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Zhang J, Xie Y, Wang X, Kang Y, Wang C, Xie Q, Dong X, Tian Y, Huang D. The single-cell atlas of the epididymis in mice reveals the changes in epididymis function before and after sexual maturity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1440914. [PMID: 39161591 PMCID: PMC11330779 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1440914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The epididymis is important for sperm transport, maturation, and storage. Methods: The head and tail of the epididymis of 5-week-old and 10-week-old C57 BL/6J male mice were used for single-cell sequencing. Results: 10 cell types including main, basal, and narrow/clear cells are identified. Next, we performed cell subgroup analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and differentiation potential prediction on principal cells, clear cells, and basal cells. Our study indicates that the principal cells are significantly involved in sperm maturation, as well as in antiviral and anti-tumor immune responses. Clear cells are likely to play a crucial role in safeguarding sperm and maintaining epididymal pH levels. Basal cells are implicated in the regulation of inflammatory and stress responses. The composition and functions of the various cell types within the epididymis undergo significant changes before and after sexual maturity. Furthermore, pseudo-temporal analysis elucidates the protective and supportive roles of epididymal cells in sperm maturation during sexual maturation. Discussion: This study offers a theoretical framework and forecasts for the investigation of epididymal sperm maturation and epididymal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhang
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ye Xie
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Reproductive Center, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yafei Kang
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuxiong Wang
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinying Xie
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyi Dong
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yonghong Tian
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Donghui Huang
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
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2
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Moses E, Atlan T, Sun X, Franěk R, Siddiqui A, Marinov GK, Shifman S, Zucker DM, Oron-Gottesman A, Greenleaf WJ, Cohen E, Ram O, Harel I. The killifish germline regulates longevity and somatic repair in a sex-specific manner. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:791-813. [PMID: 38750187 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-024-00632-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Classical evolutionary theories propose tradeoffs among reproduction, damage repair and lifespan. However, the specific role of the germline in shaping vertebrate aging remains largely unknown. In this study, we used the turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri) to genetically arrest germline development at discrete stages and examine how different modes of infertility impact life history. We first constructed a comprehensive single-cell gonadal atlas, providing cell-type-specific markers for downstream phenotypic analysis. We show here that germline depletion-but not arresting germline differentiation-enhances damage repair in female killifish. Conversely, germline-depleted males instead showed an extension in lifespan and rejuvenated metabolic functions. Through further transcriptomic analysis, we highlight enrichment of pro-longevity pathways and genes in germline-depleted male killifish and demonstrate functional conservation of how these factors may regulate longevity in germline-depleted Caenorhabditis elegans. Our results, therefore, demonstrate that different germline manipulation paradigms can yield pronounced sexually dimorphic phenotypes, implying alternative responses to classical evolutionary tradeoffs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eitan Moses
- Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tehila Atlan
- Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Xue Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, Silberman Institute, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roman Franěk
- Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Vodnany, Czech Republic
| | - Atif Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Sagiv Shifman
- Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - David M Zucker
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adi Oron-Gottesman
- Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - William J Greenleaf
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ehud Cohen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oren Ram
- Department of Biochemistry, Silberman Institute, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Itamar Harel
- Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel.
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3
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Connell ML, Meyer DN, Haimbaugh A, Baker TR. Status of single-cell RNA sequencing for reproductive toxicology in zebrafish and the transcriptomic trade-off. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2024; 38:100463. [PMID: 38846809 PMCID: PMC11155726 DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2024.100463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
The utilization of transcriptomic studies identifying profiles of gene expression, especially in toxicogenomics, has catapulted next-generation sequencing to the forefront of reproductive toxicology. An innovative yet underutilized RNA sequencing technique emerging into this field is single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), which provides sequencing at the individual cellular level of gonad tissue. ScRNA-seq provides a novel and unique perspective for identifying distinct cellular profiles, including identification of rare cell subtypes. The specificity of scRNA-seq is a powerful tool for reproductive toxicity research, especially for translational animal models including zebrafish. Studies to date not only have focused on 'tissue atlassing' or characterizing what cell types make up different tissues but have also begun to include toxicant exposure as a factor that this review aims to explore. Future scRNA-seq studies will contribute to understanding exposure-induced outcomes; however, the trade-offs with traditional methods need to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie L Connell
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental & Global Health, 2173 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Danielle N Meyer
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental & Global Health, 2173 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Alex Haimbaugh
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental & Global Health, 2173 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Tracie R Baker
- University of Florida, Department of Environmental & Global Health, 2173 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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4
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Moses E, Atlan T, Sun X, Franek R, Siddiqui A, Marinov GK, Shifman S, Zucker DM, Oron-Gottesman A, Greenleaf WJ, Cohen E, Ram O, Harel I. The killifish germline regulates longevity and somatic repair in a sex-specific manner. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.18.572041. [PMID: 38187630 PMCID: PMC10769255 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.18.572041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Classical evolutionary theories propose tradeoffs between reproduction, damage repair, and lifespan. However, the specific role of the germline in shaping vertebrate aging remains largely unknown. Here, we use the turquoise killifish ( N. furzeri ) to genetically arrest germline development at discrete stages, and examine how different modes of infertility impact life-history. We first construct a comprehensive single-cell gonadal atlas, providing cell-type-specific markers for downstream phenotypic analysis. Next, we show that germline depletion - but not arresting germline differentiation - enhances damage repair in female killifish. Conversely, germline-depleted males instead showed an extension in lifespan and rejuvenated metabolic functions. Through further transcriptomic analysis, we highlight enrichment of pro-longevity pathways and genes in germline-depleted male killifish and demonstrate functional conservation of how these factors may regulate longevity in germline-depleted C. elegans . Our results therefore demonstrate that different germline manipulation paradigms can yield pronounced sexually dimorphic phenotypes, implying alternative responses to classical evolutionary tradeoffs.
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5
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Liu MM, Feng XL, Qi C, Zhang SE, Zhang GL. The significance of single-cell transcriptome analysis in epididymis research. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1357370. [PMID: 38577504 PMCID: PMC10991796 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1357370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
As a crucial component of the male reproductive system, the epididymis plays multiple roles, including sperm storage and secretion of nutritive fluids for sperm development and maturation. The acquisition of fertilization capacity by sperm occurs during their transport through the epididymis. Compared with the testis, little has been realized about the importance of the epididymis. However, with the development of molecular biology and single-cell sequencing technology, the importance of the epididymis for male fertility should be reconsidered. Recent studies have revealed that different regions of the epididymis exhibit distinct functions and cell type compositions, which are likely determined by variations in gene expression patterns. In this research, we primarily focused on elucidating the cellular composition and region-specific gene expression patterns within different segments of the epididymis and provided detailed insights into epididymal function in male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Meng Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xin-Lei Feng
- Animal Products Quality and Safety Center of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Qi
- Provincial Animal Husbandry Station of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shu-Er Zhang
- Provincial Animal Husbandry Station of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Guo-Liang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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6
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Wang X, Pei J, Xiong L, Kang Y, Guo S, Cao M, Ding Z, Bao P, Chu M, Liang C, Yan P, Guo X. Single-cell RNA sequencing and UPHLC-MS/MS targeted metabolomics offer new insights into the etiological basis for male cattle-yak sterility. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:126831. [PMID: 37716658 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126831] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
The variety of species can be efficiently increased by interspecific hybridization. However, because the males in the hybrid progeny are usually sterile, this heterosis cannot be employed when other cattle and yaks are hybridized. While some system-level studies have sought to explore the etiological basis for male cattle-yak sterility, no systematic cellular analyses of this phenomenon have yet been performed. Here, single-cell RNA sequencing and UPHLC-MS/MS targeted metabolomics methods were used to study the differences in testicular tissue between 4-year-old male yak and 4-year-old male cattle-yak, providing new and comprehensive insights into the causes of male cattle-yak sterility. Cattle-yak testes samples detected 6 somatic cell types and one mixed germ cell type. Comparisons of these cell types revealed the more significant differences in Sertoli cells (SCs) and [Leydig cells and myoid cells (LCs_MCs)] between yak and cattle-yak samples compared to other somatic cell clusters. Even though the LCs and MCs from yaks and cattle-yaks were derived from the differentiation of the same progenitor cells, a high degree of overlap between LCs and MCs was observed in yak samples. Still, only a small overlap between LCs and MCs was observed in cattle-yak samples. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that genes down-regulated in cattle-yak SCs were primarily enriched in biological activity, whereas up-regulated genes in these cells were enriched for apoptotic activity. Furthermore, the genes of up-regulated in LCs_MCs of cattle-yak were significantly enriched in enzyme inhibitor and molecular function inhibitor activity. On the other hand, the genes of down-regulated in these cells were enriched for signal receptor binding, molecular function regulation, positive regulation of biological processes, and regulation of cell communication activity. The most significant annotated differences between yak and cattle-yak LCs_MCs were associated with cell-to-cell communication. While yak LCs_MCs regulated spermatogenic cells at spermatogonia, spermatocyte, and spermatid levels, no such relationships were found between cattle-yak LCs_MCs and germ cells. This may suggest that the somatic niche in male cattle-yak testes is a microenvironment that is ultimately not favorable for spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingdong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Jie Pei
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Lin Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Yandong Kang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Shaoke Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Mengli Cao
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Ziqiang Ding
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Pengjia Bao
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Min Chu
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Chunnian Liang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Ping Yan
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China.
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Yin Z, Ding G, Xue Y, Yu X, Dong J, Huang J, Ma J, He F. A postmeiotically bifurcated roadmap of honeybee spermatogenesis marked by phylogenetically restricted genes. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1011081. [PMID: 38048317 PMCID: PMC10721206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Haploid males of hymenopteran species produce gametes through an abortive meiosis I followed by meiosis II that can either be symmetric or asymmetric in different species. Thus, one spermatocyte could give rise to two spermatids with either equal or unequal amounts of cytoplasm. It is currently unknown what molecular features accompany these postmeiotic sperm cells especially in species with asymmetric meiosis II such as bees. Here we present testis single-cell RNA sequencing datasets from the honeybee (Apis mellifera) drones of 3 and 14 days after emergence (3d and 14d). We show that, while 3d testes exhibit active, ongoing spermatogenesis, 14d testes only have late-stage spermatids. We identify a postmeiotic bifurcation in the transcriptional roadmap during spermatogenesis, with cells progressing toward the annotated spermatids (SPT) and small spermatids (sSPT), respectively. Despite an overall similarity in their transcriptomic profiles, sSPTs express the fewest genes and the least RNA content among all the sperm cell types. Intriguingly, sSPTs exhibit a relatively high expression level for Hymenoptera-restricted genes and a high mutation load, suggesting that the special meiosis II during spermatogenesis in the honeybee is accompanied by phylogenetically young gene activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Yin
- Center for Genetic Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guiling Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingdi Xue
- Center for Genetic Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xianghui Yu
- Center for Genetic Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Center for Genetic Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University International School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic and Developmental Disorder, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feng He
- Center for Genetic Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University International School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic and Developmental Disorder, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Sposato AL, Llewellyn DR, Weber JM, Hollins HL, Schrock MN, Farrell JA, Gagnon JA. Germ cells do not progress through spermatogenesis in the infertile zebrafish testis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.05.556432. [PMID: 37732254 PMCID: PMC10508784 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.05.556432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate spermatogonial stem cells maintain sperm production over the lifetime of an animal but fertility declines with age. While morphological studies have greatly informed our understanding of typical spermatogenesis, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis are not yet understood, particularly with respect to the onset of fertility. We used single-cell RNA sequencing to generate a developmental atlas of the zebrafish testis. Using 5 timepoints across the adult life of a zebrafish, we described cellular profiles in the testis during and after fertility. While all germ cell stages of spermatogenesis are detected in testes from fertile adult zebrafish, testes from older infertile males only contained spermatogonia and a reduced population of spermatocytes. These remaining germ cells are transcriptionally distinct from fertile spermatogonia. Immune cells including macrophages and lymphocytes drastically increase in abundance in infertile testes. Our developmental atlas reveals the cellular changes as the testis ages and defines a molecular roadmap for the regulation of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L. Sposato
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | | | - Jenna M. Weber
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Hailey L. Hollins
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Madison N. Schrock
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Jeffrey A. Farrell
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - James A. Gagnon
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
- Henry Eyring Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
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Darolti I, Mank JE. Sex-biased gene expression at single-cell resolution: cause and consequence of sexual dimorphism. Evol Lett 2023; 7:148-156. [PMID: 37251587 PMCID: PMC10210449 DOI: 10.1093/evlett/qrad013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene expression differences between males and females are thought to be key for the evolution of sexual dimorphism, and sex-biased genes are often used to study the molecular footprint of sex-specific selection. However, gene expression is often measured from complex aggregations of diverse cell types, making it difficult to distinguish between sex differences in expression that are due to regulatory rewiring within similar cell types and those that are simply a consequence of developmental differences in cell-type abundance. To determine the role of regulatory versus developmental differences underlying sex-biased gene expression, we use single-cell transcriptomic data from multiple somatic and reproductive tissues of male and female guppies, a species that exhibits extensive phenotypic sexual dimorphism. Our analysis of gene expression at single-cell resolution demonstrates that nonisometric scaling between the cell populations within each tissue and heterogeneity in cell-type abundance between the sexes can influence inferred patterns of sex-biased gene expression by increasing both the false-positive and false-negative rates. Moreover, we show that, at the bulk level, the subset of sex-biased genes that are the product of sex differences in cell-type abundance can significantly confound patterns of coding-sequence evolution. Taken together, our results offer a unique insight into the effects of allometry and cellular heterogeneity on perceived patterns of sex-biased gene expression and highlight the power of single-cell RNA-sequencing in distinguishing between sex-biased genes that are the result of regulatory change and those that stem from sex differences in cell-type abundance, and hence are a consequence rather than a cause of sexual dimorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Darolti
- Department of Zoology and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Judith E Mank
- Department of Zoology and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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10
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Ran L, Chen Q, Lu X, Gao Z, Cui F, Liu X, Xue B. Novel treatment and insight for irradiation-induced injuries: Dibucaine ameliorates irradiation-induced testicular injury by inhibiting fatty acid oxidation in primary Leydig cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114903. [PMID: 37224756 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a worldwide problem but few treatments, especially irradiation-induced testicular injury. The aim of this research was to investigate novel drugs for the treatment of irradiation-induced testicular injury. METHODS We administered dibucaine (0.8 mg/kg) intraperitoneally to male mice (6 mice per group) after five consecutive daily 0.5 Gy whole-body irradiation, and evaluated its ameliorating efficacy by testicular HE staining and morphological measurements. Drug affinity responsive target stability assay (Darts) were used to find target protein and pathway; mouse primary Leydig cells were isolated and to explore the mechanism (Flow cytometry, Western blot, and Seahorse palmitate oxidative stress assays); finally rescue experiments were completed by combining dibucaine with fatty acid oxidative pathway inhibitors and activators. RESULTS The testicular HE staining and morphological measurements in dibucaine treatment group was significantly better than that in irradiation group (P < 0.05); sperm motility and mRNA levels of spermatogenic cell markers were also higher than those in the latter (P < 0.05). Darts and Western blot results showed that dibucaine targets CPT1A and downregulate fatty acid oxidation. Flow cytometry, Western blot, and Palmitate oxidative stress assays of primary Leydig cells demonstrated that dibucaine inhibits fatty acid oxidation in Leydig cells. Dibucaine combined with etomoxir/baicalin confirmed that its inhibition of fatty acid oxidation was beneficial in ameliorating irradiation-induced testicular injury. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our data suggest that dibucaine ameliorates irradiation-induced testicular injury in mice by inhibiting fatty acid oxidation in Leydig cells. This will provide novel ideas for the treatment of irradiation-induced testicular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiang Ran
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215004, China
| | - Qiu Chen
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Xingyu Lu
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Zhixiang Gao
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215004, China
| | - Fengmei Cui
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215004, China.
| | - Boxin Xue
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215004, China.
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Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of the Testis of Ciona intestinalis Reveals the Dynamic Transcriptional Profile of Spermatogenesis in Protochordates. Cells 2022; 11:cells11243978. [PMID: 36552742 PMCID: PMC9776925 DOI: 10.3390/cells11243978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex and continuous process of germ-cell differentiation. This complex process is regulated by many factors, of which gene regulation in spermatogenic cells plays a decisive role. Spermatogenesis has been widely studied in vertebrates, but little is known about spermatogenesis in protochordates. Here, for the first time, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on 6832 germ cells from the testis of adult Ciona intestinalis. We identified six germ cell populations and revealed dynamic gene expression as well as transcriptional regulation during spermatogenesis. In particular, we identified four spermatocyte subtypes and key genes involved in meiosis in C. intestinalis. There were remarkable similarities and differences in gene expression during spermatogenesis between C. intestinalis and two other vertebrates (Chinese tongue sole and human). We identified many spermatogenic-cell-specific genes with functions that need to be verified. These findings will help to further improve research on spermatogenesis in chordates.
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Zhang R, Tu Y, Ye D, Gu Z, Chen Z, Sun Y. A Germline-Specific Regulator of Mitochondrial Fusion is Required for Maintenance and Differentiation of Germline Stem and Progenitor Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2203631. [PMID: 36257818 PMCID: PMC9798980 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Maintenance and differentiation of germline stem and progenitor cells (GSPCs) is important for sexual reproduction. Here, the authors identify zebrafish pld6 as a novel germline-specific gene by cross-analyzing different RNA sequencing results, and find that pld6 knockout mutants develop exclusively into infertile males. In pld6 mutants, GSPCs fail to differentiate and undergo apoptosis, leading to masculinization and infertility. Mitochondrial fusion in pld6-depleted GSPCs is severely impaired, and the mutants exhibit defects in piRNA biogenesis and transposon suppression. Overall, this work uncovers zebrafish Pld6 as a novel germline-specific regulator of mitochondrial fusion, and highlights its essential role in the maintenance and differentiation of GSPCs as well as gonadal development and gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and BiotechnologyInstitute of HydrobiologyInnovation Academy for Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesWuhan430072China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural BioinformaticsCollege of Life Science and TechnologyCollege of Biomedicine and HealthInterdisciplinary Sciences InstituteHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan430070China
- Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryWuhan430070China
| | - Yi‐Xuan Tu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural BioinformaticsCollege of Life Science and TechnologyCollege of Biomedicine and HealthInterdisciplinary Sciences InstituteHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan430070China
- Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryWuhan430070China
| | - Ding Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and BiotechnologyInstitute of HydrobiologyInnovation Academy for Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesWuhan430072China
| | - Zhenglong Gu
- Division of Nutritional SciencesCornell UniversityIthacaNY14853USA
- Center for Mitochondrial Genetics and HealthGreater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou)Fudan UniversityNansha DistrictGuangzhou511400China
| | - Zhen‐Xia Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural BioinformaticsCollege of Life Science and TechnologyCollege of Biomedicine and HealthInterdisciplinary Sciences InstituteHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan430070China
- Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryWuhan430070China
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and HealthHuazhong Agricultural UniversityShenzhen518000China
- Shenzhen BranchGuangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern AgricultureGenome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of AgricultureAgricultural Genomics Institute at ShenzhenChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhen518000China
| | - Yonghua Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and BiotechnologyInstitute of HydrobiologyInnovation Academy for Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesWuhan430072China
- Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryWuhan430070China
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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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Mäkelä JA, Toppari J. Retinoblastoma-E2F Transcription Factor Interplay Is Essential for Testicular Development and Male Fertility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:903684. [PMID: 35663332 PMCID: PMC9161260 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.903684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The retinoblastoma (RB) protein family members (pRB, p107 and p130) are key regulators of cell cycle progression, but also play crucial roles in apoptosis, and stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. RB proteins exert their effects through binding to E2F transcription factors, which are essential developmental and physiological regulators of tissue and organ homeostasis. According to the canonical view, phosphorylation of RB results in release of E2Fs and induction of genes needed for progress of the cell cycle. However, there are eight members in the E2F transcription factor family with both activator (E2F1-3a) and repressor (E2F3b-E2F8) roles, highlighting the functional diversity of RB-E2F pathway. In this review article we summarize the data showing that RB-E2F interaction is a key cell-autonomous mechanism responsible for establishment and maintenance of lifelong male fertility. We also review the expression pattern of RB proteins and E2F transcription factors in the testis and male germ cells. The available evidence supports that RB and E2F family members are widely and dynamically expressed in the testis, and they are known to have versatile roles during spermatogenesis. Knowledge of the function and significance of RB-E2F interplay for testicular development and spermatogenesis comes primarily from gene knock-out (KO) studies. Several studies conducted in Sertoli cell-specific pRB-KO mice have demonstrated that pRB-mediated inhibition of E2F3 is essential for Sertoli cell functional maturation and cell cycle exit, highlighting that RB-E2F interaction in Sertoli cells is paramount to male fertility. Similarly, ablation of either pRB or E2F1 in the germline results in progressive testicular atrophy due to germline stem cell (GSC) depletion, emphasizing the importance of proper RB-E2F interplay for germline maintenance and lifelong sperm production. In summary, while balanced RB-E2F interplay is essential for cell-autonomous maintenance of GSCs and, the pRB-E2F3 system in Sertoli cells is critical for providing GSC niche thus laying the basis for spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- *Correspondence: Jorma Toppari,
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