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Schülke LC, Wistuba J, Nordhoff V, Behre HM, Cremers JF, Kliesch S, Di Persio S, Neuhaus N. Identification of two hidden clinical subgroups among men with idiopathic cryptozoospermia. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:892-901. [PMID: 38365879 PMCID: PMC11063552 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are there subgroups among patients with cryptozoospermia pointing to distinct etiologies? SUMMARY ANSWER We reveal two distinct subgroups of cryptozoospermic (Crypto) patients based on testicular tissue composition, testicular volume, and FSH levels. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Cryptozoospermic patients present with a sperm concentration below 0.1 million/ml. While the etiology of the severely impaired spermatogenesis remains largely unknown, alterations of the spermatogonial compartment have been reported including a reduction of the reserve stem cells in these patients. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION To assess whether there are distinct subgroups among cryptozoospermic patients, we applied the statistical method of cluster analysis. For this, we retrospectively selected 132 cryptozoospermic patients from a clinical database who underwent a testicular biopsy in the frame of fertility treatment at a university hospital. As controls (Control), we selected 160 patients with obstructive azoospermia and full spermatogenesis. All 292 patients underwent routine evaluation for endocrine, semen, and histological parameters (i.e. the percentage of tubules with elongated spermatids). Moreover, outcome of medically assisted reproduction (MAR) was assessed for cryptozoospermic (n = 73) and Control patients (n = 87), respectively. For in-depth immunohistochemical and histomorphometrical analyses, representative tissue samples from cryptozoospermic (n = 27) and Control patients (n = 12) were selected based on cluster analysis results and histological parameters. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS This study included two parts: firstly using clinical parameters of the entire cohort of 292 patients, we performed principal component analysis (PCA) followed by hierarchical clustering on principal components (i.e. considering hormonal values, ejaculate parameters, and histological information). Secondly, for histological analyses seminiferous tubules were categorized according to the most advanced germ cell type present in sections stained with Periodic acid Schif. On the selected cohort of 39 patients (12 Control, 27 cryptozoospermic), we performed immunohistochemistry for spermatogonial markers melanoma-associated antigen 4 (MAGEA4) and piwi like RNA-mediated gene silencing 4 (PIWIL4) followed by quantitative analyses. Moreover, the morphologically defined Adark spermatogonia, which are considered to be the reserve stem cells, were quantified. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The PCA and hierarchical clustering revealed three different clusters, one of them containing all Control samples. The main factors driving the sorting of patients to the clusters were the percentage of tubules with elongated spermatids (Cluster 1, all Control patients and two cryptozoospermic patients), the percentage of tubules with spermatocytes (Cluster 2, cryptozoospermic patients), and tubules showing a Sertoli cells only phenotype (Cluster 3, cryptozoospermic patients). Importantly, the percentage of tubules containing elongated spermatids was comparable between Clusters 2 and 3. Additional differences were higher FSH levels (P < 0.001) and lower testicular volumes (P < 0.001) in Cluster 3 compared to Cluster 2. In the spermatogonial compartment of both cryptozoospermic Clusters, we found lower numbers of MAGEA4+ and Adark spermatogonia but higher proportions of PIWIL4+ spermatogonia, which were significantly correlated with a lower percentage of tubules containing elongated spermatids. In line with this common alteration, the outcome of MAR was comparable between Controls as well as both cryptozoospermic Clusters. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION While we have uncovered the existence of subgroups within the cohort of cryptozoospermic patients, comprehensive genetic analyses remain to be performed to unravel potentially distinct etiologies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The novel insight that cryptozoospermic patients can be divided into two subgroups will facilitate the strategic search for underlying genetic etiologies. Moreover, the shared alterations of the spermatogonial stem cell compartment between the two cryptozoospermic subgroups could represent a general response mechanism to the reduced output of sperm, which may be associated with a progressive phenotype. This study therefore offers novel approaches towards the understanding of the etiology underlying the reduced sperm formation in cryptozoospermic patients. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) German research foundation CRU 326 (grants to: SDP, NN). Moreover, we thank the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Münster for the financial support of Lena Charlotte Schülke through the MedK-program. We acknowledge support from the Open Access Publication Fund of the University of Münster. The authors have no potential conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Charlotte Schülke
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Verena Nordhoff
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hermann M Behre
- UKM Kinderwunschzentrum, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jann-Frederik Cremers
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sara Di Persio
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Lu J, Guo M, Wang X, Wang R, Xi G, An L, Tian J, Chu M. A Redesigned Method for CNP-Synchronized In Vitro Maturation Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes and Improves the Developmental Potential of Porcine Oocytes. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1885. [PMID: 37895234 PMCID: PMC10606118 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro embryo production depends on high-quality oocytes. Compared with in vivo matured oocytes, in vitro oocytes undergo precocious meiotic resumption, thus compromising oocyte quality. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a follicular factor maintaining meiotic arrest. Thus, CNP-pretreatment has been widely used to improve the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes in many species. However, the efficacy of this strategy has remained unsatisfactory in porcine oocytes. Here, by determining the functional concentration and dynamics of CNP in inhibiting spontaneous meiotic resumption, we improved the current IVM system of porcine oocytes. Our results indicate that although the beneficial effect of the CNP pre-IVM strategy is common among species, the detailed method may be largely divergent among them and needs to be redesigned specifically for each one. Focusing on the overlooked role of cumulus cells surrounding the oocytes, we also explore the mechanisms relevant to their beneficial effect. In addition to oocytes per se, the enhanced anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative gene expression in cumulus cells may contribute considerably to improved oocyte quality. These findings not only emphasize the importance of screening the technical parameters of the CNP pre-IVM strategy for specific species, but also highlight the critical supporting role of cumulus cells in this promising strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlun Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Min Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Guangyin Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lei An
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianhui Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Meiqiang Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, China
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Lu S, Tang Y, Yao R, Xu R, Zhang H, Liu J, Gao Y, Wei Q, Zhao X, Liu J, Han B, Pan MH, Ma B. E2/ER signaling mediates the meiotic arrest of goat intrafollicular oocytes induced by follicle-stimulating hormone. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad351. [PMID: 37925610 PMCID: PMC10630185 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The increased production of high-quality oocytes lies at the heart of the search to accelerate the reproduction of high-quality breeding livestock using assisted reproductive technology. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) maintains the arrest of oocyte meiosis during early follicular development in vivo and promotes the synchronous maturation of nucleus and cytoplasm to improve oocyte quality. However, the mechanism by which FSH maintains meiotic arrest in oocytes is still not fully understood. Oocytes spontaneously resume meiosis once released from the arrested state. In this study, we isolated goat antral follicles with a diameter of 2.0-4.0 mm, cultured them in vitro either with or without added FSH, and finally collected the oocytes to observe their meiotic state. The results showed that FSH effectively inhibited the meiotic recovery of oocytes in follicles [4 h: control (n = 84) vs. with FSH (n = 86), P = .0115; 6 h: control (n = 86) vs. FSH (n = 85), P = 0.0308; and 8 h: control (n = 95) vs. FSH (n = 101), P = 0.0039]. FSH significantly inhibited the downregulation of natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) expression and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) synthesis during follicular culture in vitro (P < 0.05). Further exploration found that FSH promoted the synthesis of 17β-estradiol (E2) (P = .0249 at 4 h and P = .0039 at 8 h) and maintained the expression of the estrogen nuclear receptor ERβ, but not the estrogen nuclear receptor ERα during follicle culture in vitro (P = .0190 at 2 h, and P = .0100 at 4 h). In addition, E2/ER (estrogen nuclear receptors ERα and ERβ) mediated the inhibitory effect of FSH on the downregulation of NPR2 expression and cGMP synthesis, ultimately preventing the meiotic recovery of oocytes (P < .05). In summary, our study showed that FSH-induced estrogen production in goat follicles, and the E2/ER signaling pathway, both mediated meiotic arrest in FSH-induced goat oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihai Lu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaju Tang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ru Yao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Yulin Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Center, Yulin, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Yulin Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service Center, Yulin, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoe Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jianpeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Bin Han
- Yulin Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service Center, Yulin, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meng-Hao Pan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Baohua Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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Hou X, Zeb A, Dil S, Zhou J, Zhang H, Shi B, Muhammad Z, Khan I, Zaman Q, Shah WA, Jiang X, Wu L, Ma H, Shi Q. A homozygous KASH5 frameshift mutation causes diminished ovarian reserve, recurrent miscarriage, and non-obstructive azoospermia in humans. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1128362. [PMID: 36864840 PMCID: PMC9971600 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1128362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The meiosis-specific LINC complex, composed of the KASH5 and SUN1 proteins, tethers the moving chromosomes to the nuclear envelope to facilitate homolog pairing and is essential for gametogenesis. Here, we applied whole-exome sequencing for a consanguineous family with five siblings suffering from reproductive failure, and identified a homozygous frameshift mutation in KASH5 (c.1270_1273del, p.Arg424Thrfs*20). This mutation leads to the absence of KASH5 protein expression in testes and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) due to meiotic arrest before the pachytene stage in the affected brother. The four sisters displayed diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), with one sister never being pregnant but still having dominant follicle at 35 years old and three sisters suffering from at least 3 miscarriages occurring within the third month of gestation. The truncated KASH5 mutant protein, when expressed in cultured cells, displays a similar localization encircling the nucleus and a weakened interaction with SUN1, as compared with the full-length KASH5 proteins, which provides a potential explanation for the phenotypes in the affected females. This study reported sexual dimorphism for influence of the KASH5 mutation on human germ cell development, and extends the clinical manifestations associated with KASH5 mutations, providing genetic basis for the molecular diagnosis of NOA, DOR, and recurrent miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Hou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Aurang Zeb
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Sobia Dil
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Jianteng Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Baolu Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Zubair Muhammad
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Ihsan Khan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Qamar Zaman
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Wasim Akbar Shah
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Limin Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Ma
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Qinghua Shi, ; Hui Ma,
| | - Qinghua Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Qinghua Shi, ; Hui Ma,
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Gupta A, Trigun SK. Cilostamide, a phosphodiesterase 3A inhibitor, sustains meiotic arrest of rat oocytes by modulating cyclic adenosine monophosphate level and the key regulators of maturation promoting factor. J Cell Biochem 2022; 123:2030-2043. [PMID: 36125973 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cilostamide, a phosphodiesterase 3A (Pde3A) inhibitor, is known to increase intraoocyte cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level which is involved in sustaining meiotic arrest of the oocytes. To explore the mechanisms involved in the cilostamide-mediated meiotic arrest of the oocytes, the present study describes the effects of cilostamide on cAMP level and related factors involved in maturation of the oocytes at its different meiotic stages; diplotene, metaphase I (MI) and metaphase II (MII). The oocytes from these three stages were collected from rat ovary and incubated with 10 µM cilostamide for 3 h in CO2 incubator. The levels of cAMP, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and the key players of maintaining meiotic arrest during oocyte maturation; Emi2, Apc, Cyclin B1, and Cdk1, were analyzed in diplotene, MI and MII stages. Pde3A was found to be expressed at all three stages but with the lowest level in MI oocyte. As compared to the control sets, the cAMP concentration was found to be highest in MII whereas cGMP was highest in the diplotene stage of cilostamide-treated group. The treated group showed declined reactive oxygen species level as compared with the control counterparts. Relatively increased levels of the Emi2, Cyclin B1, and phosphorylated thr161 of Cdk1 versus declined levels of phosphorylated thr14/tyr15 of Cdk1 in diplotene and MII stage oocytes are known to be involved in maintaining meiotic arrest and all these factors were found to undergo similar pattern of change due to the treatment with cilostamide. The findings thus suggest that cilostamide treatment promotes meiotic arrest by Pde3A inhibition led increase of both cAMP and cGMP level vis-a-vis modulation of the related regulatory factors such as Emi2, CyclinB1, and phosphorylated status of Cdk1 in diplotene and MII stage oocytes. Such a mechanism of meiotic arrest could allow the oocyte to prepare itself for meiotic maturation and thereby to improve oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anumegha Gupta
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Surendra Kumar Trigun
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Wyrwoll MJ, Wabschke R, Röpke A, Wöste M, Ruckert C, Perrey S, Rotte N, Hardy J, Astica L, Lupiáñez DG, Wistuba J, Westernströer B, Schlatt S, Berman AJ, Müller AM, Kliesch S, Yatsenko AN, Tüttelmann F, Friedrich C. Analysis of copy number variation in men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Andrology 2022; 10:1593-1604. [PMID: 36041235 PMCID: PMC9605881 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent findings demonstrate that single nucleotide variants can cause non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). In contrast, copy number variants (CNVs) were only analysed in few studies in infertile men. Some have reported a higher prevalence of CNVs in infertile versus fertile men. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to elucidate if CNVs are associated with NOA. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed array-based comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH) in 37 men with meiotic arrest, 194 men with Sertoli cell-only phenotype, and 21 control men. We filtered our data for deletions affecting genes and prioritised the affected genes according to the literature search. Prevalence of CNVs was compared between all groups. Exome data of 2,030 men were screened to detect further genetic variants in prioritised genes. Modelling was performed for the protein encoded by the novel candidate gene TEKT5 and we stained for TEKT5 in human testicular tissue. RESULTS We determined the cause of infertility in two individuals with homozygous deletions of SYCE1 and in one individual with a heterozygous deletion of SYCE1 combined with a likely pathogenic missense variant on the second allele. We detected heterozygous deletions affecting MLH3, EIF2B2, SLX4, CLPP and TEKT5, in one subject each. CNVs were not detected more frequently in infertile men compared with controls. DISCUSSION While SYCE1 and MLH3 encode known meiosis-specific proteins, much less is known about the proteins encoded by the other identified candidate genes, warranting further analyses. We were able to identify the cause of infertility in one out of the 231 infertile men by aCGH and in two men by using exome sequencing data. CONCLUSION As aCGH and exome sequencing are both expensive methods, combining both in a clinical routine is not an effective strategy. Instead, using CNV calling from exome data has recently become more precise, potentially making aCGH dispensable.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. J. Wyrwoll
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - R. Wabschke
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - A. Röpke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - M. Wöste
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - C. Ruckert
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - S. Perrey
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Chemoinformatics, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences, Recklinghausen, Germany
| | - N. Rotte
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - J. Hardy
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - L. Astica
- Epigenetics and Sex Development Group, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - D. G. Lupiáñez
- Epigenetics and Sex Development Group, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - J. Wistuba
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - B. Westernströer
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - S. Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - A. J. Berman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - A. M. Müller
- Practice for Pathology and Centre for Pediatric Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - S. Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - A. N. Yatsenko
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - F. Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - C. Friedrich
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Hatirnaz S, Hatirnaz E, Çelik S, Çalışkan CS, Tinelli A, Malvasi A, Sparic R, Baldini D, Stark M, Dahan MH. Unraveling the Puzzle: Oocyte Maturation Abnormalities (OMAS). Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:2501. [PMID: 36292190 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12102501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte maturation abnormalities (OMAS) are a poorly understood area of reproductive medicine. Much remains to be understood about how OMAS occur. However, current knowledge has provided some insight into the mechanistic and genetic origins of this syndrome. In this study, current classifications of OMAS syndromes are discussed and areas of inadequacy are highlighted. We explain why empty follicle syndrome, dysmorphic oocytes, some types of premature ovarian insufficiency and resistant ovary syndrome can cause OMAS. We discuss live births in different types of OMAS and when subjects can be offered treatment with autologous oocytes. As such, we present this review of the mechanism and understanding of OMAS to better lead the clinician in understanding this difficult-to-treat diagnosis.
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8
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Zhang Q, Tao C, Gao S, Li S, Xu B, Ke H, Wang Y, Zhang F, Qin Y, Zhang L, Guo T. Homozygous Variant in KASH5 Causes Premature Ovarian Insufficiency by Disordered Meiotic Homologous Pairing. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:2589-2597. [PMID: 35708642 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) affects 1% to 3.7% of women at reproductive age, and its etiology is heterogeneous. The linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex, consisting of KASH5 and SUN1, plays an indispensable role in meiotic homolog pairing, determining the ovarian reserve. However, their roles in the pathogenesis of POI are unknown. OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of KASH5 variation in the pathogenesis of POI. DESIGN Whole-exome sequencing was performed in a pedigree with 2 POI patients. The pathogenicity of identified variant was illustrated by in vitro functional studies, and its effect on ovarian function and meiosis was confirmed by histological analysis and oocyte spreads with Kash5 C-terminal deleted mice model. RESULTS A homozygous splicing site variant in KASH5 (c.747G > A) was identified. In vitro studies found the variant disturbed the nuclear membrane localization of KASH5 and its binding with SUN1. Moreover, the Kash5 C-terminal deleted mice revealed defective meiotic homolog pairing and accelerated depletion of oocytes. CONCLUSIONS The splicing site variant in KASH5 is responsible for POI due to defective meiotic homolog pairing and accelerated depletion of oocytes. Our study is the first to report disorganized LINC complex participating in POI pathogenesis, potentially suggesting the essential roles of meiotic telomere attachment and dynein-driven proteins for chromosome movement in ovarian function maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chengqiu Tao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuchang Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bingying Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hanni Ke
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yiyang Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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9
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Yang C, Lin X, Ji Z, Huang Y, Zhang L, Luo J, Chen H, Li P, Tian R, Zhi E, Hong Y, Zhou Z, Zhang F, Li Z, Yao C. Novel bi-allelic variants in KASH5 are associated with meiotic arrest and non-obstructive azoospermia. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:gaac021. [PMID: 35674372 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
KASH5 is an essential component of the LINC (linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex that regulates chromosome movements and nuclear envelope (NE) remodeling in mouse spermatocytes during meiosis prophase I, but its expression and function in human cells, as well as its association with male infertility are largely unknown. In this study, a novel heterozygous copy number variation (CNV) (seq [GRCh37] del(19) (19q13.33) chr19: g.49894043-49903011del) and a heterozygous loss of function variant (NM_144688: c.979_980del: p.R327Sfs*21) in human KASH5 were identified in a non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA)-affected patient and in his infertile sister by whole-exome sequencing and CNV array. Spermatogenesis in the proband was arrested at zygotene-like stage with a deficiency in homolog pairing and synapsis. KASH5 protein expression in human spermatocytes was evaluated and reported first in this study. Single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrated that the LINC complex and associated genes in human and mouse shared a similar expression pattern, indicating a conserved mechanism in the regulation of chromosome movements and NE remodeling. Kash5 knockout mouse displayed similar phenotypes, including a meiotic arrest at a zygotene-like stage and impaired pairing and synapsis. Collectively, we have identified novel rare variants within human KASH5 in patients with NOA and meiosis arrest. Our study expands the knowledge of KASH5 and associated proteins in regulating human meiosis prophase I progress and provides new insight into the genetic etiology of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaoqi Lin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyong Ji
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqiang Luo
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huixing Chen
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Hong
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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10
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Gong C, Abbas T, Muhammad Z, Zhou J, Khan R, Ma H, Zhang H, Shi Q, Shi B. A Homozygous Loss-of-Function Mutation in MSH5 Abolishes MutSγ Axial Loading and Causes Meiotic Arrest in NOA-Affected Individuals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6522. [PMID: 35742973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), characterized by spermatogenesis failure and the absence of sperm in ejaculation, is the most severe form of male infertility. However, the etiology and pathology between meiosis-associated monogenic alterations and human NOA remain largely unknown. A homozygous MSH5 mutation (c.1126del) was identified from two idiopathic NOA patients in the consanguineous family. This mutation led to the degradation of MSH5 mRNA and abolished chromosome axial localization of MutSγ in spermatocytes from the affected males. Chromosomal spreading analysis of the patient's meiotic prophase I revealed that the meiosis progression was arrested at a zygotene-like stage with extensive failure of homologous synapsis and DSB repair. Therefore, our study demonstrates that the MSH5 c.1126del could cause meiotic recombination failure and lead to human infertility, improving the genetic diagnosis of NOA clinically. Furthermore, the study of human spermatocytes elucidates the meiosis defects caused by MSH5 variant, and reveals a conserved and indispensable role of MutSγ in human synapsis and meiotic recombination, which have not previously been well-described.
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11
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Saulnier J, Chalmel F, Delessard M, Moutard L, Pereira T, Fraissinet F, Dumont L, Rives-Feraille A, Rondanino C, Rives N. Understanding the Underlying Molecular Mechanisms of Meiotic Arrest during In Vitro Spermatogenesis in Rat Prepubertal Testicular Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5893. [PMID: 35682573 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro spermatogenesis appears to be a promising approach to restore the fertility of childhood cancer survivors. The rat model has proven to be challenging, since germ cell maturation is arrested in organotypic cultures. Here, we report that, despite a meiotic entry, abnormal synaptonemal complexes were found in spermatocytes, and in vitro matured rat prepubertal testicular tissues displayed an immature phenotype. RNA-sequencing analyses highlighted up to 600 differentially expressed genes between in vitro and in vivo conditions, including genes involved in blood-testis barrier (BTB) formation and steroidogenesis. BTB integrity, the expression of two steroidogenic enzymes, and androgen receptors were indeed altered in vitro. Moreover, most of the top 10 predicted upstream regulators of deregulated genes were involved in inflammatory processes or immune cell recruitment. However, none of the three anti-inflammatory molecules tested in this study promoted meiotic progression. By analysing for the first time in vitro matured rat prepubertal testicular tissues at the molecular level, we uncovered the deregulation of several genes and revealed that defective BTB function, altered steroidogenic pathway, and probably inflammation, could be at the origin of meiotic arrest.
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12
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Su YQ, Yin Y, Guo J, Gong X, Tian Y, Shi L. MTOR-mediated interaction between the oocyte and granulosa cells regulates the development and function of both compartments in mice. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:76-84. [PMID: 35552649 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coordinated development of the germline and the somatic compartments within a follicle is an essential prerequisite for creating a functionally normal oocyte. Bi-directional communication between the oocyte and the granulosa cells enables the frequent interchange of metabolites and signals that support the development and functions of both compartments. Mechanistic target of Rapamycin (MTOR), a conserved serine/threonine kinase and a widely recognized integrator of signals and pathways key for cellular metabolism, proliferation, and differentiation, is emerging as a major player that regulates many factes of oocyte and follicle development. Here, we summarized our recent observations on the role of oocyte- and granulosa cell-expressed MTOR in the control of the oocyte's and granulosa cell's own development, as well as the development of one another, and provided new data that further strengthen the role of cumulus cell-expressed MTOR in synchronizing oocyte and follicle development. Inhibition of MTOR induced oocyte meiotic resumption in cultured large antral follicles, as well as cumulus expansion and the expression of cumulus expansion-related transcripts in cumulus-oocyte complexes in vitro. In vivo, the activity of MTOR in cumulus cells was diminished remarkablely by 4 h after hCG administration. These results thus suggest that activation of MTOR in cumulus cells contributes to the maintenance of oocyte meiotic arrest before the LH surge. Based on the observations made by us here and previously, we propose that MTOR is an essential mediator of the bi-directional communication between the oocyte and granulosa cells that regulates the development and function of both compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Qiang Su
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yaoxue Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Jing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Xuhong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Yufeng Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Lanying Shi
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
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13
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Somfai T, Dang-Nguyen TQ, Kikuchi K. Altered microfilament dynamics contribute to the formation of diploid metaphase spindles in porcine oocytes which fail to reach the metaphase-II stage during in vitro maturation. Anim Sci J 2022; 93:e13690. [PMID: 35088495 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Premature meiotic arrest during in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes after germinal vesicle breakdown is associated with microfilament degradation. We aimed to clarify (1) if such arrest occurs at the metaphase-I (MI) stage or the oocyte progresses to a so-called diploid metaphase-II (MII) stage and (2) if microfilament degradation is the cause or result of the meiotic arrest. The number and morphology of chromosomes in oocytes showing premature meiotic arrest at 44 h IVM (38 monovalents) was similar to those cultured in the presence of the actin polymerization-inhibitor cytochalasin-B, but different from those of MI-stage (19 bivalents), and MII-stage oocytes (19 monovalents) at 33 and 44 h of IVM, respectively. Immunostaining revealed similar frequencies of microfilament degradation in prematurely arrested and cytochalasin-B-treated oocytes (58.7% and 57.2%, respectively), which were higher (P < 0.05) than those in MI- and MII-stage oocytes (10.6% and 6.8%, respectively). Induction of MI-arrest by nocodazole did not affect microfilament morphology. ATP and mRNA levels of microfilament-related genes in oocytes were similar among all groups. These results suggest that altered microfilament dynamics contribute to the formation of diploid metaphase spindles in oocytes, which fail to reach the MII stage. However, the cause of microfilament degeneration remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Somfai
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Thanh Quang Dang-Nguyen
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kikuchi
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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14
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Wyrwoll MJ, van Walree ES, Hamer G, Rotte N, Motazacker MM, Meijers-Heijboer H, Alders M, Meißner A, Kaminsky E, Wöste M, Krallmann C, Kliesch S, Hunt TJ, Clark AT, Silber S, Stallmeyer B, Friedrich C, van Pelt AMM, Mathijssen IB, Tüttelmann F. Bi-allelic variants in DNA mismatch repair proteins MutS Homolog MSH4 and MSH5 cause infertility in both sexes. Hum Reprod 2021; 37:178-189. [PMID: 34755185 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do bi-allelic variants in the genes encoding the MSH4/MSH5 heterodimer cause male infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER We detected biallelic, (likely) pathogenic variants in MSH5 (4 men) and MSH4 (3 men) in six azoospermic men, demonstrating that genetic variants in these genes are a relevant cause of male infertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY MSH4 and MSH5 form a heterodimer, which is required for prophase of meiosis I. One variant in MSH5 and two variants in MSH4 have been described as causal for premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in a total of five women, resulting in infertility. Recently, pathogenic variants in MSH4 have been reported in infertile men. So far, no pathogenic variants in MSH5 had been described in males. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We utilized exome data from 1305 men included in the Male Reproductive Genomics (MERGE) study, including 90 males with meiotic arrest (MeiA). Independently, exome sequencing was performed in a man with MeiA from a large consanguineous family. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Assuming an autosomal-recessive mode of inheritance, we screened the exome data for rare, biallelic coding variants in MSH4 and MSH5. If possible, segregation analysis in the patients' families was performed. The functional consequences of identified loss-of-function (LoF) variants in MSH5 were studied using heterologous expression of the MSH5 protein in HEK293T cells. The point of arrest during meiosis was determined by γH2AX staining. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We report for the first time (likely) pathogenic, homozygous variants in MSH5 causing infertility in 2 out of 90 men with MeiA and overall in 4 out of 902 azoospermic men. Additionally, we detected biallelic variants in MSH4 in two men with MeiA and in the sister of one proband with POI. γH2AX staining revealed an arrest in early prophase of meiosis I in individuals with pathogenic MSH4 or MSH5 variants. Heterologous in vitro expression of the detected LoF variants in MSH5 showed that the variant p.(Ala620GlnTer9) resulted in MSH5 protein truncation and the variant p.(Ser26GlnfsTer42) resulted in a complete loss of MSH5. LARGE SCALE DATA All variants have been submitted to ClinVar (SCV001468891-SCV001468896 and SCV001591030) and can also be accessed in the Male Fertility Gene Atlas (MFGA). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION By selecting for variants in MSH4 and MSH5, we were able to determine the cause of infertility in six men and one woman, leaving most of the examined individuals without a causal diagnosis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings have diagnostic value by increasing the number of genes associated with non-obstructive azoospermia with high clinical validity. The analysis of such genes has prognostic consequences for assessing whether men with azoospermia would benefit from a testicular biopsy. We also provide further evidence that MeiA in men and POI in women share the same genetic causes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was carried out within the frame of the German Research Foundation sponsored Clinical Research Unit 'Male Germ Cells: from Genes to Function' (DFG, CRU326), and supported by institutional funding of the Research Institute Amsterdam Reproduction and Development and funds from the LucaBella Foundation. The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Wyrwoll
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - E S van Walree
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Complex Trait Genetics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G Hamer
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Research Institute Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - N Rotte
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - M M Motazacker
- Laboratory of Genome Diagnostics, Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H Meijers-Heijboer
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Alders
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Meißner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E Kaminsky
- Praxis für Humangenetik, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M Wöste
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - C Krallmann
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - S Kliesch
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - T J Hunt
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - A T Clark
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - S Silber
- Infertility Center of St Louis, St Luke's Hospital, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - B Stallmeyer
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - C Friedrich
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - A M M van Pelt
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Research Institute Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - I B Mathijssen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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15
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Wang YH, Yan M, Zhang X, Liu XY, Ding YF, Lai CP, Tong MH, Li JS. Rescue of male infertility through correcting a genetic mutation causing meiotic arrest in spermatogonial stem cells. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:590-599. [PMID: 33533741 PMCID: PMC8577253 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_97_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Azoospermia patients who carry a monogenetic mutation that causes meiotic arrest may have their biological child through genetic correction in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). However, such therapy for infertility has not been experimentally investigated yet. In this study, a mouse model with an X-linked testis-expressed 11 (TEX11) mutation (Tex11PM/Y) identified in azoospermia patients exhibited meiotic arrest due to aberrant chromosome segregation. Tex11PM/Y SSCs could be isolated and expanded in vitro normally, and the mutation was corrected by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated endonuclease 9 (Cas9), leading to the generation of repaired SSC lines. Whole-genome sequencing demonstrated that the mutation rate in repaired SSCs is comparable with that of autonomous mutation in untreated Tex11PM/Y SSCs, and no predicted off-target sites are modified. Repaired SSCs could restore spermatogenesis in infertile males and give rise to fertile offspring at a high efficiency. In summary, our study establishes a paradigm for the treatment of male azoospermia by combining in vitro expansion of SSCs and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Meng Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xin-Yu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yi-Fu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Chong-Ping Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jin-Song Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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16
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Ji Z, Yao C, Yang C, Huang C, Zhao L, Han X, Zhu Z, Zhi E, Liu N, Zhou Z, Li Z. Novel Hemizygous Mutations of TEX11 Cause Meiotic Arrest and Non-obstructive Azoospermia in Chinese Han Population. Front Genet 2021; 12:741355. [PMID: 34621296 PMCID: PMC8491544 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.741355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Testis-expressed gene 11 (TEX11) mutation has been associated with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and meiotic arrest. An analogous mutation of TEX11 in the mouse impairs meiosis and can be rescued by in vitro expansion of SSCs and gene therapy. However, a lack of genetic screening of a large cohort of Asian patients (including pedigree analysis) and proper functional evaluation limit the clinical application of TEX11 mutation screening. Thus, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in 479 patients with NOA and identified three novel mutations (two splicing mutations and one missense mutation) in TEX11 in three pairs of siblings from three families and four novel pathogenic mutations (three frameshift mutations and a non-sense mutation) of TEX11 in four sporadic NOA-affected cases. Novel variants among family members were segregated by disease phenotype, and all the seven mutations were predicted to be pathogenic. Histological analysis showed that three patients with TEX11 mutations underwent meiotic arrest. The four mutations that resulted in protein truncations and defective meiosis-specific sporulation domain SPO22 were validated by Western blot. In total, we find seven of 479 patients of NOA (1.5%) carrying TEX11 mutations. Our study expands the knowledge of mutations of TEX11 gene in Asian patients with NOA. The high prevalence and X-linked inherited mode indicated that TEX11 might be included in genetic screening panels for the clinical evaluation of patients with NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuan Huang
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,The Human Sperm Bank, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Han
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zijue Zhu
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Nachuan Liu
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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17
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Faber EB, Wang N, Georg GI. Review of rationale and progress toward targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) for male contraception†. Biol Reprod 2021; 103:357-367. [PMID: 32543655 PMCID: PMC7523694 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) is a member of the larger cell cycle regulating CDK family of kinases, activated by binding partner cyclins as its name suggests. Despite its canonical role in mitosis, CDK2 knockout mice are viable but sterile, suggesting compensatory mechanisms for loss of CDK2 in mitosis but not meiosis. Here, we review the literature surrounding the role of CDK2 in meiosis, particularly a cyclin-independent role in complex with another activator, Speedy 1 (SPY1). From this evidence, we suggest that CDK2 could be a viable nonhormonal male contraceptive target. Finally, we review the literature of pertinent CDK2 inhibitors from the preclinical to clinical stages, mostly developed to treat various cancers. To date, there is no potent yet selective CDK2 inhibitor that could be repurposed as a contraceptive without appreciable off-target toxicity. To achieve selectivity for CDK2 over closely related kinases, developing compounds that bind outside the conserved adenosine triphosphate-binding site may be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik B Faber
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Medical-Scientist Training Program, University of Minnesota Medical School, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nan Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Gunda I Georg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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18
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Oji A, Isotani A, Fujihara Y, Castaneda JM, Oura S, Ikawa M. Tesmin, Metallothionein-Like 5, is Required for Spermatogenesis in Mice†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:975-983. [PMID: 31916570 PMCID: PMC7124961 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, more than 2000 genes are specifically or abundantly expressed in testis, but gene knockout studies revealed several are not individually essential for male fertility. Tesmin (Metallothionein-like 5; Mtl5) was originally reported as a testis-specific transcript that encodes a member of the cysteine-rich motif containing metallothionein family. Later studies showed that Tesmin has two splicing variants and both are specifically expressed in male and female germ cells. Herein, we clarified that the long (Tesmin-L) and short (Tesmin-S) transcript forms start expressing from spermatogonia and the spermatocyte stage, respectively, in testis. Furthermore, while Tesmin-deficient female mice are fertile, male mice are infertile due to arrested spermatogenesis at the pachytene stage. We were able to rescue the infertility with a Tesmin-L transgene, where we concluded that TESMIN-L is critical for meiotic completion in spermatogenesis and indispensable for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asami Oji
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ayako Isotani
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Fujihara
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Julio M Castaneda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Seiya Oura
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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19
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Du M, Yuan L, Zhang Z, Zhang C, Zhu M, Zhang Z, Li R, Zhao X, Liang H, Li Y, Jiang H, Qiao J, Yin Y. PPP2R1B is modulated by ubiquitination and is essential for spermatogenesis. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21564. [PMID: 33913576 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002810r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The serine-threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a heterotrimeric enzyme complex that regulates many fundamental cellular processes. PP2A is involved in tumorigenesis because mutations in the scaffold subunit, PPP2R1B, were found in several types of cancers. However, the biological function of PPP2R1B remains largely unknown. We report here that homozygous deletion of Ppp2r1b in Mus musculus impairs meiotic recombination and causes meiotic arrest in spermatocytes. Consistently, male mice lacking Ppp2r1b are characterized with infertility. Furthermore, heterozygous missense mutations in the Homo sapiens PPP2R1B gene, which encodes PPP2R1B, are identified in azoospermia patients with meiotic arrest. We found that PPP2R1B mutants are susceptible to degradation by an E3 ligase CRL4ADCAF6 , and resistant to de-polyubiquitylation by ubiquitin-specific protease 5 (USP5). In addition, heterozygous mutations in PPP2R1B reduce stability of the wild-type PPP2R1B. Our results demonstrate an essential role of PPP2R1B in spermatogenesis and identify upstream regulators of PPP2R1B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mufeng Du
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhong Zhang
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Minglu Zhu
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Depatment of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ridong Li
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xuyang Zhao
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Liang
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhua Li
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Depatment of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxin Yin
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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20
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Li Y, Wu Y, Zhou J, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Ma H, Jiang X, Shi Q. A recurrent ZSWIM7 mutation causes male infertility resulting from decreased meiotic recombination. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1436-1445. [PMID: 33713115 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are mutations in the zinc finger SWIM domain-containing protein 7 gene (ZSWIM7) associated with human male infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER The homozygous frameshift mutation (c.231_232del) in ZSWIM7 causes decreased meiotic recombination, spermatogenesis arrest, and infertility in men. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY ZSWIM7 is a SWIM domain-containing Shu2/SWS1 protein family member and a subunit of the Shu complex. Zswim7 knockout mice were infertile due to impaired meiotic recombination. However, so far there is no direct evidence that mutations of ZSWIM7 cause human infertility. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Screening for mutations of ZSWIM7 was performed using in-house whole-exome sequencing data from 60 men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Mice with a corresponding Zswim7 mutation were generated for functional verification. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Sixty Chinese patients, who were from different regions of China, were enrolled. All the patients were diagnosed with NOA owing to spermatocyte maturation arrest based on histopathological analyses and/or immunostaining of spermatocyte chromosome spreads. ZSWIM7 mutations were screened from the whole-exome sequencing data of these patients, followed by functional verification in mice. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A homozygous frameshift mutation (c.231_232del) in ZSWIM7 was found in two out of the 60 unrelated NOA patients. Both patients displayed small testicular size and spermatocyte maturation arrest in testis histology. Spermatocyte chromosome spreads of one patient revealed meiotic maturation arrest in a pachytene-like stage, with incomplete synapsis and decreased meiotic recombination. Male mice carrying a homozygous mutation similar to that of our patients were generated and also displayed reduced recombination, meiotic arrest and azoospermia, paralleling the spermatogenesis defects in our patients. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION As Zswim7 is also essential for meiosis in female mice, future studies should evaluate the ZSWIM7 mutations more in depth and in larger cohorts of infertile patients, including males and females, to validate the findings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings provide direct clinical and functional evidence that the recurrent ZSWIM7 mutation (c.231_232del) causes decreased meiotic recombination and leads to male infertility, illustrating the genotype-phenotype correlations of meiotic recombination defects in humans. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31890780, 31630050, 32061143006, 82071709, and 31871514), the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDB19000000), and the National Key Research and Developmental Program of China (2018YFC1003900 and 2019YFA0802600). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yufan Wu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jianteng Zhou
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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21
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Abstract
There are many unknown genetic factors that lead to infertility in nonobstructive azoospermia men. Here, we performed whole-exome sequencing in blood samples obtained from 40 azoospermia patients with meiotic arrest and found a novel c.151_154del (p.D51fs) frame-shift mutation in exon 3 of the testis expressed 11 (TEX11) gene in one patient. Sanger sequencing analysis of the patient and 288 fertile men was performed to validate the mutation. Immunohistochemical analysis showed TEX11 expression in late-pachytene spermatocytes and in round spermatids in fertile human testes. In contrast, testes of the patient with TEX11 mutation underwent meiotic arrest and lacked TEX11 expression. Western blotting of human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells transfected with a vector for the p.D51fs TEX11 variant detected no TEX11 expression. In conclusion, we identified a novel frame-shift mutation in the TEX11 gene in an azoospermia patient, emphasizing that this gene should be included in genetic screening panels for the clinical evaluation of azoospermia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Chen Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Meng-Jing Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Fei-Fei Cai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Si-Jie Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hong-Bin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hao-Bo Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan 250012, China
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22
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Tang D, Xu C, Geng H, Gao Y, Cheng H, Ni X, He X, Cao Y. A novel homozygous mutation in the meiotic gene MSH4 leading to male infertility due to non-obstructive azoospermia. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:8185-8191. [PMID: 33437391 PMCID: PMC7791528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe form of male infertility. Although some causes have been established, including genetic causes, the etiology in most cases remains idiopathic. Mutations in MSH4 (OMIM: 602105), an important gene involved in meiosis, may be related to female infertility due to primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and male NOA. Here, we report a novel homozygous stop-gain mutation of MSH4 associated with NOA. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and bioinformatic analysis were performed in a patient with NOA from a consanguineous family (F1 II-1). A rare homozygous MSH4 stop-gain mutation (c.1552C>T:p.Q518X) was observed in the patient, and his parents were heterozygous carriers, as verified by Sanger sequencing. Testicular biopsy and hematoxylin and eosin staining of testicular tissue suggested meiotic arrest (MA), and no sperm were observed. MSH4 was detected in other 50 separate cases with same pathological results of MA using the same procedures, but only one heterozygous mutation was observed. Subsequent real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were performed to examine mRNA expression levels and the localization of the MSH4 protein in the testicular tissue. Furthermore, the expression of MSH4 mRNA was significantly decreased compared with normal control. MSH4 protein was highly expressed in spermatocytes in the seminiferous tubules of the normal control, while no obvious expression was observed in F1 II-1. In this present study, MSH4 was identified as a candidate gene of male infertility causing NOA. A novel mutation of MSH4 (c.1552C>T:p.Q518X) is associated with the MA phenotype during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityNo 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University)No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of The People’s Republic of ChinaNo 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityNo 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University)No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of The People’s Republic of ChinaNo 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityNo 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University)No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of The People’s Republic of ChinaNo 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityNo 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University)No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of The People’s Republic of ChinaNo 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Huiru Cheng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityNo 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University)No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of The People’s Republic of ChinaNo 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoqing Ni
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityNo 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University)No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of The People’s Republic of ChinaNo 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityNo 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University)No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of The People’s Republic of ChinaNo 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityNo 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University)No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of The People’s Republic of ChinaNo 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
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Mehlmann LM, Uliasz TF, Lowther KM. SNAP23 is required for constitutive and regulated exocytosis in mouse oocytes†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:338-346. [PMID: 31201423 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes are stored in the ovary for prolonged periods, and arrested in meiotic prophase. During this period, their plasma membranes are constantly being recycled by endocytosis and exocytosis. However, the function of this membrane turnover is unknown. Here, we investigated the requirement for exocytosis in the maintenance of meiotic arrest. Using Trim-away, a newly developed method for rapidly and specifically depleting proteins in oocytes, we have identified the SNARE protein, SNAP23, to be required for meiotic arrest. Degradation of SNAP23 causes premature meiotic resumption in follicle-enclosed oocytes. The reduction in SNAP23 is associated with loss of gap junction communication between the oocyte and surrounding follicle cells. Reduction of SNAP23 protein also inhibits regulated exocytosis in response to a Ca2+ stimulus (cortical granule exocytosis), as measured by lectin staining and cleavage of ZP2. Our results show an essential role for SNAP23 in two key processes that occur in mouse oocytes and eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Mehlmann
- Department of Cell Biology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Tracy F Uliasz
- Department of Cell Biology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Katie M Lowther
- Department of Cell Biology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
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24
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van der Bijl N, Röpke A, Biswas U, Wöste M, Jessberger R, Kliesch S, Friedrich C, Tüttelmann F. Mutations in the stromal antigen 3 (STAG3) gene cause male infertility due to meiotic arrest. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:2112-2119. [PMID: 31682730 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are sequence variants in the stromal antigen 3 (STAG3) gene a cause for non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) in infertile human males? SUMMARY ANSWER Sequence variants affecting protein function of STAG3 cause male infertility due to meiotic arrest. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In both women and men, STAG3 encodes for a meiosis-specific protein that is crucial for the functionality of meiotic cohesin complexes. Sequence variants in STAG3 have been reported to cause meiotic arrest in male and female mice and premature ovarian failure in human females, but not in infertile human males so far. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The full coding region of STAG3 was sequenced directly in a cohort of 28 men with NOA due to meiotic arrest. In addition, a larger group of 275 infertile men that underwent whole-exome sequencing (WES) was screened for potential STAG3 sequence variants. Furthermore, meiotic spreads, immunohistochemistry, WES and population sampling probability (PSAP) have been conducted in the index case. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS This study included 28 infertile but otherwise healthy human males who underwent Sanger sequencing of the full coding region of STAG3. Additionally, WES data of 275 infertile human males with different infertility phenotypes have been screened for relevant STAG3 variants. All participants underwent karyotype analysis and azoospermia factor (AZF) screening in advance. In the index patient, segregation analysis, WES data, PSAP, lab parameters, testis histology and nuclear spreads have been added to suplort the findings. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Two compound-heterozygous variants in STAG3 (c.[1262T>G];[1312C>T], p.[(Leu421Arg)];[(Arg438Ter)]) have been found to cause male infertility due to complete bilateral meiotic arrest in an otherwise healthy human male. Compound heterozygosity was confirmed by Sanger sequencing of the parents and the patient's brother. Other variants which may affect spermatogenesis have been ruled out through analysis of the patient's WES data and application of the PSAP pipeline. As expected from Stag3 knockout-mice meiotic spreads, germ cells did not develop further than zygotene and showed drastic chromosome aberrations. No rare variants in STAG3 were found in the 275 infertile males with other phenotypes. Our results indicate that STAG3 variants that negatively affect its protein function are a rare cause of NOA (<1% of cases). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We identified only one patient with compound-heterozygous variants in STAG3 causing NOA due to meiotic arrest. Future studies should evaluate STAG3 variants in larger cohorts to support this finding. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Identification of STAG3 sequence variants in infertile human males should improve genetic counselling as well as diagnostics and treatment. Especially before testicular sperm extraction (TESE) for ICSI, STAG3 variants should be ruled out to prevent unnecessary interventions with frustrating outcomes for both patients and clinicians. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was carried out within the frame of the German Research Foundation (DFG) Clinical Research Unit 'Male Germ Cells: from Genes to Function' (CRU326). Work in the laboratory of R.J. is supported by a grant of the European Union H2020 program GermAge. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- N van der Bijl
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - A Röpke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - U Biswas
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - M Wöste
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - R Jessberger
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - S Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - C Friedrich
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - F Tüttelmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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25
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Handayani N, Wiweko B, Zakirah SC, Boediono A. In vitro Activation of Mouse Oocytes through Intracellular Ca2+ Regulation. J Hum Reprod Sci 2020; 13:138-144. [PMID: 32792763 PMCID: PMC7394099 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_122_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ca2+ signaling pathway is suggested to play an essential role in mediating oocyte maturation. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate intracellular Ca2+ of resistant immature oocytes that failed to resume meiosis following subsequent in vitro culture reach metaphase II after calcium ionophore A23187 activation. Settings and Design: This in vitro analytical experimental study was conducted at Animal Science Laboratory of Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Human Reproductive Infertility and Family Planning of IMERI, and Electrophysiology Imaging of Terpadu Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia. Methods: A total of 308 oocytes classed as resistant immature following in vitro culture were randomly allocated to control (n = 113) and treatment groups (n = 195). The oocyte activation group was exposed to A23187 solution for 15 min and then washed extensively. Maturation was evaluated by observing the first polar body extrusion 20‒24 h after A23187 exposure. Ca2+ imaging was conducted using a confocal laser scanning microscope to identify the dynamic of Ca2+ response. Statistical Analysis: SPSS 20, Chi-square, and Mann–Whitney U-test were used in this study. Results: Activation of resistant immature oocytes with A23187 significantly increased the number of oocyte maturation compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, fluorescent intensity measurements exhibited a significant increase in the germinal vesicle stage when activated (P = 0.005), as well as the metaphase I stage, even though differences were not significant (P = 0.146). Conclusion: Artificial activation of resistant immature oocyte using chemical A23187/calcimycin was adequate to initiate meiosis progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nining Handayani
- Reproductive Science Master Program of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Budi Wiweko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Yasmin IVF Clinic, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Human Reproductive, Infertility, and Family Planning Research Center, Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institutes, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sarah Chairani Zakirah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Human Reproductive, Infertility, and Family Planning Research Center, Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institutes, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Arief Boediono
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
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26
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Wyrwoll MJ, Temel ŞG, Nagirnaja L, Oud MS, Lopes AM, van der Heijden GW, Heald JS, Rotte N, Wistuba J, Wöste M, Ledig S, Krenz H, Smits RM, Carvalho F, Gonçalves J, Fietz D, Türkgenç B, Ergören MC, Çetinkaya M, Başar M, Kahraman S, McEleny K, Xavier MJ, Turner H, Pilatz A, Röpke A, Dugas M, Kliesch S, Neuhaus N, Aston KI, Conrad DF, Veltman JA, Friedrich C, Tüttelmann F. Bi-allelic Mutations in M1AP Are a Frequent Cause of Meiotic Arrest and Severely Impaired Spermatogenesis Leading to Male Infertility. Am J Hum Genet 2020; 107:342-351. [PMID: 32673564 PMCID: PMC7413853 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2020.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility affects ∼7% of men, but its causes remain poorly understood. The most severe form is non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), which is, in part, caused by an arrest at meiosis. So far, only a few validated disease-associated genes have been reported. To address this gap, we performed whole-exome sequencing in 58 men with unexplained meiotic arrest and identified the same homozygous frameshift variant c.676dup (p.Trp226LeufsTer4) in M1AP, encoding meiosis 1 associated protein, in three unrelated men. This variant most likely results in a truncated protein as shown in vitro by heterologous expression of mutant M1AP. Next, we screened four large cohorts of infertile men and identified three additional individuals carrying homozygous c.676dup and three carrying combinations of this and other likely causal variants in M1AP. Moreover, a homozygous missense variant, c.1166C>T (p.Pro389Leu), segregated with infertility in five men from a consanguineous Turkish family. The common phenotype between all affected men was NOA, but occasionally spermatids and rarely a few spermatozoa in the semen were observed. A similar phenotype has been described for mice with disruption of M1ap. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that mutations in M1AP are a relatively frequent cause of autosomal recessive severe spermatogenic failure and male infertility with strong clinical validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot J Wyrwoll
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Şehime G Temel
- Bursa Uludag University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics & Department of Histology & Embryology & Health Sciences Institute, Department of Translational Medicine, 16059 Bursa, Turkey
| | - Liina Nagirnaja
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Manon S Oud
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Alexandra M Lopes
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-804 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3s), Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Godfried W van der Heijden
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - James S Heald
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, NE2 4HH Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Nadja Rotte
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Marius Wöste
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Susanne Ledig
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Henrike Krenz
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Roos M Smits
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Filipa Carvalho
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3s), Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal; Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Gonçalves
- Departmento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal; ToxOmics - Centro de Toxicogenómica e Saúde Humana, Nova Medical School, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Daniela Fietz
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Burcu Türkgenç
- University of Acibadem, Acibadem Genetic Diagnostic Centre, 34662 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mahmut C Ergören
- Near East University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, 99138 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Murat Çetinkaya
- Istanbul Memorial Hospital, Assisted Reproductive Technologies and Reproductive Genetics Centre, 34385 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murad Başar
- Istanbul Memorial Hospital, Department of Urology & Andrology, 34385 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Semra Kahraman
- Istanbul Memorial Hospital, Assisted Reproductive Technologies and Reproductive Genetics, 34385 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kevin McEleny
- Newcastle Fertility Centre, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, NE1 4EP Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Miguel J Xavier
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, NE2 4HH Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Helen Turner
- Department of Cellular Pathology, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, NE1 4LP Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Clinic for Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Albrecht Röpke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Dugas
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Andrology and IVF Laboratories, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Donald F Conrad
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Joris A Veltman
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, NE2 4HH Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Corinna Friedrich
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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27
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Gershoni M, Hauser R, Barda S, Lehavi O, Arama E, Pietrokovski S, Kleiman SE. A new MEIOB mutation is a recurrent cause for azoospermia and testicular meiotic arrest. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:666-671. [PMID: 30838384 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are there genetic variants that can be used for the clinical evaluation of azoospermic men? SUMMARY ANSWER A novel homozygous frame-shift mutation in the MEIOB gene was identified in three azoospermic patients from two different families. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Up to 1% of all men have complete absence of sperm in the semen, a condition known as azoospermia. There are very few tools for determining the etiology of azoospermia and the likelihood of sperm cells in the testis. The MEIOB gene codes for a single-strand DNA binding protein required for DNA double-strand breaks repair during meiosis. MEIOB appears to be exclusively expressed in human and mouse testis, and MeioB knockout mice are azoospermic due to meiotic arrest. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Two brothers with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) underwent whole-exome sequencing followed by comprehensive bioinformatics analyses. Candidate variations were further screened in infertile and fertile men, as well as in public and local reference databases. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS This study included 159 infertile and 77 fertile men. The exomes of two Arab men were completely sequenced. In addition, 213 other men of the same Arab ethnicity (136 infertile and 77 fertile men) underwent restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) screening, as did 21 NOA men, of other ethnicities, with testicular impairment of spermatocyte arrest. All of the infertile men underwent Y-chromosome microdeletion and CFTR gene mutation assessments. Comprehensive bioinformatics analyses were designed to uncover candidate mutations associated with azoospermia. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A novel homozygous frame-shift mutation in the MEIOB gene was identified in two brothers of Arab ethnicity. This frame-shift is predicted to result in a truncated MEIOB protein, which lacks the conserved C-terminal DNA binding domain. RFLP screening of the mutation in 157 infertile men, including 112 NOA patients of Arab ethnicity, identified an additional unrelated NOA patient with the same homozygous mutation and a similar testicular impairment. This mutation was not found in available public databases (n > 160 000), nor in the 77 proven fertile men, nor in our database of local Israeli population variations derived from exome and genome sequencing data (n = 500). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We have thus far screened for only two specific MEIOB probable pathogenic mutations in a relatively small local cohort. Therefore, the relative incidence of MEIOB mutations in azoospermia should be further assessed in larger and diverse cohorts in order to determine the efficiency of MEIOB sequence screening for clinical evaluations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The relatively high incidence of likely NOA-causing mutations in MEIOB that was found in our cohort supports the idea that a complete screening of this gene might be beneficial for clinical evaluation of NOA patients. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was supported in part by a grant to EA from the European Research Council under the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP/2007-2013)/ERC grant agreement (616088). There are no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moran Gershoni
- ARO-The Volcani Center, Institute of Animal Science, Bet Dagan, Israel.,Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ron Hauser
- Male Fertility Clinic and Sperm Bank, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shimi Barda
- Male Fertility Clinic and Sperm Bank, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ofer Lehavi
- Male Fertility Clinic and Sperm Bank, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eli Arama
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shmuel Pietrokovski
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sandra E Kleiman
- Male Fertility Clinic and Sperm Bank, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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28
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Peng H, Chen J, Gao Y, Huo J, Wang C, Zhang Y, Xiao T. Valosin-containing protein is associated with maintenance of meiotic arrest in mouse oocytes†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:963-970. [PMID: 30476006 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Valosin-containing protein (VCP) is a member of the highly conserved AAA (ATPase associated with a variety of cellular activities) superfamily. A previous study has shown that targeted deletion of Vcp in mice results in early embryonic lethality. The aim of the present study was to analyze the expression and localization of VCP and its function in meiotic arrest of mouse oocytes. Vcp mRNA and protein were expressed in multiple mouse tissues. In the ovary, VCP protein was mainly expressed in oocytes and granulosa cells. After ovulation and fertilization, Vcp mRNA and protein were detected in oocytes and preimplantation embryos. Furthermore, VCP protein was localized in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of germinal vesicle (GV)-stage oocytes and preimplantation embryos. Moreover, knockdown of Vcp in GV-stage oocytes led to a significantly increased rate of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). In addition, inhibition of VCP protein improved the GVBD rate in mouse GV-stage oocytes. When VCP inhibition was reversed, the final GVBD rate returned to normal. These results provide the first evidence for a novel function of VCP in meiotic arrest of mouse oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Peng
- College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian, Fuzhou, P. R. China
- University Key Lab for Integrated Chinese Traditional and Western Veterinary Medicine and Animal Healthcare in Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jing Chen
- College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yuyun Gao
- College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jianchao Huo
- College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Chongchong Wang
- College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Tianfang Xiao
- College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian, Fuzhou, P. R. China
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29
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Yang Y, Guo J, Dai L, Zhu Y, Hu H, Tan L, Chen W, Liang D, He J, Tu M, Wang K, Wu L. XRCC2 mutation causes meiotic arrest, azoospermia and infertility. J Med Genet 2018; 55:628-636. [PMID: 30042186 PMCID: PMC6119352 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2017-105145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Meiotic homologous recombination (HR) plays an essential role in gametogenesis. In most eukaryotes, meiotic HR is mediated by two recombinase systems: ubiquitous RAD51 and meiosis-specific DMC1. In the RAD51-mediated HR system, RAD51 and five RAD51 paralogues are essential for normal RAD51 function, but the role of RAD51 in human meiosis is unclear. The knockout of Rad51 or any Rad51 paralogue in mice exhibits embryonic lethality. We investigated a family with meiotic arrest, azoospermia and infertility but without other abnormalities. Methods Homozygosity mapping and whole-exome sequencing were performed in a consanguineous family. An animal model carrying a related mutation was created by using a CRISPR/Cas9 system. Results We identified a 1 bp homozygous substitution (c.41T>C/p.Leu14Pro) on a RAD51 paralogue, namely, XRCC2, in the consanguineous family. We did not detect any XRCC2 recessive mutation in a cohort of 127 males with non-obstructive-azoospermia. Knockin mice with Xrcc2-c.T41C/p.Leu14Pro mutation were generated successfully by the CRISPR/Cas9 method. The homozygotes survived and exhibited meiotic arrest, azoospermia, premature ovarian failure and infertility. Conclusion A XRCC2 recessive mutation causing meiotic arrest and infertility in humans was duplicated with knockin mice. Our results revealed a new Mendelian hereditary entity and provided an experimental model of RAD51-HR gene defect in mammalian meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjia Yang
- The Laboratory of Genetics and Metabolism, Hunan Children's Research Institute (HCRI), Hunan Children's Hospital, University of South China, Changsha, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jihong Guo
- The Laboratory of Genetics and Metabolism, Hunan Children's Research Institute (HCRI), Hunan Children's Hospital, University of South China, Changsha, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Dai
- The Laboratory of Genetics and Metabolism, Hunan Children's Research Institute (HCRI), Hunan Children's Hospital, University of South China, Changsha, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yimin Zhu
- The Laboratory of Genetics and Metabolism, Hunan Children's Research Institute (HCRI), Hunan Children's Hospital, University of South China, Changsha, China.,Hunan People's Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Hu
- The Laboratory of Genetics and Metabolism, Hunan Children's Research Institute (HCRI), Hunan Children's Hospital, University of South China, Changsha, China.,Department of Genetics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Lihong Tan
- The Laboratory of Genetics and Metabolism, Hunan Children's Research Institute (HCRI), Hunan Children's Hospital, University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Weijian Chen
- The Laboratory of Genetics and Metabolism, Hunan Children's Research Institute (HCRI), Hunan Children's Hospital, University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Desheng Liang
- The Laboratory of Genetics and Metabolism, Hunan Children's Research Institute (HCRI), Hunan Children's Hospital, University of South China, Changsha, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingliang He
- The Laboratory of Genetics and Metabolism, Hunan Children's Research Institute (HCRI), Hunan Children's Hospital, University of South China, Changsha, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ming Tu
- The Laboratory of Genetics and Metabolism, Hunan Children's Research Institute (HCRI), Hunan Children's Hospital, University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Kewei Wang
- The Laboratory of Genetics and Metabolism, Hunan Children's Research Institute (HCRI), Hunan Children's Hospital, University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Lingqian Wu
- The Laboratory of Genetics and Metabolism, Hunan Children's Research Institute (HCRI), Hunan Children's Hospital, University of South China, Changsha, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China
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He WB, Tu CF, Liu Q, Meng LL, Yuan SM, Luo AX, He FS, Shen J, Li W, Du J, Zhong CG, Lu GX, Lin G, Fan LQ, Tan YQ. DMC1 mutation that causes human non-obstructive azoospermia and premature ovarian insufficiency identified by whole-exome sequencing. J Med Genet 2018; 55:198-204. [PMID: 29331980 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2017-104992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genetic causes of the majority of male and female infertility caused by human non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) with meiotic arrest are unknown. OBJECTIVE To identify the genetic cause of NOA and POI in two affected members from a consanguineous Chinese family. METHODS We performed whole-exome sequencing of DNA from both affected patients. The identified candidate causative gene was further verified by Sanger sequencing for pedigree analysis in this family. In silico analysis was performed to functionally characterise the mutation, and histological analysis was performed using the biopsied testicle sample from the male patient with NOA. RESULTS We identified a novel homozygous missense mutation (NM_007068.3: c.106G>A, p.Asp36Asn) in DMC1, which cosegregated with NOA and POI phenotypes in this family. The identified missense mutation resulted in the substitution of a conserved aspartic residue with asparaginate in the modified H3TH motif of DMC1. This substitution results in protein misfolding. Histological analysis demonstrated a lack of spermatozoa in the male patient's seminiferous tubules. Immunohistochemistry using a testis biopsy sample from the male patient showed that spermatogenesis was blocked at the zygotene stage during meiotic prophase I. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report identifying DMC1 as the causative gene for human NOA and POI. Furthermore, our pedigree analysis shows an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance for NOA and POI caused by DMC1 in this family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Bin He
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Chao-Feng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lan-Lan Meng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Shi-Min Yuan
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Ai-Xiang Luo
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | | | - Juan Shen
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wen Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Chang-Gao Zhong
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Guang-Xiu Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Li-Qing Fan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
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Newkirk SJ, Lee S, Grandi FC, Gaysinskaya V, Rosser JM, Vanden Berg N, Hogarth CA, Marchetto MCN, Muotri AR, Griswold MD, Ye P, Bortvin A, Gage FH, Boeke JD, An W. Intact piRNA pathway prevents L1 mobilization in male meiosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E5635-44. [PMID: 28630288 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1701069114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway is essential for retrotransposon silencing. In piRNA-deficient mice, L1-overexpressing male germ cells exhibit excessive DNA damage and meiotic defects. It remains unknown whether L1 expression simply highlights piRNA deficiency or actually drives the germ-cell demise. Specifically, the sheer abundance of genomic L1 copies prevents reliable quantification of new insertions. Here, we developed a codon-optimized L1 transgene that is controlled by an endogenous mouse L1 promoter. Importantly, DNA methylation dynamics of a single-copy transgene were indistinguishable from those of endogenous L1s. Analysis of Mov10l1-/- testes established that de novo methylation of the L1 transgene required the intact piRNA pathway. Consistent with loss of DNA methylation and programmed reduction of H3K9me2 at meiotic onset, the transgene showed 1,400-fold increase in RNA expression and consequently 70-fold increase in retrotransposition in postnatal day 14 Mov10l1-/- germ cells compared with the wild-type. Analysis of adult Mov10l1-/- germ-cell fractions indicated a stage-specific increase of retrotransposition in the early meiotic prophase. However, extrapolation of the transgene data to endogenous L1s suggests that it is unlikely insertional mutagenesis alone accounts for the Mov10l1-/- phenotype. Indeed, pharmacological inhibition of reverse transcription did not rescue the meiotic defect. Cumulatively, these results establish the occurrence of productive L1 mobilization in the absence of an intact piRNA pathway but leave open the possibility of processes preceding L1 integration in triggering meiotic checkpoints and germ-cell death. Additionally, our data suggest that many heritable L1 insertions originate from individuals with partially compromised piRNA defense.
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32
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Minase G, Miyamoto T, Miyagawa Y, Iijima M, Ueda H, Saijo Y, Namiki M, Sengoku K. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the human RAD21L gene may be a genetic risk factor for Japanese patients with azoospermia caused by meiotic arrest and Sertoli cell-only syndrome. HUM FERTIL 2017. [PMID: 28635411 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2017.1292004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Genetic mechanisms are implicated in some cases of male infertility. Recently, it was demonstrated that male mice lacking the gene for RAD21L exhibited azoospermia caused by meiotic arrest. Mouse RAD21L is a functionally relevant meiotic α-kleisin that is essential for male fertility. Therefore, we hypothesized that RAD21L mutations or polymorphisms may be associated with male infertility, especially azoospermia secondary to meiotic arrest. To determine if RAD21L defects are associated with azoospermia in groups of patients with meiotic arrest, we performed direct sequencing of the RAD21L coding regions in 38 Japanese patients with meiotic arrest and in 200 normal controls. Three coding single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP1-SNP3) were detected in the meiotic arrest patient group. Sertoli cell-only syndrome is considered a common cause of non-obstructive azoospermia. For comparison, the RAD21L coding regions in which SNP1-SNP3 were detected were sequenced in 140 patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Statistical analyses were used to compare the two groups of patients with the control group. Genotype and allele frequencies of SNP2 and SNP3 were notably higher in the two patient groups compared with the control group (Bonferroni adjusted p value <0.016). These results suggest a critical role for RAD21L in human spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaku Minase
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , School of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University , Asahikawa , Japan
| | - Toshinobu Miyamoto
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , School of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University , Asahikawa , Japan
| | - Yasushi Miyagawa
- b Department of Urology , Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine , Suita , Japan
| | - Masashi Iijima
- c Department of Integrated Cancer Therapy and Urology , Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science , Kanazawa , Japan
| | - Hiroto Ueda
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , School of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University , Asahikawa , Japan
| | - Yasuaki Saijo
- d Division of Community Medicine and Epidemiology, Department of Health Science , School of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University , Asahikawa , Japan
| | - Mikio Namiki
- c Department of Integrated Cancer Therapy and Urology , Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science , Kanazawa , Japan
| | - Kazuo Sengoku
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , School of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University , Asahikawa , Japan
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Xie M, Bu P, Li F, Lan S, Wu H, Yuan L, Wang Y. Neonatal bisphenol A exposure induces meiotic arrest and apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. Oncotarget 2016; 7:10606-15. [PMID: 26863571 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used industrial plasticizer, which is ubiquitously present in the environment and organisms. As an endocrine disruptor, BPA has caused significant concerns regarding its interference with reproductive function. However, little is known about the impact of BPA exposure on early testicular development. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of neonatal BPA exposure on the first wave of spermatogenesis. Newborn male mice were subcutaneously injected with BPA (0.01, 0.1 and 5 mg/kg body weight) daily from postnatal day (PND) 1 to 21. Histological analysis of testes at PND 22 revealed that BPA-treated testes contained mostly spermatogonia and spermatocytes with markedly less round spermatids, indicating signs of meiotic arrest. Terminal dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay showed that BPA treatment significantly increased the number of apoptotic germ cells per tubule, which corroborated the observation of meiotic arrest. In addition, BPA caused abnormal proliferation of germ cells as revealed by Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemical staining. Mechanistically, BPA-treated testes displayed a complete lack of BOULE expression, which is a conserved key regulator for spermatogenesis. Moreover, BPA significantly increased the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) α and β in the developing testis. The present study demonstrated that neonatal BPA exposure disrupted meiosis progression during the first wave of spermatogenesis, which may be, at least in part, due to inhibition of BOULE expression and/or up-regulation of ERα/β expression in BPA-exposed developing testis.
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Cruz-Becerra G, Juárez M, Valadez-Graham V, Zurita M. Analysis of Drosophila p8 and p52 mutants reveals distinct roles for the maintenance of TFIIH stability and male germ cell differentiation. Open Biol 2016; 6:rsob.160222. [PMID: 27805905 PMCID: PMC5090060 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.160222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic gene expression is activated by factors that interact within complex machinery to initiate transcription. An important component of this machinery is the DNA repair/transcription factor TFIIH. Mutations in TFIIH result in three human syndromes: xeroderma pigmentosum, Cockayne syndrome and trichothiodystrophy. Transcription and DNA repair defects have been linked to some clinical features of these syndromes. However, how mutations in TFIIH affect specific developmental programmes, allowing organisms to develop with particular phenotypes, is not well understood. Here, we show that mutations in the p52 and p8 subunits of TFIIH have a moderate effect on the gene expression programme in the Drosophila testis, causing germ cell differentiation arrest in meiosis, but no Polycomb enrichment at the promoter of the affected differentiation genes, supporting recent data that disagree with the current Polycomb-mediated repression model for regulating gene expression in the testis. Moreover, we found that TFIIH stability is not compromised in p8 subunit-depleted testes that show transcriptional defects, highlighting the role of p8 in transcription. Therefore, this study reveals how defects in TFIIH affect a specific cell differentiation programme and contributes to understanding the specific syndrome manifestations in TFIIH-afflicted patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grisel Cruz-Becerra
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca Morelos 62250, Mexico
| | - Mandy Juárez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca Morelos 62250, Mexico
| | - Viviana Valadez-Graham
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca Morelos 62250, Mexico
| | - Mario Zurita
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca Morelos 62250, Mexico
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Fitzgerald AC, Peyton C, Dong J, Thomas P. Bisphenol A and Related Alkylphenols Exert Nongenomic Estrogenic Actions Through a G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor 1 (Gper)/Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (Egfr) Pathway to Inhibit Meiotic Maturation of Zebrafish Oocytes. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:135. [PMID: 26490843 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.132316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Xenobiotic estrogens, such as bisphenol A (BPA), disrupt a wide variety of genomic estrogen actions, but their nongenomic estrogen actions remain poorly understood. We investigated nongenomic estrogenic effects of low concentrations of BPA and three related alkylphenols on the inhibition of zebrafish oocye maturation (OM) mediated through a G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (Gper)-dependent epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) pathway. BPA (10-100 nM) treatment for 3 h mimicked the effects of estradiol-17beta (E2) and EGF, decreasing spontaneous maturation of defolliculated zebrafish oocytes, an effect not blocked by coincubation with actinomycin D, but blocked by coincubation with a Gper antibody. BPA displayed relatively high binding affinity (15.8% that of E2) for recombinant zebrafish Gper. The inhibitory effects of BPA were attenuated by inhibition of upstream regulators of Egfr, intracellular tyrosine kinase (Src) with PP2, and matrix metalloproteinase with ilomastat. Treatment with an inhibitor of Egfr transactivation, AG1478, and an inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) 3/1 pathway, U0126, increased spontaneous OM and blocked the inhibitory effects of BPA, E2, and the selective GPER agonist, G-1. Western blot analysis showed that BPA (10-200 nM) mimicked the stimulatory effects of E2 and EGF on Mapk3/1 phosphorylation. Tetrabromobisphenol A, 4-nonylphenol, and tetrachlorobisphenol A (5-100 nM) also inhibited OM, an effect blocked by cotreatment with AG1478, as well as with the GPER antagonist, G-15, and displayed similar binding affinities as BPA to zebrafish Gper. The results suggest that BPA and related alkylphenols disrupt zebrafish OM by a novel nongenomic estrogenic mechanism involving activation of the Gper/Egfr/Mapk3/1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Candace Peyton
- University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, Texas
| | - Jing Dong
- University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, Texas
| | - Peter Thomas
- University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, Texas
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Clement TM, Inselman AL, Goulding EH, Willis WD, Eddy EM. Disrupting Cyclin Dependent Kinase 1 in Spermatocytes Causes Late Meiotic Arrest and Infertility in Mice. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:137. [PMID: 26490841 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.134940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
While cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) has a critical role in controlling resumption of meiosis in oocytes, its role has not been investigated directly in spermatocytes. Unique aspects of male meiosis led us to hypothesize that its role is different in male meiosis than in female meiosis. We generated a conditional knockout (cKO) of the Cdk1 gene in mouse spermatocytes to test this hypothesis. We found that CDK1-null spermatocytes undergo synapsis, chiasmata formation, and desynapsis as is seen in oocytes. Additionally, CDK1-null spermatocytes relocalize SYCP3 to centromeric foci, express H3pSer10, and initiate chromosome condensation. However, CDK1-null spermatocytes fail to form condensed bivalent chromosomes in prophase of meiosis I and instead are arrested at prometaphase. Thus, CDK1 has an essential role in male meiosis that is consistent with what is known about the role of CDK1 in female meiosis, where it is required for formation of condensed bivalent metaphase chromosomes and progression to the first meiotic division. We found that cKO spermatocytes formed fully condensed bivalent chromosomes in the presence of okadaic acid, suggesting that cKO chromosomes are competent to condense, although they do not do so in vivo. Additionally, arrested cKO spermatocytes exhibited irregular cell shape, irregular large nuclei, and large distinctive nucleoli. These cells persist in the seminiferous epithelium through the next seminiferous epithelial cycle with a lack of stage XII checkpoint-associated cell death. This indicates that CDK1 is required upstream of a checkpoint-associated cell death as well as meiotic metaphase progression in mouse spermatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy M Clement
- Gamete Biology Group, Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Amy L Inselman
- Gamete Biology Group, Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Eugenia H Goulding
- Gamete Biology Group, Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - William D Willis
- Gamete Biology Group, Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Edward M Eddy
- Gamete Biology Group, Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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Satouh Y, Nozawa K, Ikawa M. Sperm postacrosomal WW domain-binding protein is not required for mouse egg activation. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:94. [PMID: 26377222 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.131441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
To begin embryonic development, the zygote must resume the cell cycle correctly after stimulation by sperm-borne oocyte-activating factors (SOAFs). The postacrosomal WW domain-binding protein (PAWP) is one of the strongest SOAF candidates and is widely conserved among eutherian mammals. It has been reported that the microinjection of recombinant PAWP protein can trigger not only Ca(2+) oscillations in mammalian eggs but also intracellular Ca(2+) release in amphibian eggs. It was also suggested that PAWP is involved in the formation of high-quality spermatozoa. On the other hand, negligible SOAF activity for PAWP cRNA has also been reported. In this study, we generated PAWP null mice and examined the fertilizing ability of male mice. Electron microscopy showed no aberrant morphology in spermatogenesis. Intracytoplasmic injection of a single spermatozoon from the null mouse line showed that depletion of PAWP elicited no quantitative differences in Ca(2+) oscillations or in subsequent development of the embryos. We conclude that PAWP does not play an essential role in mouse fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhkoh Satouh
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kaori Nozawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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38
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Santiquet N, Papillon-Dion E, Djender N, Guillemette C, Richard FJ. New elements in the C-type natriuretic peptide signaling pathway inhibiting swine in vitro oocyte meiotic resumption. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:16. [PMID: 24899572 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.114132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and its cognate receptor, natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR) B, have been shown to promote cGMP production in granulosa/cumulus cells. Once transferred to the oocyte through the gap junctions, the cGMP inhibits oocyte meiotic resumption. CNP has been shown to bind another natriuretic receptor, NPR-C. NPR-C is known to interact with and degrade bound CNP, and has been reported to possess signaling functions. Therefore, NPR-C could participate in the control of oocyte maturation during swine in vitro maturation (IVM). Here, we examine the effect of CNP signaling on meiotic resumption, the amount of cGMP and gap junctional communication (GJC) regulation during swine IVM. The results show an inhibitory effect of CNP in inhibiting oocyte meiotic resumption in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-stimulated IVM. We also found that an NPR-C-specific agonist (cANP([4-23])) is likely to play a role in maintaining meiotic arrest during porcine IVM when in the presence of a suboptimal dose of CNP. Moreover, we show that, even if CNP can increase intracellular concentration of cGMP in cumulus-oocyte complexes, cANP((4-23)) had no impact on cGMP concentration, suggesting a potential cGMP-independent signaling pathway related to NPR-C activation. These data support a potential involvement of cANP((4-23)) through NPR-C in inhibiting oocyte meiotic resumption while in the presence of a suboptimal dose of CNP. The regulation of GJC was not altered by CNP, cANP((4-23)), or the combination of CNP and cANP((4-23)), supporting their potential contribution in sending signals to the oocytes. These findings offer promising insights in to new elements of the signaling pathways that may be involved in inhibiting resumption of meiosis during FSH-stimulated swine IVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Santiquet
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Emilie Papillon-Dion
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Nadjib Djender
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Christine Guillemette
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - François J Richard
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
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Abstract
The mammalian X chromosome contains a large number of multicopy genes that are expressed during spermatogenesis. The roles of these genes during germ cell development and the functional significance of gene multiplication remain mostly unexplored, as the presence of multicopy gene families poses a challenge for genetic studies. Here we report the deletion of a 1.1-Mb segment of the mouse X chromosome that is syntenic with the human Xq22.1 region and contains 20 genes that are expressed predominantly in testis and brain, including three members of the nuclear export factor gene family (Nxf2, Nxf3, and Nxf7) and five copies of preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma-like 3 (Pramel3). We have shown that germline-specific Cre/loxP-mediated deletion of this 1.1-Mb segment is efficient and causes defective chromosomal synapsis, meiotic arrest, and sterility in male mice. Our results demonstrate that this 1.1-Mb region contains one or more novel X-linked factors that are essential for male meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research, Department of Animal Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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40
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Pang Y, Thomas P. Role of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1, GPER, in inhibition of oocyte maturation by endogenous estrogens in zebrafish. Dev Biol 2010; 342:194-206. [PMID: 20382141 PMCID: PMC2874603 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2010.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2010] [Revised: 03/25/2010] [Accepted: 03/30/2010] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen inhibition of oocyte maturation (OM) and the role of GPER (formerly known as GPR30) were investigated in zebrafish. Estradiol-17beta (E2) and G-1, a GPER-selective agonist, bound to zebrafish oocyte membranes suggesting the presence of GPER which was confirmed by immunocytochemistry using a specific GPER antibody. Incubation of follicle-enclosed oocytes with an aromatase inhibitor, ATD, and enzymatic and manual removal of the ovarian follicle cell layers significantly increased spontaneous OM which was partially reversed by co-treatment with either 100 nM E2 or G-1. Incubation of denuded oocytes with the GPER antibody blocked the inhibitory effects of estrogens on OM, whereas microinjection of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) antisense oligonucleotides into the oocytes was ineffective. The results suggest that endogenous estrogens produced by the follicle cells inhibit or delay spontaneous maturation of zebrafish oocytes and that this estrogen action is mediated through GPER. Treatment with E2 and G-1 also attenuated the stimulatory effect of the teleost maturation-inducing steroid, 17,20beta-dihyroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP), on OM. Moreover, E2 and G-1 down-regulated the expression of membrane progestin receptor alpha (mPRalpha), the intermediary in DHP induction of OM. Conversely DHP treatment caused a >50% decline in GPER mRNA levels. The results suggest that estrogens and GPER are critical components of the endocrine system controlling the onset of OM in zebrafish. A model is proposed for the dual control of the onset of oocyte maturation in teleosts by estrogens and progestins acting through GPER and mPRalpha, respectively, at different stages of oocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yefei Pang
- University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
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41
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Vaccari S, Horner K, Mehlmann LM, Conti M. Generation of mouse oocytes defective in cAMP synthesis and degradation: endogenous cyclic AMP is essential for meiotic arrest. Dev Biol 2008; 316:124-34. [PMID: 18280465 PMCID: PMC2755085 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2008.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2007] [Revised: 01/11/2008] [Accepted: 01/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Although it is established that cAMP accumulation plays a pivotal role in preventing meiotic resumption in mammalian oocytes, the mechanisms controlling cAMP levels in the female gamete have remained elusive. Both production of cAMP via GPCRs/Gs/adenylyl cyclases endogenous to the oocyte as well as diffusion from the somatic compartment through gap junctions have been implicated in maintaining cAMP at levels that preclude maturation. Here we have used a genetic approach to investigate the different biochemical pathways contributing to cAMP accumulation and maturation in mouse oocytes. Because cAMP hydrolysis is greatly decreased and cAMP accumulates above a threshold, oocytes deficient in PDE3A do not resume meiosis in vitro or in vivo, resulting in complete female infertility. In vitro, inactivation of Gs or downregulation of the GPCR GPR3 causes meiotic resumption in the Pde3a null oocytes. Crossing of Pde3a(-/-) mice with Gpr3(-/-) mice causes partial recovery of female fertility. Unlike the complete meiotic block of the Pde3a null mice, oocyte maturation is restored in the double knockout, although it occurs prematurely as described for the Gpr3(-/-) mouse. The increase in cAMP that follows PDE3A ablation is not detected in double mutant oocytes, confirming that GPR3 functions upstream of PDE3A in the regulation of oocyte cAMP. Metabolic coupling between oocytes and granulosa cells was not affected in follicles from the single or double mutant mice, suggesting that diffusion of cAMP is not prevented. Finally, simultaneous ablation of GPR12, an additional receptor expressed in the oocyte, does not modify the Gpr3(-/-) phenotype. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that Gpr3 is epistatic to Pde3a and that fertility as well as meiotic arrest in the PDE3A-deficient oocyte is dependent on the activity of GPR3. These findings also suggest that cAMP diffusion through gap junctions or the activity of additional receptors is not sufficient by itself to maintain the meiotic arrest in the mouse oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Vaccari
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Stanford University 94305
| | - Kathleen Horner
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Stanford University 94305
| | - Lisa M. Mehlmann
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06032
| | - Marco Conti
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Stanford University 94305
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