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An K, Yao B, Tan Y, Kang Y, Wang Z, Su J. Spermatocytes are the terminals of germ cell differentiation in plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi) during the non-breeding season. Integr Zool 2024. [PMID: 38816925 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12849] [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: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi) is a subterranean rodent and seasonal breeder. During the non-breeding season, the testicles regress, leading to the arrest of spermatogenesis and loss of fertility. The identification of the specific germ cell type at which spermatogenesis is arrested, as well as potential regulatory factors during the non-breeding season, is important for understanding seasonal spermatogenesis in subterranean species. This study analyzed genes in spermatocytes of plateau zokor by referring to single-cell RNA results in mice. We discovered that spermatogenesis is arrested at the spermatocyte during the non-breeding season, which was corroborated via immunofluorescence staining results. The analysis of gene expression during different stages of meiotic prophase I has revealed that germ cell development may be arrested, starting from zygonema, during the non-breeding season. Meanwhile, we discovered that the apoptosis genes were up-regulated, leading to apoptosis in spermatocytes. To confirm that the germ cell differentiation was blocked during the non-breeding season due to a decrease in the androgen level, we used androgen receptor antagonist (flutamide) to intervene in the breeding season and found that the inner diameter of the seminiferous tubules was significantly reduced, spermatogenesis was arrested, and spermatocytes underwent apoptosis. This study revealed that spermatocytes are the terminal of germ cell differentiation in plateau zokor during the non-breeding season and that the arrest of differentiation is attributed to a decline in androgen levels. Our results complement the theoretical basis of seasonal reproduction in plateau zokor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang An
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Baohui Yao
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuchen Tan
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yukun Kang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junhu Su
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
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Guo S, Yang W, Chen D, Ren B, Guo L, Wang X, Xie W, Fan S, Artigas Ramirez MD, Han Y, Yuan Z, Zhang H, Weng Q. The effects of low ambient temperature on steroidogenesis and mitochondrial functions in the testes of wild ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2024; 290:111585. [PMID: 38228267 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.111585] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Seasonal reproduction is a widely used breeding strategy in wildlife, especially vertebrates inhabiting temperate regions. Generally, ambient temperature is considered a significant factor influencing the reproductive status of animals. In the present study, wild ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus), typical seasonal breeders, were used as an animal model to investigate the mechanism behind the impact of low ambient temperature on testicular function. To simulate the winter environment of wild ground squirrels, we lowered the temperature gradient in the rearing environment to 4 °C. At sampling, the body surface temperature of the squirrels reared under normal ambient temperature (22 °C, NAT group) and the low ambient temperature (4 °C, LAT group) were 31.5 °C and 22.8 °C, respectively. Subsequently, we conducted immunohistochemical assays, qPCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to examine the variations in testicular functions, as well as the dynamics and functions of mitochondria, in the squirrels of NAT and LAT groups. As a result, the levels of positive immunostaining for PCNA, P21, and P27 were significantly lower in the testes of LAT group, while the levels of immunostaining for Cleaved Caspase-3 and TUNEL were significantly higher. In addition, the low-temperature treatment reduced the expression level of steroidogenesis-related genes, including LHR, FSHR, GATA-4, P450scc, and P450arom, and decreased the testosterone concentration. Moreover, markers of mitochondrial fission and fusion, DRP1 and MFN2, respectively, were increased in the testes of LAT group. Additionally, the mRNA level of SOD1 was notably higher in the testes of LAT group. In conclusion, the low ambient temperature inhibited spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis, as well as mitochondrial dynamics and functions in the testes of wild ground squirrels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiman Guo
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wenjin Yang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Di Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Baolong Ren
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Li Guo
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wenqian Xie
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Sijie Fan
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Maria Daniela Artigas Ramirez
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yingying Han
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Qiang Weng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
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Yao B, Tan Y, An K, Kang Y, Hou Q, Zhang D, Su J. Seasonal patterns of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in the testes of plateau zokors (Eospalax baileyi). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2023; 48:101143. [PMID: 37696166 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2023.101143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
The gonads of seasonal breeding animals undergo periodic annual changes in morphology, physiological hormones, and gene expression levels. To clarify the regulatory mechanism of miRNAs in the seasonal testicular development and spermatogenesis of plateau zokors, the miRNA expression profiles in their testicles during breeding and non-breeding seasons were analyzed. In total, 447 miRNAs, including 366, 81, and 167 known, novel, and differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs, respectively, were determined in the testes. Compared to the non-breeding season, 90 DE miRNAs were upregulated and 77 DE miRNAs were downregulated during the breeding season. By analysing the miRNA and mRNA expression profiles, we predicted 2096 significant target mRNAs. According to the miRNA-mRNA interaction network, target mRNAs with DE miRNAs were related to testicular development and spermatogenesis. GO indicated that target mRNAs were enriched in spermatogenesis, cell differentiation, multicellular biological development, and flagellated sperm movement and were associated with regulating testicular development and spermatogenesis. KEGG suggested that target mRNAs were enriched in lipid and fructose metabolism and provided energy and material for spermatogenesis. The target mRNA of rno-miR-24-3p was determined to be Polyubiquitin-B (UBB). Our results provide a reference for revealing the mechanism by which miRNAs regulate testicular development and spermatogenesis in plateau zokors, which has important implications for understanding the regulation of seasonal reproduction in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohui Yao
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yuchen Tan
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Kang An
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yukun Kang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Qiqi Hou
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Degang Zhang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Junhu Su
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
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An K, Yao B, Tan Y, Kang Y, Su J. Potential Role of Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Regulating Seasonal Reproduction in Animals: The Example of Males. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065874. [PMID: 36982948 PMCID: PMC10054328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065874] [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] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Seasonal reproduction is a survival strategy by which animals adapt to environmental changes to improve their fitness. Males are often characterized by a significantly reduced testicular volume, indicating that they are in an immature state. Although many hormones, including gonadotropins, have played a role in testicular development and spermatogenesis, research on other hormones is insufficient. The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which is a hormone responsible for inducing the regression of Müllerian ducts involved in male sex differentiation, was discovered in 1953. Disorders in AMH secretion are the main biomarkers of gonadal dysplasia, indicating that it may play a crucial role in reproduction regulation. A recent study has found that the AMH protein is expressed at a high level during the non-breeding period of seasonal reproduction in animals, implying that it may play a role in restricting breeding activities. In this review, we summarize the research progress on the AMH gene expression, regulatory factors of the gene's expression, and its role in reproductive regulation. Using males as an example, we combined testicular regression and the regulatory pathway of seasonal reproduction and attempted to identify the potential relationship between AMH and seasonal reproduction, to broaden the physiological function of AMH in reproductive suppression, and to provide new ideas for understanding the regulatory pathway of seasonal reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang An
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Baohui Yao
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yuchen Tan
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yukun Kang
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Junhu Su
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
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The Complex and Well-Developed Morphological and Histological Structures of the Gastrointestinal Tract of the Plateau Zokor Improve Its Digestive Adaptability to High-Fiber Foods. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182447. [PMID: 36139307 PMCID: PMC9494992 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182447] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The morphological and histological traits of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) enable the animal to perform some specific functions that enhance the species’ adaptability to environments. The plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi) is a subterranean rodent that mainly forages on plant roots in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, but little is known about the mechanism by which the plateau zokor digests roots that have high fiber contents. In this study, we used comparative anatomy methods to compare the morphological and histological traits of the GIT of both the plateau zokor and the plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae), a small, fossorial lagomorph that forages aboveground plant parts, in order to clarify the traits of the plateau zokor’s GIT and to understand its adaptations to high-fiber foods. The results showed that the foods which plateau zokors eat have a higher fiber content than those which the plateau pikas eat. The plateau zokor has a double-chambered and hemi-glandular stomach (the tubular glands are only in the gastric corpus II, and the gastric fundus is keratinized), whereas the plateau pika has a simple, wholly glandular stomach. The gross morphological indicators (organ index and relative length) of the GIT were significantly lower in the plateau zokor than they were in the plateau pika (p < 0.001). However, the thickness of the gastric corpus II mucosal layer and the gastric fundus muscle layer are significantly higher in the plateau zokor than they are in the plateau pika (p < 0.001), and the thickness of each layer of intestinal tissue is higher in the plateau zokor than it is in the plateau pika. Additionally, the small intestinal villi also are higher and wider in the plateau zokor than they are in the plateau pika. Our results suggest that instead of adapting to digest the high-fiber diet by expanding the size of the GIT, the plateau zokor has evolved a complex stomach and a well-developed gastrointestinal histological structure, and that these specialized GIT structures are consistent with an optimal energy-economy evolutionary adaptation strategy.
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