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Jiang Z, Chen L, Wang T, Zhao J, Liu S, He Y, Wang L, Wu H. Autophagy accompanying the developmental process of male germline stem cells. Cell Tissue Res 2024:10.1007/s00441-024-03910-w. [PMID: 39141056 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03910-w] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Germline stem cells are a crucial type of stem cell that can stably pass on genetic information to the next generation, providing the necessary foundation for the reproduction and survival of organisms. Male mammalian germline stem cells are unique cell types that include primordial germ cells and spermatogonial stem cells. They can differentiate into germ cells, such as sperm and eggs, thereby facilitating offspring reproduction. In addition, they continuously generate stem cells through self-renewal mechanisms to support the normal function of the reproductive system. Autophagy involves the use of lysosomes to degrade proteins and organelles that are regulated by relevant genes. This process plays an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of germline stem cells and the synthesis, degradation, and recycling of germline stem cell products. Recently, the developmental regulatory mechanism of germline stem cells has been further elucidated, and autophagy has been shown to be involved in the regulation of self-renewal and differentiation of germline stem cells. In this review, we introduce autophagy accompanying the development of germline stem cells, focusing on the autophagy process accompanying the development of male spermatogonial stem cells and the roles of related genes and proteins. We also briefly outline the effects of autophagy dysfunction on germline stem cells and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuofei Jiang
- Department of Gynecology, Foshan Woman and Children Hospital, Foshan, China
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Liji Chen
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Huadu District Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital (Huzhong Hospital of Huadu District), Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Surgery, Longjiang Hospital of Shunde District, Foshan, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Shuxian Liu
- Department of Science and Education, Guangzhou Huadu District Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital (Huzhong Hospital of Huadu District), Guangzhou, China
| | - Yating He
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Liyun Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Huadu District Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital (Huzhong Hospital of Huadu District), Guangzhou, China.
| | - Hongfu Wu
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China.
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2
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Wang J, Barr MM, Wehman AM. Extracellular vesicles. Genetics 2024; 227:iyae088. [PMID: 38884207 PMCID: PMC11304975 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyae088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) encompass a diverse array of membrane-bound organelles released outside cells in response to developmental and physiological cell needs. EVs play important roles in remodeling the shape and content of differentiating cells and can rescue damaged cells from toxic or dysfunctional content. EVs can send signals and transfer metabolites between tissues and organisms to regulate development, respond to stress or tissue damage, or alter mating behaviors. While many EV functions have been uncovered by characterizing ex vivo EVs isolated from body fluids and cultured cells, research using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has provided insights into the in vivo functions, biogenesis, and uptake pathways. The C. elegans EV field has also developed methods to analyze endogenous EVs within the organismal context of development and adult physiology in free-living, behaving animals. In this review, we summarize major themes that have emerged for C. elegans EVs and their relevance to human health and disease. We also highlight the diversity of biogenesis mechanisms, locations, and functions of worm EVs and discuss open questions and unexplored topics tenable in C. elegans, given the nematode model is ideal for light and electron microscopy, genetic screens, genome engineering, and high-throughput omics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Maureen M Barr
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ann M Wehman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80210, USA
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3
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Forini F, Levantini E, Bramanti E, Santorelli FM, Ali A, Lionetti V, Rizzo M. Editorial: Mitochondrial plasticity and quality control in health and disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1468818. [PMID: 39156970 PMCID: PMC11327857 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1468818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Forini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Levantini
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies (ITB), National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Emilia Bramanti
- Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds (ICCOM), National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Azhar Ali
- Cancer Science Institute Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vincenzo Lionetti
- Interdisciplinary Research Center “Health Science”, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
- UOSVD Anesthesia and Resuscitation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Milena Rizzo
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
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4
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Ohta N, Christiaen L. Cellular remodeling and JAK inhibition promote zygotic gene expression in the Ciona germline. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:2188-2201. [PMID: 38649664 PMCID: PMC11094015 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00139-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription control is a major determinant of cell fate decisions in somatic tissues. By contrast, early germline fate specification in numerous vertebrate and invertebrate species relies extensively on RNA-level regulation, exerted on asymmetrically inherited maternal supplies, with little-to-no zygotic transcription. However delayed, a maternal-to-zygotic transition is nevertheless poised to complete the deployment of pre-gametic programs in the germline. Here, we focus on early germline specification in the tunicate Ciona to study zygotic genome activation. We first demonstrate that a peculiar cellular remodeling event excludes localized postplasmic Pem-1 mRNA, which encodes the general inhibitor of transcription. Subsequently, zygotic transcription begins in Pem-1-negative primordial germ cells (PGCs), as revealed by histochemical detection of elongating RNA Polymerase II, and nascent Mef2 transcripts. In addition, we uncover a provisional antagonism between JAK and MEK/BMPRI/GSK3 signaling, which controls the onset of zygotic gene expression, following cellular remodeling of PGCs. We propose a 2-step model for the onset of zygotic transcription in the Ciona germline and discuss the significance of germ plasm dislocation and remodeling in the context of developmental fate specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoyuki Ohta
- Michael Sars Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Lionel Christiaen
- Michael Sars Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Center for Developmental Genetics, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
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5
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Yamashita YM. Asymmetric Stem Cell Division and Germline Immortality. Annu Rev Genet 2023; 57:181-199. [PMID: 37552892 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-022123-040039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Germ cells are the only cell type that is capable of transmitting genetic information to the next generation, which has enabled the continuation of multicellular life for the last 1.5 billion years. Surprisingly little is known about the mechanisms supporting the germline's remarkable ability to continue in this eternal cycle, termed germline immortality. Even unicellular organisms age at a cellular level, demonstrating that cellular aging is inevitable. Extensive studies in yeast have established the framework of how asymmetric cell division and gametogenesis may contribute to the resetting of cellular age. This review examines the mechanisms of germline immortality-how germline cells reset the aging of cells-drawing a parallel between yeast and multicellular organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko M Yamashita
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
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Schwartz AZA, Abdu Y, Nance J. ZIF-1-mediated degradation of zinc finger proteins in the Caenorhabditis elegans germ line. Genetics 2023; 225:iyad160. [PMID: 37647858 PMCID: PMC10627257 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapid and conditional protein depletion is the gold standard genetic tool for deciphering the molecular basis of developmental processes. Previously, we showed that by conditionally expressing the E3 ligase substrate adaptor ZIF-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans somatic cells, proteins tagged with the first CCCH Zn finger 1 (ZF1) domain from the germline regulator PIE-1 degrade rapidly, resulting in loss-of-function phenotypes. The described role of ZIF-1 is to clear PIE-1 and several other CCCH Zn finger proteins from early somatic cells, helping to enrich them in germline precursor cells. Here, we show that proteins tagged with the PIE-1 ZF1 domain are subsequently cleared from primordial germ cells (PGCs) in embryos and from undifferentiated germ cells in larvae and adults by ZIF-1. We harness germline ZIF-1 activity to degrade a ZF1-tagged fusion protein from PGCs and show that its depletion produces phenotypes equivalent to those of a null mutation. Our findings reveal that ZIF-1 transitions from degrading CCCH Zn finger proteins in somatic cells to clearing them from undifferentiated germ cells, and that ZIF-1 activity can be harnessed as a new genetic tool to study the early germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Z A Schwartz
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Yusuff Abdu
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jeremy Nance
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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Estes S, Dietz ZP, Katju V, Bergthorsson U. Evolutionary codependency: insights into the mitonuclear interaction landscape from experimental and wild Caenorhabditis nematodes. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 81:102081. [PMID: 37421904 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Aided by new technologies, the upsurgence of research into mitochondrial genome biology during the past 15 years suggests that we have misunderstood, and perhaps dramatically underestimated, the ongoing biological and evolutionary significance of our long-time symbiotic partner. While we have begun to scratch the surface of several topics, many questions regarding the nature of mutation and selection in the mitochondrial genome, and the nature of its relationship to the nuclear genome, remain unanswered. Although best known for their contributions to studies of developmental and aging biology, Caenorhabditis nematodes are increasingly recognized as excellent model systems to advance understanding in these areas. We review recent discoveries with relevance to mitonuclear coevolution and conflict and offer several fertile areas for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Estes
- Portland State University, Department of Biology, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Zachary P Dietz
- Portland State University, Department of Biology, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Vaishali Katju
- Uppsala University, Department of Ecology and Genetics, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ulfar Bergthorsson
- Uppsala University, Department of Ecology and Genetics, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
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Schwartz AZ, Abdu Y, Nance J. ZIF-1-mediated degradation of endogenous and heterologous zinc finger proteins in the C. elegans germ line. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.10.548405. [PMID: 37502839 PMCID: PMC10369855 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.10.548405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Rapid and conditional protein depletion is the gold standard genetic tool for deciphering the molecular basis of developmental processes. Previously, we showed that by conditionally expressing the E3 ligase substrate adaptor ZIF-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans somatic cells, proteins tagged with the first CCCH Zn finger (ZF1) domain from the germline regulator PIE-1 degrade rapidly, resulting in loss-of-function phenotypes. The described role of ZIF-1 is to clear PIE-1 and several other CCCH Zn finger proteins from early somatic cells, helping to enrich them in germline precursor cells. Here, we show that proteins tagged with the PIE-1 ZF1 domain are subsequently cleared from primordial germ cells in embryos and from undifferentiated germ cells in larvae and adults by ZIF-1. We harness germline ZIF-1 activity to degrade a ZF1-tagged heterologous protein from PGCs and show that its depletion produces phenotypes equivalent to those of a null mutation. Our findings reveal that ZIF-1 switches roles from degrading CCCH Zn finger proteins in somatic cells to clearing them from undifferentiated germ cells, and that ZIF-1 activity can be harnessed as a new genetic tool to study the early germ line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Z.A. Schwartz
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York NY 10016
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York NY 10016
| | - Yusuff Abdu
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York NY 10016
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York NY 10016
| | - Jeremy Nance
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York NY 10016
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York NY 10016
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Munasinghe M, Ågren JA. When and why are mitochondria paternally inherited? Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 80:102053. [PMID: 37245242 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In contrast with nuclear genes that are passed on through both parents, mitochondrial genes are maternally inherited in most species, most of the time. The genetic conflict stemming from this transmission asymmetry is well-documented, and there is an abundance of population-genetic theory associated with it. While occasional or aberrant paternal inheritance occurs, there are only a few cases where exclusive paternal inheritance of mitochondrial genomes is the evolved state. Why this is remains poorly understood. By examining commonalities between species with exclusive paternal inheritance, we discuss what they may tell us about the evolutionary forces influencing mitochondrial inheritance patterns. We end by discussing recent technological advances that make exploring the causes and consequences of paternal inheritance feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Munasinghe
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA. https://twitter.com/@ManishaMuna
| | - J Arvid Ågren
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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10
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Tsyba N, Feng G, Grub LK, Held JP, Strozak AM, Burkewitz K, Patel MR. Tissue-specific heteroplasmy segregation is accompanied by a sharp mtDNA decline in Caenorhabditis elegans soma. iScience 2023; 26:106349. [PMID: 36968071 PMCID: PMC10031119 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106349] [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: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) can be pathogenic. Owing to the multi-copy nature of mtDNA, wild-type copies can compensate for the effects of mutant mtDNA. Wild-type copies available for compensation vary depending on the mutant load and the total copy number. Here, we examine both mutant load and copy number in the tissues of Caenorhabditis elegans. We found that neurons, but not muscles, have modestly higher mutant load than rest of the soma. We also uncovered different effect of aak-2 knockout on the mutant load in the two tissues. The most surprising result was a sharp decline in somatic mtDNA content over time. The scale of the copy number decline surpasses the modest shifts in mutant load, suggesting that it may exert a substantial effect on mitochondrial function. In summary, measuring both the copy number and the mutant load provides a more comprehensive view of the mutant mtDNA dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Tsyba
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Gaomin Feng
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN37232, USA
| | - Lantana K. Grub
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - James P. Held
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Adrianna M. Strozak
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kristopher Burkewitz
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN37232, USA
| | - Maulik R. Patel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN37232, USA
- Diabetes Research and Training Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN37232, USA
- Evolutionary Studies, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37235, USA
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Schwartz AZA, Nance J. Germline TFAM levels regulate mitochondrial DNA copy number and mutant heteroplasmy in C. elegans. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.000727. [PMID: 36873298 PMCID: PMC9975812 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) is packaged into discrete protein-DNA complexes called nucleoids. mtDNA packaging factor TFAM (mitochondrial transcription factor-A) promotes nucleoid compaction and is required for mtDNA replication. Here, we investigate how changing TFAM levels affects mtDNA in the Caenorhabditis elegans germ line. We show that increasing germline TFAM activity boosts mtDNA number and significantly increases the relative proportion of a selfish mtDNA mutant, uaDf5 . We conclude that TFAM levels must be tightly controlled to ensure appropriate mtDNA composition in the germ line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Z A Schwartz
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York NY 10016.,Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York NY 10016
| | - Jeremy Nance
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York NY 10016.,Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York NY 10016
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