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Zhao Y, Zhang L, Wang L, Zhang J, Shen W, Ma Y, Ding C, Wu G. Identification and Analysis of Genes Related to Testicular Size in 14-Day-Old Piglets. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:172. [PMID: 38200903 PMCID: PMC10778417 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010172] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The RNA-Seq technology was used to screen the key genes that affect the early development of the testes of Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire piglets, to determine the regulatory pathway and provide reference for subsequent reproductive performance research, breeding, and other production practices. This study selected 14-day-old Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire piglets as the trial animals. Testes from piglets with similar weights and no pathological changes were divided into small testis (ST) and large testis (LT) groups, and the RNA-Seq screening of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was performed to find candidate genes and regulatory pathways related to early testicular development. The results show that 570 DEGs were found in the ST and LT groups, with 281 upregulated and 289 downregulated. The DEGs were mainly enriched on 47 gene ontology (GO) functional items. The Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genotypes (KEGG) enrichment analysis found that there were 44 significantly enriched KEGG signal pathways, and the regulation of testicular development mainly focused on the arachidonic acid metabolism, Wnt signaling pathway and GnRH secretion pathways. The PTGES, SFRP1, SPP1, PLA2G4E, KCNJ5, PTGS2, and HCN1 genes were found to be as closely related to the testicular development of these Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire piglets, and the differential gene expression was consistent with the real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (real-time qRT-PCR) validation results. This study was validated by high-throughput sequencing analysis and real-time qRT-PCR, and showed that the PTGES, SFRP1, SPP1, PLA2G4E, KCNJ5, PTGS2, and HCN1 genes may be involved in the regulation of germ cell development, spermatogenesis and semen traits. These should be further studied as candidate genes for early testicular development and reproductive trait regulation in boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjiao Zhao
- Plateau Livestock Genetic Resources Protection and Innovative Utilization Key Laboratory of Qinghai Province, Qinghai Academy of Animal and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (Y.Z.); (L.W.); (J.Z.); (W.S.); (Y.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Liangzhi Zhang
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Xining 810008, China;
| | - Lei Wang
- Plateau Livestock Genetic Resources Protection and Innovative Utilization Key Laboratory of Qinghai Province, Qinghai Academy of Animal and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (Y.Z.); (L.W.); (J.Z.); (W.S.); (Y.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Jianbo Zhang
- Plateau Livestock Genetic Resources Protection and Innovative Utilization Key Laboratory of Qinghai Province, Qinghai Academy of Animal and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (Y.Z.); (L.W.); (J.Z.); (W.S.); (Y.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Wenjuan Shen
- Plateau Livestock Genetic Resources Protection and Innovative Utilization Key Laboratory of Qinghai Province, Qinghai Academy of Animal and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (Y.Z.); (L.W.); (J.Z.); (W.S.); (Y.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Yuhong Ma
- Plateau Livestock Genetic Resources Protection and Innovative Utilization Key Laboratory of Qinghai Province, Qinghai Academy of Animal and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (Y.Z.); (L.W.); (J.Z.); (W.S.); (Y.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Chengxiang Ding
- Plateau Livestock Genetic Resources Protection and Innovative Utilization Key Laboratory of Qinghai Province, Qinghai Academy of Animal and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (Y.Z.); (L.W.); (J.Z.); (W.S.); (Y.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Guofang Wu
- Plateau Livestock Genetic Resources Protection and Innovative Utilization Key Laboratory of Qinghai Province, Qinghai Academy of Animal and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (Y.Z.); (L.W.); (J.Z.); (W.S.); (Y.M.); (C.D.)
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2
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Whiley PAF, Nathaniel B, Stanton PG, Hobbs RM, Loveland KL. Spermatogonial fate in mice with increased activin A bioactivity and testicular somatic cell tumours. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1237273. [PMID: 37564373 PMCID: PMC10409995 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1237273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult male fertility depends on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) which undergo either self-renewal or differentiation in response to microenvironmental signals. Activin A acts on Sertoli and Leydig cells to regulate key aspects of testis development and function throughout life, including steroid production. Recognising that activin A levels are elevated in many pathophysiological conditions, this study investigates effects of this growth factor on the niche that determines spermatogonial fate. Although activin A can promote differentiation of isolated spermatogonia in vitro, its impacts on SSC and spermatogonial function in vivo are unknown. To assess this, we examined testes of Inha KO mice, which feature elevated activin A levels and bioactivity, and develop gonadal stromal cell tumours as adults. The GFRA1+ SSC-enriched population was more abundant and proliferative in Inha KO compared to wildtype controls, suggesting that chronic elevation of activin A promotes a niche which supports SSC self-renewal. Intriguingly, clusters of GFRA1+/EOMES+/LIN28A- cells, resembling a primitive SSC subset, were frequently observed in tubules adjacent to tumour regions. Transcriptional analyses of Inha KO tumours, tubules adjacent to tumours, and tubules distant from tumour regions revealed disrupted gene expression in each KO group increased in parallel with tumour proximity. Modest transcriptional changes were documented in Inha KO tubules with complete spermatogenesis. Importantly, tumours displaying upregulation of activin responsive genes were also enriched for factors that promote SSC self-renewal, including Gdnf, Igf1, and Fgf2, indicating the tumours generate a supportive microenvironment for SSCs. Tumour cells featured some characteristics of adult Sertoli cells but lacked consistent SOX9 expression and exhibited an enhanced steroidogenic phenotype, which could arise from maintenance or acquisition of a fetal cell identity or acquisition of another somatic phenotype. Tumour regions were also heavily infiltrated with endothelial, peritubular myoid and immune cells, which may contribute to adjacent SSC support. Our data show for the first time that chronically elevated activin A affects SSC fate in vivo. The discovery that testis stromal tumours in the Inha KO mouse create a microenvironment that supports SSC self-renewal but not differentiation offers a strategy for identifying pathways that improve spermatogonial propagation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny A. F. Whiley
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Benedict Nathaniel
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter G. Stanton
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin M. Hobbs
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate L. Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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3
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Rastgar Rezaei Y, Zarezadeh R, Nikanfar S, Oghbaei H, Nazdikbin N, Bahrami-Asl Z, Zarghami N, Ahmadi Y, Fattahi A, Nouri M, Dittrich R. microRNAs in the pathogenesis of non-obstructive azoospermia: the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potentials. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2021; 67:337-353. [PMID: 34355990 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2021.1951890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
miRNAs are involved in different biological processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Interestingly, 38% of the X chromosome-linked miRNAs are testis-specific and have crucial roles in regulating the renewal and cell cycle of spermatogonial stem cells. Previous studies demonstrated that abnormal expression of spermatogenesis-related miRNAs could lead to nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Moreover, differential miRNAs expression in seminal plasma of NOA patients has been reported compared to normozoospermic men. However, the role of miRNAs in NOA pathogenesis and the underlying mechanisms have not been comprehensively studied. Therefore, the aim of this review is to mechanistically describe the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of NOA and discuss the possibility of using the miRNAs as therapeutic targets.Abbreviations: AMO: anti-miRNA antisense oligonucleotide; AZF: azoospermia factor region; CDK: cyclin-dependent kinase; DAZ: deleted in azoospermia; ESCs: embryonic stem cells; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; ICSI: intracytoplasmic sperm injection; JAK/STAT: Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription; miRNA: micro-RNA; MLH1: Human mutL homolog l; NF-κB: Nuclear factor-kappa B; NOA: nonobstructive azoospermia; OA: obstructive azoospermia; PGCs: primordial germ cells; PI3K/AKT: Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B; Rb: retinoblastoma tumor suppressor; ROS: Reactive Oxygen Species; SCOS: Sertoli cell-only syndrome; SIRT: sirtuin; SNPs: single nucleotide polymorphisms; SSCs: spermatogonial stem cells; TESE: testicular sperm extraction; TGF-β: transforming growth factor-beta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeganeh Rastgar Rezaei
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Zarezadeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saba Nikanfar
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hajar Oghbaei
- Department of Physiology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Bahrami-Asl
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nosratollah Zarghami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yadollah Ahmadi
- Department of Urology, Sina Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Fattahi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ralf Dittrich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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4
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Zhang B, Yan Z, Wang P, Yang Q, Huang X, Shi H, Tang Y, Ji Y, Zhang J, Gun S. Identification and Characterization of lncRNA and mRNA in Testes of Landrace and Hezuo Boars. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082263. [PMID: 34438721 PMCID: PMC8388364 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Precocious puberty is an excellent reproductive trait in domestic animals, which can generate higher breeding benefits in livestock production. However, regulators associated with this sexual maturation process remain largely unknown. Chinese Hezuo (HZ) boars are known for their early sexual maturity. In this work, the characteristics of precocious puberty in HZ pigs were confirmed by histological analysis, and some important long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA were identified in the testes of immature (30-day-old) and mature (120-day-old) HZ boars, which could play a key role in precocious puberty. These results will provide a theoretical basis for further research on the regulatory mechanism of precocious puberty, which is important for accelerating the breeding process of highly fertile animals. Abstract Chinese HZ boars are typical plateau miniature boars characterized by precocious puberty, which is closely related to testicular development and spermatogenesis. Accumulating evidence indicates that lncRNA is involved in the testicular development and regulation of spermatogenesis. However, little is known about the lncRNA precocious regulation in testicular development and spermatogenesis on early sexual maturity of HZ boars. Thus, we investigated the expression and characterization of lncRNA and mRNA in 30-day-old and 120-day-old HZ boar testes using transcriptome to explore precocious puberty. Landrace (LC) boar was treated as the control. Histological analyses indicated that HZ boar underwent puberty development at an earlier stage than LC boar and had achieved sexual maturity at 120 days old. RNA-Seq yielded a total of 187 lncRNAs and 984 mRNAs; these molecules were identified as possible candidates for precocious puberty. GO terms and KEGG pathways enrichment analyses revealed that the differentially expressed lncRNA and their targeted genes were involved in metabolic pathways regulating testis development and spermatogenesis, such as the PI3K-Akt, TGF-beta and Wnt pathways. Further screening, some lncRNA (such as LOC102166140, LOC110259451, and MSTRG.15011.2), and mRNA (such as PDCL2, HSD17B4, SHCBP1L, CYP21A2, and SPATA3) were found to be possibly associated with precocious puberty, which would add to our understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms of precocious puberty. This study provided valuable information for further study of the role of lncRNA and mRNA in the process of precocious puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Zunqiang Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Pengfei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Qiaoli Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Xiaoyu Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Haixia Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yuran Tang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yanan Ji
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Juanli Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Shuangbao Gun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (B.Z.); (Z.Y.); (P.W.); (Q.Y.); (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.T.); (Y.J.); (J.Z.)
- Gansu Research Center for Swine Production Engineering and Technology, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-931-763-1804
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5
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Micati DJ, Radhakrishnan K, Young JC, Rajpert‐De Meyts E, Hime GR, Abud HE, Loveland KL. ‘Snail factors in testicular germ cell tumours and their regulation by the BMP4 signalling pathway’. Andrology 2020; 8:1456-1470. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diana J. Micati
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Karthika Radhakrishnan
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Julia C. Young
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Ewa Rajpert‐De Meyts
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Gary R. Hime
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Helen E. Abud
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
- Stem Cells and Development Program Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Kate L. Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
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6
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Malcher A, Jedrzejczak P, Stokowy T, Monem S, Nowicka-Bauer K, Zimna A, Czyzyk A, Maciejewska-Jeske M, Meczekalski B, Bednarek-Rajewska K, Wozniak A, Rozwadowska N, Kurpisz M. Novel Mutations Segregating with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome and their Molecular Characteristics. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215418. [PMID: 31671693 PMCID: PMC6861889 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We analyzed three cases of Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) and report three hitherto undisclosed causes of the disease. RNA-Seq, Real-timePCR, Western immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry were performed with the aim of characterizing the disease-causing variants. In case No.1, we have identified a novel androgen receptor (AR) mutation (c.840delT) within the first exon in the N-terminal transactivation domain. This thymine deletion resulted in a frameshift and thus introduced a premature stop codon at amino acid 282. In case No.2, we observed a nonsynonymous mutation in the ligand-binding domain (c.2491C>T). Case No.3 did not reveal AR mutation; however, we have found a heterozygous mutation in CYP11A1 gene, which has a role in steroid hormone biosynthesis. Comparative RNA-Seq analysis of CAIS and control revealed 4293 significantly deregulated genes. In patients with CAIS, we observed a significant increase in the expression levels of PLCXD3, TM4SF18, CFI, GPX8, and SFRP4, and a significant decrease in the expression of SPATA16, TSACC, TCP10L, and DPY19L2 genes (more than 10-fold, p < 0.05). Our findings will be helpful in molecular diagnostics of patients with CAIS, as well as the identified genes could be also potential biomarkers for the germ cells differentiation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Malcher
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-479 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Piotr Jedrzejczak
- Division of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Stokowy
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Soroosh Monem
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-479 Poznan, Poland.
| | | | - Agnieszka Zimna
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-479 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Adam Czyzyk
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Marzena Maciejewska-Jeske
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Blazej Meczekalski
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznan, Poland.
| | | | - Aldona Wozniak
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Natalia Rozwadowska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-479 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-479 Poznan, Poland.
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7
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Micati DJ, Hime GR, McLaughlin EA, Abud HE, Loveland KL. Differential expression profiles of conserved Snail transcription factors in the mouse testis. Andrology 2018; 6:362-373. [PMID: 29381885 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Snail transcription factors are key regulators of cellular transitions during embryonic development and tumorigenesis. The closely related SNAI1 and SNAI2 proteins induce epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs), acting predominantly as transcriptional repressors, while the functions of SNAI3 are unknown. An initial examination of Snai2-deficient mice provided evidence of deficient spermatogenesis. To address the hypothesis that Snail proteins are important for male fertility, this study provides the first comprehensive cellular expression profiles of all three mammalian Snail genes in the post-natal mouse testis. To evaluate Snail transcript expression profiles, droplet digital (dd) PCR and in situ hybridization were employed. Snai1, 2 and 3 transcripts are readily detected at 7, 14, 28 days post-partum (dpp) and 7 weeks (adult). Unique cellular expression was demonstrated for each by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry using Western blot-validated antibodies. SNAI1 and SNAI2 are in the nucleus of the most mature germ cell types at post-natal ages 10, 15 and 26. SNAI3 is only detected from 15 dpp onwards and is localized in the Sertoli cell cytoplasm. In the adult testis, Snai1 and Snai2 transcripts are detected in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, while Snai3 is in both germ and Sertoli cells. SNAI1 protein is evident in nuclei of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, round spermatids and elongated spermatids (Stages IX-XII). SNAI2 is present in the nuclei of spermatogonia and spermatocytes, with a faint signal detected in round spermatids. SNAI3 was detected only in Sertoli cell cytoplasm, as in juvenile testes. Additionally, colocalization of SNAI1 and SNAI2 with previously identified key binding partners, LSD1 and PRC2 complex components, provides strong evidence that these important functional interactions are conserved during spermatogenesis to control gene activity. These distinct expression profiles suggest that each Snail family member has unique functions during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Micati
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - G R Hime
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - E A McLaughlin
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - H E Abud
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - K L Loveland
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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8
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Weng B, Ran M, Chen B, He C, Dong L, Peng F. Genome-wide analysis of long non-coding RNAs and their role in postnatal porcine testis development. Genomics 2017; 109:446-456. [PMID: 28746831 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A comprehensive and systematic understanding of the roles of lncRNAs in the postnatal development of the pig testis has still not been achieved. In the present study, we obtained more than one billion clean reads and identified 15,528 lncRNA transcripts; these transcripts included 5032 known and 10,496 novel porcine lncRNA transcripts and corresponded to 10,041 lncRNA genes. Pairwise comparisons identified 449 known and 324 novel lncRNAs that showed differential expression patterns. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the targeted genes were involved in metabolic pathways regulating testis development and spermatogenesis, such as the TGF-beta pathway, the PI3K-Akt pathway, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and the AMPK pathway. Using this information, we predicted some lncRNAs and coding gene pairs were predicted that may function in testis development and spermatogenesis; these are listed in detail. This study has provided the most comprehensive catalog to date of lncRNAs in the postnatal pig testis and will aid our understanding of their functional roles in testis development and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Weng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Hunan, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Maoliang Ran
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Hunan, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Bin Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Hunan, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha 410128, China.
| | - Changqing He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Hunan, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Lianhua Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Hunan, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Fuzhi Peng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agriculture University, Hunan, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha 410128, China
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9
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Heo SJ, Han WM, Szczesny SE, Cosgrove BD, Elliott DM, Lee DA, Duncan RL, Mauck RL. Mechanically Induced Chromatin Condensation Requires Cellular Contractility in Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Biophys J 2017; 111:864-874. [PMID: 27558729 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanical cues play important roles in directing the lineage commitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In this study, we explored the molecular mechanisms by which dynamic tensile loading (DL) regulates chromatin organization in this cell type. Our previous findings indicated that the application of DL elicited a rapid increase in chromatin condensation through purinergic signaling mediated by ATP. Here, we show that the rate and degree of condensation depends on the frequency and duration of mechanical loading, and that ATP release requires actomyosin-based cellular contractility. Increases in baseline cellular contractility via the addition of an activator of G-protein coupled receptors (lysophosphatidic acid) induced rapid ATP release, resulting in chromatin condensation independent of loading. Conversely, inhibition of contractility through pretreatment with either a RhoA/Rock inhibitor (Y27632) or MLCK inhibitor (ML7) abrogated ATP release in response to DL, blocking load-induced chromatin condensation. With loading, ATP release occurred very rapidly (within the first 10-20 s), whereas changes in chromatin occurred at a later time point (∼10 min), suggesting a downstream biochemical pathway mediating this process. When cells were pretreated with blockers of the transforming growth factor (TGF) superfamily, purinergic signaling in response to DL was also eliminated. Further analysis showed that this pretreatment decreased contractility, implicating activity in the TGF pathway in the establishment of the baseline contractile state of MSCs (in the absence of exogenous ligands). These data indicate that chromatin condensation in response to DL is regulated through the interplay between purinergic and RhoA/Rock signaling, and that ligandless activity in the TGF/bone morphogenetic proteins signaling pathway contributes to the establishment of baseline contractility in MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Jin Heo
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Woojin M Han
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Spencer E Szczesny
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Brian D Cosgrove
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Dawn M Elliott
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
| | - David A Lee
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Randall L Duncan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
| | - Robert L Mauck
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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10
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Bielanowicz A, Johnson RW, Goh H, Moody SC, Poulton IJ, Croce N, Loveland KL, Hedger MP, Sims NA, Itman C. Prepubertal Di-n-Butyl Phthalate Exposure Alters Sertoli and Leydig Cell Function and Lowers Bone Density in Adult Male Mice. Endocrinology 2016; 157:2595-603. [PMID: 27058814 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Phthalate exposure impairs testis development and function; however, whether phthalates affect nonreproductive functions is not well understood. To investigate this, C57BL/6J mice were fed 1-500 mg di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) in corn oil, or vehicle only, daily from 4 to 14 days, after which tissues were collected (prepubertal study). Another group was fed 1-500 mg/kg·d DBP from 4 to 21 days and then maintained untreated until 8 weeks for determination of adult consequences of prepubertal exposure. Bones were assessed by microcomputed tomography and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and T by RIA. DBP exposure decreased prepubertal femur length, marrow volume, and mean moment of inertia. Adult animals exposed prepubertally to low DBP doses had lower bone mineral content and bone mineral density and less lean tissue mass than vehicle-treated animals. Altered dynamics of the emerging Leydig population were found in 14-day-old animals fed 100-500 mg/kg·d DBP. Adult mice had variable testicular T and serum T and LH concentrations after prepubertal exposure and a dose-dependent reduction in cytochrome p450, family 11, subfamily A, polypeptide 1. Insulin-like 3 was detected in Sertoli cells of adult mice administered the highest dose of 500 mg/kg·d DBP prepubertally, a finding supported by the induction of insulin-like 3 expression in TM4 cells exposed to 50 μM, but not 5 μM, DBP. We propose that low-dose DBP exposure is detrimental to bone but that normal bone mineral density/bone mineral content after high-dose DBP exposure reflects changes in testicular somatic cells that confer protection to bones. These findings will fuel concerns that low-dose DBP exposure impacts health beyond the reproductive axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Bielanowicz
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Rachelle W Johnson
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Hoey Goh
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Sarah C Moody
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Ingrid J Poulton
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Nic Croce
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Natalie A Sims
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Catherine Itman
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science and Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences (A.B., C.I.), and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (N.C.), Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.) and Department of Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital (R.W.J., I.J.P., N.A.S.), The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (H.G., K.L.L.), Anatomy and Developmental Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.), and Molecular Translational Sciences (K.L.L.), Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research (K.L.L., M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering (C.I.), School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
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11
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Busada JT, Geyer CB. The Role of Retinoic Acid (RA) in Spermatogonial Differentiation. Biol Reprod 2015; 94:10. [PMID: 26559678 PMCID: PMC4809555 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.135145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) directs the sequential, but distinct, programs of spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic differentiation that are both essential for the generation of functional spermatozoa. These processes are functionally and temporally decoupled, as they occur in distinct cell types that arise over a week apart, both in the neonatal and adult testis. However, our understanding is limited in terms of what cellular and molecular changes occur downstream of RA exposure that prepare differentiating spermatogonia for meiotic initiation. In this review, we describe the process of spermatogonial differentiation and summarize the current state of knowledge regarding RA signaling in spermatogonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan T Busada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
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12
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Young JC, Wakitani S, Loveland KL. TGF-β superfamily signaling in testis formation and early male germline development. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 45:94-103. [PMID: 26500180 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The TGF-β ligand superfamily contains at least 40 members, many of which are produced and act within the mammalian testis to facilitate formation of sperm. Their progressive expression at key stages and in specific cell types determines the fertility of adult males, influencing testis development and controlling germline differentiation. BMPs are essential for the interactive instructions between multiple cell types in the early embryo that drive initial specification of gamete precursors. In the nascent foetal testis, several ligands including Nodal, TGF-βs, Activins and BMPs, serve as key masculinizing switches by regulating male germline pluripotency, somatic and germline proliferation, and testicular vascularization and architecture. In postnatal life, local production of these factors determine adult testis size by regulating Sertoli cell multiplication and differentiation, in addition to specifying germline differentiation and multiplication. Because TGF-β superfamily signaling is integral to testis formation, it affects processes that underlie testicular pathologies, including testicular cancer, and its potential to contribute to subfertility is beginning to be understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Young
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shoichi Wakitani
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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13
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Itman C, Bielanowicz A, Goh H, Lee Q, Fulcher AJ, Moody SC, Doery JCG, Martin J, Eyre S, Hedger MP, Loveland KL. Murine Inhibin α-Subunit Haploinsufficiency Causes Transient Abnormalities in Prepubertal Testis Development Followed by Adult Testicular Decline. Endocrinology 2015; 156:2254-68. [PMID: 25781564 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Activin production and signaling must be strictly regulated for normal testis development and function. Inhibins are potent activin inhibitors; mice lacking the inhibin-α gene (Inha-/- mice) cannot make inhibin and consequently have highly elevated activin and FSH serum concentrations and excessive activin signaling, resulting in somatic gonadal tumors and infertility. Dose-dependent effects of activin in testicular biology have been widely reported; hence, we hypothesized that male mice lacking one copy of the Inha gene would produce less inhibin and have an abnormal reproductive phenotype. To test this, we compared hormone concentrations, testis development, and sperm production in Inha+/+ and Inha+/- mice. Serum and testicular inhibin-α concentrations in adult Inha+/- mice were approximately 33% lower than wild type, whereas activin A, activin B, FSH, LH, and T were normal. Sixteen-day-old Inha+/- mice had a mixed phenotype, with tubules containing extensive germ cell depletion juxtaposed to tubules with advanced Sertoli and germ cell development. This abnormal phenotype resolved by day 28. By 8 weeks, Inha+/- testes were 11% larger than wild type and supported 44% greater daily sperm production. By 26 weeks of age, Inha+/- testes had distinct abnormalities. Although still fertile, Inha+/- mice had a 27% reduction in spermatogenic efficiency, a greater proportion of S-phase Sertoli cells and lower Leydig cell CYP11A1 expression. This study is the first to identify an intratesticular role for inhibin/inhibin-α subunit, demonstrating that a threshold level of this protein is required for normal testis development and to sustain adult somatic testicular cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Itman
- Priority Research Centres for Reproductive Science (C.I., A.B., J.M., S.E.) and Chemical Biology (C.I.), School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; Departments of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (H.G., Q.L., K.L.L.) and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (S.C.M., K.L.L.) and Monash Micro Imaging (A.J.F.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences (J.C.G.D.), Department of Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, and Monash Institute of Medical Research-Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research (M.P.H.), Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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14
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Moody S, Goh H, Bielanowicz A, Rippon P, Loveland KL, Itman C. Prepubertal mouse testis growth and maturation and androgen production are acutely sensitive to di-n-butyl phthalate. Endocrinology 2013; 154:3460-75. [PMID: 23766129 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-2227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Phthalates are plasticizers with widespread industrial, domestic, and medical applications. Epidemiological data indicating increased incidence of testicular dysgenesis in boys exposed to phthalates in utero are reinforced by studies demonstrating that phthalates impair fetal rodent testis development. Because humans are exposed to phthalates continuously from gestation through adulthood, it is imperative to understand what threat phthalates pose at other life stages. To determine the impact during prepuberty, we assessed the consequences of oral administration of 1 to 500 mg di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP)/kg/d in corn oil to wild-type (C57BL/6J) male mice from 4 to 14 days of age. Dose-dependent effects on testis growth correlated with reduced Sertoli cell proliferation. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses identified delayed spermatogenesis and impaired Sertoli cell maturation after exposure to 10 to 500 mg DBP/kg/d. Interference with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis was indicated in mice fed 500 mg DBP/kg/d, which had elevated circulating inhibin but no change in serum FSH. Increased immunohistochemical staining for inhibin-α was apparent at doses of 10 to 500 mg DBP/kg/d. Serum testosterone and testicular androgen activity were lower in the 500 mg DBP/kg/d group; however, reduced anogenital distance in all DBP-treated mice suggested impaired androgen action at earlier time points. Long-term effects were evident, with smaller anogenital distance and indications of disrupted spermatogenesis in adult mice exposed prepubertally to doses from 1 mg DBP/kg/d. These data demonstrate the acute sensitivity of the prepubertal mouse testis to DBP at doses 50- to 500-fold lower than those used in rat and identify the upregulation of inhibin as a potential mechanism of DBP action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Moody
- Department of Anatomy, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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15
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Smurf-mediated differential proteolysis generates dynamic BMP signaling in germline stem cells during Drosophila testis development. Dev Biol 2013; 383:106-20. [PMID: 23988579 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Germline stem cells (GSCs) produce gametes throughout the reproductive life of many animals, and intensive studies have revealed critical roles of BMP signaling to maintain GSC self-renewal in Drospophila adult gonads. Here, we show that BMP signaling is downregulated as testes develop and this regulation controls testis growth, stem cell number, and the number of spermatogonia divisions. Phosphorylated Mad (pMad), the activated Drosophila Smad in germ cells, was restricted from anterior germ cells to GSCs and hub-proximal cells during early larval development. pMad levels in GSCs were then dramatically downregulated from early third larval instar (L3) to late L3, and maintained at low levels in pupal and adult GSCs. The spatial restriction and temporal down-regulation of pMad, reflecting the germ cell response to BMP signaling activity, required action in germ cells of E3 ligase activity of HECT domain protein Smurf. Analyses of Smurf mutant testes and dosage-dependent genetic interaction between Smurf and mad indicated that pMad downregulation was required for both the normal decrease in stem cell number during testis maturation in the pupal stage, and for normal limit of four rounds of spermatogonia cell division for control of germ cell numbers and testis size. Smurf protein was expressed at a constant low level in GSCs and spermatogonia during development. Rescue experiments showed that expression of exogenous Smurf protein in early germ cells promoted pMad downregulation in GSCs in a stage-dependent but concentration-independent manner, suggesting that the competence of Smurf to attenuate response to BMP signaling may be regulated during development. Taken together, our work reveals a critical role for differential attenuation of the response to BMP signaling in GSCs and early germ cells for control of germ cell number and gonad growth during development.
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16
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McCarrey JR. Toward a more precise and informative nomenclature describing fetal and neonatal male germ cells in rodents. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:47. [PMID: 23843236 PMCID: PMC4076367 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.110502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The germ cell lineages are among the best characterized of all cell lineages in mammals. This characterization includes precise nomenclature that distinguishes among numerous, often subtle, changes in function or morphology as development and differentiation of germ cells proceed to form the gametes. In male rodents, there are at least 41 distinct cell types that occur during progression through the male germ cell lineage that gives rise to spermatozoa. However, there is one period during male germ cell development-that which occurs immediately following the primordial germ cell stage and prior to the spermatogonial stage-for which the system of precise and informative cell type terminology is not adequate. Often, male germ cells during this period are referred to simply as "gonocytes." However, this term is inadequate for multiple reasons, and it is suggested here that nomenclature originally proposed in the 1970s by Hilscher et al., which employs the terms M-, T1-, and T2-prospermatogonia, is preferable. In this Minireview, the history, proper utilization, and advantages of this terminology relative to that of the term gonocytes are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R McCarrey
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, USA.
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17
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Itman C, Loveland KL. Smads and cell fate: Distinct roles in specification, development, and tumorigenesis in the testis. IUBMB Life 2013; 65:85-97. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.1115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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18
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Barakat B, Itman C, Mendis SH, Loveland KL. Activins and inhibins in mammalian testis development: new models, new insights. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 359:66-77. [PMID: 22406273 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 02/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of activin and inhibins as modulators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis has set the foundation for understanding their central importance to many facets of development and disease. This review contains an overview of the processes and cell types that are central to testis development and spermatogenesis and then provides an update focussed on information gathered over the past five years to address new concepts about how these proteins function to control testis development in fetal and juvenile life. Current knowledge about the interactive nature of the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) superfamily signalling network is applied to recent findings about activins and inhibins in the testis. Information about the regulated synthesis of signalling components and signalling regulators in the testis is integrated with new concepts that demonstrate their functional significance. The importance of activin bioactivity levels or dosage in controlling balanced growth of spermatogonial cells and their niche at different stages of testis development is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Barakat
- Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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