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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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Hermann BP, Cheng K, Singh A, Roa-De La Cruz L, Mutoji KN, Chen IC, Gildersleeve H, Lehle JD, Mayo M, Westernströer B, Law NC, Oatley MJ, Velte EK, Niedenberger BA, Fritze D, Silber S, Geyer CB, Oatley JM, McCarrey JR. The Mammalian Spermatogenesis Single-Cell Transcriptome, from Spermatogonial Stem Cells to Spermatids. Cell Rep 2019; 25:1650-1667.e8. [PMID: 30404016 PMCID: PMC6384825 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex and dynamic cellular differentiation process critical to male reproduction and sustained by spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Although patterns of gene expression have been described for aggregates of certain spermatogenic cell types, the full continuum of gene expression patterns underlying ongoing spermatogenesis in steady state was previously unclear. Here, we catalog single-cell transcriptomes for >62,000 individual spermatogenic cells from immature (postnatal day 6) and adult male mice and adult men. This allowed us to resolve SSC and progenitor spermatogonia, elucidate the full range of gene expression changes during male meiosis and spermiogenesis, and derive unique gene expression signatures for multiple mouse and human spermatogenic cell types and/or subtypes. These transcriptome datasets provide an information-rich resource for studies of SSCs, male meiosis, testicular cancer, male infertility, or contraceptive development, as well as a gene expression roadmap to be emulated in efforts to achieve spermatogenesis in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Hermann
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; Genomics Core, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
| | - Keren Cheng
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Anukriti Singh
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Lorena Roa-De La Cruz
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Kazadi N Mutoji
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - I-Chung Chen
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Heidi Gildersleeve
- Genomics Core, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Jake D Lehle
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Max Mayo
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Birgit Westernströer
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Nathan C Law
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
| | - Melissa J Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
| | - Ellen K Velte
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Bryan A Niedenberger
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Danielle Fritze
- The UT Transplant Center, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Sherman Silber
- The Infertility Center of St. Louis, Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Jon M Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
| | - John R McCarrey
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
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Tröndle I, Westernströer B, Wistuba J, Terwort N, Schlatt S, Neuhaus N. Irradiation affects germ and somatic cells in prepubertal monkey testis xenografts. Mol Hum Reprod 2017; 23:141-154. [PMID: 28130393 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Study question Does irradiation evoke adverse effects in germ and somatic cells in testis xenografts from prepubertal monkeys? Summary answer In addition to the expected depletion of germ cells, a dose-dependent effect of irradiation was observed at the mRNA and protein level in Sertoli and peritubular myoid cells. What is known already Testicular irradiation studies in monkeys have focused on the dose-dependent effects on germ cells. Previous studies using intact animals or xenografts reported that germ cells are highly sensitive to irradiation. Their depletion was demonstrated by morphometric and histological analyses. The effect of irradiation on expression of Sertoli and peritubular myoid cell markers, however, has not yet been described. Study design, size, duration The testes of two prepubertal macaques (Macaca fascicularis) were dissected into testicular fragments. Fragments were randomly exposed in vitro to one of the following three doses of irradiation: 0 Gy, n = 60; 1 Gy, n = 54; 4 Gy, n = 72. Non-irradiated control fragments (0 Gy) were placed into the Faxitron for 6.6 min without irradiation. For 1 Gy and 4 Gy irradiation was applied for 1.7 and 6.6 min, respectively. Grafts were then either immediately analyzed or subcutaneously implanted under the back skin of 39 nude mice and analyzed after 6.5 months. Participants/materials setting methods Post grafting, 133 testicular xenografts were retrieved. The body weight, serum testosterone level and seminal vesical weight of the host mice as well as the number and weight of retrieved grafts were determined. Larger grafts were used to evaluate both mRNA expression profiles and protein expression patterns. In total, 71 testicular fragments were used for morphometric and histological analysis while 68 fragments were analyzed for gene expression. For PCR arrays, M. fascicularis-specific primer sequences were employed. Irradiation-induced changes in the transcript levels of 34 marker genes were determined for each testicular graft. The effects of irradiation on peritubular myoid cells and Sertoli cells were confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand type 11 (CXCL11), alpha smooth muscle actin (SMA) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand type 12 (CXCL12). Main results and the role of chance The four testes gave rise to 106 xenografts, which were individually analyzed, limiting the role of chance despite using only two monkeys in the study. Prior to grafting, the two donors displayed spermatogonia as the most advanced germ cell type in 95% and 70% of seminiferous tubules, respectively, while remaining tubules contained SCO. No spermatocytes were encountered prior to grafting in either monkey. After 6.5 months, non-irradiated grafts displayed spermatocytes in 15.4% and 1.8% of seminiferous tubules indicating an induction of meiosis. Irradiation resulted in a complete absence of spermatocytes. The percentage of seminiferous tubules containing spermatogonia declined in a dose-dependent manner. In non-irradiated xenografts, ~40% of tubules contained spermatogonia. This proportion was reduced to 3.4% and 4.3% in the 1 Gy treated group and to 1.3% and 0.2% in 4 Gy irradiated grafts. A dose-dependent decline in mRNA levels of selected germ cell marker genes supported the morphologically detected loss of germ cells. Irradiation had no effect on CXCL12 transcript levels. At the protein level, CXCL12-positive Sertoli cells were most abundant in the 1 Gy group compared to the 4 Gy group (P < 0.05), indicating a potential role of CXCL12 during recovery of primate spermatogenesis. The most prominent radiation-evoked changes were for CXCL11, which was localized to smooth muscle cells of blood vessels and seminiferous tubules. Transcript levels declined in a dose-dependent manner in grafts from both monkeys (MM687: P < 0.01 (0 Gy versus 4 Gy), MM627: P < 0.05 (0 Gy versus 4 Gy), P < 0.001 (1 Gy versus 4 Gy)). CXCL11 patterns of protein expression revealed irradiation-dependent changes as well. That peritubular cells are affected by X-irradiation was substantiated by changes at the transcript level between 1 and 4 Gy exposed groups (P < 0.01) and at the protein level of SMA (P < 0.05, 0 Gy versus 4 Gy). Large scale data n/a. Limitations, reasons for caution The spermatogonial stem cell system in primates is remarkably different from rodents. Therefore, data from a non-human primate may be more relevant to man. However, species-specific differences amongst primates cannot be fully excluded and the use of only two donors may raise concerns toward the generalization of the findings. There may also be important differences across the prepubertal period (e.g. infancy, early childhood) that are not represented by the ages included in the present study. Wider implications of the findings This study is the first to indicate relevant testicular somatic cell responses following irradiation of prepubertal primate tissue. In addition to the well-known depletion of germ cells, the changes in Sertoli, and in particular peritubular myoid, cells may have important consequences for spermatogenic recovery. These novel findings should be taken into consideration when irradiation effects are assessed in tumor survivors. Study funding and competing interest(s) Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF) Münster (Schl2/001/13) and the Excellence Cluster 'Cells in Motion' at the University Münster. There are no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Tröndle
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - B Westernströer
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - J Wistuba
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - N Terwort
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - S Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - N Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Yatsenko AN, Georgiadis AP, Röpke A, Berman AJ, Jaffe T, Olszewska M, Westernströer B, Sanfilippo J, Kurpisz M, Rajkovic A, Yatsenko SA, Kliesch S, Schlatt S, Tüttelmann F. X-linked TEX11 mutations, meiotic arrest, and azoospermia in infertile men. N Engl J Med 2015; 372:2097-107. [PMID: 25970010 PMCID: PMC4470617 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1406192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genetic basis of nonobstructive azoospermia is unknown in the majority of infertile men. METHODS We performed array comparative genomic hybridization testing in blood samples obtained from 15 patients with azoospermia, and we performed mutation screening by means of direct Sanger sequencing of the testis-expressed 11 gene (TEX11) open reading frame in blood and semen samples obtained from 289 patients with azoospermia and 384 controls. RESULTS We identified a 99-kb hemizygous loss on chromosome Xq13.2 that involved three TEX11 exons. This loss, which was identical in 2 patients with azoospermia, predicts a deletion of 79 amino acids within the meiosis-specific sporulation domain SPO22. Our subsequent mutation screening showed five novel TEX11 mutations: three splicing mutations and two missense mutations. These mutations, which occurred in 7 of 289 men with azoospermia (2.4%), were absent in 384 controls with normal sperm concentrations (P=0.003). Notably, five of those TEX11 mutations were detected in 33 patients (15%) with azoospermia who received a diagnosis of azoospermia with meiotic arrest. Meiotic arrest in these patients resembled the phenotype of Tex11-deficient male mice. Immunohistochemical analysis showed specific cytoplasmic TEX11 expression in late spermatocytes, as well as in round and elongated spermatids, in normal human testes. In contrast, testes of patients who had azoospermia with TEX11 mutations had meiotic arrest and lacked TEX11 expression. CONCLUSIONS In our study, hemizygous TEX11 mutations were a common cause of meiotic arrest and azoospermia in infertile men. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health and others.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander N Yatsenko
- From the Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences (A.N.Y., A.P.G., J.S., A. Rajkovic, S.A.Y.) and Urology (T.J.), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences (A.J.B.) - all in Pittsburgh; the Institute of Human Genetics (A. Röpke, F.T.) and Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology (B.W., S.K., S.S.), University of Münster, Münster, Germany; and the Department of Reproductive Biology and Stem Cells, Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań (M.O., M.K.)
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Westernströer B, Langenstroth D, Kliesch S, Troppmann B, Redmann K, Macdonald J, Mitchell R, Wistuba J, Schlatt S, Neuhaus N. Developmental expression patterns of chemokines CXCL11, CXCL12 and their receptor CXCR7 in testes of common marmoset and human. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 361:885-98. [PMID: 25810367 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2164-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The chemokine receptor CXCR7 interacts with the chemokines CXCL11 and CXCL12. During development, this ligand receptor system (C-X-C) provokes cell-type-specific responses in terms of migration, adhesion or ligand sequestration. It is active in zebrafish and rodents but no data are available for its presence or function in primate testes. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed in monkeys to detect CXCL11, CXCL12 and CXCR7. At the protein level, CXCL12 and CXCR7 were localized in the testes of the marmoset (Callitrix jacchus) whereas CXCR7 patterns were determined for various stages in human testes. Morphometry and flow cytometry were applied to quantify CXCR7-positive cells in monkeys. Transcript levels and protein expression of CXCR7 were detectable throughout testicular development. In both species, CXCR7 protein expression was restricted to premeiotic germ cells. In immature marmoset testes, 69.9% ± 9% of the total germ cell population were labelled for CXCR7, whereas in the adult, 4.7% ± 2.7% were positive for CXCR7. CXCL12 mRNA was detectable in all developmental stages in marmosets. The CXCL12 protein was exclusively localized to Sertoli cells. This pattern of CXCL12/CXCR7 indicates their involvement in regulatory processes that possibly orchestrate the interaction between undifferentiated germ cells and Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Westernströer
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, CeRA, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweizer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149, Münster, Germany
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Westernströer B, Terwort N, Ehmcke J, Wistuba J, Schlatt S, Neuhaus N. Profiling of Cxcl12 receptors, Cxcr4 and Cxcr7 in murine testis development and a spermatogenic depletion model indicates a role for Cxcr7 in controlling Cxcl12 activity. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112598. [PMID: 25460567 PMCID: PMC4251904 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In mice the chemokine Cxcl12 and its receptor Cxcr4 participate in maintenance of the spermatogonial population during postnatal development. More complexity arises since Cxcl12 also binds to the non-classical/atypical chemokine receptor Cxcr7. We explored the expression pattern of Cxcl12, Cxcr4 and Cxcr7 during postnatal development in mouse testes and investigated the response of Cxcl12, Cxcr4, Cxcr7 and SSC-niche associated factors to busulfan-induced germ cell depletion and subsequent recovery by RNA expression analysis and localization of the proteins. In neonatal testes transcript levels of Cxcl12, Cxcr4 and Cxcr7 were relatively low and protein expression of Cxcr7 was restricted to gonocytes and spermatogonia. During development, RNA expression of Cxcl12 remained stable but that of Cxcr4 and Cxcr7 increased. Cxcr7 was expressed in germ cells located at the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules. In adult testes, transcript levels of Cxcl12 were highest while the localization of Cxcr7 did not change. Following germ cell depletion, a significantly increased expression of Cxcl12 and a decreased expression of Cxcr7 were observed. Germ cells repopulating the seminiferous tubules were immunopositive for Cxcr7. We conclude that Cxcr7 expression to be restricted to premeiotic germ cells throughout postnatal testicular development and during testicular recovery. Hence, the spermatogonial population may not only be simply controlled by interaction of Cxcl12 with Cxcr4 but may also involve Cxcr7 as an important player.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Westernströer
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Nicole Terwort
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Jens Ehmcke
- Central Animal Facility of the Medical Faculty, University Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University Muenster, Muenster, Germany
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Langenstroth D, Kossack N, Westernströer B, Wistuba J, Behr R, Gromoll J, Schlatt S. Separation of somatic and germ cells is required to establish primate spermatogonial cultures. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:2018-31. [PMID: 24963164 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can primate spermatogonial cultures be optimized by application of separation steps and well defined culture conditions? SUMMARY ANSWER We identified the cell fraction which provides the best source for primate spermatogonia when prolonged culture is desired. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Man and marmoset show similar characteristics in regard to germ cell development and function. Several protocols for isolation and culture of human testis-derived germline stem cells have been described. Subsequent analysis revealed doubts on the germline origin of these cells and characterized them as mesenchymal stem cells or fibroblasts. Studies using marmosets as preclinical model confirmed that the published isolation protocols did not lead to propagation of germline cells. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Testicular cells derived from nine adult marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) were cultured for 1, 3, 6 and 11 days and consecutively analyzed for the presence of spermatogonia, differentiating germ cells and testicular somatic cells. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Testicular tissue of nine adult marmoset monkeys was enzymatically dissociated and subjected to two different cell culture approaches. In the first approach all cells were kept in the same dish (non-separate culture, n = 5). In the second approach the supernatant cells were transferred into a new dish 24 h after seeding and subsequently supernatant and attached cells were cultured separately (separate culture, n = 4). Real-time quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the expression of reliable germ cell and somatic markers throughout the culture period. Germ cell transplantation assays and subsequent wholemount analyses were performed to functionally evaluate the colonization of spermatogonial cells. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE This is the first report revealing an efficient isolation and culture of putative marmoset spermatogonial stem cells with colonization ability. Our results indicate that a separation of spermatogonia from testicular somatic cells is a crucial step during cell preparation. We identified the overgrowth of more rapidly expanding somatic cells to be a major problem when establishing spermatogonial cultures. Initiating germ cell cultures from the supernatant and maintaining germ cells in suspension cultures minimized the somatic cell contamination and provided enriched germ cell fractions which displayed after 11 days of culture a significantly higher expression of germ cell markers genes (DDX-4, MAGE A-4; P < 0.05) compared with separately cultured attached cells. Additionally, germ cell transplantation experiments demonstrated a significantly higher absolute number of cells with colonization ability (P < 0.001) in supernatant cells after 11 days of separate culture. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study presents a relevant aspect for the successful setup of spermatogonial cultures but provides limited data regarding the question of whether the long-term maintenance of spermatogonia can be achieved. Transfer of these preclinical data to man may require modifications of the protocol. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Spermatogonial cultures from rodents have become important and innovative tools for basic and applied research in reproductive biology and veterinary medicine. It is expected that spermatogonia-based strategies will be transformed into clinical applications for the treatment of male infertility. Our data in the marmoset monkey may be highly relevant to establish spermatogonial cultures of human testes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS Funding was provided by the DFG-Research Unit FOR 1041 Germ Cell Potential (SCHL394/11-2) and by the Graduate Program Cell Dynamics and Disease (CEDAD) together with the International Max Planck Research School - Molecular Biomedicine (IMPRS-MBM). The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Langenstroth
- Institute of Reproduction and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Kossack
- Institute of Reproduction and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Birgit Westernströer
- Institute of Reproduction and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Institute of Reproduction and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- Stem Cell Biology Unit, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Gromoll
- Institute of Reproduction and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Institute of Reproduction and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Nettersheim D, Westernströer B, Haas N, Leinhaas A, Brüstle O, Schlatt S, Schorle H. Establishment of a versatile seminoma model indicates cellular plasticity of germ cell tumor cells. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2012; 51:717-26. [PMID: 22489004 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.21958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2012] [Revised: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 03/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In western countries, 60% of all malignancies diagnosed in men between 17-45 years of age are germ cell tumors (GCT). GCT arise from the common precursor lesion carcinoma in situ, which transforms within an average of 9 years into invasive Type-II GCTs. Seminomas are considered to be the default developmental pathway of carcinoma in situ cells and the seminoma-like cell line TCam-2 has been used to study seminoma biology in vitro. However, the generation of an animal model, which would allow for the in vivo analysis of seminoma formation, remained elusive. We applied transplantation approaches using TCam-2 cell transfer into ectopic (skin, brain) and orthopic (testis) sites of immunodeficient mice. We demonstrate that a transplantation into the seminiferous tubules results in formation of a carcinoma in situ/seminoma. In contrast, TCam-2 cells adopt an embryonal carcinoma-like fate when grafted to the flank or corpus striatum and display downregulation of the seminoma marker SOX17 and upregulation of the embryonal carcinoma markers SOX2 and CD30. Grafted TCam-2 cells reduce AKT-, ERK-, EphA3-, and Tie2/TEK-signaling to levels comparable to embryonal carcinoma cells. Hence, TCam-2 cell transplantation into the testis generated a carcinoma in situ/seminoma mouse model, which enables addressing the biology of these tumors in vivo. The fact that TCam-2 cells give rise to a carcinoma in situ/seminoma or embryonal carcinoma in a transplantation site specific manner implies that conversion of carcinoma in situ/seminoma to an embryonal carcinoma does not require additional genetic aberrations but relies on signals from the tumor-microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn, Medical School, Bonn, Germany
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Mota PC, Ehmcke J, Westernströer B, Gassei K, Ramalho-Santos J, Schlatt S. Effects of different storage protocols on cat testis tissue potential for xenografting and recovery of spermatogenesis. Theriogenology 2011; 77:299-310. [PMID: 21958640 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2011] [Revised: 07/12/2011] [Accepted: 07/30/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The loss of genetic diversity due to premature death of valuable individuals is a significant problem in animal conservation programs, including endangered felids. Testis tissue xenografting has emerged as a system to obtain spermatozoa from dead immature animals, however protocols to store this tissue before xenografting are still lacking. This study focused on testis tissue cryopreservation and storage from the domestic cat (Felis catus) classified as "pre-pubertal" and "pubertal" according to spermatogenesis development. Grafts from testis tissue cryopreserved with DMSO 1.4M, recovered after 10 weeks xenografting, presented seminiferous tubules with no germ cells. On the contrary, testis tissue from pre-pubertal animals preserved in ice-cold medium for 2 to 5 days presented no loss of viability or spermatogenic potential, while the number of grafts of pubertal cat testis tissue with germ cells after 10 weeks of xenografting decreased with increasing storage time. Nevertheless, even grafts from pre-pubertal cat testis tissue presented lower anti-DDX4 and anti-BOULE staining (proteins necessary for the meiosis completion), when compared with adult cat testis. Finally, a strong correlation found between testis weight and xenograft outcome may help choose good candidates for xenografting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula C Mota
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Adiga SK, Ehmcke J, Schlatt S, Kliesch S, Westernströer B, Luetjens CM, Wistuba J, Gromoll J. Reduced expression of DNMT3B in the germ cells of patients with bilateral spermatogenic arrest does not lead to changes in the global methylation status. Mol Hum Reprod 2011; 17:545-9. [PMID: 21482616 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gar023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation events during spermatogenesis have important implications for gamete integrity and transmission of epigenetic information to the next generation. However, the role of DNA methyltransferases in the disorders of human spermatogenesis has not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of DNMT3B, crucial for full germ cell methylation, in testicular germ cells of patients with spermatogenic arrest and to determine whether or not there is an association with the global methylation status. In order to determine the DNMTs expression status at various stages of spermatogenesis, immunohistochemical localization was performed on 16 fertile controls having normal spermatogenesis and 11 patients with bilateral spermatogenic arrest. DNMT3B was expressed in most of the germ cell types in both controls and patients with bilateral spermatogenic arrest. The number of DNMT3B positive preleptotene/zygotene cells and pachytene spermatocytes was significantly lower in patients with bilateral arrest. However, evaluation of 5-methylcytosine, a global methylation marker, in the few matured germ cells of these patients did not reveal altered methylation. In conclusion, the global methylation status of germ cells is not affected by spermatogenic defects in spite of aberrant DNMT3B expression indicating the necessity of proper methylation for full spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Adiga
- Clinical Embryology, Division of Reproductive Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal 576 104, India
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Ehmcke J, Gassei K, Westernströer B, Schlatt S. Immature rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) testis xenografts show increased growth, but not enhanced seminiferous differentiation, under human chorionic gonadotropin treatment of nude mouse recipients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 34:e459-67. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01179.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is involved in both the regulation of growth of the developing testis and in controlling spermatogenic and steroidogenic activity in the adult testis. Here, we develop a novel testicular xenografting model to examine to which degree testicular growth and function are controlled by intra- and extratesticular factors. Two or eight halves of neonatal Djungarian hamster testes were implanted into intact, hemicastrated, or castrated nude mouse recipients, and the development of the grafts under reduced or increased competition of testicular tissue was monitored and analyzed. We hypothesized that the outgrowth of the testicular grafts is influenced by the total amount of testicular tissue present in a host and that less testicular tissue in a host would result in more extended outgrowth of the grafts. Our results reveal that the hypothesis is wrong, because implanted hamster testis tissue irrespectively of the grafting condition grows to a similar size revealing an intrinsic mechanism for testicular growth. In contrast, similar size of seminal vesicle as bio-indicator of androgen levels in all hosts revealed that the steroidogenic activity is independent from the mass of testicular tissue and that steroid levels are extrinsically regulated by the recipient's HPG axis. We propose that the model of testicular xenografting provides highly valuable options to explore testicular growth and endocrine regulation of the HPG axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Muenster, Germany
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Schlatt S, Westernströer B, Gassei K, Ehmcke J. Donor-host involvement in immature rat testis xenografting into nude mouse hosts. Biol Reprod 2010; 82:888-95. [PMID: 20107205 PMCID: PMC2857632 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.082073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 10/21/2009] [Revised: 11/10/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Immature testicular tissue of a wide variety of mammalian species continues growth and maturation when ectopically grafted under the dorsal skin of adult nude mouse recipients. Tissues from most donor species fully mature, exhibiting complete spermatogenesis within months. The connection to the recipient's vascular system is mandatory for graft development, and failure of vascularization leads to necrosis in the grafted tissue. In the present study, we analyze to what extent 1) the xenografted immature donor tissue and 2) the recipient's cells and tissues contribute to the functional recovery of a "testicular xenograft." We address whether recipient cells migrate into the testicular parenchyma and whether the circulatory connection between the donor testicular tissue and the recipient is established by ingrowing host or outgrowing donor blood vessels. Although this issue has been repeatedly discussed in previous xenografting studies, so far it has not been possible to unequivocally distinguish between donor and recipient tissues and thus to identify the mechanisms by which the circulatory connection is established. To facilitate the distinction of donor and recipient tissues, herein we used immature green fluorescent protein-positive rat testes as donor tissues and adult nude mice as graft recipients. At the time of graft recovery, donor tissues could be easily identified by the GFP expression in these tissues, allowing us to distinguish donor- and recipient-derived blood vessels. We conclude that the circulatory connection between graft and host is established by a combination of outgrowing small capillaries from the donor tissue and formation of larger vessels by the host, which connect the graft to subcutaneous blood vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Münster, Germany
- Center for Research in Reproductive Physiology, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Birgit Westernströer
- Center for Research in Reproductive Physiology, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kathrin Gassei
- Center for Research in Reproductive Physiology, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jens Ehmcke
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Münster, Germany
- Center for Research in Reproductive Physiology, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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