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Liu W, Bruggeman JW, Lei Q, van Pelt AMM, Koster J, Hamer G. Germline specific genes increase DNA double-strand break repair and radioresistance in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:38. [PMID: 38216586 PMCID: PMC10786935 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06433-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
In principle, germline cells possess the capability to transmit a nearly unaltered set of genetic material to infinite future generations, whereas somatic cells are limited by strict growth constraints necessary to assure an organism's physical structure and eventual mortality. As the potential to replicate indefinitely is a key feature of cancer, we hypothesized that the activation of a "germline program" in somatic cells can contribute to oncogenesis. Our group recently described over one thousand germline specific genes that can be ectopically expressed in cancer, yet how germline specific processes contribute to the malignant properties of cancer is poorly understood. We here show that the expression of germ cell/cancer (GC) genes correlates with malignancy in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We found that LUAD cells expressing more GC genes can repair DNA double strand breaks more rapidly, show higher rates of proliferation and are more resistant to ionizing radiation, compared to LUAD cells that express fewer GC genes. In particular, we identified the HORMA domain protein regulator TRIP13 to be predominantly responsible for this malignant phenotype, and that TRIP13 inhibition or expression levels affect the response to ionizing radiation and subsequent DNA repair. Our results demonstrate that GC genes are viable targets in oncology, as they induce increased radiation resistance and increased propagation in cancer cells. Because their expression is normally restricted to germline cells, we anticipate that GC gene directed therapeutic options will effectively target cancer, with limited side effects besides (temporary) infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Liu
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Willem Bruggeman
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Qijing Lei
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Koster
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Zheng Y, Zhang L, Jin L, Zhang P, Li F, Guo M, Gao Q, Zeng Y, Li M, Zeng W. Unraveling three-dimensional chromatin structural dynamics during spermatogonial differentiation. J Biol Chem 2021; 298:101559. [PMID: 34979097 PMCID: PMC8814405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are able to undergo both self-renewal and differentiation. Unlike self-renewal, which replenishes the SSC and progenitor pool, differentiation is an irreversible process committing cells to meiosis. Although the preparations for meiotic events in differentiating spermatogonia (Di-SG) are likely to be accompanied by alterations in chromatin structure, the three-dimensional chromatin architectural differences between SSCs and Di-SG, and the higher-order chromatin dynamics during spermatogonial differentiation, have not been systematically investigated. Here, we performed in situ high-throughput chromosome conformation capture, RNA-seq, and chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing analyses on porcine undifferentiated spermatogonia (which consist of SSCs and progenitors) and Di-SG. We identified that Di-SG exhibited less compact chromatin structural organization, weakened compartmentalization, and diminished topologically associating domains in comparison with undifferentiated spermatogonia, suggesting that diminished higher-order chromatin architecture in meiotic cells, as shown by recent reports, might be preprogrammed in Di-SG. Our data also revealed that A/B compartments, representing open or closed chromatin regions respectively, and topologically associating domains were related to dynamic gene expression during spermatogonial differentiation. Furthermore, we unraveled the contribution of promoter-enhancer interactions to premeiotic transcriptional regulation, which has not been accomplished in previous studies due to limited cell input and resolution. Together, our study uncovered the three-dimensional chromatin structure of SSCs/progenitors and Di-SG, as well as the interplay between higher-order chromatin architecture and dynamic gene expression during spermatogonial differentiation. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms for SSC self-renewal and differentiation and have implications for diagnosis and treatment of male sub-/infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Lingkai Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Long Jin
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Fuyuan Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ming Guo
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yao Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Mingzhou Li
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China.
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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Lei Q, Lai X, Eliveld J, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, van Pelt AMM, Hamer G. In Vitro Meiosis of Male Germline Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 15:1140-1153. [PMID: 33176123 PMCID: PMC7664054 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro spermatogenesis has been achieved by culturing mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) together with a cell suspension of male juvenile gonad. However, for human fertility treatment or preservation, patient-specific ESCs or juvenile gonad is not available. We therefore aim to achieve in vitro spermatogenesis using male germline stem cells (GSCs) without the use of juvenile gonad. GSCs, when cultured on immortalized Sertoli cells, were able to enter meiosis, reach the meiotic metaphase stages, and sporadically form spermatid-like cells. However, the in vitro-formed pachytene-like spermatocytes did not display full chromosome synapsis and did not form meiotic crossovers. Despite this, the meiotic checkpoints that usually eliminate such cells to prevent genomic instabilities from being transmitted to the offspring were not activated, allowing the cells to proceed to the meiotic metaphase stages. In vitro-generated spermatid-like cells should thus be thoroughly investigated before being considered for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijing Lei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Xin Lai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jitske Eliveld
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Lv Y, Li T, Yang M, Su L, Zhu Z, Zhao S, Zeng W, Zheng Y. Melatonin Attenuates Chromium (VI)-Induced Spermatogonial Stem Cell/Progenitor Mitophagy by Restoration of METTL3-Mediated RNA N 6-Methyladenosine Modification. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:684398. [PMID: 34150779 PMCID: PMC8212693 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.684398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the basis of spermatogenesis, and any damage to SSCs may result in spermatogenic disorder and male infertility. Chromium (Cr) (VI) is a proven toxin, mutagen, and carcinogen, perpetually detrimental to environmental organisms due to its intricate and enduring detoxification process in vivo. Despite this, the deleterious effects of Cr (VI) on SSCs and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified that Cr (VI) impaired male reproductive system in mouse testes and induced mitochondrial dynamic imbalance and mitophagy in SSCs/progenitors. Cr (VI) also downregulated the RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification levels in mitochondrial dynamic balance and mitophagy genes in SSCs/progenitors. Inspiringly, the toxic effects of Cr (VI) could be relieved by melatonin pretreatment. Melatonin alleviated Cr (VI)-induced damage to male reproductive system and autophagy in mouse testes. Melatonin also attenuated Cr (VI)-induced cell viability loss and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as well as mitochondrial dynamic disorders and mitophagy in SSCs/progenitors. The protective roles of melatonin against Cr (VI)-induced mitophagy were exerted by restoration of METTL3-mediated RNA m6A modification and activation of mitochondrial fusion proteins MFN2 and OPA1, as well as inhibition of the mitophagy BNIP3/NIX receptor pathway. Thus, our study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms for RNA m6A modification underlying the gene regulatory network responsible for mitochondrial dynamic balance, and also lays new experimental groundwork for treatment of Cr (VI)-induced damage to male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghua Lv
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Tianjiao Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Manman Yang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Lihong Su
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Zhendong Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Sihang Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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5
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Webster D, Bondareva A, Solin S, Goldsmith T, Su L, Lara NDLEM, Carlson DF, Dobrinski I. Targeted Gene Editing in Porcine Spermatogonia. Front Genet 2021; 11:627673. [PMID: 33584819 PMCID: PMC7876475 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.627673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
To study the pathophysiology of human diseases, develop innovative treatments, and refine approaches for regenerative medicine require appropriate preclinical models. Pigs share physiologic and anatomic characteristics with humans and are genetically more similar to humans than are mice. Genetically modified pigs are essential where rodent models do not mimic the human disease phenotype. The male germline stem cell or spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) is unique; it is the only cell type in an adult male that divides and contributes genes to future generations, making it an ideal target for genetic modification. Here we report that CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-mediated gene editing in porcine spermatogonia that include SSCs is significantly more efficient than previously reported editing with TALENs and allows precise gene editing by homology directed repair (HDR). We also established homology-mediated end joining (HMEJ) as a second approach to targeted gene editing to enable introduction of larger transgenes and/or humanizing parts of the pig genome for disease modeling or regenerative medicine. In summary, the approaches established in the current study result in efficient targeted genome editing in porcine germ cells for precise replication of human disease alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alla Bondareva
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Staci Solin
- Recombinetics, Inc., St. Paul, MN, United States
| | | | - Lin Su
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | | | - Ina Dobrinski
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Lei Q, Zhang E, van Pelt AMM, Hamer G. Meiotic Chromosome Synapsis and XY-Body Formation In Vitro. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:761249. [PMID: 34721307 PMCID: PMC8551552 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.761249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
To achieve spermatogenesis in vitro, one of the most challenging processes to mimic is meiosis. Meiotic problems, like incomplete synapsis of the homologous chromosomes, or impaired homologous recombination, can cause failure of crossover formation and subsequent chromosome nondisjunction, eventually leading to aneuploid sperm. These meiotic events are therefore strictly monitored by meiotic checkpoints that initiate apoptosis of aberrant spermatocytes and lead to spermatogenic arrest. However, we recently found that, in vitro derived meiotic cells proceeded to the first meiotic division (MI) stage, despite displaying incomplete chromosome synapsis, no discernible XY-body and lack of crossover formation. We therefore optimized our in vitro culture system of meiosis from male germline stem cells (mGSCs) in order to achieve full chromosome synapsis, XY-body formation and meiotic crossovers. In comparison to previous culture system, the in vitro-generated spermatocytes were transferred after meiotic initiation to a second culture dish. This dish already contained a freshly plated monolayer of proliferatively inactivated immortalized Sertoli cells supporting undifferentiated mGSCs. In this way we aimed to simulate the multiple layers of germ cell types that support spermatogenesis in vivo in the testis. We found that in this optimized culture system, although independent of the undifferentiated mGSCs, meiotic chromosome synapsis was complete and XY body appeared normal. However, meiotic recombination still occurred insufficiently and only few meiotic crossovers were formed, leading to MI-spermatocytes displaying univalent chromosomes (paired sister chromatids). Therefore, considering that meiotic checkpoints are not necessarily fully functional in vitro, meiotic crossover formation should be closely monitored when mimicking gametogenesis in vitro to prevent generation of aneuploid gametes.
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The Smc5/6 Core Complex Is a Structure-Specific DNA Binding and Compacting Machine. Mol Cell 2020; 80:1025-1038.e5. [PMID: 33301731 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The structural organization of chromosomes is a crucial feature that defines the functional state of genes and genomes. The extent of structural changes experienced by genomes of eukaryotic cells can be dramatic and spans several orders of magnitude. At the core of these changes lies a unique group of ATPases-the SMC proteins-that act as major effectors of chromosome behavior in cells. The Smc5/6 proteins play essential roles in the maintenance of genome stability, yet their mode of action is not fully understood. Here we show that the human Smc5/6 complex recognizes unusual DNA configurations and uses the energy of ATP hydrolysis to promote their compaction. Structural analyses reveal subunit interfaces responsible for the functionality of the Smc5/6 complex and how mutations in these regions may lead to chromosome breakage syndromes in humans. Collectively, our results suggest that the Smc5/6 complex promotes genome stability as a DNA micro-compaction machine.
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Zheng Y, Feng T, Zhang P, Lei P, Li F, Zeng W. Establishment of cell lines with porcine spermatogonial stem cell properties. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2020; 11:33. [PMID: 32308978 PMCID: PMC7146966 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-020-00439-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are capable of both self-renewal and differentiation to mature functional spermatozoa, being the only adult stem cells in the males that can transmit genetic information to the next generation. Porcine SSCs hold great value in transgenic pig production and in establishment of porcine models for regenerative medicine. However, studies and applications of porcine SSCs have been greatly hampered by the low number of SSCs in the testis as well as the lack of an ideal stable long-term culture system to propagate porcine SSCs perpetually. Results In the present study, by lentiviral transduction of plasmids expressing the simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen into porcine primary SSCs, we developed two immortalized cell lines with porcine SSC attributes. The established cell lines, with the expression of porcine SSC and germ cell markers UCHL1, PLZF, THY1, VASA and DAZL, could respond to retinoic acid (RA), and could colonize the recipient mouse testis without tumor formation after transplantation. The cell lines displayed infinite proliferation potential, and have now been cultured for more than 7 months and passaged for over 35 times without morphological abnormalities. Conclusions We have for the first time established porcine SSC lines that could provide abundant cell sources for mechanistic studies on porcine SSC self-renewal and differentiation, thereby facilitating development of an optimal long-term culture system for porcine primary SSCs and their application to animal husbandry and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Tongying Feng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Peipei Lei
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Fuyuan Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi China
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Li T, Chen Q, Zheng Y, Zhang P, Chen X, Lu J, Lv Y, Sun S, Zeng W. PAMAM-cRGD mediating efficient siRNA delivery to spermatogonial stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:399. [PMID: 31852526 PMCID: PMC6921429 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1506-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the cornerstone of sperm production and thus perpetual male fertility. In clinics, transplantation of patient’s own SSCs into testes is a promising technique to restore fertility when male germ cells have been depleted by gonadotoxic therapies. Auto-transplantation of genetically modified SSCs even has the potential to treat male infertility caused by genetic mutations. However, SSCs are refractory to transfection approaches. Poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers have the unique three-dimensional architecture, surface charge, and high density of surface groups that are suitable for ligand attachment, thereby facilitating target delivery. The goal of this study was to elucidate whether PAMAM dendrimers can efficiently deliver short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to SSCs. Methods and results We introduced cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (cRGD) peptides to the fifth generation of PAMAM dendrimers (G5) to generate PAMAM-cRGD dendrimers (G5-cRGD). The characterization of G5-cRGD was detected by Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the delivery efficiency of siRNA by G5-cRGD to SSCs. The results showed that G5-cRGD encompassing siRNA could self-assemble into spherical structures with nanoscale size and possess high transfection efficiency, excellent endosomal escape ability, and low cytotoxicity, superior to a commercial transfection reagent Lipofectamine® 2000. Moreover, we demonstrated that G5-cRGD efficiently delivered siRNAs and triggered gene silencing. Conclusions This study thus provides a promising nanovector for siRNA delivery in SSCs, facilitating the future clinical application of SSC auto-transplantation with genetically modified cells with a hope to cure male infertility that is caused by genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory for Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiwen Chen
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory for Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory for Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoxu Chen
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory for Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Junna Lu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yinghua Lv
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shiguo Sun
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory for Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
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10
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Zhuang M, Li B, Huang Y, Lei Q, Yan R, Li N, Sidhu K, Cheng X, Yan X, Miao Y, Zhao S, Hua J. Reelin regulates male mouse reproductive capacity via the sertoli cells. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:1174-1184. [PMID: 30335884 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Reelin plays important roles in brain development. Reeler mutant mice that lack the protein reelin (RELN) suffer from cell type- and region-dependent changes in their neocortical layers, and adult reeler mutant mice have dilated seminiferous tubules. Meanwhile, the mechanism by which Reelin regulates the spermatogenic cell development in mice and their reproductive abilities remains unclear. In the present study, we used reeler mutant mice to investigate the effects of Reelin on reproduction in mice. The results indicated variations in sex hormone expression among the reeler mice, indicating that they produce few offspring and their spermatogenic cells are irregularly developed. Moreover, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)/GDNF family receptor alpha 1, Ras/extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), and promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF)/chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) serve as potential regulatory pathways that respond to the changes in sertoli cells and the niche of male germ cells. Our findings provided valuable insights into the role of reeler in the reproductive abilities of male mice and development of their spermatogonia stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengru Zhuang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Bo Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yangxue Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qijing Lei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ruichuan Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Na Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kuldip Sidhu
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, UNSW Medicine, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Xiang Cheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Xinrong Yan
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yiliang Miao
- College of Animal Sciences & Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanting Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jinlian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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Hwang G, Verver DE, Handel MA, Hamer G, Jordan PW. Depletion of SMC5/6 sensitizes male germ cells to DNA damage. Mol Biol Cell 2018; 29:3003-3016. [PMID: 30281394 PMCID: PMC6333175 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e18-07-0459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The structural maintenance of chromosomes complex SMC5/6 is thought to be essential for DNA repair and chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis. To determine the requirements of the SMC5/6 complex during mouse spermatogenesis we combined a conditional knockout allele for Smc5, with four germ cell–specific Cre-recombinase transgenes, Ddx4-Cre, Stra8-Cre, Spo11-Cre, and Hspa2-Cre, to mutate Smc5 in spermatogonia, in spermatocytes before meiotic entry, during early meiotic stages, and during midmeiotic stages, respectively. Conditional mutation of Smc5 resulted in destabilization of the SMC5/6 complex. Despite this, we observed only mild defects in spermatogenesis. Mutation of Smc5 mediated by Ddx4-Cre and Stra8-Cre resulted in partial loss of preleptotene spermatocytes; however, spermatogenesis progresses and mice are fertile. Mutation of Smc5 via Spo11-Cre or Hspa2-Cre did not result in detectable defects of spermatogenesis. Upon exposure to gamma irradiation or etoposide treatment, each conditional Smc5 mutant demonstrated an increase in the number of enlarged round spermatids with multiple acrosomes and supernumerary chromosome content. We propose that the SMC5/6 complex is not acutely required for premeiotic DNA replication and meiotic progression during mouse spermatogenesis; however, when germ cells are challenged by exogenous DNA damage, the SMC5/6 complex ensures genome integrity, and thus, fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Hwang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - D E Verver
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M A Handel
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
| | - G Hamer
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - P W Jordan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205
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12
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Zheng Y, Lei Q, Jongejan A, Mulder CL, van Daalen SKM, Mastenbroek S, Hwang G, Jordan PW, Repping S, Hamer G. The influence of retinoic acid-induced differentiation on the radiation response of male germline stem cells. DNA Repair (Amst) 2018; 70:55-66. [PMID: 30179733 PMCID: PMC6237089 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2018.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Lifelong mammalian male fertility is maintained through an intricate balance between spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation. DNA damage in spermatogonia, for instance caused by chemo- or radiotherapy, can induce cell cycle arrest or germ cell apoptosis, possibly resulting in male infertility. Spermatogonia are generally more radiosensitive and prone to undergo apoptosis than somatic cells. Among spermatogonial subtypes the response to DNA damage is differentially modulated; undifferentiated spermatogonia, including the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), are relatively radio-resistant, whereas differentiating spermatogonia are very radiosensitive. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying this difference, we used an in vitro system consisting of mouse male germline stem (GS) cells that can be induced to differentiate. Using RNA-sequencing analysis, we analyzed the response of undifferentiated and differentiating GS cells to ionizing radiation (IR). At the RNA expression level, both undifferentiated and differentiating GS cells showed a very similar response to IR. Protein localization of several genes found to be involved in either spermatogonial differentiation or radiation response was investigated using mouse testis sections. For instance, we found that the transcription factor PDX1 was specifically expressed in undifferentiated spermatogonia and thus may be a novel marker for these cells. Interestingly, also at the protein level, undifferentiated GS cells showed a more pronounced upregulation of p53 in response to IR than differentiating GS cells. The higher p53 protein level in undifferentiated spermatogonia may preferentially induce cell cycle arrest, thereby giving these cells more time to repair inflicted DNA damage and increase their radio-resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Qijing Lei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aldo Jongejan
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Callista L Mulder
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia K M van Daalen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Mastenbroek
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Grace Hwang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Philip W Jordan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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13
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Lei Q, Pan Q, Li N, Zhou Z, Zhang J, He X, Peng S, Li G, Sidhu K, Chen S, Hua J. H19 regulates the proliferation of bovine male germline stem cells via IGF-1 signaling pathway. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:915-926. [PMID: 30069947 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Self-renewal and differentiation of male germline stem cells (mGSCs) provide the basic function for continual spermatogenesis. Studies of in vitro culture of germline stem cells are important and meaningful for basic biological research and practical application. Growth factors, such as GDNF, bFGF, CSF1, and EGF, could maintain the self-renewal of mGSCs. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), an important growth factor, and its pathway have been reported to maintain the survival of several types of stem cells and play important roles in male reproduction. However, the mechanism through which the IGF-1 pathway acts to regulate the self-renewal of mGSCs remains unclear. We analyzed the effect of IGF-1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of bovine mGSCs. We evaluated the expression profile of long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) H19 in bovine and mouse tissues. Moreover, we investigated whether LncRNA H19 could regulate the IGF-1 pathway. Results showed that IGF-1 could activate the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK signaling pathways, and the IGF-1 pathway played an important role in regulating the proliferation and apoptosis of bovine mGSCs. The proliferation rate of mGSCs decreased, whereas the apoptosis rate of mGSCs increased when the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) was blocked using the IGF-1R-specific inhibitor (picropodophyllin). LncRNA H19 could regulate the IGF-1 signaling pathway and, consequently, the proliferation and apoptosis of mGSCs. The number of cells in the seminiferous tubule decreased when H19 was interfered by injecting a virus-containing supernatant. Hence, LncRNA H19 participated in the regulation of the proliferation and apoptosis of mGSCs via the IGF-1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijing Lei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Qin Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Na Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Zhe Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Juqing Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Xin He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Sha Peng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Guangpeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Kuldip Sidhu
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, UNSW Medicine, High St Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Shulin Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Jinlian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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14
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Zhang P, Qin Y, Zheng Y, Zeng W. Phospholipase D Family Member 6 Is a Surface Marker for Enrichment of Undifferentiated Spermatogonia in Prepubertal Boars. Stem Cells Dev 2017; 27:55-64. [PMID: 29113556 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2017.0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) have a functional ability to maintain self-renewal and sustain production of spermatozoa throughout the reproductive lifespan of a male. Studies on SSCs can thus better the understandings of spermatogenesis and unravel the mechanisms for self-renewal and differentiation of male germline stem cells. However, the rarity of SSCs in the testis and the lack of reliable surface markers obstruct the related study and further application of SSCs. This is especially the case in livestock animals. In this study, we identified that phospholipase D family member 6 (PLD6) is a surface marker for undifferentiated spermatogonia in boar testes. By magnetic-activated cell sorting, PLD6+ cell fraction comprises 84.45% ± 0.35% of undifferentiated spermatogonia (marked by PLZF). Xenotransplantation of PLD6+ cells into the recipient mouse testis revealed a ninefold increase of donor cell-derived colony formation compared with that in the unselected cell group, indicating the significant enrichment of SSCs. Furthermore, based on the sorted PLD6+ cells with a high SSC content, we established a feeder-free culture system that could maintain porcine undifferentiated spermatogonia for 4 weeks in vitro with the expression of typical markers throughout the culture period. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that PLD6 is a surface marker of undifferentiated spermatogonia in testes of prepubertal boars and could be utilized to unprecedentedly enrich porcine undifferentiated spermatogonia. These data provide the basis for future studies on the refinement of germ cell culture and manipulation of porcine undifferentiated spermatogonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhang
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University , Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuwei Qin
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University , Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- 2 Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University , Shaanxi, China
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