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Xu J, Sun Y, Zhang Y, Ou N, Bai H, Zhao J, Xu S, Luo J, Han S, Li P, Tian R, Zhi E, Huang Y, Zhang J, Liu G, Li Z, Yao C. A homozygous frameshift variant in SYCP2 caused meiotic arrest and non-obstructive azoospermia. Clin Genet 2023; 104:577-581. [PMID: 37337432 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Genetic causation for the majority of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) remains unclear. Mutations in synaptonemal complex (SC)-associated genes could cause meiotic arrest and NOA. Previous studies showed that heterozygous truncating variants in SYCP2 encoding a protein essential for SC formation, are associated with non-obstructive azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia. Herein, we showed a homozygous loss-of-function variant in SYCP2 (c.2689_2690insT) in an NOA-affected patient. And this variant was inherited from heterozygous parental carriers by natural reproduction. HE, IF, and meiotic chromosomal spread analyses demonstrated that spermatogenesis was arrested at the zygotene stage in the proband with NOA. Thus, this study revealed that SYCP2 associated with NOA segregates in an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, rather than an autosomal dominant pattern. Furthermore, our study expanded the knowledge of variants in SYCP2 and provided new insight into understanding the genetic etiology of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Xu
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Sun
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxiang Zhang
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ningjing Ou
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haowei Bai
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingpeng Zhao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuai Xu
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqiang Luo
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sha Han
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Andrology, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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2
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Adams IR, Davies OR. Meiotic Chromosome Structure, the Synaptonemal Complex, and Infertility. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2023; 24:35-61. [PMID: 37159901 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-110122-090239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
In meiosis, homologous chromosome synapsis is mediated by a supramolecular protein structure, the synaptonemal complex (SC), that assembles between homologous chromosome axes. The mammalian SC comprises at least eight largely coiled-coil proteins that interact and self-assemble to generate a long, zipper-like structure that holds homologous chromosomes in close proximity and promotes the formation of genetic crossovers and accurate meiotic chromosome segregation. In recent years, numerous mutations in human SC genes have been associated with different types of male and female infertility. Here, we integrate structural information on the human SC with mouse and human genetics to describe the molecular mechanisms by which SC mutations can result in human infertility. We outline certain themes in which different SC proteins are susceptible to different types of disease mutation and how genetic variants with seemingly minor effects on SC proteins may act as dominant-negative mutations in which the heterozygous state is pathogenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian R Adams
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom;
| | - Owen R Davies
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom;
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3
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Ozturk S. Genetic variants underlying spermatogenic arrests in men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:1021-1061. [PMID: 36740861 PMCID: PMC10081088 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2171544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenic arrest is a severe form of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), which occurs in 10-15% of infertile men. Interruption in spermatogenic progression at premeiotic, meiotic, or postmeiotic stage can lead to arrest in men with NOA. Recent studies have intensively focused on defining genetic variants underlying these spermatogenic arrests by making genome/exome sequencing. A number of variants were discovered in the genes involving in mitosis, meiosis, germline differentiation and other basic cellular events. Herein, defined variants in NOA cases with spermatogenic arrests and created knockout mouse models for the related genes are comprehensively reviewed. Also, importance of gene panel-based screening for NOA cases was discussed. Screening common variants in these infertile men with spermatogenic arrests may contribute to elucidating the molecular background and designing novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
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Blyth U, Craciunas L, Hudson G, Choudhary M. Maternal germline factors associated with aneuploid pregnancy loss: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:866-884. [PMID: 33969392 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Miscarriage describes the spontaneous loss of pregnancy before the threshold of viability; the vast majority occur before 12 weeks of gestation. Miscarriage affects one in four couples and is the most common complication of pregnancy. Chromosomal abnormalities of the embryo are identified in ∼50% of first trimester miscarriages; aneuploidy accounts for 86% of these cases. The majority of trisomic miscarriages are of maternal origin with errors occurring during meiotic division of the oocytes. Chromosome segregation errors in oocytes may be sporadic events secondary to advancing maternal age; however, there is increasing evidence to suggest possible maternal germline contributions to this. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objective of this review was to appraise critically the existing evidence relating to maternal germline factors associated with pregnancy loss secondary to embryo aneuploidy, identify limitations in the current evidence base and establish areas requiring further research. SEARCH METHODS The initial literature search was performed in September 2019 and updated in January 2021 using the electronic databases OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. No time or language restrictions were applied to the searches and only primary research was included. Participants were women who had suffered pregnancy loss secondary to numerical chromosomal abnormalities of the embryo. Study identification and subsequent data extraction were performed by two authors independently. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to judge the quality of the included studies. The results were synthesized narratively. OUTCOMES The literature search identified 2198 titles once duplicates were removed, of which 21 were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. They reported on maternal germline factors having variable degrees of association with pregnancy loss of aneuploid origin. The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) gene ontology database was used as a reference to establish the functional role currently attributed to the genes reported. The majority of the cases reported and included were secondary to the inheritance of maternal structural factors such as Robertsonian translocations, deletions and insertions. Germline factors with a plausible role in aneuploid pregnancy loss of maternal origin included skewed X-inactivation and CGG repeats in the fragile X mental retardation (FMR1) gene. Studies that reported the association of single gene mutations with aneuploid pregnancy loss were conflicting. Single gene mutations with an uncertain or no role in aneuploid pregnancy loss included mutations in synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SYCP3), mitotic polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4) and meiotic stromal antigen 3 (STAG3) spindle integrity variants and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). WIDER IMPLICATIONS Identifying maternal genetic factors associated with an increased risk of aneuploidy will expand our understanding of cell division, non-disjunction and miscarriage secondary to embryo aneuploidy. The candidate germline factors identified may be incorporated in a screening panel for women suffering miscarriage of aneuploidy aetiology to facilitate counselling for subsequent pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Blyth
- Newcastle Fertility Centre at Life, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Laurentiu Craciunas
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gavin Hudson
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Meenakshi Choudhary
- Newcastle Fertility Centre at Life, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Niu B, Li B, Wu C, Wu J, Yan Y, Shang R, Bai C, Li G, Hua J. Melatonin promotes goat spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) proliferation by stimulating glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) production in Sertoli cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:77532-77542. [PMID: 27769051 PMCID: PMC5363602 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin has been reported to be an important endogenous hormone for regulating neurogenesis, immunityand the biological clock. Recently, the effects of melatonin on neural stem cells (NSCs), mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells(iPSCs) have been reported; however, the effects of melatonin on spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) are not clear. Here, 1μM and 1nM melatonin was added to medium when goat SSCs were cultured in vitro, the results showed that melatonin could increase the formation and size of SSC colonies. Real-time quantitative PCR (QRT-PCR) and western blot analysis showed that the expression levels of SSC proliferation and self-renewal markers were up-regulated. Meanwhile, QRT-PCR results showed that melatonin inhibit the mRNA expression level of SSC differentiation markers. ELISA analysis showed an obvious increase in the concentration of GDNF (a niche factor secreted by Sertoli cells) in the medium when treated with melatonin. Meanwhile, the phosphorylation level of AKT, a downstream of GDNF-GFRa1-RET pathway was activated. In conclusion, melatonin promotes goat SSC proliferation by stimulating GDNF production in Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Niu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Research Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Bo Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Research Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chongyang Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Research Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiang Wu
- College of Agriculture, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yuan Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Research Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Shang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Research Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunling Bai
- Key Laboratory for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Guangpeng Li
- Key Laboratory for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Jinlian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Research Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
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6
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Jedidi I, Ouchari M, Yin Q. Autosomal single-gene disorders involved in human infertility. Saudi J Biol Sci 2017; 25:881-887. [PMID: 30108436 PMCID: PMC6088112 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after 1 year of unprotected intercourse, is a healthcare problem that has a worldwide impact. Genetic causes of human infertility are manifold. In addition to the chromosomal aneuploidies and rearrangements, single-gene defects can interfere with human fertility. This paper provides a review of the most common autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant single-gene disorders involved in human infertility. The genes reviewed are CFTR, SPATA16, AURKC, CATSPER1, GNRHR, MTHFR, SYCP3, SOX9, WT1 and NR5A1 genes. These genes may be expressed throughout the hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal-outflow tract axis, and the phenotype of affected individuals varies considerably from varying degrees of spermatogenic dysfunction leading to various degrees of reduced sperm parameters, through hypogonadotropic hypogonadism reslting in pubertal deficiencies, until gonadal dysgenesis and XY and XX sex reversal. Furthermore, congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens, as well as premature ovarian failure, have been reported to be associated with some single-gene defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Jedidi
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Mouna Ouchari
- Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Qinan Yin
- Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Meitan General Hospital, Beijing, China
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7
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Oud MS, Ramos L, O'Bryan MK, McLachlan RI, Okutman Ö, Viville S, Vries PF, Smeets DF, Lugtenberg D, Hehir‐Kwa JY, Gilissen C, de Vorst M, Vissers LE, Hoischen A, Meijerink AM, Fleischer K, Veltman JA, Noordam MJ. Validation and application of a novel integrated genetic screening method to a cohort of 1,112 men with idiopathic azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia. Hum Mutat 2017; 38:1592-1605. [DOI: 10.1002/humu.23312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manon S. Oud
- Department of Human Genetics Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behavior Radboudumc Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Liliana Ramos
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Radboudumc Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Moira K. O'Bryan
- The Development and Stem Cells Program of Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Monash University Clayton Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash University Clayton Australia
| | | | - Özlem Okutman
- Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics UF3472‐Genetics of Infertility University Hospital Strasbourg Strasbourg France
| | - Stephane Viville
- Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics UF3472‐Genetics of Infertility University Hospital Strasbourg Strasbourg France
| | - Petra F. Vries
- Department of Human Genetics Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behavior Radboudumc Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Dominique F.C.M. Smeets
- Department of Human Genetics Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behavior Radboudumc Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Dorien Lugtenberg
- Department of Human Genetics Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behavior Radboudumc Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Jayne Y. Hehir‐Kwa
- Department of Human Genetics Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behavior Radboudumc Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Christian Gilissen
- Department of Human Genetics Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behavior Radboudumc Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Maartje de Vorst
- Department of Human Genetics Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behavior Radboudumc Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Lisenka E.L.M. Vissers
- Department of Human Genetics Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behavior Radboudumc Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Hoischen
- Department of Human Genetics Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behavior Radboudumc Nijmegen The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI) Radboudumc Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Aukje M. Meijerink
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Radboudumc Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Kathrin Fleischer
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Radboudumc Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Joris A. Veltman
- Department of Human Genetics Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behavior Radboudumc Nijmegen The Netherlands
- Institute of Genetic Medicine Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne United Kingdom
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology Maastricht UMC+ Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Michiel J. Noordam
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology Maastricht UMC+ Maastricht The Netherlands
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8
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Yang F, Silber S, Leu NA, Oates RD, Marszalek JD, Skaletsky H, Brown LG, Rozen S, Page DC, Wang PJ. TEX11 is mutated in infertile men with azoospermia and regulates genome-wide recombination rates in mouse. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 7:1198-210. [PMID: 26136358 PMCID: PMC4568952 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201404967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide recombination is essential for genome stability, evolution, and speciation. Mouse Tex11, an X-linked meiosis-specific gene, promotes meiotic recombination and chromosomal synapsis. Here, we report that TEX11 is mutated in infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia and that an analogous mutation in the mouse impairs meiosis. Genetic screening of a large cohort of idiopathic infertile men reveals that TEX11 mutations, including frameshift and splicing acceptor site mutations, cause infertility in 1% of azoospermic men. Functional evaluation of three analogous human TEX11 missense mutations in transgenic mouse models identified one mutation (V748A) as a potential infertility allele and found two mutations non-causative. In the mouse model, an intronless autosomal Tex11 transgene functionally substitutes for the X-linked Tex11 gene, providing genetic evidence for the X-to-autosomal retrotransposition evolution phenomenon. Furthermore, we find that TEX11 protein levels modulate genome-wide recombination rates in both sexes. These studies indicate that TEX11 alleles affecting expression level or substituting single amino acids may contribute to variations in recombination rates between sexes and among individuals in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sherman Silber
- Infertility Center of St. Louis, St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - N Adrian Leu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert D Oates
- Department of Urology, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Janet D Marszalek
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Helen Skaletsky
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Laura G Brown
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Steve Rozen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA Duke-Nus Graduate Medical School Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - David C Page
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - P Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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9
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Abstract
The study of homologous recombination has its historical roots in meiosis. In this context, recombination occurs as a programmed event that culminates in the formation of crossovers, which are essential for accurate chromosome segregation and create new combinations of parental alleles. Thus, meiotic recombination underlies both the independent assortment of parental chromosomes and genetic linkage. This review highlights the features of meiotic recombination that distinguish it from recombinational repair in somatic cells, and how the molecular processes of meiotic recombination are embedded and interdependent with the chromosome structures that characterize meiotic prophase. A more in-depth review presents our understanding of how crossover and noncrossover pathways of meiotic recombination are differentiated and regulated. The final section of this review summarizes the studies that have defined defective recombination as a leading cause of pregnancy loss and congenital disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Hunter
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616
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10
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Jørgensen A, Rajpert-De Meyts E. Regulation of meiotic entry and gonadal sex differentiation in the human: normal and disrupted signaling. Biomol Concepts 2014; 5:331-41. [DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2014-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMeiosis is a unique type of cell division that is performed only by germ cells to form haploid gametes. The switch from mitosis to meiosis exhibits a distinct sex-specific difference in timing, with female germ cells entering meiosis during fetal development and male germ cells at puberty when spermatogenesis is initiated. During early fetal development, bipotential primordial germ cells migrate to the forming gonad where they remain sexually indifferent until the sex-specific differentiation of germ cells is initiated by cues from the somatic cells. This irreversible step in gonadal sex differentiation involves the initiation of meiosis in fetal ovaries and prevention of meiosis in the germ cells of fetal testes. During the last decade, major advances in the understanding of meiosis regulation have been accomplished, with the discovery of retinoic acid as an inducer of meiosis being the most prominent finding. Knowledge about the molecular mechanisms regulating meiosis signaling has mainly been established by studies in rodents, while this has not yet been extensively investigated in humans. In this review, the current knowledge about the regulation of meiosis signaling is summarized and placed in the context of fetal gonad development and germ cell differentiation, with emphasis on results obtained in humans. Furthermore, the consequences of dysregulated meiosis signaling in humans are briefly discussed in the context of selected pathologies, including testicular germ cell cancer and some forms of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Jørgensen
- 1Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- 1Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Analysis of SYCP3 encoding synaptonemal complex protein 3 in human aneuploidies. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2013; 288:1153-8. [PMID: 23677416 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-013-2861-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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12
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López-Carrasco A, Oltra S, Monfort S, Mayo S, Roselló M, Martínez F, Orellana C. Mutation screening of AURKB and SYCP3 in patients with reproductive problems. Mol Hum Reprod 2012; 19:102-8. [PMID: 23100464 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gas047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the spindle checkpoint genes can cause improper chromosome segregations and aneuploidies, which in turn may lead to reproductive problems. Two of the proteins involved in this checkpoint are Aurora kinase B (AURKB), preventing the anaphase whenever microtubule-kinetochore attachments are not the proper ones during metaphase; and synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SYCP3), which is essential for the formation of the complex and for the recombination of the homologous chromosomes. This study has attempted to clarify the possible involvement of both proteins in the reproductive problems of patients with chromosomal instability. In order to do this, we have performed a screening for genetic variants in AURKB and SYCP3 among these patients using Sanger sequencing. Only one apparently non-pathogenic deletion was found in SYCP3. On the other hand, we found six sequence variations in AURKB. The consequences of these changes on the protein were studied in silico using different bioinformatic tools. In addition, the frequency of three of the variations was studied using a high-resolution melting approach. The absence of these three variants in control samples and their position in the AURKB gene suggests their possible involvement in the patients' chromosomal instability. Interestingly, two of the identified changes in AURKB were found in each member of a couple with antecedents of spontaneous pregnancy loss, a fetal anencephaly and a deaf daughter. One of these changes is described here for the first time. Although further studies are necessary, our results are encouraging enough to propose the analysis of AURKB in couples with reproductive problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- A López-Carrasco
- Unidad de Genética y Diagnóstico Prenatal, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico la Fe. Av. Campanar 21, 46009 Valencia, Spain
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13
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Gurkan H, Aydin F, Kadıoglu A, Palanduz S. Investigation of mutations in the synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SYCP3) gene among azoospermic infertile male patients in the Turkish population. Andrologia 2012; 45:92-100. [PMID: 22670862 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2012.01317.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate possible mutations and/or single nucleotide polymorphisms in the synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SYCP3) gene among nonobstructive azoospermic infertile males in a Turkish population, 75 nonobstructive azoospermic infertile male patients were included in the study. These patients were unrelated to each other and had 46,XY chromosome structure without Y microdeletion. In addition, 75 individuals whose fertility was proven by reproduction were enrolled in the study as controls. Nine exon deep intronic primers belonging to the SYCP3 gene were designed and amplified by PCR, and the nucleotide sequences were identified by DNA sequence analysis. DNA sequence analysis was used to detect mutations and/or single nucleotide polymorphisms in the SYCP3 gene. No mutations were detected in the 9 exons of SYCP3. A total of eleven variations, however, were detected: seven have been identified in the NCBI SNP database, whereas four have not. On the basis of the results, we agree with the idea that SYCP3 mutations are not associated with the genetic susceptibility for meiotic arrest in infertile male patients with nonobstructive azoospermia in the Turkish population and that further studies investigating the other components of the synaptonemal complex protein (SYCP1, SYCP2) should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Gurkan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical Faculty, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey.
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Massart A, Lissens W, Tournaye H, Stouffs K. Genetic causes of spermatogenic failure. Asian J Androl 2012; 14:40-8. [PMID: 22138898 PMCID: PMC3735159 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2011.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Revised: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 10%-15% of couples are infertile, and a male factor is involved in almost half of these cases. This observation is due in part to defects in spermatogenesis, and the underlying causes, including genetic abnormalities, remain largely unknown. Until recently, the only genetic tests used in the diagnosis of male infertility were aimed at detecting the presence of microdeletions of the long arm of the Y chromosome and/or chromosomal abnormalities. Various other single-gene or polygenic defects have been proposed to be involved in male fertility. However, their causative effects often remain unproven. The recent evolution in the development of whole-genome-based techniques and the large-scale analysis of mouse models might help in this process. Through knockout mouse models, at least 388 genes have been shown to be associated with spermatogenesis in mice. However, problems often arise when translating this information from mice to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelien Massart
- Center for Medical Genetics, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Hann MC, Lau PE, Tempest HG. Meiotic recombination and male infertility: from basic science to clinical reality? Asian J Androl 2011; 13:212-8. [PMID: 21297654 PMCID: PMC3739220 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2011.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 01/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a common problem that affects approximately 15% of the population. Although many advances have been made in the treatment of infertility, the molecular and genetic causes of male infertility remain largely elusive. This review will present a summary of our current knowledge on the genetic origin of male infertility and the key events of male meiosis. It focuses on chromosome synapsis and meiotic recombination and the problems that arise when errors in these processes occur, specifically meiotic arrest and chromosome aneuploidy, the leading cause of pregnancy loss in humans. In addition, meiosis-specific candidate genes will be discussed, including a discussion on why we have been largely unsuccessful at identifying disease-causing mutations in infertile men. Finally clinical applications of sperm aneuploidy screening will be touched upon along with future prospective clinical tests to better characterize male infertility in a move towards personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Hann
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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Mutation analysis of three genes in patients with maturation arrest of spermatogenesis and couples with recurrent miscarriages. Reprod Biomed Online 2011; 22:65-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2010.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2010] [Revised: 08/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Kogo H, Kowa-Sugiyama H, Yamada K, Bolor H, Tsutsumi M, Ohye T, Inagaki H, Taniguchi M, Toda T, Kurahashi H. Screening of genes involved in chromosome segregation during meiosis I: toward the identification of genes responsible for infertility in humans. J Hum Genet 2010; 55:293-9. [PMID: 20339383 DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2010.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Prophase I of male meiosis during early spermatogenesis involves dynamic chromosome segregation processes, including synapsis, meiotic recombination and cohesion. Genetic defects in the genes that participate in these processes consistently cause reproduction failure in mice. To identify candidate genes responsible for infertility in humans, we performed gene expression profiling of mouse spermatogenic cells undergoing meiotic prophase I. Cell fractions enriched in spermatogonia, leptotene/zygotene spermatocytes or pachytene spermatocytes from developing mouse testis were separately isolated by density gradient sedimentation and subjected to microarray analysis. A total of 726 genes were identified that were upregulated in leptotene/zygotene spermatocytes. To evaluate the screening efficiency for meiosis-specific genes, we randomly selected 12 genes from this gene set and characterized each gene product using reverse transcription (RT)-PCR of RNA from gonadal tissues, in situ hybridization on testicular tissue sections and subcellular localization analysis of the encoded protein. Four of the 12 genes were confirmed as genes expressed in meiotic stage and 2 of these 4 genes were novel, previously uncharacterized genes. Among the three confirmation methods that were used, RT-PCR appeared to be the most efficient method for further screening. These 726 candidates for human infertility genes might serve as a useful resource for next-generation sequencing combined with exon capture by microarray.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kogo
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
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Abstract
Subfertility, defined as the inability to conceive within 1 year of unprotected intercourse, affects 10–15% of couples. In up to 55% of couples, the male partner is diagnosed with spermatogenic failure, i.e. one or more semen parameters fall below the WHO criteria for normozoospermia. In these cases, assisted reproductive technology is usually used to achieve pregnancy. Both genetic and environmental factors are thought to underlie spermatogenic failure. Despite years of research, only few genetic factors have clearly been shown to cause spermatogenic failure, and the identification of additional genetic causes or risk factors has proven to be extremely difficult. In this review, we will present an overview of established genetic causes of spermatogenic failure, describe pitfalls in searching for novel genetic factors and discuss research opportunities for the future.
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Nuti F, Krausz C. Gene polymorphisms/mutations relevant to abnormal spermatogenesis. Reprod Biomed Online 2008; 16:504-13. [PMID: 18413059 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60457-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the identification of an increasing number of candidate genes involved in spermatogenesis, the armamentarium of diagnostic genetic tests in male infertility remains extremely limited. A number of new causative mutations have been reported for hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism but still the genetic diagnosis in this pathological condition is made only in about 20% of cases. The sole molecular genetic test that is routinely proposed in severe spermatogenic disturbances is screening for Yq microdeletion. The search for causative mutations in the Y chromosome, and in autosomal and X-linked genes, has mostly been unsuccessful. The paucity of gene mutations raises questions about the appropriateness of the currently used screening approaches. Among the proposed genetic risk factors, gr/gr deletion of the Y chromosome seems to be the most promising polymorphism. Other polymorphisms are awaiting further confirmation, whereas for some (POLG, DAZL, USP26, FSHR) a lack of association with abnormal spermatogenesis has now been ascertained. It is likely that some polymorphisms lead to testicular dysfunction only when in association with a specific genetic background or with environmental factors. Future large-scale studies with stringent study design may provide a more efficient way to identify clinically relevant genetic factors of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Nuti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
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Stouffs K, Tournaye H, Van der Elst J, Haentjens P, Liebaers I, Lissens W. Do we need to search for gr/gr deletions in infertile men in a clinical setting? Hum Reprod 2008; 23:1193-9. [PMID: 18326516 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Partial deletions of the AZFc region of the Y chromosome such as gr/gr deletions have been detected in infertile patients as well as in control groups. The impact of these gr/gr deletions on the etiology of male infertility remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the presence of gr/gr deletions in Caucasian men. METHODS gr/gr deletions were analyzed by using markers sY1291, sY1191 and sY1197 and by investigating the presence of single nucleotide variants (SNV) in DAZ and CDY1 genes in patients with azoospermia (n = 44), cryptozoospermia (n = 51) or severe oligozoospermia (n = 92). Control groups consisted of men with normal spermatogenesis on testicular biopsy (n = 33), normozoospermia (n = 278) or proven fertility (n = 83). RESULTS We observed 20 gr/gr deletions, with eight in infertile patients (4.3%) and 12 in the control groups (3.0%), which was not significantly different. DAZ SNV analysis revealed eight different deletion patterns in patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS In the present study, no significant differences in the frequency of gr/gr deletions between different patient and control groups were observed. We concluded that the relationship between gr/gr deletions and male infertility remains unclear and that it is too early to systematically test for gr/gr deletions for infertile couples seeking assisted reproduction treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Stouffs
- Research Centre for Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
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