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O’Donnell L, Dagley LF, Curley M, Darbey A, O’Shaughnessy PJ, Diemer T, Pilatz A, Fietz D, Stanton PG, Smith LB, Rebourcet D. Sertoli cell-enriched proteins in mouse and human testicular interstitial fluid. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290846. [PMID: 37656709 PMCID: PMC10473511 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells support the development of sperm and the function of various somatic cells in the interstitium between the tubules. Sertoli cells regulate the function of the testicular vasculature and the development and function of the Leydig cells that produce testosterone for fertility and virility. However, the Sertoli cell-derived factors that regulate these cells are largely unknown. To define potential mechanisms by which Sertoli cells could support testicular somatic cell function, we aimed to identify Sertoli cell-enriched proteins in the testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) between the tubules. We previously resolved the proteome of TIF in mice and humans and have shown it to be a rich source of seminiferous tubule-derived proteins. In the current study, we designed bioinformatic strategies to interrogate relevant proteomic and genomic datasets to identify Sertoli cell-enriched proteins in mouse and human TIF. We analysed proteins in mouse TIF that were significantly reduced after one week of acute Sertoli cell ablation in vivo and validated which of these are likely to arise primarily from Sertoli cells based on relevant mouse testis RNASeq datasets. We used a different, but complementary, approach to identify Sertoli cell-enriched proteins in human TIF, taking advantage of high-quality human testis genomic, proteomic and immunohistochemical datasets. We identified a total of 47 and 40 Sertoli cell-enriched proteins in mouse and human TIF, respectively, including 15 proteins that are conserved in both species. Proteins with potential roles in angiogenesis, the regulation of Leydig cells or steroidogenesis, and immune cell regulation were identified. The data suggests that some of these proteins are secreted, but that Sertoli cells also deposit specific proteins into TIF via the release of extracellular vesicles. In conclusion, we have identified novel Sertoli cell-enriched proteins in TIF that are candidates for regulating somatic cell-cell communication and testis function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza O’Donnell
- Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Laura F. Dagley
- Department of Medical Biology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Curley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Annalucia Darbey
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter J. O’Shaughnessy
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Thorsten Diemer
- Medical Faculty, Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Medical Faculty, Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Daniela Fietz
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Peter G. Stanton
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lee B. Smith
- Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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Rebourcet D, Monteiro A, Cruickshanks L, Jeffery N, Smith S, Milne L, O’Shaughnessy PJ, Smith LB. Relationship of transcriptional markers to Leydig cell number in the mouse testis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219524. [PMID: 31291327 PMCID: PMC6619764 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The current study aims to identify markers that would reflect the number of Leydig cells present in the testis, to help determine whether labour-intensive methods such as stereology are necessary. We used our well-characterised Sertoli cell ablation model in which we have empirically established the size of the Leydig cell population, to try to identify transcriptional biomarkers indicative of population size. Results Following characterisation of the Leydig cell population after Sertoli cell ablation in neonatal life or adulthood, we identified Hsd3b1 transcript levels as a potential indicator of Leydig cell number with utility for informing decision-making on whether to engage in time-consuming stereological cell counting analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Rebourcet
- Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Ana Monteiro
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Lyndsey Cruickshanks
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan Jeffery
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Milne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J. O’Shaughnessy
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Lee B. Smith
- Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Swortwood MJ, Bartock SH, Scheidweiler KB, Shaw S, Filis P, Douglas A, O’Shaughnessy PJ, Soffientini U, Lucendo-Villarin B, Iredale JP, Hay DC, Fowler PA, Huestis MA. Quantification of ethyl glucuronide, ethyl sulfate, nicotine, and its metabolites in human fetal liver and placenta. Forensic Toxicol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-017-0389-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Walker N, Filis P, Soffientini U, Bellingham M, O’Shaughnessy PJ, Fowler PA. Placental transporter localization and expression in the Human: the importance of species, sex, and gestational age differences†. Biol Reprod 2017; 96:733-742. [PMID: 28339967 PMCID: PMC5441296 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a critical organ during pregnancy, essential for the provision of an optimal intrauterine environment, with fetal survival, growth, and development relying on correct placental function. It must allow nutritional compounds and relevant hormones to pass into the fetal bloodstream and metabolic waste products to be cleared. It also acts as a semipermeable barrier to potentially harmful chemicals, both endogenous and exogenous. Transporter proteins allow for bidirectional transport and are found in the syncytiotrophoblast of the placenta and endothelium of fetal capillaries. The major transporter families in the human placenta are ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and solute carrier (SLC), and insufficiency of these transporters may lead to deleterious effects on the fetus. Transporter expression levels are gestation-dependent and this is of considerable clinical interest as levels of drug resistance may be altered from one trimester to the next. This highlights the importance of these transporters in mediating correct and timely transplacental passage of essential compounds but also for efflux of potentially toxic drugs and xenobiotics. We review the current literature on placental molecular transporters with respect to their localization and ontogeny, the influence of fetal sex, and the relevance of animal models. We conclude that a paucity of information exists, and further studies are required to unlock the enigma of this dynamic organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Walker
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Panagiotis Filis
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Ugo Soffientini
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Michelle Bellingham
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Peter J O’Shaughnessy
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paul A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Fowler PA, Drake AJ, O’Shaughnessy PJ, Bhattacharya S, Raab A, Sinclair KD, Feldmann J, Meharg AA. Comment on "Effects of Arsenite during Fetal Development on Energy Metabolism and Susceptibility to Diet-Induced Fatty Liver Diseases in Male Mice" and "Mechanisms Underlying Latent Disease Risk Associated with Early-Life Arsenic Exposure: Current Trends and Scientific Gaps". Environ Health Perspect 2016; 124:A99. [PMID: 27248187 PMCID: PMC4892931 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1611345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Address correspondence to P.A. Fowler, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom. E-mail:
| | - Amanda J. Drake
- University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J. O’Shaughnessy
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrea Raab
- TESLA (Trace Element Speciation Laboratory) and Marine Biodiscovery Laboratory, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin D. Sinclair
- School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Jörg Feldmann
- TESLA (Trace Element Speciation Laboratory) and Marine Biodiscovery Laboratory, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew A. Meharg
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Rebourcet D, O’Shaughnessy PJ, Monteiro A, Milne L, Cruickshanks L, Jeffrey N, Guillou F, Freeman TC, Mitchell RT, Smith LB. Sertoli cells maintain Leydig cell number and peritubular myoid cell activity in the adult mouse testis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105687. [PMID: 25144714 PMCID: PMC4140823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The Sertoli cells are critical regulators of testis differentiation and development. In the adult, however, their known function is restricted largely to maintenance of spermatogenesis. To determine whether the Sertoli cells regulate other aspects of adult testis biology we have used a novel transgenic mouse model in which Amh-Cre induces expression of the receptor for Diphtheria toxin (iDTR) specifically within Sertoli cells. This causes controlled, cell-specific and acute ablation of the Sertoli cell population in the adult animal following Diphtheria toxin injection. Results show that Sertoli cell ablation leads to rapid loss of all germ cell populations. In addition, adult Leydig cell numbers decline by 75% with the remaining cells concentrated around the rete and in the sub-capsular region. In the absence of Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cell activity is reduced but the cells retain an ability to exclude immune cells from the seminiferous tubules. These data demonstrate that, in addition to support of spermatogenesis, Sertoli cells are required in the adult testis both for retention of the normal adult Leydig cell population and for support of normal peritubular myoid cell function. This has implications for our understanding of male reproductive disorders and wider androgen-related conditions affecting male health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Rebourcet
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J. O’Shaughnessy
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Monteiro
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Milne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lyndsey Cruickshanks
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan Jeffrey
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Florian Guillou
- Station de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC), Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 6073 INRA-CNRS-Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Tom C. Freeman
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rod T. Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lee B. Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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