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Lin Q, Ge X, Gao L, Chen Y, Su T, Ma M, Wang H, Chen C, Han B, Liu D. Betaine alleviates spermatogenic cells apoptosis of oligoasthenozoospermia rat model by up-regulating methyltransferases and affecting DNA methylation. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155713. [PMID: 38735196 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oligoasthenozoospermia is the most common type of semen abnormality in male infertile patients. Betaine (BET) has been proved to have pharmacological effects on improving semen quality. BET also belongs to endogenous physiological active substances in the testis. However, the physiological function of BET in rat testis and its pharmacological mechanism against oligoasthenozoospermia remain unclear. PURPOSE This research aims to prove the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of BET on oligoasthenozoospermia rat model induced by Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides (TWGs). METHODS The oligoasthenozoospermia rat model was established by a continuous gavage of TWGs (60 mg/kg) for 28 days. Negative control group, oligoasthenozoospermia group, positive drug group (levocarnitine, 300 mg/kg), and 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg BET groups were created for exploring the therapeutic effect of BET on the oligoasthenozoospermia rat model. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by HE and TUNEL staining. Immunofluorescence assay of DNMT3A, PIWIL1, PRMT5, SETDB1, BHMT2, and METTL3, methylation capture sequencing, Pi-RNA sequencing, and molecular docking were used to elucidate potential pharmacological mechanisms. RESULTS It is proved that BET can significantly restore testicular pathological damage induced by TWGs, which also can significantly reverse the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. The spermatogenic cell protein expression levels of DNMT3A, PIWIL1, PRMT5, SETDB1, BHMT2, and METTL3 significantly decreased in oligoasthenozoospermia group. 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg BET groups can significantly increase expression level of the above-mentioned proteins. Methylation capture sequencing showed that BET can significantly increase the 5mC methylation level of Spata, Spag, and Specc spermatogenesis-related genes. Pi-RNA sequencing proved that the above-mentioned genes produce a large number of Pi-RNA under BET intervention. Pi-RNA can form complexes with PIWI proteins to participate in DNA methylation of target genes. Molecular docking indicated that BET may not directly act as substrate for methyltransferase and instead participates in DNA methylation by promoting the methionine cycle and increasing S-adenosylmethionine synthesis. CONCLUSION BET has a significant therapeutic effect on oligoasthenozoospermia rat model induced by TWPs. The mechanism mainly involves that BET can increase the methylation level of Spata, Specc, and Spag target genes through the PIWI/Pi-RNA pathway and up-regulation of methyltransferases (including DNA methyltransferases and histone methyltransferases).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyan Lin
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Xiyu Ge
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Leilei Gao
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Yanjun Chen
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Ting Su
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Menghua Ma
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Huijun Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Cunwu Chen
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China
| | - Bangxing Han
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China.
| | - Dong Liu
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Generic Technology Research Center for Anhui Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry, Anhui Engineering Research Center for Eco-agriculture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu'an, 237012, Anhui, China.
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Wang X, Zhang ZY, Zhao S, Liu MF. New insights into small non-coding RNAs during spermatogenesis. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2024; 69:1581-1585. [PMID: 38423874 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.
| | - Zhen-Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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Besong EE, Akhigbe RE. Sodium acetate prevents testicular damage in Wistar rats subjected to testicular ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Exp Mol Pathol 2024; 137:104901. [PMID: 38749364 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2024.104901] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to investigate the potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and sperm function-preserving properties of sodium acetate (ACE), a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, in a rat model of testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D). MAIN METHODS Littermate Wistar rats of identical weight were subjected to sham surgery or testicular T/D by rotating the left testis at 720° around its axis along the spermatic cord clockwise and fixing it in this position for two and a half hours. 1 h before detorsion, T/D + ACE-treated rats were treated with ACE (200 mg/kg/day, per os) while T/D rats were vehicle-treated by administering 0.5 mL of distilled water. After 72 h, animals were euthanized, and the left testes were harvested for bio-molecular and histological analysis. KEY FINDINGS Acetate administration attenuated T/D-induced rises in serum and testicular HDAC and testicular xanthine oxidase, uric acid, MDA, GSSG, MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, NFkB, HIF-1α, and VCAM-1. In addition, acetate treatment alleviated T/D-induced decline in sperm quality (count, motility, viability, and normal morphology) and testicular 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, testosterone, GSH, GSH/GSSG, SOD, catalase, GPx, GST, Nrf2, and HO-1. Furthermore, acetate prevented T/D-distorted testicular histoarchitecture and spermatogenic germ cell loss. SIGNIFICANCE Sodium acetate during the post-ischaemic phase of testicular T/D may be beneficial in preventing I/R injury and maintaining fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Enohnyket Besong
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.
| | - Roland Eghoghosoa Akhigbe
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.
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Zhang G, Xiong D, Ye F, Zhao Y, Du X, Zhi W, Liu F, Zeng J, Xu W, Liu W, Shi Y. A Key regulatory protein QRICH2 governing sperm function with profound antioxidant properties, enhancing sperm viability. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100881. [PMID: 38772286 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Infertility poses a global health and social challenge, affecting approximately 15% of couples at childbearing age, with half of the cases attributed to male factors, wherein genetic factors exert a substantial role. In our prior investigation, we identified loss-of-function variants within the gene encoding glutamine-rich protein 2 (QRICH2) in two consanguineous families, leading to various morphological abnormalities in sperm flagella and male infertility. Moreover, our observations in Qrich2 knockout mice revealed a pronounced reduction in spermatozoa count. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive, prompting further investigation in the current study. By conducting experiments such as Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, and single sperm metabolism analysis on the testes and spermatozoa of Qrich2 knockout mice, we found a strong antioxidant capacity mediated by QRICH2 both in vivo and in vitro. Qrich2 knockout led to elevated levels of ROS, consequently inducing DNA damage in spermatids, which in turn triggered increased autophagy and apoptosis, ultimately causing a significant decrease in spermatozoa count. Incubation with the N-terminal purified protein of QRICH2 exhibited potent strong antioxidant activity at the cell and spermatozoa levels in vitro, thereby enhancing spermatozoa viability and motility. Therefore, QRICH2 plays a crucial role in safeguarding spermatids from excessive ROS-induced damage by augmenting antioxidant capacity, thereby promoting spermatozoa survival and improving motility. Furthermore, the N-terminal purified protein of QRICH2 shows promise as an additive for protecting spermatozoa during preservation and cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu 610072, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Dongsheng Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yuhong Zhao
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Xinrong Du
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Weiwei Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Fulin Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu 610072, China; Research Unit for Blindness Prevention, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Jiuzhi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Weixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China.
| | - Yi Shi
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and the Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu 610072, China; Research Unit for Blindness Prevention, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China.
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Xie S, Qin R, Zeng W, Li J, Lai Y. Pseudopregnant mice generated from Piwil1 deficiency sterile mice. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296414. [PMID: 38771805 PMCID: PMC11108164 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296414] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Vasectomized mice play a key role in the production of transgenic mice. However, vasectomy can cause great physical and psychological suffering to mice. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find a suitable replacement for vasectomized mice in the production of transgenic mice. In this study, we generated C57BL/6J mice (Piwil1 D633A-INS99, Piwil1mt/mt) with a 99-base insertion in the Miwi (Piwil1) gene using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and showed that Piwil1mt/+ heterozygous mice were normally fertile and that homozygous Piwil1mt/mt males were sterile and females were fertile. Transplantation of normal fertilized eggs into wild pseudopregnant females following mating with Piwil1mt/mt males produced no Piwil1mt/mt genotype offspring, and the number of offspring did not differ significantly from that of pseudopregnant mice following mating and breeding with ligated males. The CRISPR‒Cas9 system is available for generating Miwi-modified mice, and provides a powerful resource to replace ligated males in assisted reproduction research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuoshuo Xie
- Jiangsu Animal Experimental Center of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Cell Biology, Department of Medical Genetics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ruixin Qin
- Jiangsu Animal Experimental Center of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Cell Biology, Department of Medical Genetics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wentao Zeng
- Jiangsu Animal Experimental Center of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Cell Biology, Department of Medical Genetics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- Jiangsu Laboratory Animal Center, Animal Core facility, Key Laboratory of Model Animal, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jianmin Li
- Jiangsu Animal Experimental Center of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Cell Biology, Department of Medical Genetics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- Jiangsu Laboratory Animal Center, Animal Core facility, Key Laboratory of Model Animal, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yana Lai
- Jiangsu Animal Experimental Center of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Cell Biology, Department of Medical Genetics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- Jiangsu Laboratory Animal Center, Animal Core facility, Key Laboratory of Model Animal, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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Zhang G, Ye F, Yang Y, Xiong D, Zhi W, Wu Y, Sun Y, Zeng J, Liu W. Identification of a novel mutation in chibby family member 2 in a non-obstructive azoospermic patient. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100891. [PMID: 38733656 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100891] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Azoospermia constitutes a significant factor in male infertility, defined by the absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, afflicting 15% of infertile men. However, a subset of azoospermic cases remains unattributed to known genetic variants. Prior investigations have identified the chibby family member 2 (CBY2) as prominently and specifically expressed in the testes of both humans and mice, implicating its potential involvement in spermatogenesis. In this study, we conducted whole exome sequencing (WES) on an infertile family to uncover novel genetic factors contributing to azoospermia. Our analysis revealed a homozygous c .355 C>A variant of CBY2 in a non-obstructive azoospermic patient. This deleterious variant significantly diminished the protein expression of CBY2 both in vivo and in vitro, leading to a pronounced disruption of spermatogenesis at the early round spermatid stage post-meiosis. This disruption was characterized by a nearly complete loss of elongating and elongated spermatids. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated the interaction between CBY2 and Piwi-like protein 1 (PIWIL1). Immunofluorescence staining further confirmed the co-localization of CBY2 and PIWIL1 in the testes during the spermatogenic process in both humans and mice. Additionally, diminished PIWIL1 expression was observed in the testicular tissue from the affected patient. Our findings suggest that the homozygous c .355 C>A variant of CBY2 compromises CBY2 function, contributing to defective spermatogenesis at the round spermiogenic stage and implicating its role in the pathogenesis of azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - 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 610041, China
| | - Dongsheng Xiong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Weiwei Zhi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yongkang Sun
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jiuzhi Zeng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China.
| | - Weixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China.
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Wang Y, Chen J, Huang X, Wu B, Dai P, Zhang F, Li J, Wang L. Gene-knockout by iSTOP enables rapid reproductive disease modeling and phenotyping in germ cells of the founder generation. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1035-1050. [PMID: 38332217 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2408-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Cytosine base editing achieves C•G-to-T•A substitutions and can convert four codons (CAA/CAG/CGA/TGG) into STOP-codons (induction of STOP-codons, iSTOP) to knock out genes with reduced mosaicism. iSTOP enables direct phenotyping in founders' somatic cells, but it remains unknown whether this works in founders' germ cells so as to rapidly reveal novel genes for fertility. Here, we initially establish that iSTOP in mouse zygotes enables functional characterization of known genes in founders' germ cells: Cfap43-iSTOP male founders manifest expected sperm features resembling human "multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella" syndrome (i.e., MMAF-like features), while oocytes of Zp3-iSTOP female founders have no zona pellucida. We further illustrate iSTOP's utility for dissecting the functions of unknown genes with Ccdc183, observing MMAF-like features and male infertility in Ccdc183-iSTOP founders, phenotypes concordant with those of Ccdc183-KO offspring. We ultimately establish that CCDC183 is essential for sperm morphogenesis through regulating the assembly of outer dynein arms and participating in the intra-flagellar transport. Our study demonstrates iSTOP as an efficient tool for direct reproductive disease modeling and phenotyping in germ cells of the founder generation, and rapidly reveals the essentiality of Ccdc183 in fertility, thus providing a time-saving approach for validating genetic defects (like nonsense mutations) for human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Jingwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xueying Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Bangguo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Peng Dai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Lingbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Piryaei F, Mehta P, Mozdarani H, Hamzehlooy F, Barati M, Piryaei Z, Gilani MAS, Alemi M, Singh R. Testicular piRNA Analysis Identified Dysregulated piRNAs in Non-obstructive Azoospermia. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1246-1255. [PMID: 38133767 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01433-3] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility has remained idiopathic in a remarkable proportion of all cases. Gonadal expression of PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) has been shown to be vital to normal spermatogenesis, as they are expressed in almost all types of testicular germ cells. These molecules and their related Piwi proteins strictly regulate transposable elements' activity and gene expression. We aimed to identify dysregulated piRNAs in idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermic (NOA) testis by global expression analysis. Testis tissue samples from 18 azoospermic patients (ten NOA and eight OA) were studied by small RNA sequencing. To validate high-throughput sequencing data, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions for two differentially altered piRNAs were performed. Bioinformatics analyses were undertaken to identify pathways affected by piRNA dysregulation. In the NOA group, 1328 piRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed, of which 1322 were downregulated and 6 were upregulated. Bioinformatics analysis corroborated the involvement of dysregulated piRNA in spermatogenesis. We also identified 64 clusters of differentially expressed piRNAs, of which 42 clusters had a minimum of ten absolute piRNA hits. Our study suggests that piRNAs show significant dysregulation in infertility. Their target genes play a role in their self-biogenesis, probably by regulating their own production through a feedback mechanism. The downregulated piRNAs may find value as biomarkers for the presence of spermatozoa in the testis of azoospermic individuals, while the upregulated piRNAs are great candidates for further investigation of their precise functions in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahimeh Piryaei
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Poonam Mehta
- Male Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Hossein Mozdarani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Hamzehlooy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Barati
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeynab Piryaei
- Department of Bioinformatics, Kish International Campus, University of Tehran, Kish, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Alemi
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Rajender Singh
- Male Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Li Z, Li Z, Zhang Y, Zhou L, Xu Q, Li L, Zeng L, Xue J, Niu H, Zhong J, Yu Q, Li D, Gui M, Huang Y, Tu S, Zhang Z, Song CQ, Wu J, Shen EZ. Mammalian PIWI-piRNA-target complexes reveal features for broad and efficient target silencing. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024:10.1038/s41594-024-01287-6. [PMID: 38658622 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01287-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway is an adaptive defense system wherein piRNAs guide PIWI family Argonaute proteins to recognize and silence ever-evolving selfish genetic elements and ensure genome integrity. Driven by this intensive host-pathogen arms race, the piRNA pathway and its targeted transposons have coevolved rapidly in a species-specific manner, but how the piRNA pathway adapts specifically to target silencing in mammals remains elusive. Here, we show that mouse MILI and human HILI piRNA-induced silencing complexes (piRISCs) bind and cleave targets more efficiently than their invertebrate counterparts from the sponge Ephydatia fluviatilis. The inherent functional differences comport with structural features identified by cryo-EM studies of piRISCs. In the absence of target, MILI and HILI piRISCs adopt a wider nucleic-acid-binding channel and display an extended prearranged piRNA seed as compared with EfPiwi piRISC, consistent with their ability to capture targets more efficiently than EfPiwi piRISC. In the presence of target, the seed gate-which enforces seed-target fidelity in microRNA RISC-adopts a relaxed state in mammalian piRISC, revealing how MILI and HILI tolerate seed-target mismatches to broaden the target spectrum. A vertebrate-specific lysine distorts the piRNA seed, shifting the trajectory of the piRNA-target duplex out of the central cleft and toward the PAZ lobe. Functional analyses reveal that this lysine promotes target binding and cleavage. Our study therefore provides a molecular basis for the piRNA targeting mechanism in mice and humans, and suggests that mammalian piRNA machinery can achieve broad target silencing using a limited supply of piRNA species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqing Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhen Li
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqi Zhang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lunni Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qikui Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lili Li
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Zeng
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Center for Cognitive Machines and Computational Health (CMaCH), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junchao Xue
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huilin Niu
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qilu Yu
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dengfeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Miao Gui
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological SciencesChinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shikui Tu
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Center for Cognitive Machines and Computational Health (CMaCH), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Chun-Qing Song
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jianping Wu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - En-Zhi Shen
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China.
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10
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Zou D, Li K, Su L, Liu J, Lu Y, Huang R, Li M, Mang X, Geng Q, Li P, Tang J, Yu Z, Zhang Z, Chen D, Miao S, Yu J, Yan W, Song W. DDX20 is required for cell-cycle reentry of prospermatogonia and establishment of spermatogonial stem cell pool during testicular development in mice. Dev Cell 2024:S1534-5807(24)00227-2. [PMID: 38657611 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.04.002] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), as key regulators of mRNA fate, are abundantly expressed in the testis. However, RBPs associated with human male infertility remain largely unknown. Through bioinformatic analyses, we identified 62 such RBPs, including an evolutionarily conserved RBP, DEAD-box helicase 20 (DDX20). Male germ-cell-specific inactivation of Ddx20 at E15.5 caused T1-propsermatogonia (T1-ProSG) to fail to reenter cell cycle during the first week of testicular development in mice. Consequently, neither the foundational spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) pool nor progenitor spermatogonia were ever formed in the knockout testes. Mechanistically, DDX20 functions to control the translation of its target mRNAs, many of which encode cell-cycle-related regulators, by interacting with key components of the translational machinery in prospermatogonia. Our data demonstrate a previously unreported function of DDX20 as a translational regulator of critical cell-cycle-related genes, which is essential for cell-cycle reentry of T1-ProSG and formation of the SSC pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingfeng Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Luying Su
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Mengzhen Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Xinyu Mang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Qi Geng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Pengyu Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jielin Tang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Zhixin Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Zexuan Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Dingyao Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Shiying Miao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China; The Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu 610052, China.
| | - Wei Yan
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA; Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China.
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11
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Fofana M, Li Z, Li H, Li W, Wu L, Lu L, Liu Q. Decreased Ubiquitination and Acetylation of Histones 3 and 4 Are Associated with Obesity-Induced Disorders of Spermatogenesis in Mice. TOXICS 2024; 12:296. [PMID: 38668519 PMCID: PMC11055147 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12040296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity, a chronic metabolic disorder, is related to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and reproductive disorders. The relationship between obesity and male infertility is now well recognized, but the mechanisms involved are unclear. We aimed to observe the effect of obesity on spermatogenesis and to investigate the role of histone ubiquitination and acetylation modifications in obesity-induced spermatogenesis disorders. METHODS Thirty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was fed with a general maintenance diet (12% fat), while a high-fat diet (HFD) group was fed with 40% fat for 10 weeks; then, they were mated with normal females. The fertility of male mice was calculated, testicular and sperm morphology were observed, and the expression levels of key genes and the levels of histone acetylation and ubiquitination modification during spermatogenesis were detected. RESULTS The number of sperm was decreased, as well as the sperm motility, while the number of sperm with malformations was increased. In the testes, the mRNA and protein expression levels of gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH/DDX25), chromosome region maintenance-1 protein (CRM1), high-mobility group B2 (HMGB2), phosphoglycerate kinase 2 (PGK2), and testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme (tACE) were decreased. Furthermore, obesity led to a decrease in ubiquitinated H2A (ubH2A) and reduced levels of histone H3 acetylation K18 (H3AcK18) and histone H4 acetylation K5, K8, K12, and K16 (H4tetraAck), which disrupted protamine 1 (Prm1) deposition in testis tissue. CONCLUSION These results suggest that low levels of histone ubiquitination and acetylation are linked with obesity-induced disorders during spermatogenesis, contributing to a better understanding of obesity-induced damage to male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahamadou Fofana
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; (M.F.); (Z.L.); (H.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Zhenyang Li
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; (M.F.); (Z.L.); (H.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Han Li
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; (M.F.); (Z.L.); (H.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Wenqi Li
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; (M.F.); (Z.L.); (H.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Lu Wu
- Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou Institute for Advanced Study of Public Health, Suzhou School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215004, China;
| | - Lu Lu
- Animal Core Facility, The Key Laboratory of Model Animal, Jiangsu Animal Experimental Center for Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Qizhan Liu
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; (M.F.); (Z.L.); (H.L.); (W.L.)
- Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou Institute for Advanced Study of Public Health, Suzhou School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215004, China;
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12
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Xue J, Li X, Chi Y, Gao L, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Zhao M, Wei J, Shi Z, Zhou X. Decabromodiphenyl ether induces the chromosome association disorders of spermatocytes and deformation failures of spermatids in mice. J Environ Sci (China) 2024; 138:531-542. [PMID: 38135418 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The environmental presence of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), which is toxic to the male reproductive system, is widespread. The current study investigated its mechanism of toxicity in mice. The results showed, that BDE-209 induced DNA damage, decreased the expression of the promoter of meiosis spermatogenesis- and oogenesis-specific basic helix-loop-helix 1 (Sohlh1), meiosis related-factors Lethal (3) malignant brain tumor like 2 (L3MBTL2), PIWI-like protein 2 (MILI), Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), Cyclin A, synaptonemal complex protein 1 (SYCP1) and synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SYCP3), and caused spermatogenic cell apoptosis, resulting in a decrease in sperm quantity and quality. Furthermore, BDE-209 downregulated the levels of anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), increased the expression of PIWI-like protein 1 (MIWI) in the cytoplasm of elongating spermatids, and decreased the nuclear levels of RING finger protein 8 (RNF8), ubiquitinated (ub)-H2A/ub-H2B, and Protamine 1 (PRM1)/Protamine 2 (PRM2), while increasing H2A/H2B nuclear levels in spermatids. The reproductive toxicity was persistent for 50 days following the withdrawal of BDE-209 exposure. The results suggested that BDE-209 inhibits the initiation of meiosis by decreasing the expression of Sohlh1. Furthermore, the reduced expression of L3MBTL2 inhibited the formation of chromosomal synaptonemal complexes by depressing the expression of meiosis regulators affecting the meiotic progression and also inhibited histone ubiquitination preventing the replacement of histones by protamines, by preventing RNF8 from entering nuclei, which affected the evolution of spermatids into mature sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglong Xue
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xiangyang Li
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yafei Chi
- Laboratory Animal Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Leqiang Gao
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Moxuan Zhao
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jialiu Wei
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Epidemiology & Department of Epidemiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Zhixiong Shi
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Xianqing Zhou
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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13
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Zhang G, Zheng C, Ding YH, Mello C. Casein kinase II promotes piRNA production through direct phosphorylation of USTC component TOFU-4. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2727. [PMID: 38548791 PMCID: PMC10978872 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46882-9] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are genomically encoded small RNAs that engage Piwi Argonaute proteins to direct mRNA surveillance and transposon silencing. Despite advances in understanding piRNA pathways and functions, how the production of piRNA is regulated remains elusive. Here, using a genetic screen, we identify casein kinase II (CK2) as a factor required for piRNA pathway function. We show that CK2 is required for the localization of PRG-1 and for the proper localization of several factors that comprise the 'upstream sequence transcription complex' (USTC), which is required for piRNA transcription. Loss of CK2 impairs piRNA levels suggesting that CK2 promotes USTC function. We identify the USTC component twenty-one-U fouled-up 4 (TOFU-4) as a direct substrate for CK2. Our findings suggest that phosphorylation of TOFU-4 by CK2 promotes the assembly of USTC and piRNA transcription. Notably, during the aging process, CK2 activity declines, resulting in the disassembly of USTC, decreased piRNA production, and defects in piRNA-mediated gene silencing, including transposons silencing. These findings highlight the significance of posttranslational modification in regulating piRNA biogenesis and its implications for the aging process. Overall, our study provides compelling evidence for the involvement of a posttranslational modification mechanism in the regulation of piRNA biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangming Zhang
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Chunwei Zheng
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Yue-He Ding
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Craig Mello
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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14
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Xie S, Yue C, Ye S, Li Z. Probing the hierarchical dynamics of DNA-sperm nuclear transition protein complexes through fuzzy interaction and mesoscale condensation. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:10408-10418. [PMID: 38502252 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp05957j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear transition protein TNP1 is a crucial player mediating histone-protamine exchange in condensing spermatids. A unique combination of intrinsic disorder and multivalent properties turns TNP1 into an ideal agent for orchestrating the formation of versatile TNP-DNA assemblies. Despite its significance, the physicochemical property and the molecular mechanism followed by TNP1 for histone replacement and DNA condensation are still poorly understood. This study reports the first-time in vitro expression and purification of human TNP1 and investigates the hierarchical dynamics of TNP1-DNA interaction using a combination of computational simulations, biochemical assays, fluorescence imaging, and atomic force microscopy. We explored three crucial facets of TNP1-DNA interactions. Initially, we delve into the molecular binding process that entails fuzzy interactions between TNP1 and DNA at the atomistic scale. Subsequently, we analyze how TNP1 binding affects the electrostatic and mechanical characteristics of DNA and influences its morphology. Finally, we study the biomolecular condensation of TNP1-DNA when subjected to high concentrations. The findings of our study set the foundation for comprehending the potential involvement of TNP1 in histone replacement and DNA condensation in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangqiang Xie
- School of Life Science, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Congran Yue
- School of Life Science, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Sheng Ye
- School of Life Science, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China.
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Zhenlu Li
- School of Life Science, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China.
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
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15
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Zoch A, Konieczny G, Auchynnikava T, Stallmeyer B, Rotte N, Heep M, Berrens RV, Schito M, Kabayama Y, Schöpp T, Kliesch S, Houston B, Nagirnaja L, O'Bryan MK, Aston KI, Conrad DF, Rappsilber J, Allshire RC, Cook AG, Tüttelmann F, O'Carroll D. C19ORF84 connects piRNA and DNA methylation machineries to defend the mammalian germ line. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1021-1035.e11. [PMID: 38359823 PMCID: PMC10960678 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.01.014] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
In the male mouse germ line, PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), bound by the PIWI protein MIWI2 (PIWIL4), guide DNA methylation of young active transposons through SPOCD1. However, the underlying mechanisms of SPOCD1-mediated piRNA-directed transposon methylation and whether this pathway functions to protect the human germ line remain unknown. We identified loss-of-function variants in human SPOCD1 that cause defective transposon silencing and male infertility. Through the analysis of these pathogenic alleles, we discovered that the uncharacterized protein C19ORF84 interacts with SPOCD1. DNMT3C, the DNA methyltransferase responsible for transposon methylation, associates with SPOCD1 and C19ORF84 in fetal gonocytes. Furthermore, C19ORF84 is essential for piRNA-directed DNA methylation and male mouse fertility. Finally, C19ORF84 mediates the in vivo association of SPOCD1 with the de novo methylation machinery. In summary, we have discovered a conserved role for the human piRNA pathway in transposon silencing and C19ORF84, an uncharacterized protein essential for orchestrating piRNA-directed DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansgar Zoch
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
| | - Gabriela Konieczny
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Tania Auchynnikava
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Birgit Stallmeyer
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nadja Rotte
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Madeleine Heep
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Rebecca V Berrens
- Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX37TY, UK
| | - Martina Schito
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Yuka Kabayama
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Theresa Schöpp
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Brendan Houston
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Liina Nagirnaja
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Donald F Conrad
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA; Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK; Bioanalytics, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355 Berlin, Germany
| | - Robin C Allshire
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Atlanta G Cook
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dónal O'Carroll
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
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16
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Wei H, Gao J, Lin DH, Geng R, Liao J, Huang TY, Shang G, Jing J, Fan ZW, Pan D, Yin ZQ, Li T, Liu X, Zhao S, Chen C, Li J, Wang X, Ding D, Liu MF. piRNA loading triggers MIWI translocation from the intermitochondrial cement to chromatoid body during mouse spermatogenesis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2343. [PMID: 38491008 PMCID: PMC10943014 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46664-3] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The intermitochondrial cement (IMC) and chromatoid body (CB) are posited as central sites for piRNA activity in mice, with MIWI initially assembling in the IMC for piRNA processing before translocating to the CB for functional deployment. The regulatory mechanism underpinning MIWI translocation, however, has remained elusive. We unveil that piRNA loading is the trigger for MIWI translocation from the IMC to CB. Mechanistically, piRNA loading facilitates MIWI release from the IMC by weakening its ties with the mitochondria-anchored TDRKH. This, in turn, enables arginine methylation of MIWI, augmenting its binding affinity for TDRD6 and ensuring its integration within the CB. Notably, loss of piRNA-loading ability causes MIWI entrapment in the IMC and its destabilization in male germ cells, leading to defective spermatogenesis and male infertility in mice. Collectively, our findings establish the critical role of piRNA loading in MIWI translocation during spermatogenesis, offering new insights into piRNA biology in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wei
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Di-Hang Lin
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ruirong Geng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiaoyang Liao
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Tian-Yu Huang
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Guanyi Shang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiongjie Jing
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zong-Wei Fan
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Duo Pan
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Zi-Qi Yin
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Tianming Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
| | - Jinsong Li
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Deqiang Ding
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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17
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Duan Y, Li L, Panzade GP, Piton A, Zinovyeva A, Ambros V. Modeling neurodevelopmental disorder-associated human AGO1 mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans Argonaute alg-1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2308255121. [PMID: 38412125 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308255121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) associate with Argonaute (AGO) proteins and repress gene expression by base pairing to sequences in the 3' untranslated regions of target genes. De novo coding variants in the human AGO genes AGO1 and AGO2 cause neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) with intellectual disability, referred to as Argonaute syndromes. Most of the altered amino acids are conserved between the miRNA-associated AGO in Homo sapiens and Caenorhabditis elegans, suggesting that the human mutations could disrupt conserved functions in miRNA biogenesis or activity. We genetically modeled four human AGO1 mutations in C. elegans by introducing identical mutations into the C. elegans AGO1 homologous gene, alg-1. These alg-1 NDD mutations cause phenotypes in C. elegans indicative of disrupted miRNA processing, miRISC (miRNA silencing complex) formation, and/or target repression. We show that the alg-1 NDD mutations are antimorphic, causing developmental and molecular phenotypes stronger than those of alg-1 null mutants, likely by sequestrating functional miRISC components into non-functional complexes. The alg-1 NDD mutations cause allele-specific disruptions in mature miRNA profiles, accompanied by perturbation of downstream gene expression, including altered translational efficiency and/or messenger RNA abundance. The perturbed genes include those with human orthologs whose dysfunction is associated with NDD. These cross-clade genetic studies illuminate fundamental AGO functions and provide insights into the conservation of miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Duan
- Program of Molecular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Li Li
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506
| | | | - Amélie Piton
- Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Strasbourg University, CNRS UMR7104, INSERM U1258, Illkirch 67 400, France
| | - Anna Zinovyeva
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506
| | - Victor Ambros
- Program of Molecular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
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18
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Garcia-Borja E, Siegl F, Mateu R, Slaby O, Sedo A, Busek P, Sana J. Critical appraisal of the piRNA-PIWI axis in cancer and cancer stem cells. Biomark Res 2024; 12:15. [PMID: 38303021 PMCID: PMC10836005 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00563-3] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Small noncoding RNAs play an important role in various disease states, including cancer. PIWI proteins, a subfamily of Argonaute proteins, and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) were originally described as germline-specific molecules that inhibit the deleterious activity of transposable elements. However, several studies have suggested a role for the piRNA-PIWI axis in somatic cells, including somatic stem cells. Dysregulated expression of piRNAs and PIWI proteins in human tumors implies that, analogously to their roles in undifferentiated cells under physiological conditions, these molecules may be important for cancer stem cells and thus contribute to cancer progression. We provide an overview of piRNA biogenesis and critically review the evidence for the role of piRNA-PIWI axis in cancer stem cells. In addition, we examine the potential of piRNAs and PIWI proteins to become biomarkers in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Garcia-Borja
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U Nemocnice 478/5, Prague 2, 128 53, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Siegl
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Rosana Mateu
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U Nemocnice 478/5, Prague 2, 128 53, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Slaby
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Aleksi Sedo
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U Nemocnice 478/5, Prague 2, 128 53, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Busek
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U Nemocnice 478/5, Prague 2, 128 53, Czech Republic.
| | - Jiri Sana
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic.
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
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19
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Liu J, Lu F. The piRNA size matters. Natl Sci Rev 2024; 11:nwad297. [PMID: 38327666 PMCID: PMC10849359 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Falong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
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20
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Zhang YT, Shen G, Zhuo LC, Yang X, Wang SY, Ruan TC, Jiang C, Wang X, Wang Y, Yang YH, Shen Y. Novel variations in TENT5D lead to teratozoospermia in infertile patients. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38228861 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Teratozoospermia is the main pathogenic factor of male infertility. However, the genetic etiology of teratozoospermia is largely unknown. This study aims to clarify the relationship between novel variations in TENT5D and teratozoospermia in infertile patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two infertile patients were enrolled. Routine semen analysis of patients and normal controls was conducted with the WHO guidelines. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was conducted to identify pathogenic variants in the two patients. Morphology and ultrastructure analysis of spermatozoa in the two patients was determined by Papanicolaou staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The functional effect of the identified variants was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. The expression of TENT5D in different germ cells was detected by immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS Two new hemizygous variations, c.101C > T (p.P34L) and c.125A > T (p.D42V), in TENT5D were detected in two patients with male infertility. Morphology analysis showed abnormalities in spermatozoa morphology in the two patients, including multiple heads, headless, multiple tails, coiled, and/or bent flagella. Ultrastructure analysis showed that most of the spermatozoa exhibited missing or irregularly arranged '9+2' structures. Further functional experiments confirmed the abrogated TENT5D protein expression in patients. In addition, both p.P34L and p.D42V substitutions resulted in a conformational change of the TENT5D protein. We precisely analyzed the subcellular localization of TENT5D in germ cells in humans and mice. And we found that TENT5D was predominantly detected in the head and flagellum of elongating spermatids and epididymal spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed further evidence of a relationship between TENT5D mutation and human male infertility, providing new genetic insight for use in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Teng Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Gan Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang-Chai Zhuo
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Su-Yan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tie-Chao Ruan
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - 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, China
| | - Yi-Hong 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, China
| | - Ying Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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21
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Hammad G, Mamdouh S, Seoudi DM, Seleem MI, Safwat G, Mohamed RH. Elevated expression patterns of P-element Induced Wimpy Testis (PIWI) transcripts are potential candidate markers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Biomark 2024; 39:95-111. [PMID: 38043006 PMCID: PMC11002723 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-230134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND P-Element-induced wimpy testis (PIWI) proteins, when in combination with PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA), are engaged in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in germline cells. Different types of tumour cells have been found to exhibit abnormal expression of piRNA, PIWIL-mRNAs, and proteins. We aimed to determine the mRNA expression profiles of PIWIL1, PIWIL2, PIWIL3, & PIWIL4, in hepatocellular carcinoma patients, and to associate their expression patterns with clinicopathological features. METHODS The expression patterns of PIWIL1, PIWIL2, PIWIL3, PIWIL4 mRNA, was assessed via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-QPCR), on tissue and serum samples from HCC patients, their impact for diagnosis was evaluated by ROC curves, prognostic utility was determined, and In Silico analysis was conducted for predicted variant detection, association with HCC microRNAs and Network Analysis. RESULTS Expression levels were significantly higher in both HCC tissue and serum samples than in their respective controls (p< 0.001). Additionally, the diagnostic performance was assessed, Risk determination was found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION PIWIL mRNAs are overexpressed in HCC tissue and serum samples, the expression patterns could be valuable molecular markers for HCC, due to their association with age, tumour grade and pattern. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to report the expression levels of all PIWIL mRNA and to suggest their remarkable values as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, in addition to their correlation to HCC development. Additionally, a therapeutic opportunity might be also suggested through in silico miRNA prediction for HCC and PIWIL genes through DDX4 and miR-124-3p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gehan Hammad
- Faculty of Biotechnology, October University for Modern Sciences & Arts (MSA), Giza, Egypt
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samah Mamdouh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dina Mohamed Seoudi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ismail Seleem
- Department of Surgery, National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gehan Safwat
- Faculty of Biotechnology, October University for Modern Sciences & Arts (MSA), Giza, Egypt
| | - Rania Hassan Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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22
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Kong Z, Zhu L, Liu Y, Liu Y, Chen G, Jiang T, Wang H. Effects of azithromycin exposure during pregnancy at different stages, doses and courses on testicular development in fetal mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116063. [PMID: 38154271 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116063] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Azithromycin is a commonly used antibiotic during pregnancy, but some studies have suggested its potential developmental toxicity. Currently, the effects and mechanisms of prenatal azithromycin exposure (PAzE) on fetal testicular development are still unclear. The effects of prenatal exposure to the same drug on fetal testicular development could vary depending on different stages, doses, and courses. Hence, in this study, based on clinical medication characteristics, Kunming mice was administered intragastrically with azithromycin at different stages (mid-/late-pregnancy), doses (50, 100, 200 mg/kg·d), and courses (single-/multi-course). Fetal blood and testicular samples were collected on GD18 for relevant assessments. The results indicated that PAzE led to changes in fetal testicular morphology, reduced cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and decreased expression of markers related to Leydig cells (Star), Sertoli cells (Wt1), and spermatogonia (Plzf). Further investigation revealed that the effects of PAzE on fetal testicular development were characterized by mid-pregnancy, high dose (clinical dose), and single course having more pronounced effects. Additionally, the TGFβ/Smad and Nrf2 signaling pathways may be involved in the changes in fetal testicular development induced by PAzE. In summary, this study confirmed that PAzE influences fetal testicular morphological development and multicellular function. It provided theoretical and experimental evidence for guiding the rational use of azithromycin during pregnancy and further exploring the mechanisms underlying its developmental toxicity on fetal testicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lu Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Guanghui Chen
- Wuhan University People's Hospital, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Suizhou Emergency Medical Center, Suizhou 441300, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
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23
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Qin D, Gu Y, Zhang Y, Wang S, Jiang T, Wang Y, Wang C, Chen C, Zhang T, Xu W, Wang H, Zhang K, Hu L, Li L, Xie W, Wu X, Hu Z. Phase-separated CCER1 coordinates the histone-to-protamine transition and male fertility. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8209. [PMID: 38081819 PMCID: PMC10713660 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43480-z] [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: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic fertility disorders are associated with mutations in various genes. Here, we report that coiled-coil glutamate-rich protein 1 (CCER1), a germline-specific and intrinsically disordered protein (IDP), mediates postmeiotic spermatid differentiation. In contrast, CCER1 deficiency results in defective sperm chromatin compaction and infertility in mice. CCER1 increases transition protein (Tnp1/2) and protamine (Prm1/2) transcription and mediates multiple histone epigenetic modifications during the histone-to-protamine (HTP) transition. Immiscible with heterochromatin in the nucleus, CCER1 self-assembles into a polymer droplet and forms a liquid-liquid phase-separated condensate in the nucleus. Notably, we identified loss-of-function (LoF) variants of human CCER1 (hCCER1) in five patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) that were absent in 2713 fertile controls. The mutants led to premature termination or frameshift in CCER1 translation, and disrupted condensates in vitro. In conclusion, we propose that nuclear CCER1 is a phase-separated condensate that links histone epigenetic modifications, HTP transitions, chromatin condensation, and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Yayun Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
- School of Public Health, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211100, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
- School of Public Health, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211100, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
- School of Public Health, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211100, China
| | - Chang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Weiya Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Hanben Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liangjun Hu
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lufan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Xin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China.
| | - Zhibin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China.
- School of Public Health, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211100, China.
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Fischer V, Kretschmer M, Germain PL, Kaur J, Mompart-Barrenechea S, Pelczar P, Schürmann D, Schär P, Gapp K. Sperm chromatin accessibility's involvement in the intergenerational effects of stress hormone receptor activation. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:378. [PMID: 38065942 PMCID: PMC10709351 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02684-z] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Dexamethasone is a stress hormone receptor agonist used widely in clinics. We and others previously showed that paternal administration of dexamethasone in mice affects the phenotype of their offspring. The substrate of intergenerational transmission of environmentally induced effects often involves changes in sperm RNA, yet other epigenetic modifications in the germline can be affected and are also plausible candidates. First, we tested the involvement of altered sperm RNAs in the transmission of dexamethasone induced phenotypes across generations. We did this by injecting sperm RNA into naïve fertilized oocytes, before performing metabolic and behavioral phenotyping of the offspring. We observed phenotypic changes in discordance with those found in offspring generated by in vitro fertilization using sperm from dexamethasone exposed males. Second, we investigated the effect of dexamethasone on chromatin accessibility using ATAC sequencing and found significant changes at specific genomic features and gene regulatory loci. Employing q-RT-PCR, we show altered expression of a gene in the tissue of offspring affected by accessibility changes in sperm. Third, we establish a correlation between specific DNA modifications and stress hormone receptor activity as a likely contributing factor influencing sperm accessibility. Finally, we independently investigated this dependency by genetically reducing thymine-DNA glycosylase levels and observing concomitant changes at the level of chromatin accessibility and stress hormone receptor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Fischer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Kretschmer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Luc Germain
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Zürich, Switzerland
- Computational Neurogenomics, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Zürich, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Statistical Bioinformatics, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jasmine Kaur
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sergio Mompart-Barrenechea
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Pawel Pelczar
- Center for Transgenic Models, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Schürmann
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Primo Schär
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Gapp
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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25
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Wu Z, Yu X, Zhang S, He Y, Guo W. Novel roles of PIWI proteins and PIWI-interacting RNAs in human health and diseases. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:343. [PMID: 38031146 PMCID: PMC10685540 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01368-x] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNA has aroused great research interest recently, they play a wide range of biological functions, such as regulating cell cycle, cell proliferation, and intracellular substance metabolism. Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are emerging small non-coding RNAs that are 24-31 nucleotides in length. Previous studies on piRNAs were mainly limited to evaluating the binding to the PIWI protein family to play the biological role. However, recent studies have shed more lights on piRNA functions; aberrant piRNAs play unique roles in many human diseases, including diverse lethal cancers. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of piRNAs expression and the specific functional roles of piRNAs in human diseases is crucial for developing its clinical applications. Presently, research on piRNAs mainly focuses on their cancer-specific functions but lacks investigation of their expressions and epigenetic modifications. This review discusses piRNA's biogenesis and functional roles and the recent progress of functions of piRNA/PIWI protein complexes in human diseases. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yuting He
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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26
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Cheng J, Li T, Zheng Z, Zhang X, Cao M, Tang W, Hong K, Zheng R, Shao J, Zhao X, Jiang H, Xu W, Lin H. Loss of histone reader Phf7 leads to immune pathways activation via endogenous retroviruses during spermiogenesis. iScience 2023; 26:108030. [PMID: 37920670 PMCID: PMC10618686 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic studies have elucidated the critical roles of Phf7 in germline development in animals; however, the exact etiology of Phf7 mutations leading to male infertility and the possibility of mechanism-based therapy are still unclear and warrant further investigation. Using the Phf7 knockout mouse model, we verified that genetic defects were responsible for male infertility by preventing histone-to-protamine exchange, as previously reported. The deficiency of spermatogenesis caused by Phf7 deletion through the endogenous retrovirus-mediated activation of the immune pathway is a common mechanism of infertility. Furthermore, we identified PPARα as a promising target of immunity and inflammation in the testis, where endogenous retroviruses are suppressed, and Phf7 as a crucial regulator of endogenous retrovirus-mediated immune regulation and revealed its role as an epigenetic reader. The loss of Phf7 activates immune pathways, which can be rescued by the PPARα agonist astaxanthin. These results showed that astaxanthin is a potential therapeutic agent for treating male infertility. The findings in our study provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying male infertility and suggest potential targets for future research and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxing Cheng
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tongtong Li
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhongjie Zheng
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Mengyang Cao
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhao Tang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Human Sperm Bank, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Hong
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jichun Shao
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaomiao Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 106 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Haocheng Lin
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
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27
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Qi-Xin G, Lu X, Hao B, Guo-Hong C, Guo-Bin C. PAZ domain is critical for spermatogenesis in chicken. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:1102-1111. [PMID: 34971344 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2021.2011742] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Piwi-like protein 1 (PIWIL1) plays a crucial role in stem cell proliferation, embryogenesis, growth, and development. We aimed to unravel the function of PIWIL1 and its Piwi/Argonaute/Zwille (PAZ) domain in chicken embryogenesis. The expression of PIWI1 at different stages of spermatogenesis was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and the PAZ domain was mutated based on its 3D structure model using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9) technology. The results indicated that PIWIL1 mRNA was specifically expressed in spermatogonium cells undergoing meiosis. After targeting the PAZ domain (300-370 amino acid residues), we obtained two mutant DF-1 cell clones with 23-bp and 8-bp deletions. Injection of the pCMV-Cas9-puro-sgRNA-2 construct into 2.5-day embryos resulted in generation of 19 different PAZ mutants (13 males and 6 females), which showed delayed hatching, reduced quality of semen, and decreased expression of PIWIL1 and SOX2 at embryonic days 5 and 18. However, we could not obtain PAZ double knockout (KO) chickens by crossing of the F0 generation, suggesting that PAZ double KO may halt embryonic development. Our results indicate that PIWIL1 plays an important role in meiosis and that PAZ mutations can lead to decreased sperm quality, whereas its double KO may arrest embryogenesis in chicken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Qi-Xin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xu Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Changshu Institute of Technology, Changshu, China
| | - Bai Hao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Chen Guo-Hong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Chang Guo-Bin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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28
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Wei C, Jing J, Yan X, Mann JM, Geng R, Xie H, Demireva EY, Hess RA, Ding D, Chen C. MIWI N-terminal RG motif promotes efficient pachytene piRNA production and spermatogenesis independent of LINE1 transposon silencing. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1011031. [PMID: 37956204 PMCID: PMC10681313 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PIWI proteins and their associated piRNAs act to silence transposons and promote gametogenesis. Murine PIWI proteins MIWI, MILI, and MIWI2 have multiple arginine and glycine (RG)-rich motifs at their N-terminal domains. Despite being known as docking sites for the TDRD family proteins, the in vivo regulatory roles for these RG motifs in directing PIWI in piRNA biogenesis and spermatogenesis remain elusive. To investigate the functional significance of RG motifs in mammalian PIWI proteins in vivo, we genetically engineered an arginine to lysine (RK) point mutation of a conserved N-terminal RG motif in MIWI in mice. We show that this tiny MIWI RG motif is indispensable for piRNA biogenesis and male fertility. The RK mutation in the RG motif disrupts MIWI-TDRKH interaction and impairs enrichment of MIWI to the intermitochondrial cement (IMC) for efficient piRNA production. Despite significant overall piRNA level reduction, piRNA trimming and maturation are not affected by the RK mutation. Consequently, MiwiRK mutant mice show chromatoid body malformation, spermatogenic arrest, and male sterility. Surprisingly, LINE1 transposons are effectively silenced in MiwiRK mutant mice, indicating a LINE1-independent cause of germ cell arrest distinctive from Miwi knockout mice. These findings reveal a crucial function of the RG motif in directing PIWI proteins to engage in efficient piRNA production critical for germ cell progression and highlight the functional importance of the PIWI N-terminal motifs in regulating male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wei
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jiongjie Jing
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Yan
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey M. Mann
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ruirong Geng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huirong Xie
- Transgenic and Genome Editing Facility, Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Elena Y. Demireva
- Transgenic and Genome Editing Facility, Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Rex A. Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Deqiang Ding
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
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Razmi K, Mousavi SE, Patil JG. Paternal source of germ plasm determinants in the viviparous teleost, Gambusia holbrooki; dads do matter. Dev Biol 2023; 502:14-19. [PMID: 37385406 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The identity of germ cells, the progenitors of life, is thought to be acquired by two modes; either by maternal signals (preformed) or induced de novo from pluripotent cells (epigenesis) in the developing embryos. However, paternal roles seem enshrouded or completely overlooked in this fundamental biological process. Hence, we investigated the presence of germplasm transcripts in the sperm of Gambusia holbrooki, a live-bearing fish, demonstrating their presence and suggesting paternal contributions. Interestingly, not all germplasm markers were present (nanos1 and tdrd6) in the sperm, but some were conspicuous (dazl, dnd-α, piwi II, and vasa), indicating that the latter is required for establishing germ cell identity in the progeny, with a possible parent-specific role. Furthermore, there were also spatial differences in the distribution of these determinants, suggesting additional roles in sperm physiology and/or fertility. Our results support the hypothesis that dads also play a vital role in establishing the germ cell identity, especially in G. holbrooki, which shares elements of both preformation and induction modes of germline determination. This, coupled with its life history traits, makes G. holbrooki an excellent system for dissecting evolutionary relationships between the two germline determination modes, their underpinning mechanisms and ultimately the perpetuity of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komeil Razmi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS, 7053, Australia
| | - Seyed Ehsan Mousavi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS, 7053, Australia
| | - Jawahar G Patil
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS, 7053, Australia.
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30
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Zhang G, Zheng C, Ding YH, Mello C. Casein kinase II promotes piRNA production through direct phosphorylation of USTC component TOFU-4. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.09.552615. [PMID: 37609319 PMCID: PMC10441431 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.09.552615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are genomically encoded small RNAs that engage Piwi Argonaute proteins to direct mRNA surveillance and transposon silencing. Despite advances in understanding piRNA pathways and functions, how the production of piRNA is regulated remains elusive. Here, using a genetic screen, we identify casein kinase II (CK2) as a factor required for piRNA pathway function. We show that CK2 is required for the localization of PRG-1 and for the proper localization of several factors that comprise the 'upstream sequence transcription complex' (USTC), which is required for piRNA transcription. Loss of CK2 impairs piRNA levels suggesting that CK2 promotes USTC function. We identify the USTC component twenty-one-U fouled-up 4 (TOFU-4) as a direct substrate for CK2. Our findings suggest that phosphorylation of TOFU-4 by CK2 promotes the assembly of USTC and piRNA transcription. Notably, during the aging process, CK2 activity declines, resulting in the disassembly of USTC, decreased piRNA production, and defects in piRNA-mediated gene silencing, including transposons silencing. These findings highlight the significance of posttranslational modification in regulating piRNA biogenesis and its implications for the aging process. Overall, our study provides compelling evidence for the involvement of a posttranslational modification mechanism in the regulation of piRNA biogenesis.
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31
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Liu C, Zhang F. PIWI-specific insertion module: a newly identified regulatory element essential for longer piRNAs loading and male fertility. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023:10.1007/s11427-023-2402-x. [PMID: 37357236 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2402-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
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32
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Wang X, Lin DH, Yan Y, Wang AH, Liao J, Meng Q, Yang WQ, Zuo H, Hua MM, Zhang F, Zhu H, Zhou H, Huang TY, He R, Li G, Tan YQ, Shi HJ, Gou LT, Li D, Wu L, Zheng Y, Fu XD, Li J, Liu R, Li GH, Liu MF. The PIWI-specific insertion module helps load longer piRNAs for translational activation essential for male fertility. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023:10.1007/s11427-023-2390-5. [PMID: 37335463 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2390-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
PIWI-clade proteins harness piRNAs of 24-33 nt in length. Of great puzzles are how PIWI-clade proteins incorporate piRNAs of different sizes and whether the size matters to PIWI/piRNA function. Here we report that a PIWI-Ins module unique in PIWI-clade proteins helps define the length of piRNAs. Deletion of PIWI-Ins in Miwi shifts MIWI to load with shorter piRNAs and causes spermiogenic failure in mice, demonstrating the functional importance of this regulatory module. Mechanistically, we show that longer piRNAs provide additional complementarity to target mRNAs, thereby enhancing the assembly of the MIWI/eIF3f/HuR super-complex for translational activation. Importantly, we identify a c.1108C>T (p.R370W) mutation of HIWI (human PIWIL1) in infertile men and demonstrate in Miwi knock-in mice that this genetic mutation impairs male fertility by altering the property of PIWI-Ins in selecting longer piRNAs. These findings reveal a critical role of PIWI-Ins-ensured longer piRNAs in fine-tuning MIWI/piRNA targeting capacity, proven essential for spermatid development and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Di-Hang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yue Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - An-Hui Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Design, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jiaoyang Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Qian Meng
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wen-Qing Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Heng Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Min-Min Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fengjuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Hongwen Zhu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Tian-Yu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Rui He
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Guangyong Li
- Department of Urology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, College of Basic of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Hui-Juan Shi
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lan-Tao Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Dangsheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ligang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yonggang Zheng
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Xiang-Dong Fu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Rujuan Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Guo-Hui Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Design, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China.
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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Tan H, Wang W, Zhou C, Wang Y, Zhang S, Yang P, Guo R, Chen W, Zhang J, Ye L, Cui Y, Ni T, Zheng K. Single-cell RNA-seq uncovers dynamic processes orchestrated by RNA-binding protein DDX43 in chromatin remodeling during spermiogenesis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2499. [PMID: 37120627 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38199-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis shows prominent chromatin and transcriptomic switches in germ cells, but it is unclear how such dynamics are controlled. Here we identify RNA helicase DDX43 as an essential regulator of the chromatin remodeling process during spermiogenesis. Testis-specific Ddx43 knockout mice show male infertility with defective histone-to-protamine replacement and post-meiotic chromatin condensation defects. The loss of its ATP hydrolysis activity by a missense mutation replicates the infertility phenotype in global Ddx43 knockout mice. Single-cell RNA sequencing analyses of germ cells depleted of Ddx43 or expressing the Ddx43 ATPase-dead mutant reveals that DDX43 regulates dynamic RNA regulatory processes that underlie spermatid chromatin remodeling and differentiation. Transcriptomic profiling focusing on early-stage spermatids combined with enhanced crosslinking immunoprecipitation and sequencing further identifies Elfn2 as DDX43-targeted hub gene. These findings illustrate an essential role for DDX43 in spermiogenesis and highlight the single-cell-based strategy to dissect cell-state-specific regulation of male germline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, 400016, Chongqing, Yuzhong District, China
| | - Weixu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Human Phenome Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences and Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Congjin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Pinglan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Human Phenome Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences and Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiqiang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China.
| | - Ting Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Human Phenome Institute, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences and Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China.
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Zhou J, Xie H, Liu J, Huang R, Xiang Y, Tian D, Bian E. PIWI-interacting RNAs: Critical roles and therapeutic targets in cancer. Cancer Lett 2023; 562:216189. [PMID: 37076042 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216189] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
P-element-induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a novel class of small regulatory RNAs (approximately 24-31 nucleotides in length) that often bind to members of the PIWI protein family. piRNAs regulate transposons in animal germ cells; piRNAs are also specifically expressed in many human tissues and regulate pivotal signaling pathways. Additionally, the abnormal expression of piRNAs and PIWI proteins has been associated with various malignant tumours, and multiple mechanisms of piRNA-mediated target gene dysregulation are involved in tumourigenesis and progression, suggesting that they have the potential to serve as new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for tumours. However, the functions and potential mechanisms of action of piRNAs in cancer have not yet been elucidated. This review summarises the current findings on the biogenesis, function, and mechanisms of piRNAs and PIWI proteins in cancer. We also discuss the clinical significance of piRNAs as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic tools for cancer. Finally, we present some critical questions regarding piRNA research that need to be addressed to provide insight into the future development of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Zhou
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medical, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Han Xie
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230601, China; Institute of Orthopaedics, Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230601, China; Institute of Orthopaedics, Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Ruixiang Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230601, China; Institute of Orthopaedics, Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Yufei Xiang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230601, China; Institute of Orthopaedics, Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Dasheng Tian
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230601, China; Institute of Orthopaedics, Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China.
| | - Erbao Bian
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Fu Rong Road, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230601, China; Institute of Orthopaedics, Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China.
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Chen Y, Zhang X, Jiang J, Luo M, Tu H, Xu C, Tan H, Zhou X, Chen H, Han X, Yue Q, Guo Y, Zheng K, Qi Y, Situ C, Cui Y, Guo X. Regulation of Miwi-mediated mRNA stabilization by Ck137956/Tssa is essential for male fertility. BMC Biol 2023; 21:89. [PMID: 37069605 PMCID: PMC10111675 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01589-z] [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: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm is formed through spermiogenesis, a highly complex process involving chromatin condensation that results in cessation of transcription. mRNAs required for spermiogenesis are transcribed at earlier stages and translated in a delayed fashion during spermatid formation. However, it remains unknown that how these repressed mRNAs are stabilized. RESULTS Here we report a Miwi-interacting testis-specific and spermiogenic arrest protein, Ck137956, which we rename Tssa. Deletion of Tssa led to male sterility and absence of sperm formation. The spermiogenesis arrested at the round spermatid stage and numerous spermiogenic mRNAs were down-regulated in Tssa-/- mice. Deletion of Tssa disrupted the localization of Miwi to chromatoid body, a specialized assembly of cytoplasmic messenger ribonucleoproteins (mRNPs) foci present in germ cells. We found that Tssa interacted with Miwi in repressed mRNPs and stabilized Miwi-interacting spermiogenesis-essential mRNAs. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that Tssa is indispensable in male fertility and has critical roles in post-transcriptional regulations by interacting with Miwi during spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xiangzheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Jiayin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Mengjiao Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Haixia Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Chen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Huanhuan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xudong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qiuling Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yaling Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Chenghao Situ
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Yiqiang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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Abstract
Reproduction involves a wide range of biological processes, including organ formation and development, neuroendocrine regulation, hormone production, and meiosis and mitosis. Infertility, the failure of reproduction, has become a major issue for human reproductive health and affects up to one in seven couples worldwide. Here, we review various aspects of human infertility, including etiology, mechanisms, and treatments, with a particular emphasis on genetics. We focus on gamete production and gamete quality, which is the core of successful reproduction. We also discuss future research opportunities and challenges to further expand our understanding of human infertility and improve patient care by providing precision diagnosis and personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 380000 Grenoble, France
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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Gaspa-Toneu L, Peters AH. Nucleosomes in mammalian sperm: conveying paternal epigenetic inheritance or subject to reprogramming between generations? Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 79:102034. [PMID: 36893482 PMCID: PMC10109108 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
The genome of mammalian sperm is largely packaged by sperm-specific proteins termed protamines. The presence of some residual nucleosomes has, however, emerged as a potential source of paternal epigenetic inheritance between generations. Sperm nucleosomes bear important regulatory histone marks and locate at gene-regulatory regions, functional elements, and intergenic regions. It is unclear whether sperm nucleosomes are retained at specific genomic locations in a deterministic manner or are randomly preserved due to inefficient exchange of histones by protamines. Recent studies indicate heterogeneity in chromatin packaging within sperm populations and an extensive reprogramming of paternal histone marks post fertilization. Obtaining single-sperm nucleosome distributions is fundamental to estimating the potential of sperm-borne nucleosomes in instructing mammalian embryonic development and in the transmission of acquired phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gaspa-Toneu
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; Faculty of Sciences, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Hfm Peters
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; Faculty of Sciences, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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38
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Balagannavar G, Basavaraju K, Bajpai AK, Davuluri S, Kannan S, S Srini V, S Chandrashekar D, Chitturi N, K Acharya K. Transcriptomic analysis of the Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) to address gene expression regulation in human testis. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2023; 69:196-214. [PMID: 36883778 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2023.2176268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
There is a need to understand the molecular basis of testes under Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA), a state of failed spermatogenesis. There has been a lack of attention to the transcriptome at the level of alternatively spliced mRNAs (iso-mRNAs) and the mechanism of gene expression regulation. Hence, we aimed to establish a reliable iso-mRNA profile of NOA-testes, and explore molecular mechanisms - especially those related to gene expression regulation. We sequenced mRNAs from testicular samples of donors with complete spermatogenesis (control samples) and a failure of spermatogenesis (NOA samples). We identified differentially expressed genes and their iso-mRNAs via standard NGS data analyses. We then listed these iso-mRNAs hierarchically based on the extent of consistency of differential quantities across samples and groups, and validated the lists via RT-qPCRs (for 80 iso-mRNAs). In addition, we performed extensive bioinformatic analysis of the splicing features, domains, interactions, and functions of differentially expressed genes and iso-mRNAs. Many top-ranking down-regulated genes and iso-mRNAs, i.e., those down-regulated more consistently across the NOA samples, are associated with mitosis, replication, meiosis, cilium, RNA regulation, and post-translational modifications such as ubiquitination and phosphorylation. Most down-regulated iso-mRNAs correspond to full-length proteins that include all expected domains. The predominance of alternative promoters and termination sites in these iso-mRNAs indicate their gene expression regulation via promoters and UTRs. We compiled a new, comprehensive list of human transcription factors (TFs) and used it to identify TF-'TF gene' interactions with potential significance in down-regulating genes under the NOA condition. The results indicate that RAD51 suppression by HSF4 prevents SP1-activation, and SP1, in turn, could regulate multiple TF genes. This potential regulatory axis and other TF interactions identified in this study could explain the down-regulation of multiple genes in NOA-testes. Such molecular interactions may also have key regulatory roles during normal human spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govindkumar Balagannavar
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.,Research Scholar, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Kavyashree Basavaraju
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.,BdataA: Biological data Analyzers' Association (virtual organization http://startbioinfo.com/BdataA/), India
| | - Akhilesh Kumar Bajpai
- BdataA: Biological data Analyzers' Association (virtual organization http://startbioinfo.com/BdataA/), India
| | - Sravanthi Davuluri
- BdataA: Biological data Analyzers' Association (virtual organization http://startbioinfo.com/BdataA/), India
| | - Shruthi Kannan
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Vasan S Srini
- Manipal Fertility, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Neelima Chitturi
- BdataA: Biological data Analyzers' Association (virtual organization http://startbioinfo.com/BdataA/), India
| | - Kshitish K Acharya
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.,BdataA: Biological data Analyzers' Association (virtual organization http://startbioinfo.com/BdataA/), India
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Sun YH, Cui H, Song C, Shen JT, Zhuo X, Wang RH, Yu X, Ndamba R, Mu Q, Gu H, Wang D, Murthy GG, Li P, Liang F, Liu L, Tao Q, Wang Y, Orlowski S, Xu Q, Zhou H, Jagne J, Gokcumen O, Anthony N, Zhao X, Li XZ. Amniotes co-opt intrinsic genetic instability to protect germ-line genome integrity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:812. [PMID: 36781861 PMCID: PMC9925758 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36354-x] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) in other species that mostly target transposable elements (TEs), >80% of piRNAs in adult mammalian testes lack obvious targets. However, mammalian piRNA sequences and piRNA-producing loci evolve more rapidly than the rest of the genome for unknown reasons. Here, through comparative studies of chickens, ducks, mice, and humans, as well as long-read nanopore sequencing on diverse chicken breeds, we find that piRNA loci across amniotes experience: (1) a high local mutation rate of structural variations (SVs, mutations ≥ 50 bp in size); (2) positive selection to suppress young and actively mobilizing TEs commencing at the pachytene stage of meiosis during germ cell development; and (3) negative selection to purge deleterious SV hotspots. Our results indicate that genetic instability at pachytene piRNA loci, while producing certain pathogenic SVs, also protects genome integrity against TE mobilization by driving the formation of rapid-evolving piRNA sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu H Sun
- Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Hongxiao Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Chi Song
- College of Public Health, Division of Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jiafei Teng Shen
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhuo
- Department of Genetics, The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Ruoqiao Huiyi Wang
- Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xiaohui Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Rudo Ndamba
- Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Qian Mu
- Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Hanwen Gu
- Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Duolin Wang
- Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Gayathri Guru Murthy
- Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Pidong Li
- Grandomics Biosciences Co., Ltd, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Fan Liang
- Grandomics Biosciences Co., Ltd, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Grandomics Biosciences Co., Ltd, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Qing Tao
- Grandomics Biosciences Co., Ltd, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Sara Orlowski
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Huaijun Zhou
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Jarra Jagne
- Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Omer Gokcumen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Nick Anthony
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - Xin Zhiguo Li
- Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
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40
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Wang X, Ramat A, Simonelig M, Liu MF. Emerging roles and functional mechanisms of PIWI-interacting RNAs. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:123-141. [PMID: 36104626 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00528-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that associate with proteins of the PIWI clade of the Argonaute family. First identified in animal germ line cells, piRNAs have essential roles in germ line development. The first function of PIWI-piRNA complexes to be described was the silencing of transposable elements, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the germ line genome. Later studies provided new insights into the functions of PIWI-piRNA complexes by demonstrating that they regulate protein-coding genes. Recent studies of piRNA biology, including in new model organisms such as golden hamsters, have deepened our understanding of both piRNA biogenesis and piRNA function. In this Review, we discuss the most recent advances in our understanding of piRNA biogenesis, the molecular mechanisms of piRNA function and the emerging roles of piRNAs in germ line development mainly in flies and mice, and in infertility, cancer and neurological diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Anne Ramat
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Martine Simonelig
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. .,Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China.
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Zhang G, Jiang C, Yang Y, Wang Y, Zhou H, Dai S, Liu M, Yang Y, Yang L, Shen Q, Zhang T, Zhang X, Yang Y, Shen Y. Deficiency of cancer/testis antigen gene CT55 causes male infertility in humans and mice. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:500-514. [PMID: 36481789 PMCID: PMC9950085 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-01098-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cancer/Testis Antigen (CTA) genes comprise a group of genes whose expression under physiological conditions is restricted to the testis but is activated in many human cancers. Depending on the particular expression pattern, the CTA genes are speculated to play a role in spermatogenesis, but evidence is limited thus far. Here, we reported patients with a hemizygous nonsense mutation in cancer-testis antigen 55 (CT55) suffering from male infertility with extreme disruption in sperm production, morphology, and locomotion. Specifically, the insufficiency of sperm individualization, excessive residue of unnecessary cytoplasm, and defects in acrosome development were evident in the spermatozoa of the patients. Furthermore, mouse models with depletion of Ct55 showed accelerated infertility with age, mimicking the defects in sperm individualization, unnecessary cytoplasm removal, and meanwhile exhibiting the disrupted cumulus-oocyte complex penetration. Mechanistically, our functional experiments uncovered CT55 as a new autophagic manipulator to regulate spermatogenesis via selectively interacting with LAMP2 and GABARAP (which are key regulators in the autophagy process) and further fine-tuning their expression. Therefore, our findings revealed CT55 as a novel CTA gene involved in spermatogenesis due to its unprecedented autophagy activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of reproductive medicine, Sichuan Provincial maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yushang Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Institute of Thoracic Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - 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, 610041, China
| | - Haimeng Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Siyu Dai
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Mohan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yanting Yang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Li 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, 610041, China
| | - Qiongyan Shen
- 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, 610041, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- 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, 610041, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421000, China.
| | - 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, 610041, China.
| | - Ying Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Cheung S, Xie P, Rosenwaks Z, Palermo GD. Profiling the male germline genome to unravel its reproductive potential. Fertil Steril 2023; 119:196-206. [PMID: 36379263 PMCID: PMC9898105 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify specific germline mutations related to sperm reproductive competence, in couples with unexplained infertility. DESIGN In this retrospective study, couples were divided according to whether they had successful intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes (fertile) or not (infertile). Ancillary sperm function tests were performed on ejaculates, and whole exome sequencing was performed on spermatozoal DNA. Sperm aneuploidy and gene mutation profiles were compared between the 2 cohorts as well as according to the specific reasons for reproductive failure. SETTING Center for reproductive medicine at a major academic medical center. PATIENT(S) Thirty-one couples with negative infertility workups and normal semen parameters. INTERVENTION(S) Couples with mutations on fertilization- or embryo development-related genes were subsequently treated by assisted gamete treatment or microfluidics, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle outcomes including fertilization, clinical pregnancy, and delivery rates. RESULT(S) Sperm aneuploidy was lower in the fertile group (4.0% vs. 8.4%). Spermatozoa from both cohorts displayed mutations associated with sperm-egg fusion (ADAM3A) and acrosomal development (SPACA1), regardless of reproductive outcome. The infertile cohort was then categorized according to the reasons for reproductive failure: absent fertilization, poor early embryo development, implantation failure, or pregnancy loss. Spermatozoa from the fertilization failure subgroup (n = 4) had negligible PLCζ presence (10% ± 9%) and gene mutations (PLCZ1, PIWIL1, ADAM15) indicating a sperm-related oocyte-activating deficiency. These couples were successfully treated by assisted gamete treatment in their subsequent cycles. Spermatozoa from the poor early embryo development subgroup (n = 5) had abnormal centrosomes (45.9% ± 5%), and displayed mutations impacting centrosome integrity (HAUS1) and spindle/microtubular stabilization (KIF4A, XRN1). Microfluidic sperm processing subsequently yielded a term pregnancy. Spermatozoa from the implantation failure subgroup (n = 7) also had abnormal centrosomes (53.1% ± 13%) and carried mutations affecting embryonic implantation (IL9R) and microtubule and centrosomal integrity (MAP1S, SUPT5H, PLK4), whereas those from the pregnancy loss subgroup (n = 5) displayed mutations on genes involved in trophoblast development (NLRP7), cell cycle regulation (MARK4, TRIP13, DAB2IP, KIF1C), and recurrent miscarriage (TP53). CONCLUSION(S) By assessing the sperm genome, we identified specific germline mutations related to various reproductive processes. This information may clarify elusive factors underlying reproductive competence and enhance treatment for couples with unexplained infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Cheung
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Philip Xie
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Zev Rosenwaks
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Gianpiero D Palermo
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.
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Zhu CH, Wei Y, Chen F, Li F, Zhang SM, Dong NJ, Xue TM, Liu KF, Cui HM, Lu JC. Investigation on the mechanisms of human sperm DNA damage based on the proteomics analysis by SWATH-MS. Clin Proteomics 2023; 20:2. [PMID: 36609216 PMCID: PMC9817420 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-022-09391-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa have the task of delivering an intact paternal genome to the oocyte and supporting successful embryo development. The detection of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been emerging as a complementary test to conventional semen analysis for male infertility evaluation, but the mechanism leading to SDF and its impact on assisted reproduction remain unclear. Therefore, the study identified and analyzed the differentially expressed proteins of sperm with high and low SDF. METHODS Semen samples from men attended the infertility clinic during June 2020 and August 2020 were analyzed, and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was detected by the sperm chromatin structure assay. Semen samples with low DFI (< 30%, control group) and high DFI (≥ 30%, experimental group) were optimized by density gradient centrifugation (DGC), and the differentially expressed proteins of obtained sperm were identified by the Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Mass Spectra Mass Spectrometry (SWATH-MS) and performed GO and KEGG analysis. RESULTS A total of 2186 proteins were identified and 1591 proteins were quantified, of which 252 proteins were identified as differentially expressed proteins, including 124 upregulated and 128 downregulated. These differentially expressed proteins were involved in metabolic pathways, replication/recombination/repair, acrosomal vesicles, kinase regulators, fertilization, tyrosine metabolism, etc. Western blotting results showed that the expression levels of RAD23B and DFFA proteins and the levels of posttranslational ubiquitination and acetylation modifications in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, which was consistent with the results of proteomics analysis. CONCLUSIONS Proteomic markers of sperm with high DNA fragmentation can be identified by the SWATH-MS and bioinformatic analysis, and new protein markers and posttranslational modifications related to sperm DNA damage are expected to be intensively explored. Our findings may improve our understanding of the basic molecular mechanism of sperm DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hui Zhu
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China ,grid.268415.cInstitute of Epigenetics and Epigenomics, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 48 Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
| | - Ye Wei
- grid.268415.cInstitute of Epigenetics and Epigenomics, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 48 Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
| | - Fang Chen
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China
| | - Feng Li
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China
| | - Sheng-Min Zhang
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China
| | - Nai-Jun Dong
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China
| | - Tong-Min Xue
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China
| | - Kai-Feng Liu
- grid.268415.cCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University/Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu China
| | - Heng-Mi Cui
- grid.268415.cInstitute of Epigenetics and Epigenomics, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 48 Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
| | - Jin-Chun Lu
- grid.452290.80000 0004 1760 6316Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 3 Xinmofan Road, Nanjing, 210037 Jiangsu China
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Li X, Li X, Li W, Zhang Y, Guo H, Wang G, Li Y, Wu X, Hu R, Wang S, Zhao X, Chen L, Guan G. Sex-specific meiosis responses to Gsdf in medaka (Oryzias latipes). FEBS J 2022; 290:2760-2779. [PMID: 36515005 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16701] [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: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The meiotic entry of undifferentiated germ cells is sexually specific and strictly regulated by the testicular or ovarian environment. Germline stem cells with a set of abnormal sex chromosomes and associated autosomes undergo defective meiotic processes and are eventually eliminated by yet to be defined post-transcriptional modifications. Herein, we report the role of gsdf, a member of BMP/TGFβ family uniquely found in teleost, in the regulation of meiotic entry in medaka (Oryzias latipes) via analyses of gametogenesis in gsdf-deficient XX and XY gonads in comparison with their wild-type siblings. Several differentially expressed genes, including the FKB506-binding protein 7 (fkbp7), were significantly upregulated in pubertal gsdf-deficient gonads. The increase in alternative pre-mRNA isoforms of meiotic synaptonemal complex gene sycp3 was visualized using Integrative Genomics Viewer and confirmed by real-time qPCR. Nevertheless, immunofluorescence analysis showed that Sycp3 protein products reduced significantly in gsdf-deficient XY oocytes. Transmission electron microscope observations showed that normal synchronous cysts were replaced by asynchronous cysts in gsdf-deficient testis. Breeding experiments showed that the sex ratio deviation of gsdf-/- XY gametes in a non-Mendelian manner might be due to the non-segregation of XY chromosomes. Taken together, our results suggest that gsdf plays a role in the proper execution of cytoplasmic and nuclear events through receptor Smad phosphorylation and Sycp3 dephosphorylation to coordinate medaka gametogenesis, including sex-specific mitotic divisions and meiotic recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, China
| | - Xinwen Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, China
| | - Wenhao Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, China
| | - Yingqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, China
| | - Haiyan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, China
| | - Guangxing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, China
| | - Yayuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, China
| | - Xiaowen Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, China
| | - Ruiqin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, China
| | - Siyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, China
| | - Xiaomiao Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liangbiao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, China
| | - Guijun Guan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China.,Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, China
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Mann JM, Wei C, Chen C. How genetic defects in piRNA trimming contribute to male infertility. Andrology 2022. [PMID: 36263612 PMCID: PMC10115909 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In germ cells, small non-coding PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) work to silence harmful transposons to maintain genomic stability and regulate gene expression to ensure fertility. However, these piRNAs must undergo a series of steps during biogenesis to be properly loaded onto PIWI proteins and reach the correct nucleotide length. This review is focused on what we are learning about a crucial step in this process, piRNA trimming, in which pre-piRNAs are shortened to final lengths of 21-35 nucleotides. Recently, the 3'-5' exonuclease trimmer has been identified in various models as PNLDC1/PARN-1. Mutations of the piRNA trimmers in vivo lead to increased transposon expression, elevated levels of untrimmed pre-piRNAs, decreased piRNA stability, and male infertility. Here, we will discuss the role of piRNA trimmers in piRNA biogenesis and function, describe consequences of piRNA trimmer mutations using mammalian models and human patients, and examine future avenues of piRNA trimming-related study for clinical advancements for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Mann
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Chao Wei
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.,Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Identification and Characterization of Piwi-Interacting RNAs for Early Testicular Development in Yak. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012320. [PMID: 36293174 PMCID: PMC9603861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal testicular development plays a crucial role in male reproduction and is the precondition for spermatogenesis. PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are novel noncoding RNAs expressed in animal germ cells that form complexes with PIWI family proteins and are involved in germ cell development, differentiation, and spermatogenesis. However, changes in piRNA expression profiles during early testicular development in yak have not been investigated. In this study, we used small RNA sequencing to evaluate the differences and potential functions of piRNA expression profiles in 6-, 18-, and 30-month-old yak testis tissues. Differential expression analysis found 109, 293, and 336 differentially expressed piRNAs in M30 vs. M18, M18 vs. M6, and M30 vs. M6, respectively, and found 30 common differentially expressed piRNAs in the three groups of M6, M18, and M30. In addition, the functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed piRNAs target genes indicated that they were related to testicular development and spermatogenesis. Finally, we detected the expression of the PIWI protein family in the yak testis at different developmental stages and found that PIWIL1, PIWIL2, PIWIL3, and PIWIL4 were highly expressed in 18- and 30-month-old yak testis and almost not expressed in 6-month-old yak testis. In conclusion, this study summarizes the changes of piRNA expression patterns during the early development of yak testis and provides new clues for the regulatory role of piRNA in yak testis.
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Luo H, Mipam T, Wu S, Xu C, Yi C, Zhao W, Chai Z, Chen X, Wu Z, Wang J, Wang J, Wang H, Zhong J, Cai X. DNA methylome of primary spermatocyte reveals epigenetic dysregulation associated with male sterility of cattleyak. Theriogenology 2022; 191:153-167. [PMID: 35988507 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA cytosine methylation modification in the germline is of particular importance since it is a highly heritable epigenetic mark. Although cytosine methylation has been analyzed at the genome-scale for several mammalian species, our knowledge of DNA methylation patterns and the mechanisms underlying male hybrid sterility is still limited in domestic animals such as cattleyak. Here we for the first time show the genome-wide and single-base resolution landscape of methylcytosines (mC) in the primary spermatocyte (PSC) genome of yak with normal spermatogenesis and the inter-specific hybrid cattleyak with male infertility. A comparative investigation revealed that widespread differences are observed in the composition and patterning of DNA cytosine methylation between the two methylomes. Global CG or non-CG DNA methylation levels, as well as the number of mC sites, are increased in cattleyak compared to yak. Notably, the DNA methylome in cattleyak PSC exhibits promoter hypermethylation of meiosis-specific genes and piRNA pathway genes with respect to yak. Furthermore, major retrotransposonson classes are predominantly hypermethylated in cattleyak while those are fully hypomethylated in yak. KEGG pathway enrichment indicates Rap1 signaling and MAPK pathways may play potential roles in the spermatogenic arrest of cattleyak. Our present study not only provides valuable insights into distinct features of the cattleyak PSC methylome but also paves the way toward elucidating the complex, yet highly coordinated epigenetic modification during male germline development for inter-specific hybrid animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Luo
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - TserangDonko Mipam
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shixin Wu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuanfei Xu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuanping Yi
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhixin Chai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhijuan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jikun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiabo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jincheng Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Wang X, Li Z, Qu M, Xiong C, Li H. A homozygous PIWIL2 frameshift variant affects the formation and maintenance of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived spermatogonial stem cells and causes Sertoli cell-only syndrome. STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY 2022; 13:480. [PMID: 36153567 PMCID: PMC9509617 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03175-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background The most serious condition of male infertility is complete Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS), which refers to the lack of all spermatogenic cells in the testes. The genetic cause of SCOS remains to be explored. We aimed to investigate the genetic cause of SCOS and assess the effects of the identified causative variant on human male germ cells. Methods Whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify potentially pathogenic variants in a man with complete SCOS, and Sanger sequencing was performed to verify the causative variant in this man and his father and brother. The pathogenic mechanisms of the causative variant were investigated by in vitro differentiation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into germ cell-like cells. Results The homozygous loss-of-function (LoF) variant p.His244ArgfsTer31 (c.731_732delAT) in PIWIL2 was identified as the causative variant in the man with complete SCOS, and the same variant in heterozygosis was confirmed in his father and brother. This variant resulted in a truncated PIWIL2 protein lacking all functional domains, and no PIWIL2 expression was detected in the patient’s testes. The patient and PIWIL2−/− hiPSCs could be differentiated into primordial germ cell-like cells and spermatogonial stem cell-like cells (SSCLCs) in vitro, but the formation and maintenance of SSCLCs were severely impaired. RNA-seq analyses suggested the inactivation of the Wnt signaling pathway in the process of SSCLC induction in the PIWIL2−/− group, which was validated in the patient group by RT-qPCR. The Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor hindered the formation and maintenance of SSCLCs during the differentiation of normal hiPSCs. Conclusions Our study revealed the pivotal role of PIWIL2 in the formation and maintenance of human spermatogonial stem cells. We provided clinical and functional evidence that the LoF variant in PIWIL2 is a genetic cause of SCOS, which supported the potential role of PIWIL2 in genetic diagnosis. Furthermore, our results highlighted the applicability of in vitro differentiation models to function validation experiments. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03175-6.
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Yao J, Xie M, Ma X, Song J, Wang Y, Xue X. PIWI-interacting RNAs in cancer: Biogenesis, function, and clinical significance. Front Oncol 2022; 12:965684. [PMID: 36212439 PMCID: PMC9539321 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.965684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a less-studied class of small non-coding RNAs approximately 24–31 nucleotides in length. They express in germline and somatic cells and form complexes with PIWI proteins to exert regulatory effects. New studies show that piRNAs are aberrantly expressed in various cancers. In this review, we focus on those piRNAs that are associated with cancer hallmarks such as proliferation, invasion, and chemoresistance and discuss their potential as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Xie
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care, The Chinese People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xidong Ma
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care, The Chinese People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jialin Song
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, China
| | - Yuanyong Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xinying Xue
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, China
- *Correspondence: Xinying Xue,
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Zhao Y, Chen MS, Wang JX, Cui JG, Zhang H, Li XN, Li JL. Connexin-43 is a promising target for lycopene preventing phthalate-induced spermatogenic disorders. J Adv Res 2022:S2090-1232(22)00203-X. [PMID: 36087924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Male infertility is a multifactorial pathological condition and may be a harbinger of future health. Phthalates are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that have been implicated in the global decline in male fertility. Among them, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the most prevalently used. Lycopene (LYC) is a possible preventive and therapeutic agent for male infertility owing to its antioxidant properties. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is formed between Sertoli cells where it creates a unique microenvironment for spermatogenesis. OBJECTIVES We hypothesize that phthalate caused male infertility and LYC plays an important role in phthalate-induced male fertility disorders. METHODS Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, ultrastructure observation, and fluorescence microscopy were used to examine the morphological changes. RNA-Seq, and western blotting were conducted to detect gene and protein levels. Routine testing for sperm morphology and sperm-egg binding assay were conducted to examine the morphological structure and function of sperm. Cell scratch assay and transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) were used to detect cell migration capacity and barrier integrity. RESULTS In vivo experiments, we showed that LYC prevented DEHP-induced impairment of BTB integrity, which provided a guarantee for the smooth progress of spermatogenesis. LYC improved DEHP-induced change in sperm parameters and fertilization ability. Subsequent in vitro experiments, LYC alleviated MEHP-induced disruption of intercellular junctions in mouse Spermatogonia cells (GC-1 cells) and mouse Sertoli cells (TM4 cells). In MEHP-induced BTB impairment models of Sertoli cells, treatment with LYC or overexpressing connexin-43 (Cx43) promoted cell migration capacity and normalized BTB integrity. Cx43 knockdown inhibited cell migration capacity and perturbed BTB reassembly in LYC preventing DEHP-induced BTB impairment. CONCLUSION Our study provides evidence for the role of LYC in phthalates-induced spermatogenic disorders and points to Cx43 as a potential target for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P.R. China
| | - Ming-Shan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Xin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Gen Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P.R. China
| | - Hao Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Nan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P.R. China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Long Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P.R. China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P.R. China.
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