1
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Wong HN, Chen T, Wang PJ, Holzman LB. ARF6, a component of intercellular bridges, is essential for spermatogenesis in mice. Dev Biol 2024; 508:46-63. [PMID: 38242343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.01.007] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Male germ cells are connected by intercellular bridges (ICBs) in a syncytium due to incomplete cytokinesis. Syncytium is thought to be important for synchronized germ cell development by interchange of cytoplasmic factors via ICBs. Mammalian ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) is a small GTPase that is involved in many cellular mechanisms including but not limited to regulating cellular structure, motility, vesicle trafficking and cytokinesis. ARF6 localizes to ICBs in spermatogonia and spermatocytes in mice. Here we report that mice with global depletion of ARF6 in adulthood using Ubc-CreERT2 display no observable phenotypes but are male sterile. ARF6-deficient males display a progressive loss of germ cells, including LIN28A-expressing spermatogonia, and ultimately develop Sertoli-cell-only syndrome. Specifically, intercellular bridges are lost in ARF6-deficient testis. Furthermore, germ cell-specific inactivation using the Ddx4-CreERT2 results in the same testicular morphological phenotype, showing the germ cell-intrinsic requirement of ARF6. Therefore, ARF6 is essential for spermatogenesis in mice and this function is conserved from Drosophila to mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hetty N Wong
- Renal, Electrolyte, and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Tingfang Chen
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - P Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Lawrence B Holzman
- Renal, Electrolyte, and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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2
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Soley JT, du Plessis L, Sutovsky M, Sutovsky P. Steps of spermiogenesis in the ostrich (Struthio camelus). Cell Tissue Res 2023; 394:209-227. [PMID: 37430159 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03807-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Few studies describe the sequence of morphological events that characterize spermiogenesis in birds. In this paper, the clearly observable steps of spermiogenesis are described and illustrated for the first time in a commercially important ratite, the ostrich, based on light microscopy of toluidine blue-stained plastic sections. Findings were supplemented and supported by ultrastructural observations, PNA labeling of acrosome development, and immunocytochemical labeling of isolated spermatogenic cells. Spermiogenesis in the ostrich followed the general pattern described in non-passerine birds. Eight steps were identified based on changes in nuclear shape and contents, positioning of the centriolar complex, and acrosome development. Only two steps could be recognized with certainty during development of the round spermatid which contributed to the fewer steps recorded for the ostrich compared to that described in some other bird species. The only lectin that displayed acrosome reactivity was PNA and only for the first three steps of spermiogenesis. This suggests that organizational and/or compositional changes may occur in the acrosome during development and merits further investigation. Immunological labeling provided additional evidence to support the finding of previous studies that the tip of the nucleus in the ostrich is shaped by the forming acrosome and not by the microtubular manchette. To our knowledge, this is the first complete description of spermiogenesis in ostrich and one of few in any avian species. In addition to comparative reproduction and animal science, this work has implications for evolutionary biology as the reported germ cell features provide a bridge between reptile and ratite-avian spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T Soley
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - L du Plessis
- Electron Microscope Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - M Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - P Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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3
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The SLC9C2 Gene Product (Na+/H+ Exchanger Isoform 11; NHE11) Is a Testis-Specific Protein Localized to the Head of Mature Mammalian Sperm. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065329. [PMID: 36982403 PMCID: PMC10049371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) are a family of ion transporters that regulate the pH of various cell compartments across an array of cell types. In eukaryotes, NHEs are encoded by the SLC9 gene family comprising 13 genes. SLC9C2, which encodes the NHE11 protein, is the only one of the SLC9 genes that is essentially uncharacterized. Here, we show that SLC9C2 exhibits testis/sperm-restricted expression in rats and humans, akin to its paralog SLC9C1 (NHE10). Similar to NHE10, NHE11 is predicted to contain an NHE domain, a voltage sensing domain, and finally an intracellular cyclic nucleotide binding domain. An immunofluorescence analysis of testis sections reveals that NHE11 localizes with developing acrosomal granules in spermiogenic cells in both rat and human testes. Most interestingly, NHE11 localizes to the sperm head, likely the plasma membrane overlaying the acrosome, in mature sperm from rats and humans. Therefore, NHE11 is the only known NHE to localize to the acrosomal region of the head in mature sperm cells. The physiological role of NHE11 has yet to be demonstrated but its predicted functional domains and unique localization suggests that it could modulate intracellular pH of the sperm head in response to changes in membrane potential and cyclic nucleotide concentrations that are a result of sperm capacitation events. If NHE11 is shown to be important for male fertility, it will be an attractive target for male contraceptive drugs due to its exclusive testis/sperm-specific expression.
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4
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Wyrwoll MJ, Gaasbeek CM, Golubickaite I, Stakaitis R, Oud MS, Nagirnaja L, Dion C, Sindi EB, Leitch HG, Jayasena CN, Sironen A, Dicke AK, Rotte N, Stallmeyer B, Kliesch S, Grangeiro CHP, Araujo TF, Lasko P, D'Hauwers K, Smits RM, Ramos L, Xavier MJ, Conrad DF, Almstrup K, Veltman JA, Tüttelmann F, van der Heijden GW. The piRNA-pathway factor FKBP6 is essential for spermatogenesis but dispensable for control of meiotic LINE-1 expression in humans. Am J Hum Genet 2022; 109:1850-1866. [PMID: 36150389 PMCID: PMC9606565 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects around 7% of the male population and can be due to severe spermatogenic failure (SPGF), resulting in no or very few sperm in the ejaculate. We initially identified a homozygous frameshift variant in FKBP6 in a man with extreme oligozoospermia. Subsequently, we screened a total of 2,699 men with SPGF and detected rare bi-allelic loss-of-function variants in FKBP6 in five additional persons. All six individuals had no or extremely few sperm in the ejaculate, which were not suitable for medically assisted reproduction. Evaluation of testicular tissue revealed an arrest at the stage of round spermatids. Lack of FKBP6 expression in the testis was confirmed by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining. In mice, Fkbp6 is essential for spermatogenesis and has been described as being involved in piRNA biogenesis and formation of the synaptonemal complex (SC). We did not detect FKBP6 as part of the SC in normal human spermatocytes, but small RNA sequencing revealed that loss of FKBP6 severely impacted piRNA levels, supporting a role for FKBP6 in piRNA biogenesis in humans. In contrast to findings in piRNA-pathway mouse models, we did not detect an increase in LINE-1 expression in men with pathogenic FKBP6 variants. Based on our findings, FKBP6 reaches a "strong" level of evidence for being associated with male infertility according to the ClinGen criteria, making it directly applicable for clinical diagnostics. This will improve patient care by providing a causal diagnosis and will help to predict chances for successful surgical sperm retrieval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot J Wyrwoll
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Channah M Gaasbeek
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ieva Golubickaite
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA; Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Rytis Stakaitis
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA; Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Manon S Oud
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Liina Nagirnaja
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Camille Dion
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Emad B Sindi
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Harry G Leitch
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK; Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Channa N Jayasena
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Anu Sironen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, Production Systems, Jokioinen, Finland; Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ann-Kristin Dicke
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nadja Rotte
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Birgit Stallmeyer
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Thaís F Araujo
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Paul Lasko
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Roos M Smits
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Liliana Ramos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Miguel J Xavier
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Don F Conrad
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joris A Veltman
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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5
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Wakayama T, Yokota S, Noguchi K, Sugawara T, Sonoda K, Wanta A. Quantitative evaluation of spermatogenesis by fluorescent histochemistry. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 157:287-295. [PMID: 35211802 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02080-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Identifying the types of spermatogenic cells that compose seminiferous tubules, as well as qualitative confirmation of the presence or absence of disorders, has been regarded as crucial in spermatogenesis. Sperm count and fertilizing capacity, both of which depend on the quality as well as quantity of spermatogenesis, are factors critical to fertilization. However, the quantitative assessment of spermatogenesis is not commonly practiced. Spermatogenesis has species-specific stages; when the specific stage in the seminiferous tubules is precisely determined, the types of spermatogenic cells in each stage can be spontaneously identified. Thereafter, a unique marker is used to classify the cells observed in each stage. Quantitative assessment of spermatogenesis has the potential to detect inapparent spermatogenesis disorders or numerically indicate the degree of the disorder. To this end, a histochemical approach using unique markers is indispensable for the quantitative assessment of spermatogenesis. Future developments in techniques to measure cell populations using computer software will further facilitate the establishment of quantitative assessment of spermatogenesis as a standard analysis method that can contribute significantly to advance our understanding of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiko Wakayama
- Department of Histology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Yokota
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Noguchi
- Department of Histology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Taichi Sugawara
- Department of Histology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Kayoko Sonoda
- Department of Histology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Arunothai Wanta
- Department of Histology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
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6
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Campolo F, Capponi C, Tarsitano MG, Tenuta M, Pozza C, Gianfrilli D, Magliocca F, Venneri MA, Vicini E, Lenzi A, Isidori AM, Barbagallo F. cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase 8A and 8B isoforms are differentially expressed in human testis and Leydig cell tumor. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1010924. [PMID: 36277728 PMCID: PMC9585345 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1010924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate/Protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) signaling pathway is the master regulator of endocrine tissue function. The level, compartmentalization and amplitude of cAMP response are finely regulated by phosphodiesterases (PDEs). PDE8 is responsible of cAMP hydrolysis and its expression has been characterized in all steroidogenic cell types in rodents including adrenal and Leydig cells in rodents however scarce data are currently available in humans. Here we demonstrate that human Leydig cells express both PDE8A and PDE8B isoforms. Interestingly, we found that the expression of PDE8B but not of PDE8A is increased in transformed Leydig cells (Leydig cell tumors-LCTs) compared to non-tumoral cells. Immunofluorescence analyses further reveals that PDE8A is also highly expressed in specific spermatogenic stages. While the protein is not detected in spermatogonia it accumulates nearby the forming acrosome, in the trans-Golgi apparatus of spermatocytes and spermatids and it follows the fate of this organelle in the later stages translocating to the caudal part of the cell. Taken together our findings suggest that 1) a specific pool(s) of cAMP is/are regulated by PDE8A during spermiogenesis pointing out a possible new role of this PDE8 isoform in key events governing the differentiation and maturation of human sperm and 2) PDE8B can be involved in Leydig cell transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Campolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Capponi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Tarsitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marta Tenuta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlotta Pozza
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Gianfrilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Magliocca
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mary A. Venneri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Vicini
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea M. Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Barbagallo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University of Enna, Enna, Italy
- *Correspondence: Federica Barbagallo,
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7
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Feng T, Zhou S, Shi X, Zhang X, Zhang J, Zhao S, Yang X, Meng X, Liu M. Eef2k is not required for fertility in male mice. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:1988-1999. [PMID: 34159079 PMCID: PMC8185658 DOI: 10.21037/tau-21-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (Eef2k) is a protein kinase associated with the calmodulin-induced signaling pathway and an atypical alpha-kinase family member. Eef2k-mediated phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2 (Eef2) can inhibit the functionality of this protein, altering protein translation. Prior work suggests Eef2k to be overexpressed in breast, pancreatic, brain, and lung cancers wherein it may control key processes associated with apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle progression. The functional importance of Eef2k in the testes of male mice, however, has yet to be clarified. Methods A CRISPR/Cas9 approach was used to generate male Eef2k-knockout mice, which were evaluated for phenotypic changes in epididymal or testicular tissues through histological and immunofluorescent staining assays. In addition, TUNEL staining was conducted to assess the apoptotic death of cells in the testis. Fertility, sperm counts, and sperm motility were further assessed. Results Male Eef2k-knockout mice were successfully generated, and exhibited normal fertility and development. No apparent differences were observed with respect to spermatogenesis, sperm counts, or germ cell apoptosis when comparing male Eef2k -/- and Eef2k +/+ mice. Conclusions Male Eef2k-knockout mice remained fertile and were free of any evident developmental or spermatogenic abnormalities, suggesting Eef2k to be dispensable in the context of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shushu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaodan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jintao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuqin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuhui Meng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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8
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Igawa-Ueda K, Ikuta T, Tame A, Yamaguchi K, Shigenobu S, Hongo Y, Takaki Y, Fujikura K, Maruyama T, Yoshida T. Symbiont Transmission onto the Cell Surface of Early Oocytes in the Deep-Sea Clam Phreagena okutanii. Zoolog Sci 2021; 38:140-147. [PMID: 33812353 DOI: 10.2108/zs200129] [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: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Symbiotic associations with beneficial microorganisms endow a variety of host animals with adaptability to the environment. Stable transmission of symbionts across host generations is a key event in the maintenance of symbiotic associations through evolutionary time. However, our understanding of the mechanisms of symbiont transmission remains fragmentary. The deep-sea clam Phreagena okutanii harbors chemoautotrophic intracellular symbiotic bacteria in gill epithelial cells, and depends on these symbionts for nutrition. In this study, we focused on the association of these maternally transmitted symbionts with ovarian germ cells in juvenile female clams. First, we established a sex identification method for small P. okutanii individuals, and morphologically classified female germ cells observed in the ovary. Then, we investigated the association of the endosymbiotic bacteria with germ cells. We found that the symbionts were localized on the outer surface of the cell membrane of primary oocytes and not within the cluster of oogonia. Based on our findings, we discuss the processes and mechanisms of symbiont vertical transmission in P. okutanii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanae Igawa-Ueda
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan.,Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMSAT), Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Ikuta
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan, .,Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMSAT), Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tame
- Marine Works Japan, Ltd., Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0063, Japan
| | - Katsushi Yamaguchi
- National Institute for Basic Biology, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Shuji Shigenobu
- National Institute for Basic Biology, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Yuki Hongo
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Takaki
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan
| | - Katsunori Fujikura
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan
| | - Tadashi Maruyama
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan
| | - Takao Yoshida
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan.,Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMSAT), Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan
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9
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Nakata H, Nakano T, Iseki S, Mizokami A. Three-Dimensional Analysis of Busulfan-Induced Spermatogenesis Disorder in Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:609278. [PMID: 33392198 PMCID: PMC7773783 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.609278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined if the distribution of impaired or normal spermatogenesis differs along the length of seminiferous tubules in disorders of spermatogenesis. For this purpose, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of seminiferous tubules was performed in mice with experimental spermatogenesis disorder induced by intraperitoneal injection of busulfan, and the areas of impaired and normal spermatogenesis were analyzed microscopically. The volume of the testis and length of seminiferous tubules decreased, and the proportion of tubule areas with impaired spermatogenesis increased depending on the dose of busulfan. With the highest dose of busulfan, although the proportion of impaired spermatogenesis was similar among individual seminiferous tubules, it was slightly but significantly higher in shorter tubules and in tubule areas near branching points. The tubule areas with impaired and normal spermatogenesis consisted of many segments of varying lengths. With increasing doses of busulfan, the markedly impaired segments increased in length without changing in number, whereas normal segments, although reduced in number and length, remained even with the highest dose of busulfan. Individual remaining normal segments consisted of several different stages, among which stage I and XII were found at higher frequencies, and stage VI at a lower frequency than expected in normal seminiferous tubules. We also examined if the distribution of impaired or normal spermatogenesis differs among different 3D positions in the testis without considering the course of seminiferous tubules. Although the proportions of impaired spermatogenesis with the minimum dose of busulfan and normal spermatogenesis with the highest dose of busulfan greatly varied by location within a single testis, there were no 3D positions with these specific proportions common to different testes, suggesting that the factors influencing the severity of busulfan-induced spermatogenesis disorder are not fixed in location among individual mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Nakata
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Taito Nakano
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shoichi Iseki
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences, Komatsu University, Komatsu, Japan
| | - Atsushi Mizokami
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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10
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Zheng C, Ouyang YC, Jiang B, Lin X, Chen J, Dong MZ, Zhuang X, Yuan S, Sun QY, Han C. Non-canonical RNA polyadenylation polymerase FAM46C is essential for fastening sperm head and flagellum in mice†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:1673-1685. [PMID: 31087039 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Family with sequence similarity 46, member C (FAM46C) is a highly conserved non-canonical RNA polyadenylation polymerase that is abundantly expressed in human and mouse testes and is frequently mutated in patients with multiple myeloma. However, its physiological role remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that FAM46C is specifically localized to the manchette of spermatids in mouse testes, a transient microtubule-based structure mainly involved in nuclear shaping and intra-flagellar protein traffic. Gene knockout of FAM46C in mice resulted in male sterility, characterized by the production of headless spermatozoa in testes. Sperm heads were intermittently found in the epididymides of FAM46C knockout mice, but their fertilization ability was severely compromised based on the results of intracytoplasmic sperm injection assays. Interestingly, our RNA-sequencing analyses of FAM46C knockout testes revealed that mRNA levels of only nine genes were significantly altered compared to wild-type ones (q < 0.05). When considering alternate activities for FAM46C, in vitro assays demonstrated that FAM46C does not exhibit protein kinase or AMPylation activity against general substrates. Together, our data show that FAM46C in spermatids is a novel component in fastening the sperm head and flagellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunwei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Savaid Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Chun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Binjie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiwen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Zhe Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinjie Zhuang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunsheng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Savaid Medical School, Beijing, China
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Wu D, Huang CJ, Jiao XF, Ding ZM, Zhang SX, Miao YL, Huo LJ. Bisphenol AF compromises blood-testis barrier integrity and sperm quality in mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 237:124410. [PMID: 31362132 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The profound influence of environmental chemicals on human health including inducing life-threatening gene mutation has been publicly recognized. Being a substitute for the extensively used endocrine-disrupting chemical BPA, Bisphenol AF (BPAF) has been known as teratogen with developmental toxicities and therefore potentially putting human into the risk of biological hazards. Herein, we deciphered the detrimental effects of BPAF on spermatogenesis and spermiotiliosis in sexual maturity of mice exposing to BPAF (5, 20, 50 mg/kg/d) for consecutive 28 days. BPAF exposure significantly compromises blood-testis barrier integrity and sperm quantity and quality in a dose-dependent manner. Sperms from BPAF exposure mice are featured by severe DNA damage, altered SUMOylation and ubiquitination dynamics and interfered epigenetic inheritance with hypermethylation of H3K27me3 presumably due to the aggregation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, BPAF treatment (50 μM for 24 h) compromises cytoskeleton architecture and tight junction permeability in primary cultured Sertoli cells evidenced by dysfunction of actin regulatory proteins (e.g. Arp3 and Palladin) via activation of ERK signaling, thereby perturbing the privilege microenvironment created by Sertoli cells for spermatogenesis. Overall, our study determines BPAF is deleterious for male fertility, leading to a better appreciation of its toxicological features in our life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Chun-Jie Huang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Xiao-Fei Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Ding
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Shou-Xin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China; Biochip Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Yi-Liang Miao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Li-Jun Huo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
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12
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Morphology of mouse seminiferous tubules. Anat Sci Int 2018; 94:1-10. [DOI: 10.1007/s12565-018-0455-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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13
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Nakazawa S, Shirae-Kurabayashi M, Sawada H. Peanut agglutinin specifically binds to a sperm region between the nucleus and mitochondria in tunicates and sea urchins. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:464-477. [PMID: 29575225 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22982] [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: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Peanut agglutinin (PNA) is an established marker of the mammalian acrosome. However, we observed that PNA specifically binds to a unique intracellular structure alongside the nucleus in ascidian sperm. Here, we characterize the PNA-binding structure in sperm of marine invertebrates. PNA bound to the region between the mitochondrion and nucleus in spermatozoa of ascidians, sea urchins, and an appendicularian. However, PNA-binding substances were not exposed by the calcium ionophore ionomycin in three ascidian species, indicating that it is a distinct structure from the acrosome. Instead, the ascidian PNA-binding region was shed with the mitochondrion from the sperm head via an ionomycin-induced sperm reaction. The ascidian PNA-binding substance appeared to be solubilized with SDS, but not Triton X-100, describing its detergent resistance. Lectins, PHA-L4 , SSA, and MAL-I were detected at an area similar to the PNA-binding region, suggesting that it contains a variety of glycans. The location and some of the components of the PNA-binding region were similar to known endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-derived structures, although the ER marker concanavalin A accumulated at an area adjacent to but not overlapping the PNA-binding region. Therefore, we conclude that ascidian sperm possess a non-acrosomal, Triton-resistant, glycan-rich intracellular structure that may play a general role in reproduction of tunicates and sea urchins given its presence across a wide taxonomic range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiori Nakazawa
- Sugashima Marine Biological Laboratory, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Toba, Mie, Japan
| | - Maki Shirae-Kurabayashi
- Sugashima Marine Biological Laboratory, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Toba, Mie, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Sawada
- Sugashima Marine Biological Laboratory, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Toba, Mie, Japan
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Nakata H, Sonomura T, Iseki S. Three-dimensional analysis of seminiferous tubules and spermatogenic waves in mice. Reproduction 2017; 154:569-579. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to reconstruct seminiferous tubules and analyze spermatogenic waves in seminiferous epithelia in developing and adult mice using serial paraffin sections and high-performance three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction software. By labeling the basement membrane of seminiferous tubules with fluorescent immunohistochemistry or periodic acid-Schiff-hematoxylin staining, all seminiferous tubules were reconstructed in 9 testes from 9 different mice, 3 each at 0, 21 and 90 days (adult) postpartum. The 3D structure of seminiferous tubules, including the number and length of tubules as well as the number of connections with the rete testis, branching points and blind ends, was assessed accurately. Although tubules showed marked variations among individual mice, their overall structure was regular and retained from newborn to adult mice. Some seminiferous tubules contained inner portions running distant from the testis surface. In a representative testis at 21 days, the sites at which spermatids initially occurred were examined by labeling acrosomes and were found to be preferentially distributed in the upper and medial portions of the testis close to the rete testis. In a representative adult testis, 76 complete waves with an average length of 16.9 mm were found and their directions were analyzed. The methods used in the present study will be useful for investigating the structure and function of seminiferous tubules in mice and humans under normal and pathological conditions, such as infertility.
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15
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Synthesis, localization and possible function of serine (or cysteine) peptidase inhibitor, clade B, member 6a (Serpinb6a) in mouse submandibular gland. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 369:513-526. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2620-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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16
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Taatjes DJ, Roth J. In focus in HCB. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 147:1-3. [PMID: 27900525 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1517-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas J Taatjes
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
| | - Jürgen Roth
- University of Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
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