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Fazzio A, Caponnetto A, Ferrara C, Purrello M, Di Pietro C, Battaglia R. From Germ Cells to Implantation: The Role of Extracellular Vesicles. J Dev Biol 2024; 12:22. [PMID: 39311117 PMCID: PMC11417829 DOI: 10.3390/jdb12030022] [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: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles represent a large heterogeneous class of near and long-distance intercellular communication mediators, released by both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Specifically, the scientific community has shown growing interest in exosomes, which are nano-sized vesicles with an endosomal origin. Not so long ago, the physiological goal of exosome generation was largely unknown and required more investigation; at first, it was hypothesized that exosomes are able to remove excess, reject and unnecessary constituents from cells to preserve cellular homeostasis. However, thanks to recent studies, the central role of exosomes in regulating cellular communication has emerged. Exosomes act as vectors in cell-cell signaling by their cargo, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, and influence physiological and pathological processes. The findings on exosomes are widespread in a large spectrum of biomedical applications from diagnosis and prognosis to therapies. In this review, we describe exosome biogenesis and the current methods for their isolation and characterization, emphasizing the role of their cargo in female reproductive processes, from gametogenesis to implantation, and the potential involvement in human female disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fazzio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.); (A.C.); (C.F.); (M.P.); (R.B.)
- Department of Physics and Astronomy “Ettore Majorana”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Angela Caponnetto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.); (A.C.); (C.F.); (M.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Carmen Ferrara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.); (A.C.); (C.F.); (M.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Michele Purrello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.); (A.C.); (C.F.); (M.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Cinzia Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.); (A.C.); (C.F.); (M.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Rosalia Battaglia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.); (A.C.); (C.F.); (M.P.); (R.B.)
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Mohammadi A, Shabani R, Bashiri Z, Rafiei S, Asgari H, Koruji M. Therapeutic potential of exosomes in spermatogenesis regulation and male infertility. Biol Cell 2024; 116:e2300127. [PMID: 38593304 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202300127] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogenesis is a fundamental process crucial for male reproductive health and fertility. Exosomes, small membranous vesicles released by various cell types, have recently garnered attention for their role in intercellular communication. OBJECTIVE This review aims to comprehensively explore the role of exosomes in regulating spermatogenesis, focusing on their involvement in testicular development and cell-to-cell communication. METHODS A systematic examination of literature was conducted to gather relevant studies elucidating the biogenesis, composition, and functions of exosomes in the context of spermatogenesis. RESULTS Exosomes play a pivotal role in orchestrating the complex signaling networks required for proper spermatogenesis. They facilitate the transfer of key regulatory molecules between different cell populations within the testes, including Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and germ cells. CONCLUSION The emerging understanding of exosome-mediated communication sheds light on novel mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis regulation. Further research in this area holds promise for insights into male reproductive health and potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Mohammadi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ronak Shabani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Bashiri
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Endometrium and Endometriosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Omid Fertility & Infertility Clinic, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Sara Rafiei
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Asgari
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Koruji
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Klees C, Alexandri C, Demeestere I, Lybaert P. The Role of microRNA in Spermatogenesis: Is There a Place for Fertility Preservation Innovation? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:460. [PMID: 38203631 PMCID: PMC10778981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010460] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Oncological treatments have dramatically improved over the last decade, and as a result, survival rates for cancer patients have also improved. Quality of life, including concerns about fertility, has become a major focus for both oncologists and patients. While oncologic treatments are often highly effective at suppressing neoplastic growth, they are frequently associated with severe gonadotoxicity, leading to infertility. For male patients, the therapeutic option to preserve fertility is semen cryopreservation. In prepubertal patients, immature testicular tissue can be sampled and stored to allow post-cure transplantation of the tissue, immature germ cells, or in vitro spermatogenesis. However, experimental techniques have not yet been proven effective for restoring sperm production for these patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising molecular markers and therapeutic tools in various diseases. These small regulatory RNAs possess the unique characteristic of having multiple gene targets. MiRNA-based therapeutics can, therefore, be used to modulate the expression of different genes involved in signaling pathways dysregulated by changes in the physiological environment (disease, temperature, ex vivo culture, pharmacological agents). This review discusses the possible role of miRNA as an innovative treatment option in male fertility preservation-restoration strategies and describes the diverse applications where these new therapeutic tools could serve as fertility protection agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Klees
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (C.K.); (C.A.); (I.D.)
| | - Chrysanthi Alexandri
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (C.K.); (C.A.); (I.D.)
| | - Isabelle Demeestere
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (C.K.); (C.A.); (I.D.)
- Fertility Clinic, HUB-Erasme Hospital, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pascale Lybaert
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (C.K.); (C.A.); (I.D.)
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Kang W, Sugiyama K, Katano D, Horiike S, Morimoto H, Sato B, Kawano N, Yamada M, Miyado M, Miyado K. CD9 protects the sperm from cytotoxic factors in the epididymis as extracellular components. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.000950. [PMID: 37799198 PMCID: PMC10550374 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism by which seemingly normal sperm cause infertility is still under debate. Although CD9 is expressed in male reproductive tissues, its role in male fertility remains unclear. To address this, we investigated the role of CD9 in analyzing Cd9 -deficient ( Cd9 -KO) male mice. The litter size of Cd9 -KO males was comparable, regardless of mating experience. When Cd9 -KO males experienced their first mating chance, a considerable number of neonates died 48 hours after birth. Electron microscopy reveals the presence of CD9 in the epididymal space. Our results suggest that CD9 contributes to male fertility as an extracellular component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woojin Kang
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuki Sugiyama
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daiki Katano
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Tama-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sae Horiike
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Bioscience, Graduate School of Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromu Morimoto
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Safety, Faculty of Applied Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture,Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ban Sato
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Tama-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Natsuko Kawano
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Tama-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Yamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mami Miyado
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Beppu University, Beppu, Oita, Japan
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Miyado
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Diversity Research, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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