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Zhao Y, Deng S, Li C, Cao J, Wu A, Chen M, Ma X, Wu S, Lian Z. The Role of Retinoic Acid in Spermatogenesis and Its Application in Male Reproduction. Cells 2024; 13:1092. [PMID: 38994945 PMCID: PMC11240464 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis in mammalian testes is essential for male fertility, ensuring a continuous supply of mature sperm. The testicular microenvironment finely tunes this process, with retinoic acid, an active metabolite of vitamin A, serving a pivotal role. Retinoic acid is critical for various stages, including the differentiation of spermatogonia, meiosis in spermatogenic cells, and the production of mature spermatozoa. Vitamin A deficiency halts spermatogenesis, leading to the degeneration of numerous germ cells, a condition reversible with retinoic acid supplementation. Although retinoic acid can restore fertility in some males with reproductive disorders, it does not work universally. Furthermore, high doses may adversely affect reproduction. The inconsistent outcomes of retinoid treatments in addressing infertility are linked to the incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which retinoid signaling governs spermatogenesis. In addition to the treatment of male reproductive disorders, the role of retinoic acid in spermatogenesis also provides new ideas for the development of male non-hormone contraceptives. This paper will explore three facets: the synthesis and breakdown of retinoic acid in the testes, its role in spermatogenesis, and its application in male reproduction. Our discussion aims to provide a comprehensive reference for studying the regulatory effects of retinoic acid signaling on spermatogenesis and offer insights into its use in treating male reproductive issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biological Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shoulong Deng
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Animal Model, National Health Commission of China (NHC) Key Laboratory of Comparative Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Chongyang Li
- Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jingchao Cao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biological Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Aowu Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biological Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Mingming Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biological Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xuehai Ma
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Mental Development and Learning Science, College of Psychology, Xinjiang Normal University, Urumqi 830017, China
| | - Sen Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biological Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhengxing Lian
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biological Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Qu Z, Liu L, Wu X, Guo P, Yu Z, Wang P, Song Y, Zheng S, Liu N. Cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity combined with a correlation to the oogenesis process and competing endogenous RNA networks based on a Caenorhabditis elegans model. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 268:115687. [PMID: 37976926 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115687] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of the heavy metal Cadmium (Cd) in the ovaries and placenta can affect the structure and function of these organs and induce female reproductive toxicity. This toxicity may be due to Cd's similarity to estrogen and its ability to disrupt endocrine systems. However, the exact molecular mechanism by which Cd causes reproductive toxicity at the transcriptome level remains poorly understood. Hence, this study aimed to observe Cd-induced reproductive damage at the gene level, scrutinize the repercussions of Cd exposure on oogenesis, and explicate the putative pathogenesis of Cd-induced oogenesis based on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as an in vivo model. The results showed that Cd exposure significantly decreased the number of offspring and prolonged the reproductive span of C. elegans. Cd exposure also reduced the number of cells in mitosis and the pachytene and diakinesis stages of meiosis, thereby disrupting oogenesis. Combined with transcriptional sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, a total of 3167 DEmRNAs were identified. Regarding gene expression, cul-6, mum-2, and vang-1 were found to be related to Cd-induced reproductive toxicity, and their competing endogenous RNA networks were constructed. We observed that mutations of mom-2 and vang-1 in the Wnt pathway could induce susceptibility to Cd-caused meiosis injury. In conclusion, the results indicated that Cd could impair the oogenesis of C. elegans and the Wnt pathway might serve as a protective mechanism against Cd reproductive toxicity. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the damaging effects and molecular biological mechanisms of Cd on the human reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Qu
- School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, PR China
| | - Limin Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 540001, PR China
| | - Xiaoliang Wu
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Peisen Guo
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 540001, PR China
| | - Zengli Yu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 540001, PR China
| | - Peixi Wang
- School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, PR China
| | - Yuzhen Song
- School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, PR China
| | - Shanqing Zheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, PR China.
| | - Nan Liu
- School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, PR China; College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 540001, PR China; Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518116, PR China.
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Fayezi S, Fayyazpour P, Norouzi Z, Mehdizadeh A. Strategies for Mammalian Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiation into Primordial Germ Cell-Like Cells: A Review. CELL JOURNAL 2022; 24:434-441. [PMID: 36093802 PMCID: PMC9468722 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2022.8087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells develop into oocytes and sperm cells. These cells are useful resources in reproductive biology and regenerative medicine. The mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been examined for in vitro production of primordial germ cell-like cells. This study aimed to summarize the existing protocols for MSCs differentiation into primordial germ cell-like cells (PGLCs). In the limited identified studies, various models of mesenchymal stem cells, including those derived from adipose tissue, bone marrow, and Wharton's jelly, have been successfully differentiated into primordial germ cell-like cells. Although the protocols of specification induction are basically very similar, they have been adjusted to the mesenchymal cell type and the species of origin. The availability of MSCs has made it possible to customize conditions for their differentiation into primordial germ cell-like cells in several models, including humans. Refining germ cell-related signaling pathways during induced differentiation of MSCs will help define extension to the protocols for primordial germ cell-like cells production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Fayezi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Women's Hospital, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg,
Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Parisa Fayyazpour
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Norouzi
- Student’s Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Mehdizadeh
- Endocrine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,P.O.Box: 5166614756Endocrine Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
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Contextualizing Autophagy during Gametogenesis and Preimplantation Embryonic Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126313. [PMID: 34204653 PMCID: PMC8231133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammals face environmental stressors throughout their lifespan, which may jeopardize cellular homeostasis. Hence, these organisms have acquired mechanisms to cope with stressors by sensing, repairing the damage, and reallocating resources to increase the odds of long-term survival. Autophagy is a pro-survival lysosome-mediated cytoplasm degradation pathway for organelle and macromolecule recycling. Furthermore, autophagy efflux increases, and this pathway becomes idiosyncratic depending upon developmental and environmental contexts. Mammalian germ cells and preimplantation embryos are attractive models for dissecting autophagy due to their metastable phenotypes during differentiation and exposure to varying environmental cues. The aim of this review is to explore autophagy during mammalian gametogenesis, fertilization and preimplantation embryonic development by contemplating its physiological role during development, under key stressors, and within the scope of assisted reproduction technologies.
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Wang P, Yang W, Zhao S, Nashun B. Regulation of chromatin structure and function: insights into the histone chaperone FACT. Cell Cycle 2021; 20:465-479. [PMID: 33590780 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.1881726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, changes in chromatin accessibility are necessary for chromatin to maintain its highly dynamic nature at different times during the cell cycle. Histone chaperones interact with histones and regulate chromatin dynamics. Facilitates chromatin transcription (FACT) is an important histone chaperone that plays crucial roles during various cellular processes. Here, we analyze the structural characteristics of FACT, discuss how FACT regulates nucleosome/chromatin reorganization and summarize possible functions of FACT in transcription, replication, and DNA repair. The possible involvement of FACT in cell fate determination is also discussed.Abbreviations: FACT: facilitates chromatin transcription, Spt16: suppressor of Ty16, SSRP1: structure-specific recognition protein-1, NTD: N-terminal domain, DD: dimerization domain, MD: middle domain, CTD: C-terminus domain, IDD: internal intrinsically disordered domain, HMG: high mobility group, CID: C-terminal intrinsically disordered domain, Nhp6: non-histone chromosomal protein 6, RNAPII: RNA polymerase II, CK2: casein kinase 2, AID: acidic inner disorder, PIC: pre-initiation complex, IR: ionizing radiation, DDSB: DNA double-strand break, PARlation: poly ADP-ribosylation, BER: base-excision repair, UVSSA: UV-stimulated scaffold protein A, HR: homologous recombination, CAF-1: chromatin assembly factor 1, Asf1: anti-silencing factor 1, Rtt106: regulator of Ty1 transposition protein 106, H3K56ac: H3K56 acetylation, KD: knock down, SETD2: SET domain containing 2, H3K36me3: trimethylation of lysine36 in histone H3, H2Bub: H2B ubiquitination, iPSCs: induced pluripotent stem cells, ESC: embryonic stem cell, H3K4me3: trimethylation of lysine 4 on histone H3 protein subunit, CHD1: chromodomain protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peijun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Wanting Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Shuxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Buhe Nashun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
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Beato S, Toledo-Solís FJ, Fernández I. Vitamin K in Vertebrates' Reproduction: Further Puzzling Pieces of Evidence from Teleost Fish Species. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1303. [PMID: 32917043 PMCID: PMC7564532 DOI: 10.3390/biom10091303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin K (VK) is a fat-soluble vitamin that vertebrates have to acquire from the diet, since they are not able to de novo synthesize it. VK has been historically known to be required for the control of blood coagulation, and more recently, bone development and homeostasis. Our understanding of the VK metabolism and the VK-related molecular pathways has been also increased, and the two main VK-related pathways-the pregnane X receptor (PXR) transactivation and the co-factor role on the γ-glutamyl carboxylation of the VK dependent proteins-have been thoroughly investigated during the last decades. Although several studies evidenced how VK may have a broader VK biological function than previously thought, including the reproduction, little is known about the specific molecular pathways. In vertebrates, sex differentiation and gametogenesis are tightly regulated processes through a highly complex molecular, cellular and tissue crosstalk. Here, VK metabolism and related pathways, as well as how gametogenesis might be impacted by VK nutritional status, will be reviewed. Critical knowledge gaps and future perspectives on how the different VK-related pathways come into play on vertebrate's reproduction will be identified and proposed. The present review will pave the research progress to warrant a successful reproductive status through VK nutritional interventions as well as towards the establishment of reliable biomarkers for determining proper nutritional VK status in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Beato
- Campus de Vegazana, s/n, Universidad de León (ULE), 24071 León, Spain;
| | - Francisco Javier Toledo-Solís
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT, México), Av. Insurgentes Sur 1582, Col. Crédito Constructor, Alcaldía Benito Juárez, C.P. 03940 Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico;
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Ignacio Fernández
- Center for Aquaculture Research, Agrarian Technological Institute of Castile and Leon, Ctra. Arévalo, s/n, 40196 Zamarramala, Segovia, Spain
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Targeting the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway to overcome anti-cancer drug resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2020; 48:100663. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2019.100663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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