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Hsu CY, Jasim SA, Pallathadka H, Kumar A, Konnova K, Qasim MT, Alubiady MHS, Pramanik A, Al-Ani AM, Abosaoda MK. A comprehensive insight into the contribution of epigenetics in male infertility; focusing on immunological modifications. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 164:104274. [PMID: 38865894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104274] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Numerous recent studies have examined the impact epigenetics-including DNA methylation-has on spermatogenesis and male infertility. Differential methylation of several genes has been linked to compromised spermatogenesis and/or reproductive failure. Specifically, male infertility has been frequently associated with DNA methylation abnormalities of MEST and H19 inside imprinted genes and MTHFR within non-imprinted genes. Microbial infections mainly result in male infertility because of the immune response triggered by the bacteria' accumulation of immune cells, proinflammatory cytokines, and chemokines. Thus, bacterially produced epigenetic dysregulations may impact host cell function, supporting host defense or enabling pathogen persistence. So, it is possible to think of pathogenic bacteria as potential epimutagens that can alter the epigenome. It has been demonstrated that dysregulated levels of LncRNA correlate with motility and sperm count in ejaculated spermatozoa from infertile males. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the relationship between decreased reproductive capacity and sperm DNA methylation status should aid in creating new diagnostic instruments for this condition. To fully understand the mechanisms influencing sperm methylation and how they relate to male infertility, more research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chou-Yi Hsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Ashwani Kumar
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560069, India; Department of Pharmacy, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan 303012, India
| | - Karina Konnova
- Assistant of the Department of Propaedeutics of Dental Diseases. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Russia
| | - Maytham T Qasim
- College of Health and Medical Technology, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar 64001, Iraq
| | | | - Atreyi Pramanik
- School of Applied and Life Sciences, Divison of Research and Innovation, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | | | - Munther Kadhim Abosaoda
- College of Technical Engineering, the Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq; College of Technical Engineering, the Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq; College of Technical Engineering, the Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
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Dai P, Ma C, Chen C, Liang M, Dong S, Chen H, Zhang X. Unlocking Genetic Mysteries during the Epic Sperm Journey toward Fertilization: Further Expanding Cre Mouse Lines. Biomolecules 2024; 14:529. [PMID: 38785936 PMCID: PMC11117649 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050529] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The spatiotemporal expression patterns of genes are crucial for maintaining normal physiological functions in animals. Conditional gene knockout using the cyclization recombination enzyme (Cre)/locus of crossover of P1 (Cre/LoxP) strategy has been extensively employed for functional assays at specific tissue or developmental stages. This approach aids in uncovering the associations between phenotypes and gene regulation while minimizing interference among distinct tissues. Various Cre-engineered mouse models have been utilized in the male reproductive system, including Dppa3-MERCre for primordial germ cells, Ddx4-Cre and Stra8-Cre for spermatogonia, Prm1-Cre and Acrv1-iCre for haploid spermatids, Cyp17a1-iCre for the Leydig cell, Sox9-Cre for the Sertoli cell, and Lcn5/8/9-Cre for differentiated segments of the epididymis. Notably, the specificity and functioning stage of Cre recombinases vary, and the efficiency of recombination driven by Cre depends on endogenous promoters with different sequences as well as the constructed Cre vectors, even when controlled by an identical promoter. Cre mouse models generated via traditional recombination or CRISPR/Cas9 also exhibit distinct knockout properties. This review focuses on Cre-engineered mouse models applied to the male reproductive system, including Cre-targeting strategies, mouse model screening, and practical challenges encountered, particularly with novel mouse strains over the past decade. It aims to provide valuable references for studies conducted on the male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (P.D.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (M.L.); (S.D.); (H.C.)
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Al-Hasani K, Marikar SN, Kaipananickal H, Maxwell S, Okabe J, Khurana I, Karagiannis T, Liang JJ, Mariana L, Loudovaris T, Kay T, El-Osta A. EZH2 inhibitors promote β-like cell regeneration in young and adult type 1 diabetes donors. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:2. [PMID: 38161208 PMCID: PMC10757994 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01707-x] [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: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
β-cells are a type of endocrine cell found in pancreatic islets that synthesize, store and release insulin. In type 1 diabetes (T1D), T-cells of the immune system selectively destroy the insulin-producing β-cells. Destruction of these cells leads to a lifelong dependence on exogenous insulin administration for survival. Consequently, there is an urgent need to identify novel therapies that stimulate β-cell growth and induce β-cell function. We and others have shown that pancreatic ductal progenitor cells are a promising source for regenerating β-cells for T1D owing to their inherent differentiation capacity. Default transcriptional suppression is refractory to exocrine reaction and tightly controls the regenerative potential by the EZH2 methyltransferase. In the present study, we show that transient stimulation of exocrine cells, derived from juvenile and adult T1D donors to the FDA-approved EZH2 inhibitors GSK126 and Tazemetostat (Taz) influence a phenotypic shift towards a β-like cell identity. The transition from repressed to permissive chromatin states are dependent on bivalent H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 chromatin modification. Targeting EZH2 is fundamental to β-cell regenerative potential. Reprogrammed pancreatic ductal cells exhibit insulin production and secretion in response to a physiological glucose challenge ex vivo. These pre-clinical studies underscore the potential of small molecule inhibitors as novel modulators of ductal progenitor differentiation and a promising new approach for the restoration of β-like cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Al-Hasani
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
| | - Safiya Naina Marikar
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
| | - Harikrishnan Kaipananickal
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
| | - Scott Maxwell
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
| | - Jun Okabe
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
| | - Ishant Khurana
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
| | - Thomas Karagiannis
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia
| | - Julia J Liang
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, 3001, VIC, Australia
| | - Lina Mariana
- Immunology and Diabetes Unit, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, 3065, VIC, Australia
| | - Thomas Loudovaris
- Immunology and Diabetes Unit, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, 3065, VIC, Australia
| | - Thomas Kay
- Immunology and Diabetes Unit, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, 3065, VIC, Australia
| | - Assam El-Osta
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia.
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR.
- Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 3/F Lui Che Woo Clinical Sciences Building, 30-32- Ngan Shing Street, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR.
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR.
- Biomedical Laboratory Science, Department of Technology, Faculty of Health, University College Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Cai Y, Chen P, Xu H, Li S, Zhao B, Fan Y, Wang F, Zhang Y. EZH2 Gene Knockdown Inhibits Sheep Pituitary Cell Proliferation via Downregulating the AKT/ERK Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10656. [PMID: 37445833 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary gonadotropins perform essential functions in mammalian reproduction by stimulating gametogenesis and steroidogenesis in the ovaries and testicles. EZH2 is a histone methyltransferase that inhibits proliferation and aggravates apoptosis in stem cells subjected to pathological stimuli. However, the expression and molecular mechanisms of EZH2 in pituitary cells in vitro have not been extensively studied. In this study, the relative abundances of EZH2 mRNA (p < 0.01) and protein (p < 0.05) expression were larger in the pituitary cells of Hu sheep with relatively greater fecundity (GF) compared to those with lesser fecundity (LF). Loss-of-function examinations demonstrated that EZH2 gene knockdown led to an earlier induction of apoptosis in sheep pituitary cells (PCs). The relative abundance of CASP3, CASP9, and BAX was increased (p < 0.01), while BCL2's abundance was less decreased (p < 0.01) in PCs where there was EZH2 gene knockdown. Additionally, cell proliferation (p < 0.01) and viability (p < 0.01) were decreased in EZH2-knockdown sheep PCs, and the cell cycle was blocked compared to a negative control (NC). Notably, EZH2 gene knockdown led to reduced abundances of gonadotropin subunit gene transcripts (FSHβ, p < 0.05) and reduced FSH release (p < 0.01) from PCs. EZH2 gene knockdown led to reduced phosphorylation of AKT, ERK, and mTOR (p < 0.01). The results suggest that EZH2 regulates pituitary cell proliferation, apoptosis, and FSH secretion through modulation of the AKT/ERK signaling pathway, providing a foundation for further study of pituitary cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cai
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Peiyong Chen
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Shanglai Li
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Bingru Zhao
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yixuan Fan
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Naina Marikar S, Al-Hasani K, Khurana I, Kaipananickal H, Okabe J, Maxwell S, El-Osta A. Pharmacological inhibition of human EZH2 can influence a regenerative β-like cell capacity with in vitro insulin release in pancreatic ductal cells. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:101. [PMID: 37309004 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01491-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic replacement of pancreatic endocrine β-cells is key to improving hyperglycaemia caused by insulin-dependent diabetes . Whilst the pool of ductal progenitors, which give rise to the endocrine cells, are active during development, neogenesis of islets is repressed in the human adult. Recent human donor studies have demonstrated the role of EZH2 inhibition in surgically isolated exocrine cells showing reactivation of insulin expression and the influence on the H3K27me3 barrier to β-cell regeneration. However, those studies fall short on defining the cell type active in transcriptional reactivation events. This study examines the role of the regenerative capacity of human pancreatic ductal cells when stimulated with pharmacological inhibitors of the EZH2 methyltransferase. RESULTS Human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells were stimulated with the EZH2 inhibitors GSK-126, EPZ6438, and triptolide using a 2- and 7-day protocol to determine their influence on the expression of core endocrine development marker NGN3, as well as β-cell markers insulin, MAFA, and PDX1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies show a close correspondence of pharmacological EZH2 inhibition with reduced H3K27me3 content of the core genes, NGN3, MAFA and PDX1. Consistent with the reduction of H3K27me3 by pharmacological inhibition of EZH2, we observe measurable immunofluorescence staining of insulin protein and glucose-sensitive insulin response. CONCLUSION The results of this study serve as a proof of concept for a probable source of β-cell induction from pancreatic ductal cells that are capable of influencing insulin expression. Whilst pharmacological inhibition of EZH2 can stimulate secretion of detectable insulin from ductal progenitor cells, further studies are required to address mechanism and the identity of ductal progenitor cell targets to improve likely methods designed to reduce the burden of insulin-dependent diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safiya Naina Marikar
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Keith Al-Hasani
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Ishant Khurana
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Harikrishnan Kaipananickal
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Jun Okabe
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Scott Maxwell
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Assam El-Osta
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Program, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia.
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia.
- Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR.
- Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 3/F Lui Che Woo Clinical Sciences Building, 30‑32 Ngan Shing Street, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR.
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR.
- Biomedical Laboratory Science, Department of Technology, Faculty of Health, University College Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Legrand JMD, Hobbs RM. Defining Gene Function in Spermatogonial Stem Cells Through Conditional Knockout Approaches. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:261-307. [PMID: 37249877 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian male fertility is maintained throughout life by a population of self-renewing mitotic germ cells known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Much of our current understanding regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying SSC activity is derived from studies using conditional knockout mouse models. Here, we provide a guide for the selection and use of mouse strains to develop conditional knockout models for the study of SSCs, as well as their precursors and differentiation-committed progeny. We describe Cre recombinase-expressing strains, breeding strategies to generate experimental groups, and treatment regimens for inducible knockout models and provide advice for verifying and improving conditional knockout efficiency. This resource can be beneficial to those aiming to develop conditional knockout models for the study of SSC development and postnatal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien M D Legrand
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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Guo SM, Liu XP, Tian Q, Fei CF, Zhang YR, Li ZM, Yin Y, He X, Zhou LQ. Regulatory roles of alternative splicing at Ezh2 gene in mouse oocytes. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:99. [PMID: 35791029 PMCID: PMC9254527 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00962-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2), the core member of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), has multiple splicing modes and performs various physiological functions. However, function and mechanism of alternative splicing at Ezh2 exon 3 in reproduction are unknown. METHODS We generated Ezh2Long and Ezh2Short mouse models with different point mutations at the Ezh2 exon 3 alternative splicing site, and each mutant mouse model expressed either the long or the short isoform of Ezh2. We examined mutant mouse fertility and oocyte development to assess the function of Ezh2 alternative splicing at exon 3 in the reproductive system. RESULTS We found that Ezh2Long female mice had normal fertility. However, Ezh2Short female mice had significantly decreased fertility and obstructed oogenesis, with compromised mitochondrial function in Ezh2Short oocytes. Interestingly, increased EZH2 protein abundance and accumulated H3K27me3 were observed in Ezh2Short oocytes. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that correct Ezh2 alternative splicing at exon 3 is important for mouse oogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Meng Guo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xing-Ping Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qing Tian
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Cai-Feng Fei
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yi-Ran Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ying Yin
- School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Ximiao He
- School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Li-Quan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Deletion of Hnrnpk Gene Causes Infertility in Male Mice by Disrupting Spermatogenesis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081277. [PMID: 35455958 PMCID: PMC9028439 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
HnRNPK is a heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) that has been firmly implicated in transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. However, the molecular mechanisms by which hnRNPK orchestrates transcriptional or post-transcriptional regulation are not well understood due to early embryonic lethality in homozygous knockout mice, especially in a tissue-specific context. Strikingly, in this study, we demonstrated that hnRNPK is strongly expressed in the mouse testis and mainly localizes to the nucleus in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and round spermatids, suggesting an important role for hnRNPK in spermatogenesis. Using a male germ cell-specific hnRNPK-depleted mouse model, we found that it is critical for testicular development and male fertility. The initiation of meiosis of following spermatogenesis was not affected in Hnrnpk cKO mice, while most germ cells were arrested at the pachytene stage of the meiosis and no mature sperm were detected in epididymides. The further RNA-seq analysis of Hnrnpk cKO mice testis revealed that the deletion of hnRNPK disturbed the expression of genes involved in male reproductive development, among which the meiosis genes were significantly affected, and Hnrnpk cKO spermatocytes failed to complete the meiotic prophase. Together, these results identify hnRNPK as an essential regulator of spermatogenesis and male fertility.
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Lv W, Yu M, Su Y. miR-22-5p regulates the self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells by targeting EZH2. Open Med (Wars) 2022; 17:556-565. [PMID: 35415251 PMCID: PMC8932390 DOI: 10.1515/med-2022-0429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MiRNAs play an important role in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the basic function of miR-22-5p in cryptorchidism. The results of RT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry showed that miR-22-5p was increased while EZH2 decreased in the testicular tissues of patients with cryptorchidism. Overexpression of miR-22-5p inhibited the proliferation of SSCs, increased cell apoptosis rate, and reduced expression of SSC marker proteins (GDNF and DAZL); however, knockout of miR-22-5p has the opposite effect. The Luciferase reporter gene assays demonstrated that EZH2 is a direct target of miR-22-5p. Moreover, EZH2 overexpression could reverse the effect of miR-22-5p mimic on SSCs’ proliferation, apoptosis, and expression of SSC marker proteins. Our results demonstrated that miR-22-5p regulates SSCs’ self-renewal by targeting EZH2, which indicated that miR-22-5p may serve as a biological marker for the treatment of infertility caused by cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Lv
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei 230001 , Anhui , China
| | - Mei Yu
- Department of Pediatrician, Binhu District of Hefei First People’s Hospital (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University) , Hefei 230000 , Anhui , China
| | - Yilin Su
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei 230001 , Anhui , China
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10
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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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11
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Meng TG, Zhou Q, Ma XS, Liu XY, Meng QR, Huang XJ, Liu HL, Lei WL, Zhao ZH, Ouyang YC, Hou Y, Schatten H, Ou XH, Wang ZB, Gao SR, Sun QY. PRC2 and EHMT1 regulate H3K27me2 and H3K27me3 establishment across the zygote genome. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6354. [PMID: 33311485 PMCID: PMC7733509 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20242-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of zygote is the beginning of mammalian life, and dynamic epigenetic modifications are essential for mammalian normal development. H3K27 di-methylation (H3K27me2) and H3K27 tri-methylation (H3K27me3) are marks of facultative heterochromatin which maintains transcriptional repression established during early development in many eukaryotes. However, the mechanism underlying establishment and regulation of epigenetic asymmetry in the zygote remains obscure. Here we show that maternal EZH2 is required for the establishment of H3K27me3 in mouse zygotes. However, combined immunostaining with ULI-NChIP-seq (ultra-low-input micrococcal nuclease-based native ChIP-seq) shows that EZH1 could partially safeguard the role of EZH2 in the formation of H3K27me2. Meanwhile, we identify that EHMT1 is involved in the establishment of H3K27me2, and that H3K27me2 might be an essential prerequisite for the following de novo H3K27me3 modification on the male pronucleus. In this work, we clarify the establishment and regulatory mechanisms of H3K27me2 and H3K27me3 in mouse zygotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tie-Gang Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xue-Shan Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Qing-Ren Meng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Xian-Ju Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Hong-Lin Liu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Wen-Long Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zheng-Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Ying-Chun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Xiang-Hong Ou
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China.
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Shao-Rong Gao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China.
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12
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Zhou S, Feng S, Qin W, Wang X, Tang Y, Yuan S. Epigenetic Regulation of Spermatogonial Stem Cell Homeostasis: From DNA Methylation to Histone Modification. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 17:562-580. [PMID: 32939648 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10044-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells(SSCs)are the ultimate germline stem cells with the potential of self-renewal and differentiation, and a dynamic balance of SSCs play an essential role in spermatogenesis. During the gene expression process, genomic DNA and nuclear protein, working together, contribute to SSC homeostasis. Recently, emerging studies have shown that epigenome-related molecules such as chromatin modifiers play an important role in SSC homeostasis through regulating target gene expression. Here, we focus on two types of epigenetic events, including DNA methylation and histone modification, and summarize their function in SSC homeostasis. Understanding the molecular mechanism during SSC homeostasis will promote the recognition of epigenetic biomarkers in male infertility, and bring light into therapies of infertile patients.Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Shenglei Feng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, 510500, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunge Tang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, 510500, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China. .,Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China.
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13
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Xie Y, Wei BH, Ni FD, Yang WX. Conversion from spermatogonia to spermatocytes: Extracellular cues and downstream transcription network. Gene 2020; 764:145080. [PMID: 32858178 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Spermatocyte (spc) formation from spermatogonia (spg) differentiation is the first step of spermatogenesis which produces prodigious spermatozoa for a lifetime. After decades of studies, several factors involved in the functioning of a mouse were discovered both inside and outside spg. Considering the peculiar expression and working pattern of each factor, this review divides the whole conversion of spg to spc into four consecutive development processes with a focus on extracellular cues and downstream transcription network in each one. Potential coordination among Dmrt1, Sohlh1/2 and BMP families mediates Ngn3 upregulation, which marks progenitor spg, with other changes. After that, retinoic acid (RA), as a master regulator, promotes A1 spg formation with its helpers and Sall4. A1-to-B spg transition is under the control of Kitl and impulsive RA signaling together with early and late transcription factors Stra8 and Dmrt6. Finally, RA and its responsive effectors conduct the entry into meiosis. The systematic transcription network from outside to inside still needs research to supplement or settle the controversials in each process. As a step further ahead, this review provides possible drug targets for infertility therapy by cross-linking humans and mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xie
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bang-Hong Wei
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei-Da Ni
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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14
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EZH2 expression and its role in spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal in goats. Theriogenology 2020; 155:222-231. [PMID: 32731005 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) methyltransferase that plays vital roles in mouse spermatogenesis. However, the expression pattern and role of EZH2 in goat spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is unknown. In the present study, we investigated EZH2 expression in the testis of postpubertal goats and its effect on the biological characteristics of goat SSCs. We found that EZH2 mRNA (P < 0.01) and protein (P < 0.05) expression was increased in the testes of postpubertal goats compared to that of prepubertal goats. Moreover, EZH2 was more highly expressed in goat SSCs than in Leydig cells (P < 0.01) and Sertoli cells (P < 0.01) as determined by qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Compared to a negative control (NC), cell proliferation (P < 0.01) and viability (P < 0.01) were decreased in SSCs in which EZH2 was knocked down, and the G2/M phase of the cell cycle was blocked (P < 0.01), as determined by Edu staining, CCK-8 assay, and flow cytometry analysis. Additionally, the expression of CASP3, CASP9, and BAX was significantly increased (P < 0.01) while BCL2 expression was decreased (P < 0.01) in EZH2 knockdown SSCs. Notably, the expression of GDNF, a SSCs marker gene, and DAZL, a spermatogenesis-related gene, were significantly decreased (P < 0.01) while GFRA1 expression was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.01) in EZH2 knockdown SSCs. Our data suggest that EZH2 plays a pivotal role in the self-renewal of goat SSCs, and knockdown of EZH2 might impair spermatogenesis in goats.
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15
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Shami AN, Zheng X, Munyoki SK, Ma Q, Manske GL, Green CD, Sukhwani M, Orwig KE, Li JZ, Hammoud SS. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of Human, Macaque, and Mouse Testes Uncovers Conserved and Divergent Features of Mammalian Spermatogenesis. Dev Cell 2020; 54:529-547.e12. [PMID: 32504559 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a highly regulated process that produces sperm to transmit genetic information to the next generation. Although extensively studied in mice, our current understanding of primate spermatogenesis is limited to populations defined by state-specific markers from rodent data. As between-species differences have been reported in the duration and differentiation hierarchy of this process, it remains unclear how molecular markers and cell states are conserved or have diverged from mice to man. To address this challenge, we employ single-cell RNA sequencing to identify transcriptional signatures of major germ and somatic cell types of the testes in human, macaque, and mice. This approach reveals similarities and differences in expression throughout spermatogenesis, including the stem/progenitor pool of spermatogonia, markers of differentiation, potential regulators of meiosis, RNA turnover during spermatid differentiation, and germ cell-soma communication. These datasets provide a rich foundation for future targeted mechanistic studies of primate germ cell development and in vitro gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xianing Zheng
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sarah K Munyoki
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Qianyi Ma
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gabriel L Manske
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Meena Sukhwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Jun Z Li
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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16
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Li YC, Wang GW, Xu SR, Zhang XN, Yang QE. The expression of histone methyltransferases and distribution of selected histone methylations in testes of yak and cattle-yak hybrid. Theriogenology 2020; 144:164-173. [PMID: 31972460 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Interspecies hybridization exists widely in nature and plays an important role in animal evolution and adaptation. It is commonly recognized that male offspring of interspecies hybrid are often sterile, which presents a crucial way of reproductive isolation. Currently, the mechanisms underlying interspecies hybrid male sterility are not well understood. Cattle-yak, progeny of yak (Bos grunniens) and cattle (Bos taurus) cross, is a unique animal model for investigating hybrid male sterility. Because histone modifications are vital for spermatogenesis, herein, we examined expressions of histone methyltransferases (HMTs) and distributions of histone methylations in the yak and cattle-yak testis. Histological examination of seminiferous tubules revealed that gonocytes and spermatocytes were established normally, however, spermatogenesis was arrested at the meiosis phase began at 10 months after birth in the hybrids. SUV420H1 was the only HMT examined showing a significant enrichment in cattle-yak testes at 3 months. Relative expressions of MLL5, SETDB1 and SUV420H1 were increased while SETDB2 and EZH2 were decreased in cattle-yak testes at 10 months. Relative concentrations of MLL5 and SUV420H1 were again increased while EHMT2 and PRDM9 expressions were decreased at 24 months. Immunofluorescent detection of selected histone methylations in cross-sections of testicular tissues or meiotic chromosomes demonstrated that depletion of H3K4me3 and significant enrichment of H3K27me3 and H4K20me3 were observed in Sertoli cells of cattle-yak. Levels and localizations of H3K4me3, H3K9me1, H3K9me3 and H4K20me3 were strikingly different in meiotic chromosomes of cattle-yak spermatocytes. These results highlighted the potential roles of histone methylations in spermatogenic failure and hybrid male sterility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Chang Li
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guo-Wen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shang-Rong Xu
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Xining, Qinghai, 810008, China
| | - Xiao-Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810001, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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17
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Cyrus S, Burkardt D, Weaver DD, Gibson WT. PRC2-complex related dysfunction in overgrowth syndromes: A review of EZH2, EED, and SUZ12 and their syndromic phenotypes. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 181:519-531. [PMID: 31724824 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The EZH2, EED, and SUZ12 genes encode proteins that comprise core components of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), an epigenetic "writer" with H3K27 methyltransferase activity, catalyzing the addition of up to three methyl groups on histone 3 at lysine residue 27 (H3K27). Partial loss-of-function variants in genes encoding the EZH2 and EED subunits of the complex lead to overgrowth, macrocephaly, advanced bone age, variable intellectual disability, and distinctive facial features. EZH2-associated overgrowth, caused by constitutional heterozygous mutations within Enhancer of Zeste homologue 2 (EZH2), has a phenotypic spectrum ranging from tall stature without obvious intellectual disability or dysmorphic features to classical Weaver syndrome (OMIM #277590). EED-associated overgrowth (Cohen-Gibson syndrome; OMIM #617561) is caused by germline heterozygous mutations in Embryonic Ectoderm Development (EED), and manifests overgrowth and intellectual disability (OGID), along with other features similar to Weaver syndrome. Most recently, rare coding variants in SUZ12 have also been described that present with clinical characteristics similar to the previous two syndromes. Here we review the PRC2 complex and clinical syndromes of OGID associated with core components EZH2, EED, and SUZ12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharri Cyrus
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Deepika Burkardt
- Center for Human Genetics, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children/Department of Genetics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - David D Weaver
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - William T Gibson
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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18
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La HM, Hobbs RM. Mechanisms regulating mammalian spermatogenesis and fertility recovery following germ cell depletion. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4071-4102. [PMID: 31254043 PMCID: PMC11105665 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03201-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly complex multi-step process sustained by a population of mitotic germ cells with self-renewal potential known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The maintenance and regulation of SSC function are strictly dependent on a supportive niche that is composed of multiple cell types. A detailed appreciation of the molecular mechanisms underpinning SSC activity and fate is of fundamental importance for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, different models of SSC identity and spermatogonial hierarchy have been proposed and recent studies indicate that cell populations supporting steady-state germline maintenance and regeneration following damage are distinct. Importantly, dynamic changes in niche properties may underlie the fate plasticity of spermatogonia evident during testis regeneration. While formation of spermatogenic colonies in germ-cell-depleted testis upon transplantation is a standard assay for SSCs, differentiation-primed spermatogonial fractions have transplantation potential and this assay provides readout of regenerative rather than steady-state stem cell capacity. The characterisation of spermatogonial populations with regenerative capacity is essential for the development of clinical applications aimed at restoring fertility in individuals following germline depletion by genotoxic treatments. This review will discuss regulatory mechanisms of SSCs in homeostatic and regenerative testis and the conservation of these mechanisms between rodent models and man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue M La
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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19
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Wang H, Wang G, Dai Y, Li Z, Zhu Y, Sun F. Functional role of GKAP1 in the regulation of male germ cell spontaneous apoptosis and sperm number. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1199-1209. [PMID: 31318116 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
G kinase-anchoring protein 1 (GKAP1) is a G kinase-associated protein that is conserved in many eutherians and is mainly expressed in the testis, especially in spermatocytes and round spermatids. The function of GKAP1 in the testis is largely unknown. Here, we revealed that deletion of GKAP1 led to an increase in sperm production with swollen epididymis, and germ cell apoptosis was found to decrease in GKAP1 knock-out mice. Further investigations showed that a deficiency of GKAP1 could partly change the cellular location of cGK-Iα and increase the amount of active cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the nucleus. Therefore, the expression of a particular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) was upregulated because of the activation of CREB, and this increase in IAPs was associated with a decrease in the level of activated caspase-3. These results suggest that a deficiency of GKAP1 in mouse testis could increase sperm production through a reduction of the spontaneous apoptosis of germ cells in the testis, possibly because of a change in the activity of the cGK-Iα pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanshu Wang
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key laboratory for Embryo-Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guishuan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yubing Dai
- Qingdao University Medical College, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhenhua Li
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key laboratory for Embryo-Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key laboratory for Embryo-Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Sun
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key laboratory for Embryo-Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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20
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Sujit KM, Sarkar S, Singh V, Pandey R, Agrawal NK, Trivedi S, Singh K, Gupta G, Rajender S. Genome-wide differential methylation analyses identifies methylation signatures of male infertility. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:2256-2267. [PMID: 30358834 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do methylation changes in sperm DNA correlate with infertility? STUDY ANSWER Loss of spermatogenesis and fertility was correlated with 1680 differentially-methylated CpGs (DMCs) across 1052 genes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Methylation changes in a number of genes have been correlated with reduced sperm count and motility. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This case-control study used spermatozoal DNA from 38 oligo-/oligoastheno-zoospermic infertile patients and 26 normozoospermic fertile men. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Genome-wide methylation analysis was undertaken using 450 K BeadChip on spermatozoal DNA from six infertile and six fertile men to identify DMCs. This was followed by deep sequencing of spermatozoal DNA from 32 infertile patients and 20 fertile controls. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 1680 DMCs were identified, out of which 1436 were hypermethylated and 244 were hypomethylated. Classification of DMCs according to the genes identified BCAN, CTNNA3, DLGAP2, GATA3, MAGI2 and TP73 among imprinted genes, SPATA5, SPATA7, SPATA16 and SPATA22 among spermatogenesis-associated genes, KDM4C and JMJD1C, EZH2 and HDAC4 among genes which regulate methylation and gene expression, HLA-C, HLA-DRB6 and HLA-DQA1 among complementation and immune response genes, and CRISPLD1, LPHN3 and CPEB2 among other genes. Genes showing significant differential methylation in deep sequencing, i.e. HOXB1, GATA3, EBF3, BCAN and TCERG1L, are strong candidates for further investigations. The role of chance was ruled out by deep sequencing of select genes. LARGE-SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION Genome-wide analyses are fairly accurate, but may not be exactly validated in replication studies across all DMCs. We used the 't' test in the genome-wide methylation analysis, whereas other tests could provide a more robust and powerful analysis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS DMCs can serve as markers for inclusion in infertility screening panels, particularly those in the genes showing differential methylation consistent with previous studies. The genes validated by deep sequencing are strong candidates for investigations of their roles in spermatogenesis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was funded by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Govt. of India with grant number BSC0101 awarded to Rajender Singh. None of the authors has any competing interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saumya Sarkar
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Vertika Singh
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Rajesh Pandey
- CSIR Ayurgenomics Unit-TRISUTRA, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India.,Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Neeraj Kumar Agrawal
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Sameer Trivedi
- Department of Urology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Kiran Singh
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Gopal Gupta
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Singh Rajender
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
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21
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Cai Q, Niu H, Zhang B, Shi X, Liao M, Chen Z, Mo D, He Z, Chen Y, Cong P. Effect of EZH2 knockdown on preimplantation development of porcine parthenogenetic embryos. Theriogenology 2019; 132:95-105. [PMID: 31004879 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The EZH2 protein endows the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) with histone lysine methyltransferase activity that is associated with transcriptional repression. Recent investigations have documented crucial roles for EZH2 in mediating X-inactivation, stem cell pluripotency and cancer metastasis. However, there is little evidence demonstrating the maternal effect of EZH2 on porcine preimplantation development. Here, we took parthenogenetic activation embryos to eliminate the confounding paternal influence. We showed that the dynamic expression of EZH2 during early development was accompanied by changes in H3K27me3 levels. Depletion of EZH2 in MII oocytes by small interfering RNA not only impaired embryonic development at the blastocyst stage (P < 0.05), but also disrupted the equilibrium of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in the embryo. Interestingly, the expression of TET1, a member of Ten-Eleven Translocation gene family for converting 5-methylcytosine (5 mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), was decreased after EZH2 knockdown, in contrast to the increase of the other two members, TET2 and TET3 (P < 0.05). These results indicate a correlation between histone methylation and DNA methylation, and between EZH2 and TET1. Along with the downregulation of TET1, the expression of the pluripotency gene NANOG was decreased (P < 0.05), which is consistent with a previous finding in mouse ES cells. Meanwhile, the abundance of OCT4 and SOX2 were also down-regulated. Moreover, EZH2 knockdown reduced the capacity of cells in the blastocysts to resist apoptosis. Taken together, our data suggest that EZH2 is integral to the developmental program of porcine parthenogenetic embryos and exerts its function by regulating pluripotency, differentiation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Huiran Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Bingyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Mengqin Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zihao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Delin Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zuyong He
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yaosheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Peiqing Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
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Research update and opportunity of non-hormonal male contraception: Histone demethylase KDM5B-based targeting. Pharmacol Res 2019; 141:1-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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23
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Lhuissier E, Aury-Landas J, Bouet V, Bazille C, Repesse Y, Freret T, Boumédiene K, Baugé C. Evaluation of the impact of S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase inhibitor, 3-deazaneplanocin A, on tissue injury and cognitive function in mice. Oncotarget 2018; 9:20698-20708. [PMID: 29755682 PMCID: PMC5945538 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer patients display cognitive impairment due, at least partly, to the treatments. Additionally, chemotherapeutic treatments can lead to organ injury, limiting their use, and are likely to have negative impacts on patients’ quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the toxicity of 3-Deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) on several tissues and organs, as well as on cognitive functions. DZNep is an inhibitor of S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase (in particular of the histone methyltransferase EZH2) which showed antitumoral functions in preclinical trials but whose effects on behavior and on organs (side effects) are not known. Chronic injections of DZNep were performed intraperitoneally in male NMRI mice (2 mg/kg; i.p.; three times per week) during 8 weeks. A follow-up of body weight was assessed during all experiments. Histological analysis were performed on several organs. EZH2 expression and H3K27me3 were assayed by western-blot. Several behavioral tests were performed during treatment and 2 weeks after. A particular focus was made on spontaneous locomotor activity, cognitive functions (spontaneous alternation and recognition memory), and anxiety- and depression-related behavior. Hematological modifications were also assessed. Chronic DZNep treatment transiently reduced animal growth. It had no effect on most organs but provoked a reversible splenomegaly, and persistent testis reduction and erythropoiesis. DZNep administration did not alter animal behavior. In conclusion, this study is encouraging for the use of DZNep for cancer treatment. Indeed, it has no effect on animal behavior, conferring an advantageous safety, and induces irreversible side effects limited on testis which are unfortunately found in most chemotherapy treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Céline Bazille
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, BioConnecT, Caen, France.,CHU de Caen, Service d'Anatomie Pathologie, Caen, France
| | - Yohann Repesse
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, INSERM, EFS, PhIND, Caen, France.,CHU de Caen, Hématologie biologique, Caen, France
| | - Thomas Freret
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, Caen, France.,Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, CURB-BRP, Caen, France
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