period of transcriptional reactivation during spermatogenesis. The cytoplasmic distribution of these lncRNAs revealed by ISH suggests their involvement in post-transcriptional gene regulation rather than in epigenetic or transcriptional regulation. Our data provide new insight into testis-associated lncRNAs that will be useful in expression and functional studies of spermatogenesis.
Collapse
|
37
|
da Silveira JC, de Ávila ACFCM, Garrett HL, Bruemmer JE, Winger QA, Bouma GJ. Cell-secreted vesicles containing microRNAs as regulators of gamete maturation. J Endocrinol 2018; 236:R15-R27. [PMID: 28870888 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian gamete maturation requires extensive signaling between germ cells and their surrounding somatic cells. In the ovary, theca cells, mural granulosa cells, cumulus cells and the oocyte all secrete factors throughout follicle growth and maturation that are critical for ovulation of a high-quality oocyte with the competence to develop into an embryo. Similarly, maturation of sperm occurs as it transits the epididymis during which epididymal epithelium and sperm exchange secretory factors that are required for sperm to gain motility and fertility. Recent studies in a variety of species have uncovered the presence of cell-secreted vesicles in follicular fluid (microvesicles and exosomes) and epididymal fluid (epididymosomes). Moreover, these cell-secreted vesicles contain small non-coding regulatory RNAs called microRNAs, which can be shuttled between maturing gametes and surrounding somatic cells. Although little is known about the exact mechanism of how microRNAs are loaded into these cell-secreted vesicles or are transferred and modulate gene expression and function in gametes, recent studies clearly suggest that cell-secreted vesicle microRNAs play a role in oocyte and sperm maturation. Moreover, a role for cell-secreted vesicular microRNAs in gamete maturation provides for novel opportunities to modulate and discover new diagnostic markers associated with male or female fertility. This manuscript provides an overview of cell-secreted vesicles in ovarian follicular fluid and epididymal fluid and microRNAs and discusses recent discoveries on the potential function of cell-secreted vesicles as carriers of microRNAs in oocyte and sperm maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliano C da Silveira
- Department of Veterinary MedicineFaculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Clara F C M de Ávila
- Department of Veterinary MedicineFaculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hannah L Garrett
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Jason E Bruemmer
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Quinton A Winger
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Gerrit J Bouma
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Harchegani AB, Shafaghatian H, Tahmasbpour E, Shahriary A. Regulatory Functions of MicroRNAs in Male Reproductive Health: A New Approach to Understanding Male Infertility. Reprod Sci 2018:1933719118765972. [PMID: 29587612 DOI: 10.1177/1933719118765972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a novel class of small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that play critical roles in regulation of gene expression, especially at posttranscriptional level. Over the past decade, the degree to which miRNAs are involved in male infertility has become clear. They are expressed in a cell- or phase-specific manner during spermatogenesis and play crucial role in male reproductive health. Therefore, dysregulation of miRNAs in testicular cells can be considered as a molecular basis for reproductive failure and male infertility. The abnormal expression pattern of miRNAs can be transmitted to the offspring via assisted reproductive techniques (ART) and results in the birth of children with a higher risk of infertility, congenital abnormalities, and morbidity. This review expounds on the miRNAs reported to play essential roles in somatic cells development, germ cells differentiation, steroidogenesis, normal spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, and male infertility, as well as emphasizes their importance as minimally invasive biomarkers of male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asghar Beigi Harchegani
- 1 Chemical Injuries Research Center, System Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Shafaghatian
- 1 Chemical Injuries Research Center, System Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Eisa Tahmasbpour
- 2 Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Innovations, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Shahriary
- 1 Chemical Injuries Research Center, System Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Pelloni M, Coltrinari G, Paoli D, Pallotti F, Lombardo F, Lenzi A, Gandini L. Differential expression of miRNAs in the seminal plasma and serum of testicular cancer patients. Endocrine 2017; 57:518-527. [PMID: 27796811 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-016-1150-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Various microRNAs from the miR-371-3 and miR-302a-d clusters have recently been proposed as markers for testicular germ cell tumours. Upregulation of these miRNAs has been found in both the tissue and serum of testicular cancer patients, but they have never been studied in human seminal plasma. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess the differences in the expression of miR-371-3 and miR-302a-d between the seminal plasma and serum of testicular cancer patients, and to identify new potential testicular cancer markers in seminal plasma. We investigated the serum and seminal plasma of 28 pre-orchiectomy patients subsequently diagnosed with testicular cancer, the seminal plasma of another 20 patients 30 days post-orchiectomy and a control group consisting of 28 cancer-free subjects attending our centre for an andrological check-up. Serum microRNA expression was analysed using RT-qPCR. TaqMan Array Card 3.0 platform was used for microRNA profiling in the seminal plasma of cancer patients. Results for both miR-371-3 and the miR-302 cluster in the serum of testicular cancer patients were in line with literature reports, while miR-371and miR-372 expression in seminal plasma showed the opposite trend to serum. On array analysis, 37 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the seminal plasma of cancer patients, and the upregulated miR-142 and the downregulated miR-34b were validated using RT-qPCR. Our study investigated the expression of miRNAs in the seminal plasma of patients with testicular cancer for the first time. Unlike in serum, miR-371-3 cannot be considered as markers in seminal plasma, whereas miR-142 levels in seminal plasma may be a potential marker for testicular cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Pelloni
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Roma, Italy
| | - Giulia Coltrinari
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Roma, Italy
| | - Donatella Paoli
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Roma, Italy.
| | - Francesco Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Roma, Italy
| | - Loredana Gandini
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Roma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pratt SL, Calcatera SM. Expression of microRNA in male reproductive tissues and their role in male fertility. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:24-31. [PMID: 28278790 DOI: 10.1071/rd16293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) are small non-coding RNA, approximately 22 nucleotides in length, that regulate gene expression through their ability to bind to mRNA. The role of miRNA in cellular and tissue development is well documented and their importance in male reproductive tissue development is actively being evaluated. They are present in spermatogonia, Sertoli and Leydig cells within the testis and are present in mature spermatozoa, indicating roles in normal testicular development, function and spermatogenesis. Their presence in spermatozoa has led to postulations about the roles of male miRNA during early embryonic development after fertilisation, including chromatin restructuring and possible epigenetic effects on embryo development. MiRNAs are also present in body fluids, such as blood serum, milk, ovarian follicular fluid and seminal fluid. Circulating miRNAs are stable, and aberrant expression of cellular or extracellular miRNA has been associated with multiple pathophysiological conditions, the most studied being numerous forms of cancer. Considering that miRNAs are present in spermatozoa and in seminal fluid, their stability and the relatively non-invasive procedures required to obtain these samples make miRNAs excellent candidates for use as biomarkers of male reproduction and fertility. Biomarkers, such as miRNAs, identifying fertile males would be of financial interest to the animal production industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S L Pratt
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0311, USA
| | - S M Calcatera
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0311, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Huang YL, Huang GY, Lv J, Pan LN, Luo X, Shen J. miR-100 promotes the proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells via regulating Stat3. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:693-701. [PMID: 28569396 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Li Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center; The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University; Guiyang China
| | - Guan-You Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center; The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University; Guiyang China
| | - Jing Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center; The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University; Guiyang China
| | - Li-Na Pan
- Reproductive Medicine Center; The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University; Guiyang China
| | - Xi Luo
- Reproductive Medicine Center; The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University; Guiyang China
| | - Jie Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center; The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University; Guiyang China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Geng XJ, Zhao DM, Mao GH, Tan L. MicroRNA-150 regulates steroidogenesis of mouse testicular Leydig cells by targeting STAR. Reproduction 2017; 154:229-236. [PMID: 28611112 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Leydig cells are essential for male reproductive development throughout life. Production of androgens as well as intermediate steroids is tightly regulated. Although microRNAs (miRNAs) are suggested to play important roles in spermatogenesis, little is currently known regarding the regulation of steroidogenesis by miRNAs in Leydig cells. Here, we found that miR-150 was predominantly expressed in Leydig cells within mouse testis. Therefore, we determined steroidogenesis of the Leydig cells in which miR-150 was knocked down or overexpressed using miR-150 antagomir and agomir, respectively. Compared with negative control group, a significant increase of STAR expression was observed in miR-150 antagomir-treated Leydig cells. Conversely, STAR expression was significantly reduced in miR-150 agomir-transfected Leydig cells. Production of sex-steroid precursors and testosterone of Leydig cells was also negatively controlled by miR-150. We further identified Star as a target of miR-150 using luciferase reporter assay. Finally, we confirmed that miR-150 was necessary for steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in vivo via intratesticular injection of miR-150 antagomir or agomir. Taken together, our studies suggest that miR-150 negatively regulates the expression of STAR and steroidogenesis of Leydig cells in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Jing Geng
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dong-Mei Zhao
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Gen-Hong Mao
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li Tan
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Robles V, Herráez P, Labbé C, Cabrita E, Pšenička M, Valcarce DG, Riesco MF. Molecular basis of spermatogenesis and sperm quality. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 245:5-9. [PMID: 27131389 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Spermatozoan quality can be evaluated in different ways, here we focus on the analysis of DNA, RNA and epigenetic status of germ cells. These characterizations also can be the bases for explaining sperm quality at other levels, so we will see how some of these molecules could affect other sperm quality markers. Moreover, we consider the possibility of using some of these molecules as predictors of sperm quality in terms of the ability to produce healthy offspring. The relevant effect of different types of RNA molecules in germ line specification and spermatogenesis and the importance of germ cell DNA integrity and a proper epigenetic pattern will be also discussed. Although most studies at this level have been performed in mammals, some information is available for fish; these recent discoveries in fish models are included. We provide a general overview on how these molecules could have a deep influence in the final sperm quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Robles
- Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) Promontorio de San Martín s/n, Santander, Spain; INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain.
| | - Paz Herráez
- INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Catherine Labbé
- INRA, Fish Physiology and Genomics, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, France
| | - Elsa Cabrita
- CCMAR-Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Portugal
| | - Martin Pšenička
- University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - David G Valcarce
- INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Marta F Riesco
- CCMAR-Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Chen X, Li X, Guo J, Zhang P, Zeng W. The roles of microRNAs in regulation of mammalian spermatogenesis. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2017; 8:35. [PMID: 28469844 PMCID: PMC5410700 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-017-0166-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis contains three continuous and organized processes, by which spermatogonia undergo mitosis and differentiate to spermatocytes, follow on meiosis to form haploid spermatids and ultimately transform into spermatozoa. These processes require an accurately, spatially and temporally regulated gene expression patterns. The microRNAs are a novel class of post-transcriptional regulators. Cumulating evidences have demonstrated that microRNAs are expressed in a cell-specific or stage-specific manner during spermatogenesis. In this review, we focus on the roles of microRNAs in spermatogenesis. We highlight that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in the biogenesis of microRNAs and miRNA regulates the m6A modification on mRNA, and that specific miRNAs have been exploited as potential biomarkers for the male factor infertility, which will provide insightful understanding of microRNA roles in spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Xueliang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Jiayin Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Parker MI, Palladino MA. MicroRNAs downregulated following immune activation of rat testis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2017; 77. [PMID: 28328045 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Little is known about how infection and the response to inflammation affect the microRNA (miRNA) profile of the male reproductive tract. We hypothesized that expression of inflammatory-related miRNAs would be altered following immune activation of rat testis. METHOD OF STUDY Testis total RNA was purified from Sprague-Dawley rats 3 or 6 hours after receiving a 5 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and examined by qPCR using an 84-panel miRNA array. RESULTS Five inflammatory-related miRNAs showed a greater than twofold downregulation (P<.05) in the 3-hour group (rno-let-7f-5p, rno-miR-200c-3p, rno-miR-23a-3p, rno-miR-23b-3p, rno-miR-98-5p) and five from the 6-hour group (rno-miR-17-5p, rno-miR-19a-3p, rno-miR-34a-5p, rno-miR-34c-5p, rno-miR-449a-5p). CONCLUSION Review of the literature has revealed that these miRNAs also play important roles in the maintenance of fertility, formation and elimination of cancer, and development of the male reproductive tract. Further study will lead to a greater understanding of male reproductive immunology and related health issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell I Parker
- Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ, USA.,Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Liu Y, Liu WB, Liu KJ, Ao L, Cao J, Zhong JL, Liu JY. Overexpression of miR-26b-5p regulates the cell cycle by targeting CCND2 in GC-2 cells under exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields. Cell Cycle 2016; 15:357-67. [PMID: 26637059 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2015.1120924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) exposure has raised considerable public concern regarding the potential hazardous effects of ELF-EMFs on male reproductive function. Increasing evidence indicates that miRNAs are necessary for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the regulation of miRNA expression and the roles of miRNAs in response to ELF-EMFs remain unclear. In our study, mouse spermatocyte-derived GC-2 cells were intermittently exposed to a 50 Hz ELF-EMF for 72 h (5 min on/10 min off) at magnetic field intensities of 1 mT, 2 mT and 3 mT. MiR-26b-5p was differentially expressed in response to different magnetic field intensities of ELF-EMFs. The host gene CTDSP1 showed an unmethylation status in GC-2 cells at different magnetic field intensities of ELF-EMF exposure. MiR-26b-5p had no significant, obvious influence on the cell viability, apoptosis or cell cycle of GC-2 cells. However, the overexpression of miR-26b-5p significantly decreased the percentage of G0/G1 phase cells and slightly increased the percentage of S phase cells compared to the sham group that was exposed to a 50 Hz ELF-EMF. Computational algorithms identified Cyclin D2 (CCND2) as a direct target of miR-26b-5p. MiR-26b-5p and a 50 Hz ELF-EMF altered the expression of CCND2 at both the mRNA and protein levels. Overexpressed miR-26b-5p in GC-2 cells can change the mRNA expression of CCND2 following 50 Hz ELF-EMF at 3 mT. These findings demonstrate that miR-26b-5p could serve as a potential biomarker following 50 Hz ELF-EMF exposure, and miR-26b-5p-CCND2-mediated cell cycle regulation might play a pivotal role in the biological effects of ELF-EMFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- a College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University , Chongqing , China.,b Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Wen-Bin Liu
- b Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Kai-Jun Liu
- b Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Lin Ao
- b Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Jia Cao
- b Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Julia Li Zhong
- a College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University , Chongqing , China
| | - Jin-Yi Liu
- b Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Uysal F, Akkoyunlu G, Ozturk S. DNA methyltransferases exhibit dynamic expression during spermatogenesis. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 33:690-702. [PMID: 27687053 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is one of the epigenetic marks and plays critically important functions during spermatogenesis in mammals. DNA methylation is catalysed by DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) enzymes, which are responsible for the addition of a methyl group to the fifth carbon atom of the cytosine residues within cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) and non-CpG dinucleotide sites. Structurally and functionally five different DNMT enzymes have been identified in mammals, including DNMT1, DNMT2, DNMT3A, DNMT3B and DNMT3L. These enzymes mainly play roles in two DNA methylation processes: maintenance and de novo. While DNMT1 is primarily responsible for maintenance methylation via transferring methyl groups to the hemi-methylated DNA strands following DNA replication, both DNMT3A and DNMT3B are capable of methylating unmodified cytosine residues, known as de novo methylation. However, DNMT3L indirectly participates in de novo methylation, and DNMT2 carries out methylation of the cytosine 38 in the anticodon loop of aspartic acid transfer RNA. To date, many studies have been performed to determine spatial and temporal expression levels and functional features of the DNMT in the male germ cells. This review article comprehensively discusses dynamic expression of the DNMT during spermatogenesis and their relationship with male infertility development in the light of existing investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Uysal
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University, School of Medicine, Campus 07070, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gokhan Akkoyunlu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University, School of Medicine, Campus 07070, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University, School of Medicine, Campus 07070, Antalya, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Li JW, Lin X, Tse A, Cheung A, Chan TF, Kong RYC, Lai KP, Wu RSS. Discovery and functional characterization of novel miRNAs in the marine medaka Oryzias melastigma. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 175:106-116. [PMID: 27002527 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The marine medaka Oryzias melastigma has often been used as a marine fish model to investigate the biological responses to environmental stresses and pollutants in marine environments. miRNAs are post-transcriptional regulators of many biological processes in a variety of organisms, and have been shown to be affected by environmental stresses, but the novel miRNA profile of marine medaka has not been reported. Using both genome and small RNA sequencings coupled with different bioinformatics analyses, we have discovered 58, 82, 234, and 201 unannotated miRNAs in the brain, liver, ovary and testis tissues of marine medaka, respectively. Furthermore, these novel miRNAs were found to target genes with tissue-specific roles such as neuron development and synaptic transmission in the brain, glucose and fat metabolism in the liver and steroidogenesis in the gonads. We here report, for the first time, novel miRNA profile of marine medaka, which will provide a foundation for future biomarkers and transgenerational studies for the assessment of environmental stresses and pollutions in the marine environments. In a boarder context, our data will provide novel insight into our knowledge of miRNome and miR research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Woei Li
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiao Lin
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Anna Tse
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, Hong Kong
| | - Angela Cheung
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, Hong Kong
| | - Ting Fung Chan
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Richard Yuen Chong Kong
- State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, Hong Kong; Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Keng Po Lai
- State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, Hong Kong; Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Rudolf Shiu Sun Wu
- State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, Hong Kong; Department of Science and Environmental Studies, Institute of Education, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Mauduit C, Siddeek B, Benahmed M. Origine développementale et environnementale de l’infertilité masculine. Med Sci (Paris) 2016; 32:45-50. [DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20163201008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
|
50
|
Liu Y, Liu WB, Liu KJ, Ao L, Cao J, Zhong JL, Liu JY. Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Affect the miRNA-Mediated Regulation of Signaling Pathways in the GC-2 Cell Line. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139949. [PMID: 26439850 PMCID: PMC4595420 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) can affect male reproductive function, but the underlying mechanism of this effect remains unknown. miRNA-mediated regulation has been implicated as an important epigenetic mechanism for regulatory pathways. Herein, we profiled miRNA expression in response to ELF-EMFs in vitro. Mouse spermatocyte-derived GC–2 cells were intermittently exposed to a 50 Hz ELF-EMF for 72 h (5 min on/10 min off) at magnetic field intensities of 1 mT, 2 mT and 3 mT. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK–8 assay. Apoptosis and the cell cycle were analyzed with flow cytometry. miRNA expression was profiled using Affymetrix Mouse Genechip miRNA 3.0 arrays. Our data showed that the growth, apoptosis or cell cycle arrest of GC–2 cells exposed to the 50 Hz ELF-EMF did not significantly change. However, we identified a total of 55 miRNAs whose expression significantly changed compared with the sham group, including 19 differentially expressed miRNAs (7 miRNAs were upregulated, and 12 were downregulated) in the 1 mT exposure group and 36 (9 miRNAs were upregulated, and 27 were downregulated) in the 3 mT exposure group. The changes in the expression of 15 selected miRNAs measured by real-time PCR were consistent with the microarray results. A network analysis was used to predict core miRNAs and target genes, including miR-30e-5p, miR-210-5p, miR-196b-5p, miR-504-3p, miR-669c-5p and miR-455-3p. We found that these miRNAs were differentially expressed in response to different magnetic field intensities of ELF-EMFs. GO term and KEGG pathway annotation based on the miRNA expression profiling results showed that miRNAs may regulate circadian rhythms, cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions and the p53 signaling pathway. These results suggested that miRNAs could serve as potential biomarkers, and the miRNA-mediated regulation of signaling pathways might play significant roles in the biological effects of ELF-EMFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-bin Liu
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai-jun Liu
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Ao
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia Cao
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Julia Li Zhong
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- * E-mail: (JLZ); (JYL)
| | - Jin-yi Liu
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- * E-mail: (JLZ); (JYL)
| |
Collapse
|