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Riviere E, Rossi SP, Tavalieri YE, Muñoz de Toro MM, Calandra RS, Mayerhofer A, Matzkin ME, Frungieri MB. Pleiotropic actions of melatonin in testicular peritubular myoid cells of immature Syrian hamsters. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130187. [PMID: 35691458 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peritubular myoid cells are emerging as key regulators of testicular function in adulthood. However, little is known about the role of testicular peritubular myoid cells (TPMCs) in the development of the male gonad. We found that, compared to testes of young adult hamsters, gonads of 21 day-old animals show increased melatonin concentration, seminiferous tubular wall thickening and a heterogeneous packaging of its collagen fibers thus raising the question whether melatonin may be involved in the regulation of TPMCs. METHODS We established primary cultures of TPMCs from immature hamsters (ihaTPMCs), which we found express melatonergic receptors. RESULTS Exogeneous melatonin decreased the levels of inflammatory markers (NLRP3 inflammasome, IL1β) but increased the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2, key enzyme mediating prostaglandin synthesis) and of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in ihaTPMCs. Melatonin also stimulated ihaTPMCs proliferation and the expression of extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen type I and IV. Furthermore, collagen gel contraction assays revealed an enhanced ability of ihaTPMCs to contract in the presence of melatonin. CONCLUSION Melatonin regulates immune and inflammatory functions as well as contractile phenotype of the peritubular wall in the hamster testis. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE If transferable to the in vivo situation, melatonin-dependent induction of ihaTPMCs to produce factors known to exert paracrine effects in other somatic cell populations of the gonad suggests that the influence of melatonin may go beyond the peritubular wall and indicates its contribution to testicular development and the establishment of a normal and sustainable spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Riviere
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Soledad P Rossi
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Yamil E Tavalieri
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Mónica M Muñoz de Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | - Ricardo S Calandra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - María E Matzkin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Mónica B Frungieri
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina; Cátedra de Química, Ciclo Básico Común, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1405CAE, Argentina.
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Maria da Silva A, Pereira AG, Brasil AV, Macedo LB, Souza-Junior J, Bezerra de Moura CE, Pereira AF, Franco de Oliveira M, Comizzoli P, Silva AR. Influence of freezing techniques and glycerol-based cryoprotectant combinations on the survival of testicular tissues from adult collared peccaries. Theriogenology 2021; 167:111-119. [PMID: 33813051 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.03.013] [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: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of different cryopreservation techniques including glycerol-based cryoprotectant combinations on the structure and viability of testicular tissues from adult collared peccaries. Tissue biopsies (3.0 mm³) from 5 different individuals were allocated to 10 different groups: fresh control; slow freezing (SF), conventional vitrification (CV), or solid-surface vitrification (SSV); each of them using three different combinations of cryoprotectants [dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) + ethylene glycol (EG); DMSO + Glycerol; and EG + Glycerol]. After thawing/warming, samples were evaluated for histomorphology, viability, proliferative capacity potential, and DNA integrity. Most effective preservation of testicular histomorphology was achieved using SF and CV with DMSO + EG. However, the use of glycerol-based cryoprotectant combinations increased the occurrence of tubular cell swelling, tubular cell loss and shrinkage from the basal membrane. Cell viability was comparable among cryopreservation methods and cryoprotectant combinations. Regarding cell proliferative capacity, the use of SF with EG + Glycerol and SSV with DMSO + Glycerol impaired the conservation of spermatogonia proliferative potential compared to other treatments. Moreover, CV with DMSO + EG was better than SF with EG + Glycerol for Sertoli cell proliferation potential. Regarding DNA integrity, less damage occurred when using SF with DMSO + EG while more fragmentations were observed when using CV with EG + Glycerol or DMSO + Glycerol as well as SSV with EG + Glycerol or DMSO + Glycerol. In sum, SF and CV appeared to be the most suitable methods for the cryopreservation of adult peccary testicular tissues. Additionally, the use of glycerol-based cryoprotectant combinations did not improve testicular tissues preservation with DMSO + EG being the most efficient option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréia Maria da Silva
- Laboratory of Animal Germplasm Conservation, Federal Rural University of Semi-Arid - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brazil
| | - Ana Gloria Pereira
- Laboratory of Animal Germplasm Conservation, Federal Rural University of Semi-Arid - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brazil
| | - Andreza Vieira Brasil
- Laboratory of Animal Germplasm Conservation, Federal Rural University of Semi-Arid - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brazil
| | | | - João Souza-Junior
- Laboratory of Animal Germplasm Conservation, Federal Rural University of Semi-Arid - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Veterinary Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alexandre Rodrigues Silva
- Laboratory of Animal Germplasm Conservation, Federal Rural University of Semi-Arid - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brazil.
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3
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Park HJ, Yun JI, Kim M, Choi K, Lee E, Lee ST. Screening of Integrin Heterodimers Expressed Functionally on the Undifferentiated Spermatogonial Stem Cells in the Outbred ICR Mice. Int J Stem Cells 2020; 13:353-363. [PMID: 32840227 PMCID: PMC7691863 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc20061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Outbred mice are widely used in toxicology, pharmacology, and fundamental biomedical research. However, there have been no reports of in vitro culture systems for spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) derived from these mice. Methods As a step towards constructing a non-cellular niche supporting the in vitro maintenance of outbred mouse SSC self-renewal, we systematically investigated the types of integrin heterodimers that are expressed transcriptionally, translationally, and functionally in SSCs derived from Imprinting Control Region (ICR) mice. Results Among the genes encoding 25 integrin subunits, integrin α1, α5, α6, α9, αV, and αE, and integrin β1 and β5 had significantly higher transcriptional levels than the other subunits. Furthermore, at the translational level, integrin α5, α6, α9, αV, αE, and β1 were localized on the surface of SSCs, but integrin α1 and β5 not. Moreover, significantly stronger translational expression than integrin α9 and αE was observed in integrin α5, α6, αV, and β1. SSCs showed significantly increased adhesion to fibronectin, laminin, tenascin C and vitronectin, and functional blocking of integrin α5β1, α6β1, α9β1 or αVβ1 significantly inhibited adhesion to these molecules. Conclusions We confirmed that integrin α5β1, α6β1, α9β1 and αVβ1 actively function on the surface of undifferentiated SSCs derived from outbred ICR mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jin Park
- Department of Animal Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | | | - Minseok Kim
- Department of Animal Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | | | - Eunsong Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Seung Tae Lee
- Department of Animal Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea.,KustoGen Inc., Chuncheon, Korea.,Department of Applied Animal Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
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4
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Rungsung I, Sahay M, Dalal A. Digenic variations of human COL4A3 and COL4A4 genes result in early onset renal failure. GENE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2020.100602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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5
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Komarowska M, Szymańska B, Ołdak Ł, Sankiewicz A, Matuszczak E, Gorodkiewicz E, Debek W, Milewski R, Hermanowicz A. Plasma level of laminin 5 and collagen IV in cryptorchidism. Adv Med Sci 2020; 65:176-181. [PMID: 31978696 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2019.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Laminin 5 and collagen IV are the main compounds of the extracellular matrix of the germinal epithelium. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concentration of these two markers of fibrosis in the plasma of boys with congenital unilateral cryptorchidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study group comprised 43 boys aged 1-3 years with congenital unilateral cryptorchidism. The control group included 54 healthy, age matched boys, admitted for planned hernioplasty. To assess laminin 5 and collagen IV in the plasma of boys with unilateral cryptorchidism, we used a new biosensor with Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging technique detection. RESULTS The median concentration of laminin 5 and collagen IV in the serum of boys with congenital, unilateral cryptorchidism was higher than in boys with normal scrotal testis. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). We did not notice a correlation between a higher position of the testicles in the inguinal and/or their condition and levels of laminin 5 and collagen IV in the plasma. CONCLUSION Laminin 5 and collagen IV concentrations in the plasma were higher in patients with congenital unilateral cryptorchidism. We believe that in the future, our results could be compared with fertility level in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Komarowska
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Beata Szymańska
- Electrochemistry Department, University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Łukasz Ołdak
- Electrochemistry Department, University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Anna Sankiewicz
- Electrochemistry Department, University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Ewa Matuszczak
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Ewa Gorodkiewicz
- Electrochemistry Department, University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Wojciech Debek
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Robert Milewski
- Department of Statistics and Medical Informatics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Adam Hermanowicz
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
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6
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Yang C, Song Y, Chen Z, Yuan X, Chen X, Ding G, Guan Y, McGrath M, Song C, Tong Y, Wang H. A Nonsense Mutation in COL4A4 Gene Causing Isolated Hematuria in Either Heterozygous or Homozygous State. Front Genet 2019; 10:628. [PMID: 31312213 PMCID: PMC6614519 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alport syndrome (AS) is a hereditary nephropathy characterized by glomerular basement membrane lesions. AS shows a relatively rare entity with autosomal dominant gene mutation (accounts for less than 5% of AS cases) and is widely believed to be a consequence of heterozygous variants in the COL4A3 and COL4A4 genes. Until now, there have been no reports of homozygous variants in genes in AS patients, and it is scarce to detect both homozygous and heterozygous variants in a single AS pedigree. We performed genetic analysis by exome sequencing (exome-seq) in a Chinese family with AS and found four individuals harboring the COL4A4 c.4599T > G variant, a novel COL4A4 nonsense mutation that gains stop codon and results in a truncated protein. The proband and her two siblings were determined to be heterozygous, whereas their mother was homozygous. The proband satisfied the criteria for the diagnosis of AS, which included clinical manifestations of microscopic hematuria and proteinuria, and pathological features of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM), including irregular thickening and splitting. However, the other three individuals who were homozygous or heterozygous for the variant exhibited mild clinical features with isolated microscopic hematuria. In summary, we identified a novel pathogenic variant in either the heterozygous or homozygous state of the COL4A4 gene in a Chinese family with AS. Our results also suggest that the severity of clinical manifestations may not be entirely attributed to by the COL4A4 genetic variant itself in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Yang
- Renal Department, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Song
- Renal Department, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhaowei Chen
- Renal Department, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohan Yuan
- Renal Department, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinhua Chen
- Renal Department, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guohua Ding
- Renal Department, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Guan
- Ultrastructure Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mary McGrath
- Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Chunhua Song
- Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Yongqing Tong
- Department of Laboratory Science, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiming Wang
- Renal Department, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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7
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Reglodi D, Cseh S, Somoskoi B, Fulop BD, Szentleleky E, Szegeczki V, Kovacs A, Varga A, Kiss P, Hashimoto H, Tamas A, Bardosi A, Manavalan S, Bako E, Zakany R, Juhasz T. Disturbed spermatogenic signaling in pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide-deficient mice. Reproduction 2017; 155:129-139. [PMID: 29101268 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PACAP is a neuropeptide with diverse functions in various organs, including reproductive system. It is present in the testis in high concentrations, and in addition to the stage-specific expression within the seminiferous tubules, PACAP affects spermatogenesis and the functions of Leydig and Sertoli cells. Mice lacking endogenous PACAP show reduced fertility, but the possibility of abnormalities in spermatogenic signaling has not yet been investigated. Therefore, we performed a detailed morphological analysis of spermatozoa, sperm motility and investigated signaling pathways that play a role during spermatogenesis in knockout mice. No significant alterations were found in testicular morphology or motility of sperm in homozygous and heterozygous PACAP-deficient mice in spite of the moderately increased number of severely damaged sperms. However, we found robust changes in mRNA and/or protein expression of several factors that play an important role in spermatogenesis. Protein kinase A expression was markedly reduced, while downstream phospho-ERK and p38 were elevated in knockout animals. Expression of major transcription factors, such as Sox9 and phospho-Sox9, was decreased, while that of Sox10, as a redundant factor, was increased in PACAP-deficient mice. The reduced phospho-Sox9 expression was partly due to increased expression and activity of phosphatase PP2A in knockout mice. Targets of Sox transcription factors, such as collagen type IV, were reduced in knockout mice. In summary, our results show that lack of PACAP leads to disturbed signaling in spermatogenesis, which could be a factor responsible for reduced fertility in PACAP knockout mice, and further support the role of PACAP in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Reglodi
- Department of AnatomyMTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - S Cseh
- Department and Clinic of ReproductionUniversity of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - B Somoskoi
- Department and Clinic of ReproductionUniversity of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - B D Fulop
- Department of AnatomyMTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - E Szentleleky
- Department of AnatomyHistology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - V Szegeczki
- Department of AnatomyHistology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - A Kovacs
- Department of AnatomyMTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - A Varga
- Department of AnatomyMTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - P Kiss
- Department of AnatomyMTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - H Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular NeuropharmacologyGraduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental DevelopmentUnited Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Division of BioscienceInstitute for Datability Science, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - A Tamas
- Department of AnatomyMTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - A Bardosi
- MVZ für HistologieZytologie und Molekulare Diagnostik, Trier, Germany
| | - S Manavalan
- Department of Basic SciencesNational University of Health Sciences, Pinellas Park, Florida, USA
| | - E Bako
- Cell Biology and Signalling Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of SciencesDepartment of Medical Chemistry, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - R Zakany
- Department of AnatomyHistology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - T Juhasz
- Department of AnatomyHistology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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8
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Mazzatenta A, Carluccio A, Robbe D, Giulio CD, Cellerino A. The companion dog as a unique translational model for aging. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 70:141-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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9
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Chen SR, Chen M, Wang XN, Zhang J, Wen Q, Ji SY, Zheng QS, Gao F, Liu YX. The Wilms tumor gene, Wt1, maintains testicular cord integrity by regulating the expression of Col4a1 and Col4a2. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:56. [PMID: 23325811 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.105379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Wt1 is specifically expressed in Sertoli cells in the developing testis. A previous study has demonstrated that Wt1 plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of testicular cords. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, we found that the laminin-positive basal lamina lining the testicular cords was fragmented and completely absent in some areas of Wt1(-/flox); Amh-Cre testes, indicating that the testicular cord disruption can be attributed to the breakdown of the basement membrane. To explore the molecular mechanism underlying this effect, we examined the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and testicular cord basal lamina components by real-time RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunostaining. Compared with control testes, the expression of CAMs (such as E-cadherin, N-cadherin, claudin11, occludin, beta-catenin, and ZO-1) was not obviously altered in Wt1(-/flox); Amh-Cre testes. However, the mRNA level of Col4a1 and Col4a2 was significantly decreased in Wt1-deficient testes. Immunostaining assays further confirmed that the collagen IV protein levels were dramatically reduced in Wt1(-/flox); Amh-Cre testes. Moreover, luciferase and point mutation analyses revealed that the Col4a1 and Col4a2 promoters were additively transactivated by WT1 and SOX9. Given this finding and previous results showing that SOX9 expression declines rapidly after Wt1 deletion, we conclude that the loss of Wt1 in Sertoli cells results in the downregulation of the important basal lamina component, which in turn causes the breakdown of the basal lamina and subsequent testicular cord disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Ren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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10
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Abstract
In 1990, the role of basement membranes in human disease was established by the identification of COL4A5 mutations in Alport's syndrome. Since then, the number of diseases caused by mutations in basement membrane components has steadily increased as has our understanding of the roles of basement membranes in organ development and function. However, many questions remain as to the molecular and cellular consequences of these mutations and the way in which they lead to the observed disease phenotypes. Despite this, exciting progress has recently been made with potential treatment options for some of these so far incurable diseases.
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11
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Cheng CY, Mruk DD. An intracellular trafficking pathway in the seminiferous epithelium regulating spermatogenesis: a biochemical and molecular perspective. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2009; 44:245-63. [PMID: 19622063 PMCID: PMC2758293 DOI: 10.1080/10409230903061207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
During spermatogenesis in adult rat testes, fully developed spermatids (i.e. spermatozoa) at the luminal edge of the seminiferous epithelium undergo "spermiation" at stage VIII of the seminiferous epithelial cycle. This is manifested by the disruption of the apical ectoplasmic specialization (apical ES) so that spermatozoa can enter the tubule lumen and to complete their maturation in the epididymis. At the same time, the blood-testis barrier (BTB) located near the basement membrane undergoes extensive restructuring to allow transit of preleptotene spermatocytes so that post-meiotic germ cells complete their development behind the BTB. While spermiation and BTB restructuring take place concurrently at opposite ends of the Sertoli cell epithelium, the biochemical mechanism(s) by which they are coordinated were not known until recently. Studies have shown that fragments of laminin chains are generated from the laminin/integrin protein complex at the apical ES via the action of MMP-2 (matrix metalloprotease-2) at spermiation. These peptides serve as the local autocrine factors to destabilize the BTB. These laminin peptides also exert their effects on hemidesmosome which, in turn, further potentiates BTB restructuring. Thus, a novel apical ES-BTB-hemidesmosome regulatory loop is operating in the seminiferous epithelium to coordinate these two crucial cellular events of spermatogenesis. This functional loop is further assisted by the Par3/Par6-based polarity protein complex in coordination with cytokines and testosterone at the BTB. Herein, we provide a critical review based on the latest findings in the field regarding the regulation of these cellular events. These recent findings also open up a new window for investigators studying blood-tissue barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Yan Cheng
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA.
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12
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Junction restructuring and spermatogenesis: the biology, regulation, and implication in male contraceptive development. Curr Top Dev Biol 2007; 80:57-92. [PMID: 17950372 DOI: 10.1016/s0070-2153(07)80002-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis that occurs in the seminiferous epithelium of adult mammalian testes is associated with extensive junction restructuring at the Sertoli-Sertoli cell, Sertoli-germ cell, and Sertoli-basement membrane interface. While this morphological phenomenon is known and has been described in great details for decades, the biochemical and molecular changes as well as the mechanisms/signaling pathways that define changes at the cell-cell and cell-matrix interface remain largely unknown until recently. In this chapter, we summarize and discuss findings in the field regarding the coordinated efforts of the anchoring [e.g., adherens junction (AJ), such as basal ectoplasmic specialization (basal ES)] and tight junctions (TJs) that are present in the same microenvironment, such as at the blood-testis barrier (BTB), or at distinctly opposite ends of the Sertoli cell epithelium, such as between apical ectoplasmic specialization (apical ES) in the apical compartment, and the BTB adjacent to the basal compartment of the epithelium. These efforts, in turn, regulate and coordinate different cellular events that occur during the seminiferous epithelial cycle. For instance, the events of spermiation and of preleptotene spermatocyte migration across the BTB both take place concurrently at stage VIII of the epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis. Recent findings suggest that these events are coordinated by protein complexes found at the apical and basal ES and TJ, which are located at different ends of the Sertoli cell epithelium. Besides, we highlight important areas of research that can now be undertaken, and functional studies that can be designed to tackle different issues pertinent to junction restructuring during spermatogenesis.
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