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Kong R, Zhao H, Li J, Ma Y, Li N, Shi L, Li Z. A regulatory loop of JAK/STAT signalling and its downstream targets represses cell fate conversion and maintains male germline stem cell niche homeostasis. Cell Prolif 2024:e13648. [PMID: 38987866 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A specialised microenvironment, termed niche, provides extrinsic signals for the maintenance of residential stem cells. However, how residential stem cells maintain niche homeostasis and whether stromal niche cells could convert their fate into stem cells to replenish lost stem cells upon systemic stem cell loss remain largely unknown. Here, through systemic identification of JAK/STAT downstream targets in adult Drosophila testis, we show that Escargot (Esg), a member of the Snail family of transcriptional factors, is a putative JAK/STAT downstream target. esg is intrinsically required in cyst stem cells (CySCs) but not in germline stem cells (GSCs). esg depletion in CySCs results in CySC loss due to differentiation and non-cell autonomous GSC loss. Interestingly, hub cells are gradually lost by delaminating from the hub and converting into CySCs in esg-defective testes. Mechanistically, esg directly represses the expression of socs36E, the well-known downstream target and negative regulator of JAK/STAT signalling. Finally, further depletion of socs36E completely rescues the defects observed in esg-defective testes. Collectively, JAK/STAT target Esg suppresses SOCS36E to maintain CySC fate and repress niche cell conversion. Thus, our work uncovers a regulatory loop between JAK/STAT signalling and its downstream targets in controlling testicular niche homeostasis under physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyan Kong
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Zhao
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Li
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yankun Ma
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Ningfang Li
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Shi
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhouhua Li
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
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Nussinov R, Zhang W, Liu Y, Jang H. Mitogen signaling strength and duration can control cell cycle decisions. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadm9211. [PMID: 38968359 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adm9211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Decades ago, mitogen-promoted signaling duration and strength were observed to be sensed by the cell and to be critical for its decisions: to proliferate or differentiate. Landmark publications established the importance of mitogen signaling not only in the G1 cell cycle phase but also through the S and the G2/M transition. Despite these early milestones, how mitogen signal duration and strength, short and strong or weaker and sustained, control cell fate has been largely unheeded. Here, we center on cardinal signaling-related questions, including (i) how fluctuating mitogenic signals are converted into cell proliferation-differentiation decisions and (ii) why extended duration of weak signaling is associated with differentiation, while bursts of strong and short induce proliferation but, if too strong and long, induce irreversible senescence. Our innovative broad outlook harnesses cell biology and protein conformational ensembles, helping us to define signaling strength, clarify cell cycle decisions, and thus cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Wengang Zhang
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Yonglan Liu
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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Chong ZX, Ho WY, Yeap SK. Decoding the tumour-modulatory roles of LIMK2. Life Sci 2024; 347:122609. [PMID: 38580197 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122609] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
LIM domains kinase 2 (LIMK2) is a 72 kDa protein that regulates actin and cytoskeleton reorganization. Once phosphorylated by its upstream activator (ROCK1), LIMK2 can phosphorylate cofilin to inactivate it. This relieves the levering stress on actin and allows polymerization to occur. Actin rearrangement is essential in regulating cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and migration. Dysregulation of the ROCK1/LIMK2/cofilin pathway has been reported to link to the development of various solid cancers such as breast, lung, and prostate cancer and liquid cancer like leukemia. This review aims to assess the findings from multiple reported in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on the potential tumour-regulatory role of LIMK2 in different human cancers. The findings of the selected literature unraveled that activated AKT, EGF, and TGF-β pathways can upregulate the activities of the ROCK1/LIMK2/cofilin pathway. Besides cofilin, LIMK2 can modulate the cellular levels of other proteins, such as TPPP1, to promote microtubule polymerization. The tumour suppressor protein p53 can transactivate LIMK2b, a splice variant of LIMK2, to induce cell cycle arrest and allow DNA repair to occur before the cell enters the next phase of the cell cycle. Additionally, several non-coding RNAs, such as miR-135a and miR-939-5p, could also epigenetically regulate the expression of LIMK2. Since the expression of LIMK2 is dysregulated in several human cancers, measuring the tissue expression of LIMK2 could potentially help diagnose cancer and predict patient prognosis. As LIMK2 could play tumour-promoting and tumour-inhibiting roles in cancer development, more investigation should be conducted to carefully evaluate whether introducing a LIMK2 inhibitor in cancer patients could slow cancer progression without posing clinical harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Xiong Chong
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Wan Yong Ho
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Swee Keong Yeap
- China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Cui YH, Ma L, Hai DM, Chi YN, Dong WJ, Lan XB, Wei W, Tian MM, Peng XD, Yu JQ, Liu N. Asperosaponin VI protects against spermatogenic dysfunction in mice by regulating testicular cell proliferation and sex hormone disruption. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 320:117463. [PMID: 37981113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Studies have found that the causes of male infertility are complex, and spermatogenic dysfunction accounts for 30%-65% of male infertility causes, which is the main cause of male infertility. Asperosaponin VI (ASVI) is a saponin extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Dipsacus asperoides C.Y.Cheng & T.M.Ai. However, the precise protective impact and underlying mechanism of ASVI in the therapy of spermatogenic dysfunction remain unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the impact of ASVI on the spermatogenic dysfunction induced by cytoxan (CTX) in mice, as well as explore any potential mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Potential ASVI targets were screened using the Pharmapper and Uniprot databases, while genes related to spermatogenic dysfunction were collected from the GeneCards database. The String and Cytoscape databases were then used for PPI analysis for the common targets of ASVI and spermatogenic dysfunction. Meanwhile, the Metascape database was used for KEGG and GO analysis. In vivo experiments, spermatogenic dysfunction was induced in male mice by intraperitoneal administration of CTX (80 mg/kg). To demonstrate the possible protective effects of ASVI on reproductive organs, CTX-induced spermatogenic dysfunction mice with different dosages of ASVI (0.8, 4, 20 mg/kg per day) treatment were collected and gonad weight was detected. The testis and epididymis were detected again by H&E. To assess the impact of ASVI on fertility in male mice, we analyzed sperm quality, serum hormones, sexual behavior, and fertility. The mechanism was investigated using WB, IF, IHC, and Co-IP technology. RESULTS The ASVI exhibited interactions with 239 associated targets. Furthermore, 1555 targets associated with spermatogenic dysfunction were predicted, and further PPI analysis identified 6 key targets. Among them, the EGFR gene exhibited the highest degree of connection and was at the core of the network. Based on the GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, ASVI may affect spermatogenic dysfunction through the EGFR pathway. In vivo experiments, ASVI significantly improved CTX-induced damage to male fertility and reproductive organs, increasing sperm quality. At the same time, ASVI can resist CTX-induced testicular cell damage by increasing p-EGFR, p-ERK, PCNA, and p-Rb in the testis and by promoting the interaction of CyclinD1 with CDK4. In addition, ASVI can also regulate sex hormone disorders and protect male fertility. CONCLUSIONS ASVI improves CTX-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction by activating the EGFR signaling pathway and regulating sex hormone homeostasis, which may be a new potential protective agent for male spermatogenic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hong Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Dong-Mei Hai
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yan-Nan Chi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Wen-Jing Dong
- Ningxia Pharmaceutical Inspection and Research Institute, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Lan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Miao-Miao Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
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Hu Q, Xiao Y, Wei R, Tang T, Wen L, Lu Y, Yu XQ. Identification and functional analysis of CG3526 in spermatogenesis of Drosophila melanogaster. INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 31:79-90. [PMID: 37465843 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a critical part of reproduction in insects; however, its molecular mechanism is still largely unknown. In this study, we identified a testis-specific gene CG3526 in Drosophila melanogaster. Bioinformatics analysis showed that CG3526 contains a zinc binding domain and 2 C2 H2 type zinc fingers, and it is clustered to the vertebrate really interesting new gene (RING) family E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases. When CG3526 was knocked down by RNA interference (RNAi), the testis became much smaller in size, and the apical tip exhibited a sharp and thin end instead of the blunt and round shape in the control testis. More importantly, compared to the control flies, only a few mature sperm were present in the seminal vesicle of C587-Gal4 > CG3526 RNAi flies. Immunofluorescence staining of the testis from CG3526 RNAi flies showed that the homeostasis of testis stem cell niche was disrupted, cell distribution in the apical tip was scattered, and the process of spermatogenesis was not completed. Furthermore, we found that the phenotype of CG3526 RNAi flies' testis was similar to that of testis of Stat92E RNAi flies, the expression level of CG3526 was significantly downregulated in the Stat92EF06346 mutant flies, and the promoter activity of CG3526 was upregulated by STAT92E. Taken together, our results indicated that CG3526 is a downstream effector gene in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway that plays a key role in the spermatogenesis of Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihao Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Yanhong Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Runnan Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Ting Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Liang Wen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Yuzhen Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
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Cui H, Huang Q, Li J, Zhou P, Wang Z, Cai J, Feng C, Deng X, Gu H, He X, Tang J, Wang X, Zhao X, Yu J, Chen X. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis to evaluate antimony exposure effects on cell-lineage communications within the Drosophila testicular niche. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 270:115948. [PMID: 38184976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The increasing production and prevalence of antimony (Sb)-related products raise concerns regarding its potential hazards to reproductive health. Upon environmental exposure, Sb reportedly induces testicular toxicity during spermatogenesis; moreover, it is known to affect various testicular cell populations, particularly germline stem cell populations. However, the cell-cell communication resulting from Sb exposure within the testicular niche remains poorly understood. To address this gap, herein we analyzed testicular single-cell RNA sequencing data from Sb-exposed Drosophila. Our findings revealed that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and WNT signaling pathways were associated with the stem cell niche in Drosophila testes, which may disrupt the homeostasis of the testicular niche in Drosophila. Furthermore, we identified several ligand-receptor pairs, facilitating the elucidation of intercellular crosstalk involved in Sb-mediated reproductive toxicology. We employed scRNA-seq analysis and conducted functional verification to investigate the expression patterns of core downstream factors associated with EGFR and WNT signatures in the testes under the influence of Sb exposure. Altogether, our results shed light on the potential mechanisms of Sb exposure-mediated testicular cell-lineage communications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongliang Cui
- Department of Urology, Nantong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Qiuru Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Peiyao Zhou
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, Nantong Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Zihan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jiaying Cai
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Chenrui Feng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xiaonan Deng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Han Gu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xuxin He
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Juan Tang
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, Nantong Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xiaoke Wang
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, Nantong Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, Nantong Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China.
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nantong First People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
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Liu P, Shao Y, Liu C, Lv X, Afedo SY, Bao W. Special Staining and Protein Expression of VEGF/EGFR and P53/NF-κB in Cryptorchid Tissue of Erhualian Pigs. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:100. [PMID: 38255715 PMCID: PMC10817362 DOI: 10.3390/life14010100] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Erhualian pigs exhibit one of the highest reproductive rates globally, and cryptorchidism is a crucial factor affecting reproductive abilities of boars. This investigation focused on cryptorchid tissues from Erhualian pigs, where the histological structure of cryptorchidism was observed using specialized staining. In addition, protein expression of P53/NF-κB in cryptorchid tissues was assessed using Western blot and immunohistochemistry. In comparison to normal Erhualian testes, Masson's trichrome staining indicated a reduction in collagen fibers in the connective tissue and around the basal membrane of the seminiferous tubules in cryptorchid testes. Moreover, collagen fiber distribution was observed to be disordered. Verhoeff Van Gieson (EVG) and argyrophilic staining demonstrated brownish-black granular nucleoli organized regions in mesenchymal cells and germ cells. When compared to normal testicles, the convoluted seminiferous tubules of cryptorchids exhibited a significantly reduced number and diameter (p < 0.01). Notably, VEGF/EGFR and P53/NF-κB expression in cryptorchidism significantly differed from that in normal testes. In particular, the expression of VEGF and P53 in cryptorchid tissues was significantly higher than that in normal testes tissues, whereas the expression of EGFR in cryptorchid tissues was significantly lower than that in normal testes tissues (all p < 0.01). NF-κB expressed no difference in both conditions. The expressions of VEGF and NF-κB were observed in the cytoplasm of testicular Leydig cells and spermatogenic cells, but they were weak in the nucleus. EGFR and P53 were more positively expressed in the cytoplasm of these cells, with no positive expression in the nucleus. Conclusion: There were changes in the tissue morphology and structure of the cryptorchid testis, coupled with abnormally high expression of VEGF and P53 proteins in Erhualian pigs. We speculate that this may be an important limiting factor to fecundity during cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penggang Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yiming Shao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Caihong Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiaoyang Lv
- International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Seth Yaw Afedo
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast P.O. Box 5007, Ghana
| | - Wenbin Bao
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding, Reproduction and Molecular Design of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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Eslahi M, Nematbakhsh N, Dastmalchi N, Teimourian S, Safaralizadeh R. Signaling Pathways in Drosophila gonadal Stem Cells. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:154-165. [PMID: 36788694 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230213144531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The stem cells' ability to divide asymmetrically to produce differentiating and self-renewing daughter cells is crucial to maintain tissue homeostasis and development. Stem cell maintenance and differentiation rely on their regulatory microenvironment termed 'niches'. The mechanisms of the signal transduction pathways initiated from the niche, regulation of stem cell maintenance and differentiation were quite challenging to study. The knowledge gained from the study of Drosophila melanogaster testis and ovary helped develop our understanding of stem cell/niche interactions and signal pathways related to the regulatory mechanisms in maintaining homeostasis of adult tissue. In this review, we discuss the role of signaling pathways in Drosophila gonadal stem cell regeneration, competition, differentiation, dedifferentiation, proliferation, and fate determination. Furthermore, we present the current knowledge on how these signaling pathways are implicated in cancer, and how they contribute as potential candidates for effective cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maede Eslahi
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Negin Nematbakhsh
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Narges Dastmalchi
- Department of Biology, University College of Nabi Akram, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahram Teimourian
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Safaralizadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
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Chong ZX, Yong CY, Ong AHK, Yeap SK, Ho WY. Deciphering the roles of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in regulating carcinogenesis. Toxicology 2023; 495:153596. [PMID: 37480978 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153596] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent receptor that belongs to the superfamily of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors. The activation of the canonical AHR signaling pathway is known to induce the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes, facilitating the detoxification metabolism in the human body. Additionally, AHR could interact with various signaling pathways such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), nuclear factor ekappa B (NF-κβ), estrogen receptor (ER), and androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathways. Over the past 30 years, several studies have reported that various chemical, physical, or biological agents, such as tobacco, hydrocarbon compounds, industrial and agricultural chemical wastes, drugs, UV, viruses, and other toxins, could affect AHR expression or activity, promoting cancer development. Thus, it is valuable to overview how these factors regulate AHR-mediated carcinogenesis. Current findings have reported that many compounds could act as AHR ligands to drive the expressions of AHR-target genes, such as CYP1A1, CYP1B1, MMPs, and AXL, and other targets that exert a pro-proliferation or anti-apoptotic effect, like XIAP. Furthermore, some other physical and chemical agents, such as UV and 3-methylcholanthrene, could promote AHR signaling activities, increasing the signaling activities of a few oncogenic pathways, such as the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathways. Understanding how various factors regulate AHR-mediated carcinogenesis processes helps clinicians and scientists plan personalized therapeutic strategies to improve anti-cancer treatment efficacy. As many studies that have reported the roles of AHR in regulating carcinogenesis are preclinical or observational clinical studies that did not explore the detailed mechanisms of how different chemical, physical, or biological agents promote AHR-mediated carcinogenesis processes, future studies should focus on conducting large-scale and functional studies to unravel the underlying mechanism of how AHR interacts with different factors in regulating carcinogenesis processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Xiong Chong
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chean Yeah Yong
- China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Alan Han Kiat Ong
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 43000 Kajang, Malaysia
| | - Swee Keong Yeap
- China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Wan Yong Ho
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Dong Z, Pang L, Liu Z, Sheng Y, Li X, Thibault X, Reilein A, Kalderon D, Huang J. Single-cell expression profile of Drosophila ovarian follicle stem cells illuminates spatial differentiation in the germarium. BMC Biol 2023; 21:143. [PMID: 37340484 PMCID: PMC10283321 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01636-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND How stem cell populations are organized and regulated within adult tissues is important for understanding cancer origins and for developing cell replacement strategies. Paradigms such as mammalian gut stem cells and Drosophila ovarian follicle stem cells (FSC) are characterized by population asymmetry, in which stem cell division and differentiation are separately regulated processes. These stem cells behave stochastically regarding their contributions to derivative cells and also exhibit dynamic spatial heterogeneity. Drosophila FSCs provide an excellent model for understanding how a community of active stem cells maintained by population asymmetry is regulated. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing to profile the gene expression patterns of FSCs and their immediate derivatives to investigate heterogeneity within the stem cell population and changes associated with differentiation. RESULTS We describe single-cell RNA sequencing studies of a pre-sorted population of cells that include FSCs and the neighboring cell types, escort cells (ECs) and follicle cells (FCs), which they support. Cell-type assignment relies on anterior-posterior (AP) location within the germarium. We clarify the previously determined location of FSCs and use spatially targeted lineage studies as further confirmation. The scRNA profiles among four clusters are consistent with an AP progression from anterior ECs through posterior ECs and then FSCs, to early FCs. The relative proportion of EC and FSC clusters are in good agreement with the prevalence of those cell types in a germarium. Several genes with graded profiles from ECs to FCs are highlighted as candidate effectors of the inverse gradients of the two principal signaling pathways, Wnt and JAK-STAT, that guide FSC differentiation and division. CONCLUSIONS Our data establishes an important resource of scRNA-seq profiles for FSCs and their immediate derivatives that is based on precise spatial location and functionally established stem cell identity, and facilitates future genetic investigation of regulatory interactions guiding FSC behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Dong
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lan Pang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhiguo Liu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yifeng Sheng
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiaoping Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital, Organ Transplantation Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Xavier Thibault
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amy Reilein
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Kalderon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jianhua Huang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Raz AA, Vida GS, Stern SR, Mahadevaraju S, Fingerhut JM, Viveiros JM, Pal S, Grey JR, Grace MR, Berry CW, Li H, Janssens J, Saelens W, Shao Z, Hu C, Yamashita YM, Przytycka T, Oliver B, Brill JA, Krause H, Matunis EL, White-Cooper H, DiNardo S, Fuller MT. Emergent dynamics of adult stem cell lineages from single nucleus and single cell RNA-Seq of Drosophila testes. eLife 2023; 12:e82201. [PMID: 36795469 PMCID: PMC9934865 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper differentiation of sperm from germline stem cells, essential for production of the next generation, requires dramatic changes in gene expression that drive remodeling of almost all cellular components, from chromatin to organelles to cell shape itself. Here, we provide a single nucleus and single cell RNA-seq resource covering all of spermatogenesis in Drosophila starting from in-depth analysis of adult testis single nucleus RNA-seq (snRNA-seq) data from the Fly Cell Atlas (FCA) study. With over 44,000 nuclei and 6000 cells analyzed, the data provide identification of rare cell types, mapping of intermediate steps in differentiation, and the potential to identify new factors impacting fertility or controlling differentiation of germline and supporting somatic cells. We justify assignment of key germline and somatic cell types using combinations of known markers, in situ hybridization, and analysis of extant protein traps. Comparison of single cell and single nucleus datasets proved particularly revealing of dynamic developmental transitions in germline differentiation. To complement the web-based portals for data analysis hosted by the FCA, we provide datasets compatible with commonly used software such as Seurat and Monocle. The foundation provided here will enable communities studying spermatogenesis to interrogate the datasets to identify candidate genes to test for function in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie A Raz
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteCambridgeUnited States
| | - Gabriela S Vida
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The Perelman School of Medicine and The Penn Institute for Regenerative MedicinePhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Sarah R Stern
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Sharvani Mahadevaraju
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Jaclyn M Fingerhut
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteCambridgeUnited States
| | - Jennifer M Viveiros
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Soumitra Pal
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Jasmine R Grey
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Mara R Grace
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Cameron W Berry
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Hongjie Li
- Huffington Center on Aging and Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Jasper Janssens
- JVIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, and the Department of Human Genetics, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Wouter Saelens
- Data Mining and Modeling for Biomedicine, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, and Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Zhantao Shao
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Chun Hu
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Yukiko M Yamashita
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteCambridgeUnited States
| | - Teresa Przytycka
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Brian Oliver
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Julie A Brill
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick ChildrenTorontoCanada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Henry Krause
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Erika L Matunis
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | | | - Stephen DiNardo
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The Perelman School of Medicine and The Penn Institute for Regenerative MedicinePhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Margaret T Fuller
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
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Hétié P, de Cuevas M, Matunis EL. The adult Drosophila testis lacks a mechanism to replenish missing niche cells. Development 2023; 150:dev201148. [PMID: 36503989 PMCID: PMC10110489 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The adult Drosophila testis contains a well-defined niche created by a cluster of hub cells, which secrete signals that maintain adjacent germline stem cells and somatic cyst stem cells (CySCs). Hub cells are normally quiescent in adult flies but can exit quiescence, delaminate from the hub and convert into CySCs after ablation of all CySCs. The opposite event, CySC conversion into hub cells, was proposed to occur under physiological conditions, but the frequency of this event is debated. Here, to probe further the question of whether or not hub cells can be regenerated, we developed methods to genetically ablate some or all hub cells. Surprisingly, when flies were allowed to recover from ablation, the missing hub cells were not replaced. Hub cells did not exit quiescence after partial ablation of hub cells, and labeled cells from outside the hub did not enter the hub during or after ablation. Despite its ability to exit quiescence in response to CySC ablation, we conclude that the hub in the adult Drosophila testis does not have a mechanism to replenish missing hub cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phylis Hétié
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Margaret de Cuevas
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Erika L. Matunis
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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