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Meyer-Gerards C, Bazzi H. Developmental and tissue-specific roles of mammalian centrosomes. FEBS J 2024. [PMID: 38935637 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Centrosomes are dominant microtubule organizing centers in animal cells with a pair of centrioles at their core. They template cilia during interphase and help organize the mitotic spindle for a more efficient cell division. Here, we review the roles of centrosomes in the early developing mouse and during organ formation. Mammalian cells respond to centrosome loss-of-function by activating the mitotic surveillance pathway, a timing mechanism that, when a defined mitotic duration is exceeded, leads to p53-dependent cell death in the descendants. Mouse embryos without centrioles are highly susceptible to this pathway and undergo embryonic arrest at mid-gestation. The complete loss of the centriolar core results in earlier and more severe phenotypes than that of other centrosomal proteins. Finally, different developing tissues possess varying thresholds and mount graded responses to the loss of centrioles that go beyond the germ layer of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Meyer-Gerards
- Department of Cell Biology of the Skin, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Germany
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Germany
- The Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Germany
- Graduate School for Biological Sciences, University of Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Hisham Bazzi
- Department of Cell Biology of the Skin, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Germany
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Germany
- The Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Germany
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2
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Costermans NGJ, Teerds KJ, Kemp B, Keijer J, Soede NM. Physiological and metabolic aspects of follicular developmental competence as affected by lactational body condition loss. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:491-502. [PMID: 35775400 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic demands of modern hybrid sows have increased over the years, which increases the chance that sows enter a substantial negative energy balance (NEB) during lactation. This NEB can negatively impact reproductive outcome, which is especially evident in primiparous sows causing a reduced second parity reproductive performance. The negative effects of the lactational NEB on reproductive performance can be partly explained by the influence of the premating metabolic state, during and after lactation, on the development of follicles from which oocytes will give rise to the next litter. In addition, the degree and type of body tissue mobilization during lactation that is, adipose tissue or lean mass, highly influences follicular development. Research investigating relations between the premating metabolic state and follicular and oocyte competence in modern hybrid sows, which experience higher metabolic demands during lactation, is limited. In this review we summarize current knowledge of physiological relations between the metabolic state of modern hybrid sows and follicular developmental competence. In addition, we discuss potential implications of these relations for current sow management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasja G J Costermans
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Adaptation Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Katja J Teerds
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bas Kemp
- Adaptation Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Keijer
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicoline M Soede
- Adaptation Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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3
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Luaces JP, Toro-Urrego N, Otero-Losada M, Capani F. What do we know about blood-testis barrier? current understanding of its structure and physiology. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1114769. [PMID: 37397257 PMCID: PMC10307970 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1114769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood-testis barrier (BTB) creates a particular compartment in the seminiferous epithelium. Contacting Sertoli cell-Sertoli cell plasma membranes possess specialized junction proteins which present a complex dynamic of formation and dismantling. Thus, these specialized structures facilitate germ cell movement across the BTB. Junctions are constantly rearranged during spermatogenesis while the BTB preserves its barrier function. Imaging methods are essential to studying the dynamic of this sophisticated structure in order to understand its functional morphology. Isolated Sertoli cell cultures cannot represent the multiple interactions of the seminiferous epithelium and in situ studies became a fundamental approach to analyze BTB dynamics. In this review, we discuss the contributions of high-resolution microscopy studies to enlarge the body of morphofunctional data to understand the biology of the BTB as a dynamic structure. The first morphological evidence of the BTB was based on a fine structure of the junctions, which was resolved with Transmission Electron Microscopy. The use of conventional Fluorescent Light Microscopy to examine labelled molecules emerged as a fundamental technique for elucidating the precise protein localization at the BTB. Then laser-scanning confocal microscopy allowed the study of three-dimensional structures and complexes at the seminiferous epithelium. Several junction proteins, like the transmembrane, scaffold and signaling proteins, were identified in the testis using traditional animal models. BTB morphology was analyzed in different physiological conditions as the spermatocyte movement during meiosis, testis development, and seasonal spermatogenesis, but also structural elements, proteins, and BTB permeability were studied. Under pathological, pharmacological, or pollutant/toxic conditions, there are significant studies that provide high-resolution images which help to understand the dynamic of the BTB. Notwithstanding the advances, further research using new technologies is required to gain information on the BTB. Super-resolution light microscopy is needed to provide new research with high-quality images of targeted molecules at a nanometer-scale resolution. Finally, we highlight research areas that warrant future studies, pinpointing new microscopy approaches and helping to improve our ability to understand this barrier complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. P. Luaces
- Centro de Altos Estudios en Ciencias Humanas y de la Salud, Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CAECIHS.UAI-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - N. Toro-Urrego
- Centro de Altos Estudios en Ciencias Humanas y de la Salud, Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CAECIHS.UAI-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M. Otero-Losada
- Centro de Altos Estudios en Ciencias Humanas y de la Salud, Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CAECIHS.UAI-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F. Capani
- Centro de Altos Estudios en Ciencias Humanas y de la Salud, Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CAECIHS.UAI-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Proteomic Analysis of Murine Bone Marrow Very Small Embryonic-like Stem Cells at Steady-State Conditions and after In Vivo Stimulation by Nicotinamide and Follicle-Stimulating Factor Reflects their Germ-Lineage Origin and Multi Germ Layer Differentiation Potential. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:120-132. [PMID: 35986128 PMCID: PMC9823037 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10445-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) are a dormant population of development early stem cells deposited in adult tissues that as demonstrated contribute to tissue/organ repair and regeneration. We postulated developmental relationship of these cells to migrating primordial germ cells (PGCs) and explained the quiescent state of these cells by the erasure of differently methylated regions (DMRs) at some of the paternally imprinted genes involved in embryogenesis. Recently, we reported that VSELs began to proliferate and expand in vivo in murine bone marrow (BM) after exposure to nicotinamide (NAM) and selected pituitary and gonadal sex hormones. In the current report, we performed proteomic analysis of VSELs purified from murine bone marrow (BM) after repeated injections of NAM + Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) that in our previous studies turned out to be an effective combination to expand these cells. By employing the Gene Ontology (GO) resources, we have performed a combination of standard GO annotations (GO-CAM) to produce a network between BM steady-state conditions VSELs (SSC-VSELS) and FSH + NAM expanded VSELs (FSH + NAM VSELs). We have identified several GO biological processes regulating development, organogenesis, gene expression, signal transduction, Wnt signaling, insulin signaling, cytoskeleton organization, cell adhesion, inhibiting apoptosis, responses to extra- and intracellular stimuli, protein transport and stabilization, protein phosphorylation and ubiquitination, DNA repair, immune response, and regulation of circadian rhythm. We report that VSELs express a unique panel of proteins that only partially overlapped with the proteome of BM - derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and hematopoietic mononuclear cells (MNCs) and respond to FSH + NAM stimulation by expressing proteins involved in the development of all three germ layers. Thus, our current data supports further germ-lineage origin and multi germ layer differentiation potential of these cells.
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Zhang W, Xia S, Zhong X, Gao G, Yang J, Wang S, Cao M, Liang Z, Yang C, Wang J. Characterization of 2,2'4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE47)-induced testicular toxicity via single-cell RNA-sequencing. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2022; 5:pbac016. [PMID: 35875604 PMCID: PMC9306015 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The growing male reproductive diseases have been linked to higher exposure to certain environmental compounds such as 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE47) that are widely distributed in the food chain. However, the specific underlying molecular mechanisms for BDE47-induced male reproductive toxicity are not completely understood. Methods Here, for the first time, advanced single-cell RNA sequencing (ScRNA-seq) was employed to dissect BDE47-induced prepubertal testicular toxicity in mice from a pool of 76 859 cells. Results Our ScRNA-seq results revealed shared and heterogeneous information of differentially expressed genes, signaling pathways, transcription factors, and ligands-receptors in major testicular cell types in mice upon BDE47 treatment. Apart from disruption of hormone homeostasis, BDE47 was discovered to downregulate multiple previously unappreciated pathways such as double-strand break repair and cytokinesis pathways, indicative of their potential roles involved in BDE47-induced testicular injury. Interestingly, transcription factors analysis of ScRNA-seq results revealed that Kdm5b (lysine-specific demethylase 5B), a key transcription factor required for spermatogenesis, was downregulated in all germ cells as well as in Sertoli and telocyte cells in BDE47-treated testes of mice, suggesting its contribution to BDE47-induced impairment of spermatogenesis. Conclusions Overall, for the first time, we established the molecular cell atlas of mice testes to define BDE47-induced prepubertal testicular toxicity using the ScRNA-seq approach, providing novel insight into our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and pathways involved in BDE47-associated testicular injury at a single-cell resolution. Our results can serve as an important resource to further dissect the potential roles of BDE47, and other relevant endocrine-disrupting chemicals, in inducing male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology) , Shenzhen 518020 , China
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632 , China
| | - Siyu Xia
- Department of Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology) , Shenzhen 518020 , China
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632 , China
| | - Xiaoru Zhong
- Department of Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology) , Shenzhen 518020 , China
| | - Guoyong Gao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology) , Shenzhen 518020 , China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology) , Shenzhen 518020 , China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology) , Shenzhen 518020 , China
| | - Min Cao
- Department of Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology) , Shenzhen 518020 , China
| | - Zhen Liang
- Department of Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology) , Shenzhen 518020 , China
| | - Chuanbin Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology) , Shenzhen 518020 , China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology) , Shenzhen 518020 , China
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences , Beijing 100700 , China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Southern Medical University , Dongguan, 523125, Guangdong , China
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Wu S, Li L, Wu X, Wong CKC, Sun F, Cheng CY. AKAP9 supports spermatogenesis through its effects on microtubule and actin cytoskeletons in the rat testis. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21925. [PMID: 34569663 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100960r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian testes, extensive remodeling of the microtubule (MT) and actin cytoskeletons takes place in Sertoli cells across the seminiferous epithelium to support spermatogenesis. However, the mechanism(s) involving regulatory and signaling proteins remains poorly understood. Herein, A-kinase anchoring protein 9 (AKAP9, a member of the AKAP multivalent scaffold protein family) was shown to be one of these crucial regulatory proteins in the rat testis. Earlier studies have shown that AKAP9 serves as a signaling platform by recruiting multiple signaling and regulatory proteins to create a large protein complex that binds to the Golgi and centrosome to facilitate the assembly of the MT-nucleating γ-tubulin ring complex to initiate MT polymerization. We further expanded our earlier studies based on a Sertoli cell-specific AKAP9 knockout mouse model to probe the function of AKAP9 by using the techniques of immunofluorescence analysis, RNA interference (RNAi), and biochemical assays on an in vitro primary Sertoli cell culture model, and an adjudin-based animal model. AKAP9 robustly expressed across the seminiferous epithelium in adult rat testes, colocalizing with MT-based tracks, and laid perpendicular across the seminiferous epithelium, and prominently expressed at the Sertoli-spermatid cell-cell anchoring junction (called apical ectoplasmic specialization [ES]) and at the Sertoli cell-cell interface (called basal ES, which together with tight junction [TJ] created the blood-testis barrier [BTB]) stage specifically. AKAP9 knockdown in Sertoli cells by RNAi was found to perturb the TJ-permeability barrier through disruptive changes in the distribution of BTB-associated proteins at the Sertoli cell cortical zone, mediated by a considerable loss of ability to induce both MT polymerization and actin filament bundling. A considerable decline in AKAP9 expression and a disruptive distribution of AKAP9 across the seminiferous tubules was also noted during adjudin-induced germ cell (GC) exfoliation in this animal model, illustrating AKAP9 is essential to maintain the homeostasis of cytoskeletons to maintain Sertoli and GC adhesion in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
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7
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Jamin SP, Petit FG, Demini L, Primig M. Tex55 encodes a conserved putative A-kinase anchoring protein dispensable for male fertility in the mouse. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:731-733. [PMID: 33458765 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Soazik P Jamin
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, F35000 Rennes, France
| | - Fabrice G Petit
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, F35000 Rennes, France
| | - Leïla Demini
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, F35000 Rennes, France
| | - Michael Primig
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, F35000 Rennes, France
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8
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Wang L, Yan M, Wu S, Mao B, Wong CKC, Ge R, Sun F, Cheng CY. Microtubule Cytoskeleton and Spermatogenesis-Lesson From Studies of Toxicant Models. Toxicol Sci 2020; 177:305-315. [PMID: 32647867 PMCID: PMC7548287 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown that mammalian testes, in particular the Sertoli cells, are highly susceptible to exposure of environmental toxicants, such as cadmium, perfluorooctanesulfonate, phthalates, 2,5-hexanedione and bisphenol A. However, important studies conducted by reproductive toxicologists and/or biologists in the past have been treated as toxicology reports per se. Yet, many of these studies provided important mechanistic insights on the toxicant-induced testis injury and reproductive dysfunction, relevant to the biology of the testis and spermatogenesis. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that findings obtained from toxicant models are exceedingly helpful tools to unravel the biology of testis function in particular spermatogenesis, including specific cellular events associated with spermatid transport to support spermiogenesis and spermiation. In this review, we critically evaluate some recent data, focusing primarily on the molecular structure and role of microtubules in cellular function, illustrating the importance of toxicant models to unravel the biology of microtubule cytoskeleton in supporting spermatogenesis, well beyond information on toxicology. These findings have opened up some potential areas of research which should be carefully evaluated in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Ming Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Siwen Wu
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Baiping Mao
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
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9
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Freitas MJ, Silva JV, Brothag C, Regadas-Correia B, Fardilha M, Vijayaraghavan S. Isoform-specific GSK3A activity is negatively correlated with human sperm motility. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 25:171-183. [PMID: 30824926 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In mouse and bovine sperm, GSK3 activity is inversely proportional to motility. Targeted disruption of the GSK3A gene in testis results in normal spermatogenesis, but mature sperm present a reduced motility, rendering male mice infertile. On the other hand, GSK3B testis-specific KO is fertile. Yet in human sperm, an isoform-specific correlation between GSK3A and sperm motility was never established. In order to analyze GSK3 function in human sperm motility, normospermic and asthenozoospermic samples from adult males were used to correlate GSK3 expression and activity levels with human sperm motility profiles. Moreover, testicular and sperm GSK3 interactomes were identified using a yeast two-hybrid screen and coimmunoprecipitation, respectively. An extensive in-silico analysis of the GSK3 interactome was performed. The results proved that inhibited GSK3A (serine phosphorylated) presents a significant strong positive correlation (r = 0.822, P = 0.023) with the percentage of progressive human sperm, whereas inhibited GSK3B is not significantly correlated with sperm motility (r = 0.577, P = 0.175). The importance of GSK3 in human sperm motility was further reinforced by in-silico analysis of the GSK3 interactome, which revealed a high level of involvement of GSK3 interactors in sperm motility-related functions. The limitation of techniques used for GSK3 interactome identification can be a drawback, since none completely mimics the physiological environment. Our findings prove that human sperm motility relies on isoform-specific functions of GSK3A within this cell. Given the reported relevance of GSK3 protein-protein interactions in sperm motility, we hypothesized that they stand as potential targets for male contraceptive strategies based on sperm motility modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Freitas
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, Institute for Research in Biomedicine-iBiMED, Medical Sciences Department, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - J V Silva
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, Institute for Research in Biomedicine-iBiMED, Medical Sciences Department, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.,Reproductive Genetics & Embryo-fetal Development Group, Institute for Innovation and Health Research (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - C Brothag
- Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - B Regadas-Correia
- CNC.IBILI-Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBIT-Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department Quantitative Methods and Information and Management Systems, Coimbra Business School, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M Fardilha
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, Institute for Research in Biomedicine-iBiMED, Medical Sciences Department, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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The Genome of C57BL/6J "Eve", the Mother of the Laboratory Mouse Genome Reference Strain. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2019; 9:1795-1805. [PMID: 30996023 PMCID: PMC6553538 DOI: 10.1534/g3.119.400071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Isogenic laboratory mouse strains enhance reproducibility because individual animals are genetically identical. For the most widely used isogenic strain, C57BL/6, there exists a wealth of genetic, phenotypic, and genomic data, including a high-quality reference genome (GRCm38.p6). Now 20 years after the first release of the mouse reference genome, C57BL/6J mice are at least 26 inbreeding generations removed from GRCm38 and the strain is now maintained with periodic reintroduction of cryorecovered mice derived from a single breeder pair, aptly named Adam and Eve. To provide an update to the mouse reference genome that more accurately represents the genome of today's C57BL/6J mice, we took advantage of long read, short read, and optical mapping technologies to generate a de novo assembly of the C57BL/6J Eve genome (B6Eve). Using these data, we have addressed recurring variants observed in previous mouse genomic studies. We have also identified structural variations, closed gaps in the mouse reference assembly, and revealed previously unannotated coding sequences. This B6Eve assembly explains discrepant observations that have been associated with GRCm38-based analyses, and will inform a reference genome that is more representative of the C57BL/6J mice that are in use today.
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11
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Unpackaging the genetics of mammalian fertility: strategies to identify the “reproductive genome”†. Biol Reprod 2018; 99:1119-1128. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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12
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Hakkarainen J, Zhang FP, Jokela H, Mayerhofer A, Behr R, Cisneros-Montalvo S, Nurmio M, Toppari J, Ohlsson C, Kotaja N, Sipilä P, Poutanen M. Hydroxysteroid (17β) dehydrogenase 1 expressed by Sertoli cells contributes to steroid synthesis and is required for male fertility. FASEB J 2018; 32:3229-3241. [PMID: 29401623 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700921r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The pituitary gonadotrophins and testosterone are the main hormonal regulators of spermatogenesis, but estradiol is also known to play a role in the process. The hormonal responses in the testis are partially mediated by somatic Sertoli cells that provide nutritional and physical support for differentiating male germ cells. Hydroxysteroid (17β) dehydrogenase 1 (HSD17B1) is a steroidogenic enzyme that especially catalyzes the conversion of low potent 17keto-steroids to highly potent 17β-hydroxysteroids. In this study, we show that Hsd17b1 is highly expressed in Sertoli cells of fetal and newborn mice, and HSD17B1 knockout males present with disrupted spermatogenesis with major defects, particularly in the head shape of elongating spermatids. The cell-cell junctions between Sertoli cells and germ cells were disrupted in the HSD17B1 knockout mice. This resulted in complications in the orientation of elongating spermatids in the seminiferous epithelium, reduced sperm production, and morphologically abnormal spermatozoa. We also showed that the Sertoli cell-expressed HSD17B1 participates in testicular steroid synthesis, evidenced by a compensatory up-regulation of HSD17B3 in Leydig cells. These results revealed a novel role for HSD17B1 in the control of spermatogenesis and male fertility, and that Sertoli cells significantly contribute to steroid synthesis in the testis.-Hakkarainen, J., Zhang, F.-P., Jokela, H., Mayerhofer, A., Behr, R., Cisneros-Montalvo, S., Nurmio, M., Toppari, J., Ohlsson, C., Kotaja, N., Sipilä, P., Poutanen, M. Hydroxysteroid (17β) dehydrogenase 1 expressed by Sertoli cells contributes to steroid synthesis and is required for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fu-Ping Zhang
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Heli Jokela
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Mirja Nurmio
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Institute of Medicine, the Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Institute of Medicine, the Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Claes Ohlsson
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Cell Biology-Anatomy III, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany.,Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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13
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Li Z, Zhuang X, Zeng J, Tzeng CM. Integrated Analysis of DNA Methylation and mRNA Expression Profiles to Identify Key Genes in Severe Oligozoospermia. Front Physiol 2017; 8:261. [PMID: 28553232 PMCID: PMC5427114 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe oligozoospermia (SO) is a complex disorder, whose etiology is the combined effect of genetic factors and epigenetic conditions. In this study, we examined DNA methylation and mRNA expression status in a set of testicular tissues of SO patients (n = 3), and compared methylated data with those derived from obstructive azoospermia (OA) patients (n = 3) with normal spermatogenesis phenotype. We identified 1,960 differentially methylated CpG sites showing significant alterations in SO vs. OA using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 bead array. By integrating above DNA methylation data and mRNA expression results, we totally identified 72 methylated CpG sites located in 65 genes with anti-correlation between DNA methylation and mRNA expression. Integrated pathways analysis indicates that these genes are involved in response to hormone stimulus, activation of protein kinase activity, and apoptotic process, among others. We also observed some genes with inversely correlated difference is novel in male infertility field, including PTPRN2, EPHX1, SERPINB9, SLIT3, etc. Our results lay a groundwork for further biological study of SO. Moreover, we generated a workflow for integrated analysis of DNA methylation and mRNA expression, which is expandable to other study types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Li
- Translational Medicine Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen UniversityXiamen China.,Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of MedicineWinston-Salem, NC, USA.,Key Laboratory for Cancer T-Cell Theranostics and Clinical TranslationXiamen, China
| | - Xuan Zhuang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamen, China
| | - Jinxiong Zeng
- ChinaCredit Andrology Medical Co., Ltd.Shenzhen, China
| | - Chi-Meng Tzeng
- Translational Medicine Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen UniversityXiamen China.,Key Laboratory for Cancer T-Cell Theranostics and Clinical TranslationXiamen, China.,INNOVA Cell Theranostics/Clinics and TRANSLA Health GroupYangzhou, China
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14
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Wu J, de Heus C, Liu Q, Bouchet B, Noordstra I, Jiang K, Hua S, Martin M, Yang C, Grigoriev I, Katrukha E, Altelaar A, Hoogenraad C, Qi R, Klumperman J, Akhmanova A. Molecular Pathway of Microtubule Organization at the Golgi Apparatus. Dev Cell 2016; 39:44-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2016.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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15
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Li N, Lee WM, Cheng CY. Overexpression of plastin 3 in Sertoli cells disrupts actin microfilament bundle homeostasis and perturbs the tight junction barrier. SPERMATOGENESIS 2016; 6:e1206353. [PMID: 27559491 DOI: 10.1080/21565562.2016.1206353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis, actin microfilaments arranged as bundles near the Sertoli cell plasma membrane at the Sertoli cell-cell interface that constitute the blood-testis barrier (BTB) undergo extensive re-organization by converting between bundled and unbundled/branched configuration to give plasticity to the F-actin network. This is crucial to accommodate the transport of preleptotene spermatocytes across the BTB. Herein, we sought to examine changes in the actin microfilament organization at the Sertoli cell BTB using an in vitro model since Sertoli cells cultured in vitro is known to establish a functional tight junction (TJ)-permeability barrier that mimics the BTB in vivo. Plastin 3, a known actin microfilament cross-linker and bundling protein, when overexpressed in Sertoli cells using a mammalian expression vector pCI-neo was found to perturb the Sertoli cell TJ-barrier function even though its overexpression increased the overall actin bundling activity in these cells. Furthermore, plastin 3 overexpression also perturbed the localization and distribution of BTB-associated proteins, such as occludin-ZO1 and N-cadherin-β-catenin, this thus destabilized the barrier function. Collectively, these data illustrate that a delicate balance of actin microfilaments between organized in bundles vs. an unbundled/branched configuration is crucial to confer the homeostasis of the BTB and its integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research , New York, NY, USA
| | - Will M Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research , New York, NY, USA
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16
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Borges CS, Dias AFMG, Rosa JL, Silva PV, Silva RF, Barros AL, Sanabria M, Guerra MT, Gregory M, Cyr DG, De G Kempinas W. Alterations in male rats following in utero exposure to betamethasone suggests changes in reproductive programming. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 63:125-34. [PMID: 27247242 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Antenatal betamethasone is used for accelerating fetal lung maturation for women at risk of preterm birth. Altered sperm parameters were reported in adult rats after intrauterine exposure to betamethasone. In this study, male rat offspring were assessed for reproductive development after dam exposure to betamethasone (0.1mg/kg) or vehicle on Days 12, 13, 18 and 19 of pregnancy. The treatment resulted in reduction in the offspring body weight, delay in preputial separation, decreased seminal vesicle weight, testosterone levels and fertility, and increased testicular weight. In the testis, morphologically abnormal seminiferous tubules were observed, characterized by an irregular cell distribution with Sertoli cell that were displaced towards the tubular lumen. These cells expressed both Connexin 43 (Cx43) and Proliferative Nuclear Cell Antigen (PCNA). In conclusion, intrauterine betamethasone treatment appears to promote reproductive programming and impairment of rat sexual development and fertility due to, at least in part, unusual testicular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cibele S Borges
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Junior s/n°, 18618-970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ana Flávia M G Dias
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Junior s/n°, 18618-970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Josiane Lima Rosa
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Junior s/n°, 18618-970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Patricia V Silva
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Junior s/n°, 18618-970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Raquel F Silva
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Junior s/n°, 18618-970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Aline L Barros
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Junior s/n°, 18618-970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Marciana Sanabria
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Junior s/n°, 18618-970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Marina T Guerra
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Junior s/n°, 18618-970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Mary Gregory
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, University of Quebec, 531 boulevard des Prairies, Laval, Québec, Canada, H7V 1B7
| | - Daniel G Cyr
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, University of Quebec, 531 boulevard des Prairies, Laval, Québec, Canada, H7V 1B7
| | - Wilma De G Kempinas
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Junior s/n°, 18618-970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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17
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Kidder GM, Cyr DG. Roles of connexins in testis development and spermatogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 50:22-30. [PMID: 26780117 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The development and differentiation of cells involved in spermatogenesis requires highly regulated and coordinated interactions between cells. Intercellular communication, particularly via connexin43 (Cx43) gap junctions, plays a critical role in the development of germ cells during fetal development and during spermatogenesis in the adult. Loss of Cx43 in the fetus results in a decreased number of germ cells, while the loss of Cx43 in the adult Sertoli cells results in complete inhibition of spermatogenesis. Connexins 26, 32, 33, 36, 45, 46 and 50 have also been localized to specific compartments of the testis in various mammals. Loss of Cx46 is associated with an increase in germ cell apoptosis and loss of the integrity of the blood-testis barrier, while loss of other connexins appears to have more subtle effects within the seminiferous tubule. Outside the seminiferous tubule, the interstitial Leydig cells express connexins 36 and 45 along with Cx43; deletion of the latter connexin did not reveal it to be crucial for steroidogenesis or for the development and differentiation of Leydig cells. In contrast, loss of Cx43 from Sertoli cells results in Leydig cell hyperplasia, suggesting important cross-talk between Sertoli and Leydig cells. In the epididymis connexins 26, 30.3, Cx31.1, 32, and 43 have been identified and differentiation of the epithelium is associated with dramatic changes in their expression. Decreased expression of Cx43 results in decreased sperm motility, a function acquired by spermatozoa during epididymal transit. Clearly, intercellular gap junctional communication within the testis and epididymis represents a critical aspect of male reproductive function and fertility. The implications of this mode of intercellular communication for male fertility remains a poorly understood but important facet of male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald M Kidder
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada.
| | - Daniel G Cyr
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, University of Québec, 531 boul. des Prairies, Laval, Québec H7V 1B7, Canada
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18
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Herter JM, Grabie N, Cullere X, Azcutia V, Rosetti F, Bennett P, Herter-Sprie GS, Elyaman W, Luscinskas FW, Lichtman AH, Mayadas TN. AKAP9 regulates activation-induced retention of T lymphocytes at sites of inflammation. Nat Commun 2015; 6:10182. [PMID: 26680259 PMCID: PMC4703868 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms driving T cell homing to lymph nodes and migration to tissue are well described but little is known about factors that affect T cell egress from tissues. Here, we generate mice with a T cell-specific deletion of the scaffold protein A kinase anchoring protein 9 (AKAP9) and use models of inflammatory disease to demonstrate that AKAP9 is dispensable for T cell priming and migration into tissues and lymph nodes, but is required for T cell retention in tissues. AKAP9 deficiency results in increased T cell egress to draining lymph nodes, which is associated with impaired T cell re-activation in tissues and protection from organ damage. AKAP9-deficient T cells exhibit reduced microtubule-dependent recycling of TCRs back to the cell surface and this affects antigen-dependent activation, primarily by non-classical antigen-presenting cells. Thus, AKAP9-dependent TCR trafficking drives efficient T cell re-activation and extends their retention at sites of inflammation with implications for disease pathogenesis. A-kinase anchoring protein 9 (AKAP9) is a scaffold protein that binds signalling proteins and regulates microtubules. Here the authors show that during inflammation AKAP9 in T cells is required for their reactivation and retention at the inflammation site and that its deletion protects from inflammation-induced organ damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan M Herter
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Nir Grabie
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Xavier Cullere
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Veronica Azcutia
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Florencia Rosetti
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Paul Bennett
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Grit S Herter-Sprie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Wassim Elyaman
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Francis W Luscinskas
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Andrew H Lichtman
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Tanya N Mayadas
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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19
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AKAP9, a Regulator of Microtubule Dynamics, Contributes to Blood-Testis Barrier Function. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2015; 186:270-84. [PMID: 26687990 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB), formed between adjacent Sertoli cells, undergoes extensive remodeling to facilitate the transport of preleptotene spermatocytes across the barrier from the basal to apical compartments of the seminiferous tubules for further development and maturation into spermatozoa. The actin cytoskeleton serves unique structural and supporting roles in this process, but little is known about the role of microtubules and their regulators during BTB restructuring. The large isoform of the cAMP-responsive scaffold protein AKAP9 regulates microtubule dynamics and nucleation at the Golgi. We found that conditional deletion of Akap9 in mice after the initial formation of the BTB at puberty leads to infertility. Akap9 deletion results in marked alterations in the organization of microtubules in Sertoli cells and a loss of barrier integrity despite a relatively intact, albeit more apically localized F-actin and BTB tight junctional proteins. These changes are accompanied by a loss of haploid spermatids due to impeded meiosis. The barrier, however, progressively reseals in older Akap9 null mice, which correlates with a reduction in germ cell apoptosis and a greater incidence of meiosis. However, spermiogenesis remains defective, suggesting additional roles for AKAP9 in this process. Together, our data suggest that AKAP9 and, by inference, the regulation of the microtubule network are critical for BTB function and subsequent germ cell development during spermatogenesis.
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20
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Davis BW, Seabury CM, Brashear WA, Li G, Roelke-Parker M, Murphy WJ. Mechanisms Underlying Mammalian Hybrid Sterility in Two Feline Interspecies Models. Mol Biol Evol 2015; 32:2534-46. [PMID: 26006188 PMCID: PMC4592343 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msv124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The phenomenon of male sterility in interspecies hybrids has been observed for over a century, however, few genes influencing this recurrent phenotype have been identified. Genetic investigations have been primarily limited to a small number of model organisms, thus limiting our understanding of the underlying molecular basis of this well-documented "rule of speciation." We utilized two interspecies hybrid cat breeds in a genome-wide association study employing the Illumina 63 K single-nucleotide polymorphism array. Collectively, we identified eight autosomal genes/gene regions underlying associations with hybrid male sterility (HMS) involved in the function of the blood-testis barrier, gamete structural development, and transcriptional regulation. We also identified several candidate hybrid sterility regions on the X chromosome, with most residing in close proximity to complex duplicated regions. Differential gene expression analyses revealed significant chromosome-wide upregulation of X chromosome transcripts in testes of sterile hybrids, which were enriched for genes involved in chromatin regulation of gene expression. Our expression results parallel those reported in Mus hybrids, supporting the "Large X-Effect" in mammalian HMS and the potential epigenetic basis for this phenomenon. These results support the value of the interspecies feline model as a powerful tool for comparison to rodent models of HMS, demonstrating unique aspects and potential commonalities that underpin mammalian reproductive isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian W Davis
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics, Texas A&M University
| | - Christopher M Seabury
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics, Texas A&M University
| | - Wesley A Brashear
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics, Texas A&M University
| | - Gang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University
| | - Melody Roelke-Parker
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - William J Murphy
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics, Texas A&M University
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21
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Gao Y, Lee WM, Cheng CY. Thyroid hormone function in the rat testis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:188. [PMID: 25414694 PMCID: PMC4220729 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid hormones are emerging regulators of testicular function since Sertoli, germ, and Leydig cells are found to express thyroid hormone receptors (TRs). These testicular cells also express deiodinases, which are capable of converting the pro-hormone T4 to the active thyroid hormone T3, or inactivating T3 or T4 to a non-biologically active form. Furthermore, thyroid hormone transporters are also found in the testis. Thus, the testis is equipped with the transporters and the enzymes necessary to maintain the optimal level of thyroid hormone in the seminiferous epithelium, as well as the specific TRs to execute thyroid hormone action in response to different stages of the epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis. Studies using genetic models and/or goitrogens (e.g., propylthiouracil) have illustrated a tight physiological relationship between thyroid hormone and testicular function, in particular, Sertoli cell differentiation status, mitotic activity, gap junction function, and blood-testis barrier assembly. These findings are briefly summarized and discussed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gao
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Will M. Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - C. Yan Cheng
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
- *Correspondence: C. Yan Cheng, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA e-mail: ;
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