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Yi S, Wang W, Su L, Meng L, Li Y, Tan C, Liu Q, Zhang H, Fan L, Lu G, Hu L, Du J, Lin G, Tan YQ, Tu C, Zhang Q. Deleterious variants in X-linked RHOXF1 cause male infertility with oligo- and azoospermia. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae002. [PMID: 38258527 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae002] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Oligozoospermia and azoospermia are two common phenotypes of male infertility characterized by massive sperm defects owing to failure of spermatogenesis. The deleterious impact of candidate variants with male infertility is to be explored. In our study, we identified three hemizygous missense variants (c.388G>A: p.V130M, c.272C>T: p.A91V, and c.467C>T: p.A156V) and one hemizygous nonsense variant (c.478C>T: p.R160X) in the Rhox homeobox family member 1 gene (RHOXF1) in four unrelated cases from a cohort of 1201 infertile Chinese men with oligo- and azoospermia using whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing. RHOXF1 was absent in the testicular biopsy of one patient (c.388G>A: p.V130M) whose histological analysis showed a phenotype of Sertoli cell-only syndrome. In vitro experiments indicated that RHOXF1 mutations significantly reduced the content of RHOXF1 protein in HEK293T cells. Specifically, the p.V130M, p.A156V, and p.R160X mutants of RHOXF1 also led to increased RHOXF1 accumulation in cytoplasmic particles. Luciferase assays revealed that p.V130M and p.R160X mutants may disrupt downstream spermatogenesis by perturbing the regulation of doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1) promoter activity. Furthermore, ICSI treatment could be beneficial in the context of oligozoospermia caused by RHOXF1 mutations. In conclusion, our findings collectively identified mutated RHOXF1 to be a disease-causing X-linked gene in human oligo- and azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibing Yi
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center for Biology Post-Doctoral studies, College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lilan Su
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chen Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liqing Fan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproduction Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproduction Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
| | - Liang Hu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center for Biology Post-Doctoral studies, College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproduction Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproduction Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center for Biology Post-Doctoral studies, College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproduction Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center for Biology Post-Doctoral studies, College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproduction Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qianjun Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center for Biology Post-Doctoral studies, College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproduction Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
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Le Beulze M, Daubech C, Balde-Camara A, Ghieh F, Vialard F. Mammal Reproductive Homeobox (Rhox) Genes: An Update of Their Involvement in Reproduction and Development. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1685. [PMID: 37761825 PMCID: PMC10531175 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091685] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The reproductive homeobox on the X chromosome (RHOX) genes were first identified in the mouse during the 1990s and have a crucial role in reproduction. In various transcription factors with a key regulatory role, the homeobox sequence encodes a "homeodomain" DNA-binding motif. In the mouse, there are three clusters of Rhox genes (α, β, and γ) on the X chromosome. Each cluster shows temporal and/or quantitative collinearity, which regulates the progression of the embryonic development process. Although the RHOX family is conserved in mammals, the interspecies differences in the number of RHOX genes and pseudogenes testifies to a rich evolutionary history with several relatively recent events. In the mouse, Rhox genes are mainly expressed in reproductive tissues, and several have a role in the differentiation of primordial germ cells (Rhox1, Rhox6, and Rhox10) and in spermatogenesis (Rhox1, Rhox8, and Rhox13). Despite the lack of detailed data on human RHOX, these genes appear to be involved in the formation of germ cells because they are predominantly expressed during the early (RHOXF1) and late (RHOXF2/F2B) stages of germ cell development. Furthermore, the few variants identified to date are thought to induce or predispose to impaired spermatogenesis and severe oligozoospermia or azoospermia. In the future, research on the pathophysiology of the human RHOX genes is likely to confirm the essential role of this family in the reproductive process and might help us to better understand the various causes of infertility and characterize the associated human phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Le Beulze
- Equipe RHuMA, UMR-BREED, UFR Simone Veil Santé, F-78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France; (M.L.B.); (C.D.); (A.B.-C.); (F.G.)
- UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université de Versailles-Saint Quentin en Yvelines—Université Paris Saclay (UVSQ), INRAE, BREED, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Cécile Daubech
- Equipe RHuMA, UMR-BREED, UFR Simone Veil Santé, F-78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France; (M.L.B.); (C.D.); (A.B.-C.); (F.G.)
- UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université de Versailles-Saint Quentin en Yvelines—Université Paris Saclay (UVSQ), INRAE, BREED, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Aissatu Balde-Camara
- Equipe RHuMA, UMR-BREED, UFR Simone Veil Santé, F-78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France; (M.L.B.); (C.D.); (A.B.-C.); (F.G.)
- UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université de Versailles-Saint Quentin en Yvelines—Université Paris Saclay (UVSQ), INRAE, BREED, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Farah Ghieh
- Equipe RHuMA, UMR-BREED, UFR Simone Veil Santé, F-78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France; (M.L.B.); (C.D.); (A.B.-C.); (F.G.)
- UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université de Versailles-Saint Quentin en Yvelines—Université Paris Saclay (UVSQ), INRAE, BREED, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - François Vialard
- Equipe RHuMA, UMR-BREED, UFR Simone Veil Santé, F-78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France; (M.L.B.); (C.D.); (A.B.-C.); (F.G.)
- UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université de Versailles-Saint Quentin en Yvelines—Université Paris Saclay (UVSQ), INRAE, BREED, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Département de Génétique, CHI de Poissy St. Germain en Laye, F-78300 Poissy, France
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Busada JT, Velte EK, Serra N, Cook K, Niedenberger BA, Willis WD, Goulding EH, Eddy EM, Geyer CB. Rhox13 is required for a quantitatively normal first wave of spermatogenesis in mice. Reproduction 2016; 152:379-88. [PMID: 27486269 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We previously described a novel germ cell-specific X-linked reproductive homeobox gene (Rhox13) that is upregulated at the level of translation in response to retinoic acid (RA) in differentiating spermatogonia and preleptotene spermatocytes. We hypothesize that RHOX13 plays an essential role in male germ cell differentiation, and have tested this by creating a Rhox13 gene knockout (KO) mouse. Rhox13 KO mice are born in expected Mendelian ratios, and adults have slightly reduced testis weights, yet a full complement of spermatogenic cell types. Young KO mice (at ~7-8 weeks of age) have a ≈50% reduction in epididymal sperm counts, but numbers increased to WT levels as the mice reach ~17 weeks of age. Histological analysis of testes from juvenile KO mice reveals a number of defects during the first wave of spermatogenesis. These include increased apoptosis, delayed appearance of round spermatids and disruption of the precise stage-specific association of germ cells within the seminiferous tubules. Breeding studies reveal that both young and aged KO males produce normal-sized litters. Taken together, our results indicate that RHOX13 is not essential for mouse fertility in a controlled laboratory setting, but that it is required for optimal development of differentiating germ cells and progression of the first wave of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan T Busada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyBrody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ellen K Velte
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyBrody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nicholas Serra
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyBrody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kenneth Cook
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyBrody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bryan A Niedenberger
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyBrody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - William D Willis
- Gamete Biology GroupReproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eugenia H Goulding
- Gamete Biology GroupReproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Edward M Eddy
- Gamete Biology GroupReproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyBrody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina UniversityGreenville, North Carolina, USA
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Brown RM, Davis MG, Hayashi K, MacLean JA. Regulated expression of Rhox8 in the mouse ovary: evidence for the role of progesterone and RHOX5 in granulosa cells. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:126. [PMID: 23536368 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.103267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The gonadotropin surge is the essential trigger to stimulate ovulation and luteinization of ovarian follicles. While the hormone signals from the brain that initiate ovulation are known, the specific targets which regulate this process are not well known. In this study, we assessed the suitability of the Rhox homeobox gene cluster to serve as the master regulators of folliculogenesis. In superovulated (equine chorionic gonadotropin [eCG]/human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG]) mice, the Rhox genes exhibited four distinct windows of peak expression, suggesting that these genes may regulate specific events during the ovulatory cycle. Like many members of the cluster, Rhox8 mRNA and protein were induced by follicle stimulating hormone [FSH]/eCG in granulosa cells. However, Rhox8 displayed unique peak expression at 8 h post-hCG administration, implying it might be the lone member of the cluster regulated by progesterone. Subsequent promoter analysis in granulosa cells revealed relevant homeobox binding and progesterone response elements within Rhox8's 5'-flanking region. In superovulated mice, progesterone receptor (PGR) is recruited to the Rhox8 promoter, as assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. In Rhox5-null mice, Rhox8 mRNA was reduced at 2 h and 4 h post-hCG administration but recovered once the follicles passed the antral stage of development. Conversely, in progesterone receptor knockout mice, Rhox8 exhibited normal stimulation by eCG but failed to reach its peak mRNA level at 8 h post-hCG found in wild-type mice. This suggests a model in which Rhox8 transcription is dependent upon RHOX5 during early folliculogenesis and upon progesterone during the periovulatory window when RHOX5 normally wanes. In support of this model, transfection of RHOX5 and PGR expression plasmids stimulated, whereas dominant negative and mutant constructs inhibited, Rhox8 promoter activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel M Brown
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
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Song HW, Anderson RA, Bayne RA, Gromoll J, Shimasaki S, Chang RJ, Parast MM, Laurent LC, de Rooij DG, Hsieh TC, Wilkinson MF. The RHOX homeobox gene cluster is selectively expressed in human oocytes and male germ cells. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:1635-46. [PMID: 23482336 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What human tissues and cell types express the X-linked reproductive homeobox (RHOX) gene cluster? SUMMARY ANSWER The RHOX homeobox genes and proteins are selectively expressed in germ cells in both the ovary and testis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The RHOX homeobox transcription factors are encoded by an X-linked gene cluster whose members are selectively expressed in the male and female reproductive tract of mice and rats. The Rhox genes have undergone strong selection pressure to rapidly evolve, making it uncertain whether they maintain their reproductive tissue-centric expression pattern in humans, an issue we address in this report. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We examined the expression of all members of the human RHOX gene cluster in 11 fetal and 8 adult tissues. The focus of our analysis was on fetal testes, where we evaluated 16 different samples from 8 to 20 weeks gestation. We also analyzed fixed sections from fetal testes, adult testes and adult ovaries to determine the cell type-specific expression pattern of the proteins encoded by RHOX genes. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We used quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis to assay human RHOX gene expression. We generated antisera against RHOX proteins and used them for western blotting, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses of RHOXF1 and RHOXF2/2B protein expression. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We found that the RHOXF1 and RHOXF2/2B genes are highly expressed in the testis and exhibit low or undetectable expression in most other organs. Using RHOXF1- and RHOXF2/2B-specific antiserum, we found that both RHOXF1 and RHOXF2/2B are primarily expressed in germ cells in the adult testis. Early stage germ cells (spermatogonia and early spermatocytes) express RHOXF2/2B, while later stage germ cells (pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids) express RHOXF1. Both RHOXF1 and RHOXF2/2B are expressed in prespermatogonia in human fetal testes. Consistent with this, RHOXF1 and RHOXF2/2B mRNA expression increases in the second trimester during fetal testes development when gonocytes differentiate into prespermatogonia. In the human adult ovary, we found that RHOXF1 and RHOXF2/2B are primarily expressed in oocytes. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION While the average level of expression of RHOX genes was low or undetectable in all 19 human tissues other than testes, it is still possible that RHOX genes are highly expressed in a small subset of cells in some of these non-testicular tissues. As a case in point, we found that RHOX proteins are highly expressed in oocytes within the human ovary, despite low levels of RHOX mRNA in the whole ovary. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The cell type-specific and developmentally regulated expression pattern of the RHOX transcription factors suggests that they perform regulatory functions during human fetal germ cell development, spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Our results also raise the possibility that modulation of RHOX gene levels could correct some cases of human infertility and that their encoded proteins are candidate targets for contraceptive drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Song
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Celebi C, van Montfoort A, Skory V, Kieffer E, Kuntz S, Mark M, Viville S. Tex 19 paralogs exhibit a gonad and placenta-specific expression in the mouse. J Reprod Dev 2012; 58:360-5. [PMID: 22447323 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.11-047k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously suggested that TEX19, a mammalian-specific protein of which two paralogs exist in rodents, could be implicated in stem cell self-renewal and pluripotency. We have established here the expression profiles of Tex19.1 and Tex19.2 during mouse development and adulthood. We show that both genes are coexpressed in the ectoderm and then in primordial germ cells (PGCs). They are also coexpressed in the testis from embryonic day 13.5 to adulthood, whereas only Tex19.1 transcripts are detected in the developing and adult ovary as well as in the placenta and its precursor tissue, the ectoplacental cone. The presence of both Tex19.1 and Tex19.2 in PGCs, gonocytes and spermatocytes opens the possibility that these two genes could play redundant functions in male germ cells. Furthermore, the placental expression of Tex19.1 can explain why Tex19.1 knockout mice show embryonic lethality, in addition to testis defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Celebi
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), U964/Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 1704/Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
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The rhox homeobox gene cluster is imprinted and selectively targeted for regulation by histone h1 and DNA methylation. Mol Cell Biol 2011; 31:1275-87. [PMID: 21245380 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00734-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone H1 is an abundant and essential component of chromatin whose precise role in regulating gene expression is poorly understood. Here, we report that a major target of H1-mediated regulation in embryonic stem (ES) cells is the X-linked Rhox homeobox gene cluster. To address the underlying mechanism, we examined the founding member of the Rhox gene cluster-Rhox5-and found that its distal promoter (Pd) loses H1, undergoes demethylation, and is transcriptionally activated in response to loss of H1 genes in ES cells. Demethylation of the Pd is required for its transcriptional induction and we identified a single cytosine in the Pd that, when methylated, is sufficient to inhibit Pd transcription. Methylation of this single cytosine prevents the Pd from binding GA-binding protein (GABP), a transcription factor essential for Pd transcription. Thus, H1 silences Rhox5 transcription by promoting methylation of one of its promoters, a mechanism likely to extend to other H1-regulated Rhox genes, based on analysis of ES cells lacking DNA methyltransferases. The Rhox cluster genes targeted for H1-mediated transcriptional repression are also subject to another DNA methylation-regulated process: Xp imprinting. Remarkably, we found that only H1-regulated Rhox genes are imprinted, not those immune to H1-mediated repression. Together, our results indicate that the Rhox gene cluster is a major target of H1-mediated transcriptional repression in ES cells and that H1 is a candidate to have a role in Xp imprinting.
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Abstract
Homeobox genes encode transcription factors that have crucial roles in embryogenesis. A recently discovered set of homeobox genes--the Rhox genes--are expressed during both embryogenesis and in adult reproductive tissues. The 33 known mouse Rhox genes are clustered together in a single region on the X chromosome, while likely descendents of the primodial Rhox cluster, Arx and Esx1, have moved to other positions on the X chromosome. Here, we summarize what is known about the regulation and function of Rhox cluster and Rhox-related genes during embryogenesis and gametogenesis. The founding member of the Rhox gene cluster--Rhox5 (previously known as Pem)--has been studied in the most depth and thus is the focus of this review. We also discuss the unusually rapid evolution of the Rhox gene cluster.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A MacLean
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
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CrxOS maintains the self-renewal capacity of murine embryonic stem cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 390:1129-35. [PMID: 19800316 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.09.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2009] [Accepted: 09/23/2009] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells maintain pluripotency by self-renewal. Several homeoproteins, including Oct3/4 and Nanog, are known to be key factors in maintaining the self-renewal capacity of ES cells. However, other genes required for the mechanisms underlying this process are still unclear. Here we report the identification by in silico analysis of a homeobox-containing gene, CrxOS, that is specifically expressed in murine ES cells and is essential for their self-renewal. ES cells mainly express the short isoform of endogenous CrxOS. Using a polyoma-based episomal expression system, we demonstrate that overexpression of the CrxOS short isoform is sufficient for maintaining the undifferentiated morphology of ES cells and stimulating their proliferation. Finally, using RNA interference, we show that CrxOS is essential for the self-renewal of ES cells, and provisionally identify foxD3 as a downstream target gene of CrxOS. To our knowledge, ours is the first delineation of the physiological role of CrxOS in ES cells.
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Daggag H, Svingen T, Western PS, Bergen JAVD, McClive PJ, Harley VR, Koopman P, Sinclair AH. The Rhox Homeobox Gene Family Shows Sexually Dimorphic and Dynamic Expression During Mouse Embryonic Gonad Development1. Biol Reprod 2008; 79:468-74. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.067348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
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MacLean JA, Lorenzetti D, Hu Z, Salerno WJ, Miller J, Wilkinson MF. Rhox homeobox gene cluster: recent duplication of three family members. Genesis 2006; 44:122-9. [PMID: 16496311 DOI: 10.1002/gene.20193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We recently reported the discovery of a homeobox gene cluster on the mouse X chromosome, Rhox, whose 12 members are selectively expressed in specific cell types in reproductive organs. Here we report the existence of 20 additional Rhox homeobox genes in this gene cluster. Most of the newly identified Rhox paralogs retain the same order and relative orientation as three of the originally described Rhox genes, suggesting that they arose from recent duplications of this trimer unit. Many of these new Rhox family members are expressed in the testis and placenta. Analysis of synonymous and nonsynonymous substitutions in their homeodomain region suggests that these new Rhox paralogs duplicated so recently that their encoded proteins have not yet acquired distinct DNA-binding specificities. The existence of these new Rhox genes provides an opportunity to examine the initial stages of gene cluster evolution.
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Pangas SA, Rajkovic A. Transcriptional regulation of early oogenesis: in search of masters. Hum Reprod Update 2005; 12:65-76. [PMID: 16143663 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmi033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors in the germline play important roles in ovary formation and folliculogenesis, and control both oocyte development and somatic cell function. Factor in the germline (Figla) and newborn ovary homeobox gene (Nobox) represent a growing number of oocyte-specific transcription factors that regulate genes unique to oocytes. Studies on oocyte-specific transcription factors are important in understanding the genetic pathways essential for oogenesis, pluripotency, and embryonic development. Likely, these genes regulate reproductive life span and represent candidate genes for reproductive disorders, such as premature ovarian failure, and infertility. Therefore, oocyte-specific transcription factors, and oocyte-specific genes regulated by such factors, are attractive tissue-specific pharmacological targets to regulate human fertility.
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13
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Herrera L, Ottolenghi C, Garcia-Ortiz JE, Pellegrini M, Manini F, Ko MSH, Nagaraja R, Forabosco A, Schlessinger D. Mouse ovary developmental RNA and protein markers from gene expression profiling. Dev Biol 2005; 279:271-90. [PMID: 15733658 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2004.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2004] [Accepted: 11/17/2004] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
To identify genes involved in morphogenetic events during mouse ovary development, we started with microarray analyses of whole organ RNA. Transcripts for 60% of the 15,000 gene NIA panel were detected, and about 2000 were differentially expressed in nascent newborn compared to adult ovary. Highly differentially expressed transcripts included noncoding RNAs and newly detected genes involved in transcription regulation and signal transduction. The phased pattern of newborn mouse ovary differentiation allowed us to (1) extend information on activity and stage specificity of cell type-specific genes; and (2) generate a list of candidate genes involved in primordial follicle formation, including podocalyxin (Podxl), PDGFR-beta, and a follistatin-domain-encoding gene Flst1. Oocyte-specific transcripts included many (e.g., Deltex2, Bicd2, and Zfp37) enriched in growing oocytes, as well as a novel family of untranslated RNA's (RLTR10) that is selectively expressed in early stage follicles. The results indicate that global expression profiling of whole organ RNA provides sensitive first-line information about ovarian histogenesis for which no in vitro cell models are currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Herrera
- Laboratory of Genetics, Gerentalogy Research Centre, National Institute on Aging, Suite 3000, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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14
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Maclean JA, Chen MA, Wayne CM, Bruce SR, Rao M, Meistrich ML, Macleod C, Wilkinson MF. Rhox: a new homeobox gene cluster. Cell 2005; 120:369-82. [PMID: 15707895 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2004.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2004] [Revised: 10/26/2004] [Accepted: 12/17/2004] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Homeobox genes encode transcription factors notable for their ability to regulate embryogenesis. Here, we report the discovery of a cluster of 12 related homeobox genes on the X chromosome expressed in male and female reproductive tissues in adult mice. These reproductive homeobox on the X chromosome (Rhox) genes are expressed in a cell type-specific manner; several are hormonally regulated, and their expression pattern during postnatal testis development corresponds to their chromosomal position. Most of the Rhox genes are expressed in Sertoli cells, the nurse cells in direct contact with developing male germ cells, suggesting that they regulate the expression of somatic-cell gene products critical for germ cell development. In support of this, targeted disruption of Rhox5 increased male germ cell apoptosis and reduced sperm production, sperm motility, and fertility. Identification of this family of homeobox genes provides an opportunity to study colinear gene regulation and the transcriptional control of reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Maclean
- Department of Immunology, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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15
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Mitsunaga K, Araki K, Mizusaki H, Morohashi KI, Haruna K, Nakagata N, Giguère V, Yamamura KI, Abe K. Loss of PGC-specific expression of the orphan nuclear receptor ERR-β results in reduction of germ cell number in mouse embryos. Mech Dev 2004; 121:237-46. [PMID: 15003627 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2004.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2003] [Revised: 01/19/2004] [Accepted: 01/20/2004] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen related receptor beta (ERR-beta) is an orphan nuclear receptor specifically expressed in a subset of extra-embryonic ectoderm of post-implantation embryos. ERR-beta is essential for placental development since the ERR-beta null mutants die at 10.5dpc due to the placenta abnormality. Here, we show that the ERR-beta is specifically expressed in primordial germ cells (PGC), obviously another important cell type for reproduction. Expression of the ERR-beta mRNA in embryonic germ cells started at E11.5 as soon as PGC reached genital ridges, and persisted until E15-E16 in both sexes. Immunostaining with anti-ERR-beta antibody revealed that the ERR-beta protein is exclusively expressed in germ cells in both male and female gonads from E11.5 to E16. 5. To study function of the ERR-beta in PGC, we complemented placental defects of the ERR-beta null mutants with wild-type tetraploid embryos, and analyzed germ cell development in the rescued embryos. It was found that development of gonad and PGC was not apparently affected, but number of germ cells was significantly reduced in male and female gonads, suggesting that the ERR-beta appears to be involved in proliferation of gonadal germ cells. The rescued embryos could develop to term and grow up to adulthood. The rescued ERR-beta null male were found to be fertile, but both male and female null mutants exhibited behavioural abnormalities, implying that the ERR-beta plays important roles in wider biological processes than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanae Mitsunaga
- Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Division of Developmental Genetics, Kumamoto University, 4-24-1 Kuhonji, Kumamoto 862-0976, Japan
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16
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Kang YL, Li H, Chen WH, Tzeng YS, Lai YL, Hsieh-Li HM. A Novel PEPP Homeobox Gene, TOX, Is Highly Glutamic Acid Rich and Specifically Expressed in Murine Testis and Ovary1. Biol Reprod 2004; 70:828-36. [PMID: 14627546 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.021048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeobox gene superfamily has been highly conserved throughout evolution. These genes act as transcription factors during several important developmental processes. To explore the functional roles of homeobox genes in spermatogenesis, we performed a degenerate oligonucleotide polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening of a testis cDNA library and isolated a novel mouse homeobox gene. This gene, which we named Tox, encodes a homeodomain protein distantly related to members of the Paired/Pax (Prd/Pax) family. A phylogenetic analysis revealed Tox to be a member of the recently defined PEPP subfamily of Paired-like homeobox genes. Tox was mapped to chromosome X, with its homeodomain organized into three exons. A special feature of Tox is that the encoded protein sequence contains two poly-glutamic acid (poly E) stretches, which make Tox highly acidic. Tox transcripts were detected predominately in the testis and ovary of mice. Tox expression in testes was initiated soon after birth, mainly in Sertoli cells and spermatogonia; however, in adult mice, Tox expression shifts to the spermatids and spermatozoa. Tox expression in ovaries was detected in somatic cells of follicles, early on in theca cells, and in both granulosa and theca cells at the later stages of follicular development. Based on these results, Tox may play an important role during gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Lin Kang
- Institute of Biochemistry, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112 Taiwan
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17
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Waterston RH, Lindblad-Toh K, Birney E, Rogers J, Abril JF, Agarwal P, Agarwala R, Ainscough R, Alexandersson M, An P, Antonarakis SE, Attwood J, Baertsch R, Bailey J, Barlow K, Beck S, Berry E, Birren B, Bloom T, Bork P, Botcherby M, Bray N, Brent MR, Brown DG, Brown SD, Bult C, Burton J, Butler J, Campbell RD, Carninci P, Cawley S, Chiaromonte F, Chinwalla AT, Church DM, Clamp M, Clee C, Collins FS, Cook LL, Copley RR, Coulson A, Couronne O, Cuff J, Curwen V, Cutts T, Daly M, David R, Davies J, Delehaunty KD, Deri J, Dermitzakis ET, Dewey C, Dickens NJ, Diekhans M, Dodge S, Dubchak I, Dunn DM, Eddy SR, Elnitski L, Emes RD, Eswara P, Eyras E, Felsenfeld A, Fewell GA, Flicek P, Foley K, Frankel WN, Fulton LA, Fulton RS, Furey TS, Gage D, Gibbs RA, Glusman G, Gnerre S, Goldman N, Goodstadt L, Grafham D, Graves TA, Green ED, Gregory S, Guigó R, Guyer M, Hardison RC, Haussler D, Hayashizaki Y, Hillier LW, Hinrichs A, Hlavina W, Holzer T, Hsu F, Hua A, Hubbard T, Hunt A, Jackson I, Jaffe DB, Johnson LS, Jones M, Jones TA, Joy A, Kamal M, Karlsson EK, Karolchik D, Kasprzyk A, Kawai J, Keibler E, Kells C, Kent WJ, Kirby A, Kolbe DL, Korf I, Kucherlapati RS, Kulbokas EJ, Kulp D, Landers T, Leger JP, Leonard S, Letunic I, Levine R, Li J, Li M, Lloyd C, Lucas S, Ma B, Maglott DR, Mardis ER, Matthews L, Mauceli E, Mayer JH, McCarthy M, McCombie WR, McLaren S, McLay K, McPherson JD, Meldrim J, Meredith B, Mesirov JP, Miller W, Miner TL, Mongin E, Montgomery KT, Morgan M, Mott R, Mullikin JC, Muzny DM, Nash WE, Nelson JO, Nhan MN, Nicol R, Ning Z, Nusbaum C, O'Connor MJ, Okazaki Y, Oliver K, Overton-Larty E, Pachter L, Parra G, Pepin KH, Peterson J, Pevzner P, Plumb R, Pohl CS, Poliakov A, Ponce TC, Ponting CP, Potter S, Quail M, Reymond A, Roe BA, Roskin KM, Rubin EM, Rust AG, Santos R, Sapojnikov V, Schultz B, Schultz J, Schwartz MS, Schwartz S, Scott C, Seaman S, Searle S, Sharpe T, Sheridan A, Shownkeen R, Sims S, Singer JB, Slater G, Smit A, Smith DR, Spencer B, Stabenau A, Stange-Thomann N, Sugnet C, Suyama M, Tesler G, Thompson J, Torrents D, Trevaskis E, Tromp J, Ucla C, Ureta-Vidal A, Vinson JP, Von Niederhausern AC, Wade CM, Wall M, Weber RJ, Weiss RB, Wendl MC, West AP, Wetterstrand K, Wheeler R, Whelan S, Wierzbowski J, Willey D, Williams S, Wilson RK, Winter E, Worley KC, Wyman D, Yang S, Yang SP, Zdobnov EM, Zody MC, Lander ES. Initial sequencing and comparative analysis of the mouse genome. Nature 2002; 420:520-62. [PMID: 12466850 DOI: 10.1038/nature01262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4802] [Impact Index Per Article: 218.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2002] [Accepted: 10/31/2002] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The sequence of the mouse genome is a key informational tool for understanding the contents of the human genome and a key experimental tool for biomedical research. Here, we report the results of an international collaboration to produce a high-quality draft sequence of the mouse genome. We also present an initial comparative analysis of the mouse and human genomes, describing some of the insights that can be gleaned from the two sequences. We discuss topics including the analysis of the evolutionary forces shaping the size, structure and sequence of the genomes; the conservation of large-scale synteny across most of the genomes; the much lower extent of sequence orthology covering less than half of the genomes; the proportions of the genomes under selection; the number of protein-coding genes; the expansion of gene families related to reproduction and immunity; the evolution of proteins; and the identification of intraspecies polymorphism.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Base Composition
- Chromosomes, Mammalian/genetics
- Conserved Sequence/genetics
- CpG Islands/genetics
- Evolution, Molecular
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Genes/genetics
- Genetic Variation/genetics
- Genome
- Genome, Human
- Genomics
- Humans
- Mice/classification
- Mice/genetics
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Transgenic
- Models, Animal
- Multigene Family/genetics
- Mutagenesis
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Physical Chromosome Mapping
- Proteome/genetics
- Pseudogenes/genetics
- Quantitative Trait Loci/genetics
- RNA, Untranslated/genetics
- Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid/genetics
- Selection, Genetic
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Sex Chromosomes/genetics
- Species Specificity
- Synteny
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18
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Wayne CM, MacLean JA, Cornwall G, Wilkinson MF. Two novel human X-linked homeobox genes, hPEPP1 and hPEPP2, selectively expressed in the testis. Gene 2002; 301:1-11. [PMID: 12490318 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-1119(02)01087-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The PEPP genes are a recently described subfamily of mouse homeobox genes preferentially expressed in reproductive tissues. Pem, the founding member of the PEPP subfamily, has undergone rapid divergence due to positive selection, rendering the identification of its human orthologue difficult. Here we report the isolation and characterization of two human homeobox genes, hPEPP1 and hPEPP2, that are related to Pem and other PEPP family members. We identified these human genes based on their location in Xq24, which is syntenic to the mouse X-chromosome region containing three PEPP genes: Pem, Psx-1, and Psx-2. We found that hPEPP1 and hPEPP2 are selectively expressed in the testis, where the mouse and rat Pem genes are also expressed. However, unlike all mouse PEPP genes, hPEPP1 and hPEPP2 were not expressed in placenta, which suggests the possibility that the regulation of PEPP genes has significantly changed since the split between hominids and rodents. Although hPEPP1 exhibits highly selective expression in normal tissues, it is aberrantly expressed in tumor cell lines from several different organs, analogous to the expression pattern of mouse and rat Pem but not mouse Psx-1 or Psx-2. We conclude that we identified two human homeobox genes from the PEPP subfamily that are good candidates to encode transcription factors that regulate downstream genes and biological events in the human testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad M Wayne
- Department of Immunology, Box 180, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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19
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Jackson M, Baird JW, Cambray N, Ansell JD, Forrester LM, Graham GJ. Cloning and characterization of Ehox, a novel homeobox gene essential for embryonic stem cell differentiation. J Biol Chem 2002; 277:38683-92. [PMID: 12087094 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m203459200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We report here the identification and characterization of a novel paired-like homeobox-containing gene (Ehox). This gene, identified in embryonic stem (ES) cells, is differentially expressed during in vitro ES cell differentiation. We have assessed Ehox function using the ES cell in vitro differentiation system. This has involved molecular and biological analyses of the effects of sense or antisense Ehox expression (using episomal vectors) on ES cell differentiation. Analysis of antisense Ehox-expressing ES cells indicates that they are unable to express marker genes associated with hematopoietic, endothelial, or cardiac differentiation following removal of leukemia inhibitory factor. In contrast, overexpression of Ehox using the sense construct accelerated the appearance of these differentiation markers. ES cell self-renewal and differentiation assays reveal that inhibition of Ehox activity results in the maintenance of a stem cell phenotype in limiting concentrations of leukemia inhibitory factor and the almost complete impairment of the cardiomyocyte differentiation capacity of these cells. We therefore conclude that Ehox is a novel homeobox-containing gene that is essential for the earliest stages of murine ES cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melany Jackson
- John Hughes Bennett Laboratories, Department of Oncology, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, Scotland, United Kingdom
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20
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Geserick C, Weiss B, Schleuning WD, Haendler B. OTEX, an androgen-regulated human member of the paired-like class of homeobox genes. Biochem J 2002; 366:367-75. [PMID: 11980563 PMCID: PMC1222745 DOI: 10.1042/bj20020399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2002] [Revised: 04/25/2002] [Accepted: 04/30/2002] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
paired genes emerged early in evolution and code for homeobox transcription factors, having fundamental roles in various biological processes. We identified a novel human member of the paired-like class, which we named OTEX. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that OTEX belonged to the recently defined PEPP subfamily of paired-like homeobox genes. It was organized into three introns and, like the other PEPP genes, it was mapped to chromosome X. Its transcripts were detected mainly in the ovary, testis and epididymis, but also in the prostate and mammary gland. In the PC-3/ARwt prostate cell line, OTEX expression was stimulated dramatically following androgen treatment. Immunofluorescence studies revealed an exclusively nuclear localization of the OTEX protein. Mutation of the RARCRRHQRE amino acid sequence present at the C-terminus of the OTEX homeodomain resulted in a mainly cytoplasmic localization, indicating that this motif harboured the nuclear localization signal. No inherent transactivation function was seen for OTEX using the one-hybrid assay, and no homodimer formation was observed in the two-hybrid assay, suggesting that additional partners were needed for this activity. Taken together, the data show that OTEX represents a novel, androgen-regulated, paired-like homeobox protein, with possibly an important role in human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Geserick
- Research Laboratories of Schering AG, Muellerstrasse 170-178, Berlin 13342, Germany
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21
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Abstract
We report that Gata-2 is expressed in a sexually dimorphic fashion during mouse gonadogenesis. Gata-2 transcripts accumulate rapidly in the fetal ovary from 11.5 days post coitum (dpc) onwards, but are not detected in the fetal testis throughout the period studied (10.5-15.5 dpc). Ovarian expression of Gata-2 ceases by 15.5 dpc. Examination of ovaries from embryos homozygous for the extreme allele of c-kit(W(e)) (Nature, 335, 88; Cell, 55, 185) demonstrates that ovarian Gata-2 expression is dependent upon the presence of germ cells. Comparative in situ hybridisation using the germ cell marker Oct4 (EMBO J., 8, 2543) indicates that Gata-2 transcripts are restricted to the germ cell lineage at 13.5 dpc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pam Siggers
- MRC Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell, OX11 0RD, Didcot, UK
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22
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Takasaki N, Rankin T, Dean J. Normal gonadal development in mice lacking GPBOX, a homeobox protein expressed in germ cells at the onset of sexual dimorphism. Mol Cell Biol 2001; 21:8197-202. [PMID: 11689708 PMCID: PMC99984 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.21.23.8197-8202.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gpbox is a paired-like homeobox gene that colocalizes with two other members of the family, PsxI and Pem, on the proximal portion of the mouse X chromosome. Gpbox is expressed in the extraembryonic placenta and within the germ cells of the embryonic gonad. Beginning with the onset of sexual dimorphism (embryonic day [E]11.5 to 12.5), GPBOX transcripts accumulate faster in female than in male germ cells but disappear later in embryogenesis (E16) and have not been reported in adult tissues. To investigate the function of Gpbox, mouse cell lines lacking GPBOX were established using targeted mutagenesis in embryonic stem cells. Both homozygous Gpbox null female and hemizygous Gpbox null male mice were fertile and reproduced normally. Additionally, the development of male and female gonads in the null background was indistinguishable from that observed in normal littermates. The lack of an obvious phenotype raises the possibility that another member of this homeobox gene family provides the absent Gpbox function.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Takasaki
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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23
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Fohn LE, Behringer RR. ESX1L, a novel X chromosome-linked human homeobox gene expressed in the placenta and testis. Genomics 2001; 74:105-8. [PMID: 11374906 DOI: 10.1006/geno.2001.6532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A novel human homeobox gene related to the mouse Esx1 homeobox gene, which we have designated ESXR1, has been identified. ESXR1 and Esx1 share 65% identity within their homeodomains and have glutamic acid-rich and proline-rich N- and C-terminal regions, respectively. Unlike Esx1, ESXR1 contains 12 repeats of a unique nine amino acid motif, PPMAP(V/L)PPG, located C-terminal to the homeodomain. The general exon-intron structures of ESXR1 and Esx1 appear to be conserved. ESXR1 has been localized to human Xq22.1-q22.3, the same region of synteny shared by the map position of Esx1. ESXR1 expression appears to be restricted to the placenta and testis, the tissues in which Esx1 is also expressed. These data suggest that ESXR1 may be the orthologue of Esx1. The findings that there are similarities between ESXR1 and Esx1, yet differences between their encoded products, are consistent with the idea that placental genes evolve rapidly between mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Fohn
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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24
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Maiti S, Meistrich ML, Wilson G, Shetty G, Marcelli M, McPhaul MJ, Morris PL, Wilkinson MF. Irradiation selectively inhibits expression from the androgen-dependent Pem homeobox gene promoter in sertoli cells. Endocrinology 2001; 142:1567-77. [PMID: 11250938 DOI: 10.1210/endo.142.4.8076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
How radiation blocks spermatogenesis in certain strains of rats, such as LBNF(1), is not known. Because the block depends on androgen, we propose that androgen affects Sertoli cell function in irradiated LBNF(1) rats, resulting in the failure of spermatogonial differentiation. To begin to identify genes that may participate in this irradiation-induced blockade of spermatogenesis, we investigated the expression of several Sertoli genes in response to irradiation. The expression of the PEM: homeobox gene from its androgen-dependent Sertoli-specific proximal promoter (Pp) was dramatically reduced more than 100-fold in response to irradiation. In contrast, most other genes and gene products reported to be localized to the Sertoli cell, including FSH receptor (FSHR), androgen receptor (AR), SGP1, and the transcription factor CREB, did not exhibit significant changes in expression, whereas transferrin messenger RNA (mRNA) expression dramatically increased in response to irradiation. Irradiation also decreased Pp-driven PEM: mRNA levels in mouse testes (approximately 10-fold), although higher doses of irradiation than in rats were required to inhibit PEM: gene expression in testes of mice, consistent with their greater radioresistance. The decrease in Pem gene expression in mouse testis was also selective, as the expression of CREB, GATA-1, and SGP1 were little affected by irradiation. We conclude that the dramatic irradiation-triggered reduction of Pem expression in Sertoli cells is a conserved response that may be a marker for functional changes in response to irradiation.
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MESH Headings
- Androgens/physiology
- Animals
- Blotting, Northern
- Cell Differentiation/radiation effects
- Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
- Gamma Rays
- Gene Expression Regulation/radiation effects
- Genes, Homeobox/genetics
- Genes, Homeobox/radiation effects
- Homeodomain Proteins/genetics
- Homeodomain Proteins/radiation effects
- Immunohistochemistry
- Male
- Mice
- Nuclease Protection Assays
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/radiation effects
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- RNA, Messenger/radiation effects
- Rats
- Receptors, Androgen/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Androgen/genetics
- Sertoli Cells/metabolism
- Sertoli Cells/radiation effects
- Spermatogonia/radiation effects
- Testosterone/blood
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/radiation effects
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Affiliation(s)
- S Maiti
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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