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Kumar L, Solanki S, Jain A, Botts M, Gupta R, Rajput S, Roti Roti E. MAPKs signaling is obligatory for male reproductive function in a development-specific manner. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 6:1330161. [PMID: 38406668 PMCID: PMC10885697 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1330161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) represent widely expressed and evolutionarily conserved proteins crucial for governing signaling pathways and playing essential roles in mammalian male reproductive processes. These proteins facilitate the transmission of signals through phosphorylation cascades, regulating diverse intracellular functions encompassing germ cell development in testis, physiological maturation of spermatozoa within the epididymis, and motility regulation at ejaculation in the female reproductive tract. The conservation of these mechanisms appears prevalent across species, including humans, mice, and, to a limited extent, livestock species such as bovines. In Sertoli cells (SCs), MAPK signaling not only regulates the proliferation of immature SCs but also determines the appropriate number of SCs in the testes at puberty, thereby maintaining male fertility by ensuring the capacity for sperm cell production. In germ cells, MAPKs play a crucial role in dynamically regulating testicular cell-cell junctions, supporting germ cell proliferation and differentiation. Throughout spermatogenesis, MAPK signaling ensures the appropriate Sertoli-to-germ cell ratio by regulating apoptosis, controlling the metabolism of developing germ cells, and facilitating the maturation of spermatozoa within the cauda epididymis. During ejaculation in the female reproductive tract, MAPKs regulate two pivotal events-capacitation and the acrosome reaction essential for maintaining the fertility potential of sperm cells. Any disruptions in MAPK pathway signaling possibly may disturb the testicular microenvironment homeostasis, sperm physiology in the male body before ejaculation and in the female reproductive tract during fertilization, ultimately compromising male fertility. Despite decades of research, the physiological function of MAPK pathways in male reproductive health remains inadequately understood. The current review attempts to combine recent findings to elucidate the impact of MAPK signaling on male fertility and proposes future directions to enhance our understanding of male reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokesh Kumar
- Genus Breeding India Pvt Ltd., Pune, India
- GenusPlc, ABS Global, Windsor, WI, United States
| | - Subhash Solanki
- Genus Breeding India Pvt Ltd., Pune, India
- GenusPlc, ABS Global, Windsor, WI, United States
| | - Ashish Jain
- Department of Microbiology, Smt. CHM College, University of Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, India
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Tripathi S, Maurya S, Singh A. Adropin may promote insulin stimulated steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in adult mice testes. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 341:86-98. [PMID: 37902254 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Adropin is a versatile peptide which was discovered as a novel metabolic hormone that is involved in the regulation of lipid and glucose homeostasis. However, its possible role in the testicular function is not yet understood. The aim of our study was to explore the distribution pattern of adropin and GPR19 in various cell types and its possible role in testicular functions of adult mice. Immunohistochemical study revealed the intense immunoreactivity of adropin in the Leydig cells, while GPR19 showed intense immunoreactivity in the pachytene spermatocytes and mild immunoreactivity in Leydig cells and primary as well as secondary spermatocytes in mouse testis. Enho mRNA was also found to be expressed in the mouse testis. These findings suggested that adropin-GPR19 signaling may act in autocrine/paracrine manner to modulate testicular functions. Furthermore, to find out the direct role of adropin in the testicular function, in vitro study was performed in which testicular slices were cultured with adropin alone (10 and 100 ng/mL) and in combination with insulin (5 μg/mL). Adropin alone inhibited testicular testosterone synthesis by inhibiting the expression of P450-SCC, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD while along with insulin stimulated the testicular testosterone synthesis by increasing the expression of GPR19, IR, StAR, P450-SCC, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD. Adropin alone or in combination with insulin promoted germ cell survival and proliferation by upregulating the expression of PCNA, Bcl2, and pERK1/2. Thus, it can be concluded that adropin-GPR19 signaling promotes insulin stimulated steroidogenesis and germ cell survival as well as proliferation in the mice testes in an autocrine/paracrine manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashank Tripathi
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Shweta Maurya
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Ajit Singh
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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3
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Zhang P, Jing K, Tian Y, Li Y, Chai Z, Cai X. Additional glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in vitro promotes the proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonia from sterile cattleyak. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 260:107385. [PMID: 38056175 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Cattleyak is a typically male sterile species. The meiosis process is blocked and the scarcity of spermatogenic stems cells are both contributing factors to the inability of male cattleyak to produce sperm. While Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is the first discovered growth factor known to promote the proliferation and self-renewal of spermatogenic stem cells, its relationship to the spermatogenesis arrest of cattleyak remains unclear. In this report, we studied the differential expression of GDNF in the testis of yak and cattleyak, and discussed the optimal concentration of GDNF in the culture medium of undifferentiated spermatogonia (UDSPG) of cattleyak in vitro and the effect of GDNF on the proliferation of cattleyak UDSPG. The results indicated that GDNF expression in the testicular tissue of cattleyak was inferior to that of yak. Moreover, the optimum value for the UDSPG in vitro culture was determined to be 20-30 ng/mL for cattleyak. In vitro, the proliferation activity of UDSPG was observed to increase with additional GDNF due to the up-regulation of proliferation-related genes and the down-regulation of differentiation-related genes. We hereby report that the scarcity of cattleyak UDSPG is due to insufficient expression of GDNF, and that the addition of GDNF in vitro can promote the proliferation of cattleyak UDSPG by regulating the expression of genes related to proliferation and differentiation. This work provides a new insight to solve the issue of spermatogenic arrest in cattleyak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kemin Jing
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuqian Li
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhixin Chai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Ozawa M, Mori H, Endo T, Ishikawa-Yamauchi Y, Motooka D, Emori C, Ikawa M. Age-related decline in spermatogenic activity accompanied with endothelial cell senescence in male mice. iScience 2023; 26:108456. [PMID: 38077127 PMCID: PMC10700819 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Male fertility decreases with aging, with spermatogenic decline being one of its causes. Altered testis environment is suggested as a cause of the phenotype; however, the associated mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we investigated the age-related changes in testicular somatic cells on spermatogenic activity. The number and proliferation of spermatogonia significantly reduced with aging in mice. Interestingly, senescence-associated β-galactosidase-positive cells appeared in testicular endothelial cell (EC) populations, but not in germ cell populations, with aging. Transcriptome analysis of ECs indicated that senescence occurred in the ECs of aged mice. Furthermore, the support capacity of ECs for spermatogonial proliferation significantly decreased with aging; however, the senolytic-induced removal of senescent cells from aged ECs restored their supporting capacity to a comparable level as that of young ECs. Our results suggest that the accumulation of senescent ECs in the testis is a potential factor contributing to the age-related decline in spermatogenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Ozawa
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Hideto Mori
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Endo
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yu Ishikawa-Yamauchi
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Daisuke Motooka
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Chihiro Emori
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ikawa
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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5
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Luo Y, Yamada M, N’Tumba-Byn T, Asif H, Gao M, Hu Y, Marangoni P, Liu Y, Evans T, Rafii S, Klein OD, Voss HU, Hadjantonakis AK, Elemento O, Martin LA, Seandel M. SPRY4-dependent ERK negative feedback demarcates functional adult stem cells in the male mouse germline†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:533-551. [PMID: 37552049 PMCID: PMC10577279 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad089] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Niche-derived growth factors support self-renewal of mouse spermatogonial stem and progenitor cells through ERK MAPK signaling and other pathways. At the same time, dysregulated growth factor-dependent signaling has been associated with loss of stem cell activity and aberrant differentiation. We hypothesized that growth factor signaling through the ERK MAPK pathway in spermatogonial stem cells is tightly regulated within a narrow range through distinct intracellular negative feedback regulators. Evaluation of candidate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-responsive genes known to dampen downstream signaling revealed robust induction of specific negative feedback regulators, including Spry4, in cultured mouse spermatogonial stem cells in response to glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor or fibroblast growth factor 2. Undifferentiated spermatogonia in vivo exhibited high levels of Spry4 mRNA. Quantitative single-cell analysis of ERK MAPK signaling in spermatogonial stem cell cultures revealed both dynamic signaling patterns in response to growth factors and disruption of such effects when Spry4 was ablated, due to dysregulation of ERK MAPK downstream of RAS. Whereas negative feedback regulator expression decreased during differentiation, loss of Spry4 shifted cell fate toward early differentiation with concomitant loss of stem cell activity. Finally, a mouse Spry4 reporter line revealed that the adult spermatogonial stem cell population in vivo is demarcated by strong Spry4 promoter activity. Collectively, our data suggest that negative feedback-dependent regulation of ERK MAPK is critical for preservation of spermatogonial stem cell fate within the mammalian testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyun Luo
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Makiko Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Hana Asif
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meng Gao
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pauline Marangoni
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hartman Institute for Therapeutic Organ Regeneration, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Todd Evans
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hartman Institute for Therapeutic Organ Regeneration, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ophir D Klein
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Henning U Voss
- College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura A Martin
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marco Seandel
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Patti G, Scaglione M, Maiorano NG, Rosti G, Divizia MT, Camia T, De Rose EL, Zucconi A, Casalini E, Napoli F, Di Iorgi N, Maghnie M. Abnormalities of pubertal development and gonadal function in Noonan syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1213098. [PMID: 37576960 PMCID: PMC10422880 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1213098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Noonan syndrome (NS) is a genetic multisystem disorder characterised by variable clinical manifestations including dysmorphic facial features, short stature, congenital heart disease, renal anomalies, lymphatic malformations, chest deformities, cryptorchidism in males. Methods In this narrative review, we summarized the available data on puberty and gonadal function in NS subjects and the role of the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway in fertility. In addition, we have reported our personal experience on pubertal development and vertical transmission in NS. Conclusions According to the literature and to our experience, NS patients seem to have a delay in puberty onset compared to the physiological timing reported in healthy children. Males with NS seem to be at risk of gonadal dysfunction secondary not only to cryptorchidism but also to other underlying developmental factors including the MAP/MAPK pathway and genetics. Long-term data on a large cohort of males and females with NS are needed to better understand the impact of delayed puberty on adult height, metabolic profile and well-being. The role of genetic counselling and fertility related-issues is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppa Patti
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Scaglione
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Nadia Gabriella Maiorano
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Giulia Rosti
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Divizia
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Tiziana Camia
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Elena Lucia De Rose
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Alice Zucconi
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Emilio Casalini
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Flavia Napoli
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Natascia Di Iorgi
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Mohamad Maghnie
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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Zhao T, Shen L, Ye X, Bai G, Liao C, Chen Z, Peng T, Li X, Kang X, An G. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to polystyrene microplastics induces testis developmental disorder and affects male fertility in mice. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130544. [PMID: 36493639 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) can threaten human health, especially male fertility. However, most existing studies have focused on the adulthood stage of male reproduction toxicity caused by relatively short-term PS-MP exposure. This study aimed to investigate the toxic effect of PS-MPs on testicular development and reproductive function upon prenatal and postnatal exposure. Pregnant mice and their offspring were exposed to 0, 0.5 mg/L, 5 mg/L, and 50 mg/L PS-MPs through their daily drinking water from gestational day 1 to postnatal day (PND) 35 or PND70. We found that PS-MP exposure induced testis development disorder by PND35 and spermatogenesis dysfunction by PND70. By combining RNA sequencing results and bioinformatics analysis, the hormone-mediated signaling pathway, G1/S transition of the mitotic cell cycle, coregulation of androgen receptor activity, and Hippo signaling pathway were shown to be involved in testis development on PND35. The meiotic cell cycle, regulation of the immune effector process, neutrophil degranulation, and inflammation mediated by chemokine and cytokine signaling pathways were associated with disturbed spermatogenesis on PND70. These findings show that prenatal and postnatal exposure to PS-MPs resulted in testis development disorder and male subfertility, which may be regulated by the Hippo signaling pathway and involve an immune reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxin Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lianju Shen
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gaochen Bai
- Department of Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chen Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhicong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianwen Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangjin Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Geng An
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Ma K, Chen N, Wang H, Li Q, Shi H, Su M, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Li T. The regulatory role of BMP4 in testicular Sertoli cells of Tibetan sheep. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skac393. [PMID: 36440761 PMCID: PMC9838805 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the regulatory mechanism of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) gene in the testes of Tibetan sheep and its role in the blood-testis barrier (BTB). First, we cloned BMP4 gene for bioinformatics analysis, and detected the mRNA and protein expression levels of BMP4 in the testes of Tibetan sheep pre-puberty (3-mo-old), during sexual maturity (1-yr-old), and in adulthood (3-yr-old) by qRT-PCR and Western blot. In addition, the subcellular localization of BMP4 was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Next, BMP4 overexpression and silencing vectors were constructed and transfected into primary Sertoli cells (SCs) to promote and inhibit the proliferation of BMP4, respectively. Then, CCK-8 was used to detect the proliferation effect of SCs. The expression of BMP4 and downstream genes, pathway receptors, tight junction-related proteins, and cell proliferation and apoptosis-related genes in SCs were studied using qRT-PCR and Western blot. The results revealed that the relative expression of BMP4 mRNA and protein in testicular tissues of 1Y group and 3Y group was dramatically higher than that of 3M group (P < 0.01), and BMP4 protein is mainly located in SCs and Leydig cells at different development stages. The CDS region of the Tibetan sheep BMP4 gene was 1,229 bp. CCK-8 results demonstrated that the proliferation rate of BMP4 was significantly increased in the overexpression group (pc-DNA-3.1(+)-BMP4; P < 0.05). In addition, the mRNA and protein expressions of SMAD5, BMPR1A, and BMPR1B and tight junction-related proteins Claudin11, Occludin, and ZO1 were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of cell proliferation-related gene Bcl2 was significantly enhanced (P < 0.05), and the expression of GDNF was enhanced (P > 0.05). The mRNA expression of apoptosis-related genes Caspase3 and Bax decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while the mRNA expression of cell cycle-related genes CyclinA2 and CDK2 increased significantly (P < 0.05). It is worth noting that the opposite results were observed after transfection with si-BMP4. In summary, what should be clear from the results reported here is that BMP4 affects testicular development by regulating the Sertoli cells and BTB, thereby modulating the spermatogenesis of Tibetan sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyan Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Nana Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Huihui Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Qiao Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Huibin Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Manchun Su
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Youji Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Taotao Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
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9
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Noghani AE, Asadpour R, Saberivand A, Mazaheri Z, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Hamidian G. Differentiation of neonate mouse spermatogonia on two-dimensional and three-dimensional culture systems supplemented with d-Serine and Dizocilpine (MK-801). Theriogenology 2022; 191:168-178. [PMID: 35998400 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) modulates the spermatogenesis process through stimulating the steroid hormone biosynthesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of NMDA receptors agonists (d-Serine) and antagonists (MK801) on spermatogonia differentiation on decellularization testicular matrix (DTM) hydrogel scaffold. Four treatment groups were planned: 2D + D-Serine, 3D + D-Serine, 2D + MK801, and 3D + MK801. Results showed that cell viability was significantly decreased after 48 h in the 3D + D-Serine group and after 24 and 48 h in the 3D + MK801 group compared to the controls. The spermatogonia proliferation after two, four, and eight weeks was significantly increased in the 3D + D-Serine culture, while it was significantly reduced in the 2D + MK801 and 3D + MK801 groups after four and eight weeks. Real-time PCR results demonstrated that pre-meiotic gene (Plzf) expression was significantly increased only in the 3D + D-Serine culture compared to the control groups after four weeks of culture. The meiotic gene (Sycp3) expression was significantly increased in the 2D + D-Serine and 3D + D-Serine compared to the 2D controls after four and eight weeks. The post-meiotic gene (Tnp1) level in the 3D + D-Serine was significantly higher than the other groups. Flow-cytometry results indicated that the protein expression of Plzf (after four and eight weeks), Sycp3 (after eight weeks), and Tnp1 (after eight weeks) in the d-Serine-treated groups was significantly increased compared with the 2D control groups. There were not any significant changes in the gene expression of spermatogenic-related markers in MK801 culture media. However, a significant decrease in the protein levels of Plzf after eight weeks and Sycp3 after four and eight weeks was observed. In conclusion, the addition of NMDARs agonists (d-Serine) could be used to regulate the differentiation of spermatogonia in the 3D culture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhessam Eskafi Noghani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Reza Asadpour
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Adel Saberivand
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Zohreh Mazaheri
- Basic Medical Science Research Center, Histogenotech Company, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Kenny A Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Karolinska University Hospital, Novumhuset Plan 4, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gholamreza Hamidian
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
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10
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Luo H, Mipam T, Wu S, Xu C, Yi C, Zhao W, Chai Z, Chen X, Wu Z, Wang J, Wang J, Wang H, Zhong J, Cai X. DNA methylome of primary spermatocyte reveals epigenetic dysregulation associated with male sterility of cattleyak. Theriogenology 2022; 191:153-167. [PMID: 35988507 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA cytosine methylation modification in the germline is of particular importance since it is a highly heritable epigenetic mark. Although cytosine methylation has been analyzed at the genome-scale for several mammalian species, our knowledge of DNA methylation patterns and the mechanisms underlying male hybrid sterility is still limited in domestic animals such as cattleyak. Here we for the first time show the genome-wide and single-base resolution landscape of methylcytosines (mC) in the primary spermatocyte (PSC) genome of yak with normal spermatogenesis and the inter-specific hybrid cattleyak with male infertility. A comparative investigation revealed that widespread differences are observed in the composition and patterning of DNA cytosine methylation between the two methylomes. Global CG or non-CG DNA methylation levels, as well as the number of mC sites, are increased in cattleyak compared to yak. Notably, the DNA methylome in cattleyak PSC exhibits promoter hypermethylation of meiosis-specific genes and piRNA pathway genes with respect to yak. Furthermore, major retrotransposonson classes are predominantly hypermethylated in cattleyak while those are fully hypomethylated in yak. KEGG pathway enrichment indicates Rap1 signaling and MAPK pathways may play potential roles in the spermatogenic arrest of cattleyak. Our present study not only provides valuable insights into distinct features of the cattleyak PSC methylome but also paves the way toward elucidating the complex, yet highly coordinated epigenetic modification during male germline development for inter-specific hybrid animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Luo
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - TserangDonko Mipam
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shixin Wu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuanfei Xu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuanping Yi
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhixin Chai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhijuan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jikun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiabo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jincheng Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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11
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Role of p38 MAPK Signalling in Testis Development and Male Fertility. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6891897. [PMID: 36092154 PMCID: PMC9453003 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6891897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The testis is an important male reproductive organ, which ensures reproductive function via the secretion of testosterone and the generation of spermatozoa. Testis development begins in the embryonic period, continues after birth, and generally reaches functional maturation at puberty. The stress-activated kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), regulates multiple cell processes including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and cellular stress responses. p38 MAPK signalling plays a crucial role in testis development by regulating spermatogenesis, the fate determination of pre-Sertoli, and primordial germ cells during embryogenesis, the proliferation of testicular cells in the postnatal period, and the functions of mature Sertoli and Leydig cells. In addition, p38 MAPK signalling is involved in decreased male fertility when exposed to various harmful stimuli. This review will describe in detail the biological functions of p38 MAPK signalling in testis development and male reproduction, together with its pathological role in male infertility.
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12
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Distinctive molecular features of regenerative stem cells in the damaged male germline. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2500. [PMID: 35523793 PMCID: PMC9076627 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30130-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of male fertility requires spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that self-renew and generate differentiating germ cells for production of spermatozoa. Germline cells are sensitive to genotoxic drugs and patients receiving chemotherapy can become infertile. SSCs surviving treatment mediate germline recovery but pathways driving SSC regenerative responses remain poorly understood. Using models of chemotherapy-induced germline damage and recovery, here we identify unique molecular features of regenerative SSCs and characterise changes in composition of the undifferentiated spermatogonial pool during germline recovery by single-cell analysis. Increased mitotic activity of SSCs mediating regeneration is accompanied by alterations in growth factor signalling including PI3K/AKT and mTORC1 pathways. While sustained mTORC1 signalling is detrimental for SSC maintenance, transient mTORC1 activation is critical for the regenerative response. Concerted inhibition of growth factor signalling disrupts core features of the regenerative state and limits germline recovery. We also demonstrate that the FOXM1 transcription factor is a target of growth factor signalling in undifferentiated spermatogonia and provide evidence for a role in regeneration. Our data confirm dynamic changes in SSC functional properties following damage and support an essential role for microenvironmental growth factors in promoting a regenerative state. Male germline regeneration after damage is dependent on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) but pathways mediating the regenerative response are unclear. Here the authors define roles for growth factor signalling and mTORC1 in SSC-driven regeneration.
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13
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Lee H, Hikasa K, Umesono Y, Hayashi T, Agata K, Shibata N. Loss of plac8 expression rapidly leads pluripotent stem cells to enter active state during planarian regeneration. Development 2022; 149:274215. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.199449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The regenerative ability of planarians relies on their adult pluripotent stem cell population. Although all stem cells express a piwi homolog, recently it has become possible to classify the piwi+ stem cell population into specialized subpopulations according to the expression of genes related to differentiation. However, piwi+ stem cells behave practically as a homogeneous population after amputation, during which stem cells show accelerated proliferation, named ‘induced hyperproliferation’. Here, we show that plac8-A was expressed in almost all of the stem cells, and that a decrease of the plac8-A expression level led to induced hyperproliferation uniformly in a broad stem cell subpopulation after amputation. This reduction of plac8-A expression was caused by activated JNK signaling after amputation. Pharmacological inhibition of JNK signaling caused failure to induce hyperproliferation and resulted in regenerative defects. Such defects were abrogated by simultaneous knockdown of plac8-A expression. Thus, JNK-dependent suppression of plac8-A expression is indispensable for stem cell dynamics involved in regeneration. These findings suggest that plac8-A acts as a molecular switch of piwi+ stem cells for entry into the regenerative state after amputation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayoung Lee
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Kanon Hikasa
- Department of Integrated Science and Technology, National Institute of Technology, Tsuyama College 624-1, Numa, Tsuyama-City, Okayama 708-8509, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Umesono
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Tetsutaro Hayashi
- Laboratory for Phyloinformatics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kiyokazu Agata
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
- Laboratory of Regeneration Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Nishigoaka 38, Myodaiji, Okazaki, 444-8585 Aichi, Japan
| | - Norito Shibata
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
- Department of Integrated Science and Technology, National Institute of Technology, Tsuyama College 624-1, Numa, Tsuyama-City, Okayama 708-8509, Japan
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14
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Hofmann MC, McBeath E. Sertoli Cell-Germ Cell Interactions Within the Niche: Paracrine and Juxtacrine Molecular Communications. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:897062. [PMID: 35757413 PMCID: PMC9226676 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.897062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Male germ cell development depends on multiple biological events that combine epigenetic reprogramming, cell cycle regulation, and cell migration in a spatio-temporal manner. Sertoli cells are a crucial component of the spermatogonial stem cell niche and provide essential growth factors and chemokines to developing germ cells. This review focuses mainly on the activation of master regulators of the niche in Sertoli cells and their targets, as well as on novel molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of growth and differentiation factors such as GDNF and retinoic acid by NOTCH signaling and other pathways.
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15
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Salazar-Anzures T, Pastén-Hidalgo K, Sicilia-Argumedo G, Riverón-Negrete L, Hernández-Vázquez ADJ, Fernanadez-Mejia C. Dietary biotin supplementation increases proliferation pathways in mice testes without affecting serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels and stem cell factor expression. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 433:115774. [PMID: 34699867 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Supplements containing pharmacological concentrations of biotin are commercially available. The mechanisms by which biotin at pharmacological concentrations exerts its action have been the subject of multiple investigations, particularly for biotin's medicinal potential and wide use for cosmetic purposes. Several studies have reported that biotin supplementation increases cell proliferation; however, the mechanisms involved in this effect have not yet been characterized. In a previous study, we found that a biotin-supplemented diet increased spermatogonia proliferation. The present study was focused on investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in biotin-induced testis cell proliferation. Male BALB/cAnNHsd mice were fed a control or a biotin-supplemented diet (1.76 or 97.7 mg biotin/kg diet) for eight weeks. Compared with the control group, the biotin-supplemented mice presented augmented protein abundance of the c-kit-receptor and pERK1/2Tyr204 and pAKTSer473, the active forms of ERK/AKT proliferation signaling pathways. No changes were observed in the testis expression of the stem cell factor and in the serum levels of the follicle-stimulating hormone. Analysis of mRNA abundance found an increase in cyclins Ccnd3, Ccne1, Ccna2; Kinases Cdk4, Cdk2; and E2F; and Sp1 & Sp3 transcription factors. Decreased expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1a (p21) was observed but not of Cdkn2a inhibitor (p16). The results of the present study identifies, for the first time, the mechanisms associated with biotin supplementation-induced cell proliferation, which raises concerns about the effects of biotin on male reproductive health because of its capacity to cause hyperplasia, especially because this vitamin is available in large amounts without regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonatiuh Salazar-Anzures
- Unidad de Genética de la Nutrición, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México/Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Avenida del Iman#1, 4th floor, Mexico City 04500, Mexico
| | - Karina Pastén-Hidalgo
- Cátedra CONACYT, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Avenida del Iman#1, 4th floor, Mexico City 04500, Mexico
| | - Gloria Sicilia-Argumedo
- Unidad de Genética de la Nutrición, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México/Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Avenida del Iman#1, 4th floor, Mexico City 04500, Mexico
| | - Leticia Riverón-Negrete
- Unidad de Genética de la Nutrición, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México/Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Avenida del Iman#1, 4th floor, Mexico City 04500, Mexico
| | - Alain de Jesús Hernández-Vázquez
- Unidad de Genética de la Nutrición, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México/Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Avenida del Iman#1, 4th floor, Mexico City 04500, Mexico
| | - Cristina Fernanadez-Mejia
- Unidad de Genética de la Nutrición, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México/Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Avenida del Iman#1, 4th floor, Mexico City 04500, Mexico.
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16
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Wang S, Zhang K, Yao Y, Li J, Deng S. Bacterial Infections Affect Male Fertility: A Focus on the Oxidative Stress-Autophagy Axis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:727812. [PMID: 34746124 PMCID: PMC8566953 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.727812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous factors trigger male infertility, including lifestyle, the environment, health, medical resources and pathogenic microorganism infections. Bacterial infections of the male reproductive system can cause various reproductive diseases. Several male reproductive organs, such as the testicles, have unique immune functions that protect the germ cells from damage. In the reproductive system, immune cells can recognize the pathogen-associated molecular patterns carried by pathogenic microorganisms and activate the host's innate immune response. Furthermore, bacterial infections can lead to oxidative stress through multiple signaling pathways. Many studies have revealed that oxidative stress serves dual functions: moderate oxidative stress can help clear the invaders and maintain sperm motility, but excessive oxidative stress will induce host damage. Additionally, oxidative stress is always accompanied by autophagy which can also help maintain host homeostasis. Male reproductive system homeostasis disequilibrium can cause inflammation of the genitourinary system, influence spermatogenesis, and even lead to infertility. Here, we focus on the effect of oxidative stress and autophagy on bacterial infection in the male reproductive system, and we also explore the crosslink between oxidative stress and autophagy during this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sutian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kunli Zhang
- Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchang Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Jianhao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Maoming, China
| | - Shoulong Deng
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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17
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Gewiss RL, Law NC, Helsel AR, Shelden EA, Griswold MD. Two distinct Sertoli cell states are regulated via germ cell crosstalk. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:1591-1602. [PMID: 34494084 PMCID: PMC8689118 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are a critical component of the testis environment for their role in maintaining seminiferous tubule structure, establishing the blood-testis barrier, and nourishing maturing germ cells in a specialized niche. This study sought to uncover how Sertoli cells are regulated in the testis environment via germ cell crosstalk in the mouse. We found two major clusters of Sertoli cells as defined by their transcriptomes in Stages VII-VIII of the seminiferous epithelium and a cluster for all other stages. Additionally, we examined transcriptomes of germ cell-deficient testes and found that these existed in a state independent of either of the germ cell-sufficient clusters. Together, we highlight two main transcriptional states of Sertoli cells in an unperturbed testis environment, and a germ cell-deficient environment does not allow normal Sertoli cell transcriptome cycling and results in a state unique from either of those seen in Sertoli cells from a germ cell-sufficient environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Gewiss
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Nathan C Law
- Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Aileen R Helsel
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Eric A Shelden
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Michael D Griswold
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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18
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Mori Y, Takashima S, Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Yi Z, Shinohara T. Cdc42 is required for male germline niche development in mice. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109550. [PMID: 34407418 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are maintained in a special microenvironment called a niche. However, much is unknown about components that constitute the niche. Here, we report that Cdc42 is essential for germline niche development. Sertoli cell-specific Cdc42-deficient mice showed normal premeiotic spermatogenesis. However, germ cells gradually disappeared during haploid cell formation and few germ cells remained in the mature testes. Spermatogonial transplantation experiments revealed a significant loss of SSCs in Cdc42-deficient testes. Moreover, Cdc42 deficiency in Sertoli cells downregulated GDNF, a critical factor for SSC maintenance. Cdc42-deficient Sertoli cells also exhibited lower nuclear MAPK1/3 staining. Inhibition of MAP2K1 or depletion of Pea15a scaffold protein downregulated GDNF expression. A screen of transcription factors revealed that Cdc42-deficient Sertoli cells downregulate DMRT1 and SOX9, both of which are critical for Sertoli cell development. These results indicate that Cdc42 is essential for niche function via MAPK1/3-dependent GDNF secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Mori
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Seiji Takashima
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; AMED-CREST, AMED 1-7-1 Otemachi, Chiyodaku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Zheng Yi
- Division of Experimental Hematology, Molecular Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Children's Hospital Research Foundation, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Takashi Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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19
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Codino A, Turowski T, van de Lagemaat LN, Ivanova I, Tavosanis A, Much C, Auchynnikava T, Vasiliauskaitė L, Morgan M, Rappsilber J, Allshire RC, Kranc KR, Tollervey D, O'Carroll D. NANOS2 is a sequence-specific mRNA-binding protein that promotes transcript degradation in spermatogonial stem cells. iScience 2021; 24:102762. [PMID: 34278268 PMCID: PMC8271163 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) sustain spermatogenesis and fertility throughout adult male life. The conserved RNA-binding protein NANOS2 is essential for the maintenance of SSCs, but its targets and mechanisms of function are not fully understood. Here, we generated a fully functional epitope-tagged Nanos2 mouse allele and applied the highly stringent cross-linking and analysis of cDNAs to define NANOS2 RNA occupancy in SSC lines. NANOS2 recognizes the AUKAAWU consensus motif, mostly found in the 3' untranslated region of defined messenger RNAs (mRNAs). We find that NANOS2 is a regulator of key signaling and metabolic pathways whose dosage or activity are known to be critical for SSC maintenance. NANOS2 interacts with components of CCR4-NOT deadenylase complex in SSC lines, and consequently, NANOS2 binding reduces the half-lives of target transcripts. In summary, NANOS2 contributes to SSC maintenance through the regulation of target mRNA stability and key self-renewal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azzurra Codino
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Tomasz Turowski
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Louie N. van de Lagemaat
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
- Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell & Leukaemia Biology, Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Ivayla Ivanova
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Andrea Tavosanis
- Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell & Leukaemia Biology, Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Christian Much
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Tania Auchynnikava
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Lina Vasiliauskaitė
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Marcos Morgan
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robin C. Allshire
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Kamil R. Kranc
- Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell & Leukaemia Biology, Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - David Tollervey
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Dónal O'Carroll
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
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Ma H, Yu J, Xie J, Liu D, Zhang Z, Wang Z, Wang C. Genome-wide identification and functional analysis of long non-coding RNAs and mRNAs in male mice testes at the onset of puberty after low dose lead exposure. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 422:115556. [PMID: 33932463 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Many researchers have studied the relationship between lead (Pb) and testis injury, but the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. The participation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in biological processes has been proposed. To comprehensively gain insight into the molecular toxicity of Pb, expression patterns are analysed through RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in male mice treated with 200 mg/L of Pb through the drinking water for 90 days at the onset of puberty. A total of 614 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs were included (p ≤ 0.05 and fold change ≥2), of which 288 were up-regulated, and 326 were down-regulated. A total of 2295 DE mRNAs (p ≤ 0.05 and fold change ≥2), including 1202 up-regulated and 1093 down-regulated ones, were found in the testes of Pb-exposed group. Functional analysis results showed that several lncRNAs might be implicated in the bio-pathway of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Finally, seven pairs of lncRNA-mRNA co-expression were established in mice testes and confirmed by RT-qPCR. Moreover, the DE genes were also altered in Sertoli cells. Therefore, our research might be helpful for future exploring the effects of Pb exposure on lncRNA in testis, as well as its function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Ma
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jie Xie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Duanya Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhaoyu Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ziqiong Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Chunhong Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, China.
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Falvo S, Rosati L, Di Fiore MM, Di Giacomo Russo F, Chieffi Baccari G, Santillo A. Proliferative and Apoptotic Pathways in the Testis of Quail Coturnix coturnix during the Seasonal Reproductive Cycle. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061729. [PMID: 34207904 PMCID: PMC8226535 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The quail Coturnix coturnix exhibits an annual cycle of testis size, sexual steroid production, and spermatogenesis. The testicular levels of both 17β-estradiol (E2) and androgens are higher during the reproductive period compared to the non-reproductive period, suggesting that estrogens act in synergy with the androgens for the initiation of spermatogenesis. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the estrogen responsive system in quail testis in relation to the reproduction seasons, with a focus on the molecular pathways activated in both active and regressive quail testes. The results indicated that estrogens participated in the activation of mitotic and meiotic events during the reproductive period by activating the ERK1/2 and Akt-1 pathways. In the non-reproductive period, when the E2/ERα levels are low, ERK1/2 and Akt-1 pathways remain inactive and apoptotic events occur. Our results suggest that the activation or inhibition of these molecular pathways plays a crucial role in the physiological switch “on/off” of the testicular activity in male quail during the seasonal reproductive cycle. Abstract The quail Coturnix coturnix is a seasonal breeding species, with the annual reproductive cycle of its testes comprising an activation phase and a regression phase. Our previous results have proven that the testicular levels of both 17β-estradiol (E2) and androgens are higher during the reproductive period compared to the non-reproductive period, which led us to hypothesize that estrogens and androgens may act synergistically to initiate spermatogenesis. The present study was, therefore, aimed to investigate the estrogen responsive system in quail testis in relation to the reproduction seasonality, with a focus on the molecular pathways elicited in both active and regressive quail testes. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that the expression of ERα, which is the predominant form of estrogen receptors in quail testis, was correlated with E2 concentration, suggesting that increased levels of E2-induced ERα could play a key role in the resumption of spermatogenesis during the reproductive period, when both PCNA and SYCP3, the mitotic and meiotic markers, respectively, were also increased. In the reproductive period we also found the activation of the ERK1/2 and Akt-1 kinase pathways and an increase in second messengers cAMP and cGMP levels. In the non-reproductive phase, when the E2/ERα levels were low, the inactivation of ERK1/2 and Akt-1 pathways favored apoptotic events due to an increase in the levels of Bax and cytochrome C, with a consequent regression of the gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (S.F.); (M.M.D.F.); (F.D.G.R.); (G.C.B.)
| | - Luigi Rosati
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, 80138 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (S.F.); (M.M.D.F.); (F.D.G.R.); (G.C.B.)
| | - Federica Di Giacomo Russo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (S.F.); (M.M.D.F.); (F.D.G.R.); (G.C.B.)
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (S.F.); (M.M.D.F.); (F.D.G.R.); (G.C.B.)
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (S.F.); (M.M.D.F.); (F.D.G.R.); (G.C.B.)
- Correspondence:
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22
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Sinha N, Whelan EC, Tobias JW, Avarbock M, Stefanovski D, Brinster RL. Roles of Stra8 and Tcerg1l in retinoic acid induced spermatogonial differentiation in mouse†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:503-518. [PMID: 33959758 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) induces spermatogonial differentiation, but the mechanism by which it operates remains largely unknown. We developed a germ cell culture assay system to study genes involved in spermatogonial differentiation triggered by RA. Stimulated by RA 8 (Stra8), a RA-inducible gene, is indispensable for meiosis initiation, and its deletion results in a complete block of spermatogenesis at the pre-leptotene/zygotene stage. To interrogate the role of Stra8 in RA mediated differentiation of spermatogonia, we derived germ cell cultures from the neonatal testis of both wild type and Stra8 knock-out mice. We provide the first evidence that Stra8 plays a crucial role in modulating the responsiveness of undifferentiated spermatogonia to RA and facilitates transition to a differentiated state. Stra8-mediated differentiation is achieved through the downregulation of a large portfolio of genes and pathways, most notably including genes involved in the spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal process. We also report here for the first time the role of transcription elongation regulator-1 like (Tcerg1l) as a downstream effector of RA-induced spermatogonial differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilam Sinha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eoin C Whelan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John W Tobias
- Department of Genetics and Penn Genomics Analysis Core, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mary Avarbock
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Darko Stefanovski
- Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ralph L Brinster
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Eif2s3y Promotes the Proliferation of Spermatogonial Stem Cells by Activating ERK Signaling. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:6668658. [PMID: 33603791 PMCID: PMC7869416 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6668658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The future fertility of males with cancer may be irreversibly compromised by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation is believed to be a way to restore fertility in men. However, the survival efficiency of transplanted cells is still low. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit 3 and structural gene Y-linked (Eif2s3y) located on the Y chromosome of male animals is a coding gene of eIF2γ which mainly functions in translation initiation. Recently, the emerging role of Eif2s3y in spermatogenesis has been emphasized in several studies. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In addition, how Eif2s3y functions in large animals remains largely unknown. In this study, we obtained the CDS sequence of the Eif2s3y gene from the testis of dairy goats and found that this gene was highly expressed in the testis and was evolutionarily conserved among different species. Interestingly, overexpression of Eif2s3y promoted the proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells of dairy goats by activating the ERK signaling pathway. In animal experiments, overexpressing Eif2s3y promoted transplanted goat spermatogonial stem cells and produced more colonies after microinjection into the seminiferous tubules of infertile mice. In conclusion, our study highlights an undiscovered role of Eif2s3y in dairy goat reproduction. This finding may provide an important basis for future works regarding male spermatogenic cell restoration and represent a major advance toward surrogate sires becoming a tool for disseminating and regenerating germplasm in all mammals.
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Yang G, He Y, Yang H. The involvement of bioactive factors in the self-renewal and stemness maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:1813-1823. [PMID: 33459979 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-04028-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is usually accompanied throughout mammalian lifetime, transmitting genetic information to the next generation, which is mainly dependent on the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). With further investigation on profiles of SSCs, the previous prevailing orthodoxy that SSCs are unipotent stem cells to differentiate into spermatids only, has been challenged. More notably, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that SSCs are capable of giving rise to cell lineages of the three germ layers, highlighting potential important applications of SSCs for regenerative medicine. Nevertheless, it is unknown how the proliferation and stemness maintenance of SSCs are regulated intrinsically and strictly controlled in a special niche microenvironment in the seminiferous tubules. Based on the special niche microenvironment for SSCs, it is of vital interest to summarize the recent knowledge regarding several critical bioactive molecules in the self-renewal and stemness maintenance of SSCs. In this review, we discuss most recent findings about these critical bioactive factors and further address the new advances on the self-renewal and stemness maintenance of SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqing Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuqing He
- School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712000, Shaanxi, China. .,School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China. .,Translational Medicine Center, Hong Hui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China.
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25
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Low retinoic acid levels mediate regionalization of the Sertoli valve in the terminal segment of mouse seminiferous tubules. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1110. [PMID: 33441739 PMCID: PMC7806815 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79987-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammalian testes, undifferentiated spermatogonia (Aundiff) undergo differentiation in response to retinoic acid (RA), while their progenitor states are partially maintained by fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). Sertoli valve (SV) is a region located at the terminal end of seminiferous tubule (ST) adjacent to the rete testis (RT), where the high density of Aundiff is constitutively maintained with the absence of active spermatogenesis. However, the molecular and cellular characteristics of SV epithelia still remain unclear. In this study, we first identified the region-specific AKT phosphorylation in the SV Sertoli cells and demonstrated non-cell autonomous specialization of Sertoli cells in the SV region by performing a Sertoli cell ablation/replacement experiment. The expression of Fgf9 was detected in the RT epithelia, while the exogenous administration of FGF9 caused ectopic AKT phosphorylation in the Sertoli cells of convoluted ST. Furthermore, we revealed the SV region-specific expression of Cyp26a1, which encodes an RA-degrading enzyme, and demonstrated that the increased RA levels in the SV region disrupt its pool of Aundiff by inducing their differentiation. Taken together, RT-derived FGFs and low levels of RA signaling contribute to the non-cell-autonomous regionalization of the SV epithelia and its local maintenance of Aundiff in the SV region.
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Dong W, Liu Q, Wang ZC, Du XX, Liu LL, Wang N, Weng JF, Peng XP. miR-322/miR-503 clusters regulate defective myoblast differentiation in myotonic dystrophy RNA-toxic by targeting Celf1. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2021; 10:29-39. [PMID: 33613970 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfaa096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is a genetic disorder featured by muscular dystrophy. It is caused by CUG expansion in the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase gene that leads to aberrant signaling and impaired myocyte differentiation. Many studies have shown that microRNAs are involved in the differentiation process of myoblasts. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the miR-322/miR-503 cluster regulates intracellular signaling to affect cell differentiation. The cell model of DM1 was employed by expressing GFP-CUG200 or CUGBP Elav-like family member 1 (Celf1) in myoblasts. Immunostaining of MF-20 was performed to examine myocyte differentiation. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to determine the levels of Celf1, MyoD, MyoG, Mef2c, miR-322/miR-503, and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK/ERK) signaling. Dual luciferase assay was performed to validate the interaction between miR-322/miR-503 and Celf1. CUG expansion in myoblasts impaired the cell differentiation, increased the Celf1 level, but it decreased the miR-322/miR-503 levels. miR-322/miR-503 mimics restored the impaired differentiation caused by CUG expansion, while miR-322/miR-503 inhibitors further suppressed. miR-322/miR-503 directly targeted Celf1 and negatively regulated its expression. Knockdown of Celf1 promoted myocyte differentiation. Further, miR-322/miR-503 mimics rescued the impaired differentiation of myocytes caused by CUG expansion or Celf1 overexpression through suppressing of MEK/ERK signaling. miR-322/miR-503 cluster recover the defective myocyte differentiation caused by RNA-toxic via targeting Celf1. Restoring miR-322/miR-503 levels could be an avenue for DM1 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Dong
- Department of Cardiovascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yongwai Zheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, P. R. China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yongwai Zheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Chao Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yongwai Zheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, P. R. China
| | - Xing-Xiang Du
- Department of Cardiovascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yongwai Zheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, P. R. China
| | - Lei-Lei Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yongwai Zheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, P. R. China
| | - Nan Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yongwai Zheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, P. R. China
| | - Jun-Fei Weng
- Department of Cardiovascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yongwai Zheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Ping Peng
- Department of Cardiovascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yongwai Zheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, P. R. China
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Chen Z, Liu M, Hu JH, Gao Y, Deng C, Jiang MH. Substance P restores spermatogenesis in busulfan-treated mice: A new strategy for male infertility therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 133:110868. [PMID: 33181455 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility has become an important health problem that is primarily caused by testicular dysfunction with abnormal spermatogenesis. In this study, we demonstrated that the neuropeptide, substance P (SP), is essential for spermatogonia proliferation in a seminiferous tubule culture system. In addition, SP (5 nmol/kg) treatment markedly restored spermatogenesis, improved sperm quality, and increased the number of ZBTB16+ or LIN28+ undifferentiated spermatogonia as well as STRA8+ differentiated spermatogonia in a busulfan-induced non-obstructive azoospermic mouse model. Furthermore, 100 nM SP treatment in vitro significantly stimulated the proliferation of GC-1 spg cells (a spermatogonia cell line) via activation of the Erk1/2 signaling pathway. Moreover, the sperm quality and the number of spermatogonia were significantly reduced after treatment with RP67580, a selective NK-1 receptor antagonist, suggesting that SP-NK1R signaling plays an important role in spermatogenesis. Taken together, these results suggest that SP may be a potential therapeutic agent for male infertility by accelerating the restoration of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihong Chen
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Minjie Liu
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jin-Hua Hu
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Yong Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Chunhua Deng
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Mei Hua Jiang
- Program of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Affiliated Guangzhou Women and Children's Hospital and Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Azizi H, Niazi Tabar A, Skutella T, Govahi M. In Vitro and In Vivo Determinations of The Anti-GDNF Family Receptor Alpha 1 Antibody in Mice by Immunochemistry and RT-PCR. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2020; 14:228-233. [PMID: 33098391 PMCID: PMC7604702 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2020.6051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background The glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family plays essential roles in the maintenance, growth, regulatory and signalling pathways of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). In this study, we analysed the expression of anti-GDNF family receptor alpha 1 antibody (GFRa1) by immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC), Fluidigm real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and flow cytometry analyses. Materials and Methods In this experiment study, ICC, IHC, Fluidigm RT-PCR and flow cytometry were used to analyse the expression of the germ cell marker GFRa1 in testis tissue and SSC culture. Results IHC analysis showed that there were two groups of GFRa1 positive cells in the seminiferous tubules based on their location and expression shape - a small round punctuated shape on the basal compartment donut shape and a C-shaped expression located between the basal and the luminal compartments of the seminiferous tubules. OCT4 and PLZF positive cells may have similar patterns of expression as the first group. Assessment of the seminiferous tubule sections demonstrated that about 27% of the SSCs were positive for GFRa1. Fluidigm RT-PCR confirmed the significant expression (P<0.001) of GFRa1 in the SSCs compared to testicular stromal cells (TSCs). Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that about 75% of the isolated SSCs colonies were positive for GFRa1. Conclusion The results indicated that GFRa1 had a specific expression pattern both in vivo and in vitro. This finding could be helpful for understanding the proliferation, maintenance and signalling pathways of SSCs, and differentiation of meiotic and haploid germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Azizi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran. Electronic Address:
| | - Amirreza Niazi Tabar
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Thomas Skutella
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mostafa Govahi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
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Liu W, Li N, Zhang M, Liu Y, Sun J, Zhang S, Peng S, Hua J. Eif2s3y regulates the proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells via Wnt6/<beta>-catenin signaling pathway. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118790. [PMID: 32621839 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit 3 and structural gene Y-linked (Eif2s3y) gene, the gene encoding eIF2γ protein, is globally expressed in all tissues and plays important roles in regulating global and gene-specific mRNA translation initiation. It has been noticed that Eif2s3y plays crucial roles in spermatogenesis, however, the mechanism remains unclear. In the current study, transgenic Eif2s3y mice were generated to test our hypothesis that the Eif2s3y promotes the proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Transgenic Eif2s3y mouse had enhanced SSCs proliferation rate when compared to WT mouse. Interesting, the testes from transgenic Eif2s3y mouse had increased Active-β-catenin protein expression and higher expression pattern of Wnt ligand Wnt6 when compared to testes from WT mouse. This study revealed novel roles of Eif2s3y in the activation Wnt6/β-catenin signal pathway in SSCs. Taken together, we identified Eif2s3y-Wnt6-β-catenin as a critical pathway in the regulation of spermatogenesis, which provides a platform for investigating the molecular mechanisms of male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Center of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Na Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Center of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mengfei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Center of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Center of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Center of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shiqiang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Center of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sha Peng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Center of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jinlian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Center of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
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30
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Patel SK, Singh SK. Role of pyroglutamylated RFamide peptide43 in germ cell dynamics in mice testes in relation to energy metabolism. Biochimie 2020; 175:146-158. [PMID: 32504656 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
QRFP is a neuropeptide that regulates glucose homeostasis and increases insulin sensitivity in tissues. We have previously shown that QRFP and its receptor (GPR103) are predominantly expressed in germ cells and Sertoli cells, respectively, in mice testes. In the present study, we report that QRFP caused an increase in PCNA and a decrease in p27Kip1 expressions in the testis under both in vivo and ex vivo conditions. Besides, via an in vivo study, cell cycle analysis by FACS showed an increase in 2C cells and a decrease in 1C cells. QRFP also induced expression of GDNF and phosphorylation of Akt and ERK-1/2. Together these results suggest that QRFP has a proliferative effect on germ cells in mice testes, since it caused a proportional increase in the mitotic activity and the number of spermatogonial cells. Further, observations of increased expressions of STAT-3 and Neurog3 in treated mice suggest that QRFP treatment regulates priming of undifferentiated spermatogonia to undergo differentiation, while a decrease in c-Kit expression indicate that spermatogonia at this time point are in an undifferentiated state. In addition, QRFP administration also caused an increase in intratesticular levels of glucose and lactate, and in LDH activity accompanied by increased expressions of GLUT-3 and LDH-C in the testis. Also, the phosphorylation of IR-β and expressions of p-Akt and p-mTOR were increased under ex vivo conditions in testicular tissue. In conclusion, our findings suggest that QRFP treatment caused proliferation of germ cells independently from the hypothalamic-pituitary axis via regulation of testicular energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shishir Kumar Patel
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Shio Kumar Singh
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
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31
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Huang G, Liu L, Wang H, Gou M, Gong P, Tian C, Deng W, Yang J, Zhou TT, Xu GL, Liu L. Tet1 Deficiency Leads to Premature Reproductive Aging by Reducing Spermatogonia Stem Cells and Germ Cell Differentiation. iScience 2020; 23:100908. [PMID: 32114381 PMCID: PMC7049665 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.100908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ten-eleven translocation (Tet) enzymes are involved in DNA demethylation, important in regulating embryo development, stem cell pluripotency and tumorigenesis. Alterations of DNA methylation with age have been shown in various somatic cell types. We investigated whether Tet1 and Tet2 regulate aging. We showed that Tet1-deficient mice undergo a progressive reduction of spermatogonia stem cells and spermatogenesis and thus accelerated infertility with age. Tet1 deficiency decreases 5hmC levels in spermatogonia and downregulates a subset of genes important for cell cycle, germ cell differentiation, meiosis and reproduction, such as Ccna1 and Spo11, resulting in premature reproductive aging. Moreover, Tet1 and 5hmC both regulate signaling pathways key for stem cell development, including Wnt and PI3K-Akt, autophagy and stress response genes. In contrast, effect of Tet2 deficiency on male reproductive aging is minor. Hence, Tet1 maintains spermatogonia stem cells with age, revealing an important role of Tet1 in regulating stem cell aging. Tet1 regulates stem cell aging and differentiation Tet1 plays an important role in maintaining spermatogonial stem cells Loss of Tet1 results in exhaustion of spermatogonia and premature reproductive aging Effect of Tet2 deficiency on reproductive aging in males is minor
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Affiliation(s)
- Guian Huang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Linlin Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Huasong Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Mo Gou
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Peng Gong
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Chenglei Tian
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wei Deng
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Tian-Tian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Guo-Liang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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32
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Saracino R, Capponi C, Di Persio S, Boitani C, Masciarelli S, Fazi F, Fera S, Vicini E. Regulation of
Gdnf
expression by retinoic acid in Sertoli cells. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:419-429. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Saracino
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic, Section of HistologySapienza University of RomeRoma Italy
| | - Chiara Capponi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic, Section of HistologySapienza University of RomeRoma Italy
| | - Sara Di Persio
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic, Section of HistologySapienza University of RomeRoma Italy
| | - Carla Boitani
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic, Section of HistologySapienza University of RomeRoma Italy
| | - Silvia Masciarelli
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic, Section of HistologySapienza University of RomeRoma Italy
| | - Francesco Fazi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic, Section of HistologySapienza University of RomeRoma Italy
| | - Stefania Fera
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic, Section of HistologySapienza University of RomeRoma Italy
| | - Elena Vicini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic, Section of HistologySapienza University of RomeRoma Italy
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33
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La HM, Hobbs RM. Mechanisms regulating mammalian spermatogenesis and fertility recovery following germ cell depletion. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4071-4102. [PMID: 31254043 PMCID: PMC11105665 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03201-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly complex multi-step process sustained by a population of mitotic germ cells with self-renewal potential known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The maintenance and regulation of SSC function are strictly dependent on a supportive niche that is composed of multiple cell types. A detailed appreciation of the molecular mechanisms underpinning SSC activity and fate is of fundamental importance for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, different models of SSC identity and spermatogonial hierarchy have been proposed and recent studies indicate that cell populations supporting steady-state germline maintenance and regeneration following damage are distinct. Importantly, dynamic changes in niche properties may underlie the fate plasticity of spermatogonia evident during testis regeneration. While formation of spermatogenic colonies in germ-cell-depleted testis upon transplantation is a standard assay for SSCs, differentiation-primed spermatogonial fractions have transplantation potential and this assay provides readout of regenerative rather than steady-state stem cell capacity. The characterisation of spermatogonial populations with regenerative capacity is essential for the development of clinical applications aimed at restoring fertility in individuals following germline depletion by genotoxic treatments. This review will discuss regulatory mechanisms of SSCs in homeostatic and regenerative testis and the conservation of these mechanisms between rodent models and man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue M La
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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34
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Ni FD, Hao SL, Yang WX. Multiple signaling pathways in Sertoli cells: recent findings in spermatogenesis. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:541. [PMID: 31316051 PMCID: PMC6637205 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1782-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The functions of Sertoli cells in spermatogenesis have attracted much more attention recently. Normal spermatogenesis depends on Sertoli cells, mainly due to their influence on nutrient supply, maintenance of cell junctions, and support for germ cells' mitosis and meiosis. Accumulating evidence in the past decade has highlighted the dominant functions of the MAPK, AMPK, and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways during spermatogenesis. Among these pathways, the MAPK signaling pathway regulates dynamics of tight junctions and adherens junctions, proliferation and meiosis of germ cells, proliferation and lactate production of Sertoli cells; the AMPK and the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways both affect dynamics of tight junctions and adherens junctions, as well as the proliferation of Sertoli cells. The AMPK signaling pathway also regulates lactate supply. These signaling pathways combine to form a complex regulatory network for spermatogenesis. In testicular tumors or infertile patients, the activities of these signaling pathways in Sertoli cells are abnormal. Clarifying the mechanisms of signaling pathways in Sertoli cells on spermatogenesis provides new insights into the physiological functions of Sertoli cells in male reproduction, and also serves as a pre-requisite to identify potential therapeutic targets in abnormal spermatogenesis including testicular tumor and male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Da Ni
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuang-Li Hao
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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35
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Santillo A, Falvo S, Di Fiore MM, Di Giacomo Russo F, Chieffi P, Usiello A, Pinelli C, Baccari GC. AMPA receptor expression in mouse testis and spermatogonial GC-1 cells: A study on its regulation by excitatory amino acids. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:11044-11055. [PMID: 30762900 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Excitatory amino acids (EAAs) are found present in the nervous and reproductive systems of animals. Numerous studies have demonstrated a regulatory role for Glutamate (Glu), d-aspartate ( d-Asp) and N-methyl- d-aspartate (NMDA) in the control of spermatogenesis. EAAs are able to stimulate the Glutamate receptors, including the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR). Here in, we assess expression of the main AMPAR subunits, GluA1 and GluA2/3, in the mouse testis and in spermatogonial GC-1 cells. The results showed that both GluA1 and GluA2/3 were localized in mouse testis prevalently in spermatogonia. The subunit GluA2/3 was more highly expressed compared with GluA1 in both the testis and the GC-1 cells. Subsequently, GC-1 cells were incubated with medium containing l-Glu, d-Glu, d-Asp or NMDA to determine GluA1 and GluA2/3 expressions. At 30 minutes and 2 hours of incubation, EAA-treated GC-1 cells showed significantly higher expression levels of both GluA1 and GluA2/3. Furthermore, p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p-Akt, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Aurora B expressions were assayed in l-Glu-, d-Glu-, and NMDA-treated GC-1 cells. At 30 minutes and 2 hours of incubation, treated GC-1 cells showed significantly higher expression levels of p-ERK and p-Akt. A consequent increase of PCNA and Aurora B expressions was induced by l-Glu and NMDA, but not by d-Glu. Our study demonstrates a direct effect of the EAAs on spermatogonial activity. In addition, the increased protein expression levels of GluA1 and GluA2/3 in EAA-treated GC-1 cells suggest that EAAs could activate ERK and Akt pathways through the AMPAR. Finally, the increased PCNA and Aurora B levels may imply an enhanced proliferative activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Santillo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Sara Falvo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Maria M Di Fiore
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Federica Di Giacomo Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Paolo Chieffi
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Claudia Pinelli
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
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36
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Faisal I, Cisneros-Montalvo S, Hamer G, Tuominen MM, Laurila PP, Tumiati M, Jauhiainen M, Kotaja N, Toppari J, Mäkelä JA, Kauppi L. Transcription Factor USF1 Is Required for Maintenance of Germline Stem Cells in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1119-1136. [PMID: 30759202 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-01088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A prerequisite for lifelong sperm production is that spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) balance self-renewal and differentiation, yet factors required for this balance remain largely undefined. Using mouse genetics, we now demonstrate that the ubiquitously expressed transcription factor upstream stimulatory factor (USF)1 is critical for the maintenance of SSCs. We show that USF1 is not only detected in Sertoli cells as previously reported, but also in SSCs. Usf1-deficient mice display progressive spermatogenic decline as a result of age-dependent loss of SSCs. According to our data, the germ cell defect in Usf1-/- mice cannot be attributed to impairment of Sertoli cell development, maturation, or function, but instead is likely due to an inability of SSCs to maintain a quiescent state. SSCs of Usf1-/- mice undergo continuous proliferation, which provides an explanation for their age-dependent depletion. The proliferation-coupled exhaustion of SSCs in turn results in progressive degeneration of the seminiferous epithelium, gradual decrease in sperm production, and testicular atrophy. We conclude that the general transcription factor USF1 is indispensable for the proper maintenance of mammalian spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imrul Faisal
- Genome-Scale Biology Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Doctoral Program in Biomedicine, Doctoral School in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sheyla Cisneros-Montalvo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Doctoral Program of Molecular Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Minna M Tuominen
- Genome-Scale Biology Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pirkka-Pekka Laurila
- Genomics and Biomarkers Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Manuela Tumiati
- Genome-Scale Biology Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti Jauhiainen
- Genomics and Biomarkers Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Liisa Kauppi
- Genome-Scale Biology Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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37
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Liao J, Ng SH, Luk AC, Suen HC, Qian Y, Lee AWT, Tu J, Fung JCL, Tang NLS, Feng B, Chan WY, Fouchet P, Hobbs RM, Lee TL. Revealing cellular and molecular transitions in neonatal germ cell differentiation using single cell RNA sequencing. Development 2019; 146:dev174953. [PMID: 30824552 DOI: 10.1242/dev.174953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal germ cell development provides the foundation of spermatogenesis. However, a systematic understanding of this process is still limited. To resolve cellular and molecular heterogeneity in this process, we profiled single cell transcriptomes of undifferentiated germ cells from neonatal mouse testes and employed unbiased clustering and pseudotime ordering analysis to assign cells to distinct cell states in the developmental continuum. We defined the unique transcriptional programs underlying migratory capacity, resting cellular states and apoptosis regulation in transitional gonocytes. We also identified a subpopulation of primitive spermatogonia marked by CD87 (plasminogen activator, urokinase receptor), which exhibited a higher level of self-renewal gene expression and migration potential. We further revealed a differentiation-primed state within the undifferentiated compartment, in which elevated Oct4 expression correlates with lower expression of self-renewal pathway factors, higher Rarg expression, and enhanced retinoic acid responsiveness. Lastly, a knockdown experiment revealed the role of Oct4 in the regulation of gene expression related to the MAPK pathway and cell adhesion, which may contribute to stem cell differentiation. Our study thus provides novel insights into cellular and molecular regulation during early germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyue Liao
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shuk Han Ng
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alfred Chun Luk
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hoi Ching Suen
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yan Qian
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Annie Wing Tung Lee
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiajie Tu
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jacqueline Chak Lam Fung
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Nelson Leung Sang Tang
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bo Feng
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai Yee Chan
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Joint CUHK-UoS (University of Southampton) Joint Laboratories for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CUHK-BGI Innovation Institute of Trans-omics Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pierre Fouchet
- CEA DRF IBFJ IRCM, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM, UMR 967, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris Sud, INSERM, UMR 967, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Tin Lap Lee
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Joint CUHK-UoS (University of Southampton) Joint Laboratories for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CUHK-BGI Innovation Institute of Trans-omics Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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38
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Choubey M, Ranjan A, Bora PS, Baltazar F, Martin LJ, Krishna A. Role of adiponectin as a modulator of testicular function during aging in mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:413-427. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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39
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Zhuang M, Li B, Huang Y, Lei Q, Yan R, Li N, Sidhu K, Cheng X, Yan X, Miao Y, Zhao S, Hua J. Reelin regulates male mouse reproductive capacity via the sertoli cells. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:1174-1184. [PMID: 30335884 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Reelin plays important roles in brain development. Reeler mutant mice that lack the protein reelin (RELN) suffer from cell type- and region-dependent changes in their neocortical layers, and adult reeler mutant mice have dilated seminiferous tubules. Meanwhile, the mechanism by which Reelin regulates the spermatogenic cell development in mice and their reproductive abilities remains unclear. In the present study, we used reeler mutant mice to investigate the effects of Reelin on reproduction in mice. The results indicated variations in sex hormone expression among the reeler mice, indicating that they produce few offspring and their spermatogenic cells are irregularly developed. Moreover, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)/GDNF family receptor alpha 1, Ras/extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), and promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF)/chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) serve as potential regulatory pathways that respond to the changes in sertoli cells and the niche of male germ cells. Our findings provided valuable insights into the role of reeler in the reproductive abilities of male mice and development of their spermatogonia stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengru Zhuang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Bo Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yangxue Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qijing Lei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ruichuan Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Na Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kuldip Sidhu
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, UNSW Medicine, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Xiang Cheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Xinrong Yan
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yiliang Miao
- College of Animal Sciences & Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanting Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jinlian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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40
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Chohan H, Esfandiarei M, Arman D, Van Raamsdonk CD, van Breemen C, Friedman JM, Jett KA. Neurofibromin haploinsufficiency results in altered spermatogenesis in a mouse model of neurofibromatosis type 1. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208835. [PMID: 30571760 PMCID: PMC6301684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The fertility of men with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is reduced. Despite this observation, gonadal function has not been examined in patients with NF1. In order to assess the role of reduced neurofibromin in the testes, we examined testicular morphology and function in an Nf1+/- mouse model. We found that although Nf1+/- male mice are able to reproduce, they have significantly fewer pups per litter than Nf1+/+ control males. Reduced fertility in Nf1+/- male mice is associated with disorganization of the seminiferous epithelium, with exfoliation of germ cells and immature spermatids into the tubule lumen. Morphometric analysis shows that these alterations are associated with decreased Leydig cell numbers and increased spermatid cell numbers. We hypothesized that hyper-activation of Ras in Nf1+/- males affects ectoplasmic specialization, a Sertoli-spermatid adherens junction involved in spermiation. Consistent with this idea, we found increased expression of phosphorylated ERK, a downstream effector of Ras that has been shown to alter ectoplasmic specialization, in Nf1+/- males in comparison to control Nf1+/+ littermates. These data demonstrate that neurofibromin haploinsufficiency impairs spermatogenesis and fertility in a mouse model of NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harleen Chohan
- Department of Medical Genetics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mitra Esfandiarei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Darian Arman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Catherine D. Van Raamsdonk
- Department of Medical Genetics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Cornelis van Breemen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jan M. Friedman
- Department of Medical Genetics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kimberly A. Jett
- Department of Medical Genetics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Moniez S, Pienkowski C, Lepage B, Hamdi S, Daudin M, Oliver I, Jouret B, Cartault A, Diene G, Verloes A, Cavé H, Salles JP, Tauber M, Yart A, Edouard T. Noonan syndrome males display Sertoli cell-specific primary testicular insufficiency. Eur J Endocrinol 2018; 179:409-418. [PMID: 30325180 DOI: 10.1530/eje-18-0582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Context Abnormalities in the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis have long been reported in Noonan syndrome (NS) males with only few data available in prepubertal children. Objective The aim of this study was to describe the gonadal function of NS males from childhood to adulthood. Design It is a retrospective chart review. Patients and methods A total of 37 males with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of NS were included. Clinical and genetic features, as well as serum hormone levels (LH, FSH, testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and inhibin B) were analysed. Results Of the 37 patients, 16 (43%) children had entered puberty at a median age of 13.5 years (range: 11.4-15.0 years); age at pubertal onset was negatively correlated with BMI SDS (r = -0.541; P = 0.022). In pubertal boys, testosterone levels were normal suggesting a normal Leydig cell function. In contrast, NS patients had significant lower levels of AMH (mean SDS: -0.6 ± 1.1; P = 0.003) and inhibin B (mean SDS: -1.1 ± 1.2; P < 0.001) compared with the general population, suggesting a Sertoli cell dysfunction. Lower AMH and inhibin B levels were found in NS-PTPN11 patients, whereas these markers did not differ from healthy children in SOS1 patients. No difference was found between cryptorchid and non-cryptorchid patients for AMH and inhibin B levels (P = 0.43 and 0.62 respectively). Four NS-PTPN11 patients had a severe primary hypogonadism with azoospermia/cryptozoospermia. Conclusions NS males display Sertoli cell-specific primary testicular insufficiency, whereas Leydig cell function seems to be unaffected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Moniez
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital
| | | | - Benoit Lepage
- Department of Epidemiology, CECOS Midi-Pyrénées, EA 3694 Human Fertility Research Group, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Safouane Hamdi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Hormonology, CECOS Midi-Pyrénées, EA 3694 Human Fertility Research Group, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
- Fertility Centre, CECOS Midi-Pyrénées, EA 3694 Human Fertility Research Group, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Myriam Daudin
- Fertility Centre, CECOS Midi-Pyrénées, EA 3694 Human Fertility Research Group, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Isabelle Oliver
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital
| | - Béatrice Jouret
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital
| | - Audrey Cartault
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital
| | - Gwenaelle Diene
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital
| | - Alain Verloes
- Department of Genetics, Robert-Debré University Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Cavé
- Department of Genetics, Robert-Debré University Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Salles
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital
- INSERM UMR 1043, Centre of Pathophysiology of Toulouse Purpan (CPTP)
| | - Maithé Tauber
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital
- INSERM UMR 1043, Centre of Pathophysiology of Toulouse Purpan (CPTP)
| | - Armelle Yart
- INSERM UMR 1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC), University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Thomas Edouard
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital
- INSERM UMR 1043, Centre of Pathophysiology of Toulouse Purpan (CPTP)
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42
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Nahari E, Razi M. Silymarin amplifies apoptosis in ectopic endometrial tissue in rats with endometriosis; implication on growth factor GDNF, ERK1/2 and Bcl-6b expression. Acta Histochem 2018; 120:757-767. [PMID: 30195499 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The present prospective study was done to evaluate the effect of silymarin (SMN) on endometriotic-like legions establishment and growth in experimentally-induced endometriosis. For this purpose, the experimental endometriosis was induced in 12 rats and then the animals subdivided into endometriosis-sole and SMN (50 mg kg-1, orally)+endometriosis groups. Following 28 days, the legions establishment, size, Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), gfrα1, B Cell Lymphoma 6 (Bcl-6b), Bcl-2, extracellular regulator kinase (ERK1/2) expression ratios, angiogenesis, the apoptosis and fibrosis indices were investigated. The SMN significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the enometriotic-like legions establishment and size, decreased mRNA levels of GDNF, gfrα1, Bcl-6b and Bcl-2 and remarkably diminished GDNF, gfrα1, Bcl-6b and Bcl-2-positive cells distribution/mm2 of tissue versus endometriosis-sole group. The SMN + endometriosis group exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) enhancement in ERK1/2 expression and represented diminished vascularized area and increased apoptosis and fibrosis indices, as well. In conclusion, the SMN by down-regulating GDNF and its receptor gfrα1 expression inhibits GDNF-gfrα1 complex generation and consequently suppresses Bcl-6b expression. Moreover, the SMN by enhancing the ERK1/2 expression and by suppressing the Bcl-2 expression promotes the apoptosis pathway. Finally, the SMN by down-regulating the angiogenesis ratio accelerates apoptosis and consequently induces severe fibrosis in endometriotic-like legions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Nahari
- Department of Biology, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mazdak Razi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. BOC: 1177, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
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43
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La HM, Chan AL, Legrand JMD, Rossello FJ, Gangemi CG, Papa A, Cheng Q, Morand EF, Hobbs RM. GILZ-dependent modulation of mTORC1 regulates spermatogonial maintenance. Development 2018; 145:dev.165324. [PMID: 30126904 DOI: 10.1242/dev.165324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Male fertility is dependent on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that self-renew and produce differentiating germ cells. Growth factors produced within the testis are essential for SSC maintenance but intrinsic factors that dictate the SSC response to these stimuli are poorly characterised. Here, we have studied the role of GILZ, a TSC22D family protein and spermatogenesis regulator, in spermatogonial function and signalling. Although broadly expressed in the germline, GILZ was prominent in undifferentiated spermatogonia and Gilz deletion in adults resulted in exhaustion of the GFRα1+ SSC-containing population and germline degeneration. GILZ loss was associated with mTORC1 activation, suggesting enhanced growth factor signalling. Expression of deubiquitylase USP9X, an mTORC1 modulator required for spermatogenesis, was disrupted in Gilz mutants. Treatment with an mTOR inhibitor rescued GFRα1+ spermatogonial failure, indicating that GILZ-dependent mTORC1 inhibition is crucial for SSC maintenance. Analysis of cultured undifferentiated spermatogonia lacking GILZ confirmed aberrant activation of ERK MAPK upstream mTORC1 plus USP9X downregulation and interaction of GILZ with TSC22D proteins. Our data indicate an essential role for GILZ-TSC22D complexes in ensuring the appropriate response of undifferentiated spermatogonia to growth factors via distinct inputs to mTORC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue M La
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Ai-Leen Chan
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Julien M D Legrand
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Fernando J Rossello
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Christina G Gangemi
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Antonella Papa
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Qiang Cheng
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Eric F Morand
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia .,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
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44
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Bie B, Wang Y, Li L, Fang H, Liu L, Sun J. Noncoding RNAs: Potential players in the self-renewal of mammalian spermatogonial stem cells. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:720-728. [PMID: 29969526 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), a unique population of male germ cells with self-renewal ability, are the foundation for maintenance of spermatogenesis throughout the life of the male. Although many regulatory molecules essential for SSC self-renewal have been identified, the fundamental mechanism underlying how SSCs acquire and maintain their self-renewal activity remains largely to be elucidated. In recent years, many types of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been suggested to regulate the SSC self-renewal through multiple ways, indicating ncRNAs play crucial roles in SSC self-renewal. In this paper, we mainly focus on four types of ncRNAs including microRNA, long ncRNA, piwi-interacting RNA, as well as circular RNAs, and reviewed their potential roles in SSC self-renewal that discovered recently to help us gain a better understanding of molecular mechanisms by which ncRNAs perform their function in regulating SSC self-renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Bie
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, Xi'an Peihua University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ya Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, Xi'an Peihua University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, Xi'an Peihua University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huanle Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, Xi'an Peihua University, Xi'an, China
| | - Libing Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, Xi'an Peihua University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jin Sun
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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45
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Gao T, Zhao X, Liu C, Shao B, Zhang X, Li K, Cai J, Wang S, Huang X. Somatic Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Regulates Self-Renewal of Mouse Spermatogonial Stem Cells Through the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:1021-1032. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2017.0287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Changzhou Women's and Children's Healthcare Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenchen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Binbin Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinyang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Su Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Development Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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46
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La HM, Mäkelä JA, Chan AL, Rossello FJ, Nefzger CM, Legrand JMD, De Seram M, Polo JM, Hobbs RM. Identification of dynamic undifferentiated cell states within the male germline. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2819. [PMID: 30026551 PMCID: PMC6053434 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04827-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of stem cells in tissue maintenance is appreciated and hierarchical models of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation often proposed. Stem cell activity in the male germline is restricted to undifferentiated A-type spermatogonia (Aundiff); however, only a fraction of this population act as stem cells in undisturbed testis and Aundiff hierarchy remains contentious. Through newly developed compound reporter mice, here we define molecular signatures of self-renewing and differentiation-primed adult Aundiff fractions and dissect Aundiff heterogeneity by single-cell analysis. We uncover an unappreciated population within the self-renewing Aundiff fraction marked by expression of embryonic patterning genes and homeodomain transcription factor PDX1. Importantly, we find that PDX1 marks a population with potent stem cell capacity unique to mature, homeostatic testis and demonstrate dynamic interconversion between PDX1+ and PDX1- Aundiff states upon transplant and culture. We conclude that Aundiff exist in a series of dynamic cell states with distinct function and provide evidence that stability of such states is dictated by niche-derived cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue M La
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ai-Leen Chan
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Fernando J Rossello
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Christian M Nefzger
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Julien M D Legrand
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Mia De Seram
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Jose M Polo
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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Masaki K, Sakai M, Kuroki S, Jo JI, Hoshina K, Fujimori Y, Oka K, Amano T, Yamanaka T, Tachibana M, Tabata Y, Shiozawa T, Ishizuka O, Hochi S, Takashima S. FGF2 Has Distinct Molecular Functions from GDNF in the Mouse Germline Niche. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 10:1782-1792. [PMID: 29681540 PMCID: PMC5989648 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Both glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) are bona fide self-renewal factors for spermatogonial stem cells, whereas retinoic acid (RA) induces spermatogonial differentiation. In this study, we investigated the functional differences between FGF2 and GDNF in the germline niche by providing these factors using a drug delivery system in vivo. Although both factors expanded the GFRA1+ subset of undifferentiated spermatogonia, the FGF2-expanded subset expressed RARG, which is indispensable for proper differentiation, 1.9-fold more frequently than the GDNF-expanded subset, demonstrating that FGF2 expands a differentiation-prone subset in the testis. Moreover, FGF2 acted on the germline niche to suppress RA metabolism and GDNF production, suggesting that FGF2 modifies germline niche functions to be more appropriate for spermatogonial differentiation. These results suggest that FGF2 contributes to induction of differentiation rather than maintenance of undifferentiated spermatogonia, indicating reconsideration of the role of FGF2 in the germline niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaito Masaki
- Department of Textile Science and Technology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Mizuki Sakai
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kuroki
- Division of Epigenome Dynamics, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichiro Jo
- Laboratory of Biomaterials, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kazuo Hoshina
- Nagano Animal Industry Experiment Station, Shiojiri 399-0711, Japan
| | - Yuki Fujimori
- Nagano Animal Industry Experiment Station, Shiojiri 399-0711, Japan
| | - Kenji Oka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Toshiyasu Amano
- Department of Urology, Nagano Red Cross Hospital, Nagano 380-8582, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yamanaka
- Department of Textile Science and Technology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Makoto Tachibana
- Division of Epigenome Dynamics, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Tabata
- Laboratory of Biomaterials, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Tanri Shiozawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Osamu Ishizuka
- Department of Urology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Shinichi Hochi
- Department of Textile Science and Technology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan; Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Seiji Takashima
- Department of Textile Science and Technology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan; Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan.
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48
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Sakai M, Masaki K, Aiba S, Tone M, Takashima S. Expression dynamics of self-renewal factors for spermatogonial stem cells in the mouse testis. J Reprod Dev 2018; 64:267-275. [PMID: 29657241 PMCID: PMC6021615 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2018-015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) are bona fide self-renewal factors for spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Although GDNF is indispensable for the maintenance of SSCs, the role of FGF2 in the testis remains to be elucidated. To clarify this, the expression dynamics and regulatory mechanisms of Fgf2 and Gdnf in the mouse testes were analyzed. It is well known that Sertoli cells express Gdnf, and its receptor is expressed in a subset of undifferentiated spermatogonia, including SSCs. However, we found that Fgf2 was mainly expressed in the germ cells and its receptors were expressed not only in the cultured spermatogonial cell line, but also in testicular somatic cells. Aging, hypophysectomy, retinoic acid treatment, and testicular injury induced distinct Fgf2 and Gdnf expression dynamics, suggesting a difference in the expression mechanism of Fgf2 and Gdnf in the testis. Such differences might cause a dynamic fluctuation of Gdnf/Fgf2 ratio depending on the intrinsic/extrinsic cues. Considering that FGF2-cultured spermatogonia exhibit more differentiated phenotype than those cultured with GDNF, FGF2 might play a role distinct from that of GDNF in the testis, despite the fact that both factors are self-renewal factor for SSC in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Sakai
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Kaito Masaki
- Department of Textile Science and Technology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Shota Aiba
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Masaaki Tone
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Seiji Takashima
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan.,Department of Textile Science and Technology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
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Sharma M, Braun RE. Cyclical expression of GDNF is required for spermatogonial stem cell homeostasis. Development 2018; 145:dev.151555. [PMID: 29440301 DOI: 10.1242/dev.151555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the murine testis, self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) requires glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) secreted from neighboring somatic cells. However, it not clear how GDNF promotes self-renewal in vivo or what downstream signaling pathways are required for SSC maintenance. We found that GDNF is normally expressed cyclically during spermatogenesis. Stage-specific ectopic expression of GDNF caused the accumulation of a GFRA1+ LIN28- Asingle population, which has enhanced SSC activity compared with wild type, suggesting that GDNF normally limits self-renewal to specific stages. Despite the increase in SSC cell number, EdU labeling during steady-stage spermatogenesis, and during recovery after busulfan-mediated spermatogonial depletion, indicated that GDNF promotes self-renewal by blocking differentiation and not by promoting proliferation. Increased GDNF signaling led to increased phosphorylation of AKT3 in undifferentiated spermatogonia, but not of AKT1 or AKT2, and was independent of RPS6 phosphorylation, suggesting that AKT3 functions in SSC self-renewal or progenitor cell expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manju Sharma
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Robert E Braun
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
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Suyatno, Kitamura Y, Ikeda S, Minami N, Yamada M, Imai H. Long-term culture of undifferentiated spermatogonia isolated from immature and adult bovine testes. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:236-249. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Suyatno
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
- Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development; Pasar Minggu Jakarta Selatan Indonesia
| | - Yuka Kitamura
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Shuntaro Ikeda
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Functional Anatomy; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Naojiro Minami
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Masayasu Yamada
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Hiroshi Imai
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
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