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Hu HY, Zhang GH, Deng WF, Wei TY, Feng ZK, Li CX, Li SJ, Liu JE, Tian YP. Novel PATL2 variants cause female infertility with oocyte maturation defect. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1965-1976. [PMID: 38954294 PMCID: PMC11339215 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03150-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Oocyte maturation defect (OOMD) is a rare cause of in vitro fertilization failure characterized by the production of immature oocytes. Compound heterozygous or homozygous PATL2 mutations have been associated with oocyte arrest at the germinal vesicle (GV), metaphase I (MI), and metaphase II (MII) stages, as well as morphological changes. METHODS In this study, we recruited three OOMD cases and conducted a comprehensive multiplatform laboratory investigation. RESULTS Whole exome sequence (WES) revealed four diagnostic variants in PATL2, nonsense mutation c.709C > T (p.R237*) and frameshift mutation c.1486_1487delinsT (p.A496Sfs*4) were novel mutations that have not been reported previously. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of these variants was predicted using in silico analysis, which indicated detrimental effects. Molecular dynamic analysis suggested that the A496S variant disrupted the hydrophobic segment, leading to structural changes that affected the overall protein folding and stability. Additionally, biochemical and molecular experiments were conducted on cells transfected with wild-type (WT) or mutant PATL2 (p.R237* and p.A496Sfs*4) plasmid vectors. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrated that PATL2A496Sfs*4 and PATL2R237* had impacts on protein size and expression level. Interestingly, expression levels of specific genes involved in oocyte maturation and early embryonic development were found to be simultaneously deregulated. The findings in our study expand the variation spectrum of the PATL2 gene, provide solid evidence for counseling on future pregnancies in affected families, strongly support the application of in the diagnosis of OOMD, and contribute to the understanding of PATL2 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Ying Hu
- Birth Defects Prevention and Control Technology Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Ge-Han Zhang
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Fen Deng
- Shenzhen Hengsheng Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Tian-Ying Wei
- Jiaen Genetics Laboratory, Beijing Jiaen Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhan-Ke Feng
- Jiaen Genetics Laboratory, Beijing Jiaen Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Cun-Xi Li
- Jiaen Genetics Laboratory, Beijing Jiaen Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Song Jun Li
- The Reproduction Medical Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jia-En Liu
- Jiaen Genetics Laboratory, Beijing Jiaen Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Ya-Ping Tian
- Birth Defects Prevention and Control Technology Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
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2
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Wei Y, Wang J, Qu R, Zhang W, Tan Y, Sha Y, Li L, Yin T. Genetic mechanisms of fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest: a comprehensive review. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:48-80. [PMID: 37758324 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility and pregnancy loss are longstanding problems. Successful fertilization and high-quality embryos are prerequisites for an ongoing pregnancy. Studies have proven that every stage in the human reproductive process is regulated by multiple genes and any problem, at any step, may lead to fertilization failure (FF) or early embryonic arrest (EEA). Doctors can diagnose the pathogenic factors involved in FF and EEA by using genetic methods. With the progress in the development of new genetic technologies, such as single-cell RNA analysis and whole-exome sequencing, a new approach has opened up for us to directly study human germ cells and reproductive development. These findings will help us to identify the unique mechanism(s) that leads to FF and EEA in order to find potential treatments. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The goal of this review is to compile current genetic knowledge related to FF and EEA, clarifying the mechanisms involved and providing clues for clinical diagnosis and treatment. SEARCH METHODS PubMed was used to search for relevant research articles and reviews, primarily focusing on English-language publications from January 1978 to June 2023. The search terms included fertilization failure, early embryonic arrest, genetic, epigenetic, whole-exome sequencing, DNA methylation, chromosome, non-coding RNA, and other related keywords. Additional studies were identified by searching reference lists. This review primarily focuses on research conducted in humans. However, it also incorporates relevant data from animal models when applicable. The results were presented descriptively, and individual study quality was not assessed. OUTCOMES A total of 233 relevant articles were included in the final review, from 3925 records identified initially. The review provides an overview of genetic factors and mechanisms involved in the human reproductive process. The genetic mutations and other genetic mechanisms of FF and EEA were systematically reviewed, for example, globozoospermia, oocyte activation failure, maternal effect gene mutations, zygotic genome activation abnormalities, chromosome abnormalities, and epigenetic abnormalities. Additionally, the review summarizes progress in treatments for different gene defects, offering new insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The information provided in this review will facilitate the development of more accurate molecular screening tools for diagnosing infertility using genetic markers and networks in human reproductive development. The findings will also help guide clinical practice by identifying appropriate interventions based on specific gene mutations. For example, when an individual has obvious gene mutations related to FF, ICSI is recommended instead of IVF. However, in the case of genetic defects such as phospholipase C zeta1 (PLCZ1), actin-like7A (ACTL7A), actin-like 9 (ACTL9), and IQ motif-containing N (IQCN), ICSI may also fail to fertilize. We can consider artificial oocyte activation technology with ICSI to improve fertilization rate and reduce monetary and time costs. In the future, fertility is expected to be improved or restored by interfering with or supplementing the relevant genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiu Wei
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingxuan Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Qu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiqian Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiling Tan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lin Li
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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3
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Biswas L, Schindler K. Predicting Infertility: How Genetic Variants in Oocyte Spindle Genes Affect Egg Quality. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2024; 238:1-22. [PMID: 39030352 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-55163-5_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Successful reproduction relies on the union of a single chromosomally normal egg and sperm. Chromosomally normal eggs develop from precursor cells, called oocytes, that have undergone accurate chromosome segregation. The process of chromosome segregation is governed by the oocyte spindle, a unique cytoskeletal machine that splits chromatin content of the meiotically dividing oocyte. The oocyte spindle develops and functions in an idiosyncratic process, which is vulnerable to genetic variation in spindle-associated proteins. Human genetic variants in several spindle-associated proteins are associated with poor clinical fertility outcomes, suggesting that heritable etiologies for oocyte dysfunction leading to infertility exist and that the spindle is a crux for female fertility. This chapter examines the mammalian oocyte spindle through the lens of human genetic variation, covering the genes TUBB8, TACC3, CEP120, AURKA, AURKC, AURKB, BUB1B, and CDC20. Specifically, it explores how patient-identified variants perturb spindle development and function, and it links these molecular changes in the oocyte to their cognate clinical consequences, such as oocyte maturation arrest, elevated egg aneuploidy, primary ovarian insufficiency, and recurrent pregnancy loss. This discussion demonstrates that small genetic errors in oocyte meiosis can result in remarkably far-ranging embryonic consequences, and thus reveals the importance of the oocyte's fine machinery in sustaining life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leelabati Biswas
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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4
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Xian F, Zhao C, Huang C, Bie J, Xu G. The potential role of CDC20 in tumorigenesis, cancer progression and therapy: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35038. [PMID: 37682144 PMCID: PMC10489547 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035038] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The cell division cycle 20 homologue (CDC20) is known to regulate the cell cycle. Many studies have suggested that dysregulation of CDC20 is associated with various pathological processes in malignant solid tumors, including tumorigenesis, progression, chemoradiotherapy resistance, and poor prognosis, providing a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Some researchers have demonstrated that CDC20 also regulates apoptosis, immune microenvironment, and tumor angiogenesis. In this review, we have systematically summarized the biological functions of CDC20 in solid cancers. Furthermore, we briefly synthesized multiple medicines that inhibited CDC20. We anticipate that CDC20 will be a promising and effective biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xian
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Oncology, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Caixia Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Chun Huang
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Bie
- Department of Oncology, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Guohui Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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5
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Zhang X, Hu C, Wu L. Advances in the study of genetic factors and clinical interventions for fertilization failure. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1787-1805. [PMID: 37289376 PMCID: PMC10371943 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02810-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization failure refers to the failure in the pronucleus formation, evaluating 16-18 h post in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. It can be caused by sperm, oocytes, and sperm-oocyte interaction and lead to great financial and physical stress to the patients. Recent advancements in genetics, molecular biology, and clinical-assisted reproductive technology have greatly enhanced research into the causes and treatment of fertilization failure. Here, we review the causes that have been reported to lead to fertilization failure in fertilization processes, including the sperm acrosome reaction, penetration of the cumulus and zona pellucida, recognition and fusion of the sperm and oocyte membranes, oocyte activation, and pronucleus formation. Additionally, we summarize the progress of corresponding treatment methods of fertilization failure. This review will provide the latest research advances in the genetic aspects of fertilization failure and will benefit both researchers and clinical practitioners in reproduction and genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjun Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Congyuan Hu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
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6
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Ozturk S. Genetic variants underlying developmental arrests in human preimplantation embryos. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad024. [PMID: 37335858 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental arrest in preimplantation embryos is one of the major causes of assisted reproduction failure. It is briefly defined as a delay or a failure of embryonic development in producing viable embryos during ART cycles. Permanent or partial developmental arrest can be observed in the human embryos from one-cell to blastocyst stages. These arrests mainly arise from different molecular biological defects, including epigenetic disturbances, ART processes, and genetic variants. Embryonic arrests were found to be associated with a number of variants in the genes playing key roles in embryonic genome activation, mitotic divisions, subcortical maternal complex formation, maternal mRNA clearance, repairing DNA damage, transcriptional, and translational controls. In this review, the biological impacts of these variants are comprehensively evaluated in the light of existing studies. The creation of diagnostic gene panels and potential ways of preventing developmental arrests to obtain competent embryos are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
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7
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Sahin GN, Yildirim RM, Seli E. Embryonic arrest: causes and implications. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2023; 35:184-192. [PMID: 37039141 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000871] [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: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Embryonic arrest is a key determinant of the number of euploid blastocysts obtained after IVF. Here, we review factors that are implicated in the developmental arrest of preimplantation embryos and their relevance for assisted reproduction outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS Among the treatment options available to infertile women, IVF is the one associated with most favorable outcomes. The cumulative pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF are determined by aneuploidy rate (age), ovarian response to stimulation (ovarian reserve), and the rate of embryo developmental arrest. Mutations in maternal effect genes, especially those encoding for subcortical maternal complex, have been implicated in human embryo developmental arrest. In addition, perturbation of biological processes, such as mitochondrial unfolded protein response and long noncoding RNA regulatory pathways, may play a role. However, how each of these factors contributes to embryos' arrest in different cohorts and age groups has not been determined. SUMMARY Arrest of human embryos during preimplantation development is a common occurrence and is partly responsible for the limited number of euploid blastocysts obtained in assisted reproduction cycles. Although genetic and metabolic causes have been implicated, the mechanisms responsible for human embryo developmental arrest remain poorly characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem N Sahin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Raziye M Yildirim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Emre Seli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- IVIRMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, New Jersey, USA
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8
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Solovova OA, Chernykh VB. Genetics of Oocyte Maturation Defects and Early Embryo Development Arrest. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1920. [PMID: 36360157 PMCID: PMC9689903 DOI: 10.3390/genes13111920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Various pathogenic factors can lead to oogenesis failure and seriously affect both female reproductive health and fertility. Genetic factors play an important role in folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation but still need to be clarified. Oocyte maturation is a well-organized complex process, regulated by a large number of genes. Pathogenic variants in these genes as well as aneuploidy, defects in mitochondrial genome, and other genetic and epigenetic factors can result in unexplained infertility, early pregnancy loss, and recurrent failures of IVF/ICSI programs due to poor ovarian response to stimulation, oocyte maturation arrest, poor gamete quality, fertilization failure, or early embryonic developmental arrest. In this paper, we review the main genes, as well as provide a description of the defects in the mitochondrial genome, associated with female infertility.
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9
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Chen OJ, Castellsagué E, Moustafa-Kamal M, Nadaf J, Rivera B, Fahiminiya S, Wang Y, Gamache I, Pacifico C, Jiang L, Carrot-Zhang J, Witkowski L, Berghuis AM, Schönberger S, Schneider D, Hillmer M, Bens S, Siebert R, Stewart CJR, Zhang Z, Chao WCH, Greenwood CMT, Barford D, Tischkowitz M, Majewski J, Foulkes WD, Teodoro JG. Germline Missense Variants in CDC20 Result in Aberrant Mitotic Progression and Familial Cancer. Cancer Res 2022; 82:3499-3515. [PMID: 35913887 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-3956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
CDC20 is a coactivator of the anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) and is essential for mitotic progression. APC/CCDC20 is inhibited by the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), which prevents premature separation of sister chromatids and aneuploidy in daughter cells. Although overexpression of CDC20 is common in many cancers, oncogenic mutations have never been identified in humans. Using whole-exome sequencing, we identified heterozygous missense CDC20 variants (L151R and N331K) that segregate with ovarian germ cell tumors in two families. Functional characterization showed these mutants retain APC/C activation activity but have impaired binding to BUBR1, a component of the SAC. Expression of L151R and N331K variants promoted mitotic slippage in HeLa cells and primary skin fibroblasts derived from carriers. Generation of mice carrying the N331K variant using CRISPR-Cas9 showed that, although homozygous N331K mice were nonviable, heterozygotes displayed accelerated oncogenicity of Myc-driven cancers. These findings highlight an unappreciated role for CDC20 variants as tumor-promoting genes. SIGNIFICANCE Two germline CDC20 missense variants that segregate with cancer in two families compromise the spindle assembly checkpoint and lead to aberrant mitotic progression, which could predispose cells to transformation. See related commentary by Villarroya-Beltri and Malumbres, p. 3432.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen J Chen
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ester Castellsagué
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Division of Medical Genetics and Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Translational Research Laboratory, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mohamed Moustafa-Kamal
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Javad Nadaf
- McGill University and Génome Québec Innovation Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Barbara Rivera
- Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Hereditary Cancer Programme, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Somayyeh Fahiminiya
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Yilin Wang
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Isabelle Gamache
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Caterina Pacifico
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Lai Jiang
- Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jian Carrot-Zhang
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Leora Witkowski
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Division of Medical Genetics and Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Albert M Berghuis
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Stefan Schönberger
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Pediatrics III, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dominik Schneider
- Clinic of Pediatrics, Dortmund Municipal Hospital, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Morten Hillmer
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm & Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Susanne Bens
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm & Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Reiner Siebert
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm & Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Colin J R Stewart
- Department of Histopathology, King Edward Memorial Hospital, and School for Women's and Infants' Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Ziguo Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - William C H Chao
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Celia M T Greenwood
- Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Departments of Oncology and Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - David Barford
- Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marc Tischkowitz
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jacek Majewski
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - William D Foulkes
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Division of Medical Genetics and Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Program in Cancer Genetics, Department of Oncology and Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Division of Medical Genetics and Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jose G Teodoro
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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10
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Fei CF, Zhou LQ. Gene mutations impede oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2200007. [PMID: 35900055 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive diseases are a long-standing problem and have become more common in the world. Currently, 15% of the world's population suffers from infertility, and half of them are women. Maturation of oocytes, successful fertilization, and high-quality embryos are prerequisites for pregnancy. With the development of assisted reproductive technology and advanced genetic assays, we have found that infertility in many young female patients is caused by mutations in various developmental regulators. These pathogenic factors may result in impediment of oocyte maturation, failure of fertilization or early embryonic development arrest. In this review, we categorize these clinically-identified, mutated genetic factors by their molecular characteristics: nuclear factors (PALT2, TRIP13, WEE2, TBPL2, REC114, MEI1 and CDC20), cytoplasmic factors (TLE6, PADI6, NLRP2/5, FBXO43, MOS and BTG4), a factor unique to primates (TUBB8), cell membrane factor (PANX1), and zona pellucida factors (ZP1-3). We compared discrepancies observed in phenotypes between human and mouse models to provide clues for clinical diagnosis and treatment of related reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai-Feng Fei
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Li-Quan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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11
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Chen T, Wang Y, Tian L, Guo X, Xia J, Wang Z, Song N. Aberrant Gene Expression Profiling in Men With Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome. Front Immunol 2022; 13:821010. [PMID: 35833143 PMCID: PMC9273009 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.821010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) is the most severe and common pathological type of non-obstructive azoospermia. The etiology of SCOS remains largely unknown to date despite a handful of studies reported in this area. According to the gene expression of testicular tissue samples in six datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus, we detected 1441 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between SCOS and obstructive azoospermia (OA) testicular tissue samples. Enriched GO terms and KEGG pathways for the downregulated genes included various terms and pathways related to cell cycle and reproduction, while the enrichment for the upregulated genes yielded many inflammation-related terms and pathways. In accordance with the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, all genes in the most critical module belonged to the downregulated DEGs, and we obtained nine hub genes, including CCNB1, AURKA, CCNA2, BIRC5, TYMS, UBE2C, CDC20, TOP2A, and OIP5. Among these hub genes, six were also found in the most significant SCOS-specific module obtained from consensus module analysis. In addition, most of SCOS-specific modules did not have a consensus counterpart. Based on the downregulated genes, transcription factors (TFs) and kinases within the upstream regulatory network were predicted. Then, we compared the difference in infiltrating levels of immune cells between OA and SCOS samples and found a significantly higher degree of infiltration for most immune cells in SCOS than OA samples. Moreover, CD56bright natural killer cell was significantly associated with six hub genes. Enriched hallmark pathways in SCOS had remarkably more upregulated pathways than the downregulated ones. Collectively, we detected DEGs, significant modules, hub genes, upstream TFs and kinases, enriched downstream pathways, and infiltrated immune cells that might be specifically implicated in the pathogenesis of SCOS. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of SCOS and fuel future advances in its theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yichun Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Linlin Tian
- Department of Microbiology Laboratory, Nanjing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiadong Xia
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zengjun Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Ninghong Song, ; Zengjun Wang,
| | - Ninghong Song
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Affiliated Kezhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Kezhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ninghong Song, ; Zengjun Wang,
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Picchetta L, Caroselli S, Figliuzzi M, Cogo F, Zambon P, Costa M, Pergher I, Patassini C, Cortellessa F, Zuccarello D, Poli M, Capalbo A. Molecular tools for the genomic assessment of oocyte’s reproductive competence. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:847-860. [PMID: 35124783 PMCID: PMC9050973 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02411-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The most important factor associated with oocytes' developmental competence has been widely identified as the presence of chromosomal abnormalities. However, growing application of genome-wide sequencing (GS) in population diagnostics has enabled the identification of multifactorial genetic predispositions to sub-lethal pathologies, including those affecting IVF outcomes and reproductive fitness. Indeed, GS analysis in families with history of isolated infertility has recently led to the discovery of new genes and variants involved in specific human infertility endophenotypes that impact the availability and the functionality of female gametes by altering unique mechanisms necessary for oocyte maturation and early embryo development. Ongoing advancements in analytical and bioinformatic pipelines for the study of the genetic determinants of oocyte competence may provide the biological evidence required not only for improving the diagnosis of isolated female infertility but also for the development of novel preventive and therapeutic approaches for reproductive failure. Here, we provide an updated discussion and review of the progresses made in preconception genomic medicine in the identification of genetic factors associated with oocyte availability, function, and competence.
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