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Stallmeyer B, Dicke AK, Tüttelmann F. How exome sequencing improves the diagnostics and management of men with non-syndromic infertility. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 39120565 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13728] [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: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility affects approximately 17% of all men and represents a complex disorder in which not only semen parameters such as sperm motility, morphology, and number of sperm are highly variable, but also testicular phenotypes range from normal spermatogenesis to complete absence of germ cells. Genetic factors significantly contribute to the disease but chromosomal aberrations, mostly Klinefelter syndrome, and microdeletions of the Y-chromosome have remained the only diagnostically and clinically considered genetic causes. Monogenic causes remain understudied and, thus, often unidentified, leaving the majority of the male factor couple infertility pathomechanistically unexplained. This has been changing mostly because of the introduction of exome sequencing that allows the analysis of multiple genes in large patient cohorts. As a result, pathogenic variants in single genes have been associated with non-syndromic forms of all aetiologic sub-categories in the last decade. This review highlights the contribution of exome sequencing to the identification of novel disease genes for isolated (non-syndromic) male infertility by presenting the results of a comprehensive literature search. Both, reduced sperm count in azoospermic and oligozoospermic patients, and impaired sperm motility and/or morphology, in asthenozoospermic and/or teratozoospermic patients are highly heterogeneous diseases with well over 100 different candidate genes described for each entity. Applying the standardized evaluation criteria of the ClinGen gene curation working group, 70 genes with at least moderate evidence to contribute to the disease are highlighted. The implementation of these valid disease genes in clinical exome sequencing is important to increase the diagnostic yield in male infertility and, thus, improve clinical decision-making and appropriate genetic counseling. Future advances in androgenetics will continue to depend on large-scale exome and genome sequencing studies of comprehensive international patient cohorts, which are the most promising approaches to identify additional disease genes and provide reliable data on the gene-disease relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Stallmeyer
- Centre of Medical Genetics, Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Ann-Kristin Dicke
- Centre of Medical Genetics, Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Centre of Medical Genetics, Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Munster, Germany
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2
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Zhang G, Xiong D, Ye F, Zhao Y, Du X, Zhi W, Liu F, Zeng J, Xu W, Liu W, Shi Y. A Key regulatory protein QRICH2 governing sperm function with profound antioxidant properties, enhancing sperm viability. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100881. [PMID: 38772286 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100881] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Infertility poses a global health and social challenge, affecting approximately 15% of couples at childbearing age, with half of the cases attributed to male factors, wherein genetic factors exert a substantial role. In our prior investigation, we identified loss-of-function variants within the gene encoding glutamine-rich protein 2 (QRICH2) in two consanguineous families, leading to various morphological abnormalities in sperm flagella and male infertility. Moreover, our observations in Qrich2 knockout mice revealed a pronounced reduction in spermatozoa count. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive, prompting further investigation in the current study. By conducting experiments such as Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, and single sperm metabolism analysis on the testes and spermatozoa of Qrich2 knockout mice, we found a strong antioxidant capacity mediated by QRICH2 both in vivo and in vitro. Qrich2 knockout led to elevated levels of ROS, consequently inducing DNA damage in spermatids, which in turn triggered increased autophagy and apoptosis, ultimately causing a significant decrease in spermatozoa count. Incubation with the N-terminal purified protein of QRICH2 exhibited potent strong antioxidant activity at the cell and spermatozoa levels in vitro, thereby enhancing spermatozoa viability and motility. Therefore, QRICH2 plays a crucial role in safeguarding spermatids from excessive ROS-induced damage by augmenting antioxidant capacity, thereby promoting spermatozoa survival and improving motility. Furthermore, the N-terminal purified protein of QRICH2 shows promise as an additive for protecting spermatozoa during preservation and cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu 610072, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Dongsheng Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yuhong Zhao
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Xinrong Du
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Weiwei Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Fulin Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu 610072, China; Research Unit for Blindness Prevention, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Jiuzhi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Weixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China.
| | - Yi Shi
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu 610072, China; Research Unit for Blindness Prevention, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China.
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Lampitto M, Barchi M. Recent advances in mechanisms ensuring the pairing, synapsis and segregation of XY chromosomes in mice and humans. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:194. [PMID: 38653846 PMCID: PMC11039559 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05216-0] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Sex chromosome aneuploidies are among the most common variations in human whole chromosome copy numbers, with an estimated prevalence in the general population of 1:400 to 1:1400 live births. Unlike whole-chromosome aneuploidies of autosomes, those of sex chromosomes, such as the 47, XXY aneuploidy that causes Klinefelter Syndrome (KS), often originate from the paternal side, caused by a lack of crossover (CO) formation between the X and Y chromosomes. COs must form between all chromosome pairs to pass meiotic checkpoints and are the product of meiotic recombination that occurs between homologous sequences of parental chromosomes. Recombination between male sex chromosomes is more challenging compared to both autosomes and sex chromosomes in females, as it is restricted within a short region of homology between X and Y, called the pseudo-autosomal region (PAR). However, in normal individuals, CO formation occurs in PAR with a higher frequency than in any other region, indicating the presence of mechanisms that promote the initiation and processing of recombination in each meiotic division. In recent years, research has made great strides in identifying genes and mechanisms that facilitate CO formation in the PAR. Here, we outline the most recent and relevant findings in this field. XY chromosome aneuploidy in humans has broad-reaching effects, contributing significantly also to Turner syndrome, spontaneous abortions, oligospermia, and even infertility. Thus, in the years to come, the identification of genes and mechanisms beyond XY aneuploidy is expected to have an impact on the genetic counseling of a wide number of families and adults affected by these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lampitto
- Section of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Barchi
- Section of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
- Section of Anatomy, Department of Medicine, Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy.
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Llano E, Pendás AM. Synaptonemal Complex in Human Biology and Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1718. [PMID: 37443752 PMCID: PMC10341275 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131718] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a meiosis-specific multiprotein complex that forms between homologous chromosomes during prophase of meiosis I. Upon assembly, the SC mediates the synapses of the homologous chromosomes, leading to the formation of bivalents, and physically supports the formation of programmed double-strand breaks (DSBs) and their subsequent repair and maturation into crossovers (COs), which are essential for genome haploidization. Defects in the assembly of the SC or in the function of the associated meiotic recombination machinery can lead to meiotic arrest and human infertility. The majority of proteins and complexes involved in these processes are exclusively expressed during meiosis or harbor meiosis-specific subunits, although some have dual functions in somatic DNA repair and meiosis. Consistent with their functions, aberrant expression and malfunctioning of these genes have been associated with cancer development. In this review, we focus on the significance of the SC and their meiotic-associated proteins in human fertility, as well as how human genetic variants encoding for these proteins affect the meiotic process and contribute to infertility and cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Llano
- Departamento Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Biologıía Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Alberto M. Pendás
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Biologıía Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
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Ozturk S. Genetic variants underlying spermatogenic arrests in men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:1021-1061. [PMID: 36740861 PMCID: PMC10081088 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2171544] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenic arrest is a severe form of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), which occurs in 10-15% of infertile men. Interruption in spermatogenic progression at premeiotic, meiotic, or postmeiotic stage can lead to arrest in men with NOA. Recent studies have intensively focused on defining genetic variants underlying these spermatogenic arrests by making genome/exome sequencing. A number of variants were discovered in the genes involving in mitosis, meiosis, germline differentiation and other basic cellular events. Herein, defined variants in NOA cases with spermatogenic arrests and created knockout mouse models for the related genes are comprehensively reviewed. Also, importance of gene panel-based screening for NOA cases was discussed. Screening common variants in these infertile men with spermatogenic arrests may contribute to elucidating the molecular background and designing novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
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Meng Q, Shao B, Zhao D, Fu X, Wang J, Li H, Zhou Q, Gao T. Loss of SUN1 function in spermatocytes disrupts the attachment of telomeres to the nuclear envelope and contributes to non-obstructive azoospermia in humans. Hum Genet 2023; 142:531-541. [PMID: 36933034 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02515-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
One of the most severe forms of infertility in humans, caused by gametogenic failure, is non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Approximately, 20-30% of men with NOA may have single-gene mutations or other genetic variables that cause this disease. While a range of single-gene mutations associated with infertility has been identified in prior whole-exome sequencing (WES) studies, current insight into the precise genetic etiology of impaired human gametogenesis remains limited. In this paper, we described a proband with NOA who experienced hereditary infertility. WES analyses identified a homozygous variant in the SUN1 (Sad1 and UNC84 domain containing 1) gene [c. 663C > A: p.Tyr221X] that segregated with infertility. SUN1 encodes a LINC complex component essential for telomeric attachment and chromosomal movement. Spermatocytes with the observed mutations were incapable of repairing double-strand DNA breaks or undergoing meiosis. This loss of SUN1 functionality contributes to significant reductions in KASH5 levels within impaired chromosomal telomere attachment to the inner nuclear membrane. Overall, our results identify a potential genetic driver of NOA pathogenesis and provide fresh insight into the role of the SUN1 protein as a regulator of prophase I progression in the context of human meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxia Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Gusu School, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Binbin Shao
- Department of Reproduction, The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital With, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Dan Zhao
- Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Xu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Gusu School, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Jiaxiong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Gusu School, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Gusu School, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Department of Reproduction, The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital With, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - Tingting Gao
- Changzhou Medical Center, Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, China.
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7
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Song J, Sha Y, Liu X, Zeng X, Zhao X. Novel mutations of TEX11 are associated with non-obstructive azoospermia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1159723. [PMID: 37124723 PMCID: PMC10140331 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1159723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) affects 10% of infertile men worldwide, and genetic studies revealed that there are plenty of monogenic mutations that responsible for a part of idiopathic NOA cases. Testis-expressed gene 11 (TEX11) is an X-linked meiosis-specific gene, many pathogenic variants in TEX11 have been detected in NOA patients, and the deficiency of this gene can cause abnormal meiotic recombination and chromosomal synapsis. However, many NOA-affected cases caused by TEX11 mutation remain largely unknown. This study reported three novel TEX11 mutations (exon 5, c.313C>T: p.R105*), (exon 7, c.427A>C: p.K143Q) and (exon 29, c.2575G>A: p.G859R). Mutations were screened using whole-exome sequencing (WES) and further verified by amplifying and sequencing the specific exon. Histological analysis of testicular biopsy specimens revealed a thicker basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules and poorly developed spermatocytes, and no post-meiotic round spermatids or mature spermatozoa were observed in the seminiferous tubules of patients with TEX11 mutation. Conclusion This study presents three novel variants of TEX11 as potential infertility alleles that have not been previously reported. It expanded the variant spectrum of patients with NOA, which also emphasizes the necessity of this gene screening for the clinical auxiliary diagnosis of patients with azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Song
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Xuhui Zeng, ; Xiuling Zhao,
| | - Xiuling Zhao
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Xuhui Zeng, ; Xiuling Zhao,
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Zhang Z, Wang J, Shi F, Li Y, Zou P, Tang Y, Liu C, Wang Y, Ling X, Sun L, Liu C, Zhang Y, Gao F, Chen Q, Ao L, Han F, Liu J, Cao J. Genome-wide alternation and effect of DNA methylation in the impairments of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis after PM 2.5 exposure. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 169:107544. [PMID: 36174482 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The effects of ambient fine particles on male reproductive health have raised widespread concern. The particular underlying mechanisms of the damage remain largely unclear and demand more research in new directions. Previous research has revealed that DNA methylation plays an important role in male reproductive development and is also vulnerable to environmental influences. However, there hasn't been enough investigation into the involvement of DNA methylation in PM2.5-induced male reproductive toxicity. Here, we establish a real-time PM2.5 exposure model and revealed that PM2.5 exposure could lead to testicular dysfunction including spermatogenesis impairment and steroid hormone dysfunction. In particular, the decrease in the testicular global level of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) indicated a possible association of DNA methylation with testicular injury induced by PM2.5 exposure. Further genome-wide methylation analysis revealed genomic hypomethylation of testicular DNA and identified more than 1000 differentially methylated regions in both CAP and UA versus FA, indicating that PM2.5 exposure, even low-dose, could modulate the testicular methylome. Furthermore, integrated analysis of methylome and transcriptome identified some key methylated genes and networks, which may be involved in spermatogenesis and synthesis of steroid hormone. The testicular methylation levels of key genes especially Cyp11a1 and Pax8 raised, and their consequent reduced expression may impair the testosterone and sperm production process. Our research provides fundamental knowledge as well as novel insights into the possible involvement of DNA methylation in PM2.5-induced male reproductive harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghao Zhang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jiankang Wang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Fuquan Shi
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yingqing Li
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Peng Zou
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yimeng Wang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xi Ling
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Cuiqing Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Public Health, Joint China-US Research Center for Environment and Pulmonary Diseases, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yanshu Zhang
- Laboratory Animal Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Caofeidian Xingcheng, Tangshan 063200, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Comparative Pediatrics and Nutrition, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Qing Chen
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lin Ao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Fei Han
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jinyi Liu
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Jia Cao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.
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Huo Y, Gu Y, Cao M, Mao Y, Wang Y, Wang X, Wang G, Li J. Identification and functional analysis of Tex11 and Meig1 in spermatogenesis of Hyriopsis cumingii. Front Physiol 2022; 13:961773. [PMID: 36091389 PMCID: PMC9449974 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.961773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract: The process of spermatogenesis is complex and controlled by many genes. In mammals, Testis-expressed gene 11 (Tex11) and meiosis expressed gene 1 (Meig1) are typical spermatogenesis-related genes. In this study, we obtained the full length cDNAs for Tex11 (3143bp) and Meig1 (1649bp) in Hyriopsis cumingii by cloning. Among them, Hc-Tex11 contains 930 amino acids and Hc-Meig1 contains 91 amino acids. The protein molecular masses (MW) of Hc-Tex11 and Hc-Meig1 were 105.63 kDa and 10.95 kDa, respectively. Protein secondary structure analysis showed that Hc-TEX11 protein has three TPR domains. The expression of Hc-Tex11 and Hc-Meig1 in different tissues showed higher levels in testes. At different ages, the expression of Hc-Tex11 and Hc-Meig1 was higher levels in 3-year-old male mussels. During spermatogenesis, the mRNA levels of Hc-Tex11, Hc-Meig1 gradually increased with the development of spermatogonia and reached a peak during sperm maturation. Hc-Tex11 and Hc-Meig1 mRNA signals were detected on spermatogonia and spermatocytes by in situ hybridization. In addition, RNA interference (RNAi) experiments of Hc-Tex11 caused a down-regulated of Dmrt1, KinaseX, Tra-2 and Klhl10 genes and an up-regulated of β-catenin gene. Based on the above experimental results, it can be speculated that Hc-Tex11 and Hc-Meig1 are important in the development of the male gonadal and spermatogenesis in H. cumingii, which can provide important clues to better comprehend the molecular mechanism of Tex11 and Meig1 in regulating spermatogenesis of bivalves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingduo Huo
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Gu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mulian Cao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingrui Mao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yayu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guiling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Guiling Wang,
| | - Jiale Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
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Wu X, Zhou L, Shi J, Cheng CY, Sun F. Multiomics analysis of male infertility. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:118-134. [PMID: 35639635 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects 8-12% of couples globally, and the male factor is a primary cause in approximately 50% of couples. Male infertility is a multifactorial reproductive disorder, which can be caused by paracrine and autocrine factors, hormones, genes, and epigenetic changes. Recent studies in rodents and most notably in humans using multiomics approach have yielded important insights into understanding the biology of spermatogenesis. Nonetheless, the etiology and pathogenesis of male infertility are still largely unknown. In this review, we summarized and critically evaluated findings based on the use of advanced technologies to compare normal and obstructive azoospermia (OA) versus non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) men, including whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), whole exome sequencing (WES), and ATAC-seq. It is obvious that the multiomics approach is the method of choice for basic research and clinical studies including clinical diagnosis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Liwei Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Jie Shi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
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11
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Pyatnitskaya A, Andreani J, Guérois R, De Muyt A, Borde V. The Zip4 protein directly couples meiotic crossover formation to synaptonemal complex assembly. Genes Dev 2022; 36:53-69. [PMID: 34969823 PMCID: PMC8763056 DOI: 10.1101/gad.348973.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Meiotic recombination is triggered by programmed double-strand breaks (DSBs), a subset of these being repaired as crossovers, promoted by eight evolutionarily conserved proteins, named ZMM. Crossover formation is functionally linked to synaptonemal complex (SC) assembly between homologous chromosomes, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here we show that Ecm11, a SC central element protein, localizes on both DSB sites and sites that attach chromatin loops to the chromosome axis, which are the starting points of SC formation, in a way that strictly requires the ZMM protein Zip4. Furthermore, Zip4 directly interacts with Ecm11, and point mutants that specifically abolish this interaction lose Ecm11 binding to chromosomes and exhibit defective SC assembly. This can be partially rescued by artificially tethering interaction-defective Ecm11 to Zip4. Mechanistically, this direct connection ensuring SC assembly from CO sites could be a way for the meiotic cell to shut down further DSB formation once enough recombination sites have been selected for crossovers, thereby preventing excess crossovers. Finally, the mammalian ortholog of Zip4, TEX11, also interacts with the SC central element TEX12, suggesting a general mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Pyatnitskaya
- Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, Dynamics of Genetic Information, UMR3244, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris 75248, France
| | - Jessica Andreani
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette 91198, France
| | - Raphaël Guérois
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette 91198, France
| | - Arnaud De Muyt
- Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, Dynamics of Genetic Information, UMR3244, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris 75248, France
| | - Valérie Borde
- Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, Dynamics of Genetic Information, UMR3244, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris 75248, France
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12
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Ji Z, Yao C, Yang C, Huang C, Zhao L, Han X, Zhu Z, Zhi E, Liu N, Zhou Z, Li Z. Novel Hemizygous Mutations of TEX11 Cause Meiotic Arrest and Non-obstructive Azoospermia in Chinese Han Population. Front Genet 2021; 12:741355. [PMID: 34621296 PMCID: PMC8491544 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.741355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Testis-expressed gene 11 (TEX11) mutation has been associated with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and meiotic arrest. An analogous mutation of TEX11 in the mouse impairs meiosis and can be rescued by in vitro expansion of SSCs and gene therapy. However, a lack of genetic screening of a large cohort of Asian patients (including pedigree analysis) and proper functional evaluation limit the clinical application of TEX11 mutation screening. Thus, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in 479 patients with NOA and identified three novel mutations (two splicing mutations and one missense mutation) in TEX11 in three pairs of siblings from three families and four novel pathogenic mutations (three frameshift mutations and a non-sense mutation) of TEX11 in four sporadic NOA-affected cases. Novel variants among family members were segregated by disease phenotype, and all the seven mutations were predicted to be pathogenic. Histological analysis showed that three patients with TEX11 mutations underwent meiotic arrest. The four mutations that resulted in protein truncations and defective meiosis-specific sporulation domain SPO22 were validated by Western blot. In total, we find seven of 479 patients of NOA (1.5%) carrying TEX11 mutations. Our study expands the knowledge of mutations of TEX11 gene in Asian patients with NOA. The high prevalence and X-linked inherited mode indicated that TEX11 might be included in genetic screening panels for the clinical evaluation of patients with NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuan Huang
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,The Human Sperm Bank, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Han
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zijue Zhu
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Nachuan Liu
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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