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Earl Gray L, Lambright CS, Evans N, Ford J, Conley JM. Using targeted fetal rat testis genomic and endocrine alterations to predict the effects of a phthalate mixture on the male reproductive tract. Curr Res Toxicol 2024; 7:100180. [PMID: 39007079 PMCID: PMC11239482 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2024.100180] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Administration of phthalates in utero disrupts gene expression and hormone levels in the fetal rat testis, which are key events in an Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) for the Phthalate Syndrome. These measures can be used to predict the postnatal adverse effects of phthalate esters (PEs) on male rat sexual differentiation. Here, pregnant rats were exposed to dibutyl (DBP)- and diisononyl (DINP) phthalate on gestational days 14 to 18 individually and as a mixture (DBP,250 mg/kg/d; DINP, 750 mg/kg/d; and DBP 250 mg/kg/d plus DINP 750 mg/kg/d). We found that each PE reduced testosterone production (T Prod) and related gene transcripts by about 50 % and that they acted in a dose additive manner, reducing T Prod and gene expression by 75 % as a mixture. Based upon effects on T Prod, DINP was 0.33 times as potent as DBP and thus the DBP + DINP mixture was predicted to be equivalent to 500 mg DBP/kg/d. Logistic regression models of T Prod predicted that the adverse effects of the DBP + DINP mixture group versus the DBP and DINP individual treatments would reduce anogenital distance (AGD) by 27 % versus 10 %, increase hypospadias in 18 % versus < 1 %, induce epididymal agenesis in 46 % versus 10 %, and increase areolae/nipples in 4.8 % versus < 0.1 % of the, respectively. These predictions were highly consistent with effects from previously published dose response studies on the male reproductive effects of DBP. In summary, these results support the use of this New Approach Method to predict the detrimental effects of PEs and PE mixtures, replacing or reducing the need to run long-term, resource and animal use intensive extended one-generation reproduction studies for this class of chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Earl Gray
- Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology Branch, PHITD, CPHEA, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27703, United States
| | - Christy S. Lambright
- Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology Branch, PHITD, CPHEA, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27703, United States
| | - Nicola Evans
- Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology Branch, PHITD, CPHEA, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27703, United States
| | - Jermaine Ford
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27703, United States
| | - Justin M. Conley
- Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology Branch, PHITD, CPHEA, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27703, United States
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2
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Jiang K, Jorgensen JS. Fetal Leydig cells: What we know and what we don't. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23739. [PMID: 38480999 PMCID: PMC11135463 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
During male fetal development, testosterone plays an essential role in the differentiation and maturation of the male reproductive system. Deficient fetal testosterone production can result in variations of sex differentiation that may cause infertility and even increased tumor incidence later in life. Fetal Leydig cells in the fetal testis are the major androgen source in mammals. Although fetal and adult Leydig cells are similar in their functions, they are two distinct cell types, and therefore, the knowledge of adult Leydig cells cannot be directly applied to understanding fetal Leydig cells. This review summarizes our current knowledge of fetal Leydig cells regarding their cell biology, developmental biology, and androgen production regulation in rodents and human. Fetal Leydig cells are present in basement membrane-enclosed clusters in between testis cords. They originate from the mesonephros mesenchyme and the coelomic epithelium and start to differentiate upon receiving a Desert Hedgehog signal from Sertoli cells or being released from a NOTCH signal from endothelial cells. Mature fetal Leydig cells produce androgens. Human fetal Leydig cell steroidogenesis is LHCGR (Luteinizing Hormone Chronic Gonadotropin Receptor) dependent, while rodents are not, although other Gαs -protein coupled receptors might be involved in rodent steroidogenesis regulation. Fetal steroidogenesis ceases after sex differentiation is completed, and some fetal Leydig cells dedifferentiate to serve as stem cells for adult testicular cell types. Significant gaps are acknowledged: (1) Why are adult and fetal Leydig cells different? (2) What are bona fide progenitor and fetal Leydig cell markers? (3) Which signaling pathways and transcription factors regulate fetal Leydig cell steroidogenesis? It is critical to discover answers to these questions so that we can understand vulnerable targets in fetal Leydig cells and the mechanisms for androgen production that when disrupted, leads to variations in sex differentiation that range from subtle to complete sex reversal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keer Jiang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Joan S. Jorgensen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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3
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Stopel A, Lev C, Dahari S, Adibi O, Armon L, Gonen N. Towards a "Testis in a Dish": Generation of Mouse Testicular Organoids that Recapitulate Testis Structure and Expression Profiles. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:1024-1041. [PMID: 38250158 PMCID: PMC10797687 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.89480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The testis is responsible for sperm production and androgen synthesis. Abnormalities in testis development and function lead to disorders of sex development and male infertility. Currently, no in vitro system exists for modelling the testis. Here, we generated testis organoids from neonatal mouse primary testicular cells using transwell inserts and show that these organoids generate tubule-like structures and cellular organization resembling that of the in vivo testis. Gene expression analysis of organoids demonstrates a profile that recapitulates that observed in in vivo testis. Embryonic testicular cells, but not adult testicular cells are also capable of forming organoids. These organoids can be maintained in culture for 8-9 weeks and shows signs of entry into meiosis. We further developed defined media compositions that promote the immature versus mature Sertoli cell and Leydig cell states, enabling organoid maturation in vitro. These testis organoids are a promising model system for basic research of testes development and function, with translational applications for elucidation and treatment of developmental sex disorders and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Nitzan Gonen
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
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4
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Schumacher S, Klose L, Lambertz J, Lütjohann D, Biemann R, Kuerten S, Fester L. The mitochondrial protease PARL is required for spermatogenesis. Commun Biol 2024; 7:44. [PMID: 38182793 PMCID: PMC10770312 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05703-3] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial function plays an important role in the maintenance of male fertility. However, the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial defect-related infertility remain mostly unclear. Here we show that a deficiency of PARL (Parl-/-), a mitochondrial protease, causes complete arrest of spermatogenesis during meiosis I. PARL deficiency led to severe downregulation of proteins of respiratory chain complex IV in testes that did not occur in other tested organs, causing a deficit in complex IV activity and ATP production. Furthermore, Parl-/- testes showed an almost complete loss of HSD17B3, a protein of the sER responsible for the last step in testosterone synthesis. While testosterone production appeared to be restored by overexpression of HSD17B12, loss of the canonical testosterone synthesis led to an upregulation of luteinizing hormone (LH) and of LH-regulated responses. These results suggest an important impact of the downstream regulation of mitochondrial defects that manifest in a cell-type-specific manner and extend beyond mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Schumacher
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Laura Klose
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jessica Lambertz
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dieter Lütjohann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ronald Biemann
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kuerten
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lars Fester
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
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Souali-Crespo S, Condrea D, Vernet N, Féret B, Klopfenstein M, Grandgirard E, Alunni V, Cerciat M, Jung M, Mayere C, Nef S, Mark M, Chalmel F, Ghyselinck NB. Loss of NR5A1 in mouse Sertoli cells after sex determination changes cellular identity and induces cell death by anoikis. Development 2023; 150:dev201710. [PMID: 38078651 PMCID: PMC10753587 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the role of the nuclear receptor NR5A1 in the testis after sex determination, we analyzed mice lacking NR5A1 in Sertoli cells (SCs) from embryonic day (E) 13.5 onwards. Ablation of Nr5a1 impaired the expression of genes characteristic of SC identity (e.g. Sox9 and Amh), caused SC death from E14.5 onwards through a Trp53-independent mechanism related to anoikis, and induced disorganization of the testis cords. Together, these effects caused germ cells to enter meiosis and die. Single-cell RNA-sequencing experiments revealed that NR5A1-deficient SCs changed their molecular identity: some acquired a 'pre-granulosa-like' cell identity, whereas other reverted to a 'supporting progenitor-like' cell identity, most of them being 'intersex' because they expressed both testicular and ovarian genes. Fetal Leydig cells (LCs) did not display significant changes, indicating that SCs are not required beyond E14.5 for their emergence or maintenance. In contrast, adult LCs were absent from postnatal testes. In addition, adult mutant males displayed persistence of Müllerian duct derivatives, decreased anogenital distance and reduced penis length, which could be explained by the loss of AMH and testosterone synthesis due to SC failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirine Souali-Crespo
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Diana Condrea
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Nadège Vernet
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Betty Féret
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Muriel Klopfenstein
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Erwan Grandgirard
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
- Imaging Center, IGBMC, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Violaine Alunni
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
- GenomEast Platform, France Génomique consortium, IGBMC, 1 rue Laurent Fries, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Marie Cerciat
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
- GenomEast Platform, France Génomique consortium, IGBMC, 1 rue Laurent Fries, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Matthieu Jung
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
- GenomEast Platform, France Génomique consortium, IGBMC, 1 rue Laurent Fries, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Chloé Mayere
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Mark
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg (HUS), F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Frédéric Chalmel
- Univ Rennes, EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Norbert B. Ghyselinck
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génétique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS UMR7104), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM U1258), Université de Strasbourg (UNISTRA), 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP-10142, F-67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
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6
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Moutard L, Goudin C, Jaeger C, Duparc C, Louiset E, Pereira T, Fraissinet F, Delessard M, Saulnier J, Rives-Feraille A, Delalande C, Lefebvre H, Rives N, Dumont L, Rondanino C. Steroidogenesis and androgen/estrogen signaling pathways are altered in in vitro matured testicular tissues of prepubertal mice. eLife 2023; 12:RP85562. [PMID: 38095307 PMCID: PMC10721218 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Children undergoing cancer treatments are at risk for impaired fertility. Cryopreserved prepubertal testicular biopsies could theoretically be later matured in vitro to produce spermatozoa for assisted reproductive technology. A complete in vitro spermatogenesis has been obtained from mouse prepubertal testicular tissue, although with low efficiency. Steroid hormones are essential for the progression of spermatogenesis, the aim of this study was to investigate steroidogenesis and steroid signaling in organotypic cultures. Histological, RT-qPCR, western blot analyses, and steroid hormone measurements were performed on in vitro cultured mouse prepubertal testicular tissues and age-matched in vivo controls. Despite a conserved density of Leydig cells after 30 days of culture (D30), transcript levels of adult Leydig cells and steroidogenic markers were decreased. Increased amounts of progesterone and estradiol and reduced androstenedione levels were observed at D30, together with decreased transcript levels of steroid metabolizing genes and steroid target genes. hCG was insufficient to facilitate Leydig cell differentiation, restore steroidogenesis, and improve sperm yield. In conclusion, this study reports the failure of adult Leydig cell development and altered steroid production and signaling in tissue cultures. The organotypic culture system will need to be further improved before it can be translated into clinics for childhood cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Moutard
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm, Normandie Univ, NorDiC UMR 1239, Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology team, F-76000RouenFrance
| | - Caroline Goudin
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm, Normandie Univ, NorDiC UMR 1239, Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology team, F-76000RouenFrance
| | - Catherine Jaeger
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm, Normandie Univ, NorDiC UMR 1239, Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology team, F-76000RouenFrance
| | - Céline Duparc
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm, Normandie Univ, NorDiC UMR 1239, Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology team, F-76000RouenFrance
| | - Estelle Louiset
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm, Normandie Univ, NorDiC UMR 1239, Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology team, F-76000RouenFrance
| | - Tony Pereira
- Department of General Biochemistry, Rouen University HospitalRouenFrance
| | | | - Marion Delessard
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm, Normandie Univ, NorDiC UMR 1239, Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology team, F-76000RouenFrance
| | - Justine Saulnier
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm, Normandie Univ, NorDiC UMR 1239, Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology team, F-76000RouenFrance
| | - Aurélie Rives-Feraille
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm, Normandie Univ, NorDiC UMR 1239, Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology team, F-76000RouenFrance
| | | | - Hervé Lefebvre
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm, Normandie Univ, NorDiC UMR 1239, Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology team, F-76000RouenFrance
| | - Nathalie Rives
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm, Normandie Univ, NorDiC UMR 1239, Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology team, F-76000RouenFrance
| | - Ludovic Dumont
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm, Normandie Univ, NorDiC UMR 1239, Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology team, F-76000RouenFrance
| | - Christine Rondanino
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm, Normandie Univ, NorDiC UMR 1239, Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology team, F-76000RouenFrance
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7
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Su Z, Liu Z, Lei W, Xia K, Xiao A, Hu Z, Zhou M, Zhu F, Tian J, Yang M, Wang D, Xiang AP, Nie J. Hyperhomocysteinemia lowers serum testosterone concentration via impairing testosterone production in Leydig cells. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:3077-3100. [PMID: 37495868 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-023-09819-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) plays a salient role in male infertility. However, whether HHcy interferes with testosterone production remains inconclusive. Here, we reported a lower serum testosterone level in HHcy mice. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that genes related to testosterone biosynthesis, together with nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (Nr5a1), a key transcription factor for steroidogenic genes, were downregulated in the Leydig cells (LCs) of HHcy mice. Mechanistically, Hcy lowered trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 4 (H3K4me3), which was bound on the promoter region of Nr5a1, resulting in downregulation of Nr5a1. Intriguingly, we identified an unknown cell cluster annotated as Macrophage-like Leydig cells (McLCs), expressing both LCs and macrophages markers. In HHcy mice, McLCs were shifted toward pro-inflammatory phenotype and thus promoted inflammatory response in LC. Betaine supplementation rescued the downregulation of NR5A1 and restored the serum testosterone level in HHcy mice. Overall, our study highlights an etiological role of HHcy in LCs dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Su
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhuoliang Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenjing Lei
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Kai Xia
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - An Xiao
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Zheng Hu
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Fengxin Zhu
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianwei Tian
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Manqiu Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Andy Peng Xiang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Nie
- The State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
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8
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Schröder MAM, Greenald D, Lodewijk R, van Herwaarden AE, Span PN, Sweep FCGJ, Mitchell RT, Claahsen-van der Grinten HL. Evaluation of Ex Vivo Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Responsiveness of Human Fetal Testis. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad165. [PMID: 37935047 PMCID: PMC10652325 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Testicular adrenal rest tumors (TARTs), commonly occurring in males with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, may arise from chronic stimulation of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-sensitive cells in the testes. It is not yet established whether the human fetal testis (HFT) is responsive to ACTH. To investigate this, we cultured HFT tissue with and without ACTH for up to 5 days, and quantified adrenal steroid hormones and expression of adrenal steroidogenic enzymes. Fetal testis and adrenal tissue produced high levels of testosterone and cortisol, respectively, indicating viability. In contrast to fetal adrenal tissues, the expression of ACTH receptor MC2R was either absent or expressed at extremely low levels in ex vivo HFT tissue and no clear response to ACTH in gene expression or steroid hormone production was observed. Altogether, this study suggests that the HFT is unresponsive to ACTH, which would indicate that a TART does not arise from fetal testicular cells chronically exposed to ACTH in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariska A M Schröder
- Department of Pediatrics, Radboud Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboudumc Graduate School, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - David Greenald
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Renate Lodewijk
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboudumc Graduate School, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Antonius E van Herwaarden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboudumc Graduate School, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul N Span
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiotherapy & OncoImmunology Laboratory, Radboudumc Graduate School, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Fred C G J Sweep
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboudumc Graduate School, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Hedi L Claahsen-van der Grinten
- Department of Pediatrics, Radboud Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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9
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Whiley PAF, Luu MCM, O’Donnell L, Handelsman DJ, Loveland KL. Testis exposure to unopposed/elevated activin A in utero affects somatic and germ cells and alters steroid levels mimicking phthalate exposure. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1234712. [PMID: 37727456 PMCID: PMC10505732 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1234712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Correct fetal testis development underpins adult male fertility, and TGFβ superfamily ligands control key aspects of this process. Transcripts encoding one such ligand, activin A, are upregulated in testes after sex determination and remain high until after birth. Testis development requires activin signalling; mice lacking activin A (Inhba KO) display altered somatic and germ cell proliferation, disrupted cord elongation and altered steroid synthesis. In human pregnancies with pre-eclampsia, the foetus is inappropriately exposed to elevated activin A. To learn how this affects testis development, we examined mice lacking the potent activin inhibitor, inhibin, (Inha KO) at E13.5, E15.5 and PND0. At E13.5, testes appeared similar in WT and KO littermates, however E15.5 Inha KO testes displayed two germline phenotypes: (1) multinucleated germ cells within cords, and (2) germ cells outside of cords, both of which are documented following in utero exposure to endocrine disrupting phthalates in rodents. Quantitation of Sertoli and germ cells in Inha KO (modelling elevated activin A) and Inhba KO (low activin A) testes using immunofluorescence demonstrated activin A bioactivity determines the Sertoli/germ cell ratio. The 50% reduction in gonocytes in Inha KO testes at birth indicates unopposed activin A has a profound impact on embryonic germ cells. Whole testis RNAseq on Inha KO mice revealed most transcripts affected at E13.5 were present in Leydig cells and associated with steroid biosynthesis/metabolism. In agreement, androstenedione (A4), testosterone (T), and the A4:T ratio were reduced in Inha KO testes at E17.5, confirming unopposed activin A disrupts testicular steroid production. E15.5 testes cultured with either activin A and/or mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) generated common histological and transcriptional outcomes affecting germline and Leydig cells, recapitulating the phenotype observed in Inha KO testes. Cultures with activin A and MEHP together provided evidence of common targets. Lastly, this study extends previous work focussed on the Inhba KO model to produce a signature of activin A bioactivity in the fetal testis. These outcomes show the potential for elevated activin A signalling to replicate some aspects of fetal phthalate exposure prior to the masculinization programming window, influencing fetal testis growth and increasing the risk of testicular dysgenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny A. F. Whiley
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael C. M. Luu
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Liza O’Donnell
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Kate L. Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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10
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Neirijnck Y, Sararols P, Kühne F, Mayère C, Weerasinghe Arachchige LC, Regard V, Nef S, Schedl A. Single-cell transcriptomic profiling redefines the origin and specification of early adrenogonadal progenitors. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112191. [PMID: 36862551 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenal cortex and gonads represent the two major steroidogenic organs in mammals. Both tissues are considered to share a common developmental origin characterized by the expression of Nr5a1/Sf1. The precise origin of adrenogonadal progenitors and the processes driving differentiation toward the adrenal or gonadal fate remain, however, elusive. Here, we provide a comprehensive single-cell transcriptomic atlas of early mouse adrenogonadal development including 52 cell types belonging to twelve major cell lineages. Trajectory reconstruction reveals that adrenogonadal cells emerge from the lateral plate rather than the intermediate mesoderm. Surprisingly, we find that gonadal and adrenal fates have already diverged prior to Nr5a1 expression. Finally, lineage separation into gonadal and adrenal fates involves canonical versus non-canonical Wnt signaling and differential expression of Hox patterning genes. Thus, our study provides important insights into the molecular programs of adrenal and gonadal fate choice and will be a valuable resource for further research into adrenogonadal ontogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Neirijnck
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IBV, 06108 Nice, France.
| | - Pauline Sararols
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Françoise Kühne
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chloé Mayère
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Violaine Regard
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Andreas Schedl
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IBV, 06108 Nice, France.
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11
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Inoue M, Baba T, Takahashi F, Terao M, Yanai S, Shima Y, Saito D, Sugihara K, Miura T, Takada S, Suyama M, Ohkawa Y, Morohashi KI. Tmsb10 triggers fetal Leydig differentiation by suppressing the RAS/ERK pathway. Commun Biol 2022; 5:974. [PMID: 36109592 PMCID: PMC9478096 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03941-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells in fetal testes play crucial roles in masculinizing fetuses through androgen production. Gene knockout studies have revealed that growth factors are implicated in fetal Leydig cell (FLC) differentiation, but little is known about the mechanisms regulating this process. We investigate this issue by characterizing FLC progenitor cells using single-cell RNA sequencing. The sequence datasets suggest that thymosin β10 (Tmsb10) is transiently upregulated in the progenitors. While studying the function of Tmsb10, we reveal that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) regulates ciliogenesis through the RAS/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways, and thereby promotes desert hedgehog (DHH)-dependent FLC differentiation. Tmsb10 expressed in the progenitor cells induces their differentiation into FLCs by suppressing the RAS/ERK pathway. Through characterizing the transiently expressed Tmsb10 in the FLC progenitors, this study unveils the molecular process of FLC differentiation and shows that it is cooperatively induced by DHH and PDGF. Investigation of fetal Leydig progenitors shows that thymosin β10 (Tmsb10) suppresses the RAS/ERK pathway, inducing progenitor differentiation into fetal Leydig cells.
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12
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Koganti PP, Tu LN, Selvaraj V. Functional metabolite reserves and lipid homeostasis revealed by the MA-10 Leydig cell metabolome. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac215. [PMID: 36714831 PMCID: PMC9802464 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In Leydig cells, intrinsic factors that determine cellular steroidogenic efficiency is of functional interest to decipher and monitor pathophysiology in many contexts. Nevertheless, beyond basic regulation of cholesterol storage and mobilization, systems biology interpretation of the metabolite networks in steroidogenic function is deficient. To reconstruct and describe the different molecular systems regulating steroidogenesis, we profiled the metabolites in resting MA-10 Leydig cells. Our results identified 283-annotated components (82 neutral lipids, 154 membrane lipids, and 47 other metabolites). Neutral lipids were represented by an abundance of triacyglycerols (97.1%), and low levels of cholesterol esters (2.0%). Membrane lipids were represented by an abundance of glycerophospholipids (77.8%), followed by sphingolipids (22.2%). Acylcarnitines, nucleosides, amino acids and their derivatives were the other metabolite classes identified. Among nonlipid metabolites, we recognized substantial reserves of aspartic acid, choline, creatine, betaine, glutamine, homoserine, isoleucine, and pantothenic acid none of which have been previously considered as a requirement in steroidogenic function. Individually limiting use of betaine, choline, or pantothenic acid, during luteinizing hormone-induced steroidogenesis in MA-10 cells resulted in substantial decreases to acute steroidogenic capacity, explained by intermediary metabolite imbalances affecting homeostasis. As such, our dataset represents the current level of baseline characterization and unravels the functional resting state of steroidogenic MA-10 Leydig cells. In identifying metabolite stockpiles and causal mechanisms, these results serve to further comprehend the cellular setup and regulation of steroid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanthi P Koganti
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Lan N Tu
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Vimal Selvaraj
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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13
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Ren F, Xi H, Qiao P, Li Y, Xian M, Zhu D, Hu J. Single-cell transcriptomics reveals male germ cells and Sertoli cells developmental patterns in dairy goats. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:944325. [PMID: 35938151 PMCID: PMC9355508 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.944325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis holds considerable promise for human-assisted reproduction and livestock breeding based on stem cells. It occurs in seminiferous tubules within the testis, which mainly comprise male germ cells and Sertoli cells. While the developmental progression of male germ cells and Sertoli cells has been widely reported in mice, much less is known in other large animal species, including dairy goats. In this study, we present the data of single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) for 25,373 cells from 45 (pre-puberty), 90 (puberty), and 180-day-old (post-puberty) dairy goat testes. We aimed to identify genes that are associated with key developmental events in male germ cells and Sertoli cells. We examined the development of spermatogenic cells and seminiferous tubules from 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 180, and 240-day-old buck goat testes. scRNA-seq clustering analysis of testicular cells from pre-puberty, puberty, and post-puberty goat testes revealed several cell types, including cell populations with characteristics of spermatogonia, early spermatocytes, spermatocytes, spermatids, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells. We mapped the timeline for male germ cells development from spermatogonia to spermatids and identified gene signatures that define spermatogenic cell populations, such as AMH, SOHLH1, INHA, and ACTA2. Importantly, using immunofluorescence staining for different marker proteins (UCHL1, C-KIT, VASA, SOX9, AMH, and PCNA), we explored the proliferative activity and development of male germ cells and Sertoli cells. Moreover, we identified the expression patterns of potential key genes associated with the niche-related key pathways in male germ cells of dairy goats, including testosterone, retinoic acid, PDGF, FGF, and WNT pathways. In summary, our study systematically investigated the elaborate male germ cells and Sertoli cells developmental patterns in dairy goats that have so far remained largely unknown. This information represents a valuable resource for the establishment of goat male reproductive stem cells lines, induction of germ cell differentiation in vitro, and the exploration of sequential cell fate transition for spermatogenesis and testicular development at single-cell resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fa Ren
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Huaming Xi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Pengyun Qiao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Ming Xian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Dawei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Jianhong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- *Correspondence: Jianhong Hu,
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14
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Ademi H, Djari C, Mayère C, Neirijnck Y, Sararols P, Rands CM, Stévant I, Conne B, Nef S. Deciphering the origins and fates of steroidogenic lineages in the mouse testis. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110935. [PMID: 35705036 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells (LCs) are the major androgen-producing cells in the testis. They arise from steroidogenic progenitors (SPs), whose origins, maintenance, and differentiation dynamics remain largely unknown. Single-cell transcriptomics reveal that the mouse steroidogenic lineage is specified as early as embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) and has a dual mesonephric and coelomic origin. SPs specifically express the Wnt5a gene and evolve rapidly. At E12.5 and E13.5, they give rise first to an intermediate population of pre-LCs, and finally to fetal LCs. At E16.5, SPs possess the characteristics of the dormant progenitors at the origin of adult LCs and are also transcriptionally closely related to peritubular myoid cells (PMCs). In agreement with our in silico analysis, in vivo lineage tracing indicates that Wnt5a-expressing cells are bona fide progenitors of PMCs as well as fetal and adult LCs, contributing to most of the LCs present in the fetal and adult testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herta Ademi
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cyril Djari
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chloé Mayère
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yasmine Neirijnck
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Sararols
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chris M Rands
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Stévant
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Béatrice Conne
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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15
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Guan X, Chen P, Ji M, Wen X, Chen D, Zhao X, Huang F, Wang J, Shao J, Xie J, Zhao X, Chen F, Tian J, Lin H, Zirkin BR, Duan P, Su Z, Chen H. Identification of Rat Testicular Leydig Precursor Cells by Single-Cell-RNA-Sequence Analysis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:805249. [PMID: 35242757 PMCID: PMC8887666 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.805249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem Leydig cells (SLCs) play a critical role in the development and maintenance of the adult Leydig cell (ALC) population. SLCs also are present in the adult testis. Their identification, characteristics, and regulation in the adult testis remain uncertain. Using single-cell RNA-seq, we found that the mesenchymal stromal population may be involved in ALC regeneration. Upon ALC elimination, a fraction of stromal cells begins to proliferate while a different fraction begins to differentiate to ALCs. Transcriptomic analysis identified five stromal clusters that can be classified into two major groups representing proliferation and differentiation populations. The proliferating group represents stem cells expressing high levels of CD90, Nes, Lum, Fn and Gap43. The differentiating group represents a progenitor stage that is ready to form ALCs, and specifically expresses Vtn, Rasl11a, Id1 and Egr2. The observation that the actively dividing cells after ALC loss were not those that formed ALCs suggests that stem cell proliferation and differentiation are regulated separately, and that the maintenance of the stromal stem cell pool occurs at the population level. The study also identified specific markers for the major interstitial cell groups and potential paracrine factors involved in the regulation of SLCs. Our data suggest a new theory about SLC identity, proliferation, differentiation, and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoju Guan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Panpan Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Minpeng Ji
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xin Wen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xingyi Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fu Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiexia Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Shao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiajia Xie
- Department of Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xingxing Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fenfen Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Han Lin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Barry R Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ping Duan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haolin Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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16
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Tran-Guzman A, Culty M. Eicosanoid Biosynthesis in Male Reproductive Development: Effects of Perinatal Exposure to NSAIDs and Analgesic Drugs. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:842565. [PMID: 35295224 PMCID: PMC8915844 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.842565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing rates of infertility associated with declining sperm counts and quality, as well as increasing rates of testicular cancer are contemporary issues in the United States and abroad. These conditions are part of the Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome, which includes a variety of male reproductive disorders hypothesized to share a common origin based on disrupted testicular development during fetal and neonatal stages of life. Male reproductive development is a highly regulated and complex process that relies on an intricate coordination between germ, Leydig, and Sertoli cells as well as other supporting cell types, to ensure proper spermatogenesis, testicular immune privilege, and endocrine function. The eicosanoid system has been reported to be involved in the regulation of fetal and neonatal germ cell development as well as overall testicular homeostasis. Moreover, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics with abilities to block eicosanoid synthesis by targeting either or both isoforms of cyclooxygenase enzymes, have been found to adversely affect male reproductive development. This review will explore the current body of knowledge on the involvement of the eicosanoid system in male reproductive development, as well as discuss adverse effects of NSAIDs and analgesic drugs administered perinatally, focusing on toxicities reported in the testis and on major testicular cell types. Rodent and epidemiological studies will be corroborated by findings in invertebrate models for a comprehensive report of the state of the field, and to add to our understanding of the potential long-term effects of NSAID and analgesic drug administration in infants.
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17
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O’Donnell L, Whiley PAF, Loveland KL. Activin A and Sertoli Cells: Key to Fetal Testis Steroidogenesis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:898876. [PMID: 35685219 PMCID: PMC9171382 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.898876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The long-standing knowledge that Sertoli cells determine fetal testosterone production levels is not widespread, despite being first reported over a decade ago in studies of mice. Hence any ongoing use of testosterone as a marker of Leydig cell function in fetal testes is inappropriate. By interrogating new scRNAseq data from human fetal testes, we demonstrate this situation is also likely to be true in humans. This has implications for understanding how disruptions to either or both Leydig and Sertoli cells during the in utero masculinization programming window may contribute to the increasing incidence of hypospadias, cryptorchidism, testicular germ cell tumours and adult infertility. We recently discovered that activin A levels directly govern androgen production in mouse Sertoli cells, because the enzymes that drive the conversion of the precursor androgen androstenedione to generate testosterone are produced exclusively in Sertoli cells in response to activin A. This minireview addresses the implications of this growing understanding of how in utero exposures affect fetal masculinization for future research on reproductive health, including during programming windows that may ultimately be relevant for organ development in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza O’Donnell
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Penny A. F. Whiley
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate L. Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Kate L. Loveland,
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18
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Wieckowski M, Ranga S, Moison D, Messiaen S, Abdallah S, Granon S, Habert R, Rouiller-Fabre V, Livera G, Guerquin MJ. Unexpected Interacting Effects of Physical (Radiation) and Chemical (Bisphenol A) Treatments on Male Reproductive Functions in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111808. [PMID: 34769238 PMCID: PMC8584123 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, numerous chemical pollutants have been described to interfere with endogenous hormone metabolism/signaling altering reproductive functions. Among these endocrine disrupting substances, Bisphenol A (BPA), a widely used compound, is known to negatively impact germ and somatic cells in the testis. Physical agents, such as ionizing radiation, were also described to perturb spermatogenesis. Despite the fact that we are constantly exposed to numerous environmental chemical and physical compounds, very few studies explore the impact of combined exposure to chemical and physical pollutants on reproductive health. The aim of this study was to describe the impact of fetal co-exposure to BPA and IR on testicular function in mice. We exposed pregnant mice to 10 µM BPA (corresponding to 0.5 mg/kg/day) in drinking water from 10.5 dpc until birth, and we irradiated mice with 0.2 Gy (γ-ray, RAD) at 12.5 days post-conception. Co-exposure to BPA and γ-ray induces DNA damage in fetal germ cells in an additive manner, leading to a long-lasting decrease in germ cell abundance. We also observed significant alteration of adult steroidogenesis by RAD exposure independently of the BPA exposure. This is illustrated by the downregulation of steroidogenic genes and the decrease of the number of adult Leydig cells. As a consequence, courtship behavior is modified, and male ultrasonic vocalizations associated with courtship decreased. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for the importance of broadening the concept of endocrine disruptors to include physical agents, leading to a reevaluation of risk management and regulatory decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaux Wieckowski
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, UMR-008 Genetic Stability Stem Cells and Radiations, Université de Paris, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (M.W.); (S.R.); (D.M.); (S.M.); (S.A.); (R.H.); (V.R.-F.)
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA/DRF/IBFJ/IRCM, 98 Route du Panorama, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Stéphanie Ranga
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, UMR-008 Genetic Stability Stem Cells and Radiations, Université de Paris, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (M.W.); (S.R.); (D.M.); (S.M.); (S.A.); (R.H.); (V.R.-F.)
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA/DRF/IBFJ/IRCM, 98 Route du Panorama, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Delphine Moison
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, UMR-008 Genetic Stability Stem Cells and Radiations, Université de Paris, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (M.W.); (S.R.); (D.M.); (S.M.); (S.A.); (R.H.); (V.R.-F.)
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA/DRF/IBFJ/IRCM, 98 Route du Panorama, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Sébastien Messiaen
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, UMR-008 Genetic Stability Stem Cells and Radiations, Université de Paris, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (M.W.); (S.R.); (D.M.); (S.M.); (S.A.); (R.H.); (V.R.-F.)
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA/DRF/IBFJ/IRCM, 98 Route du Panorama, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Sonia Abdallah
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, UMR-008 Genetic Stability Stem Cells and Radiations, Université de Paris, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (M.W.); (S.R.); (D.M.); (S.M.); (S.A.); (R.H.); (V.R.-F.)
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA/DRF/IBFJ/IRCM, 98 Route du Panorama, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Sylvie Granon
- Neuroscience Paris-Saclay Institute (Neuro-PSI), CNRS UMR 9197, Paris-Sud University, 91400 Saclay, France;
- Paris-Saclay University, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - René Habert
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, UMR-008 Genetic Stability Stem Cells and Radiations, Université de Paris, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (M.W.); (S.R.); (D.M.); (S.M.); (S.A.); (R.H.); (V.R.-F.)
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA/DRF/IBFJ/IRCM, 98 Route du Panorama, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Virginie Rouiller-Fabre
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, UMR-008 Genetic Stability Stem Cells and Radiations, Université de Paris, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (M.W.); (S.R.); (D.M.); (S.M.); (S.A.); (R.H.); (V.R.-F.)
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA/DRF/IBFJ/IRCM, 98 Route du Panorama, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Gabriel Livera
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, UMR-008 Genetic Stability Stem Cells and Radiations, Université de Paris, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (M.W.); (S.R.); (D.M.); (S.M.); (S.A.); (R.H.); (V.R.-F.)
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA/DRF/IBFJ/IRCM, 98 Route du Panorama, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Correspondence: (G.L.); (M.-J.G.)
| | - Marie-Justine Guerquin
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, UMR-008 Genetic Stability Stem Cells and Radiations, Université de Paris, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (M.W.); (S.R.); (D.M.); (S.M.); (S.A.); (R.H.); (V.R.-F.)
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA/DRF/IBFJ/IRCM, 98 Route du Panorama, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Correspondence: (G.L.); (M.-J.G.)
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