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Stendahl AM, Sanghvi R, Peterson S, Ray K, Lima AC, Rahbari R, Conrad DF. A naturally occurring variant of MBD4 causes maternal germline hypermutation in primates. Genome Res 2023; 33:gr.277977.123. [PMID: 37984997 PMCID: PMC10760519 DOI: 10.1101/gr.277977.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
As part of an ongoing genome sequencing project at the Oregon National Primate Research Center, we identified a rhesus macaque with a rare homozygous frameshift mutation in the gene methyl-CpG binding domain 4, DNA glycosylase (MBD4). MBD4 is responsible for the repair of C > T deamination mutations at CpG dinucleotides and has been linked to somatic hypermutation and cancer predisposition in humans. We show here that MBD4-associated hypermutation also affects the germline: The six offspring of the MBD4-null dam have a fourfold to sixfold increase in de novo mutation burden. This excess burden was predominantly C > T mutations at CpG dinucleotides consistent with MBD4 loss of function in the dam. There was also a significant excess of C > T at CpA sites, indicating an important, unappreciated role for MBD4 to repair deamination in CpA contexts. The MBD4-null dam developed sustained eosinophilia later in life, but we saw no other signs of neoplastic processes associated with MBD4 loss of function in humans nor any obvious disease in the hypermutated offspring. This work provides the first evidence for a genetic factor causing hypermutation in the maternal germline of a mammal and adds to the very small list of naturally occurring variants known to modulate germline mutation rates in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Stendahl
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon 97006, USA
| | - Rashesh Sanghvi
- Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation (CASM), Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel Peterson
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon 97006, USA
| | - Karina Ray
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon 97006, USA
| | - Ana C Lima
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon 97006, USA
| | - Raheleh Rahbari
- Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation (CASM), Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Donald F Conrad
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon 97006, USA;
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2
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Ruebel ML, Borengasser SJ, Zhong Y, Kang P, Faske J, Shankar K. Maternal Exercise Prior to and during Gestation Induces Sex-Specific Alterations in the Mouse Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16441. [PMID: 38003633 PMCID: PMC10671464 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
While exercise (EX) during pregnancy is beneficial for both mother and child, little is known about the mechanisms by which maternal exercise mediates changes in utero. Six-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were divided into two groups: with (exercise, EX; N = 7) or without (sedentary, SED; N = 8) access to voluntary running wheels. EX was provided via 24 h access to wheels for 10 weeks prior to conception until late pregnancy (18.5 days post coitum). Sex-stratified placentas and fetal livers were collected. Microarray analysis of SED and EX placentas revealed that EX affected gene transcript expression of 283 and 661 transcripts in male and female placentas, respectively (±1.4-fold, p < 0.05). Gene Set Enrichment and Ingenuity Pathway Analyses of male placentas showed that EX led to inhibition of signaling pathways, biological functions, and down-regulation of transcripts related to lipid and steroid metabolism, while EX in female placentas led to activation of pathways, biological functions, and gene expression related to muscle growth, brain, vascular development, and growth factors. Overall, our results suggest that the effects of maternal EX on the placenta and presumably on the offspring are sexually dimorphic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan L. Ruebel
- Microbiome and Metabolism Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Southeast Area, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA;
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA; (Y.Z.); (J.F.)
| | - Sarah J. Borengasser
- Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics—Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Ying Zhong
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA; (Y.Z.); (J.F.)
| | - Ping Kang
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA; (Y.Z.); (J.F.)
| | - Jennifer Faske
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA; (Y.Z.); (J.F.)
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Kartik Shankar
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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3
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Luo SS, Zhu H, Huang HF, Ding GL. Sex differences in glycolipidic disorders after exposure to maternal hyperglycemia during early development. J Endocrinol Invest 2023:10.1007/s40618-023-02069-5. [PMID: 36976483 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02069-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this review was to summarize sex differences in glycolipid metabolic phenotypes of human and animal models after exposure to maternal hyperglycemia and overview the underlying mechanisms, providing a new perspective on the maternal hyperglycemia-triggered risk of glycolipidic disorders in offspring. METHODS A comprehensive literature search within PubMed was performed. Selected publications related to studies on offspring exposed to maternal hyperglycemia investigating the sex differences of glycolipid metabolism were reviewed. RESULTS Maternal hyperglycemia increases the risk of glycolipid metabolic disorders in offspring, such as obesity, glucose intolerance and diabetes. Whether with or without intervention, metabolic phenotypes have been shown to exhibit sex differences between male and female offspring in response to maternal hyperglycemia, which may be related to gonadal hormones, organic intrinsic differences, placenta, and epigenetic modifications. CONCLUSION Sex may play a role in the different incidences and pathogenesis of abnormal glycolipid metabolism. More studies investigating both sexes are needed to understand how and why environmental conditions in early life affect long-term health between male and female individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S-S Luo
- School of Medicine, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - H Zhu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - H-F Huang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - G-L Ding
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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Sae-Lee C, Barrow TM, Colicino E, Choi SH, Rabanal-Ruiz Y, Green D, Korolchuk VI, Mathers JC, Byun HM. Genomic targets and selective inhibition of DNA methyltransferase isoforms. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:103. [PMID: 35987848 PMCID: PMC9392947 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01325-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background DNA methylation in the human genome is established and maintained by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). DNMT isoforms show differential expression by cell lineage and during development, but much remains to be elucidated about their shared and unique genomic targets. Results We examined changes in the epigenome following overexpression of 13 DNMT isoforms in HEK293T cells. We observed increased methylation (Δβ > 0.2) at 43,405 CpG sites, with expression of DNMT3A2, DNMTΔ3B4 and DNMTΔ3B2 associated with the greatest impact. De novo methylation occurred primarily within open sea regions and at loci with intermediate methylation levels (β: 0.2–0.6). 53% of differentially methylated loci showed specificity towards a single DNMT subfamily, primarily DNMTΔ3B and DNMT3A and 39% towards a single isoform. These loci were significantly enriched for pathways related to neuronal development (DNMTΔ3B4), calcium homeostasis (DNMTΔ3B3) and ion transport (DNMT3L). Repetitive elements did not display differential sensitivity to overexpressed DNMTs, but hypermethylation of Alu elements was associated with their evolutionary age following overexpression of DNMT3A2, DNMT3B1, DNMT3B2 and DNMT3L. Differential methylation (Δβ > 0.1) was observed at 121 of the 353 loci associated with the Horvath ‘epigenetic clock’ model of ageing, with 51 showing isoform specificity, and was associated with reduction of epigenetic age by 5–15 years following overexpression of seven isoforms. Finally, we demonstrate the potential for dietary constituents to modify epigenetic marks through isoform-specific inhibition of methylation activity. Conclusions Our results provide insight into regions of the genome methylated uniquely by specific DNMT isoforms and demonstrate the potential for dietary intervention to modify the epigenome. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-022-01325-4.
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Smith KLM, Swiderska A, Lock MC, Graham L, Iswari W, Choudhary T, Thomas D, Kowash HM, Desforges M, Cottrell EC, Trafford AW, Giussani DA, Galli GLJ. Chronic developmental hypoxia alters mitochondrial oxidative capacity and reactive oxygen species production in the fetal rat heart in a sex-dependent manner. J Pineal Res 2022; 73:e12821. [PMID: 35941749 PMCID: PMC9540814 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Insufficient oxygen supply (hypoxia) during fetal development leads to cardiac remodeling and a predisposition to cardiovascular disease in later life. Previous work has shown hypoxia causes oxidative stress in the fetal heart and alters the activity and expression of mitochondrial proteins in a sex-dependent manner. However, the functional effects of these modifications on mitochondrial respiration remain unknown. Furthermore, while maternal antioxidant treatments are emerging as a promising new strategy to protect the hypoxic fetus, whether these treatments convey similar protection to cardiac mitochondria in the male or female fetus has not been investigated. Therefore, using an established rat model, we measured the sex-dependent effects of gestational hypoxia and maternal melatonin treatment on fetal cardiac mitochondrial respiration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and lipid peroxidation. Pregnant Wistar rats were subjected to normoxia or hypoxia (13% oxygen) during gestational days (GDs) 6-20 (term ~22 days) with or without melatonin treatment (5 µg/ml in maternal drinking water). On GD 20, mitochondrial aerobic respiration and H2 O2 production were measured in fetal heart tissue, together with lipid peroxidation and citrate synthase (CS) activity. Gestational hypoxia reduced maternal body weight gain (p < .01) and increased placental weight (p < .05) but had no effect on fetal weight or litter size. Cardiac mitochondria from male but not female fetuses of hypoxic pregnancy had reduced respiratory capacity at Complex II (CII) (p < .05), and an increase in H2 O2 production/O2 consumption (p < .05) without any changes in lipid peroxidation. CS activity was also unchanged in both sexes. Despite maternal melatonin treatment increasing maternal and fetal plasma melatonin concentration (p < .001), melatonin treatment had no effect on any of the mitochondrial parameters investigated. To conclude, we show that gestational hypoxia leads to ROS generation from the mitochondrial electron transport chain and affects fetal cardiac mitochondrial respiration in a sex-dependent manner. We also show that maternal melatonin treatment had no effect on these relationships, which has implications for the development of future therapies for hypoxic pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri L. M. Smith
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Agnieszka Swiderska
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Mitchell C. Lock
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Lucia Graham
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Wulan Iswari
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Tashi Choudhary
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Donna Thomas
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Hager M. Kowash
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Michelle Desforges
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Elizabeth C. Cottrell
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Andrew W. Trafford
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Dino A. Giussani
- Department of Physiology Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Gina L. J. Galli
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
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Beetch M, Alejandro EU. Placental mTOR Signaling and Sexual Dimorphism in Metabolic Health across the Lifespan of Offspring. CHILDREN 2021; 8:children8110970. [PMID: 34828683 PMCID: PMC8619510 DOI: 10.3390/children8110970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Robust evidence of fetal programming of adult disease has surfaced in the last several decades. Human and preclinical investigations of intrauterine insults report perturbations in placental nutrient sensing by the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). This review focuses on pregnancy complications associated with placental mTOR regulation, such as fetal growth restriction (FGR), fetal overgrowth, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), maternal nutrient restriction (MNR), preeclampsia (PE), maternal smoking, and related effects on offspring birthweight. The link between mTOR-associated birthweight outcomes and offspring metabolic health trajectory with a focus on sexual dimorphism are discussed. Both human physiology and animal models are summarized to facilitate in depth understanding. GDM, PCOS and fetal overgrowth are associated with increased placental mTOR, whereas FGR, MNR and maternal smoking are linked to decreased placental mTOR activity. Generally, birth weight is reduced in complications with decreased mTOR (i.e., FGR, MNR, maternal smoking) and higher with increased mTOR (GDM, PCOS). Offspring display obesity or a higher body mass index in childhood and adulthood, impaired glucose and insulin tolerance in adulthood, and deficiencies in pancreatic beta-cell mass and function compared to offspring from uncomplicated pregnancies. Defining causal players in the fetal programming of offspring metabolic health across the lifespan will aid in stopping the vicious cycle of obesity and type II diabetes.
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Voigt AL, Kondro DA, Powell D, Valli-Pulaski H, Ungrin M, Stukenborg JB, Klein C, Lewis IA, Orwig KE, Dobrinski I. Unique metabolic phenotype and its transition during maturation of juvenile male germ cells. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21513. [PMID: 33811704 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002799r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Human male reproductive development has a prolonged prepubertal period characterized by juvenile quiescence of germ cells with immature spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) precursors (gonocytes) present in the testis for an extended period of time. The metabolism of gonocytes is not defined. We demonstrate with mitochondrial ultrastructure studies via TEM and IHC and metabolic flux studies with UHPLC-MS that a distinct metabolic transition occurs during the maturation to SSCs. The mitochondrial ultrastructure of prepubertal human spermatogonia is shared with prepubertal pig spermatogonia. The metabolism of early prepubertal porcine spermatogonia (gonocytes) is characterized by the reliance on OXPHOS fuelled by oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate. Interestingly, at the same time, a high amount of the consumed pyruvate is also reduced and excreted as lactate. With maturation, prepubertal spermatogonia show a metabolic shift with decreased OXHPOS and upregulation of the anaerobic metabolism-associated uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). This shift is accompanied with stem cell specific promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) protein expression and glial cell-derived neurotropic factor (GDNF) pathway activation. Our results demonstrate that gonocytes differently from mature spermatogonia exhibit unique metabolic demands that must be attained to enable their maintenance and growth in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Laura Voigt
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Douglas Andrew Kondro
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Diana Powell
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Hanna Valli-Pulaski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mark Ungrin
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Claudia Klein
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ian A Lewis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Rwigemera A, El Omri-Charai R, Lecante LL, Delbes G. Dynamics in the expression of epigenetic modifiers and histone modifications in perinatal rat germ cells during de novo DNA methylation†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:361-373. [PMID: 33324985 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic reprogramming during perinatal germ cell development is essential for genomic imprinting and cell differentiation; however, the actors of this key event and their dynamics are poorly understood in rats. Our study aimed to characterize the expression patterns of epigenetic modifiers and the changes in histone modifications in rat gonocytes at the time of de novo DNA methylation. Using transgenic rats expressing Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) specifically in germ cells, we purified male gonocytes by fluorescent activated cell sorting at various stages of perinatal development and established the transcriptomic profile of 165 epigenetic regulators. Using immunofluorescence on gonad sections, we tracked six histone modifications in rat male and female perinatal germ cells over time, including methylation of histone H3 on lysines 27, 9, and 4; ubiquitination of histone H2A on lysine119; and acetylation of histone H2B on lysine 20. The results revealed the dynamics in the expression of ten-eleven translocation enzymes and DNA methyltransferases in male gonocytes at the time of de novo DNA methylation. Moreover, our transcriptomic data indicate a decrease in histone ubiquitination and methylation coinciding with the beginning of de novo DNA methylation. Decreases in H2AK119Ub and H3K27me3 were further confirmed by immunofluorescence in the male germ cells but were not consistent for all H3 methylation sites examined. Together, our data highlighted transient chromatin remodeling involving histone modifications during de novo DNA methylation. Further studies addressing how these dynamic changes in histone posttranslational modifications could guide de novo DNA methylation will help explain the complex establishment of the male germ cell epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlette Rwigemera
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Laetitia L Lecante
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Geraldine Delbes
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
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Mäkelä JA, Koskenniemi JJ, Virtanen HE, Toppari J. Testis Development. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:857-905. [PMID: 30590466 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Production of sperm and androgens is the main function of the testis. This depends on normal development of both testicular somatic cells and germ cells. A genetic program initiated from the Y chromosome gene sex-determining region Y (SRY) directs somatic cell specification to Sertoli cells that orchestrate further development. They first guide fetal germ cell differentiation toward spermatogenic destiny and then take care of the full service to spermatogenic cells during spermatogenesis. The number of Sertoli cells sets the limits of sperm production. Leydig cells secrete androgens that determine masculine development. Testis development does not depend on germ cells; that is, testicular somatic cells also develop in the absence of germ cells, and the testis can produce testosterone normally to induce full masculinization in these men. In contrast, spermatogenic cell development is totally dependent on somatic cells. We herein review germ cell differentiation from primordial germ cells to spermatogonia and development of the supporting somatic cells. Testicular descent to scrota is necessary for normal spermatogenesis, and cryptorchidism is the most common male birth defect. This is a mild form of a disorder of sex differentiation. Multiple genetic reasons for more severe forms of disorders of sex differentiation have been revealed during the last decades, and these are described along with the description of molecular regulation of testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jaakko J Koskenniemi
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Helena E Virtanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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Dearden L, Bouret SG, Ozanne SE. Sex and gender differences in developmental programming of metabolism. Mol Metab 2018; 15:8-19. [PMID: 29773464 PMCID: PMC6066743 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The early life environment experienced by an individual in utero and during the neonatal period is a major factor in shaping later life disease risk-including susceptibility to develop obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The incidence of metabolic disease is different between males and females. How the early life environment may underlie these sex differences is an area of active investigation. SCOPE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to summarize our current understanding of how the early life environment influences metabolic disease risk in a sex specific manner. We also discuss the possible mechanisms responsible for mediating these sexually dimorphic effects and highlight the results of recent intervention studies in animal models. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Exposure to states of both under- and over-nutrition during early life predisposes both sexes to develop metabolic disease. Females seem particularly susceptible to develop increased adiposity and disrupted glucose homeostasis as a result of exposure to in utero undernutrition or high sugar environments, respectively. The male placenta is particularly vulnerable to damage by adverse nutritional states and this may underlie some of the metabolic phenotypes observed in adulthood. More studies investigating both sexes are needed to understand how changes to the early life environment impact differently on the long-term health of male and female individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Dearden
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Treatment Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Level 4, Box 289, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastien G Bouret
- The Saban Research Institute, Developmental Neuroscience Program & Diabetes and Obesity Program, Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA; Inserm, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center, U1172, University Lille 2, Lille, 59045, France
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Treatment Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Level 4, Box 289, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom.
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Expression of Genes Related to Germ Cell Lineage and Pluripotency in Single Cells and Colonies of Human Adult Germ Stem Cells. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2016:8582526. [PMID: 26649052 PMCID: PMC4655073 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8582526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular status of single human adult germ stem cells (haGSCs) and haGSC colonies, which spontaneously developed from the CD49f MACS and matrix- (collagen−/laminin+ binding-) selected fraction of enriched spermatogonia. Single-cell transcriptional profiling by Fluidigm BioMark system of a long-term cultured haGSCs cluster in comparison to human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human fibroblasts (hFibs) revealed that haGSCs showed a characteristic germ- and pluripotency-associated gene expression profile with some similarities to hESCs and with a significant distinction from somatic hFibs. Genome-wide comparisons with microarray analysis confirmed that different haGSC colonies exhibited gene expression heterogeneity with more or less pluripotency. The results of this study confirm that haGSCs are adult stem cells with a specific molecular gene expression profile in vitro, related but not identical to true pluripotent stem cells. Under ES-cell conditions haGSC colonies could be selected and maintained in a partial pluripotent state at the molecular level, which may be related to their cell plasticity and potential to differentiate into cells of all germ layers.
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Manku G, Culty M. Mammalian gonocyte and spermatogonia differentiation: recent advances and remaining challenges. Reproduction 2015; 149:R139-57. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The production of spermatozoa relies on a pool of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), formed in infancy from the differentiation of their precursor cells, the gonocytes. Throughout adult life, SSCs will either self-renew or differentiate, in order to maintain a stem cell reserve while providing cells to the spermatogenic cycle. By contrast, gonocytes represent a transient and finite phase of development leading to the formation of SSCs or spermatogonia of the first spermatogenic wave. Gonocyte development involves phases of quiescence, cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Spermatogonia, on the other hand, remain located at the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules throughout their successive phases of proliferation and differentiation. Apoptosis is an integral part of both developmental phases, allowing for the removal of defective cells and the maintenance of proper germ–Sertoli cell ratios. While gonocytes and spermatogonia mitosis are regulated by distinct factors, they both undergo differentiation in response to retinoic acid. In contrast to postpubertal spermatogenesis, the early steps of germ cell development have only recently attracted attention, unveiling genes and pathways regulating SSC self-renewal and proliferation. Yet, less is known on the mechanisms regulating differentiation. The processes leading from gonocytes to spermatogonia have been seldom investigated. While the formation of abnormal gonocytes or SSCs could lead to infertility, defective gonocyte differentiation might be at the origin of testicular germ cell tumors. Thus, it is important to better understand the molecular mechanisms regulating these processes. This review summarizes and compares the present knowledge on the mechanisms regulating mammalian gonocyte and spermatogonial differentiation.
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Filges I, Manokhina I, Peñaherrera MS, McFadden DE, Louie K, Nosova E, Friedman JM, Robinson WP. Recurrent triploidy due to a failure to complete maternal meiosis II: whole-exome sequencing reveals candidate variants. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 21:339-46. [PMID: 25504873 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Triploidy is a relatively common cause of miscarriage; however, recurrent triploidy has rarely been reported. A healthy 34-year-old woman was ascertained because of 18 consecutive miscarriages with triploidy found in all 5 karyotyped losses. Molecular results in a sixth loss were also consistent with triploidy. Genotyping of markers near the centromere on multiple chromosomes suggested that all six triploid conceptuses occurred as a result of failure to complete meiosis II (MII). The proband's mother had also experienced recurrent miscarriage, with a total of 18 miscarriages. Based on the hypothesis that an inherited autosomal-dominant maternal predisposition would explain the phenotype, whole-exome sequencing of the proband and her parents was undertaken to identify potential candidate variants. After filtering for quality and rarity, potentially damaging variants shared between the proband and her mother were identified in 47 genes. Variants in genes coding for proteins implicated in oocyte maturation, oocyte activation or polar body extrusion were then prioritized. Eight of the most promising candidate variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. These included a novel change in the PLCD4 gene, and a rare variant in the OSBPL5 gene, which have been implicated in oocyte activation upon fertilization and completion of MII. Several variants in genes coding proteins playing a role in oocyte maturation and early embryonic development were also identified. The genes identified may be candidates for the study in other women experiencing recurrent triploidy or recurrent IVF failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Filges
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3 Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4H4 Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - I Manokhina
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3 Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4H4
| | - M S Peñaherrera
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3 Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4H4
| | - D E McFadden
- Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4H4 Department of Pathology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 2B5
| | - K Louie
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3 Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4H4
| | - E Nosova
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4H4 Centre for Applied Neurogenetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - J M Friedman
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3 Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4H4
| | - W P Robinson
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3 Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4H4
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Kim KH, Lee KA. Maternal effect genes: Findings and effects on mouse embryo development. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2014; 41:47-61. [PMID: 25045628 PMCID: PMC4102690 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2014.41.2.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Stored maternal factors in oocytes regulate oocyte differentiation into embryos during early embryonic development. Before zygotic gene activation (ZGA), these early embryos are mainly dependent on maternal factors for survival, such as macromolecules and subcellular organelles in oocytes. The genes encoding these essential maternal products are referred to as maternal effect genes (MEGs). MEGs accumulate maternal factors during oogenesis and enable ZGA, progression of early embryo development, and the initial establishment of embryonic cell lineages. Disruption of MEGs results in defective embryogenesis. Despite their important functions, only a few mammalian MEGs have been identified. In this review we summarize the roles of known MEGs in mouse fertility, with a particular emphasis on oocytes and early embryonic development. An increased knowledge of the working mechanism of MEGs could ultimately provide a means to regulate oocyte maturation and subsequent early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeoung-Hwa Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung-Ah Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
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Niles KM, Yeh JR, Chan D, Landry M, Nagano MC, Trasler JM. Haploinsufficiency of the paternal-effect gene Dnmt3L results in transient DNA hypomethylation in progenitor cells of the male germline. Hum Reprod 2012; 28:519-30. [PMID: 23159436 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How does haploinsufficiency of the paternal-effect gene Dnmt3L affect DNA methylation establishment and stability in the male germline? SUMMARY ANSWER Reduced expression of DNMT3L in male germ cells, associated with haploinsufficiency of the paternal-effect gene Dnmt3L, results in abnormal hypomethylation of prenatal germline progenitor cells. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The DNA methyltransferase regulator Dnmt3-Like (Dnmt3L) is a paternal-effect gene required for DNA methylation acquisition in male germline stem cells and their precursors. In males, DNMT3L deficiency causes meiotic abnormalities and infertility. While Dnmt3L heterozygous males are fertile, they have abnormalities in X chromosome compaction and postmeiotic gene expression and sire offspring with sex chromosome aneuploidy. It has been proposed that the paternal effects of Dnmt3L haploinsufficiency are due to epigenetic defects in early male germ cells. DNA methylation is an essential epigenetic modification essential for normal germ cell development. Since patterns of DNA methylation across the genome are initially acquired in prenatal male germ cells, perturbations in methylation could contribute to the epigenetic basis of the paternal effects in Dnmt3L(+/-) males. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a cross-sectional study of DNA methylation in Dnmt3L(+/+) versus Dnmt3L(+/-) male germ cells collected from mice at 16.5 days post-coitum (dpc), Day 6 and Day 70 (n = 3 per genotype, each n represents a pool of 2-20 animals). Additionally, DNA methylation was compared in enriched populations of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC)/progenitor cells from Dnmt3L(+/+) and Dnmt3L(+/-) males following ≈ 2 months in culture. MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS DNA methylation at intergenic loci along chromosomes 9 and X was examined by quantitative analysis of DNA methylation by real-time polymerase chain reaction at the time of initial acquisition of epigenetic patterns in the prenatal male germline (16.5 dpc) and compared with patterns in early post-natal spermatogonia (Day 6) and in spermatozoa in mice. DNA methylation status at CpG-rich sites across the genome was assessed in spermatogonial precursors from Day 4 male mice using restriction landmark genomic scanning. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE At 16.5 dpc, 42% of intergenic loci examined along chromosome 9 and 10% of those along chromosome X were hypomethylated in Dnmt3L heterozygotes. By Day 6 and in spermatozoa, germ cell DNA methylation was similar in heterozygous and wild-type mice. DNA methylation stability of acquired patterns in wild-type and Dnmt3L(+/-) SSC/progenitor cell culture was analyzed at numerous loci across the genome in cells cultured in vitro and collected at passages 6-28. While the methylation of most loci was stable in culture over time, differences at ≈ 1% of sites were found between Dnmt3L(+/-) and Dnmt3L(+/+) cultures. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Evaluation of DNA methylation in SSCs can only be performed after a period of culture limiting the investigation to changes observed during culture when compared with DNA methylation differences between genotypes that could be present at the beginning of culture establishment. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The DNA methylation defects described here in prenatal male germline progenitor cells and SSC culture are the earliest epigenetic perturbations yet identified for a mammalian paternal-effect gene and may influence downstream epigenetic events in germ cells at later stages of development. Together, the results provide evidence of a 'window' of susceptibility in prenatal male germ cell precursors for the induction of epimutations due to genetic perturbations and, potentially, in utero environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Niles
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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Menger Y, Bettscheider M, Murgatroyd C, Spengler D. Sex differences in brain epigenetics. Epigenomics 2012; 2:807-21. [PMID: 22122084 DOI: 10.2217/epi.10.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual differentiation of the brain takes place during a perinatal-sensitive time window as a result of gonadal hormone-induced activational and organizational effects on neuronal substrates. Increasing evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms can contribute to the establishment and maintenance of some aspects of these processes, and that these epigenetic mechanisms may themselves be under the control of sex hormones. Epigenetic programming of neuroendocrine and behavioral phenotypes frequently occurs sex specifically, pointing to sex differences in brain epigenetics as a possible determinant. Understanding how sex-specific epigenomes and sex-biased responses to environmental cues contribute to the development of brain diseases might provide new insights for epigenetic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Menger
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstrasse 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
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Nikoloski G, van der Reijden BA, Jansen JH. Mutations in epigenetic regulators in myelodysplastic syndromes. Int J Hematol 2012; 95:8-16. [PMID: 22234528 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-011-0996-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2011] [Accepted: 12/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Haidle L, Janssen JE, Gharbi K, Moghadam HK, Ferguson MM, Danzmann RG. Determination of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for early maturation in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2008; 10:579-92. [PMID: 18491191 PMCID: PMC2516301 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-008-9098-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2008] [Revised: 03/06/2008] [Accepted: 03/12/2008] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing early maturation (EM) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), a genome scan was performed using 100 microsatellite loci across 29 linkage groups. Six inter-strain paternal half-sib families using three inter-strain F(1) brothers (approximately 50 progeny in each family) derived from two strains that differ in the propensity for EM were used in the study. Alleles derived from both parental sources were observed to contribute to the expression of EM in the progeny of the brothers. Four genome-wide significant QTL regions (i.e., RT-8, -17, -24, and -30) were observed. EM QTL detected on RT-8 and -24 demonstrated significant and suggestive QTL effects in both male and female progeny. Furthermore, within both male and female full-sib groupings, QTL on RT-8 and -24 were detected in two or more of the five parents used. Significant genome-wide and several strong chromosome-wide QTL for EM localized to different regions in males and females, suggesting some sex-specific control. Namely, QTL detected on RT-13, -15, -21, and -30 were associated with EM only in females, and those on RT-3, -17, and -19 were associated with EM only in males. Within the QTL regions identified, a comparison of syntenic EST markers from the rainbow trout linkage map with the zebrafish (Danio rerio) genome identified several putative candidate genes that may influence EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Haidle
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON Canada N1G 2W1
| | - Jennifer E. Janssen
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON Canada N1G 2W1
| | - Karim Gharbi
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON Canada N1G 2W1
- Present Address: Institute of Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK G61 1QH
| | - Hooman K. Moghadam
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON Canada N1G 2W1
| | - Moira M. Ferguson
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON Canada N1G 2W1
| | - Roy G. Danzmann
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON Canada N1G 2W1
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Patra SK, Patra A, Rizzi F, Ghosh TC, Bettuzzi S. Demethylation of (Cytosine-5-C-methyl) DNA and regulation of transcription in the epigenetic pathways of cancer development. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2008; 27:315-34. [DOI: 10.1007/s10555-008-9118-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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