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Riera-Escamilla A, Nagirnaja L. Utility of exome sequencing in primary spermatogenic disorders: From research to diagnostics. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 39300832 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13753] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary spermatogenic disorders represent a severe form of male infertility whereby sperm production is impaired due to testicular dysfunction, leading to reduced quality or quantity of spermatozoa. Gene-centered research has certainly demonstrated the importance of the genetic factor in the etiology of both poor sperm morphology or motility and reduced sperm count. In the last decade, next-generation sequencing has expanded the research to whole exome which has transformed our understanding of male infertility genetics, but uncertainty persists in its diagnostic yield, especially in large unrelated populations. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the utility of exome sequencing in detecting genetic factors contributing to various traits of primary spermatogenic disorders, which is a crucial step before interpreting the diagnostic yield of the platform. MATERIALS AND METHODS We manually curated 415 manuscripts and included 19 research studies that predominantly performed whole exome sequencing in cohorts of unrelated cases with primary spermatogenic defects. RESULTS The detection rate, defined as the fraction of cases with an identifiable genetic cause, typically remained below 25% for quantitative defects of spermatozoa, whereas improved rates were observed for traits of abnormal sperm morphology/motility and in populations enriched with consanguineous families. Unlike the quantitative defects, the genetic architecture of the qualitative issues of spermatozoa featured a small number of recurrent genes describing a large fraction of studied cases. These observations were also in line with the lower biological complexity of the pathways affected by the reported genes. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This review demonstrates the variability in detection rates of exome sequencing across semen phenotypes, which may have an impact on the expectations of the diagnostic yield in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Riera-Escamilla
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Liina Nagirnaja
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
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Li J, Schilit SL, Liang S, Qin N, Teng X, Zhang J. Novel Loss-of-Function SYCP2 Variants in Infertile Males Upgrade the Gene-Disease Clinical Validity Classification for SYCP2 and Male Infertility to Strong. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:1092. [PMID: 39202451 PMCID: PMC11353295 DOI: 10.3390/genes15081092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Male infertility affects approximately 7% of the male population, and about 15% of these cases are predicted to have a genetic etiology. One gene implicated in autosomal dominant male infertility, SYCP2, encodes a protein critical for the synapsis of homologous chromosomes during meiosis I, resulting in impaired spermatogenesis. However, the clinical validity of the gene-disease pair was previously categorized as on the border of limited and moderate due to few reported cases. This study investigates the genetic cause of infertility for three unrelated Chinese patients with oligoasthenozoospermia. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and subsequent Sanger sequencing revealed novel heterozygous loss-of-function (LOF) variants in SYCP2 (c.89dup, c.946_947del, and c.4378_4379del). These cases, combined with the previously reported cases, provide strong genetic evidence supporting an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The experimental evidence also demonstrates a critical role for SYCP2 in spermatogenesis. Collectively, this updated assessment of the genetic and experimental evidence upgrades the gene-disease association strength of SYCP2 and autosomal dominant male infertility from on the border of limited and moderate to strong. The reclassification improves SYCP2 variant interpretation and qualifies it for the inclusion on diagnostic male infertility gene panels and prioritization in whole exome or genome studies for related phenotypes. These findings therefore improve the clinical interpretation of SYCP2 LOF variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinli Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 2699 West Gaoke Road, Shanghai 201204, China; (J.L.); (S.L.); (N.Q.)
| | | | - Shanshan Liang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 2699 West Gaoke Road, Shanghai 201204, China; (J.L.); (S.L.); (N.Q.)
| | - Ningxin Qin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 2699 West Gaoke Road, Shanghai 201204, China; (J.L.); (S.L.); (N.Q.)
| | - Xiaoming Teng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 2699 West Gaoke Road, Shanghai 201204, China; (J.L.); (S.L.); (N.Q.)
| | - Junyu Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 2699 West Gaoke Road, Shanghai 201204, China; (J.L.); (S.L.); (N.Q.)
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La Y, Ma X, Bao P, Chu M, Yan P, Guo X, Liang C. Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Reveals Key Proteins Involved in Testicular Development of Yaks. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8433. [PMID: 39126002 PMCID: PMC11313431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Male reproductive health is largely determined already in the early development of the testis. Although much work has been carried out to study the mechanisms of testicular development and spermatogenesis, there was previously no information on the differences in the protein composition of yak testicles during early development. In this study, the protein profiles in the testicles of 6- (M6), 18- (M18), and 30-month-old (M30) yaks were comparatively analyzed using TMT proteomics. A total of 5521 proteins were identified, with 13, 1295, and 1397 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in 30- vs. 18-, 18- vs. 6-, and 30- vs. 6-month-old testes, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that DEPs were mainly involved in signaling pathways related to testicular development and spermatogenesis, including the MAPK, PI3K-Akt, Wnt, mTOR, TGF-β, and AMPK signaling pathways. Furthermore, we also identified eight potential proteins (TEX101, PDCL2, SYCP2, SYCP3, COL1A1, COL1A2, ADAM10, and ATF1) that may be related to the testicular development and spermatogenesis of yaks. This study may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of the testicular development and spermatogenesis of yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfu La
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.); (P.B.); (M.C.); (P.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xiaoming Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.); (P.B.); (M.C.); (P.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Pengjia Bao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.); (P.B.); (M.C.); (P.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Min Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.); (P.B.); (M.C.); (P.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Ping Yan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.); (P.B.); (M.C.); (P.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.); (P.B.); (M.C.); (P.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Chunnian Liang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.); (P.B.); (M.C.); (P.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
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Okutman Ö, Gürbüz AS, Salvarci A, Büyük U, Ruso H, Gürgan T, Tarabeux J, Leuvrey AS, Nourisson E, Lang C, Muller J, Viville S. Evaluation of an Updated Gene Panel as a Diagnostic Tool for Both Male and Female Infertility. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:2309-2317. [PMID: 38664359 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01553-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, an increasing number of genes associated with male and female infertility have been identified. The genetics of infertility is no longer limited to the analysis of karyotypes or specific genes, and it is now possible to analyse several dozen infertility genes simultaneously. Here, we present the diagnostic activity over the past two years including 140 patients (63 women and 77 men). Targeted sequencing revealed causative variants in 17 patients, representing an overall diagnostic rate of 12.1%, with prevalence rates in females and males of 11% and 13%, respectively. The gene-disease relationship (GDR) was re-evaluated for genes due to the addition of new patients and/or variants in the actual study. Five genes changed categories: two female genes (MEIOB and TBPL2) moved from limited to moderate; two male genes (SOHLH1 and GALNTL5) moved from no evidence to strong and from limited to moderate; and SEPTIN12, which was unable to classify male infertility, was reclassified as limited. Many infertility genes have yet to be identified. With the increasing integration of genetics in reproductive medicine, the scope of intervention extends to include other family members, in addition to individual patients or couples. Genetic counselling consultations and appropriate staffing will need to be established in fertility centres. Trial registration number: Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Okutman
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstetrique, Clinique de Fertilité, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), Hôpital Erasme, Route de Lennik, 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium.
| | | | | | - Umut Büyük
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Graduate Studies in Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Halil Ruso
- Gürgan Clinic Women's Health and IVF Centre, Ankara, Turkey
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Timur Gürgan
- Gürgan Clinic Women's Health and IVF Centre, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bahçeşehir University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Julien Tarabeux
- Laboratoires de Diagnostic Génétique, IGMA, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Leuvrey
- Laboratoires de Diagnostic Génétique, IGMA, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Elsa Nourisson
- Laboratoires de Diagnostic Génétique, IGMA, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Cécile Lang
- Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, Unité de Génétique de L'infertilité (UF3472), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean Muller
- Laboratoires de Diagnostic Génétique, IGMA, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale LGM, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace (IGMA), Université de Strasbourg, INSERM UMR 1112, Strasbourg, France
- Unité Fonctionnelle de Bioinformatique Médicale Appliquée Au Diagnostic (UF7363), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Stephane Viville
- Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, Unité de Génétique de L'infertilité (UF3472), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale LGM, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace (IGMA), Université de Strasbourg, INSERM UMR 1112, Strasbourg, France
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Ran L, Zhao R, Hu G, Dai G, Yao Q, Chen C, Liu X, Xue B. Chronic oral administration of L-carnitine induces testicular injury: in vivo evidence. Int Urol Nephrol 2024:10.1007/s11255-024-04164-9. [PMID: 39044024 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-024-04164-9] [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: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE While L-carnitine is commonly used to treat oligoasthenozoospermia, concerns have been raised regarding its potential harm to spermatogenesis. This study aims to investigate the potential testicular toxicity of long-term oral administration of L-carnitine. METHODS In this study, we refer to the clinical adult dosage and mode of L-carnitine administration, and after converting to mouse doses, mice were daily intragastrical administered L-carnitine to investigate whether it was harmful to the testis. The investigation involved assessing its potential testicular toxicity through histopathological staining, sperm motility analysis, and quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS Our results showed that L-carnitine increased sperm motility after 14 days of continuous administration, but increased luminal exfoliated spermatogenic cells occurred in the testis, and TUNEL results showed increased apoptotic cells. Compared with the control group, the mRNA expression of the spermatogenic cell marker at each stage was decreased in mice treated for 14 consecutive days of L-carnitine. After 50 days of continuous administration followed by 14 days of drug withdrawal, the total sperm motility of mice was almost 0, and a large number of abnormal eosinophilic spermatogenic cells appeared in the testis. These indicate that oral L-carnitine for more than 14 days impairs spermatogenesis in mice, and sudden discontinuation of administration results in substantial death of established spermatogenic cell populations. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that chronic oral administration of L-carnitine impairs spermatogenic function in the testis. The oral administration of L-carnitine to enhance sperm motility should not exceed the 2/5 point of the spermatogenic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiang Ran
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guangmo Hu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Urology, The First People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, 230041, Anhui, China
| | - Guangcheng Dai
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiu Yao
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cai Chen
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Boxin Xue
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China.
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Fonseca PAS, Suárez-Vega A, Arranz JJ, Gutiérrez-Gil B. Integration of selective sweeps across the sheep genome: understanding the relationship between production and adaptation traits. Genet Sel Evol 2024; 56:40. [PMID: 38773423 PMCID: PMC11106937 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-024-00910-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Livestock populations are under constant selective pressure for higher productivity levels for different selective purposes. This pressure results in the selection of animals with unique adaptive and production traits. The study of genomic regions associated with these unique characteristics has the potential to improve biological knowledge regarding the adaptive process and how it is connected to production levels and resilience, which is the ability of an animal to adapt to stress or an imbalance in homeostasis. Sheep is a species that has been subjected to several natural and artificial selective pressures during its history, resulting in a highly specialized species for production and adaptation to challenging environments. Here, the data from multiple studies that aim at mapping selective sweeps across the sheep genome associated with production and adaptation traits were integrated to identify confirmed selective sweeps (CSS). RESULTS In total, 37 studies were used to identify 518 CSS across the sheep genome, which were classified as production (147 prodCSS) and adaptation (219 adapCSS) CSS based on the frequency of each type of associated study. The genes within the CSS were associated with relevant biological processes for adaptation and production. For example, for adapCSS, the associated genes were related to the control of seasonality, circadian rhythm, and thermoregulation. On the other hand, genes associated with prodCSS were related to the control of feeding behaviour, reproduction, and cellular differentiation. In addition, genes harbouring both prodCSS and adapCSS showed an interesting association with lipid metabolism, suggesting a potential role of this process in the regulation of pleiotropic effects between these classes of traits. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the genetic link between productivity and adaptability in sheep breeds. This information may provide insights into the genetic mechanisms that underlie undesirable genetic correlations between these two groups of traits and pave the way for a better understanding of resilience as a positive ability to respond to environmental stressors, where the negative effects on production level are minimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo A S Fonseca
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Aroa Suárez-Vega
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Juan J Arranz
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Beatriz Gutiérrez-Gil
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana S/N, 24071, León, Spain.
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Wang C, Ye T, Bao J, Dong J, Wang W, Li C, Ding H, Chen H, Wang X, Shi J. 5- methylcytidine effectively improves spermatogenesis recovery in busulfan-induced oligoasthenospermia mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 967:176405. [PMID: 38341078 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The function and regulatory mechanisms of 5-methylcytidine (m5C) in oligoasthenospermia remain unclear. In this study, we made a mouse model of oligoasthenospermia through the administration of busulfan (BUS). For the first time, we demonstrated that m5C levels decreased in oligoasthenospermia. The m5C levels were upregulated through the treatments of 5-methylcytidine. The testicular morphology and sperm concentrations were improved via upregulating m5C. The cytoskeletal regenerations of testis and sperm were accompanying with m5C treatments. m5C treatments improved T levels and reduced FSH and LH levels. The levels of ROS and MDA were significantly reduced through m5C treatments. RNA sequencing analysis showed m5C treatments increased the expression of genes involved in spermatid differentiation/development and cilium movement. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated the regeneration of cilium and quantitative PCR (qPCR) confirmed the high expression of genes involved in spermatogenesis. Collectively, our findings suggest that the upregulation of m5C in oligoasthenospermia facilitates testicular morphology recovery and male infertility via multiple pathways, including cytoskeletal regeneration, hormonal levels, attenuating oxidative stress, spermatid differentiation/development and cilium movement. m5C may be a potential therapeutic agent for oligoasthenospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengniu Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Taowen Ye
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Junze Bao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Jin Dong
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Wenran Wang
- Blood Purification Centre, Third People's Hospital of Rugao, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226531, China
| | - Chunhong Li
- Blood Purification Centre, Third People's Hospital of Rugao, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226531, China
| | - Hongping Ding
- Blood Purification Centre, Third People's Hospital of Rugao, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226531, China
| | - Hanqing Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Xiaorong Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226018, China; Nantong Institute of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226018, China; Nantong Key Laboratory of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226018, China.
| | - Jianwu Shi
- Basic Medical Research Centre, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China.
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Xu J, Sun Y, Zhang Y, Ou N, Bai H, Zhao J, Xu S, Luo J, Han S, Li P, Tian R, Zhi E, Huang Y, Zhang J, Liu G, Li Z, Yao C. A homozygous frameshift variant in SYCP2 caused meiotic arrest and non-obstructive azoospermia. Clin Genet 2023; 104:577-581. [PMID: 37337432 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Genetic causation for the majority of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) remains unclear. Mutations in synaptonemal complex (SC)-associated genes could cause meiotic arrest and NOA. Previous studies showed that heterozygous truncating variants in SYCP2 encoding a protein essential for SC formation, are associated with non-obstructive azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia. Herein, we showed a homozygous loss-of-function variant in SYCP2 (c.2689_2690insT) in an NOA-affected patient. And this variant was inherited from heterozygous parental carriers by natural reproduction. HE, IF, and meiotic chromosomal spread analyses demonstrated that spermatogenesis was arrested at the zygotene stage in the proband with NOA. Thus, this study revealed that SYCP2 associated with NOA segregates in an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, rather than an autosomal dominant pattern. Furthermore, our study expanded the knowledge of variants in SYCP2 and provided new insight into understanding the genetic etiology of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Xu
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Sun
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxiang Zhang
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ningjing Ou
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haowei Bai
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingpeng Zhao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuai Xu
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqiang Luo
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sha Han
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Andrology, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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9
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Abstract
In meiosis, homologous chromosome synapsis is mediated by a supramolecular protein structure, the synaptonemal complex (SC), that assembles between homologous chromosome axes. The mammalian SC comprises at least eight largely coiled-coil proteins that interact and self-assemble to generate a long, zipper-like structure that holds homologous chromosomes in close proximity and promotes the formation of genetic crossovers and accurate meiotic chromosome segregation. In recent years, numerous mutations in human SC genes have been associated with different types of male and female infertility. Here, we integrate structural information on the human SC with mouse and human genetics to describe the molecular mechanisms by which SC mutations can result in human infertility. We outline certain themes in which different SC proteins are susceptible to different types of disease mutation and how genetic variants with seemingly minor effects on SC proteins may act as dominant-negative mutations in which the heterozygous state is pathogenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian R Adams
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom;
| | - Owen R Davies
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom;
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10
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Ran L, Chen Q, Lu X, Gao Z, Cui F, Liu X, Xue B. Novel treatment and insight for irradiation-induced injuries: Dibucaine ameliorates irradiation-induced testicular injury by inhibiting fatty acid oxidation in primary Leydig cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114903. [PMID: 37224756 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a worldwide problem but few treatments, especially irradiation-induced testicular injury. The aim of this research was to investigate novel drugs for the treatment of irradiation-induced testicular injury. METHODS We administered dibucaine (0.8 mg/kg) intraperitoneally to male mice (6 mice per group) after five consecutive daily 0.5 Gy whole-body irradiation, and evaluated its ameliorating efficacy by testicular HE staining and morphological measurements. Drug affinity responsive target stability assay (Darts) were used to find target protein and pathway; mouse primary Leydig cells were isolated and to explore the mechanism (Flow cytometry, Western blot, and Seahorse palmitate oxidative stress assays); finally rescue experiments were completed by combining dibucaine with fatty acid oxidative pathway inhibitors and activators. RESULTS The testicular HE staining and morphological measurements in dibucaine treatment group was significantly better than that in irradiation group (P < 0.05); sperm motility and mRNA levels of spermatogenic cell markers were also higher than those in the latter (P < 0.05). Darts and Western blot results showed that dibucaine targets CPT1A and downregulate fatty acid oxidation. Flow cytometry, Western blot, and Palmitate oxidative stress assays of primary Leydig cells demonstrated that dibucaine inhibits fatty acid oxidation in Leydig cells. Dibucaine combined with etomoxir/baicalin confirmed that its inhibition of fatty acid oxidation was beneficial in ameliorating irradiation-induced testicular injury. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our data suggest that dibucaine ameliorates irradiation-induced testicular injury in mice by inhibiting fatty acid oxidation in Leydig cells. This will provide novel ideas for the treatment of irradiation-induced testicular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiang Ran
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215004, China
| | - Qiu Chen
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Xingyu Lu
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Zhixiang Gao
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215004, China
| | - Fengmei Cui
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215004, China.
| | - Boxin Xue
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215004, China.
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11
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Ozturk S. Genetic variants underlying spermatogenic arrests in men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:1021-1061. [PMID: 36740861 PMCID: PMC10081088 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2171544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenic arrest is a severe form of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), which occurs in 10-15% of infertile men. Interruption in spermatogenic progression at premeiotic, meiotic, or postmeiotic stage can lead to arrest in men with NOA. Recent studies have intensively focused on defining genetic variants underlying these spermatogenic arrests by making genome/exome sequencing. A number of variants were discovered in the genes involving in mitosis, meiosis, germline differentiation and other basic cellular events. Herein, defined variants in NOA cases with spermatogenic arrests and created knockout mouse models for the related genes are comprehensively reviewed. Also, importance of gene panel-based screening for NOA cases was discussed. Screening common variants in these infertile men with spermatogenic arrests may contribute to elucidating the molecular background and designing novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
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12
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Ran L, Gao Z, Chen Q, Ran Y, Duan N, Hu G, Lu X, Xia R, Li Q, Cui F, Liu X, Xue B. Improving effects of telmisartan on spermatogenic disorder induced by fractionated low-dose irradiation in mice. Int Urol Nephrol 2023; 55:1427-1439. [PMID: 37093439 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-023-03601-5] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a hot problem worldwide, but there are few treatments, especially male infertility caused by irradiation is difficult to treat. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate novel drugs for the treatment of male infertility caused by irradiation. METHODS we randomly divided 18 male BALB/c mice into 3 groups: control, irradiated, and telmisartan. Both irradiated and telmisartan group completed whole-body 0.5 Gy five times irradiation, and the telmisartan group received intraperitoneal injection of telmisartan (1.2 mg/kg) daily on the next day after irradiation, and all groups were sampled on day 25 after irradiation. RESULTS Sperm motility results show that total sperm motility of irradiated group was significantly lower compared with control group, and testicular HE results showed that testis in irradiated group were severely damaged. Compared with irradiated group, the total sperm motility, sperm concentration, testicular index, Johnsen score, and the seminiferous tubule layer numbers were higher in telmisartan group (P < 0.05). The immunohistochemical staining showed γ-H2AX expression is higher in telmisartan group compared with irradiated group. And the relative mRNA expression of PLZF, GFRA1, STRA8, DMRT1, SPO11, SYCP2, OVOL2, CCNA1, TJP3, RUNX2, TXNDC2 TNP1, and PRM3 in telmisartan group was all significantly higher than irradiated group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION In conclusion, in vivo experiments confirmed that telmisartan ameliorated the spermatogenic disorder in mice caused by fractionated low-dose irradiation via promoting spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiang Ran
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhixiang Gao
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiu Chen
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanshuai Ran
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nengliang Duan
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guangmo Hu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xingyu Lu
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Renlan Xia
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fengmei Cui
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Boxin Xue
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China.
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13
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Dong Z, Qian J, Law TSM, Chau MHK, Cao Y, Xue S, Tong S, Zhao Y, Kwok YK, Ng K, Chan DYL, Chiu PKF, Ng CF, Chung CHS, Mak JSM, Leung TY, Chung JPW, Morton CC, Choy KW. Mate-pair genome sequencing reveals structural variants for idiopathic male infertility. Hum Genet 2023; 142:363-377. [PMID: 36526900 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02510-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Currently, routine genetic investigation for male infertility includes karyotyping analysis and PCR for Y chromosomal microdeletions to provide prognostic information such as sperm retrieval success rate. However, over 85% of male infertility remain idiopathic. We assessed 101 male patients with primary infertility in a retrospective cohort analysis who have previously received negative results from standard-of-care tests. Mate-pair genome sequencing (large-insert size library), an alternative long-DNA sequencing method, was performed to detect clinically significant structural variants (SVs) and copy-number neutral absence of heterozygosity (AOH). Candidate SVs were filtered against our in-house cohort of 1077 fertile men. Genes disrupted by potentially clinically significant variants were correlated with single-cell gene expression profiles of human fetal and postnatal testicular developmental lineages and adult germ cells. Follow-up studies were conducted for each patient with clinically relevant finding(s). Molecular diagnoses were made in 11.1% (7/63) of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia and 13.2% (5/38) of patients with severe oligozoospermia. Among them, 12 clinically significant SVs were identified in 12 cases, including five known syndromes, one inversion, and six SVs with direct disruption of genes by intragenic rearrangements or complex insertions. Importantly, a genetic defect related to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) failure was identified in a patient with non-obstructive azoospermia, illustrating the additional value of an etiologic diagnosis in addition to determining sperm retrieval rate. Our study reveals a landscape of various genomic variants in 101 males with idiopathic infertility, not only advancing understanding of the underlying mechanisms of male infertility, but also impacting clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zirui Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518057, China. .,Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,The Fertility Preservation Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Jicheng Qian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Tracy Sze Man Law
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Matthew Hoi Kin Chau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518057, China.,Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Baylor College of Medicine Joint Center for Medical Genetics, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ye Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518057, China.,Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,The Fertility Preservation Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shuwen Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Steve Tong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yilin Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yvonne K Kwok
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karen Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - David Yiu Leung Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Peter K-F Chiu
- SH Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-Fai Ng
- SH Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cathy Hoi Sze Chung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jennifer Sze Man Mak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tak Yeung Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518057, China.,The Fertility Preservation Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Baylor College of Medicine Joint Center for Medical Genetics, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jacqueline Pui Wah Chung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518057, China.,The Fertility Preservation Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Baylor College of Medicine Joint Center for Medical Genetics, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cynthia C Morton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.,Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Kwong Wai Choy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518057, China. .,Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,The Fertility Preservation Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Baylor College of Medicine Joint Center for Medical Genetics, Hong Kong, China.
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14
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Siebert-Kuss LM, Krenz H, Tekath T, Wöste M, Di Persio S, Terwort N, Wyrwoll MJ, Cremers JF, Wistuba J, Dugas M, Kliesch S, Schlatt S, Tüttelmann F, Gromoll J, Neuhaus N, Laurentino S. Transcriptome analyses in infertile men reveal germ cell-specific expression and splicing patterns. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:6/2/e202201633. [PMID: 36446526 PMCID: PMC9713473 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of spermatogenesis-when germ cells differentiate into sperm-is tightly regulated, and misregulation in gene expression is likely to be involved in the physiopathology of male infertility. The testis is one of the most transcriptionally rich tissues; nevertheless, the specific gene expression changes occurring during spermatogenesis are not fully understood. To better understand gene expression during spermatogenesis, we generated germ cell-specific whole transcriptome profiles by systematically comparing testicular transcriptomes from tissues in which spermatogenesis is arrested at successive steps of germ cell differentiation. In these comparisons, we found thousands of differentially expressed genes between successive germ cell types of infertility patients. We demonstrate our analyses' potential to identify novel highly germ cell-specific markers (TSPY4 and LUZP4 for spermatogonia; HMGB4 for round spermatids) and identified putatively misregulated genes in male infertility (RWDD2A, CCDC183, CNNM1, SERF1B). Apart from these, we found thousands of genes showing germ cell-specific isoforms (including SOX15, SPATA4, SYCP3, MKI67). Our approach and dataset can help elucidate genetic and transcriptional causes for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara M Siebert-Kuss
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Henrike Krenz
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tobias Tekath
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Marius Wöste
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sara Di Persio
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nicole Terwort
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Margot J Wyrwoll
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jann-Frederik Cremers
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Dugas
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Institute of Medical Informatics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jörg Gromoll
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sandra Laurentino
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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15
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Hu T, Meng L, Tan C, Luo C, He WB, Tu C, Zhang H, Du J, Nie H, Lu GX, Lin G, Tan YQ. Biallelic CFAP61 variants cause male infertility in humans and mice with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. J Med Genet 2023; 60:144-153. [PMID: 35387802 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2021-108249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genetic causes for most male infertility due to severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To identify the genetic cause of male infertility characterised by OAT. METHODS Variant screening was performed by whole-exome sequencing from 325 infertile patients with OAT and 392 fertile individuals. In silico and in vitro analyses were performed to evaluate the impacts of candidate disease-causing variants. A knockout mouse model was generated to confirm the candidate disease-causing gene, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was used to evaluate the efficiency of clinical treatment. RESULTS We identified biallelic CFAP61 variants (NM_015585.4: c.1654C>T (p.R552C) and c.2911G>A (p.D971N), c.144-2A>G and c.1666G>A (p.G556R)) in two (0.62%) of the 325 OAT-affected men. In silico bioinformatics analysis predicted that all four variants were deleterious, and in vitro functional analysis confirmed the deleterious effects of the mutants. Notably, H&E staining and electron microscopy analyses of the spermatozoa revealed multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella, the absence of central pair microtubules and mitochondrial sheath malformation in sperm flagella from man with CFAP61 variants. Further immunofluorescence assays revealed markedly reduced CFAP61 staining in the sperm flagella. In addition, Cfap61-deficient mice showed the OAT phenotype, suggesting that loss of function of CFAP61 was the cause of OAT. Two individuals accepted ICSI therapy using their own ejaculated sperm, and one of them succeeded in fathering a healthy baby. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that CFAP61 is essential for spermatogenesis and that biallelic CFAP61 variants lead to male infertility in humans and mice with OAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongyao Hu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science,Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science,Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Genetic Center, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,NHC key laboratory of human stem cell and reproductive engineering, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Tan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science,Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Luo
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science,Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Bin He
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science,Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Genetic Center, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,NHC key laboratory of human stem cell and reproductive engineering, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science,Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Genetic Center, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,NHC key laboratory of human stem cell and reproductive engineering, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science,Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Genetic Center, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,NHC key laboratory of human stem cell and reproductive engineering, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science,Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Genetic Center, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,NHC key laboratory of human stem cell and reproductive engineering, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Genetic Center, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang-Xiu Lu
- Genetic Center, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,NHC key laboratory of human stem cell and reproductive engineering, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science,Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Genetic Center, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,NHC key laboratory of human stem cell and reproductive engineering, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science,Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China .,Genetic Center, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,NHC key laboratory of human stem cell and reproductive engineering, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
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16
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Crichton JH, Dunce JM, Dunne OM, Salmon LJ, Devenney PS, Lawson J, Adams IR, Davies OR. Structural maturation of SYCP1-mediated meiotic chromosome synapsis by SYCE3. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:188-199. [PMID: 36635604 PMCID: PMC7614228 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00909-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In meiosis, a supramolecular protein structure, the synaptonemal complex (SC), assembles between homologous chromosomes to facilitate their recombination. Mammalian SC formation is thought to involve hierarchical zipper-like assembly of an SYCP1 protein lattice that recruits stabilizing central element (CE) proteins as it extends. Here we combine biochemical approaches with separation-of-function mutagenesis in mice to show that, rather than stabilizing the SYCP1 lattice, the CE protein SYCE3 actively remodels this structure during synapsis. We find that SYCP1 tetramers undergo conformational change into 2:1 heterotrimers on SYCE3 binding, removing their assembly interfaces and disrupting the SYCP1 lattice. SYCE3 then establishes a new lattice by its self-assembly mimicking the role of the disrupted interface in tethering together SYCP1 dimers. SYCE3 also interacts with CE complexes SYCE1-SIX6OS1 and SYCE2-TEX12, providing a mechanism for their recruitment. Thus, SYCE3 remodels the SYCP1 lattice into a CE-binding integrated SYCP1-SYCE3 lattice to achieve long-range synapsis by a mature SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Crichton
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James M Dunce
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Orla M Dunne
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lucy J Salmon
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Paul S Devenney
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jennifer Lawson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ian R Adams
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Owen R Davies
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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17
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Functional assessment of DMRT1 variants and their pathogenicity for isolated male infertility. Fertil Steril 2023; 119:219-228. [PMID: 36572623 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the impact of Doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1) gene variants on the encoded protein's function and the variants' pathogenic relevance for isolated male infertility caused by azoospermia. DESIGN This study established a novel luciferase assay for DMRT1 missense variants using 2 different target promotors and validated the assay by analyzing previously published variants associated with differences in sex development. SETTING University genetics research institute and tertiary referral center for couples' infertility. PATIENT(S) Eleven infertile men with severely impaired spermatogenesis resulting in crypto- or azoospermia and carrying rare heterozygous missense variants in DMRT1 were identified within the Male Reproductive Genomics study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Luciferase assays with human DMRT1 variants to test functional effects on the CYP19A1 and Stra8 target promoters. RESULT(S) We first developed and refined luciferase assays to reliably test the functional impact of DMRT1 missense variants. Next, the assay was validated by analyzing 2 DMRT1 variants associated with differences in sex development, of which c.240G>C p.(Arg80Ser) displayed highly significant effects on both target promoters compared with the wild-type protein (-40% and +100%, respectively) and c.331A>G p.(Arg111Gly) had a significant effect on the Stra8 promoter (-76%). We then systematically characterized 11 DMRT1 variants identified in infertile men. The de novo variant c.344T>A p.(Met115Lys) showed a pronounced loss of function in both DMRT1 target promoters (-100% and -86%, respectively). Variants c.308A>G p.(Lys103Arg) and c.991G>C p.(Asp331His) showed a significant gain of function exclusively for the CYP19A1 promoter (+15% and +19%, respectively). Based on these results, 3 variants were reclassified according to clinical guidelines. CONCLUSION(S) The present study highlights the importance of functionally characterizing DMRT1 variants of uncertain clinical significance. Using luciferase assays for diagnostic purposes enables an improved causal diagnosis for isolated male infertility.
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Trunca C, Mendell NR, Schilit SL. Reproductive Risk Estimation Calculator for Balanced Translocation Carriers. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e633. [PMID: 36571718 PMCID: PMC10018756 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.633] [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] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Balanced translocation carriers experience elevated reproductive risks, including pregnancy loss and children with anomalies due to generating chromosomally unbalanced gametes. While understanding the likelihood of producing unbalanced conceptuses is critical for individuals to make reproductive decisions, risk estimates are difficult to obtain as most balanced translocations are unique. To improve reproductive risk estimates, Drs. Trunca and Mendell created models based on a logistic regression analysis of a dataset of over 6000 individuals from over 1000 translocation families. While risk assessments using these models have been offered as a free service for years, this protocol aims to create a sustainable model for genetics professionals to obtain risk estimates for their patients directly. This protocol guides the user through collecting clinical information, using a risk-generating Java program based on the models, and interpreting the program outputs. A practice tutorial is provided to ensure competency in interpretation prior to use. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Estimation of reproductive risks for balanced translocation carriers Basic Protocol 2: Practical examples of typical patient encounters with instructive interpretations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Trunca
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cell Genetics Division, Cytogenetics, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York
| | - Nancy R. Mendell
- Emerita, Department of Applied Math and Statistics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Samantha L.P. Schilit
- Division of Clinical Cytogenetics, Center for Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Mass General Brigham Personalized Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Yang J, Yan L, Li R, Liu P, Qiao J, Liu Y, Zhi X. Genetic screening of Chinese patients with hydatidiform mole by whole-exome sequencing and comprehensive analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2403-2411. [PMID: 36001209 PMCID: PMC9596675 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02592-z] [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: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We aim to explore if there are any other candidate genetic variants in patients with a history of at least one hydatidiform mole (HM) besides the well-known variants in NLRP7 and KHDC3L. METHODS The diagnosis of HM type was based on histopathology, and available HM tissues were collected for short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping to verify the diagnosis. DNA extracted from blood samples or decidual tissues of the 78 patients was subjected to whole-exome sequencing (WES). RESULTS We identified five novel variants in NLRP7, two novel variants in KHDC3L, and a chromosome abnormality covering the KHDC3L locus among patients with HM. We found that patients with HM who carried heterozygous variants in KHDC3L had a chance of normal pregnancy. We also detected four novel genetic variants in candidate genes that may be associated with HM. CONCLUSION Our study enriched the spectrum of variants in NLRP7 and KHDC3L in Chinese HM patients and provided a new outlook on the effects of heterozygous variants in KHDC3L. The novel candidate genetic variants associated with HMs reported in this study will also contribute to further research on HMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49, North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49, North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49, North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49, North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49, North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Xu Zhi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49, North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
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20
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Zhan P, Hao T, Yang X, Zhang Y. Association between chromosome 22q11.2 translocation and male oligozoospermia. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30790. [PMID: 36181097 PMCID: PMC9524881 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood are a major cause of reproductive disorders for the infertile couples. Reciprocal translocation is closely related to male infertility. The breakpoint of translocation may disrupt or dysregulate important genes related to spermatogenesis. The relationship between some breakpoints of chromosome and male infertility has been paid attention. Chromosome 22q11.2 translocation has not been reported with male infertility. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between chromosome 22q11.2 translocation and male infertility. All patients were collected from the second hospital of Jilin University. Semen parameters were detected using the computer-aided semen analysis system. Cytogenetic analysis was performed using standard operating procedure. Related genes on chromosomal breakpoints were searched using online mendelian inheritance in man (OMIM). The association between this breakpoint and spermatogenesis is also discussed. We report 6 cases of translocation in chromosome 22. Of 7 breakpoints involved in these translocations, the common feature is that they all included chromosome 22q11.2 translocation and presented with oligozoospermia. The analysis of breakpoint related genes showed testis-specific serine/threonine kinase 2 (TSSK2) gene is associated with human spermatogenesis impairment. Overall, these results suggest that the breakpoint involved in translocation deserves attention from physicians in genetic counseling. The breakpoint rearrangement has the possibility of disrupting spermatogenesis. The relationship between 22q11.2 breakpoint and male infertility deserves further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhan
- Department of Urology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tingting Hao
- Department of Urology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Urology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao Yang, Department of Urology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province 130041, China (e-mail: )
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Urology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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21
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Zheng H, Guo X, Li N, Qin L, Li X, Lou G. Increased expression of SYCP2 predicts poor prognosis in patients suffering from breast carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:922401. [PMID: 36159998 PMCID: PMC9491682 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.922401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of synaptonemal complex protein-2 (SYCP2) has been identified in various human papillomavirus (HPV)–related carcinomas, whereas its significant role in breast carcinoma remains unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the prognostic value and potential function of SYCP2 in breast carcinoma. Herein, data for breast carcinoma patients from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA) were analyzed. The enrichment analysis of SYCP2 including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Friends, and GSEA was performed. Kaplan–Meier analysis, Cox regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed for determining the predictive value of SYCP2 on clinical outcomes in patients suffering from breast carcinoma. A nomogram was generated to predict the effect arising from SYCP2 on prognosis. The association analysis of SYCP2 gene expression and diverse immune infiltration levels was conducted through ssGSEA and ESTIMATE analysis, which consisted of dendritic cell (DC), neutrophil, eosinophil, macrophage, mast cell, NK cell, and other 18 cell subtypes. The results showed that SYCP2 expression was significantly elevated in breast carcinoma tissues as compared with that of normal tissues (p < 0.001). SYCP2 plays a certain role in pathways related to DNA methylation, keratinocyte differentiation, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and immune infiltration. The high expression of SYCP2 had a significant relationship to age, pathological type, ER expression, and PR expression (p < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that patients suffering from breast carcinoma characterized by high-SYCP2 expression had a poorer prognosis than patients with low-SYCP2 expression (p = 0.005). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that SYCP2 had an independent relationship to overall survival (p = 0.049). Moreover, ROC curves suggested the significant diagnostic ability of SYCP2 for breast carcinoma, and as time went on, SYCP2 had more accurate prognostic efficacy. Furthermore, a high level of SYCP2 expression was found to have a relationship to poor prognosis of breast carcinoma in the subgroups of T3, N0, and M0, and infiltrating ductal carcinoma (HR > 1, p < 0.05). The calibration plot of the nomogram indicated that the SYCP2 model has an effective predictive performance for breast carcinoma patients. Conclusively, SYCP2 plays a vital role in the pathogenesis and progression of human breast carcinoma, so it may serve as a promising prognostic molecular marker of poor survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Zheng
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaorong Guo
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Luyao Qin
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoqing Li
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ge Lou
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Ge Lou,
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22
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Wyrwoll MJ, Köckerling N, Vockel M, Dicke AK, Rotte N, Pohl E, Emich J, Wöste M, Ruckert C, Wabschke R, Seggewiss J, Ledig S, Tewes AC, Stratis Y, Cremers JF, Wistuba J, Krallmann C, Kliesch S, Röpke A, Stallmeyer B, Friedrich C, Tüttelmann F. Genetic Architecture of Azoospermia-Time to Advance the Standard of Care. Eur Urol 2022; 83:452-462. [PMID: 35690514 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2022.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crypto- and azoospermia (very few/no sperm in the semen) are main contributors to male factor infertility. Genetic causes for spermatogenic failure (SPGF) include Klinefelter syndrome and Y-chromosomal azoospermia factor microdeletions, and CFTR mutations for obstructive azoospermia (OA). However, the majority of cases remain unexplained because monogenic causes are not analysed. OBJECTIVE To elucidate the monogenic contribution to azoospermia by prospective exome sequencing and strict application of recent clinical guidelines. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Since January 2017, we studied crypto- and azoospermic men without chromosomal aberrations and Y-chromosomal microdeletions attending the Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Münster. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS We performed exome sequencing in 647 men, analysed 60 genes having at least previous limited clinical validity, and strictly assessed variants according to clinical guidelines. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS Overall, 55 patients (8.5%) with diagnostic genetic variants were identified. Of these patients, 20 (3.1%) carried mutations in CFTR or ADGRG2, and were diagnosed with OA. In 35 patients (5.4%) with SPGF, mutations in 20 different genes were identified. According to ClinGen criteria, 19 of the SPGF genes now reach at least moderate clinical validity. As limitations, only one transcript per gene was considered, and the list of genes is increasing rapidly so cannot be exhaustive. CONCLUSIONS The number of diagnostic genes in crypto-/azoospermia was almost doubled to 21 using exome-based analyses and clinical guidelines. Application of this procedure in routine diagnostics will significantly improve the diagnostic yield and clinical workup as the results indicate the success rate of testicular sperm extraction. PATIENT SUMMARY When no sperm are found in the semen, a man cannot conceive naturally. The causes are often unknown, but genetics play a major role. We searched for genetic variants in a large group of patients and found causal mutations for one in 12 men; these predict the chances for fatherhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot J Wyrwoll
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nils Köckerling
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Matthias Vockel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ann-Kristin Dicke
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nadja Rotte
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Eva Pohl
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jana Emich
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Marius Wöste
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Ruckert
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Rebecca Wabschke
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jochen Seggewiss
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Susanne Ledig
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Yvonne Stratis
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jann F Cremers
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology (CeRA), University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology (CeRA), University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Krallmann
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology (CeRA), University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology (CeRA), University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Albrecht Röpke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Birgit Stallmeyer
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Corinna Friedrich
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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Non-invasive Molecular Biomarkers for Predicting Outcomes of Micro-TESE in Patients with Idiopathic Non-obstructive Azoospermia. Expert Rev Mol Med 2022; 24:e22. [PMID: 35659383 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2022.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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24
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Jiang H, Zhang Y, Ma H, Fan S, Zhang H, Shi Q. Identification of pathogenic mutations from nonobstructive azoospermia patients. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:85-94. [PMID: 35532179 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that approximately 25% of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) cases are caused by single genetic anomalies, including chromosome aberrations and gene mutations. The identification of these mutations in NOA patients has always been a research hot spot in the area of human infertility. However, compared with more than 600 genes reported to be essential for fertility in mice, mutations in approximately 75 genes have been confirmed to be pathogenic in patients with male infertility, in which only 14 were identified from NOA patients. The small proportion suggested that there is much room to improve the methodology of mutation screening and functional verification. Fortunately, recent advances in whole exome sequencing and CRISPR-Cas9 have greatly promoted research on the etiology of human infertility and made improvements possible. In this review, we summarized the pathogenic mutations found in NOA patients and the efforts we have made to improve the efficiency of mutation screening from NOA patients and functional verification with the application of new technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwei Jiang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale,Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale,Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale,Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Suixing Fan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale,Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale,Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale,Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Ali H, Unar A, Zubair M, Dil S, Ullah F, Khan I, Hussain A, Shi Q. In silico analysis of a novel pathogenic variant c.7G > A in C14orf39 gene identified by WES in a Pakistani family with azoospermia. Mol Genet Genomics 2022; 297:719-730. [PMID: 35305148 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-022-01876-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a multifactorial disorder that affects approximately 12% of couples of childbearing ages worldwide. Few studies have been conducted to understand the genetic causes of infertility in depth. The synaptonemal complex (SC), which is essential for the progression of meiosis, is a conserved tripartite structure that binds homologous chromosomes together and is thus required for fertility. This study investigated genetic causes of infertility in a Pakistani consanguineous family containing two patients suffering from non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). We performed whole-exome sequencing, followed by Sanger sequencing, and identified a novel pathogenic variant (c.7G > A [p.D3N]) in the SC coding gene C14orf39, which was recessively co-segregated with NOA. In silico analysis revealed that charges on wild-type residues were lost, which may result in loss of interactions with other molecules and residues, and a reduction in protein stability occurred, which was caused by the p.D3N mutation. The novel variant generated the mutant protein C14ORF39D3N, and homozygous mutations in C14orf39 resulted in NOA. The transcriptome profile of C14ORF39 shows that it is specifically expressed in early brain development, which suggests that research in this area is required to study other functions of C14ORF39 in addition to its role in the germline. This research highlights the conserved role of C14orf39/SIX6OS1 in assembly of the SC and its indispensable role in facilitating genetic diagnosis in patients with infertility, which may enable the development of future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haider Ali
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ahsanullah Unar
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Sobia Dil
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Farman Ullah
- Center of Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, 19120, Pakistan
| | - Ihsan Khan
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ansar Hussain
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
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26
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Saebnia N, Ebrahimzadeh-Vesal R, Haddad-Mashhadrizeh A, Gholampour-Faroji N, Schinzel A, Neshati Z, Azimi-Nezhad M. Identification of a new splice-acceptor mutation in HFM1 and functional analysis through molecular docking in nonobstructive azoospermia. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1195-1203. [PMID: 35486194 PMCID: PMC9107553 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02433-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the genetic cause of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). METHODS We performed whole exome sequencing (WES) on the proband who had three relatives suffering from NOA. We used a list of candidate genes which have high expression level in testis and their mutations have been reported in NOA. Sanger sequencing verified the identified variant and its structural and functional consequence was evaluated by protein three-dimensional (3D) structure prediction and protein-ligand docking. RESULTS WES revealed a novel splice-acceptor mutation (c.1832-2A>T) in helicase for meiosis 1 (HFM1) gene, which co-segregated with the NOA in this family. 3D structural models were generated and verified. Molecular docking indicated that the c.1832-2A>T mutation affects not only the ADP binding residues but also the hydrogen bond interactions. The ADP binding site will be lost in the mutant protein, potentially causing defective crossover and synapsis. CONCLUSION We report that the c.1832-2A>T mutation is the likely cause of NOA in the family studied. Regarding that many reported NOA genes are involved in the formation of crossovers and synapsis and have critical roles in the production of germ cells, we suggest that such genes should be considered for screening of infertility among large cohorts of infertile individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Saebnia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Reza Ebrahimzadeh-Vesal
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Aliakbar Haddad-Mashhadrizeh
- Industrial Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Nazanin Gholampour-Faroji
- Biotechnology Department, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Tehran, Iran
| | - Albert Schinzel
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zeinab Neshati
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran. .,Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Azimi-Nezhad
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran. .,UMR INSERM U 1122, IGE-PCV, Interactions Gène-Environment En Physiopathologie Cardiovascular Université De Lorraine, Nancy, France.
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27
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Ali H, Unar A, Dil S, Ali I, Khan K, Khan I, Shi Q. Testis-specific fascin component FSCN3 is dispensable for mouse spermatogenesis and fertility. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:6261-6268. [PMID: 35449315 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07429-7] [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: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fascins belong to a family of actin-bundling proteins that are involved in a wide range of biological functions. FSCN3, a newly identified testis-specific actin-bundling protein, is specifically expressed in elongated spermatids. However, its in vivo function in mouse spermiogenesis remains unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS We generated Fscn3 knockout mice through CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology. Fscn3-/- mice displayed normal testis morphology and testis to bodyweight ratio, and sperm concentrations did not differ significantly between Fscn3+/+ and Fscn3-/- mice. Fertility assays consistently revealed that Fscn3-/- mice are completely fertile and their reproductive status does not differ from that of wild-type. Moreover, hematoxylin and eosin staining of the testis sections of Fscn3-/- mice detected various germ cells, ranging from spermatogonia to mature spermatozoa. Furthermore, the swimming velocity of the sperm of Fscn3-/- mice was comparable to that of their wild-type littermates. Both Fscn3+/+ and Fscn3-/-mice had normal sperm morphology, indicating that the disruption of Fscn3 does not affect sperm morphology. The analysis of meiotic prophase I progression demonstrated normal prophase-I phases (leptonema to diplonema) in both Fscn3+/+ and Fscn3-/- mice, suggesting that Fscn3 is not essential for meiosis I. CONCLUSION Our study provides the first evidence that FSCN3 is a testis-specific actin-bundling protein that is not required for mouse spermatogenesis. Our results will help reproductive biologists focus their efforts on genes that are crucial for fertility and avoid research duplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haider Ali
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ahsanullah Unar
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Sobia Dil
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Imtiaz Ali
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Khalid Khan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ihsan Khan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
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28
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Nabi S, Askari M, Rezaei-Gazik M, Salehi N, Almadani N, Tahamtani Y, Totonchi M. A rare frameshift mutation in SYCP1 is associated with human male infertility. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6563198. [PMID: 35377450 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper assembly of the synaptonemal complex is essential for successful meiosis, and impairments in the process lead to infertility. Meiotic transverse filament proteins encoded by the SYCP1 (synaptonemal complex protein 1) gene are one of the main components of the synaptonemal complex and play an important role in correct synapsis and recombination. Family-based whole exome sequencing revealed a rare homozygous SYCP1 frameshift mutation (c.2892delA: p.K967Nfs*1) in two men with severe oligozoospermia, followed by validation and segregation through Sanger sequencing. This single nucleotide deletion not only changes lysine 967 (K) into asparagine (N) but also causes a premature stop codon, which leads to deletion of 968-976 residues from the end of the C-tail region of the SYCP1 protein. Although, sycp1 knockout male mice are reported to be sterile with a complete lack of spermatids and spermatozoa, to date no SYCP1 variant has been associated with human oligozoospermia. HADDOCK analysis indicated that this mutation decreases the ability of the truncated SYCP1 protein to bind DNA. Immunodetection of ϒH2AX signal, in SYCP1 mutant semen cells and a 40% DNA fragmentation index might indicate that a small number of DNA double-strand breaks, which require SYCP1 and/or synapsis to be repaired, are not efficiently repaired, resulting in defects in differentiation of germline cells and appearance of the oligozoospermia phenotype. To our knowledge, this is the first report of homozygous SYCP1 mutation that decreases sperm count. Further studies are required to determine the function of the SYCP1 mutation, which is potentially associated with human oligozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Nabi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masomeh Askari
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases,Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rezaei-Gazik
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Najmeh Salehi
- School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Almadani
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yaser Tahamtani
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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29
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Salahshoor MR, Azari P, Roshankhah S, Zokaei A, Foroughinia A. The effect of Crocin on sperm parameters disorders induced by peripheral administration of nitrosamines in male rats. J Med Life 2022; 15:362-367. [PMID: 35450005 PMCID: PMC9015181 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2019-0144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrosamines are carcinogenic agents which can unfavorably affect some male reproductive parameters. Humans are exposed to nitrosamines through various routes, the most important of which is the diet. Crocin is a carotenoid and is accountable for the red color of saffron. Crocin has numerous pharmacological actions, such as antioxidant roles and radical scavenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Crocin against Nitrosamine - induced damage to the reproductive parameter of male rats. In this experimental study, 48 male rats were randomly assigned to 8 groups: control normal and Nitrosamine control groups (40 mg/kg); Crocin (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) and Nitrosamine + Crocin (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg). Treatments were administered intraperitoneally and gavaged daily for 28 days. The sperm parameters, total antioxidant capacity, testosterone level, and seminiferous tube diameter were assessed. Nitrosamine significantly decreased sperm parameters (p<0.001). The Crocin and Crocin + Nitrosamine treatments at complete doses significantly improved all parameters (p<0.001). Crocin compensated for the toxic effect of Nitrosamine on reproductive parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Salahshoor
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Medical School, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Paria Azari
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Medical School, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Shiva Roshankhah
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Medical School, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Abdolhamid Zokaei
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Azadeh Foroughinia
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran,Corresponding Author: Azadeh Foroughinia, Cardiovascular Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran. E-mail:
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30
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Pei Z, Deng K, Lei C, Du D, Yu G, Sun X, Xu C, Zhang S. Identifying Balanced Chromosomal Translocations in Human Embryos by Oxford Nanopore Sequencing and Breakpoints Region Analysis. Front Genet 2022; 12:810900. [PMID: 35116057 PMCID: PMC8804325 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.810900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Balanced chromosomal aberrations, especially balanced translocations, can cause infertility, recurrent miscarriage or having chromosomally defective offspring. Preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangement (PGT-SR) has been widely implemented to improve the clinical outcomes by selecting euploid embryos for transfer, whereas embryos with balanced translocation karyotype were difficult to be distinguished by routine genetic techniques from those with a normal karyotype. Method: In this present study, we developed a clinically applicable method for reciprocal translocation carriers to reduce the risk of pregnancy loss. In the preclinical phase, we identified reciprocal translocation breakpoints in blood of translocation carriers by long-read Oxford Nanopore sequencing, followed by junction-spanning polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing. In the clinical phase of embryo diagnosis, aneuploidies and unbalanced translocations were screened by comprehensive chromosomal screening (CCS) with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray, carrier embryos were diagnosed by junction-spanning PCR and family haplotype linkage analysis of the breakpoints region. Amniocentesis and cytogenetic analysis of fetuses in the second trimester were performed after embryo transfer to conform the results diagnosed by the presented method. Results: All the accurate reciprocal translocation breakpoints were effectively identified by Nanopore sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Twelve embryos were biopsied and detected, the results of junction-spanning PCR and haplotype linkage analysis were consistent. In total, 12 biopsied blastocysts diagnosed to be euploid, in which 6 were aneuploid or unbalanced, three blastocysts were identified to be balanced translocation carriers and three to be normal karyotypes. Two euploid embryos were subsequently transferred back to patients and late prenatal karyotype analysis of amniotic fluid cells was performed. The outcomes diagnosed by the current approach were totally consistent with the fetal karyotypes. Conclusions: In summary, these investigations in our study illustrated that chromosomal reciprocal translocations in embryos can be accurately diagnosed. Long-read Nanopore sequencing and breakpoint analysis contributes to precisely evaluate the genetic risk of disrupted genes, and provides a way of selecting embryos with normal karyotype, especially for couples those without a reference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenle Pei
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Deng
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Caixai Lei
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Danfeng Du
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoliang Yu
- Chigene (Beijing) Translational Medical Research Center Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Congjian Xu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Congjian Xu, ; Shuo Zhang,
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Congjian Xu, ; Shuo Zhang,
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31
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Feng K, Ge H, Chen H, Cui C, Zhang S, Zhang C, Meng L, Guo H, Zhang L. Novel exon mutation in SYCE1 gene is associated with non-obstructive azoospermia. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:1245-1252. [PMID: 35023261 PMCID: PMC8831938 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a common cause of male infertility, and genetic problems, such as chromosomal abnormalities and gene mutations, are important causes of NOA. Our centre received a case of NOA, in which no mature sperm was found during microdissection testicular sperm extraction. A postoperative pathological examination revealed that testicular spermatogenesis was blocked. Target region capture combined with high‐throughput sequencing was used to screen for male infertility‐related gene mutations. Sanger sequencing further confirmed that the SYCE1 gene, a central component of the synaptonemal complex (SC) during meiosis, had a homozygous deletion mutation in the tenth exon (c.689_690del; p.F230fs). Through molecular biological studies, we discovered altered expression and nuclear localization of the endogenous mutant SYCE1. To verify the effects in vitro, wild‐ and mutated‐type SYCE1 vectors were constructed and transfected into a human cell line. The results showed that the expression and molecular weight were decreased for SYCE1 containing c.689_690del. In addition, mutated SYCE1 was abnormally located in the cytoplasm rather than in the nucleus. In summary, our research suggests that the novel homozygous mutation (c.689_690del; p.F230fs) altered the SYCE1 expression pattern and may have disturbed SC assembly, leading to male infertility and to a barrier to gamete formation. We reported for the first time that a frameshift mutation occurred in the exon region of SYCE1 in an NOA patient. This study is beneficial for accurate NOA diagnosis and the development of corresponding gene therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Feng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hengtao Ge
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huanhuan Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenchen Cui
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Xinxiang Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Cuilian Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li Meng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haibin Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, China
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32
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Oud MS, Smits RM, Smith HE, Mastrorosa FK, Holt GS, Houston BJ, de Vries PF, Alobaidi BKS, Batty LE, Ismail H, Greenwood J, Sheth H, Mikulasova A, Astuti GDN, Gilissen C, McEleny K, Turner H, Coxhead J, Cockell S, Braat DDM, Fleischer K, D’Hauwers KWM, Schaafsma E, Nagirnaja L, Conrad DF, Friedrich C, Kliesch S, Aston KI, Riera-Escamilla A, Krausz C, Gonzaga-Jauregui C, Santibanez-Koref M, Elliott DJ, Vissers LELM, Tüttelmann F, O’Bryan MK, Ramos L, Xavier MJ, van der Heijden GW, Veltman JA. A de novo paradigm for male infertility. Nat Commun 2022; 13:154. [PMID: 35013161 PMCID: PMC8748898 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27132-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
De novo mutations are known to play a prominent role in sporadic disorders with reduced fitness. We hypothesize that de novo mutations play an important role in severe male infertility and explain a portion of the genetic causes of this understudied disorder. To test this hypothesis, we utilize trio-based exome sequencing in a cohort of 185 infertile males and their unaffected parents. Following a systematic analysis, 29 of 145 rare (MAF < 0.1%) protein-altering de novo mutations are classified as possibly causative of the male infertility phenotype. We observed a significant enrichment of loss-of-function de novo mutations in loss-of-function-intolerant genes (p-value = 1.00 × 10-5) in infertile men compared to controls. Additionally, we detected a significant increase in predicted pathogenic de novo missense mutations affecting missense-intolerant genes (p-value = 5.01 × 10-4) in contrast to predicted benign de novo mutations. One gene we identify, RBM5, is an essential regulator of male germ cell pre-mRNA splicing and has been previously implicated in male infertility in mice. In a follow-up study, 6 rare pathogenic missense mutations affecting this gene are observed in a cohort of 2,506 infertile patients, whilst we find no such mutations in a cohort of 5,784 fertile men (p-value = 0.03). Our results provide evidence for the role of de novo mutations in severe male infertility and point to new candidate genes affecting fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. S. Oud
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R. M. Smits
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - H. E. Smith
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - F. K. Mastrorosa
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - G. S. Holt
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - B. J. Houston
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSchool of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - P. F. de Vries
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - B. K. S. Alobaidi
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - L. E. Batty
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - H. Ismail
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - J. Greenwood
- grid.420004.20000 0004 0444 2244Department of Genetic Medicine, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - H. Sheth
- Foundation for Research in Genetics and Endocrinology, Institute of Human Genetics, Ahmedabad, India
| | - A. Mikulasova
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - G. D. N. Astuti
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,grid.412032.60000 0001 0744 0787Division of Human Genetics, Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - C. Gilissen
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - K. McEleny
- grid.420004.20000 0004 0444 2244Newcastle Fertility Centre, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - H. Turner
- grid.420004.20000 0004 0444 2244Department of Cellular Pathology, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - J. Coxhead
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Genomics Core Facility, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - S. Cockell
- Bioinformatics Support Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences New, castle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - D. D. M. Braat
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - K. Fleischer
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - K. W. M. D’Hauwers
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Urology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - E. Schaafsma
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Pathology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - L. Nagirnaja
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR USA
| | - D. F. Conrad
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR USA
| | - C. Friedrich
- grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - S. Kliesch
- grid.16149.3b0000 0004 0551 4246Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - K. I. Aston
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - A. Riera-Escamilla
- grid.418813.70000 0004 1767 1951Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
| | - C. Krausz
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - C. Gonzaga-Jauregui
- grid.418961.30000 0004 0472 2713Regeneron Genetics Center, Tarrytown, NY USA
| | - M. Santibanez-Koref
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - D. J. Elliott
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - L. E. L. M. Vissers
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - F. Tüttelmann
- grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - M. K. O’Bryan
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSchool of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - L. Ramos
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M. J. Xavier
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - G. W. van der Heijden
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J. A. Veltman
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1664-1677. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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34
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Xie C, Wang W, Tu C, Meng L, Lu G, Lin G, Lu LY, Tan YQ. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:763-797. [PMID: 35613017 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chunbo Xie
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin-Yu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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35
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Ran Y, He J, Chen R, Qin Y, Liu Z, Zhou Y, Yin N, Qi H, Zhou W. Investigation and Validation of Molecular Characteristics of Endometrium in Recurrent Miscarriage and Unexplained Infertility from a Transcriptomic Perspective. Int J Med Sci 2022; 19:546-562. [PMID: 35370464 PMCID: PMC8964333 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.69648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent miscarriage (RM) and unexplained infertility (UI) are gordian knots in reproductive medicine, which are troubling many patients, doctors, and researchers. Although these two diseases of early pregnancy have a significant impact on human reproductive health, little is known about the specific mechanisms, which caused treatment difficulties. This study focused on the molecular signatures underlying the pathological phenotypes of two diseases, with the hope of using statistical methods to identify the significant core genes. An unbiased Weighted Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) algorithm was used for endometrial transcriptome data analysis and the disease-related gene modules were screened out. Through enrichment analysis of the candidate genes, we found similarities between both diseases and shared enrichment of immune-related pathways. Therefore, we used immune algorithms to assess the infiltration of immune cells and found abnormal increases of CD8+T cells and neutrophils. In order to explore the molecular profile behind the immunophenotypic changes, we used the SVM algorithm and LASSO regression to identify the core genes with diagnostic capacity in both diseases and discussed their significance of immune disorders in the endometrium. In the end, the satisfactory diagnostic ability of these core genes was verified in the broader group. Our results demonstrated the presence of immune disorders in non-pregnancy tissues of RM and UI, and identified the core molecules of this phenotype, and discuss mechanisms. This provides exploratory evidence for the in-depth understanding of the mechanism of RM and UI and may provide potential targets for their future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Ran
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jie He
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ruixin Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yan Qin
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yunqian Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Nanlin Yin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Hongbo Qi
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Department of Obstetrics, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 401147, China
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36
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Pathogenic variations in Germ Cell Nuclear Acidic Peptidase (GCNA) are associated with human male infertility. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:1781-1788. [PMID: 34413498 PMCID: PMC8632907 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-021-00946-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects one in six couples, half of which are caused by a male factor. Male infertility can be caused by both, qualitative and quantitative defects, leading to Oligo- astheno-terato-zoospermia (OAT; impairment in ejaculate sperm cell concentration, motility and morphology). Azoospermia defined as complete absence of sperm cells in the ejaculation. While hundreds of genes are involved in spermatogenesis the genetic etiology of men's infertility remains incomplete.We identified a hemizygous stop gain pathogenic variation (PV) in the X-linked Germ Cell Nuclear Acidic Peptidase (GCNA), in an Azoospermic patient by exome sequencing. Assessment of the prevalence of pathogenic variations in this gene in infertile males by exome sequence data of 11 additional unrelated patients identified a probable hemizygous causative missense PV in GCNA in a severe OAT patient. Expression of GCNA in the patients' testes biopsies and the stage of spermatogonial developmental arrest were determined by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. The Azoospermic patient presented spermatogenic maturation arrest with an almost complete absence of early and late primary spermatocytes and thus the complete absence of sperm. GCNA is critical for genome integrity and its loss results in genomic instability and infertility in Drosophila, C. elegans, zebrafish, and mouse. PVs in GCNA appear to be incompatible with male fertility in humans as well: A stop-gain PV caused Azoospermia and a missense PV caused severe OAT with very low fertilization rates and no pregnancy in numerous IVF treatments.
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37
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Sudhakar DVS, Shah R, Gajbhiye RK. Genetics of Male Infertility - Present and Future: A Narrative Review. J Hum Reprod Sci 2021; 14:217-227. [PMID: 34759610 PMCID: PMC8527069 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_115_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects 8%–12% of couples worldwide with a male factor contributing to nearly 50% of couples either as a primary or contributing cause. Several genetic factors that include single-gene and multiple-gene defects associated with male infertility were reported in the past two decades. However, the etiology remains ambiguous in a majority of infertile men (~40%). The objective of this narrative review is to provide an update on the genetic factors associated with idiopathic male infertility and male reproductive system abnormalities identified in the last two decades. We performed a thorough literature search in online databases from January 2000 to July 2021. We observed a total of 13 genes associated with nonobstructive azoospermia due to maturation/meiotic arrest. Several studies that reported novel genes associated with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella are also discussed in this review. ADGRG2, PANK2, SCNN1B, and CA12 genes are observed in non-CFTR-related vas aplasia. The genomic analysis should be quickly implemented in clinical practice as the detection of gene abnormalities in different male infertility phenotypes will facilitate genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Digumarthi V S Sudhakar
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rupin Shah
- Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rahul K Gajbhiye
- Clinical Research Lab and Andrology Clinic, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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38
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Qu W, Liu C, Xu YT, Xu YM, Luo MC. The formation and repair of DNA double-strand breaks in mammalian meiosis. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:572-579. [PMID: 34708719 PMCID: PMC8577251 DOI: 10.4103/aja202191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are necessary for meiosis in mammals. A sufficient number of DSBs ensure the normal pairing/synapsis of homologous chromosomes. Abnormal DSB repair undermines meiosis, leading to sterility in mammals. The DSBs that initiate recombination are repaired as crossovers and noncrossovers, and crossovers are required for correct chromosome separation. Thus, the placement, timing, and frequency of crossover formation must be tightly controlled. Importantly, mutations in many genes related to the formation and repair of DSB result in infertility in humans. These mutations cause nonobstructive azoospermia in men, premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian dysgenesis in women. Here, we have illustrated the formation and repair of DSB in mammals, summarized major factors influencing the formation of DSB and the theories of crossover regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Qu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ya-Ting Xu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yu-Min Xu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Meng-Cheng Luo
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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39
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Ji Z, Yao C, Yang C, Huang C, Zhao L, Han X, Zhu Z, Zhi E, Liu N, Zhou Z, Li Z. Novel Hemizygous Mutations of TEX11 Cause Meiotic Arrest and Non-obstructive Azoospermia in Chinese Han Population. Front Genet 2021; 12:741355. [PMID: 34621296 PMCID: PMC8491544 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.741355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Testis-expressed gene 11 (TEX11) mutation has been associated with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and meiotic arrest. An analogous mutation of TEX11 in the mouse impairs meiosis and can be rescued by in vitro expansion of SSCs and gene therapy. However, a lack of genetic screening of a large cohort of Asian patients (including pedigree analysis) and proper functional evaluation limit the clinical application of TEX11 mutation screening. Thus, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in 479 patients with NOA and identified three novel mutations (two splicing mutations and one missense mutation) in TEX11 in three pairs of siblings from three families and four novel pathogenic mutations (three frameshift mutations and a non-sense mutation) of TEX11 in four sporadic NOA-affected cases. Novel variants among family members were segregated by disease phenotype, and all the seven mutations were predicted to be pathogenic. Histological analysis showed that three patients with TEX11 mutations underwent meiotic arrest. The four mutations that resulted in protein truncations and defective meiosis-specific sporulation domain SPO22 were validated by Western blot. In total, we find seven of 479 patients of NOA (1.5%) carrying TEX11 mutations. Our study expands the knowledge of mutations of TEX11 gene in Asian patients with NOA. The high prevalence and X-linked inherited mode indicated that TEX11 might be included in genetic screening panels for the clinical evaluation of patients with NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuan Huang
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,The Human Sperm Bank, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Han
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zijue Zhu
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Nachuan Liu
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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40
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Zhang FG, Zhang RR, Gao JM. The organization, regulation, and biological functions of the synaptonemal complex. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:580-589. [PMID: 34528517 PMCID: PMC8577265 DOI: 10.4103/aja202153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a meiosis-specific proteinaceous macromolecular structure that assembles between paired homologous chromosomes during meiosis in various eukaryotes. The SC has a highly conserved ultrastructure and plays critical roles in controlling multiple steps in meiotic recombination and crossover formation, ensuring accurate meiotic chromosome segregation. Recent studies in different organisms, facilitated by advances in super-resolution microscopy, have provided insights into the macromolecular structure of the SC, including the internal organization of the meiotic chromosome axis and SC central region, the regulatory pathways that control SC assembly and dynamics, and the biological functions exerted by the SC and its substructures. This review summarizes recent discoveries about how the SC is organized and regulated that help to explain the biological functions associated with this meiosis-specific structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Guo Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Rui-Rui Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jin-Min Gao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
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41
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Zhuang XJ, Feng X, Tang WH, Zhu JL, Li M, Li JS, Zheng XY, Li R, Liu P, Qiao J. FAM9B serves as a novel meiosis-related protein localized in meiotic chromosome cores and is associated with human gametogenesis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257248. [PMID: 34507348 PMCID: PMC8432983 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a complex process involving the expression and interaction of numerous genes in a series of highly orchestrated molecular events. Fam9b localized in Xp22.3 has been found to be expressed in testes. However, FAM9B expression, localization, and its role in meiosis have not been previously reported. In this study, FAM9B expression was evaluated in the human testes and ovaries by RT-PCR, qPCR, and western blotting. FAM9B was found in the nuclei of primary spermatocytes in testes and specifically localized in the synaptonemal complex (SC) region of spermatocytes. FAM9B was also evident in the follicle cell nuclei and diffusely dispersed in the granular cell cytoplasm. FAM9B was partly co-localized with SYCP3, which is essential for both formation and maintenance of lateral SC elements. In addition, FAM9B had a similar distribution pattern and co-localization as γH2AX, which is a novel biomarker for DNA double-strand breaks during meiosis. All results indicate that FAM9B is a novel meiosis-associated protein that is co-localized with SYCP3 and γH2AX and may play an important role in SC formation and DNA recombination during meiosis. These findings offer a new perspective for understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in meiosis of human gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-jie Zhuang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- * E-mail: (PL); (XJZ)
| | - Xue Feng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wen-hao Tang
- Department of Urology, The Third Hospital of Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-liang Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ming Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jun-sheng Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiao-ying Zheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ping Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- * E-mail: (PL); (XJZ)
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, PR China
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42
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Liu M, Yang Y, Wang Y, Chen S, Shen Y. The mutation c.346-1G > a in SOHLH1 impairs sperm production in the homozygous but not in the heterozygous condition. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 31:1013-1021. [PMID: 34448846 PMCID: PMC8976425 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is an important cause of male infertility, and the genetic pathogenesis is still incompletely understood. The previous study reported that heterozygous mutation of c.346-1G > A in spermatogenesis and oogenesis specific basic helix–loop–helix 1 (SOHLH1) was identified in two NOA patients and suggested it is the pathogenic factor for NOA. However, in our research, this heterozygous mutation was confirmed in three Chinese infertile patients who suffered from teratozoospermia, but they had normal sperm number. Intriguingly, a homozygous mutation of c.346-1G > A in SOHLH1 was detected in a severe oligozoospermia (SOZ) patient, characterized with severely decreased sperm count. Notably, we unprecedently revealed that this homozygous mutation of c.346-1G > A in SOHLH1 leads to the sharp decrease in various germ cells and spermatogenesis dysfunction, which is similar to the phenotype of SOHLH1 knockout male mice. Moreover, western blotting confirmed that the homozygous mutation declined SOHLH1 protein expression. Additionally, we correlated the good prognosis of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in the patients carrying the mutation of c.346-1G > A in SOHLH1. Thus, we suggested that the heterozygous mutation of c.346-1G > A in SOHLH1 is responsible for teratozoospermia, and this homozygous mutation in SOHLH1 impairs spermatogenesis and further leads to the reduced sperm count, eventually causing male infertility, which unveils a new recessive-inheritance pattern of SOHLH1-associated male infertility initially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu
| | - Yihong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu
| | - Yan Wang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu
| | - Suren Chen
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing
| | - Ying Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu
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43
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Hernández-López D, Geisinger A, Trovero MF, Santiñaque FF, Brauer M, Folle GA, Benavente R, Rodríguez-Casuriaga R. Familial primary ovarian insufficiency associated with an SYCE1 point mutation: defective meiosis elucidated in humanized mice. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:485-497. [PMID: 32402064 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 50% of cases of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and nonobstructive azoospermia in humans are classified as idiopathic infertility. Meiotic defects may relate to at least some of these cases. Mutations in genes coding for synaptonemal complex (SC) components have been identified in humans, and hypothesized to be causative for the observed infertile phenotype. Mutation SYCE1 c.721C>T (former c.613C>T)-a familial mutation reported in two sisters with primary amenorrhea-was the first such mutation found in an SC central element component-coding gene. Most fundamental mammalian oogenesis events occur during the embryonic phase, and eventual defects are identified many years later, thus leaving few possibilities to study the condition's etiology and pathogenesis. Aiming to validate an approach to circumvent this difficulty, we have used the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate a mouse model with an SYCE1 c.721C>T equivalent genome alteration. We hereby present the characterization of the homozygous mutant mice phenotype, compared to their wild type and heterozygous littermates. Our results strongly support a causative role of this mutation for the POI phenotype in human patients, and the mechanisms involved would relate to defects in homologous chromosome synapsis. No SYCE1 protein was detected in homozygous mutants and Syce1 transcript level was highly diminished, suggesting transcript degradation as the basis of the infertility mechanism. This is the first report on the generation of a humanized mouse model line for the study of an infertility-related human mutation in an SC component-coding gene, thus representing a proof of principle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Hernández-López
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Geisinger
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay.,Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | | | - Mónica Brauer
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Experimental Neuropharmacology, IIBCE, 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gustavo A Folle
- Department of Genetics, IIBCE, 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay.,Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Core, IIBCE, 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ricardo Benavente
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rosana Rodríguez-Casuriaga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay.,Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
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44
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Benderradji H, Prasivoravong J, Marcelli F, Barbotin AL, Catteau-Jonard S, Marchetti C, Guittard C, Puech P, Mitchell V, Rigot JM, Villers A, Pigny P, Leroy C. Contribution of serum anti-Müllerian hormone in the management of azoospermia and the prediction of testicular sperm retrieval outcomes: a study of 155 adult men. Basic Clin Androl 2021; 31:15. [PMID: 34134632 PMCID: PMC8210365 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-021-00133-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is the method of choice for recovering spermatozoa in patients with azoospermia. However, the lack of reliable biomarkers makes it impossible to predict sperm retrieval outcomes at TESE. To date, little attention has been given to anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) serum levels in adult men with altered spermatogenesis. In this study we aimed to investigate whether serum concentrations of AMH and the AMH to total testosterone ratio (AMH/T) might be predictive factors for sperm retrieval outcomes during TESE in a cohort of 155 adult Caucasian men with azoospermia. RESULTS AMH serum levels were significantly lower in nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) that was unexplained, cryptorchidism-related, cytotoxic and genetic (medians [pmol/l] = 30.1; 21.8; 26.7; 7.3; and p = 0.02; 0.001; 0.04; <0.0001, respectively]) compared with obstructive azoospermia (OA) (median = 44.8 pmol/l). Lowest values were observed in cases of genetic NOA (p < 0.0001, compared with unexplained NOA) and especially in individuals with non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome (median = 2.3 pmol/l, p <0.0001). Medians of AMH/T values were significantly lower in genetic NOA compared to unexplained, cryptorchidism-related NOA as well as OA. Only serum concentrations of AMH differed significantly between positive and negative groups in men with non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome. The optimal cut-off of serum AMH was set at 2.5 pmol/l. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of this cut-off to predict negative outcomes of SR were 100 %, 76.9 %, 66.6 %, 100 and 84.2 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Serum AMH levels, but not AMH/T values, are a good marker for Sertoli and germ cell population dysfunction in adult Caucasian men with non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome and could help us to predict negative outcomes of SR at TESE with 100 % sensitivity when serum levels of AMH are below 2.5 pmol/l.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Benderradji
- Department of Andrology, Urology and Renal Transplantation, Claude Huriez Hospital, Lille University Hospital, 1 Place de Verdun, 59045, Lille Cedex, France.
| | - Julie Prasivoravong
- Department of Andrology, Urology and Renal Transplantation, Claude Huriez Hospital, Lille University Hospital, 1 Place de Verdun, 59045, Lille Cedex, France
| | - François Marcelli
- Department of Andrology, Urology and Renal Transplantation, Claude Huriez Hospital, Lille University Hospital, 1 Place de Verdun, 59045, Lille Cedex, France
| | - Anne-Laure Barbotin
- Department of Reproductive Biology-Spermiology-CECOS, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Sophie Catteau-Jonard
- Department of Endocrine Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Carole Marchetti
- Department of Reproductive Biology, BIOLILLE Laboratory, Lille, France
| | | | - Philippe Puech
- Department of Radiology, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Valérie Mitchell
- Department of Reproductive Biology-Spermiology-CECOS, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Jean-Marc Rigot
- Department of Andrology, Urology and Renal Transplantation, Claude Huriez Hospital, Lille University Hospital, 1 Place de Verdun, 59045, Lille Cedex, France
| | - Arnauld Villers
- Department of Andrology, Urology and Renal Transplantation, Claude Huriez Hospital, Lille University Hospital, 1 Place de Verdun, 59045, Lille Cedex, France
| | - Pascal Pigny
- Department of Biochemistry & Hormonology, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Clara Leroy
- Department of Andrology, Urology and Renal Transplantation, Claude Huriez Hospital, Lille University Hospital, 1 Place de Verdun, 59045, Lille Cedex, France
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45
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Sha Y, Liu W, Wei X, Zhu X, Tang B, Zhang X, Yang X, Wang Y, Wang X. Pathogenic variants of ATG4D in infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia identified using whole-exome sequencing. Clin Genet 2021; 100:280-291. [PMID: 33988247 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe form of male infertility, and it is primarily associated with genetic defects. We performed whole-exome sequencing of 236 patients with NOA and identified a homozygous pathogenic variant of autophagy-related 4D cysteine peptidase (ATG4D) in two siblings from a consanguineous family and compound heterozygous pathogenic variants of ATG4D in two sporadic cases. The expression of LC3B, a regulator of autophagic activity, was significantly decreased, and the apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells in testicular tissues was increased. Transfection of GC-2spd cells with a ATG4D mutant plasmid (Flag-Atg4dmut ) significantly decreased the expression level of Lc3b and increased the rate of apoptosis. Moreover, a pathogenic variant in X-linked ATG4A and compound heterozygous pathogenic variants of ATG4B were identified in one patient each. All novel variants were segregated by disease phenotype and were predicted to be pathogenic. Our findings revealed that autophagy-related cysteine peptidase family genes may play crucial roles in human spermatogenesis and identified ATG4D as a novel candidate gene for male infertility due to NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, United Diagnostic and Research Centre for Clinical Genetics, School of Public Health & Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wensheng Liu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xingshen Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Bowen Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoya Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Centre of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifeng Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiong Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
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46
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Torres-Fernández LA, Emich J, Port Y, Mitschka S, Wöste M, Schneider S, Fietz D, Oud MS, Di Persio S, Neuhaus N, Kliesch S, Hölzel M, Schorle H, Friedrich C, Tüttelmann F, Kolanus W. TRIM71 Deficiency Causes Germ Cell Loss During Mouse Embryogenesis and Is Associated With Human Male Infertility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:658966. [PMID: 34055789 PMCID: PMC8155544 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.658966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations affecting the germline can result in infertility or the generation of germ cell tumors (GCT), highlighting the need to identify and characterize the genes controlling germ cell development. The RNA-binding protein and E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM71 is essential for embryogenesis, and its expression has been reported in GCT and adult mouse testes. To investigate the role of TRIM71 in mammalian germ cell embryonic development, we generated a germline-specific conditional Trim71 knockout mouse (cKO) using the early primordial germ cell (PGC) marker Nanos3 as a Cre-recombinase driver. cKO mice are infertile, with male mice displaying a Sertoli cell-only (SCO) phenotype which in humans is defined as a specific subtype of non-obstructive azoospermia characterized by the absence of germ cells in the seminiferous tubules. Infertility in male Trim71 cKO mice originates during embryogenesis, as the SCO phenotype was already apparent in neonatal mice. The in vitro differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) revealed reduced numbers of PGCLCs in Trim71-deficient cells. Furthermore, TCam-2 cells, a human GCT-derived seminoma cell line which was used as an in vitro model for PGCs, showed proliferation defects upon TRIM71 knockdown. Additionally, in vitro growth competition assays, as well as proliferation assays with wild type and CRISPR/Cas9-generated TRIM71 mutant NCCIT cells showed that TRIM71 also promotes proliferation in this malignant GCT-derived non-seminoma cell line. Importantly, the PGC-specific markers BLIMP1 and NANOS3 were consistently downregulated in Trim71 KO PGCLCs, TRIM71 knockdown TCam-2 cells and TRIM71 mutant NCCIT cells. These data collectively support a role for TRIM71 in PGC development. Last, via exome sequencing analysis, we identified several TRIM71 variants in a cohort of infertile men, including a loss-of-function variant in a patient with an SCO phenotype. Altogether, our work reveals for the first time an association of TRIM71 deficiency with human male infertility, and uncovers further developmental roles for TRIM71 in the germline during mouse embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jana Emich
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Yasmine Port
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sibylle Mitschka
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marius Wöste
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniela Fietz
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
- Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine (HZRM), Justus Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Manon S. Oud
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sara Di Persio
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Hölzel
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Corinna Friedrich
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Waldemar Kolanus
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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47
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Variants in GCNA, X-linked germ-cell genome integrity gene, identified in men with primary spermatogenic failure. Hum Genet 2021; 140:1169-1182. [PMID: 33963445 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02287-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility impacts millions of couples yet, the etiology of primary infertility remains largely unknown. A critical element of successful spermatogenesis is maintenance of genome integrity. Here, we present a genomic study of spermatogenic failure (SPGF). Our initial analysis (n = 176) did not reveal known gene-candidates but identified a potentially significant single-nucleotide variant (SNV) in X-linked germ-cell nuclear antigen (GCNA). Together with a larger follow-up study (n = 2049), 7 likely clinically relevant GCNA variants were identified. GCNA is critical for genome integrity in male meiosis and knockout models exhibit impaired spermatogenesis and infertility. Single-cell RNA-seq and immunohistochemistry confirm human GCNA expression from spermatogonia to elongated spermatids. Five identified SNVs were located in key functional regions, including N-terminal SUMO-interacting motif and C-terminal Spartan-like protease domain. Notably, variant p.Ala115ProfsTer7 results in an early frameshift, while Spartan-like domain missense variants p.Ser659Trp and p.Arg664Cys change conserved residues, likely affecting 3D structure. For variants within GCNA's intrinsically disordered region, we performed computational modeling for consensus motifs. Two SNVs were predicted to impact the structure of these consensus motifs. All identified variants have an extremely low minor allele frequency in the general population and 6 of 7 were not detected in > 5000 biological fathers. Considering evidence from animal models, germ-cell-specific expression, 3D modeling, and computational predictions for SNVs, we propose that identified GCNA variants disrupt structure and function of the respective protein domains, ultimately arresting germ-cell division. To our knowledge, this is the first study implicating GCNA, a key genome integrity factor, in human male infertility.
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48
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Shukla V, Høffding MK, Hoffmann ER. Genome diversity and instability in human germ cells and preimplantation embryos. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 113:132-147. [PMID: 33500205 PMCID: PMC8097364 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Genome diversity is essential for evolution and is of fundamental importance to human health. Generating genome diversity requires phases of DNA damage and repair that can cause genome instability. Humans have a high incidence of de novo congenital disorders compared to other organisms. Recent access to eggs, sperm and preimplantation embryos is revealing unprecedented rates of genome instability that may result in infertility and de novo mutations that cause genomic imbalance in at least 70% of conceptions. The error type and incidence of de novo mutations differ during developmental stages and are influenced by differences in male and female meiosis. In females, DNA repair is a critical factor that determines fertility and reproductive lifespan. In males, aberrant meiotic recombination causes infertility, embryonic failure and pregnancy loss. Evidence suggest germ cells are remarkably diverse in the type of genome instability that they display and the DNA damage responses they deploy. Additionally, the initial embryonic cell cycles are characterized by a high degree of genome instability that cause congenital disorders and may limit the use of CRISPR-Cas9 for heritable genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vallari Shukla
- DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miya Kudo Høffding
- DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva R Hoffmann
- DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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49
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Yammine T, Reynaud N, Lejeune H, Diguet F, Rollat-Farnier PA, Labalme A, Plotton I, Farra C, Sanlaville D, Chouery E, Schluth-Bolard C. Deciphering balanced translocations in infertile males by next-generation sequencing to identify candidate genes for spermatogenesis disorders. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6261938. [PMID: 34009290 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility affects about 7% of the general male population. Balanced structural chromosomal rearrangements are observed in 0.4-1.4% of infertile males and are considered as a well-established cause of infertility. However, underlying pathophysiological mechanisms still need to be clarified. A strategy combining standard and high throughput cytogenetic and molecular technologies was applied in order to identify the candidate genes that might be implicated in the spermatogenesis defect in three male carriers of different balanced translocations. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and whole-genome paired-end sequencing were used to characterize translocation breakpoints at the molecular level while exome sequencing was performed in order to exclude the presence of any molecular event independent from the chromosomal rearrangement in the patients. All translocation breakpoints were characterized in the three patients. We identified four variants: a position effect on LACTB2 gene in Patient 1, a heterozygous CTDP1 gene disruption in Patient 2, two single-nucleotide variations (SNVs) in DNAH5 gene and a heterozygous 17q12 deletion in Patient 3. The variants identified in this study need further validation to assess their roles in male infertility. This study shows that beside the mechanical effect of structural rearrangement on meiosis, breakpoints could result in additional alterations such as gene disruption or position effect. Moreover, additional SNVs or copy number variations may be fortuitously present and could explain the variable impact of chromosomal rearrangements on spermatogenesis. In conclusion, this study confirms the relevance of combining different cytogenetic and molecular techniques to investigate patients with spermatogenesis disorders and structural rearrangements on genomic scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Yammine
- Medical Genetics Unit (UGM), Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Institut Neuromyogène, Equipe Métabolisme énergétique et développement neuronal, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - N Reynaud
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service de Génétique, Bron, France.,Service de Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - H Lejeune
- Service de Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France.,Laboratoire d'hormonologie et endocrinologie Moléculaire, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - F Diguet
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service de Génétique, Bron, France
| | - P A Rollat-Farnier
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service de Génétique, Bron, France.,Cellule Bioinformatique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - A Labalme
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service de Génétique, Bron, France
| | - I Plotton
- Service de Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France.,Laboratoire d'hormonologie et endocrinologie Moléculaire, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France.,Unite INSERM 1208, Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - C Farra
- Medical Genetics Unit (UGM), Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Genetics, Hotel Dieu de France Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - D Sanlaville
- Institut Neuromyogène, Equipe Métabolisme énergétique et développement neuronal, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service de Génétique, Bron, France
| | - E Chouery
- Medical Genetics Unit (UGM), Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Human Genetics, Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - C Schluth-Bolard
- Institut Neuromyogène, Equipe Métabolisme énergétique et développement neuronal, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service de Génétique, Bron, France
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50
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Novel Gene Regulation in Normal and Abnormal Spermatogenesis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030666. [PMID: 33802813 PMCID: PMC8002376 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex and dynamic process which is precisely controlledby genetic and epigenetic factors. With the development of new technologies (e.g., single-cell RNA sequencing), increasingly more regulatory genes related to spermatogenesis have been identified. In this review, we address the roles and mechanisms of novel genes in regulating the normal and abnormal spermatogenesis. Specifically, we discussed the functions and signaling pathways of key new genes in mediating the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of rodent and human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), as well as in controlling the meiosis of spermatocytes and other germ cells. Additionally, we summarized the gene regulation in the abnormal testicular microenvironment or the niche by Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cells, and Leydig cells. Finally, we pointed out the future directions for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying human spermatogenesis. This review could offer novel insights into genetic regulation in the normal and abnormal spermatogenesis, and it provides new molecular targets for gene therapy of male infertility.
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