1
|
Zou H, Xu N, Xu H, Xing X, Chen Y, Wu S. Inflammatory cytokines may mediate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and male infertility: a bidirectional, mediating, multivariate Mendelian randomization study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1368334. [PMID: 38711980 PMCID: PMC11070575 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1368334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Studies have shown that the gut microbiota is associated with male infertility (MI). However, their causal relationship and potential mediators need more evidence to prove. We aimed to investigate the causal relationship between the gut microbiome and MI and the potential mediating role of inflammatory cytokines from a genetic perspective through a Mendelian randomization approach. Methods This study used data from genome-wide association studies of gut microbes (Mibiogen, n = 18, 340), inflammatory cytokines (NFBC1966, FYPCRS, FINRISK 1997 and 2002, n=13, 365), and male infertility (Finngen, n=120, 706) to perform two-way Mendelian randomization (MR), mediated MR, and multivariate MR(MVMR) analyses. In this study, the inverse variance weighting method was used as the primary analysis method, and other methods were used as supplementary analysis methods. Results In the present study, two gut microbes and two inflammatory cytokines were found to have a potential causal relationship with MI. Of the two gut microorganisms causally associated with male infertility, Anaerotruncus increased the risk of male infertility (odds ratio = 1.81, 95% confidence interval = 1.18-2.77, P = 0.0062), and Bacteroides decreased the risk of male infertility (odds ratio = 0.57, 95% confidence interval = 0.33-0.96, P = 0.0363). In addition, of the two inflammatory cytokines identified, hepatocyte growth factor(HGF) reduced the risk of male infertility (odds ratio = 0.50, 95% confidence interval = 0.35-0.71, P = 0.0001), Monocyte chemotactic protein 3 (MCP-3) increased the risk of male infertility (odds ratio = 1.28, 95% confidence interval = 1.03-1.61, P = 0.0039). Mediated MR analysis showed that HGF mediated the causal effect of Bacteroides on MI (mediated percentage 38.9%). Multivariate MR analyses suggest that HGF may be one of the pathways through which Bacteroides affects MI, with other unexplored pathways. Conclusion The present study suggests a causal relationship between specific gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines, and MI. In addition, HGF may mediate the relationship between Bacteroides and MI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haoxi Zou
- Foshan Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, China
| | - Ningning Xu
- Foshan Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, China
| | - Huanying Xu
- Foshan Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, China
- TCM Gynecology Department, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Chancheng District, Foshan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xing
- Foshan Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, China
| | - Yanfen Chen
- Foshan Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, China
| | - Suzhen Wu
- Foshan Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, China
- TCM Gynecology Department, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Chancheng District, Foshan, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Taelman J, Czukiewska SM, Moustakas I, Chang YW, Hillenius S, van der Helm T, van der Meeren LE, Mei H, Fan X, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM. Characterization of the human fetal gonad and reproductive tract by single-cell transcriptomics. Dev Cell 2024; 59:529-544.e5. [PMID: 38295793 PMCID: PMC10898717 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.01.006] [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: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
During human fetal development, sex differentiation occurs not only in the gonads but also in the adjacent developing reproductive tract. However, while the cellular composition of male and female human fetal gonads is well described, that of the adjacent developing reproductive tract remains poorly characterized. Here, we performed single-cell transcriptomics on male and female human fetal gonads together with the adjacent developing reproductive tract from first and second trimesters, highlighting the morphological and molecular changes during sex differentiation. We validated different cell populations of the developing reproductive tract and gonads and compared the molecular signatures between the first and second trimesters, as well as between sexes, to identify conserved and sex-specific features. Together, our study provides insights into human fetal sex-specific gonadogenesis and development of the reproductive tract beyond the gonads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasin Taelman
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sylwia M Czukiewska
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ioannis Moustakas
- Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Yolanda W Chang
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne Hillenius
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Talia van der Helm
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lotte E van der Meeren
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hailiang Mei
- Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Xueying Fan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Susana M Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands; Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gao Y, Wang C, Wang K, He C, Hu K, Liang M. The effects and molecular mechanism of heat stress on spermatogenesis and the mitigation measures. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:331-347. [PMID: 35722894 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2074325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Under normal conditions, to achieve optimal spermatogenesis, the temperature of the testes should be 2-6 °C lower than body temperature. Cryptorchidism is one of the common pathogenic factors of male infertility. The increase of testicular temperature in male cryptorchidism patients leads to the disorder of body regulation and balance, induces the oxidative stress response of germ cells, destroys the integrity of sperm DNA, yields morphologically abnormal sperm, and leads to excessive apoptosis of germ cells. These physiological changes in the body can reduce sperm fertility and lead to male infertility. This paper describes the factors causing testicular heat stress, including lifestyle and behavioral factors, occupational and environmental factors (external factors), and clinical factors caused by pathological conditions (internal factors). Studies have shown that wearing tight pants or an inappropriate posture when sitting for a long time in daily life, and an increase in ambient temperature caused by different seasons or in different areas, can cause an increase in testicular temperature, induces testicular oxidative stress response, and reduce male fertility. The occurrence of cryptorchidism causes pathological changes within the testis and sperm, such as increased germ cell apoptosis, DNA damage in sperm cells, changes in gene expression, increase in chromosome aneuploidy, and changes in Na+/K+-ATPase activity, etc. At the end of the article, we list some substances that can relieve oxidative stress in tissues, such as trigonelline, melatonin, R. apetalus, and angelica powder. These substances can protect testicular tissue and relieve the damage caused by excessive oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Gao
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaixian Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaofan He
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Hu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Liang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu H, Zheng H, Li Y, Tang Y, Peng H, Li Q, Zhuang J, Zhou Y, Zhou Y, Tu X, Zhang X. "Seminal testosterone", rising viewpoint of local spermatogenesis in nonobstructive azoospermia: One center long-term bidirectional cohort study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:992556. [PMID: 36568123 PMCID: PMC9772016 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.992556] [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: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Reproductive hormones are a traditional good method to evaluate spermatogenesis but might not accurately represent local spermatogenesis. To find a more accurate method, seminal reproductive hormones were studied. METHODS A bidirectional cohort study was performed. A total of 126 infertile men from 2018 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), oligozoospermia (OLZ) and normal (NOR) groups. A prospective study was conducted on patients in the NOA and OLZ groups for 2 years. Microscopic testicular sperm extraction was performed for NOA patients, who were divided into a focal spermatogenesis group (FS) and an idiopathic azoospermia group (IA). Drug treatment was for OLZ patients, who were divided into a valid group (VA) and an invalid group (IN). The differences in sperm parameters and reproductive hormones were compared. ANOSIM analysis was used between and within groups. Pearson correlation analysis, CO inertia analysis and Proctor's analysis were for relationships. ROC curve for the specificity and sensitivity. Time series analysis was for the trends between hormones and time. RESULTS The b-FSH, b-LH, s-T and ΔT in the NOA group were significantly higher than those in the OLZ and NOR groups. However, the s-FSH, s-E2, s-P, ΔFSH, ΔLH, ΔP and ΔE2 were lower. Thirty-one NOA patients underwent MTSE, of whom 12 had sperm (FS) and 19 had no sperm (IA). The s-FSH and s-E2 of the FS group were higher than those of the IA group. Twenty-six OLZ patients completed 30 days of treatment, of which 11 had an improved sperm count (VA) and 15 had no (IN). The ΔT of the VA group was higher than that of the IN group. After follow-up for 2 years, 18 patients' results showed that b-FSH, b-LH and s-T were different over time, with delays of 19, 3 and -19 days. SC is closely related to pH, s-FSH, s-LH, s-E2, s-P, s-T, b-FSH, b-LH, ΔFSH, ΔLH, ΔP, ΔE2 and ΔT. There were complex common trends and relationships between different kinds of hormones. s-FSH, s-LH, s-E2, s-P, s-T, b-FSH and b-LH were useful to judge spermatogenesis, of which s-T, b-FSH and b-LH were more sensitive. If s-T, b-FSH and b-LH reached 64.4, 9.4 and 4.7, respectively, their prediction performance was the strongest. CONCLUSION Seminal testosterone is sensitive for judging local spermatogenesis in nonobstructive azoospermia patients, which may be the direction of local spermatogenesis in nonobstructive azoospermia. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, identifier ChiCTR2200060463.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huang Liu
- Department of Andrology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang’an Tu, ; Xinzong Zhang, ; Huang Liu,
| | - Houbin Zheng
- Department of Andrology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuehua Li
- Department of Andrology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuqian Tang
- Department of Andrology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Peng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianyi Li
- Department of Andrology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaming Zhuang
- Department of Andrology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingyi Zhou
- Department of Andrology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Andrology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang’an Tu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang’an Tu, ; Xinzong Zhang, ; Huang Liu,
| | - Xinzong Zhang
- Department of Andrology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang’an Tu, ; Xinzong Zhang, ; Huang Liu,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The PI3K/AKT Pathway Is Activated by HGF in NT2D1 Non-Seminoma Cells and Has a Role in the Modulation of Their Malignant Behavior. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228669. [PMID: 33212946 PMCID: PMC7698414 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Overactivation of the c-MET/HGF system is a feature of many cancers. We previously reported that type II testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) cells express the c-MET receptor, forming non-seminomatous lesions that are more positive compared with seminomatous ones. Notably, we also demonstrated that NT2D1 non-seminomatous cells (derived from an embryonal carcinoma lesion) increase their proliferation, migration, and invasion in response to HGF. Herein, we report that HGF immunoreactivity is more evident in the microenvironment of embryonal carcinoma biopsies with respect to seminomatous ones, indicating a tumor-dependent modulation of the testicular niche. PI3K/AKT is one of the signaling pathways triggered by HGF through the c-MET activation cascade. Herein, we demonstrated that phospho-AKT increases in NT2D1 cells after HGF stimulation. Moreover, we found that this pathway is involved in HGF-dependent NT2D1 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, since the co-administration of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 together with HGF abrogates these responses. Notably, the inhibition of endogenous PI3K affects collective cell migration but does not influence proliferation or chemotactic activity. Surprisingly, LY294002 administered without the co-administration of HGF increases cell invasion at levels comparable to the HGF-administered samples. This paradoxical result highlights the role of the testicular microenvironment in the modulation of cellular responses and stimulates the study of the testicular secretome in cancer lesions.
Collapse
|
6
|
Adlard J. Multiple primary cancers (renal papillary, lymphoma and teratoma) and hepatic cysts in association with a pathogenic germline mutation in the MET gene. Fam Cancer 2020; 20:81-83. [PMID: 32686009 DOI: 10.1007/s10689-020-00196-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Activating germline mutations of the MET gene are associated with hereditary papillary renal cancer. This a very rare autosomal dominant condition, which is usually considered not to display a phenotype of multiple types of malignancy. However, this report describes the case of a man who has been affected with testicular teratoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and multiple hepatic cysts, as well as multiple papillary renal cancers. There is good supporting evidence for roles of over-expression/activity of the HGF/MET ligand-receptor in development of these tumours, raising the possibility of other increased cancer risks associated with activating germline MET gene mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian Adlard
- Yorkshire Regional Genetics Service, Chapel Allerton Hospital, LS7 4SA, Leeds, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gonadal development and sex determination in mouse. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:115-126. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
8
|
Liu S, Fang L, Zhou Y, Santos DJA, Xiang R, Daetwyler HD, Chamberlain AJ, Cole JB, Li CJ, Yu Y, Ma L, Zhang S, Liu GE. Analyses of inter-individual variations of sperm DNA methylation and their potential implications in cattle. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:888. [PMID: 31752687 PMCID: PMC6873545 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6228-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background DNA methylation has been shown to be involved in many biological processes, including X chromosome inactivation in females, paternal genomic imprinting, and others. Results Based on the correlation patterns of methylation levels of neighboring CpG sites among 28 sperm whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data (486 × coverage), we obtained 31,272 methylation haplotype blocks (MHBs). Among them, we defined conserved methylated regions (CMRs), variably methylated regions (VMRs) and highly variably methylated regions (HVMRs) among individuals, and showed that HVMRs might play roles in transcriptional regulation and function in complex traits variation and adaptive evolution by integrating evidence from traditional and molecular quantitative trait loci (QTL), and selection signatures. Using a weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), we also detected a co-regulated module of HVMRs that was significantly associated with reproduction traits, and enriched for glycosyltransferase genes, which play critical roles in spermatogenesis and fertilization. Additionally, we identified 46 VMRs significantly associated with reproduction traits, nine of which were regulated by cis-SNPs, implying the possible intrinsic relationships among genomic variations, DNA methylation, and phenotypes. These significant VMRs were co-localized (± 10 kb) with genes related to sperm motility and reproduction, including ZFP36L1, CRISP2 and HGF. We provided further evidence that rs109326022 within a predominant QTL on BTA18 might influence the reproduction traits through regulating the methylation level of nearby genes JOSD2 and ASPDH in sperm. Conclusion In summary, our results demonstrated associations of sperm DNA methylation with reproduction traits, highlighting the potential of epigenomic information in genomic improvement programs for cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuli Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.,USDA-ARS, Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Lingzhao Fang
- USDA-ARS, Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA.,Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.,Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit at the Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Yang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Daniel J A Santos
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Ruidong Xiang
- Faculty of Veterinary & Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBiosciences, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Hans D Daetwyler
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBiosciences, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.,School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Amanda J Chamberlain
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBiosciences, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - John B Cole
- USDA-ARS, Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Cong-Jun Li
- USDA-ARS, Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Ying Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Shengli Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - George E Liu
- USDA-ARS, Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
c-Src Recruitment is Involved in c-MET-Mediated Malignant Behaviour of NT2D1 Non-Seminoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20020320. [PMID: 30646583 PMCID: PMC6358843 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
c-MET pathway over-activation is the signature of malignancy acquisition or chemotherapy resistance of many cancers. We recently demonstrated that type II Testicular Germ Cell Tumours (TGCTs) express c-MET receptor. In particular, we elucidated that the non-seminoma lesions express c-MET protein at higher level, compared with the seminoma ones. In line with this observation, NTERA-2 clone D1 (NT2D1) non-seminoma cells increase their proliferation, migration and invasion in response to Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF). One of the well-known adaptor-proteins belonging to c-MET signaling cascade is c-Src. Activation of c-Src is related to the increase of aggressiveness of many cancers. For this reason, we focused on the role of c-Src in c-MET-triggered and HGF-dependent NT2D1 cell activities. In the present paper, we have elucidated that this adaptor-protein is involved in HGF-dependent NT2D1 cell proliferation, migration and invasion, since Src inhibitor-1 administration abrogates these responses. Despite these biological evidences western blot analyses have not revealed the increase of c-Src activation because of HGF administration. However, notably, immunofluorescence analyses revealed that cytoplasmic and membrane-associated localization of c-Src shifted to the nuclear compartment after HGF stimulation. These results shed new light in the modality of HGF-dependent c-Src recruitment, and put the basis for novel investigations on the relationship between c-Src, and TGCT aggressiveness.
Collapse
|
10
|
Scheri KC, Leonetti E, Laino L, Gigantino V, Gesualdi L, Grammatico P, Bizzari M, Franco R, Oosterhuis JW, Stoop H, Looijenga LHJ, Ricci G, Catizone A. c-MET receptor as potential biomarker and target molecule for malignant testicular germ cell tumors. Oncotarget 2018; 9:31842-31860. [PMID: 30159127 PMCID: PMC6112764 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Type II testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) represent the most frequent malignancy in Caucasian males (20–40 years). Even if diagnosed with disseminated disease, >80% of patients are cured; however, a small percentage of cases progress and result in death. It is commonly accepted that these cancers arise from a disturbed testicular embryonic niche that leads to the block of gonocyte differentiation. The subsequent development of the invasive seminomas and non-seminomas is due to a combination of genetic, epigenetic and microenvironment-based alterations (genvironment). Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is present in the testicular microenvironment, together with its receptor c-MET, from early embryonic development to an adult stage. In addition, c-MET is a well-known proto-oncogene involved in the onset and progression of various human cancers. Herein, we have investigated the expression and availability of HGF and c-MET in TCam-2, NCCIT and NT2D1 cells, which are type II (T)GCT representative cell lines, and the effect of c-MET activation/repression on the regulation of cancerous biological processes. We found that NT2D1 cells increase their proliferation, polarized migration, and invasion in response to HGF administration. NCCIT cells respond to HGF stimulation only partially, whereas TCam-2 cells do not respond to HGF, at least according to the investigated parameters. Interestingly, the immunohistochemical study of c-MET distribution in TGCTs confirm its presence in both seminoma and non-seminoma lesions with different patterns. Notably, we found the highest c-MET immunoreactivity in the epithelial elements of the various components of TGCTs: teratoma, yolk sac tumor and choriocarcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katia Corano Scheri
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopaedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Erica Leonetti
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopaedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Laino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Genetics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Gigantino
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori I.R.C.C.S. "Fondazione Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Gesualdi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopaedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Grammatico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Genetics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Systems Biology Group Lab, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Renato Franco
- Pathological Anatomy Unit, Department of Psychic and Physic health and preventive medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - J Wolter Oosterhuis
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory for Experimental Patho-Oncology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Stoop
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory for Experimental Patho-Oncology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leendert H J Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory for Experimental Patho-Oncology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopaedics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Svetlovska D, Miskovska V, Cholujova D, Gronesova P, Cingelova S, Chovanec M, Sycova-Mila Z, Obertova J, Palacka P, Rajec J, Kalavska K, Usakova V, Luha J, Ondrus D, Spanik S, Mardiak J, Mego M. Plasma Cytokines Correlated With Disease Characteristics, Progression-Free Survival, and Overall Survival in Testicular Germ-Cell Tumor Patients. Clin Genitourin Cancer 2017; 15:411-416.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clgc.2017.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
12
|
HGF Modulates Actin Cytoskeleton Remodeling and Contraction in Testicular Myoid Cells. Biomedicines 2015; 3:89-109. [PMID: 28536401 PMCID: PMC5344232 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines3010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of the HGF/Met system in the testicular myoid cells was first discovered by our group. However, the physiological role of this pathway remains poorly understood. We previously reported that HGF increases uPA secretion and TGF-β activation in cultured tubular fragments and that HGF is maximally expressed at Stages VII–VIII of the seminiferous epithelium cycle, when myoid cell contraction occurs. It is well known that the HGF/Met pathway is involved in cytoskeletal remodeling; moreover, the interaction of uPA with its receptor, uPAR, as well as the activation of TGF-β have been reported to be related to the actin cytoskeleton contractility of smooth muscle cells. Herein, we report that HGF induces actin cytoskeleton remodeling in vitro in isolated myoid cells and myoid cell contraction in cultured seminiferous tubules. To better understand these phenomena, we evaluated: (1) the regulation of the uPA machinery in isolated myoid cells after HGF administration; and (2) the effect of uPA or Met inhibition on HGF-treated tubular fragments. Because uPA activates latent TGF-β, the secretion of this factor was also evaluated. We found that both uPA and TGF-β activation increase after HGF administration. In testicular tubular fragments, HGF-induced TGF-β activation and myoid cell contraction are abrogated by uPA or Met inhibitor administration.
Collapse
|
13
|
Meccariello R, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Modulators of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis for the control of spermatogenesis and sperm quality in vertebrates. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:135. [PMID: 25183961 PMCID: PMC4135230 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere (DiSMEB), Parthenope University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence:
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|