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Cagliani R, Forni D, Mozzi A, Fuchs R, Tussia-Cohen D, Arrigoni F, Pozzoli U, De Gioia L, Hagai T, Sironi M. Evolution of Virus-like Features and Intrinsically Disordered Regions in Retrotransposon-derived Mammalian Genes. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae154. [PMID: 39101471 PMCID: PMC11299033 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Several mammalian genes have originated from the domestication of retrotransposons, selfish mobile elements related to retroviruses. Some of the proteins encoded by these genes have maintained virus-like features; including self-processing, capsid structure formation, and the generation of different isoforms through -1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting. Using quantitative approaches in molecular evolution and biophysical analyses, we studied 28 retrotransposon-derived genes, with a focus on the evolution of virus-like features. By analyzing the rate of synonymous substitutions, we show that the -1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting mechanism in three of these genes (PEG10, PNMA3, and PNMA5) is conserved across mammals and originates alternative proteins. These genes were targets of positive selection in primates, and one of the positively selected sites affects a B-cell epitope on the spike domain of the PNMA5 capsid, a finding reminiscent of observations in infectious viruses. More generally, we found that retrotransposon-derived proteins vary in their intrinsically disordered region content and this is directly associated with their evolutionary rates. Most positively selected sites in these proteins are located in intrinsically disordered regions and some of them impact protein posttranslational modifications, such as autocleavage and phosphorylation. Detailed analyses of the biophysical properties of intrinsically disordered regions showed that positive selection preferentially targeted regions with lower conformational entropy. Furthermore, positive selection introduces variation in binary sequence patterns across orthologues, as well as in chain compaction. Our results shed light on the evolutionary trajectories of a unique class of mammalian genes and suggest a novel approach to study how intrinsically disordered region biophysical characteristics are affected by evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Cagliani
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, Computational Biology Unit, Bosisio Parini 23842, Italy
| | - Diego Forni
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, Computational Biology Unit, Bosisio Parini 23842, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mozzi
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, Computational Biology Unit, Bosisio Parini 23842, Italy
| | - Rotem Fuchs
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Dafna Tussia-Cohen
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Federica Arrigoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
| | - Uberto Pozzoli
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, Computational Biology Unit, Bosisio Parini 23842, Italy
| | - Luca De Gioia
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
| | - Tzachi Hagai
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Manuela Sironi
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, Computational Biology Unit, Bosisio Parini 23842, Italy
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2
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Shi LY, Wang Y, Yang YJ, Li Q, Yang ZX, Sun LH, Luo FQ, He YH, Zhang SP, Su N, Liu JQ, He Y, Guan YC, Wei ZL, Cao YX, Zhang D. NLRP4E regulates actin cap formation through SRC and CDC42 during oocyte meiosis. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:68. [PMID: 38730334 PMCID: PMC11088158 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00580-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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Members of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine rich repeat and pyrin domain containing (NLRP) family regulate various physiological and pathological processes. However, none have been shown to regulate actin cap formation or spindle translocation during the asymmetric division of oocyte meiosis I. NLRP4E has been reported as a candidate protein in female fertility, but its function is unknown. METHODS Immunofluorescence, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and western blotting were employed to examine the localization and expression levels of NLRP4E and related proteins in mouse oocytes. small interfering RNA (siRNA) and antibody transfection were used to knock down NLRP4E and other proteins. Immunoprecipitation (IP)-mass spectrometry was used to identify the potential proteins interacting with NLRP4E. Coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was used to verify the protein interactions. Wild type (WT) or mutant NLRP4E messenger RNA (mRNA) was injected into oocytes for rescue experiments. In vitro phosphorylation was employed to examine the activation of steroid receptor coactivator (SRC) by NLRP4E. RESULTS NLRP4E was more predominant within oocytes compared with other NLRP4 members. NLRP4E knockdown significantly inhibited actin cap formation and spindle translocation toward the cap region, resulting in the failure of polar body extrusion at the end of meiosis I. Mechanistically, GRIN1, and GANO1 activated NLRP4E by phosphorylation at Ser429 and Thr430; p-NLRP4E is translocated and is accumulated in the actin cap region during spindle translocation. Next, we found that p-NLRP4E directly phosphorylated SRC at Tyr418, while p-SRC negatively regulated p-CDC42-S71, an inactive form of CDC42 that promotes actin cap formation and spindle translocation in the GTP-bound form. CONCLUSIONS NLRP4E activated by GRIN1 and GANO1 regulates actin cap formation and spindle translocation toward the cap region through upregulation of p-SRC-Tyr418 and downregulation of p-CDC42-S71 during meiosis I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ya Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 551 Pudong South Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan-Jie Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), 123 Tianfei Lane, Nanjing, 210018, China
| | - Zhi-Xia Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Li-Hua Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 551 Pudong South Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Fu-Qiang Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yu-Hao He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shu-Ping Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ning Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia-Qi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ye He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yi-Chun Guan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Rehabilitation Front Street, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
| | - Zhao-Lian Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Yun-Xia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Dong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China.
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3
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Fair T, Lonergan P. The oocyte: the key player in the success of assisted reproduction technologies. Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 36:133-148. [PMID: 38064189 DOI: 10.1071/rd23164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The ovulation of a mature oocyte at metaphase II of meiosis, with optimal potential to undergo fertilisation by a sperm cell, complete meiosis and sustain the switch to mitotic division, and support early embryo development, involves a protracted and disrupted/delayed series of processes. Many of these are targeted for exploitation in vivo , or recapitulation in vitro , by the livestock industry. Reproductive technologies, including AI, multiple ovulation embryo transfer, ovum pick-up, in vitro embryo production, and oestrus and ovulation synchronisation, offer practitioners and producers the opportunity to produce offspring from genetically valuable dams in much greater numbers than they would normally have in their lifetime, while in vitro oocyte and follicle culture are important platforms for researchers to interrogate the physiological mechanisms driving fertility. The majority of these technologies target the ovarian follicle and the oocyte within; thus, the quality and capability of the recovered oocyte determine the success of the reproductive intervention. Molecular and microscopical technologies have grown exponentially, providing powerful platforms to interrogate the molecular mechanisms which are integral to or affected by ART. The development of the bovine oocyte from its differentiation in the ovary to ovulation is described in the light of its relevance to key aspects of individual interventions, while highlighting the historical timeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trudee Fair
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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4
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Morris ME, Meinsohn MC, Chauvin M, Saatcioglu HD, Kashiwagi A, Sicher NA, Nguyen N, Yuan S, Stavely R, Hyun M, Donahoe PK, Sabatini BL, Pépin D. A single-cell atlas of the cycling murine ovary. eLife 2022; 11:77239. [PMID: 36205477 PMCID: PMC9545525 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The estrous cycle is regulated by rhythmic endocrine interactions of the nervous and reproductive systems, which coordinate the hormonal and ovulatory functions of the ovary. Folliculogenesis and follicle progression require the orchestrated response of a variety of cell types to allow the maturation of the follicle and its sequela, ovulation, corpus luteum formation, and ovulatory wound repair. Little is known about the cell state dynamics of the ovary during the estrous cycle and the paracrine factors that help coordinate this process. Herein, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to evaluate the transcriptome of >34,000 cells of the adult mouse ovary and describe the transcriptional changes that occur across the normal estrous cycle and other reproductive states to build a comprehensive dynamic atlas of murine ovarian cell types and states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Morris
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Marie-Charlotte Meinsohn
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Maeva Chauvin
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Hatice D Saatcioglu
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Aki Kashiwagi
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Natalie A Sicher
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Ngoc Nguyen
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Selena Yuan
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Rhian Stavely
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Minsuk Hyun
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Patricia K Donahoe
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Bernardo L Sabatini
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - David Pépin
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
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5
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Wang Y, Shen Z. Unmasking the mammalian SET domain-containing protein 4. NAR Cancer 2022; 4:zcac021. [PMID: 35854936 PMCID: PMC9277757 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcac021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SET domain-containing protein 4 (SETD4) is a member of a unique class of protein lysine methyltransferases. Here, we introduce the basic features of SETD4 and summarize the key findings from recent studies with emphases on its roles in tissue development and tumorigenesis, and its methylation substrates. SETD4 is expressed in stem/progenitor cells. Ablation of Setd4+ cells impedes the repopulation of acinar cells after pancreatic injury. Setd4 deletion in mice promotes the recovery of radiation-induced bone marrow (BM) failure by boosting the function of BM niche, facilitates the generation of endothelial cells and neovascularization of capillary vessels in the heart, enhances the proliferation of BM mesenchymal stem cells and disrupts the TLR4 signaling in BM-derived macrophages. SETD4 expression is also associated with the maintenance of quiescent breast cancer stem cells. While mouse Setd4 knockout delays radiation-induced T-lymphoma formation, elevated SETD4 expression has been observed in some proliferative cancer cells and is associated with a pro-survival potential. Oncogenic fusions of SETD4 have also been identified in cancer, albeit rare. In addition, SETD4 methylates lysine-570 in the C-terminal globular domain of KU70, which enables KU70 translocation to cytoplasm to suppress apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School , 195 Little Albany Street , New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Zhiyuan Shen
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School , 195 Little Albany Street , New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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6
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Chen LJ, Zhang NN, Zhou CX, Yang ZX, Li YR, Zhang T, Li CR, Wang X, Wang Y, Wang ZB, Xia ZR, Wang ZB, Zhang CL, Guan YC, Sun QY, Zhang D. Gm364 coordinates MIB2/DLL3/Notch2 to regulate female fertility through AKT activation. Cell Death Differ 2022; 29:366-380. [PMID: 34635817 PMCID: PMC8816931 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00861-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Many integral membrane proteins might act as indispensable coordinators in specific functional microdomains to maintain the normal operation of known receptors, such as Notch. Gm364 is a multi-pass transmembrane protein that has been screened as a potential female fertility factor. However, there have been no reports to date about its function in female fertility. Here, we found that global knockout of Gm364 decreased the numbers of primordial follicles and growing follicles, impaired oocyte quality as indicated by increased ROS and γ-H2AX, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased oocyte maturation, and increased aneuploidy. Mechanistically, Gm364 directly binds and anchors MIB2, a ubiquitin ligase, on the membrane. Subsequently, membrane MIB2 ubiquitinates and activates DLL3. Next, the activated DLL3 binds and activates Notch2, which is subsequently cleaved within the cytoplasm to produce NICD2, the intracellular active domain of Notch2. Finally, NICD2 can directly activate AKT within the cytoplasm to regulate oocyte meiosis and quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Jian Chen
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Na-Na Zhang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Rehabilitation Front Street, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Chun-Xiang Zhou
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhi-Xia Yang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan-Ru Li
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital & Reproductive Medical Center, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Weiwu Road, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Teng Zhang
- State Key Lab of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Cong-Rong Li
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Wang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zi-Bin Wang
- Analysis and Test Center, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zheng-Rong Xia
- Analysis and Test Center, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Lab of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Cui-Lian Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital & Reproductive Medical Center, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Weiwu Road, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.
| | - Yi-Chun Guan
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China.
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Rehabilitation Front Street, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab and Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, 466 Xin-Gang-Zhong Road, Guangzhou, 510317, Guangdong, China.
| | - Dong Zhang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave., Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China.
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7
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Li M, Rong X, Lu L, Li Y, Yao K, Ge W, Duan C. IGF-2 mRNA binding protein 2 regulates primordial germ cell development in zebrafish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 313:113875. [PMID: 34352271 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein-2 (IGF2BP2 or IMP2) is a member of a conserved family of RNA binding proteins. These proteins bind to and regulate target mRNA localization, stability, and translation. Their structure, expression and functions in bony fish are not well understood. Here, we characterized the zebrafish igf2bp2 gene and investigated its functional role in early development. Zebrafish igf2bp2 gives rise to 4 alternatively spliced transcripts. When expressed in cultured cells, all 4 proteins were detected in the cytoplasm. Igf2bp2-A, the longest isoform, has a domain structure similar to its mammalian counterpart. Igf2bp2-B lacks one of the C-terminal KH domains, while Igf2bp2-C lacks the two N-terminal RRM domains. Igf2bp2-D lacks both regions. In adult fish, these igf2bp2 isoforms were detected exclusively in the oocyte. After fertilization, they disappeared within 6 h post fertilization (hpf). At 20 ~ 24 hpf, igf2bp2-A mRNA, but not other mRNAs, was re-expressed in the embryos including in primordial germ cells. Targeted knockdown of Igf2bp2s reduced the numbers of primordial germ cells but did not affect global patterning or growth. The effect was rescued by overexpression of Igf2bp2-A. Likewise, dominant-negative inhibition of Igf2bp2 resulted in a similar reduction in primordial germ cell number. These results not only provide new information about the structure and expression of zebrafish Igf2bp2, but also reveal a critical role of this conserved RNA binding protein in primordial germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Xiaozhi Rong
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Yun Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Kai Yao
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China; College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430081, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Cunming Duan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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8
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Llarena N, Hine C. Reproductive Longevity and Aging: Geroscience Approaches to Maintain Long-Term Ovarian Fitness. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 76:1551-1560. [PMID: 32808646 PMCID: PMC8361335 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glaa204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increases in delayed childbearing worldwide have elicited the need for a better understanding of the biological underpinnings and implications of age-related infertility. In women 35 years and older the incidences of infertility, aneuploidy, and birth defects dramatically increase. These outcomes are a result of age-related declines in both ovarian reserve and oocyte quality. In addition to waning reproductive function, the decline in estrogen secretion at menopause contributes to multisystem aging and the initiation of frailty. Both reproductive and hormonal ovarian function are limited by the primordial follicle pool, which is established in utero and declines irreversibly until menopause. Because ovarian function is dependent on the primordial follicle pool, an understanding of the mechanisms that regulate follicular growth and maintenance of the primordial follicle pool is critical for the development of interventions to prolong the reproductive life span. Multiple pathways related to aging and nutrient-sensing converge in the mammalian ovary to regulate quiescence or activation of primordial follicles. The PI3K/PTEN/AKT/FOXO3 and associated TSC/mTOR pathways are central to the regulation of the primordial follicle pool; however, aging-associated systems such as the insulin-like growth factor-1/growth hormone pathway, and transsulfuration/hydrogen sulfide pathways may also play a role. Additionally, sirtuins aid in maintaining developmental metabolic competence and chromosomal integrity of the oocyte. Here we review the pathways that regulate ovarian reserve and oocyte quality, and discuss geroscience interventions that leverage our understanding of these pathways to promote reproductive longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Llarena
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Ohio
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Cleveland Clinic Women’s Health Institute, Ohio
| | - Christopher Hine
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Ohio
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9
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Yang Q, Mumusoglu S, Qin Y, Sun Y, Hsueh AJ. A kaleidoscopic view of ovarian genes associated with premature ovarian insufficiency and senescence. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21753. [PMID: 34233068 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100756r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian infertility and subfertility presenting with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and diminished ovarian reserve are major issues facing the developed world due to the trend of delaying childbirth. Ovarian senescence and POI represent a continuum of physiological/pathophysiological changes in ovarian follicle functions. Based on advances in whole exome sequencing, evaluation of gene copy variants, together with family-based and genome-wide association studies, we discussed genes responsible for POI and ovarian senescence. We used a gene-centric approach to sort out literature deposited in the Ovarian Kaleidoscope database (http://okdb.appliedbioinfo.net) by sub-categorizing candidate genes as ligand-receptor signaling, meiosis and DNA repair, transcriptional factors, RNA metabolism, enzymes, and others. We discussed individual gene mutations found in POI patients and verification of gene functions in gene-deleted model organisms. Decreased expression of some of the POI genes could be responsible for ovarian senescence, especially those essential for DNA repair, meiosis and mitochondrial functions. We propose to set up a candidate gene panel for targeted sequencing in POI patients together with studies on mitochondria-associated genes in middle-aged subfertile patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingling Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sezcan Mumusoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yingpu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Aaron J Hsueh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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10
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Kim J, You S. Extended adverse effects of cyclophosphamide on mouse ovarian function. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2021; 22:3. [PMID: 33413693 PMCID: PMC7792169 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-020-00468-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Most patients with cancer undergo multiple administrations of anticancer drugs during treatment, resulting in chronic impairment of their reproductive health. As improved treatment options increase cancer survival, it has become increasingly important to address fertility issues in cancer survivors. In this study, we examined the pathophysiological effects of multiple exposures to cyclophosphamide (Cy) on the ovaries of mice and their underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS Female C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with 100 mg/kg Cy six times over 2 weeks; 4 weeks later, the mice were sacrificed and their ovaries, sera, and oocytes were collected for histological observation, measurement of anti-Müllerian hormone levels, and assessment of oocyte quantity and quality in response to hormonal stimulation. Gene expression changes in Cy-treated ovaries were examined by microarray and bioinformatics analyses. RESULTS After repeated Cy exposure, the anti-Müllerian hormone level was decreased, and follicle loss and impairments in the quality of oocyte were irreversible. The expression levels of genes involved in folliculogenesis, oogenesis, and zona pellucida glycoprotein transcription displayed sustained alterations in Cy-exposed ovaries even after 4 weeks. CONCLUSION The adverse effects of Cy on ovarian function and oocytes remained even after chemotherapy was complete. Therefore, strategies to prevent ovarian damage or restore ovarian function after treatment are required to safeguard the fertility of young cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyun Kim
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseongdae-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooseong You
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseongdae-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Downregulation of the ubiquitin ligase KBTBD8 prevented epithelial ovarian cancer progression. Mol Med 2020; 26:96. [PMID: 33109073 PMCID: PMC7590797 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-020-00226-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Kelch repeat and BTB domain-containing protein 8, KBTBD8, has been identified as a female fertility factor. However, there have been no reports on the role of KBTBD8 in the progression of epithelial ovarian cancer, EOC. Our study aimed to address this issue. METHODS We first examine KBTBD8 expression in EOC tissues and cells. Next, we performed RNA sequencing to reveal the overall mechanism. Then we investigated the roles of KBTBD8 in the proliferation, migration, and health status of cultured EOC cells. Finally, we employed tumor xenograft models to evaluate the role of KBTBD8 in vivo. RESULTS First, KBTBD8 level was significantly higher in EOC tissues and cells. Next, comparative RNA sequencing identified more tumorigenesis-related genes that KBTBD8 might regulate. Then we found that KBTBD8 knockdown significantly decreased EOC cell proliferation, migration, and the activities of multiple tumorigenesis-related kinases. Finally, KBTBD8 knockdown significantly diminished ovarian tumor formation in vivo. CONCLUSION Proper KBTBD8 level is essential for the healthy growth of ovarian somatic cells, such as ovarian epithelial cells. Excessive KBTBD8 might be a significant impetus for EOC progression. KBTBD8 reduction greatly inhibits EOC proliferation and migration.
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12
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Hsueh AJW, Feng Y. Discovery of polypeptide ligand-receptor pairs based on their co-evolution. FASEB J 2020; 34:8824-8832. [PMID: 32501617 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000779r] [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: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sequencing diverse genomes allowed the tracing of orthologous and paralogous genes to understand the co-evolution of polypeptide ligands and receptors. This review documents the discovery of several polypeptide ligands and their cognate receptors mainly expressed in the reproductive tissue using evolutionary genomics. We discussed the sub-functionization of paralogs and co-evolution of ligand-receptor families. Based on the conserved signaling among paralogous receptors and common knock-out phenotypes of ligand-receptor pairs, relationships between relaxin family peptides and leucine-rich repeat-containing, G protein-coupled receptors (LGR) were revealed. We also described the identification of a novel paralogous glycoprotein hormone thyrostimulin and design of a long-acting FSH. Human stresscopin and stresscopin-related peptide, paralogous to CRH, were also identified based on the conserved signaling pathways. Recently, a novel ligand placensin expressed in human placenta was found based on the paralogous relationship with a metabolic hormone asprosin. Placensin likely contributes to stage-dependent increases in insulin resistance during human pregnancy and its elevated secretion was associated with gestational diabetes mellitus. Although many ligands were predicted based on sequence signatures, ligands of shorter sequences have not been identified, together with many "orphan" receptors without known ligands. Future development of tools for predicting ligands and high throughput assays to identify ligand-receptor pairs based on ligand binding and/or signal transduction could advance hormone-based physiology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J W Hsueh
- Division of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yi Feng
- Division of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Lab of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Institute of Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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13
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Zhang NN, Zhang T, Gao WY, Wang X, Wang ZB, Cai JY, Ma Y, Li CR, Chen XC, Zeng WT, Hu F, Li JM, Yang ZX, Zhou CX, Zhang D. Fam70A binds Wnt5a to regulate meiosis and quality of mouse oocytes. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12825. [PMID: 32391621 PMCID: PMC7309945 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little is known about the roles of integral membrane proteins beyond channels, carriers or receptors in meiotic oocytes. The transmembrane protein Fam70A was previously identified as a likely "female fertility factor" in Fox3a-knockout mouse ovaries where almost all follicles underwent synchronous activation and the mice became infertile very early. However, whether Fam70A functions in oocyte meiosis remains unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to address this question. MATERIALS AND METHODS Co-immunoprecipitation, immunogold labelling-electron microscopy, co-localization and yeast two-hybrid assays were used to verify the interaction. Antibody or small interfering RNA transfection was used to deplete the proteins. Immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and live tracker staining were used to examine the localization or characterize phenotypes. Western blot was used to examine the protein level. RESULTS Fam70A was enriched in oocyte membranes important for normal meiosis. Fam70A depletion remarkably disrupted spindle assembly, chromosome congression and first polar body extrusion, which subsequently increased aneuploidy and abnormal fertilization. Moreover, Fam70A directly bound Wnt5a, the most abundant Wnt member within oocytes. Depletion of either Fam70A or Wnt5a remarkably increased adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), which stabilizes active β-catenin and microtubules. Consequently, depletion of either Fam70A or Wnt5a remarkably increased p-β-catenin (inactive form) and acetylated tubulin, while APC knockdown remarkably decreased these two. Furthermore, Fam70A depletion remarkably reduced Akt phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS Fam70A regulates meiosis and quality of mouse oocytes through both canonical and non-canonical Wnt5a signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Na Zhang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Teng Zhang
- State Key Lab of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Yi Gao
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zi-Bin Wang
- Analysis and Test Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Yang Cai
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Ma
- The Second Hospital of Changzhou, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cong-Rong Li
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi-Chen Chen
- Analysis and Test Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Tao Zeng
- Animal Core Facility, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Fan Hu
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian-Min Li
- Animal Core Facility, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Xia Yang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chun-Xiang Zhou
- Drum Tower Hospital, Medical College of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Animal Core Facility, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
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14
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Peng R, Wang L, Gao W, Zhu F, Hu F, Zeng W, Shi L, Chen X, Cai J, Zhang D, Xia Z, Yang Z. The 5.8S pre-rRNA maturation factor, M-phase phosphoprotein 6, is a female fertility factor required for oocyte quality and meiosis. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12769. [PMID: 32003502 PMCID: PMC7106954 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES M-phase phosphoprotein 6 (MPP6) is important for 5.8S pre-rRNA maturation in somatic cells and was screened as a female fertility factor. However, whether MPP6 functions in oocyte meiosis and fertility is not yet known. We aimed to address this. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mouse oocytes with surrounded nucleus (SN) or non-surrounded nucleus (NSN) were used for all experiments. Peptide nanoparticle-mediated antibody transfection was used to deplete MPP6. Immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemistry and live tracker staining were used to examine MPP6 localization and characterize phenotypes after control or MPP6 depletion. High-fidelity PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to examine the localization and level of 5.8S rRNAs. Western blot was used to examine the protein level. MPP6-EGFP mRNA microinjection was used to do the rescue. RESULTS MPP6 was enriched within ovaries and oocytes. MPP6 depletion significantly impeded oocyte meiosis. MPP6 depletion increased 5.8S pre-rRNA. The mRNA levels of MPP6 and 5.8S rRNA decreased within ageing oocytes, and MPP6 mRNA injection partially increased 5.8S rRNA maturation and improved oocyte quality. CONCLUSIONS MPP6 is required for 5.8S rRNA maturation, meiosis and quality control in mouse oocytes, and MPP6 level might be a marker for oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui‐Rui Peng
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Li‐Li Wang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Wen‐Yi Gao
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Feng‐Yu Zhu
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Fan Hu
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Wen‐Tao Zeng
- Animal Core FacilityNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Li‐Ya Shi
- The Second Affiliated HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xi‐Chen Chen
- Analysis and Test CenterNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jing‐Yang Cai
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Dong Zhang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Animal Core FacilityNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zheng‐Rong Xia
- Analysis and Test CenterNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhi‐Xia Yang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
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15
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Lu C, Yang M, Rossi RM, Wang A, Feitosa WB, Diaz FJ, Liu WS. Deletion of the mouse X-linked Prame gene causes germ cell reduction in spermatogenesis. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:666-679. [PMID: 32017313 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) is cancer/testis antigen and a transcriptional repressor, inhibiting the signaling of retinoic acid through the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) for promoting cell proliferation and preventing cell apoptosis in cancer cells. The role of PRAME in testis and germline is unknown. We report here the generation and characterization of an X-linked Prame conditional knockout (cKO) mouse. Although fertile, the testis size (p < .01) and sperm count (p < .05) of the Prame cKO mice were significantly reduced by 12% at 4 months of age compared with the Prame floxed mice. Histological, immunofluorescence with germ cell-specific markers and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling analyses of testis cross-sections at postnatal day 7 (P7), P14, P21, P35, P120, and P365 indicated a significant increase in apoptotic germ cells at P7 and P14 and an increase in abnormal seminiferous tubules at P21 and P35. Germ cells were gradually lost resulting in two different phenotypes in the Prame cKO testes: Sertoli-cell-only for some of the affected tubules in young mice (at P35) and germ cell arrest at spermatogonia stage for other affected tubules in mature mice. Both phenotypes were a consequence of disruption in RAR signaling pathway by the depletion of Prame at a different time point during the first and subsequent rounds of spermatogenesis. The results suggest that Prame plays a minor, but important role in spermatogenesis and different paralogs in the Prame gene family may be functionally and partially redundant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lu
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Mingyao Yang
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Randall M Rossi
- Transgenic Mouse Facility, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Aihua Wang
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Weber B Feitosa
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Francisco J Diaz
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Wan-Sheng Liu
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
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16
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Bernabé BP, Woodruff T, Broadbelt LJ, Shea LD. Ligands, Receptors, and Transcription Factors that Mediate Inter-Cellular and Intra-Cellular Communication during Ovarian Follicle Development. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:690-703. [PMID: 31939199 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-019-00075-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Reliably producing a competent oocyte entails a deeper comprehension of ovarian follicle maturation, a very complex process that includes meiotic maturation of the female gamete, the oocyte, together with the mitotic divisions of the hormone-producing somatic cells. In this report, we investigate murine ovarian folliculogenesis in vivo using publicly available time-series microarrays from primordial to antral stage follicles. Manually curated protein interaction networks were employed to identify autocrine and paracrine signaling between the oocyte and the somatic cells (granulosa and theca cells) at multiple stages of follicle development. We established plausible protein-binding interactions between expressed genes that encode secreted factors and expressed genes that encode cellular receptors. Some computationally identified signaling interactions are well established, such as the paracrine signaling from the oocyte to the somatic cells through the oocyte-secreted growth factor Gdf9, while others are novel connections in term of ovarian folliculogenesis, such as the possible paracrine connection from somatic-secreted factor Ntn3 to the oocyte receptor Neo1. Additionally, we identified several of the likely transcription factors that might control the dynamic transcriptome during ovarian follicle development, noting that the YAP/TAZ signaling pathway is very active in vivo. This novel dynamic model of signaling and regulation can be employed to generate testable hypotheses regarding follicle development that could be validated experimentally, guiding the improvement of culture media to enhance in vitro ovarian follicle maturation and possibly novel therapeutic targets for reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Peñalver Bernabé
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Teresa Woodruff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Linda J Broadbelt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Lonnie D Shea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
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17
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Brevini TAL, Pennarossa G, Gandolfi F. A 3D approach to reproduction. Theriogenology 2020; 150:2-7. [PMID: 31973966 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.020] [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] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
For over a century, 2D cell culture has been extensively used for all the different research fields. However, this in vitro system does not allow to reproduce the natural structures of the original tissue, causing several changes and, in most cases, the loss of cell-to-cell communications and cell-to-extracellular matrix interactions. Based on this, during the last years, novel 3D platforms, able to mimic the in vivo milieu, are being developed. The advantages of the use of 3D models are: the reduction of the gap between cell culture and physiological environment; imitation of the specific architecture; partially maintenance of the mechanical and biochemical cues of the original tissue. Currently, 3D systems are used in a broad range of studies, including the field of reproduction, where they have been applied to promote maturation of follicles and oocytes and embryo culture. Here, we review 2D and 3D cell culture methods, discussing advantages and limitations of these techniques. We report the fundamental mechanisms involved in cell ability to perceive and respond to mechanical cues and their role in transmitting signals to and between cells and in regulating intracellular signaling pathways. In particular, we focus on the main effectors of the Hippo pathway, Yes-associated protein (YAP) and WW domain-containing transcription regulator protein 1 (TAZ), describing their behavior and function in oocytes and embryos. Lastly, we provide an overall perspective of the most recent 3D technologies developed in the field of reproduction, describing how their use may revolutionize the understanding of cellular behavior and provide novel tools, useful in reproductive technologies and livestock production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana A L Brevini
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Georgia Pennarossa
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy University of Milan, Via Celoria 12, 20133, Milan, Italy
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18
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Dolebo AT, Khayatzadeh N, Melesse A, Wragg D, Rekik M, Haile A, Rischkowsky B, Rothschild MF, Mwacharo JM. Genome-wide scans identify known and novel regions associated with prolificacy and reproduction traits in a sub-Saharan African indigenous sheep (Ovis aries). Mamm Genome 2019; 30:339-352. [PMID: 31758253 PMCID: PMC6884434 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-019-09820-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Maximizing the number of offspring born per female is a key functionality trait in commercial- and/or subsistence-oriented livestock enterprises. Although the number of offspring born is closely associated with female fertility and reproductive success, the genetic control of these traits remains poorly understood in sub-Saharan Africa livestock. Using selection signature analysis performed on Ovine HD BeadChip data from the prolific Bonga sheep in Ethiopia, 41 candidate regions under selection were identified. The analysis revealed one strong selection signature on a candidate region on chromosome X spanning BMP15, suggesting this to be the primary candidate prolificacy gene in the breed. The analysis also identified several candidate regions spanning genes not reported before in prolific sheep but underlying fertility and reproduction in other species. The genes associated with female reproduction traits included SPOCK1 (age at first oestrus), GPR173 (mediator of ovarian cyclicity), HB-EGF (signalling early pregnancy success) and SMARCAL1 and HMGN3a (regulate gene expression during embryogenesis). The genes involved in male reproduction were FOXJ1 (sperm function and successful fertilization) and NME5 (spermatogenesis). We also observed genes such as PKD2L2, MAGED1 and KDM3B, which have been associated with diverse fertility traits in both sexes of other species. The results confirm the complexity of the genetic mechanisms underlying reproduction while suggesting that prolificacy in the Bonga sheep, and possibly African indigenous sheep is partly under the control of BMP15 while other genes that enhance male and female fertility are essential for reproductive fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asrat Tera Dolebo
- Southern Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), P.O. Box 06, Hawassa, Ethiopia
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Negar Khayatzadeh
- Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Division of Livestock Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Gregor-Mendel-Strasse, 1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aberra Melesse
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - David Wragg
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, The Roslin Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mourad Rekik
- Small Ruminant Genomics, International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Aynalem Haile
- Small Ruminant Genomics, International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Barbara Rischkowsky
- Small Ruminant Genomics, International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Max F Rothschild
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, 2255 Kildee Hall, Ames, IA, 50011-3150, USA
| | - Joram M Mwacharo
- Small Ruminant Genomics, International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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D'Ignazio L, Michel M, Beyer M, Thompson K, Forabosco A, Schlessinger D, Pelosi E. Lhx8 ablation leads to massive autophagy of mouse oocytes associated with DNA damage. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:532-542. [PMID: 29329412 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Following proliferation of oogonia in mammals, great numbers of germ cells are discarded, primarily by apoptosis, while the remainder form primordial follicles (the ovarian reserve) that determine fertility and reproductive lifespan. More massive, rapid, and essentially total loss of oocytes, however, occurs when the transcription factor Lhx8 is ablated-though the cause and mechanism of germ cell loss from the Lhx8-/- ovaries has been unknown. We found that Lhx8-/- ovaries maintain the same number of germ cells throughout embryonic development; rapid decrease in the pool of oocytes starts shortly before birth. The loss results from activation of autophagy, which becomes overwhelming within the first postnatal week, with extracellular matrix proteins filling the space previously occupied by follicles to produce a fibrotic ovary. Associated with this process, as early as a few days before birth, Lhx8-/- oocytes failed to repair DNA damage-which normally occurs when meiosis is initiated during embryonic development; and DNA damage repair genes were downregulated throughout the oocyte short lifespan. Based on gene expression analyses and morphological changes, we propose a model in which lineage-restricted failure of DNA repair triggers germ cell autophagy, causing premature depletion of the ovarian reserve in Lhx8-/- mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D'Ignazio
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marc Michel
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Melissa Beyer
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kassimier Thompson
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - David Schlessinger
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Emanuele Pelosi
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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20
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Li M, Zhao H, Zhao SG, Wei DM, Zhao YR, Huang T, Muhammad T, Yan L, Gao F, Li L, Lu G, Chan WY, Leung PCK, Dunaif A, Liu HB, Chen ZJ. The HMGA2-IMP2 Pathway Promotes Granulosa Cell Proliferation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:1049-1059. [PMID: 30247605 PMCID: PMC6753588 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-00544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The high mobility group AT hook 2 (HMGA2) gene was previously identified in a genome-wide association study as a candidate risk gene that might be related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Whether HMGA2 contributes to promoting granulosa cell (GC) proliferation in PCOS remains unknown. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine whether HMGA2 is involved in the ovarian dysfunction of PCOS and in the mechanism of increased GC proliferation. PATIENTS AND CELLS mRNA expression was analyzed in ovarian GCs from 96 women with PCOS and 58 healthy controls. Immortalized human GCs (KGN and SVOG cells) were used for the mechanism study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES mRNA expression in ovarian GCs was measured using quantitative RT-PCR, and KGN cells were cultured for proliferation assays after overexpression or knockdown of target genes. Protein expression analysis, luciferase assays, and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation assays were used to confirm the mechanism study. RESULTS HMGA2 and IGF2 mRNA binding protein 2 (IMP2) were highly expressed in the GCs of women with PCOS, and the HMGA2/IMP2 pathway promoted GC proliferation. Cyclin D2 and SERPINE1 mRNA binding protein 1 were regulated by IMP2 and were highly expressed in women with PCOS. CONCLUSIONS The HMGA2/IMP2 pathway was activated in women with PCOS and promoted the proliferation of GCs. This might provide new insights into the dysfunction of GCs in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, China
| | - Shi-Gang Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, China
| | - Dai-Min Wei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, China
| | - Yue-Ran Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, China
| | - Tahir Muhammad
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, China
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
| | - Gang Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai-Yee Chan
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Hong-Bin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Hong-Bin Liu, PhD, or Zi-Jiang Chen, MD, PhD, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, No. 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan 250001, China. E-mail: or
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, China
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Hong-Bin Liu, PhD, or Zi-Jiang Chen, MD, PhD, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, No. 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan 250001, China. E-mail: or
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Abstract
Mammalian sex chromosomes evolved from an ordinary pair of autosomes. The X chromosome is highly conserved, whereas the Y chromosome varies among species in size, structure, and gene content. Unlike autosomes that contain randomly mixed collections of genes, the sex chromosomes are enriched in testis-biased genes related to sexual development and reproduction, particularly in spermatogenesis and male fertility. This review focuses on how sex chromosome dosage compensation takes place and why meiotic sex chromosome inactivation occurs during spermatogenesis. Furthermore, the review also emphasizes how testis-biased genes are enriched on the sex chromosomes and their functions in male fertility. It is concluded that sex chromosomes are critical to sexual development and male fertility; however, our understanding of how sex chromosome genes direct sexual development and fertility has been hampered by the structural complexities of the sex chromosomes and by the multicopy nature of the testis gene families that also play a role in immunity, cancer development, and brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Sheng Liu
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
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22
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Zhang C, Liu XR, Cao YC, Tian JL, Zhen D, Luo XF, Wang XM, Tian JH, Gao JM. Mammalian target of rapamycin/eukaryotic initiation factor 4F pathway regulates follicle growth and development of theca cells in mice. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:768-777. [PMID: 26748416 DOI: 10.1071/rd15230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to clarify the roles of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway in follicular growth and development of thecal cells. Using in vivo-grown and in vitro-cultured ovaries, histological changes were evaluated using haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from 0 day post partum (d.p.p.) to 8 d.p.p. ovaries were screened by microarray and verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Forty-two DEGs related to cell proliferation and differentiation were screened out, with most DEGs being related to the to mTOR signalling pathway. Then, 3 d.p.p. ovaries were retrieved and used to verify the role of mTOR signalling in follicle and thecal cell development using its activators (Ras homologue enriched in brain (Rheb) and GTP) and inhibitor (rapamycin). The development of follicles and thecal cells was significantly impaired in ovaries cultured in vitro Day 3 to Day 8. In in vitro-cultured ovaries, Rheb and GTP (is 100ngmL-1 Rheb and 500ngmL-1 GTP for 48h) significantly increased follicle diameter, the percentage of primary and secondary follicles and the umber of thecal cells, and upregulated expression of mTOR, phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1), eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4F and cytochrome P450, family 17, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (CYP17A1). Rapamycin (10nM rapamycin for 24h) had opposite effects to those of Rheb and GTP, and partly abrogated (significant) the effects of Rheb and GTP when added to the culture in combination with these drugs. Thus, mTOR signalling plays an important role in follicle growth and thecal cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xiao-Ran Liu
- Galactophore Breast Clinic, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Yong-Chun Cao
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jin-Ling Tian
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Di Zhen
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Luo
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xin-Mei Wang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jian-Hui Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jian-Ming Gao
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
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Yu J, Guo X, Chen X, Qiao C, Chen B, Xie B, Luan X, Shen C, Zhu J, Liu J, Yan Y, He Z, Zheng B, Li H, Fang J. Activation of β-catenin causes defects in embryonic development during maternal-to-zygotic transition in mice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2018; 11:2514-2521. [PMID: 31938364 PMCID: PMC6958268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The early stage of embryogenesis is an important and complex cell-remodeling event in reproductive biology. To develop into a normal zygote, maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) is especially important for both zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and degradation of maternal products during the early stage of embryonic development. β-Catenin has been identified as an important regulator of embryonic development and adult stem cell division via the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. However, the role of activated β-catenin during MZT remains elusive. In the present study, we found that β-catenin is mainly expressed during embryogenesis in the cell membrane from the zygote- to morula-stage embryos but not in MII oocytes. To analyze the function of activated β-catenin during MZT, we conducted a β-catenin activation assay during embryogenesis. Our results indicated that development beyond the two-cell stage was inhibited in zygotes with β-catenin activation. Further analysis showed that activated form of β-catenin protein was increased and the phosphorylated form of β-catenin protein was decreased in culture embryos. Taken together, our study reveals that activation of β-catenin may play a vital role in zygotic development, determining the developmental potential of mouse embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yu
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xueke Guo
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen Qiao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Binghai Chen
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bing Xie
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth People’s Hospital of ZhenjiangZhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaojin Luan
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cong Shen
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhou 215002, China
| | - Jiawei Zhu
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhou 215002, China
| | - Jiajia Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yidan Yan
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zeyu He
- Department of Clinical Medicine, China Medical UniversityShenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhou 215002, China
| | - Hong Li
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhou 215002, China
| | - Jie Fang
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu, China
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Xu G, Xu J, Han X, Li H, Yuan G, An L, Du P. mRNA chip-based analysis on transcription factor regulatory network central nodes of protection targets of Deproteinized Extract of Calf Blood on acute liver injury in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 56:212-216. [PMID: 29414653 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Our previous study found that Deproteinized Extract of Calf Blood (DECB) could protect the acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice, but the target-related transcription factors and their regulatory networks were not comprehensively studied. Based on the mRNA expression microarray data obtained in the previous study, the mRNA transcription factor regulatory networks were constructed by screening the transcription factors of differentially expressed genes and their corresponding target proteins, and the analysis on the functions and pathways of the regulatory network central nodes was performed. Eight genes Ltf, Tnf, Il6, Jun, Il12b, Stat3, Rel and Crem could regulate the inflammatory factors, and TNF signaling pathway and Jak-STAT signaling pathway might play an important role in the mechanism through which DECB protected the liver of mice. DECB can not only inhibit the apoptosis of hepatocytes, but also inhibit the inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, China
| | - Jinhe Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, China
| | - Xiao Han
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, China
| | - Guangxin Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, China
| | - Liping An
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, China.
| | - Peige Du
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, China.
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25
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Identification of molecular pathways and candidate genes associated with cocks' comb size trait by genome-wide transcriptome analysis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2015. [PMID: 29386544 PMCID: PMC5792444 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20373-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The comb of the male is an important secondary sexual characteristic. Although quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to comb size have been identified, molecular mechanisms underlying this trait remain mostly unknown. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was employed to compare whole transcriptomic differences between two groups of Partridge Shank chickens that are divergent in comb sizes. A total of 563 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 277 up-regulated and 286 down-regulated DEGs. According to the animal QTL database, eight DEGs including BMP2 and CHADL matching the reported QTLs were associated with the comb size. Functional annotation analysis revealed that DEGs were involved in cell communication and calcium signaling. Protein-protein interaction network analysis showed that STK32A, PIK3R1, EDN1, HSPA5, and HSPA8 have an impact on comb growth. Moreover, potential alternative splicing events and single nucleotide polymorphisms were also identified. Our data provide a source for identifying genes and pathways with functions critical to comb size and accelerate studies involving molecular mechanisms of this sexual ornament.
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26
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Kobiela T, Milner-Krawczyk M, Pasikowska-Piwko M, Bobecka-Wesołowska K, Eris I, Święszkowski W, Dulinska-Molak I. The Effect of Anti-aging Peptides on Mechanical and Biological Properties of HaCaT Keratinocytes. Int J Pept Res Ther 2017; 24:577-587. [PMID: 30416406 PMCID: PMC6208634 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-017-9648-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluorescence microscopy was applied to determine the influence of the anti-aging peptides on the morphology and the mechanical properties of keratinocytes. Immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) were treated with two anti-aging bioactive peptides: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 and Acetyl Hexapeptide-50 (Lipotec). The AFM measurement of the keratinocyte stiffness were carried after 48 h exposure at an indentation depth of 200 nm. AFM analysis showed increase of the cell stiffness for cells treated with Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 (P1) in concentration range. Acetyl Hexapeptide-50 (P2) at concentration of 0.05 µg/ml also increased the stiffness of HaCaT cells but at higher concentrations 0.5 and 5 µg/ml cell stiffness was lower as compared to untreated control. Fluorescence microscopy revealed remodeling of actin filaments dependent on the concentration of P2 peptide. The mechanical response of HaCaT cells treated with P2 peptide corresponds to change of transcription level of ACTN1 and SOD2 which activity was expected to be modulated by P2 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Kobiela
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Milner-Krawczyk
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Pasikowska-Piwko
- Dr Irena Eris Cosmetic Laboratories, Centre for Science and Research, Armii Krajowej 12, 05-500 Piaseczno, Poland
| | - Konstancja Bobecka-Wesołowska
- Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, ul. Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Irena Eris
- Dr Irena Eris Cosmetic Laboratories, Centre for Science and Research, Armii Krajowej 12, 05-500 Piaseczno, Poland
| | - Wojciech Święszkowski
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Wołoska 141, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ida Dulinska-Molak
- Dr Irena Eris Cosmetic Laboratories, Centre for Science and Research, Armii Krajowej 12, 05-500 Piaseczno, Poland
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Wołoska 141, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
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27
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Wu L, Wu Y, Peng B, Hou Z, Dong Y, Chen K, Guo M, Li H, Chen X, Kou X, Zhao Y, Bi Y, Wang Y, Wang H, Le R, Kang L, Gao S. Oocyte-Specific Homeobox 1, Obox1, Facilitates Reprogramming by Promoting Mesenchymal-to-Epithelial Transition and Mitigating Cell Hyperproliferation. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 9:1692-1705. [PMID: 29033306 PMCID: PMC5853649 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes possess fascinating unknown factors, which can reprogram terminally differentiated germ cells or somatic cells into totipotent embryos. Here, we demonstrate that oocyte-specific homeobox 1 (Obox1), an oocyte-specific factor, can markedly enhance the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from mouse fibroblasts in a proliferation-independent manner and can replace Sox2 to achieve pluripotency. Overexpression of Obox1 can greatly promote mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) at early stage of OSKM-induced reprogramming, and meanwhile, the hyperproliferation of THY1-positive cells can be significantly mitigated. Subsequently, the proportion of THY1-negative cells and Oct4-GFP-positive cells increased dramatically. Further analysis of gene expression and targets of Obox1 during reprogramming indicates that the expression of Obox1 can promote epithelial gene expression and modulate cell-cycle-related gene expression. Taken together, we conclude that the oocyte-specific factor Obox1 serves as a strong activator for somatic cell reprogramming through promoting the MET and mitigating cell hyperproliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - You Wu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Bing Peng
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhenzhen Hou
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yu Dong
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Kang Chen
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Mingyue Guo
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Han Li
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaochen Kou
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yanhong Zhao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yan Bi
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Rongrong Le
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Lan Kang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China.
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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LKB1 as a Tumor Suppressor in Uterine Cancer: Mouse Models and Translational Studies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 943:211-241. [PMID: 27910069 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-43139-0_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The LKB1 tumor suppressor was identified in 1998 as the gene mutated in the Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS), a hereditary cancer predisposition characterized by gastrointestinal polyposis and a high incidence of cancers, particularly carcinomas, at a variety of anatomic sites including the gastrointestinal tract, lung, and female reproductive tract. Women with PJS have a high incidence of carcinomas of the uterine corpus (endometrium) and cervix. The LKB1 gene is also somatically mutated in human cancers arising at these sites. Work in mouse models has highlighted the potency of LKB1 as an endometrial tumor suppressor and its distinctive roles in driving invasive and metastatic growth. These in vivo models represent tractable experimental systems for the discovery of underlying biological principles and molecular processes regulated by LKB1 in the context of tumorigenesis and also serve as useful preclinical model systems for experimental therapeutics. Here we review LKB1's known roles in mTOR signaling, metabolism, and cell polarity, with an emphasis on human pathology and mouse models relevant to uterine carcinogenesis, including cancers of the uterine corpus and cervix.
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Pnma5 is essential to the progression of meiosis in mouse oocytes through a chain of phosphorylation. Oncotarget 2017; 8:96809-96825. [PMID: 29228573 PMCID: PMC5722525 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PNMA (paraneoplastic antigen MA) family includes Pnma1–6. Although other members have been found to be involved in paraneoplastic neurological disorders, death receptor-dependent apoptosis, and tumorigenesis, Pnma5 was thought to be a female fertility factor, as indicated by one genome-wide study. But until now there have not been any further functional studies about Pnma5 in female meiosis. Our preliminary study indicated that Pnma5 might play important roles in meiosis. To further address this, Pnma5 was knocked down in in-vitro maturated (IVM) mouse oocytes, which are common models for mammalian female meiosis, by specific siRNA, and results showed that the loss of Pnma5 significantly delayed the progression of meiosis I and increased chromosome segregation errors during anaphase I. In in-vitro fertilization (IVF), Pnma5 knockdown caused significantly lower fertilization. To assess how it affects meiosis, Pnma5 knockdown was found to significantly decrease the stability of spindle microtubules and altered F-actin organization within actin cap regions, cause significantly abnormal mitochondria aggregation and lower ATP concentration. Next we have found that phosphorylation at Thr533 re-located Pnma5 strongly to spindles & cortex and was required for the phosphorylation of Akt and Gsk3β, while Src and Erk1/2 phosphorylation was required for the phosphorylation of Pnma5, indicating that phosphorylated Pnma5 is the active form and subsequently activates Akt and Gsk3β. Collectively this study suggests that Pnma5 is important for meiosis and is the pivot of Src→Erk1/2→Pnma5→Akt→Gsk3β pathway.
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Saatcioglu HD, Cuevas I, Castrillon DH. Control of Oocyte Reawakening by Kit. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006215. [PMID: 27500836 PMCID: PMC4976968 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, females are born with finite numbers of oocytes stockpiled as primordial follicles. Oocytes are “reawakened” via an ovarian-intrinsic process that initiates their growth. The forkhead transcription factor Foxo3 controls reawakening downstream of PI3K-AKT signaling. However, the identity of the presumptive upstream cell surface receptor controlling the PI3K-AKT-Foxo3 axis has been questioned. Here we show that the receptor tyrosine kinase Kit controls reawakening. Oocyte-specific expression of a novel constitutively-active KitD818V allele resulted in female sterility and ovarian failure due to global oocyte reawakening. To confirm this result, we engineered a novel loss-of-function allele, KitL. Kit inactivation within oocytes also led to premature ovarian failure, albeit via a contrasting phenotype. Despite normal initial complements of primordial follicles, oocytes remained dormant with arrested oocyte maturation. Foxo3 protein localization in the nucleus versus cytoplasm explained both mutant phenotypes. These genetic studies provide formal genetic proof that Kit controls oocyte reawakening, focusing future investigations into the causes of primary ovarian insufficiency and ovarian aging. In mammals, oocyte reawakening controls female fertility, the onset of the menopause, and thus, overall aging. We demonstrate here through complementary genetic experiments that Kit is the upstream receptor regulating oocyte reawakening. Although other cell surface receptors have been proposed as candidates, the data have remained contradictory, and definitive genetic evidence in support of any one receptor has been lacking. We engineered two novel Kit alleles in mice, one an activating (gain-of-function) mutation, the other an inactivating (loss-of-function) mutation. These alleles permitted us to conduct elegant genetic experiments whereby Kit was activated or inactivated in the oocytes of newborn mice. The results were complementary and striking. Oocyte-specific Kit activation resulted in female sterility due to reawakening of all oocytes, leading to premature ovarian failure. In contrast, Kit inactivation also led to female sterility and ovarian failure, but through a contrasting and opposite phenotype: a complete failure of primordial follicle reawakening. Additional studies demonstrated that Foxo3, a known regulator of reawakening, was the mediator of both phenotypes, linking our findings to prior discoveries. These complementary genetic experiments thus definitively incriminate Kit as the upstream receptor regulating reawakening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatice Duygu Saatcioglu
- Department of Pathology and Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ileana Cuevas
- Department of Pathology and Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Diego H. Castrillon
- Department of Pathology and Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Induction of specific neuron types by overexpression of single transcription factors. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2016; 52:961-973. [PMID: 27251161 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-016-0056-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Specific neuronal types derived from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can facilitate mechanistic studies and potentially aid in regenerative medicine. Existing induction methods, however, mostly rely on the effects of the combined action of multiple added growth factors, which generally tend to result in mixed populations of neurons. Here, we report that overexpression of specific transcription factors (TFs) in ESCs can rather guide the differentiation of ESCs towards specific neuron lineages. Analysis of data on gene expression changes 2 d after induction of each of 185 TFs implicated candidate TFs for further ESC differentiation studies. Induction of 23 TFs (out of 49 TFs tested) for 6 d facilitated neural differentiation of ESCs as inferred from increased proportion of cells with neural progenitor marker PSA-NCAM. We identified early activation of the Notch signaling pathway as a common feature of most potent inducers of neural differentiation. The majority of neuron-like cells generated by induction of Ascl1, Smad7, Nr2f1, Dlx2, Dlx4, Nr2f2, Barhl2, and Lhx1 were GABA-positive and expressed other markers of GABAergic neurons. In the same way, we identified Lmx1a and Nr4a2 as inducers for neurons bearing dopaminergic markers and Isl1, Fezf2, and St18 for cholinergic motor neurons. A time-course experiment with induction of Ascl1 showed early upregulation of most neural-specific messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNAs (miRNAs). Sets of Ascl1-induced mRNAs and miRNAs were enriched in Ascl1 targets. In further studies, enrichment of cells obtained with the induction of Ascl1, Smad7, and Nr2f1 using microbeads resulted in essentially pure population of neuron-like cells with expression profiles similar to neural tissues and expressed markers of GABAergic neurons. In summary, this study indicates that induction of transcription factors is a promising approach to generate cultures that show the transcription profiles characteristic of specific neural cell types.
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BTG4 is a meiotic cell cycle-coupled maternal-zygotic-transition licensing factor in oocytes. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2016; 23:387-94. [PMID: 27065194 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.3204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The mRNAs stored in oocytes undergo general decay during the maternal-zygotic transition (MZT), and their stability is tightly interconnected with meiotic cell-cycle progression. However, the factors that trigger decay of maternal mRNA and couple this event to oocyte meiotic maturation remain elusive. Here, we identified B-cell translocation gene-4 (BTG4) as an MZT licensing factor in mice. BTG4 bridged CNOT7, a catalytic subunit of the CCR4-NOT deadenylase, to eIF4E, a key translation initiation factor, and facilitated decay of maternal mRNA. Btg4-null females produced morphologically normal oocytes but were infertile, owing to early developmental arrest. The intrinsic MAP kinase cascade in oocytes triggered translation of Btg4 mRNA stored in fully grown oocytes by targeting the 3' untranslated region, thereby coupling CCR4-NOT deadenylase-mediated decay of maternal mRNA with oocyte maturation and fertilization. This is a key step in oocyte cytoplasmic maturation that determines the developmental potential of mammalian embryos.
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Jin Z, Li R, Zhou C, Shi L, Zhang X, Yang Z, Zhang D. Efficient Gene Knockdown in Mouse Oocytes through Peptide Nanoparticle-Mediated SiRNA Transfection. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150462. [PMID: 26974323 PMCID: PMC4790955 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of mouse oocytes as a model for studying female meiosis is very important in reproductive medicine. Gene knockdown by specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) is usually the first step in the study of the function of a target gene in mouse oocytes during in vitro maturation. Traditionally, the only way to introduce siRNA into mouse oocytes is through microinjection, which is certainly less efficient and strenuous than siRNA transfection in somatic cells. Recently, in research using somatic cells, peptide nanoparticle-mediated siRNA transfection has been gaining popularity over liposome nanoparticle-mediated methods because of its high efficiency, low toxicity, good stability, and strong serum compatibility. However, no researchers have yet tried transfecting siRNA into mouse oocytes because of the existence of the protective zona pellucida surrounding the oocyte membrane (vitelline membrane). We therefore tested whether peptide nanoparticles can introduce siRNA into mouse oocytes. In the present study, we showed for the first time that our optimized program can efficiently knock down a target gene with high specificity. Furthermore, we achieved the expected meiotic phenotypes after we knocked down a test unknown target gene TRIM75. We propose that peptide nanoparticles may be superior for preliminary functional studies of unknown genes in mouse oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruichao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunxiang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liya Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaolan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhixia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- * E-mail: (DZ); (ZXY)
| | - Dong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- * E-mail: (DZ); (ZXY)
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Fu C, Begum K, Overbeek PA. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency Induced by Fanconi Anemia E Mutation in a Mouse Model. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0144285. [PMID: 26939056 PMCID: PMC4777492 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In most cases of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), the cause of the depletion of ovarian follicles is unknown. Fanconi anemia (FA) proteins are known to play important roles in follicular development. Using random insertional mutagenesis with a lentiviral transgene, we identified a family with reduced fertility in the homozygous transgenic mice. We identified the integration site and found that the lentivirus had integrated into intron 8 of the Fanconi E gene (Fance). By RT-PCR and in situ hybridization, we found that Fance transcript levels were significantly reduced. The Fance homozygous mutant mice were assayed for changes in ovarian development, follicle numbers and estrous cycle. Ovarian dysplasias and a severe lack of follicles were seen in the mutant mice. In addition, the estrous cycle was disrupted in adult females. Our results suggest that POI has been induced by the Fance mutation in this new mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Khurshida Begum
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Paul A. Overbeek
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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Oocyte-expressed yes-associated protein is a key activator of the early zygotic genome in mouse. Cell Res 2016; 26:275-87. [PMID: 26902285 PMCID: PMC4783469 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2016.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In early mammalian embryos, the genome is transcriptionally quiescent until the zygotic genome activation (ZGA) which occurs 2-3 days after fertilization. Despite a long-standing effort, maternal transcription factors regulating this crucial developmental event remain largely elusive. Here, using maternal and paternal mouse models of Yap1 deletion, we show that maternally accumulated yes-associated protein (YAP) in oocyte is essential for ZGA. Maternal Yap1-knockout embryos exhibit a prolonged two-cell stage and develop into the four-cell stage at a much slower pace than the wild-type controls. Transcriptome analyses identify YAP target genes in early blastomeres; two of which, Rpl13 and Rrm2, are required to mediate maternal YAP's effect in conferring developmental competence on preimplantation embryos. Furthermore, the physiological YAP activator, lysophosphatidic acid, can substantially improve early development of wild-type, but not maternal Yap1-knockout embryos in both oviduct and culture. These observations provide insights into the mechanisms of ZGA, and suggest potentials of YAP activators in improving the developmental competence of cultured embryos in assisted human reproduction and animal biotechnology.
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36
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Yatsu R, Miyagawa S, Kohno S, Parrott BB, Yamaguchi K, Ogino Y, Miyakawa H, Lowers RH, Shigenobu S, Guillette LJ, Iguchi T. RNA-seq analysis of the gonadal transcriptome during Alligator mississippiensis temperature-dependent sex determination and differentiation. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:77. [PMID: 26810479 PMCID: PMC4727388 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2396-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) displays temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), in which incubation temperature during embryonic development determines the sexual fate of the individual. However, the molecular mechanisms governing this process remain a mystery, including the influence of initial environmental temperature on the comprehensive gonadal gene expression patterns occurring during TSD. Results Our characterization of transcriptomes during alligator TSD allowed us to identify novel candidate genes involved in TSD initiation. High-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on gonads collected from A. mississippiensis embryos incubated at both a male and a female producing temperature (33.5 °C and 30 °C, respectively) in a time series during sexual development. RNA-seq yielded 375.2 million paired-end reads, which were mapped and assembled, and used to characterize differential gene expression. Changes in the transcriptome occurring as a function of both development and sexual differentiation were extensively profiled. Forty-one differentially expressed genes were detected in response to incubation at male producing temperature, and included genes such as Wnt signaling factor WNT11, histone demethylase KDM6B, and transcription factor C/EBPA. Furthermore, comparative analysis of development- and sex-dependent differential gene expression revealed 230 candidate genes involved in alligator sex determination and differentiation, and early details of the suspected male-fate commitment were profiled. We also discovered sexually dimorphic expression of uncharacterized ncRNAs and other novel elements, such as unique expression patterns of HEMGN and ARX. Twenty-five of the differentially expressed genes identified in our analysis were putative transcriptional regulators, among which were MYBL2, MYCL, and HOXC10, in addition to conventional sex differentiation genes such as SOX9, and FOXL2. Inferred gene regulatory network was constructed, and the gene-gene and temperature-gene interactions were predicted. Conclusions Gonadal global gene expression kinetics during sex determination has been extensively profiled for the first time in a TSD species. These findings provide insights into the genetic framework underlying TSD, and expand our current understanding of the developmental fate pathways during vertebrate sex determination. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2396-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Yatsu
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan.
| | - Shinichi Miyagawa
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan. .,Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan.
| | - Satomi Kohno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, and Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA.
| | - Benjamin B Parrott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, and Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA.
| | - Katsushi Yamaguchi
- National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan.
| | - Yukiko Ogino
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan. .,Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan.
| | - Hitoshi Miyakawa
- Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine-machi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, 321-8505, Japan.
| | - Russell H Lowers
- Innovative Health Applications, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, 32899, USA.
| | - Shuji Shigenobu
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan. .,National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan.
| | - Louis J Guillette
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, and Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA.
| | - Taisen Iguchi
- Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan. .,Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan.
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Gerovska D, Araúzo-Bravo MJ. Does mouse embryo primordial germ cell activation start before implantation as suggested by single-cell transcriptomics dynamics? Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 22:208-25. [PMID: 26740066 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY HYPOTHESIS Does primordial germ cell (PGC) activation start before mouse embryo implantation, and does the possible regulation of the DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase 3-like (Dnmt3l) by transcription factor AP-2, gamma (TCFAP2C) have a role in this activation and in the primitive endoderm (PE)-epiblast (EPI) lineage specification? STUDY FINDING A burst of expression of PGC markers, such as Dppa3/Stella, Ifitm2/Fragilis, Fkbp6 and Prdm4, is observed from embryonic day (E) 3.25, and some of them, together with the late germ cell markers Zp3, Mcf2 and Morc1, become restricted to the EPI subpopulation at E4.5, while the dynamics analysis of the PE-EPI transitions in the single-cell data suggests that TCFAP2C transitorily represses Dnmt3l in EPI cells at E3.5 and such repression is withdrawn with reactivation of Dnmt3l expression in PE and EPI cells at E4.5. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In the mouse preimplantation embryo, cells with the same phenotype take different fates based on the orchestration between topological clues (cell polarity, positional history and division orientation) and gene regulatory rules (at transcriptomics and epigenomics level), prompting the proposal of positional, stochastic and combined models explaining the specification mechanism. PGC specification starts at E6.0-6.5 post-implantation. In view of the important role of DNA methylation in developmental events, the cross-talk between some transcription factors and DNA methyltransferases is of particular relevance. TCFAP2C has a CpG DNA methylation motif that is not methylated in pluripotent cells and that could potentially bind on DNMT3L, the stimulatory DNA methyltransferase co-factor that assists in the process of de novo DNA methylation. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation analysis has demonstrated that Dnmt3l is indeed a target of TCFAP2C. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS We aimed to assess the timing of early preimplantation events and to understand better the segregation of the inner cell mass (ICM) into PE and EPI. We designed a single-cell transcriptomics dynamics computational study to identify markers of the PE-EPI bifurcation in ICM cells through searching for statistically significant (using the Student's t-test method) differently expressed genes (DEGs) between PE and EPI cells from E3.5 to E4.5. The DEGs common for E3.5 and E4.5 were used as the markers defining the steady states. We collected microarray and next-generation sequencing transcriptomics data from public databases from bulk populations and single cells from mice at E3.25, E3.5 and E4.5. The results are based on three independent single-cell transcriptomics data sets, with a fold change of 3 and P-value <0.01 for the DEG selection. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The dynamics analysis revealed new transitory E3.5 and steady PE and EPI markers. Among the transitory E3.5 PE markers (Dnmt3l, Dusp4, Cpne8, Akap13, Dcaf12l1, Aaed1, B4galt6, BC100530, Rnpc3, Tfpi, Lgalsl, Ckap4 and Fbxl20), several (Dusp4, Akap13, Cpn8, Dcaf12l1 and Tfpi) are related to the extracellular regulated kinase pathway. We also identified new transitory E3.5 EPI markers (Sgk1, Mal, Ubxn2a, Atg16l2, Gm13102, Tcfap2c, Hexb, Slc1a1, Svip, Liph and Mier3), six new stable PE markers (Sdc4, Cpn1, Dkk1, Havcr1, F2r/Par1 and Slc7a6os) as well as three new stable EPI markers (Zp3, Mcf2 and Hexb), which are known to be late stage germ cell markers. We found that mouse PGC marker activation starts at least at E3.25 preimplantation. The transcriptomics dynamics analyses support the regulation of Dnmt3l expression by TCFAP2C. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Since the regulation of Dnmt3l by TCFAP2C is based on computational prediction of DNA methylation motifs, Chip-Seq and transcriptomics data, functional studies are required to validate this result. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We identified a collection of previously undescribed E3.5-specific PE and EPI markers, and new steady PE and EPI markers. Identification of these genes, many of which encode cell membrane proteins, will facilitate the isolation and characterization of early PE and EPI populations. Since it is so well established in the literature that mouse PGC specification is a post-implantation event, it was surprising for us to see activation of PGC markers as early as E3.25 preimplantation, and identify the newly found steady EPI markers as late germ cell markers. The discovery of such early activation of PGC markers has important implications in the derivation of germ cells from pluripotent cells (embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells), since the initial stages of such derivation resemble early development. The early activation of PGC markers points out the difficulty of separating PGC cells from pluripotent populations. Collectively, our results suggest that the combining of the precision of single-cell omics data with dynamic analysis of time-series data can establish the timing of some developmental stages as earlier than previously thought. LARGE-SCALE DATA Not applicable. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by grants DFG15/14 and DFG15/020 from Diputación Foral de Gipuzkoa (Spain), and grant II14/00016 from I + D + I National Plan 2013-2016 (Spain) and FEDER funds. The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Gerovska
- Group of Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Calle Doctor Beguiristain s/n, 20014 San Sebastián - Donostia, Spain
| | - Marcos J Araúzo-Bravo
- Group of Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Calle Doctor Beguiristain s/n, 20014 San Sebastián - Donostia, Spain IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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Ezzati MM, Baker MD, Saatcioglu HD, Aloisio GM, Pena CG, Nakada Y, Cuevas I, Carr BR, Castrillon DH. Regulation of FOXO3 subcellular localization by Kit ligand in the neonatal mouse ovary. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:1741-7. [PMID: 26507072 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0589-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Foxo3 protein is required in the oocyte nucleus for the maintenance of primordial follicles in a dormant state. PI3K/AKT-dependent phosphorylation of Foxo3 leads to its relocalization to the cytoplasm and subsequent follicular activation. However, the nature of the upstream signals controlling Foxo3 activity and subcellular localization remains unknown. We aimed to study the in vitro effects of Kit ligand (stem cell factor) on the subcellular localization of Foxo3 in primordial follicles within the postnatal mouse ovary. METHODS This was an in vitro study using explants of intact neonatal mouse ovaries. The study was performed in laboratory animal facility and basic science research laboratory at a University Hospital. The animals used for this study were FVB mice. Neonatal FVB mice ovaries at postnatal day 7 (PD7) were harvested and incubated in culture medium (DMEM) at 37 °C and 5 % CO(2) for 60-90 min with (n = 3) or without (n = 3) Kit ligand at 150 ng/mL (8 nM). Similar experimental conditions were used to establish a dose-response curve for the effects of Kit ligand and assess the effects of imatinib (small molecule inhibitor of the Kit receptor). Immunofluorescence was used to identify the subcellular location of Foxo3 in oocytes. Proportions of cytoplasmic versus nuclear Foxo3 in primordial follicles were determined. RESULTS Kit ligand treatment increased the cytoplasmic localization of Foxo3 from 40 % in the untreated ovaries to 74 % in the treated group (p = 0.007 in paired samples and p = 0.03 in unpaired samples). Furthermore, this effect was reversible with imatinib (p = 0.005). A dose-response curve for Kit ligand treatment showed that maximum effect was seen at 150 ng/mL. CONCLUSION Kit ligand treatment in vitro increases the proportion of cytoplasmic Foxo3 in primordial follicles at PD7, lending support to the idea that Kit receptor/ligand controls Foxo3 activity in the context of primordial follicle activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Max Ezzati
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-9072, USA.
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| | - Michael D Baker
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-9072, USA
| | - Hatice D Saatcioglu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-9072, USA
| | - Gina M Aloisio
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-9072, USA
| | - Christopher G Pena
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-9072, USA
| | - Yuji Nakada
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-9072, USA
| | - Ileana Cuevas
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-9072, USA
| | - Bruce R Carr
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-9072, USA
| | - Diego H Castrillon
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-9072, USA.
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Co-existence of intact stemness and priming of neural differentiation programs in mES cells lacking Trim71. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11126. [PMID: 26057209 PMCID: PMC4460895 DOI: 10.1038/srep11126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory networks for differentiation and pluripotency in embryonic stem (ES) cells have long been suggested to be mutually exclusive. However, with the identification of many new components of these networks ranging from epigenetic, transcriptional, and translational to even post-translational mechanisms, the cellular states of pluripotency and early differentiation might not be strictly bi-modal, but differentiating stem cells appear to go through phases of simultaneous expression of stemness and differentiation genes. Translational regulators such as RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and micro RNAs (miRNAs) might be prime candidates for guiding a cell from pluripotency to differentiation. Using Trim71, one of two members of the Tripartite motif (Trim) protein family with RNA binding activity expressed in murine ES cells, we demonstrate that Trim71 is not involved in regulatory networks of pluripotency but regulates neural differentiation. Loss of Trim71 in mES cells leaves stemness and self-maintenance of these cells intact, but many genes required for neural development are up-regulated at the same time. Concordantly, Trim71(-/-) mES show increased neural marker expression following treatment with retinoic acid. Our findings strongly suggest that Trim71 keeps priming steps of differentiation in check, which do not pre-require a loss of the pluripotency network in ES cells.
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Abstract
Although hormonal regulation of ovarian follicle development has been extensively investigated, most studies concentrate on the development of early antral follicles to the preovulatory stage, leading to the successful use of exogenous FSH for infertility treatment. Accumulating data indicate that preantral follicles are under stringent regulation by FSH and local intraovarian factors, thus providing the possibility to develop new therapeutic approaches. Granulosa cell-derived C-type natriuretic factor not only suppresses the final maturation of oocytes to undergo germinal vesicle breakdown before ovulation but also promotes preantral and antral follicle growth. In addition, several oocyte- and granulosa cell-derived factors stimulate preantral follicle growth by acting through wingless, receptor tyrosine kinase, receptor serine kinase, and other signaling pathways. In contrast, the ovarian Hippo signaling pathway constrains follicle growth and disruption of Hippo signaling promotes the secretion of downstream CCN growth factors capable of promoting follicle growth. Although the exact hormonal factors involved in primordial follicle activation has yet to be elucidated, the protein kinase B (AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathways are important for the activation of dormant primordial follicles. Hippo signaling disruption after ovarian fragmentation, combined with treating ovarian fragments with phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) inhibitors and phosphoinositide-3-kinase stimulators to augment AKT signaling, promote the growth of preantral follicles in patients with primary ovarian insufficiency, leading to a new infertility intervention for such patients. Elucidation of intraovarian mechanisms underlying early folliculogenesis may allow the development of novel therapeutic strategies for patients diagnosed with primary ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome, and poor ovarian response to FSH stimulation, as well as for infertile women of advanced reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J W Hsueh
- Program of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology (A.J.W.H., Y.C.), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5317; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (K.K.), St. Mariana University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan; Department of Reproductive Medicine & Gynecology (B.C.J.M.F.), University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Structure and decay of a proto-Y region in Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:975. [PMID: 25404257 PMCID: PMC4251933 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sex-determination genes drive the evolution of adjacent chromosomal regions. Sexually antagonistic selection favors the accumulation of inversions that reduce recombination in regions adjacent to the sex-determination gene. Once established, the clonal inheritance of sex-linked inversions leads to the accumulation of deleterious alleles, repetitive elements and a gradual decay of sex-linked genes. This in turn creates selective pressures for the evolution of mechanisms that compensate for the unequal dosage of gene expression. Here we use whole genome sequencing to characterize the structure of a young sex chromosome and quantify sex-specific gene expression in the developing gonad. Results We found an 8.8 Mb block of strong differentiation between males and females that corresponds to the location of a previously mapped sex-determiner on linkage group 1 of Oreochromis niloticus. Putatively disruptive mutations are found in many of the genes within this region. We also found a significant female-bias in the expression of genes within the block of differentiation compared to those outside the block of differentiation. Eight candidate sex-determination genes were identified within this region. Conclusions This study demonstrates a block of differentiation on linkage group 1, suggestive of an 8.8 Mb inversion encompassing the sex-determining locus. The enrichment of female-biased gene expression inside the proposed inversion suggests incomplete dosage compensation. This study helps establish a model for studying the early-to-intermediate stages of sex chromosome evolution. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-975) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Ravindranath AC, Perualila-Tan N, Kasim A, Drakakis G, Liggi S, Brewerton SC, Mason D, Bodkin MJ, Evans DA, Bhagwat A, Talloen W, Göhlmann HWH, Shkedy Z, Bender A. Connecting gene expression data from connectivity map and in silico target predictions for small molecule mechanism-of-action analysis. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2014; 11:86-96. [PMID: 25254964 DOI: 10.1039/c4mb00328d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Integrating gene expression profiles with certain proteins can improve our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms in protein-ligand binding. This paper spotlights the integration of gene expression data and target prediction scores, providing insight into mechanism of action (MoA). Compounds are clustered based upon the similarity of their predicted protein targets and each cluster is linked to gene sets using Linear Models for Microarray Data. MLP analysis is used to generate gene sets based upon their biological processes and a qualitative search is performed on the homogeneous target-based compound clusters to identify pathways. Genes and proteins were linked through pathways for 6 of the 8 MCF7 and 6 of the 11 PC3 clusters. Three compound clusters are studied; (i) the target-driven cluster involving HSP90 inhibitors, geldanamycin and tanespimycin induces differential expression for HSP90-related genes and overlap with pathway response to unfolded protein. Gene expression results are in agreement with target prediction and pathway annotations add information to enable understanding of MoA. (ii) The antipsychotic cluster shows differential expression for genes LDLR and INSIG-1 and is predicted to target CYP2D6. Pathway steroid metabolic process links the protein and respective genes, hypothesizing the MoA for antipsychotics. A sub-cluster (verepamil and dexverepamil), although sharing similar protein targets with the antipsychotic drug cluster, has a lower intensity of expression profile on related genes, indicating that this method distinguishes close sub-clusters and suggests differences in their MoA. Lastly, (iii) the thiazolidinediones drug cluster predicted peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) PPAR-alpha, PPAR-gamma, acyl CoA desaturase and significant differential expression of genes ANGPTL4, FABP4 and PRKCD. The targets and genes are linked via PPAR signalling pathway and induction of apoptosis, generating a hypothesis for the MoA of thiazolidinediones. Our analysis show one or more underlying MoA for compounds and were well-substantiated with literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aakash Chavan Ravindranath
- Unilever Centre for Molecular Science Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
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Aloisio GM, Nakada Y, Saatcioglu HD, Peña CG, Baker MD, Tarnawa ED, Mukherjee J, Manjunath H, Bugde A, Sengupta AL, Amatruda JF, Cuevas I, Hamra FK, Castrillon DH. PAX7 expression defines germline stem cells in the adult testis. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:3929-44. [PMID: 25133429 PMCID: PMC4153705 DOI: 10.1172/jci75943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex, multistep process that maintains male fertility and is sustained by rare germline stem cells. Spermatogenic progression begins with spermatogonia, populations of which express distinct markers. The identity of the spermatogonial stem cell population in the undisturbed testis is controversial due to a lack of reliable and specific markers. Here we identified the transcription factor PAX7 as a specific marker of a rare subpopulation of A(single) spermatogonia in mice. PAX7+ cells were present in the testis at birth. Compared with the adult testis, PAX7+ cells constituted a much higher percentage of neonatal germ cells. Lineage tracing in healthy adult mice revealed that PAX7+ spermatogonia self-maintained and produced expanding clones that gave rise to mature spermatozoa. Interestingly, in mice subjected to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, both of which damage the vast majority of germ cells and can result in sterility, PAX7+ spermatogonia selectively survived, and their subsequent expansion contributed to the recovery of spermatogenesis. Finally, PAX7+ spermatogonia were present in the testes of a diverse set of mammals. Our data indicate that the PAX7+ subset of A(single) spermatogonia functions as robust testis stem cells that maintain fertility in normal spermatogenesis in healthy mice and mediate recovery after severe germline injury, such as occurs after cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina M. Aloisio
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Yuji Nakada
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Hatice D. Saatcioglu
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Christopher G. Peña
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Michael D. Baker
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Edward D. Tarnawa
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jishnu Mukherjee
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Hema Manjunath
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Abhijit Bugde
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Anita L. Sengupta
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - James F. Amatruda
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ileana Cuevas
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - F. Kent Hamra
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Diego H. Castrillon
- Department of Pathology, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Department of Cell Biology, Departments of Internal
Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Pediatrics, and Department of Pharmacology,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Baker MD, Ezzati M, Aloisio GM, Tarnawa ED, Cuevas I, Nakada Y, Castrillon DH. The small GTPase Rheb is required for spermatogenesis but not oogenesis. Reproduction 2014; 147:615-25. [PMID: 24713393 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The process of germ cell development is under the tight control of various signaling pathways, among which the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway is of critical importance. Previous studies have demonstrated sex-specific roles for several components of this pathway. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the role of Rheb, a member of the small GTPase superfamily and a critical component for mTORC1 activation, in male and female gametogenesis. The function of Rheb in development and the nervous system has been extensively studied, but little is known about its role in the germ line. We have exploited genetic approaches in the mouse to study the role of Rheb in the germ line and have identified an essential role in spermatogenesis. Conditional knockout (cKO) of Rheb in the male germ line resulted in severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and male sterility. More detailed phenotypic analyses uncovered an age-dependent meiotic progression defect combined with subsequent abnormalities in spermiogenesis as evidenced by abnormal sperm morphology. In the female, however, germ-cell specific inactivation of Rheb was not associated with any discernible abnormality; these cKO mice were fertile with morphologically unremarkable ovaries, normal primordial follicle formation, and subsequent follicle maturation. The absence of an abnormal ovarian phenotype is striking given previous studies demonstrating a critical role for the mTORC1 pathway in the maintenance of primordial follicle pool. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate an essential role of Rheb in diverse aspects of spermatogenesis but suggest the existence of functionally redundant factors that can compensate for Rheb deficiency within oocytes.
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Li GM, Wang YG, Pan Q, Wang J, Fan JG, Sun C. RNAi screening with shRNAs against histone methylation-related genes reveals determinants of sorafenib sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2014; 7:1085-1092. [PMID: 24696725 PMCID: PMC3971312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Sorafenib is the first drug currently approved to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, very low response rate and acquired drug resistance makes rare patients benefit from sorafenib therapy, therefore it is urgent to find biomarkers for sorafenib sensitivity. Histone modifications, including histone methylation, have been demonstrated to influence the initiation and progression of HCC. It is of great interest to elicit the possibility whether histone methylation plays a role in regulation of sorafenib sensitivity. In present work, a high throughput RNAi screening with 176 shRNA pools against 88 histone methyltransferases (HMTs) and histone demethyltransferases genes was applied to HepG2 cells. Silencing of 3 genes (ASH1L, C17ORF49 and SETD4) was validated to specifically promote HepG2 cells sensitivity to sorafenib. Western blotting results showed that those 3 HMT genes knockdown alone or sorafenib treatments alone both induce AKT/ERK activation. However, combination treatment with sorafenib and silencing of C17ORF49 or SETD4 downregulated AKT phosphorylation and hence induced HCC cells death. Our work may provide potential biomarkers for sorafenib sensitivity and therapeutic combination for sorafenib treatment in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Ming Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of MedicineShanghai 200092, China
| | - Yu-Gang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Changning Central HospitalShanghai 200336, China
| | - Qin Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of MedicineShanghai 200092, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of MedicineShanghai 200092, China
| | - Jian-Gao Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of MedicineShanghai 200092, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of MedicineShanghai 200092, China
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Shibuya H, Ishiguro KI, Watanabe Y. The TRF1-binding protein TERB1 promotes chromosome movement and telomere rigidity in meiosis. Nat Cell Biol 2014; 16:145-56. [PMID: 24413433 DOI: 10.1038/ncb2896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
During meiotic prophase, telomere-mediated chromosomal movement along the nuclear envelope is crucial for homologue pairing and synapsis. However, how telomeres are modified to mediate chromosome movement is largely elusive. Here we show that mammalian meiotic telomeres are fundamentally modified by a meiosis-specific Myb-domain protein, TERB1, that localizes at telomeres in mouse germ cells. TERB1 forms a heterocomplex with the canonical telomeric protein TRF1 and binds telomere repeat DNA. Disruption of Terb1 in mice abolishes meiotic chromosomal movement and impairs homologous pairing and synapsis, causing infertility in both sexes. TERB1 promotes telomere association with the nuclear envelope and deposition of the SUN-KASH complex, which recruits cytoplasmic motor complexes. TERB1 also binds and recruits cohesin to telomeres to develop structural rigidity, strikingly reminiscent of centromeres. Our study suggests that TERB1 acts as a central hub for the assembly of a conserved meiotic telomere complex required for chromosome movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Shibuya
- 1] Laboratory of Chromosome Dynamics, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan [2] Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Kei-ichiro Ishiguro
- Laboratory of Chromosome Dynamics, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Watanabe
- 1] Laboratory of Chromosome Dynamics, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan [2] Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
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47
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Constitutively active Foxo3 in oocytes preserves ovarian reserve in mice. Nat Commun 2013; 4:1843. [PMID: 23673628 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During female reproductive life, ovarian follicle reserve is reduced by maturation and atresia until menopause ensues. Foxo3 is required to maintain the ovarian reserve in mice. Here we show that overexpression of constitutively active FOXO3 can increase ovarian reproductive capacity in mice. We find increased follicle numbers and decreased gonadotropin levels in aging FOXO3-transgenic mice compared with wild-type littermates, suggesting maintenance of a greater ovarian reserve. Based on cumulative progeny in aging animals, we find 31-49% increased fertility in transgenic females. The gene expression profile of Foxo3-/- knockout ovaries appears older than that of wild-type littermates, and the transgene induces a younger-looking profile, restoring much of the wild-type transcriptome. This is the first gain-of-function model of augmented reproductive reserve in mice, thus emphasizing the role of Foxo3 as a guardian of the ovarian follicle pool in mammals and a potential determinant of the onset of menopause.
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Lim SL, Tsend-Ayush E, Kortschak RD, Jacob R, Ricciardelli C, Oehler MK, Grützner F. Conservation and expression of PIWI-interacting RNA pathway genes in male and female adult gonad of amniotes. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:136. [PMID: 24108303 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.111211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway is essential for germline development and transposable element repression. Key elements of this pathway are members of the piRNA-binding PIWI/Argonaute protein family and associated factors (e.g., VASA, MAELSTROM, and TUDOR domain proteins). PIWI-interacting RNAs have been identified in mouse testis and oocytes, but information about the expression of the different piRNA pathway genes, in particular in the mammalian ovary, remains incomplete. We investigated the evolution and expression of piRNA pathway genes in gonads of amniote species (chicken, platypus, and mouse). Database searches confirm a high level of conservation and revealed lineage-specific gain and loss of Piwi genes in vertebrates. Expression analysis in mammals shows that orthologs of Piwi-like (Piwil) genes, Mael (Maelstrom), Mvh (mouse vasa homolog), and Tdrd1 (Tudor domain-containing protein 1) are expressed in platypus adult testis. In contrast to mouse, Piwil4 is expressed in platypus and human adult testis. We found evidence for Mael and Piwil2 expression in mouse Sertoli cells. Importantly, we show mRNA expression of Piwil2, Piwil4, and Mael in oocytes and supporting cells of human, mouse, and platypus ovary. We found no Piwil1 expression in mouse and chicken ovary. The conservation of gene expression in somatic parts of the gonad and germ cells of species that diverged over 800 million yr ago indicates an important role in adult male and female gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Ly Lim
- The Robinson Institute, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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49
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Berletch JB, Deng X, Nguyen DK, Disteche CM. Female bias in Rhox6 and 9 regulation by the histone demethylase KDM6A. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003489. [PMID: 23658530 PMCID: PMC3642083 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rhox cluster on the mouse X chromosome contains reproduction-related homeobox genes expressed in a sexually dimorphic manner. We report that two members of the Rhox cluster, Rhox6 and 9, are regulated by de-methylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 by KDM6A, a histone demethylase with female-biased expression. Consistent with other homeobox genes, Rhox6 and 9 are in bivalent domains prior to embryonic stem cell differentiation and thus poised for activation. In female mouse ES cells, KDM6A is specifically recruited to Rhox6 and 9 for gene activation, a process inhibited by Kdm6a knockdown in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, KDM6A occupancy at Rhox6 and 9 is low in male ES cells and knockdown has no effect on expression. In mouse ovary where Rhox6 and 9 remain highly expressed, KDM6A occupancy strongly correlates with expression. Our study implicates Kdm6a, a gene that escapes X inactivation, in the regulation of genes important in reproduction, suggesting that KDM6A may play a role in the etiology of developmental and reproduction-related effects of X chromosome anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel B. Berletch
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Xinxian Deng
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Di Kim Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Christine M. Disteche
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Zhao FY, Shao CP, Li Y, Ma WY, Tian N, Zheng JH. 5-Azacytidine induces early stage apoptosis and promotes in vitro maturation by changing chromosomal construction in murine oocytes. Reprod Toxicol 2013; 37:56-61. [PMID: 23395740 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2013.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2012] [Revised: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
As an anticancer drug, 5-azacytidine (5-AzaC) has been widely used to treat various cancers. To investigate the effect of 5-AzaC on mouse oocytes cultured in vitro, we have performed morphological and molecular biology studies to examine the behavior of chromosomes and oocyte development. In 5-AzaC-treated oocytes, chromosomes were decondensed and unstable. The mRNA levels of Caspase3, Caspase8, and Caspase9 increased with the occurrence of early stage apoptosis in oocytes following 5-AzaC treatment. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of Gdf9 and Bmp15 also increased with the corresponding morphological changes in 5-AzaC-treated oocytes. In conclusion, 5-AzaC not only induced early apoptosis through both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, but also had a positive effect on the developmental competence of mouse oocytes during in vitro maturation. These effects may be due to changes in chromosomal construction induced by DNA hypomethylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Y Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics, Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China.
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