TGF-β superfamily: how does it regulate testis development

Identification of the crucial circ-mi-mRNA interaction networks regulating testicular development and spermatogenesis in ganders

Semen quality has an important impact on the reproductive performance of ganders, and the quantity and quality of spermatozoa in semen are the determinants of semen quality. In our practical work, a small number of azoospermic ganders were observed in adult goose breeding populations, but the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unknown. In the present study, we firstly compared the morphological and histological differences in the testes of ganders from normozoospermic group (NG) and azoospermic group (AG), and then analyzed the testicular expression patterns of circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs between the two groups by using whole-transcriptome sequencing technology. Results from histomorphological analysis demonstrated that the body weight alone was not accountable for the occurrence of gander azoospermia, and the possible cause might be the observed testicular abnormalities. At the morphological level, the left, right, and bilateral testicular weights, the right and bilateral testicular organ indexes, and the long, short, and dorsoventral diameters of the left, right and bilateral testes were significantly lower in AG than in NG (P < 0.05). At the histological level, most testicular histological parameters, such as the testicular parenchymal area, the diameter of seminiferous tubules, and the number of germ cells, were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in NG than in AG. The RNA-seq results showed that a total of 683 differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs), 24 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs), and 1,118 differentially expressed Genes (DEGs) were identified in the gander testes between NG and AG. Subsequent functional enrichment analysis revealed that most of the DEGs and the target genes of DEcircRNAs and DEmiRNAs were significantly enriched in either the biological processes related to male gonad development, spermatid development, and regulation of cell differentiation or the KEGG terms including the MAPK, TGF-beta, Wnt, and cell cycle signaling pathways. By constructing the core ceRNA regulatory networks, several key DEcircRNAs, including 1:98100313|98104995, 1:171413706|171419341, 6:3414226|3418193, and 2:115876735|115880760, were identified to regulate the expression of TGFB2 and BCL2 through interactions with specific miRNAs such as novel-miR-265 and novel-miR-266, and such interactions could play crucial roles in regulating the gander testicular cell apoptosis, proliferation, and spermatogenesis. This study provides novel insights into the function and molecular mechanisms of ceRNAs in regulating the gander testicular development and semen quality.

Adrenomedullin gene delivery rescues estrogen production in Leydig cells via the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway

Our previous findings demonstrated that adrenomedullin (ADM) protects against the reduction in testosterone production and apoptosis of Leydig cells both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we investigated whether ADM could preserve estrogen production in Leydig cells by suppressing the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) / Smads signaling pathway. Leydig cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and recombinant adenovirus ADM (Ad-ADM), an adeno-associated viral vector expressing ADM. Cell viability and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom) activity were assessed. Estrogen, testosterone, and TGF-β1 concentrations in the culture medium were measured. Additionally, the gene expression and protein levels of CYP19, TGF-β1, and Smads were evaluated. The results indicated that Ad-ADM mitigated the reductions in Leydig cell viability and testosterone production, counteracted the decreases in P450arom activity, and restored CYP19 gene expression and protein levels in LPS-treated cells. Moreover, Ad-ADM reduced the elevated gene expression and protein levels of Smads and TGF-β1 induced by LPS. Based on these findings, we propose that ADM safeguards estrogen production in Leydig cells by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.

The function of the cytoplasmic dynein light chain PTKM23 in the transport of PTSMAD2 during spermatogenesis in Portunus trituberculatus†

Cytoplasmic dynein participates in transport functions and is essential in spermatogenesis. KM23 belongs to the dynein light chain family. The TGFβ signaling pathway is indispensable in spermatogenesis, and Smad2 is an important member of this pathway. We cloned PTKM23 and PTSMAD2 from Portunus trituberculatus and measured their expression during spermatogenesis. PTKM23 may be related to cell division, acrosome formation, and nuclear remodeling, and PTSMAD2 may participate in regulating the expression of genes related to spermatogenesis. We assessed the localization of PTKM23 with PTDHC and α-tubulin, and the results suggested that PTKM23 functions in intracellular transport during spermatogenesis. We knocked down PTKM23 in vivo, and the expression of p53, B-CATAENIN and CYCLIN B decreased significantly, further suggesting a role of PTKM23 in transport and cell division. The localization of PTDIC with α-tubulin and that of PTSMAD2 with PTDHC changed after PTKM23 knockdown. We transfected PTKM23 and PTSMAD2 into HEK-293 T cells and verified their colocalization. These results indicate that PTKM23 is involved in the assembly of cytoplasmic dynein and microtubules during spermatogenesis and that PTKM23 mediates the participation of cytoplasmic dynein in the transport of PTSMAD2 during spermatogenesis.

MicroRNA Transcriptomes Reveal Prevalence of Rare and Species-Specific Arm Switching Events During Zebrafish Ontogenesis

In metazoans, microRNAs (miRNAs) are essential regulators of gene expression, affecting critical cellular processes from differentiation and proliferation, to homeostasis. During miRNA biogenesis, the miRNA strand that loads onto the RNA-induced Silencing Complex (RISC) can vary, leading to changes in gene targeting and modulation of biological pathways. To investigate the impact of these "arm switching" events on gene regulation, we analyzed a diverse range of tissues and developmental stages in zebrafish by comparing 5p and 3p arms accumulation dynamics between embryonic developmental stages, adult tissues, and sexes. We also compared variable arm usage patterns observed in zebrafish to other vertebrates including arm switching data from fish, birds, and mammals. Our comprehensive analysis revealed that variable arm usage events predominantly take place during embryonic development. It is also noteworthy that isomiR occurrence correlates to changes in arm selection evidencing an important role of microRNA distinct isoforms in reinforcing and modifying gene regulation by promoting dynamics switches on miRNA 5p and 3p arms accumulation. Our results shed new light on the emergence and coordination of gene expression regulation and pave the way for future investigations in this field.

A83-01 and DMH1 effects in the zebrafish spermatogonial niche: Unraveling the roles of TGF-β and BMP signaling in the Fsh-mediated spermatogonial fate

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling has fundamental roles in the regulation of the stem cell niche for both embryonic and adult stem cells. In zebrafish, male germ stem cell niche is regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) through different members of the TGF-β superfamily. On the other hand, the specific roles of TGF-β and BMP signaling pathways are unknown in the zebrafish male germ stem cell niche. Considering this lack of information, the present study aimed to investigate the pharmacological inhibition of TGF-β (A83-01) and BMP (DMH1) signaling pathways in the presence of recombinant zebrafish Fsh using testicular explants. We also reanalyzed single cell-RNA sequencing (sc-RNA-seq) dataset from adult zebrafish testes to identify the testicular cellular sites of smad expression, and to understand the physiological significance of the changes in smad transcript levels after inhibition of TGF-β or BMP pathways. Our results showed that A83-01 potentiated the pro-stimulatory effects of Fsh on spermatogonial differentiation leading to an increase in the proportion area occupied by differentiated spermatogonia with concomitant reduction of type A undifferentiated (Aund) spermatogonia. In agreement, expression analysis showed lower mRNA levels for the pluripotency gene pou5f3, and increased expression of dazl (marker of type B spermatogonia and spermatocyte) and igf3 (pro-stimulatory growth factor) following the co-treatment with TGF-β inhibitor and Fsh. Contrariwise, the inhibition of BMP signaling nullified the pro-stimulatory effects of Fsh, resulting in a reduction of differentiated spermatogonia and increased proportion area occupied by type Aund spermatogonia. Supporting this evidence, BMP signaling inhibition increased the mRNA levels of pluripotency genes nanog and pou5f3, and decreased dazl levels when compared to control. The sc-RNA-seq data unveiled a distinctive pattern of smad expression among testicular cells, primarily observed in spermatogonia (smad 2, 3a, 3b, 8), spermatocytes (smad 2, 3a, 8), Sertoli cells (smad 1, 3a, 3b), and Leydig cells (smad 1, 2). This finding supports the notion that inhibition of TGF-β and BMP signaling pathways may predominantly impact cellular components within the spermatogonial niche, namely spermatogonia, Sertoli, and Leydig cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that TGF-β and BMP signaling pathways exert antagonistic roles in the zebrafish germ stem cell niche. The members of the TGF-β subfamily are mainly involved in maintaining the undifferentiated state of spermatogonia, while the BMP subfamily promotes spermatogonial differentiation. Therefore, in the complex regulation of the germ stem cell niche by Fsh, members of the BMP subfamily (pro-differentiation) should be more predominant in the niche than those belonging to the TGF-β (anti-differentiation). Overall, these findings are not only relevant for understanding the regulation of germ stem cell niche but may also be useful for expanding in vitro the number of undifferentiated spermatogonia more efficiently than using recombinant hormones or growth factors.

Effects of azithromycin exposure during pregnancy at different stages, doses and courses on testicular development in fetal mice

Azithromycin is a commonly used antibiotic during pregnancy, but some studies have suggested its potential developmental toxicity. Currently, the effects and mechanisms of prenatal azithromycin exposure (PAzE) on fetal testicular development are still unclear. The effects of prenatal exposure to the same drug on fetal testicular development could vary depending on different stages, doses, and courses. Hence, in this study, based on clinical medication characteristics, Kunming mice was administered intragastrically with azithromycin at different stages (mid-/late-pregnancy), doses (50, 100, 200 mg/kg·d), and courses (single-/multi-course). Fetal blood and testicular samples were collected on GD18 for relevant assessments. The results indicated that PAzE led to changes in fetal testicular morphology, reduced cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and decreased expression of markers related to Leydig cells (Star), Sertoli cells (Wt1), and spermatogonia (Plzf). Further investigation revealed that the effects of PAzE on fetal testicular development were characterized by mid-pregnancy, high dose (clinical dose), and single course having more pronounced effects. Additionally, the TGFβ/Smad and Nrf2 signaling pathways may be involved in the changes in fetal testicular development induced by PAzE. In summary, this study confirmed that PAzE influences fetal testicular morphological development and multicellular function. It provided theoretical and experimental evidence for guiding the rational use of azithromycin during pregnancy and further exploring the mechanisms underlying its developmental toxicity on fetal testicles.

Whole transcriptome sequencing reveals core genes related to spermatogenesis in Bactrian camels

Bactrian camels survive and reproduce better in extreme climatic conditions than other domestic animals can. However, the reproductive efficiency of camels under their natural pastoral conditions is low. Several factors affect mammalian reproductive performance, including testicular development, semen quality, libido, and mating ability. Testis is a main reproductive organ of the male and is responsible for producing spermatozoa and hormones. However, our understanding of the expression patterns of the genes in camel testis is minimal. Thus, we performed total RNA-sequencing to investigate the gene expression pattern. As a result, 1,538 differential expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), 702 differential expressed long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNAs), and 61 differential expressed microRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified between pubertal and adult Bactrian camel testes. Then the genomic features, length distribution, and other characteristics of the lncRNAs and mRNAs in the Bactrian camel testis were investigated. Target genes of the DEmiRNAs and DEmRNAs were further subjected to gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Genes, such as AMHR2, FGF1, ACTL7A, GATA4, WNT4, ID2, LAMA1, IGF1, INHBB, and TLR2, were mainly involved in the TGF-β, PI3K-AKT, Wnt, GnRH, and Hippo signaling pathways which relate to spermatogenesis. Some of the DEmiRNAs were predicted to be associated with numerous DElncRNAs and DEmRNAs through competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network. At last, the candidate genes were validated by RT-qPCR, dual fluorescent reporter gene, and a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay. This research provides high-throughput RNA sequencing data of the testes of Bactrian camels across different developmental stages. It lays the foundation for further investigations on lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs that involved in Bactrian camel spermatogenesis.

mTORC1/C2 regulate spermatogenesis in Eriocheir sinensis via alterations in the actin filament network and cell junctions

Spermatogenesis is a finely regulated process of germ cell proliferation and differentiation that leads to the production of sperm in seminiferous tubules. Although the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is crucial for spermatogenesis in mammals, its functions and molecular mechanisms in spermatogenesis remain largely unknown in nonmammalian species, particularly in Crustacea. In this study, we first identified es-Raptor (the core component of mTOR complex 1) and es-Rictor (the core component of mTOR complex 2) from the testis of Eriocheir sinensis. Dynamic localization of es-Raptor and es-Rictor implied that these proteins were indispensable for the spermatogenesis of E. sinensis. Furthermore, es-Raptor and es-Rictor knockdown results showed that the mature sperm failed to be released, causing almost empty lumens in the testis. We investigated the reasons for these effects and found that the actin-based cytoskeleton was disrupted in the knockdown groups. In addition, the integrity of the testis barrier (similar to the blood-testis barrier in mammals) was impaired and affected the expression of cell junction proteins. Further study revealed that es-Raptor and es-Rictor may regulate spermatogenesis via both mTORC1- and mTORC2-dependent mechanisms that involve es-rpS6 and es-Akt/es-PKC, respectively. Moreover, to explore the testis barrier in E. sinensis, we established a cadmium chloride (CdCl₂)-induced testis barrier damage model as a positive control. Morphological and immunofluorescence results were similar to those of the es-Raptor and es-Rictor knockdown groups. Altogether, es-Raptor and es-Rictor were important for spermatogenesis through maintenance of the actin filament network and cell junctions in E. sinensis.

In vivo and in vitro protective effects of the Wuzi Yanzong pill against experimental spermatogenesis disorder by promoting germ cell proliferation and suppressing apoptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Wuzi Yanzong pill (WZYZP) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula originated from the Tang dynasty. WZYZP has a long history of use for reinforcing kidney and alleviating male infertility in China.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The effect of WZYZP on male infertility and the mechanism underlying this effect was not clarified clearly. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the protective effect of WZYZP in experimental spermatogenesis disorder via in vivo and in vitro studies, to promote the use of this formula for the treatment of spermatogenesis disorder.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Male SD rats were exposed to tripterygium glycosides to induce experimental spermatogenesis disorder, and WZYZP was subsequently administrated at different dosages for treatment. Sperm counts, sperm motility, and serum hormone levels were detected. HE staining and TUNEL staining were performed to evaluate the pathological lesions and apoptosis of testes, respectively. Next, germ cells were isolated from spermatogenesis disorder-model rats and treated with WZYZP- containing serum at different concentrations. CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry assay were performed to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis. Immunofluorescence assay, qRT-PCR and Western blotting analyses were performed to detect the expression of Beclin 1, LC3 and TGF-β-PI3k/AKT-mTOR pathway - related factors, including TGF-β, PI3K, AKT, mTOR, 4 EBP-1 and p70S6K.

RESULTS

In vivo experiments showed that WZYZP protected against spermatogenesis disorder in model rats by improving sperm count and motility, as well as restoring serum hormone levels. HE and TUNEL staining demonstrated that the pathological injuries and cell apoptosis in testes of the model rats were alleviated by WZYZP treatment. Moreover, in vitro experiments of germ cells isolated from spermatogenesis disorder-model rats showed that WZYZP treatment increased the cell proliferation, inhibited cell apoptosis and autophagy. qRT-PCR and Western blotting assay results showed that this protective effect was associated with the regulation of the TGF-β/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR, 4 EBP-1 and p70S6K were increased, while TGF-β was inhibited in the WZYZP treated groups.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that WZYZP could protect against experimental spermatogenesis disorder by increasing the germ cell proliferation and inhibiting their apoptosis. Our support the clinical use of this formula for the management of spermatogenesis disorder.

Different expression of LHR, PRLR, GH and IGF1 during testicular development of yak

Luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), prolactin receptor (PRLR), growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) have been shown to be key regulators of germ cell development. However, the role of LHR, PRLR, GH and IGF1 in the development of yak testis remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to describe and compare gene expression and protein localization of LHR, PRLR, GH and IGF1 in the development of yak testes. Testes were collected from 6, 24, 36 and 72 months yak, and the kidney, liver, testicular, lung, skeletal muscle, heart and spleen tissues were collected from 36 months yak. The quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results showed that the expression of these four genes was widely expressed in kidney, liver, testicular, lung, skeletal muscle, heart and spleen, while the LHR and PRLR were highly expressed in the kidney, skeletal muscle and testis, and higher levels of GH and IGF were expressed in spleen and testis. Moreover, the mRNA expression of these genes in adults was higher than in pre-pubertal yak. In the testis, the LHR-, PRLR-, GH- and IGF1-positive signals were detected in the Leydig cells of the 6 months, while the intense positive signals were discovered in Leydig cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes of the 36 and 72 months. Thus, LHR, PRLR, GH and IGF1 may be involved in the development of spermatids and spermatocytes, and in the regulation of spermatogonia proliferation and Leydig cell function.

Unraveling Stage-Dependent Expression Patterns of Circular RNAs and Their Related ceRNA Modulation in Ovine Postnatal Testis Development

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to function in the reproductive systems including testis. However, their expression, as well as function in testicular development of sheep remain undefined. Herein, we performed RNA sequencing to reveal circRNA temporal expression patterns in testes of Tibetan sheep from different stages of maturation (3M, 3-month-old; 1Y, 1-year-old; 3Y, 3-year-old). A total of 3,982, 414, and 4,060 differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs were uncovered from 3M vs 1Y, 1Y vs 3Y, and 3M vs 3Y, respectively. Functional enrichment assessment indicated that the source genes of DE circRNAs were primarily engaged in spermatogenesis and testicular immune privilege including blood-testis barrier (BTB). We subsequently constructed the core circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network for genes related to testicular function, such as spermatogenesis, germ cell development, BTB, and cell cycle/meiosis. Furthermore, we validated the target associations between either circ_024949, circ_026259 or IGF1, and oar-miR-29b in this network, and revealed their similar expression signatures in developmental testes that they were extensively expressed in germ cells, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells, thus suggesting their broad functions in the functional maintenance of Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, as well as the development and maturation of male germ cells. Meanwhile, circ_026259 was shown to promote IGF1 expression through inhibition of oar-miR-29b in sheep Sertoli cells. This work gives the first global view for the expression and regulation of circRNAs in sheep testis, which will be helpful for providing new insights into the molecular mechanism of ovine testis function.

miR-130a promotes immature porcine Sertoli cell growth by activating SMAD5 through the TGF-β-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Sertoli cells play vital roles in normal spermatogenesis, and microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in regulating Sertoli cell development. However, the functions and mechanisms of action of most identified miRNAs in porcine Sertoli cells remain largely unknown. Herein, we primarily explored the regulatory roles of miR-130a in immature porcine Sertoli cells using EdU-based high-content screening assay. The results demonstrated that 27 miRNAs have potential roles in the promotion of immature porcine Sertoli cell proliferation, and miR-130a was identified as a promising candidate. miR-130a promoted cell cycle progression and cell proliferation, whereas it impeded cell apoptosis in immature porcine Sertoli cells. It also contributed to Sertoli cell proliferation and testis development in vivo. A TMT-based proteomics approach revealed that miR-130a regulated the expression of 91 proteins and multiple pathways, including the TGF-β and PI3K/AKT signaling. miR-130a did not directly target the 3'-UTR of SMAD5; however, it increased SMAD5 phosphorylation. Moreover, miR-130a enhanced TGF-β signaling by activating SMAD5 protein, and TGF-β signaling further activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to promote cell proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis in porcine immature Sertoli cells. Collectively, miR-130a promoted immature porcine Sertoli cell growth by activating SMAD5 through the TGF-β-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study, therefore, provides novel insights into the effects of miR-130a on porcine spermatogenesis through the regulation of immature Sertoli cell proliferation and apoptosis.

KIF3A regulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via transporting β-catenin during spermatogenesis in Eriocheir sinensis

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway participates in many important physiological events such as cell proliferation and differentiation in the male reproductive system. We found that Kinesin-2 motor KIF3A is highly expressed during spermatogenesis in Eriocheir sinensis; it may potentially promote the intracellular transport of cargoes in this process. However, only a few studies have focused on the relationship between KIF3A and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the male reproductive system of decapod crustaceans. In this study, we cloned and characterized the CDS of β-catenin in E. sinensis for the first time. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence results showed the colocalization of Es-KIF3A and Es-β-catenin at the mRNA and the protein level respectively. To further explore the regulatory function of Es-KIF3A to the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, the es-kif3a was knocked down by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in vivo and in primary cultured cells in testes of E. sinensis. Results showed that the expression of es-β-catenin and es-dvl were decreased in the es-kif3a knockdown group. The protein expression level of Es-β-catenin was also reduced and the location of Es-β-catenin was changed from nucleus to cytoplasm in the late stage of spermatogenesis when es-kif3a was knocked down. Besides, the co-IP result demonstrated that Es-KIF3A could bind with Es-β-catenin. In summary, this study indicates that Es-KIF3A can positively regulate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway during spermatogenesis and Es-KIF3A can bind with Es-β-catenin to facilitate the nuclear translocation of Es-β-catenin.

COP9 signalosome complex subunit 5, an IFT20 binding partner, is essential to maintain male germ cell survival and acrosome biogenesis†

Intraflagellar transport protein 20 (IFT20) is essential for spermatogenesis in mice. We discovered that COPS5 was a major binding partner of IFT20. COPS5 is the fifth component of the constitutive photomorphogenic-9 signalosome (COP9), which is involved in protein ubiquitination and degradation. COPS5 is highly abundant in mouse testis. Mice deficiency in COPS5 specifically in male germ cells showed dramatically reduced sperm numbers and were infertile. Testis weight was about one third compared to control adult mice, and germ cells underwent significant apoptosis at a premeiotic stage. Testicular poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, a protein that helps cells to maintain viability, was dramatically decreased, and Caspase-3, a critical executioner of apoptosis, was increased in the mutant mice. Expression level of FANK1, a known COPS5 binding partner, and a key germ cell apoptosis regulator was also reduced. An acrosome marker, lectin PNA, was nearly absent in the few surviving spermatids, and expression level of sperm acrosome associated 1, another acrosomal component was significantly reduced. IFT20 expression level was significantly reduced in the Cops5 knockout mice, and it was no longer present in the acrosome, but remained in the Golgi apparatus of spermatocytes. In the conditional Ift20 mutant mice, COPS5 localization and testicular expression levels were not changed. COP9 has been shown to be involved in multiple signal pathways, particularly functioning as a co-factor for protein ubiquitination. COPS5 is believed to maintain normal spermatogenesis through multiple mechanisms, including maintaining male germ cell survival and acrosome biogenesis, possibly by modulating protein ubiquitination.

Identification of a transforming growth factor-β type I receptor transcript in Eriocheir sinensis and its molting-related expression in muscle tissues

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway is conserved across animals, and knowledge of its roles during the molt cycle in crustaceans is presently very limited. This study investigates the roles of the TGF-β receptor in molting-related muscle growth in Eriocheir sinensis. Using the RT-PCR and RACE techniques, we obtained a 1722 bp cDNA sequence encoding a transforming growth factor-β type I receptor in Eriocheir sinensis, designated EsTGFBRI, which contains a 124 bp 5'-untranslated region, a 20 bp partial 3'-untranslated region and a 1578 bp open reading frame encoding 525 amino acids. The deduced EsTGFBRI contains an N-terminal 24 amino acid signal peptide, an activin type I and II receptor domain, a transmembrane helix region, a glycine-serine-rich motif, and a conserved serine/threonine kinase catalytic domain including an activation loop. The qRT-PCR results showed that EsTGFBRI gene was highly expressed in the intermolt testis and ovary in mature crabs. In juvenile crabs, the mRNA levels of EsTGFBRI in claw and abdominal muscles in the later premolt D_3-4 stage were significantly higher than those in the intermolt C and postmolt A-B stages. There was no significant change in EsTGFBRI mRNA levels in walking leg muscles during the molt cycle. The results suggest that EsTGFBRI is probably play roles in molting-related muscle growth in E. sinensis. This study provides a necessary basis for elucidating the functions of TGF-β-like signaling mediated by TGFBRI in molting-related muscle growth in crustaceans.

Roles of three Es-Caspases during spermatogenesis and Cadmium-induced apoptosis in Eriocheir sinensis

Functions of Caspases remain obscure in Crustacea. We studied the existence and participations of apoptosis-related factors in Eriocheir sinensis testis. Three Es-Caspases (Es-Caspase 3/ 7/ 8) in E. sinensis were cloned and characterized. We observed that three es-caspases mRNA had specific expression patterns during spermiogenesis, with weak signal around the nucleus and invaginated acrosomal vesicle in early-stage spermatids, became stronger in middle-stage, finally focused on the acrosomal tube and nucleus in mature sperm. We then investigated the immunostaining intensity and positional alterations of Es-Caspase 3, Es-Caspase 8 and p53 during spermatogenesis, which were correlated with the differential tendencies of cells to undergo apoptosis and specific organelles shaping processes. After apoptotic induction by Cadmium, Es-Caspase 8 increased gradually, while Es-Caspase 3 increased firstly and then decreased, Es-p53 initially decreased and then increased. These results implies that Es-Caspase 3/ Es-Caspase 8/ p53 may play roles in Cadmium-induced apoptosis during spermatogenesis, and Caspase 8-Caspase 3-p53 pathway may interact with extrinsic or intrinsic pathways to regulate the destiny of sperm cells. Our study revealed the indispensable roles of Caspases during spermatogenesis and the possible molecular interactions in response to the Cadmium-induced apoptosis in E. sinensis, which filled the gap of apoptotic mechanisms of crustacean.

Efficient generation of male germ-like cells derived during co-culturing of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells with Sertoli cells under retinoic acid and testosterone induction

BACKGROUND

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) are considered an efficient and important candidate for male infertility treatment because they contain pluripotent stem cells, which can differentiate into all cells from three germ layers. However, the efficient generation of male germ-like cell (MGLCs) is one of the key issues, and little is known about the mechanisms underlying generation of MGLCs. Herein, we attempt to improve the efficient generation of MGLCs derived during co-culturing of rat ADMSCs with SCs under retinoic acid (RA) and testosterone (T) treatment.

METHODS

ADMSCs isolated from male SD rat were induced into generation of MGLCs by using respective methods in vitro. Transwell insert system was used for co-culturing. Busulfan-induced non-obstructive azoospermia rat mode was used to evaluate spermatogenic recovery ability of treated ADMSCs. Besides, the relative gene expression level was detected by reverse transcription PCR, quantitative RT-PCR. The relative protein expression level was detected by western blot (WB) and immunostaining analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that ADMSCs co-cultured with TM4 cells under RA and T induction enhanced the formation of bigger and tightly packed MGLCs feature colonies in vitro. Moreover, the expression of male germ cell-related markers (Oct4, Stella, Ddx4, Dazl, PGP9.5, Stra8, and ITGα6) is significantly upregulated in TM4 cell-co-cultured ADMSCs in vitro and in busulfan-treated rat testis after injecting TM4 cell-treated ADMSCs for 2 months. Comparatively, the ADMSCs treated by TM4 cell with RA and T exhibited the highest expression of male germ cell-related markers. RA- and T-treated TM4 cell showed fewer dead cells and higher cytokine secretion than untreated groups. The protein expression level of TGFβ-SMAD2/3, JAK2-STAT3, and AKT pathways in ADMSCs co-cultured with TM4 cells under RA and T was higher than others. Whereas, downregulation of male germ cell-related marker expression subsequently inhibited the phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, JAK2, STAT3, and AKT.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that TM4 cells could efficiently stimulate in vitro generation of MGLCs during co-culturing of ADMSCs under RA and T treatment. Conclusively, the ADMSCs co-cultured with TM4 cell under RA and T induction stimulate the efficient generation of MGLCs in vitro through activating TGFβ-SMAD2/3, JAK2-STAT3, and AKT pathways. Among them, JAK2-STAT3 and AKT pathways are being first reported to show involvement of in vitro generation of MGLCs during ADMSC co-culturing with SCs.

Evolution and conservation of Characidium sex chromosomes

Fish species exhibit substantial variation in the degree of genetic differentiation between sex chromosome pairs, and therefore offer the opportunity to study the full range of sex chromosome evolution. We used restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) to study the sex chromosomes of Characidium gomesi, a species with conspicuous heteromorphic ZW/ZZ sex chromosomes. We screened 9863 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), corresponding to ~1 marker/100 kb distributed across the genome for sex-linked variation. With this data set, we identified 26 female-specific RAD loci, putatively located on the W chromosome, as well as 148 sex-associated SNPs showing significant differentiation (average F_ST=0.144) between males and females, and therefore in regions of more recent divergence between the Z and W chromosomes. In addition, we detected 25 RAD loci showing extreme heterozygote deficiency in females but which were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in males, consistent with degeneration of the W chromosome and therefore female hemizygosity. We validated seven female-specific and two sex-associated markers in a larger sample of C. gomesi, of which three localised to the W chromosome, thereby providing useful markers for sexing wild samples. Validated markers were evaluated in other populations and species of the genus Characidium, this exploration suggesting a rapid turnover of W-specific repetitive elements. Together, our analyses point to a complex origin for the sex chromosome of C. gomesi and highlight the utility of RAD-seq for studying the composition and evolution of sex chromosomes systems in wild populations.

The Use of the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to Evaluate the Adverse Effects of Epoxiconazole Exposure on Spermatogenesis

There is increasing evidence that epoxiconazole exposure can affect reproductive function, but few studies have investigated adverse effects on spermatogenesis. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was used in our study to assess effects of epoxiconazole on spermatogenesis in male nematodes after 48 h of exposure to concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, or 10.0 μg/L. The results demonstrated that epoxiconazole exposure affected spermatogenesis, decreasing the number of total germ cells, mitotic cells, meiotic cells and spermatids, spermatid diameter, and cross-sectional area, and inducing mitotic germ cell proliferation arrest, premature entry into meiosis, and sperm activation inhibition; however, sperm transfer showed no abnormal changes. In addition, the results showed that epoxiconazole activated the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling pathway and increased the expression levels of gene daf-1, daf-3, daf-4, daf-5 and daf-7 in nematodes. We therefore propose that epoxiconazole acts by activating the TGFβ signaling pathway, leading to the impairment of spermatogenesis and the consequent decline in male fertility.

Cell context-specific expression of primary cilia in the human testis and ciliary coordination of Hedgehog signalling in mouse Leydig cells

Primary cilia are sensory organelles that coordinate numerous cellular signalling pathways during development and adulthood. Defects in ciliary assembly or function lead to a series of developmental disorders and diseases commonly referred to as ciliopathies. Still, little is known about the formation and function of primary cilia in the mammalian testis. Here, we characterized primary cilia in adult human testis and report a constitutive expression of cilia in peritubular myoid cells and a dynamic expression of cilia in differentiating Leydig cells. Primary cilia are generally absent from cells of mature seminiferous epithelium, but present in Sertoli cell-only tubules in Klinefelter syndrome testis. Peritubular cells in atrophic testis produce overly long cilia. Furthermore cultures of growth-arrested immature mouse Leydig cells express primary cilia that are enriched in components of Hedgehog signalling, including Smoothened, Patched-1, and GLI2, which are involved in regulating Leydig cell differentiation. Stimulation of Hedgehog signalling increases the localization of Smoothened to the cilium, which is followed by transactivation of the Hedgehog target genes, Gli1 and Ptch1. Our findings provide new information on the spatiotemporal formation of primary cilia in the testis and show that primary cilia in immature Leydig cells mediate Hedgehog signalling.

Transcriptome profiling of the testis reveals genes involved in spermatogenesis and marker discovery in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis

The testis is a highly specialized tissue that plays a vital role in ensuring fertility by producing spermatozoa, which are transferred to the female during mating. Spermatogenesis is a complex process, resulting in the production of mature sperm, and involves significant structural and biochemical changes in the seminiferous epithelium of the adult testis. The identification of genes involved in spermatogenesis of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is critical for a better understanding of its reproductive development. In this study, we constructed a cDNA library of testes from male B. dorsalis adults at different ages, and performed de novo transcriptome sequencing to produce a comprehensive transcript data set, using Illumina sequencing technology. The analysis yielded 52 016 732 clean reads, including a total of 4.65 Gb of nucleotides. These reads were assembled into 47 677 contigs (average 443 bp) and then clustered into 30 516 unigenes (average 756 bp). Based on BLAST hits with known proteins in different databases, 20 921 unigenes were annotated with a cut-off E-value of 10(-5). The transcriptome sequences were further annotated using the Clusters of Orthologous Groups, Gene Orthology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases. Functional genes involved in spermatogenesis were analysed, including cell cycle proteins, metalloproteins, actin, and ubiquitin and antihyperthermia proteins. Several testis-specific genes were also identified. The transcripts database will help us to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis in B. dorsalis. Furthermore, 2913 simple sequence repeats and 151 431 single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified, which will be useful for investigating the genetic diversity of B. dorsalis in the future.

Genetics of sexual development: an evolutionary playground for fish

Teleost fishes are the most species-rich clade of vertebrates and feature an overwhelming diversity of sex-determining mechanisms, classically grouped into environmental and genetic systems. Here, we review the recent findings in the field of sex determination in fish. In the past few years, several new master regulators of sex determination and other factors involved in sexual development have been discovered in teleosts. These data point toward a greater genetic plasticity in generating the male and female sex than previously appreciated and implicate novel gene pathways in the initial regulation of the sexual fate. Overall, it seems that sex determination in fish does not resort to a single genetic cascade but is rather regulated along a continuum of environmental and heritable factors.

High-throughput sperm differential proteomics suggests that epigenetic alterations contribute to failed assisted reproduction

STUDY QUESTION

Are there quantitative alterations in the proteome of normozoospermic sperm samples that are able to complete IVF but whose female partner does not achieve pregnancy?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Normozoospermic sperm samples with different IVF outcomes (pregnancy versus no pregnancy) differed in the levels of at least 66 proteins.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The analysis of the proteome of sperm samples with distinct fertilization capacity using low-throughput proteomic techniques resulted in the detection of a few differential proteins. Current high-throughput mass spectrometry approaches allow the identification and quantification of a substantially higher number of proteins.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This was a case-control study including 31 men with normozoospermic sperm and their partners who underwent IVF with successful fertilization recruited between 2007 and 2008.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Normozoospermic sperm samples from 15 men whose female partners did not achieve pregnancy after IVF (no pregnancy) and 16 men from couples that did achieve pregnancy after IVF (pregnancy) were included in this study. To perform the differential proteomic experiments, 10 no pregnancy samples and 10 pregnancy samples were separately pooled and subsequently used for tandem mass tags (TMT) protein labelling, sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) identification and peak intensity relative protein quantification. Bioinformatic analyses were performed using UniProt Knowledgebase, DAVID and Reactome. Individual samples (n = 5 no pregnancy samples; n = 6 pregnancy samples) and aliquots from the above TMT pools were used for western blotting.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

By using TMT labelling and LC-MS/MS, we have detected 31 proteins present at lower abundance (ratio no pregnancy/pregnancy < 0.67) and 35 at higher abundance (ratio no pregnancy/pregnancy > 1.5) in the no pregnancy group. Bioinformatic analyses showed that the proteins with differing abundance are involved in chromatin assembly and lipoprotein metabolism (P values < 0.05). In addition, the differential abundance of one of the proteins (SRSF protein kinase 1) was further validated by western blotting using independent samples (P value < 0.01).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

For individual samples the amount of recovered sperm not used for IVF was low and in most of the cases insufficient for MS analysis, therefore pools of samples had to be used to this end.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Alterations in the proteins involved in chromatin assembly and metabolism may result in epigenetic errors during spermatogenesis, leading to inaccurate sperm epigenetic signatures, which could ultimately prevent embryonic development. These sperm proteins may thus possibly have clinical relevance.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Ministerio de Economia y Competividad; FEDER BFU 2009-07118 and PI13/00699) and Fundación Salud 2000 SERONO13-015. There are no competing interests to declare.

Molecular players involved in temperature-dependent sex determination and sex differentiation in Teleost fish

The molecular mechanisms that underlie sex determination and differentiation are conserved and diversified. In fish species, temperature-dependent sex determination and differentiation seem to be ubiquitous and molecular players involved in these mechanisms may be conserved. Although how the ambient temperature transduces signals to the undifferentiated gonads remains to be elucidated, the genes downstream in the sex differentiation pathway are shared between sex-determining mechanisms. In this paper, we review recent advances on the molecular players that participate in the sex determination and differentiation in fish species, by putting emphasis on temperature-dependent sex determination and differentiation, which include temperature-dependent sex determination and genetic sex determination plus temperature effects. Application of temperature-dependent sex differentiation in farmed fish and the consequences of temperature-induced sex reversal are discussed.

Novel sex-determining genes in fish and sex chromosome evolution

Although the molecular mechanisms underlying many developmental events are conserved across vertebrate taxa, the lability at the top of the sex-determining (SD) cascade has been evident from the fact that four master SD genes have been identified: mammalian Sry; chicken DMRT1; medaka Dmy; and Xenopus laevis DM-W. This diversity is thought to be associated with the turnover of sex chromosomes, which is likely to be more frequent in fishes and other poikilotherms than in therian mammals and birds. Recently, four novel candidates for vertebrate SD genes were reported, all of them in fishes. These include amhy in the Patagonian pejerrey, Gsdf in Oryzias luzonensis, Amhr2 in fugu and sdY in rainbow trout. These studies provide a good opportunity to infer patterns from the seemingly chaotic picture of sex determination systems. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the master SD genes in fishes.

FSH and LH have common and distinct effects on gene expression in rainbow trout testis

The general rules established from mammalian species for the regulation of spermatogenesis by gonadotropins may not be fully relevant in fish. Particularly, Fsh is as potent as Lh to stimulate steroidogenesis and the Fsh receptor is expressed in Leydig cells. In seasonal breeders, Fsh is likely the major gonadotropin involved in spermatogenesis onset and Lh is required to support spermatogenesis progression and gamete release. However, the genes that relay the action of Fsh and Lh have been poorly investigated in fish. The present study was aimed at identifying gonadotropin-dependent genes expressed in the testis during fish puberty. We cultured pubertal trout testicular explants for 96 h, with or without gonadotropin, and analyzed transcriptome variations using microarrays. Fsh and Lh had similar effects on a large group of genes while other genes were preferentially regulated by one or the other gonadotropin. We showed that most of the responsive genes were expressed in somatic cells and exhibited relevant patterns during the seasonal reproductive cycle. Some genes preferentially modulated by Lh could be involved in testicular cell fate (pvrl1 and bty) or sperm maturation (ehmt2 and racgap1) and will deserve further examination. Besides Fsh's effects on the steroidogenic pathway, our study demonstrates that Fsh coordinates relevant stimulatory and inhibitory paracrine factors known to regulate early germ cell proliferation and differentiation. Some of these genes belong to major regulatory pathways including the Igf pathway (igf1b/igf3 and igfbp6), the Tgfb pathway (amh, inha, inhba, and fstl3), the Wnt pathway (wisp1), and pleiotrophin (mdka).

Involvement of KLF14 and egr-1 in the TGF-beta1 action on Leydig cell proliferation

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is a pleiotropic cytokine that modulates cell homeostasis. In Leydig cells, TGF-β1 exerts stimulatory and inhibitory effect depending on the type I receptor involved in the signaling pathway. The aim of the present work was to study the signaling mechanisms and the intermediates involved in the action of TGF-β1 on TM3 Leydig cell proliferation in the presence or absence of progesterone. The MTT assay showed that the presence of progesterone in the culture media lead to a proliferative effect that was blocked by Ru 486, an inhibitor of progesterone receptor; and ALK-5 did not participate in this effect. TGF-β1 (1 ng/ml) increased the expression of p15 (an inhibitor of cell cycle) in TM3 Leydig cells, and this effect was blocked by progesterone (1μM). The expression of PCNA presented a higher increase in the cell cultured with TGF-β1 plus progesterone than in cells cultured only with TGF-β1. Progesterone induced the gene expression of endoglin, a cofactor of TGF-β1 receptor that leads to a stimulatory signaling pathway, despite of the absence of progesterone response element in endoglin gene. In addition, the presence of progesterone induced the gene expression of egr-1 and also KLF14, indicating that this steroid channels the signaling pathway into a non-canonical mechanism. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the proliferative action of TGF-β1 involves endoglin. This co-receptor might be induced by KLF14 which is probably activated by progesterone.

The potential role of microRNAs in regulating gonadal sex differentiation in the chicken embryo

Differential gene expression regulates tissue morphogenesis. The embryonic gonad is a good example, where the developmental decision to become an ovary or testis is governed by female- or male-specific gene expression. A number of genes have now been identified that control gonadal sex differentiation. However, the potential role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in ovarian and testicular pathways is unknown. In this review, we summarise our current understanding of gonadal differentiation and the possible involvement of miRNAs, using the chicken embryo as a model system. Chickens and other birds have a ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system, in which the female, ZW, is the heterogametic sex, and the male, ZZ, is homogametic (opposite to mammals). The Z-linked DMRT1 gene is thought to direct testis differentiation during embryonic life via a dosage-based mechanism. The conserved SOX9 gene is also likely to play a key role in testis formation. No master ovary determinant has yet been defined, but the autosomal FOXL2 and Aromatase genes are considered central. No miRNAs have been definitively shown to play a role in embryonic gonadal development in chickens or any other vertebrate species. Using next generation sequencing, we carried out an expression-based screen for miRNAs expressed in embryonic chicken gonads at the time of sexual differentiation. A number of miRNAs were identified, including several that showed sexually dimorphic expression. We validated a subset of miRNAs by qRT-PCR, and prediction algorithms were used to identify potential targets. We discuss the possible roles for these miRNAs in gonadal development and how these roles might be tested in the avian model.

Transcriptome profiling of testis during sexual maturation stages in Eriocheir sinensis using Illumina sequencing

The testis is a highly specialized tissue that plays dual roles in ensuring fertility by producing spermatozoa and hormones. Spermatogenesis is a complex process, resulting in the production of mature sperm from primordial germ cells. Significant structural and biochemical changes take place in the seminiferous epithelium of the adult testis during spermatogenesis. The gene expression pattern of testis in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) has not been extensively studied, and limited genetic research has been performed on this species. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies enables the generation of genomic resources within a short period of time and at minimal cost. In the present study, we performed de novo transcriptome sequencing to produce a comprehensive transcript dataset for testis of E. sinensis. In two runs, we produced 25,698,778 sequencing reads corresponding with 2.31 Gb total nucleotides. These reads were assembled into 342,753 contigs or 141,861 scaffold sequences, which identified 96,311 unigenes. Based on similarity searches with known proteins, 39,995 unigenes were annotated based on having a Blast hit in the non-redundant database or ESTscan results with a cut-off E-value above 10⁻⁵. This is the first report of a mitten crab transcriptome using high-throughput sequencing technology, and all these testes transcripts can help us understand the molecular mechanisms involved in spermatogenesis and testis maturation.