1
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Fujiwara Y, Hada M, Fukuda Y, Koga C, Inoue E, Okada Y. Isolation of stage-specific spermatogenic cells by dynamic histone incorporation and removal in spermatogenesis. Cytometry A 2024; 105:297-307. [PMID: 38087848 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Due to the lack of an efficient in vitro spermatogenesis system, studies on mammalian spermatogenesis require the isolation of specific germ cell populations for further analyses. BSA gradient and elutriation have been used for several decades to purify testicular germ cells; more recently, flow cytometric cell sorting has become popular. Although each method has its advantages and disadvantages and is used depending on the purpose of the experiment, reliance on flow cytometric cell sorting is expected to be more prevalent because fewer cells can be managed. However, the currently used flow cytometric cell sorting method for testicular germ cells relies on karyotypic differences via DNA staining. Thus, it remains challenging to separate post-meiotic haploid cells (spermatids) according to their differentiation stage despite significant variations in morphology and chromatin state. In this study, we developed a method for finely separating testicular germ cells using VC mice carrying fluorescently tagged histones. This method enables the separation of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids based on the intensity of histone fluorescence and cell size. Combined with a DNA staining dye, this method separates spermatids after elongation according to each spermiogenic stage. Although the necessity for a specific transgenic mouse line is less versatile, this method is expected to be helpful for the isolation of testicular germ cell populations because it is highly reproducible and independent of complex cell sorter settings and staining conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Fujiwara
- Institute of Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masashi Hada
- Institute of Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Fukuda
- Institute of Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chizuko Koga
- Institute of Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Erina Inoue
- Institute of Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Okada
- Institute of Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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2
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Lu X, Yin P, Li H, Gao W, Jia H, Ma W. Transcriptome Analysis of Key Genes Involved in the Initiation of Spermatogonial Stem Cell Differentiation. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:141. [PMID: 38397131 PMCID: PMC10888189 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020141] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to screen the genes and pathways that are involved in spermatogonia stem cell (SSC) differentiation regulation during the transition from Aundiff to A1. Methods: RNA sequencing was performed to screen differentially expressed genes at 1 d and 2 d after SSC differentiation culture. KEGG pathway enrichment and GO function analysis were performed to reveal the genes and pathways related to the initiation of early SSC differentiation. RESULTS The GO analysis showed that Rpl21, which regulates cell differentiation initiation, significantly increased after 1 day of SSC differentiation. The expressions of Fn1, Cd9, Fgf2, Itgb1, Epha2, Ctgf, Cttn, Timp2 and Fgfr1, which are related to promoting differentiation, were up-regulated after 2 days of SSC differentiation. The analysis of the KEGG pathway revealed that RNA transport is the most enriched pathway 1 day after SSC differentiation. Hspa2, which promotes the differentiation of male reproductive cells, and Cdkn2a, which participates in the cell cycle, were significantly up-regulated. The p53 pathway and MAPK pathway were the most enriched pathways 2 days after SSC differentiation. Cdkn1a, Hmga2, Thbs1 and Cdkn2a, microRNAs that promote cell differentiation, were also significantly up-regulated. CONCLUSIONS RNA transport, the MAPK pathway and the p53 pathway may play vital roles in early SSC differentiation, and Rpl21, Fn1, Cd9, Fgf2, Itgb1, Epha2, Ctgf, Cttn, Timp2, Fgfr1, Hspa2, Cdkn2a, Cdkn1a, Hmga2 and Thbs1 are involved in the initiation of SSC differentiation. The findings of this study provide a reference for further revelations of the regulatory mechanism of SSC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Wenzhi Ma
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; (X.L.); (P.Y.); (H.L.); (W.G.); (H.J.)
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3
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Luo Y, Yamada M, N’Tumba-Byn T, Asif H, Gao M, Hu Y, Marangoni P, Liu Y, Evans T, Rafii S, Klein OD, Voss HU, Hadjantonakis AK, Elemento O, Martin LA, Seandel M. SPRY4-dependent ERK negative feedback demarcates functional adult stem cells in the male mouse germline†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:533-551. [PMID: 37552049 PMCID: PMC10577279 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad089] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Niche-derived growth factors support self-renewal of mouse spermatogonial stem and progenitor cells through ERK MAPK signaling and other pathways. At the same time, dysregulated growth factor-dependent signaling has been associated with loss of stem cell activity and aberrant differentiation. We hypothesized that growth factor signaling through the ERK MAPK pathway in spermatogonial stem cells is tightly regulated within a narrow range through distinct intracellular negative feedback regulators. Evaluation of candidate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-responsive genes known to dampen downstream signaling revealed robust induction of specific negative feedback regulators, including Spry4, in cultured mouse spermatogonial stem cells in response to glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor or fibroblast growth factor 2. Undifferentiated spermatogonia in vivo exhibited high levels of Spry4 mRNA. Quantitative single-cell analysis of ERK MAPK signaling in spermatogonial stem cell cultures revealed both dynamic signaling patterns in response to growth factors and disruption of such effects when Spry4 was ablated, due to dysregulation of ERK MAPK downstream of RAS. Whereas negative feedback regulator expression decreased during differentiation, loss of Spry4 shifted cell fate toward early differentiation with concomitant loss of stem cell activity. Finally, a mouse Spry4 reporter line revealed that the adult spermatogonial stem cell population in vivo is demarcated by strong Spry4 promoter activity. Collectively, our data suggest that negative feedback-dependent regulation of ERK MAPK is critical for preservation of spermatogonial stem cell fate within the mammalian testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyun Luo
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Makiko Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Hana Asif
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meng Gao
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pauline Marangoni
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hartman Institute for Therapeutic Organ Regeneration, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Todd Evans
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hartman Institute for Therapeutic Organ Regeneration, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ophir D Klein
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Henning U Voss
- College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura A Martin
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marco Seandel
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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4
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Wu Y, Zeng S, Miao C, Wu H, Xu X, Chen L, Lu G, Lin G, Dai C. A 1-kb human CDCA8 promoter directs the spermatogonia-specific luciferase expression in adult testis. Gene 2023; 866:147350. [PMID: 36898512 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147350] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Cell division cycle associated 8 (CDCA8) is a component of the chromosomal passenger complex and plays an essential role in mitosis, meiosis, cancer growth, and undifferentiated state of embryonic stem cells. However, its expression and role in adult tissues remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we studied the CDCA8 transcription in adult tissues by generating a transgenic mouse model, in which the luciferase was driven by a 1-kb human CDCA8 promoter. Our previous study showed that this 1-kb promoter was active enough to dictate reporter expression faithfully reflecting endogenous CDCA8 expression. Two founder mice carrying the transgene were identified. In vivo imaging and luciferase assays in tissue lysates revealed that CDCA8 promoter was highly activated and drove robust luciferase expression in testes. Subsequently, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining showed that in adult transgenic testes, the expression of luciferase was restricted to a subset of spermatogonia that were located along the basement membrane and positive for the expression of GFRA1, a consensus marker for early undifferentiated spermatogonia. These findings for the first time indicate that the CDCA8 was transcriptionally activated in testis and thus may play a role in adult spermatogenesis. Moreover, the 1-kb CDCA8 promoter could be used for spermatogonia-specific gene expression in vivo and the transgenic lines constructed here could also be used for recovery of spermatogonia from adult testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueren Wu
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Sicong Zeng
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Congxiu Miao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Huixia Wu
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Xiaoming Xu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Liansheng Chen
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410078, China; National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha 410205, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410078, China; National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha 410205, China.
| | - Can Dai
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China.
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5
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Ciccarelli M, Oatley JM. Perspectives: Approaches for Studying Livestock Spermatogonia. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:325-339. [PMID: 37249879 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
At present, the knowledge base on characteristics and biology of spermatogonia in livestock is limited in comparison to rodents, yet the importance of studying these cells for comparative species analysis and enhancing reproductive capacity in food animals is high. Previous studies have established that although many core attributes of organ physiology and mechanisms governing essential cellular functions are conserved across eutherians, significant differences exist between mice and higher order mammals. In this chapter, we briefly discuss distinguishing aspects of testicular anatomy and the spermatogenic lineage in livestock and critical considerations for studying spermatogonial stem cell biology in these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Ciccarelli
- Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Jon M Oatley
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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6
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Munyoki SK, Orwig KE. Perspectives: Methods for Evaluating Primate Spermatogonial Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:341-364. [PMID: 37249880 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_18] [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: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex, highly productive process generating millions of sperm per day. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are at the foundation of spermatogenesis and can either self-renew, producing more SSCs, or differentiate to initiate spermatogenesis and produce sperm. The biological potential of SSCs to produce and maintain spermatogenesis makes them a promising tool for the treatment of male infertility. However, translating knowledge from rodents to higher primates (monkeys and humans) is challenged by different vocabularies that are used to describe stem cells and spermatogenic lineage development in those species. Furthermore, while rodent SSCs are defined by their biological potential to produce and maintain spermatogenesis in a transplant assay, there is no equivalent routine and accessible bioassay to test monkey and human SSCs or replicate their functions in vitro. This chapter describes progress characterizing, isolating, culturing, and transplanting SSCs in higher primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Munyoki
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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7
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Mao J, Liu P, Han W, Mo R, Guo S, Sun J. The Influence of GFRαl Inhibition on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Spermatogenic Cells. CYTOL GENET+ 2022. [DOI: 10.3103/s0095452722060081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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8
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Sadeghiani G, Khanehzad M, Sadighi Gilani MA, Amidi F, Malekzadeh M, Rastegar T. Evaluation of Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway in the Presence of Pentoxifylline as a Cryoprotectant in Mouse Spermatogonial Stem Cells. Biopreserv Biobank 2022. [PMID: 36006661 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2021.0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of spermatogonial stem cell cryopreservation (SSCs) in young male cancer survivors is associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA fragmentation, apoptosis, decreased cell activity, and finally reduced fertility of SSCs. Therefore, it is necessary to add cryoprotectants to the freezing medium to minimize the injuries associated with cryopreservation. In addition, the Nrf2/ARE pathway is a main cellular pathway that regulates the antioxidant defense system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cryoprotective effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) on SSCs after freezing-thawing through the Nrf2/ARE pathway. SSCs extracted from neonatal mice testes were isolated and their purity was measured by flow cytometry with GDNF family receptor alpha-1 (GFRα1) and inhibitor of differentiation 4 (ID4). After culturing, the cells were frozen in different groups for 1 month. After freezing-thawing, cell viability, colonization rate, and intracellular ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were evaluated. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were done to assess the expression levels of Nrf2, Keap-1, PI3K, and AKT genes and proteins. The survival and colonization rates of SSCs, SOD, and CAT levels, and Nrf2, PI3K, and AKT expression levels were significantly higher in the PTX group compared with the other cryopreservation groups. The Keap-1 expression level and the ROS and MDA production levels also decreased significantly in the PTX group (p-value <0.05). According to our findings, PTX can activate the antioxidant defense through the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway; therefore, it could be a suitable cryoprotectant candidate for freezing and long-term storage of SSCs in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaleh Sadeghiani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Khanehzad
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnoush Malekzadeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Rastegar
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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9
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Abstract
The number of (TTAGGG)n repeats at the ends of chromosomes is highly variable between individual chromosomes, between different cells and between species. Progressive loss of telomere repeats limits the proliferation of pre-malignant human cells but also contributes to aging by inducing apoptosis and senescence in normal cells. Despite enormous progress in understanding distinct pathways that result in loss and gain of telomeric DNA in different cell types, many questions remain. Further studies are needed to delineate the role of damage to telomeric DNA, replication errors, chromatin structure, liquid-liquid phase transition, telomeric transcripts (TERRA) and secondary DNA structures such as guanine quadruplex structures, R-loops and T-loops in inducing gains and losses of telomere repeats in different cell types. Limitations of current telomere length measurements techniques and differences in telomere biology between species and different cell types complicate generalizations about the role of telomeres in aging and cancer. Here some of the factors regulating the telomere length in embryonic and adult cells in mammals are discussed from a mechanistic and evolutionary perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lansdorp
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia (BC) Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Peter Lansdorp,
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10
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Thirouard L, Holota H, Monrose M, Garcia M, de Haze A, Damon‐Soubeyrand C, Renaud Y, Saru J, Perino A, Schoonjans K, Beaudoin C, Volle DH. Identification of a Crosstalk among TGR5, GLIS2, and TP53 Signaling Pathways in the Control of Undifferentiated Germ Cell Homeostasis and Chemoresistance. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2200626. [PMID: 35435331 PMCID: PMC9189661 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202200626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells regenerate and maintain spermatogenesis throughout life, making testis a good model for studying stem cell biology. The effects of chemotherapy on fertility have been well-documented previously. This study investigates how busulfan, an alkylating agent that is often used for chemotherapeutic purposes, affects male fertility. Specifically, the role of the TGR5 pathway is investigated on spermatogonia homeostasis using in vivo, in vitro, and pharmacological methods. In vivo studies are performed using wild-type and Tgr5-deficient mouse models. The results clearly show that Tgr5 deficiency can facilitate restoration of the spermatogonia homeostasis and allow faster resurgence of germ cell lineage after exposure to busulfan. TGR5 modulates the expression of key genes of undifferentiated spermatogonia such as Gfra1 and Fgfr2. At the molecular level, the present data highlight molecular mechanisms underlying the interactions among the TGR5, GLIS2, and TP53 pathways in spermatogonia associated with germ cell apoptosis following busulfan exposure. This study makes a significant contribution to the literature because it shows that TGR5 plays key role on undifferentiated germ cell homeostasis and that modulating the TGR5 signaling pathway could be used as a potential therapeutic tool for fertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Thirouard
- INSERM U1103Université Clermont AuvergneCNRS UMR‐6293GReD InstituteTeam‐VolleClermont‐FerrandF‐63037France
| | - Hélène Holota
- INSERM U1103Université Clermont AuvergneCNRS UMR‐6293GReD InstituteTeam‐VolleClermont‐FerrandF‐63037France
| | - Mélusine Monrose
- INSERM U1103Université Clermont AuvergneCNRS UMR‐6293GReD InstituteTeam‐VolleClermont‐FerrandF‐63037France
| | - Manon Garcia
- INSERM U1103Université Clermont AuvergneCNRS UMR‐6293GReD InstituteTeam‐VolleClermont‐FerrandF‐63037France
| | - Angélique de Haze
- INSERM U1103Université Clermont AuvergneCNRS UMR‐6293GReD InstituteTeam‐VolleClermont‐FerrandF‐63037France
| | | | - Yoan Renaud
- INSERM U1103Université Clermont AuvergneCNRS UMR‐6293GReD InstituteBio‐informatic facilityClermont‐FerrandF‐63037France
| | - Jean‐Paul Saru
- INSERM U1103Université Clermont AuvergneCNRS UMR‐6293GReD InstituteTeam‐VolleClermont‐FerrandF‐63037France
| | - Alessia Perino
- Laboratory of Metabolic SignalingInstitute of BioengineeringSchool of Life SciencesEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneLausanneCH‐1015Switzerland
| | - Kristina Schoonjans
- Laboratory of Metabolic SignalingInstitute of BioengineeringSchool of Life SciencesEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneLausanneCH‐1015Switzerland
| | - Claude Beaudoin
- INSERM U1103Université Clermont AuvergneCNRS UMR‐6293GReD InstituteTeam‐VolleClermont‐FerrandF‐63037France
| | - David H. Volle
- INSERM U1103Université Clermont AuvergneCNRS UMR‐6293GReD InstituteTeam‐VolleClermont‐FerrandF‐63037France
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11
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Distinctive molecular features of regenerative stem cells in the damaged male germline. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2500. [PMID: 35523793 PMCID: PMC9076627 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30130-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of male fertility requires spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that self-renew and generate differentiating germ cells for production of spermatozoa. Germline cells are sensitive to genotoxic drugs and patients receiving chemotherapy can become infertile. SSCs surviving treatment mediate germline recovery but pathways driving SSC regenerative responses remain poorly understood. Using models of chemotherapy-induced germline damage and recovery, here we identify unique molecular features of regenerative SSCs and characterise changes in composition of the undifferentiated spermatogonial pool during germline recovery by single-cell analysis. Increased mitotic activity of SSCs mediating regeneration is accompanied by alterations in growth factor signalling including PI3K/AKT and mTORC1 pathways. While sustained mTORC1 signalling is detrimental for SSC maintenance, transient mTORC1 activation is critical for the regenerative response. Concerted inhibition of growth factor signalling disrupts core features of the regenerative state and limits germline recovery. We also demonstrate that the FOXM1 transcription factor is a target of growth factor signalling in undifferentiated spermatogonia and provide evidence for a role in regeneration. Our data confirm dynamic changes in SSC functional properties following damage and support an essential role for microenvironmental growth factors in promoting a regenerative state. Male germline regeneration after damage is dependent on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) but pathways mediating the regenerative response are unclear. Here the authors define roles for growth factor signalling and mTORC1 in SSC-driven regeneration.
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12
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The netrin-1 receptor UNC5C contributes to the homeostasis of undifferentiated spermatogonia in adult mice. Stem Cell Res 2022; 60:102723. [PMID: 35247845 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2022.102723] [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] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In adult testis, the cell mobility is essential for spermatogonia differentiation and is suspected to regulate spermatogonial stem cell fate. Netrin-1 controls cell migration and/or survival according to the cellular context. Its involvement in some self-renewing lineages raises the possibility that Netrin-1 could have a role in spermatogenesis. We show that in addition to Sertoli cells, a fraction of murine undifferentiated spermatogonia express the Netrin-1 receptor UNC5c and that UNC5c contributes to spermatogonia differentiation. Receptor loss in Unc5crcm males leads to the concomitant accumulation of transit-amplifying progenitors and short syncytia of spermatogonia. Without altering cell death rates, the consequences of Unc5c loss worsen with age: the increase in quiescent undifferentiated progenitors associated with a higher spermatogonial stem cell enriched subset leads to the spermatocyte I decline. We demonstrate in vitro that Netrin-1 promotes a guidance effect as it repulses both undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia. Finally, we propose that UNC5c triggers undifferentiated spermatogonia adhesion/ migration and that the repulsive activity of Netrin-1 receptors could regulate spermatogonia differentiation, and maintain germ cell homeostasis.
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13
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Kitadate Y, Yoshida S. Regulation of spermatogenic stem cell homeostasis by mitogen competition in an open niche microenvironment. Gene 2022; 97:15-25. [DOI: 10.1266/ggs.21-00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kitadate
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
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14
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Wright WW. The Regulation of Spermatogonial Stem Cells in an Adult Testis by Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:896390. [PMID: 35721702 PMCID: PMC9203831 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.896390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the in vivo regulation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in adult testes by glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). To study adult mouse testes, we reversibly inhibited GDNF stimulation of SSCs via a chemical-genetic approach. This inhibition diminishes replication and increases differentiation of SSCs, and inhibition for 9 days reduces transplantable SSC numbers by 90%. With more sustained inhibition, all SSCs are lost, and testes eventually resemble human testes with Sertoli cell-only (SCO) syndrome. This resemblance prompted us to ask if GDNF expression is abnormally low in these infertile human testes. It is. Expression of FGF2 and FGF8 is also reduced, but some SCO testes contain SSCs. To evaluate the possible rebuilding of an SSC pool depleted due to inadequate GDNF signaling, we inhibited and then restored signaling to mouse SSCs. Partial rebuilding occurred, suggesting GDNF as therapy for men with SCO syndrome.
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Nakagawa T, Jörg DJ, Watanabe H, Mizuno S, Han S, Ikeda T, Omatsu Y, Nishimura K, Fujita M, Takahashi S, Kondoh G, Simons BD, Yoshida S, Nagasawa T. A multistate stem cell dynamics maintains homeostasis in mouse spermatogenesis. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109875. [PMID: 34686326 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In mouse testis, a heterogeneous population of undifferentiated spermatogonia (Aundiff) harbors spermatogenic stem cell (SSC) potential. Although GFRα1+ Aundiff maintains the self-renewing pool in homeostasis, the functional basis of heterogeneity and the implications for their dynamics remain unresolved. Here, through quantitative lineage tracing of SSC subpopulations, we show that an ensemble of heterogeneous states of SSCs supports homeostatic, persistent spermatogenesis. Such heterogeneity is maintained robustly through stochastic interconversion of SSCs between a renewal-biased Plvap+/GFRα1+ state and a differentiation-primed Sox3+/GFRα1+ state. In this framework, stem cell commitment occurs not directly but gradually through entry into licensed but uncommitted states. Further, Plvap+/GFRα1+ cells divide slowly, in synchrony with the seminiferous epithelial cycle, while Sox3+/GFRα1+ cells divide much faster. Such differential cell-cycle dynamics reduces mitotic load, and thereby the potential to acquire harmful de novo mutations of the self-renewing pool, while keeping the SSC density high over the testicular open niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshinori Nakagawa
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Immunobiology and Hematology, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
| | - David J Jörg
- The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, J. J. Thomson Avenue, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Hitomi Watanabe
- Laboratory of Integrative Biological Science, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Seiya Mizuno
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center and Trans-border Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Seungmin Han
- The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 A0W, UK
| | - Tatsuro Ikeda
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Omatsu
- Department of Immunobiology and Hematology, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Immunology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences and Graduate School of Medicine, World Premier International Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Keiko Nishimura
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Miyako Fujita
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center and Trans-border Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Gen Kondoh
- Laboratory of Integrative Biological Science, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Benjamin D Simons
- The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 A0W, UK; Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, UK
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan.
| | - Takashi Nagasawa
- Department of Immunobiology and Hematology, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Immunology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences and Graduate School of Medicine, World Premier International Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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Azizi H, Niazi Tabar A, Skutella T. Successful transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells into the seminiferous tubules of busulfan-treated mice. Reprod Health 2021; 18:189. [PMID: 34556135 PMCID: PMC8461838 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01242-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in the testis are crucial for transferring genetic information to the next generation. Successful transplantation of SSCs to infertile men is an advanced therapeutic application in reproductive biology research. Methods In this experimental research, both in vitro and in vivo characterization of undifferentiated and differentiated SSCs were performed by morphology—immunocytochemistry (ICC), immunohistochemistry (IMH), Fluidigm Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and flow cytometry analysis. The isolated SSCs were finally microinjected into the rete testis of busulfan-treated mice. The compact undifferentiated and more loosely connected round differentiated SSCs were isolated during testicular cell expansion from their specific feeder layer. Results ICC analysis indicated high and low expression levels of Zbtb16 in undifferentiated and differentiated germ cells. Also, IMH analysis showed different expression levels of Zbtb16 in the two different germ stem cell populations of the testicular tissue. While Fluidigm RT-PCR analysis indicated overexpression of the TAF4B germ cell gene, the expression of DAZL, VASA, and Zbtb16 were down-regulated during the differentiation of SSCs (P < 0.05). Also, flow cytometry analysis confirmed the significant downregulation of Itgb1 and Itga4 during differentiation. By transplantation of SSCs into busulfan-treated NOD/SCID mice, GFP-labeled sperm cells developed. Conclusions In the current study, we performed a transplantation technique that could be useful for the future microinjection of SSCs during infertility treatment and for studying in vivo differentiation of SSCs into sperm. Spermatogonia (SSCs) in the testis transmit genetic information to the next generation. Successful SSC transplantation into infertile men is an advanced therapeutic application in reproductive biology research. In this experimental research, both in vitro and in vivo characterization of undifferentiated and differentiated SSCs were performed by morphology—immunocytochemistry (ICC), immunohistochemistry (IMH), Fluidigm Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and flow cytometry analysis. The isolated SSCs were finally microinjected into the rete testis of busulfan-treated mice. ICC analysis indicated high and low expression levels of Zbtb16 in undifferentiated and differentiated germ cells. IMH analysis showed different expression levels of Zbtb16 in both populations. Fluidigm RT-PCR analysis indicated overexpression of the TAF4B germ cell gene and the down-regulated expression of DAZL, VASA, and Zbtb16 during SSCs differentiation of (P < 0.05). Flow cytometry analysis confirmed the significant downregulation of Itgb1 and Itga4 during differentiation. By transplantation of SSCs into busulfan-treated NOD/SCID mice, GFP-labeled sperm cells developed. We performed a transplantation technique that could be useful for the future microinjection of SSCs during infertility treatment and for studying in vivo differentiation of SSCs into sperm. Data analysis confirmed that zbtb16 is expressed in the undifferentiated germ cells located on the basal membrane of seminiferous tubules and SSCs in vitro. Also, spermatogenesis was resumed, and fertility improved after transplantation of undifferentiated cells into busulfan-treated mice; thus, improvements in vitro SSCs transplantation, isolation and culture would be helpful in future clinical treatments to solve the reproductive problems of families influenced by infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Azizi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, P.O. Box 46168-49767, Amol, Iran.
| | - Amirreza Niazi Tabar
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, P.O. Box 46168-49767, Amol, Iran
| | - Thomas Skutella
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 307, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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N'Tumba-Byn T, Yamada M, Seandel M. Loss of tyrosine kinase receptor Ephb2 impairs proliferation and stem cell activity of spermatogonia in culture†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:950-962. [PMID: 31836902 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline stem and progenitor cells can be extracted from the adult mouse testis and maintained long-term in vitro. Yet, the optimal culture conditions for preserving stem cell activity are unknown. Recently, multiple members of the Eph receptor family were detected in murine spermatogonia, but their roles remain obscure. One such gene, Ephb2, is crucial for maintenance of somatic stem cells and was previously found enriched at the level of mRNA in murine spermatogonia. We detected Ephb2 mRNA and protein in primary adult spermatogonial cultures and hypothesized that Ephb2 plays a role in maintenance of stem cells in vitro. We employed CRISPR-Cas9 targeting and generated stable mutant SSC lines with complete loss of Ephb2. The characteristics of Ephb2-KO cells were interrogated using phenotypic and functional assays. Ephb2-KO SSCs exhibited reduced proliferation compared to wild-type cells, while apoptosis was unaffected. Therefore, we examined whether Ephb2 loss correlates with activity of canonical pathways involved in stem cell self-renewal and proliferation. Ephb2-KO cells had reduced ERK MAPK signaling. Using a lentiviral transgene, Ephb2 expression was rescued in Ephb2-KO cells, which partially restored signaling and proliferation. Transplantation analysis revealed that Ephb2-KO SSCs cultures formed significantly fewer colonies than WT, indicating a role for Ephb2 in preserving stem cell activity of cultured cells. Transcriptome analysis of wild-type and Ephb2-KO SSCs identified Dppa4 and Bnc1 as differentially expressed, Ephb2-dependent genes that are potentially involved in stem cell function. These data uncover for the first time a crucial role for Ephb2 signaling in cultured SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry N'Tumba-Byn
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Makiko Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Marco Seandel
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
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Mechanism of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase ( hTERT) Regulation and Clinical Impacts in Leukemia. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081188. [PMID: 34440361 PMCID: PMC8392866 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The proliferative capacity and continuous survival of cells are highly dependent on telomerase expression and the maintenance of telomere length. For this reason, elevated expression of telomerase has been identified in virtually all cancers, including leukemias; however, it should be noted that expression of telomerase is sometimes observed later in malignant development. This time point of activation is highly dependent on the type of leukemia and its causative factors. Many recent studies in this field have contributed to the elucidation of the mechanisms by which the various forms of leukemias increase telomerase activity. These include the dysregulation of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) at various levels which include transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational stages. The pathways and biological molecules involved in these processes are also being deciphered with the advent of enabling technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-Seq), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS), and many others. It has also been established that TERT possess diagnostic value as most adult cells do not express high levels of telomerase. Indeed, studies have shown that prognosis is not favorable in patients who have leukemias expressing high levels of telomerase. Recent research has indicated that targeting of this gene is able to control the survival of malignant cells and therefore offers a potential treatment for TERT-dependent leukemias. Here we review the mechanisms of hTERT regulation and deliberate their association in malignant states of leukemic cells. Further, we also cover the clinical implications of this gene including its use in diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic discoveries.
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Khanehzad M, Nourashrafeddin SM, Abolhassani F, Kazemzadeh S, Madadi S, Shiri E, Khanlari P, Khosravizadeh Z, Hedayatpour A. MicroRNA-30a-5p promotes differentiation in neonatal mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:85. [PMID: 34108007 PMCID: PMC8188658 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00758-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in spermatogenesis is crucial and intrinsic factors and extrinsic signals mediate fate decisions of SSCs. Among endogenous regulators, microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical role in spermatogenesis. However, the mechanisms which individual miRNAs regulate self- renewal and differentiation of SSCs are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of miRNA-30a-5p inhibitor on fate determinations of SSCs. METHODS SSCs were isolated from testes of neonate mice (3-6 days old) and their purities were performed by flow cytometry with ID4 and Thy1 markers. Cultured cells were transfected with miRNA- 30a-5p inhibitor. Evaluation of the proliferation (GFRA1, PLZF and ID4) and differentiation (C-Kit & STRA8) markers of SSCs were accomplished by immunocytochemistry and western blot 48 h after transfection. RESULTS Based on the results of flow cytometry with ID4 and Thy1 markers, percentage of purity of SSCs was about 84.3 and 97.4 % respectively. It was found that expression of differentiation markers after transfection was significantly higher in miRNA-30a- 5p inhibitor group compared to other groups. The results of proliferation markers evaluation also showed decrease of GFRA1, PLZF and ID4 protein in SSCs transfected with miRNA-30a-5p inhibitor compared to the other groups. CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that inhibition of miRNA-30a-5p by overexpression of differentiation markers promotes differentiation of Spermatogonial Stem Cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Khanehzad
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Nourashrafeddin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
- School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farid Abolhassani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shokoofeh Kazemzadeh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Madadi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Science, Arak, Iran
| | - Elham Shiri
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Parastoo Khanlari
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Khosravizadeh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azim Hedayatpour
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
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Nakamura Y, Jörg DJ, Kon Y, Simons BD, Yoshida S. Transient suppression of transplanted spermatogonial stem cell differentiation restores fertility in mice. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1443-1456.e7. [PMID: 33848470 PMCID: PMC8351876 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
A remarkable feature of tissue stem cells is their ability to regenerate the structure and function of host tissue following transplantation. However, the dynamics of donor stem cells during regeneration remains largely unknown. Here we conducted quantitative clonal fate studies of transplanted mouse spermatogonial stem cells in host seminiferous tubules. We found that, after a large population of donor spermatogonia settle in host testes, through stochastic fate choice, only a small fraction persist and regenerate over the long term, and the rest are lost through differentiation and cell death. Further, based on these insights, we showed how repopulation efficiency can be increased to a level where the fertility of infertile hosts is restored by transiently suppressing differentiation using a chemical inhibitor of retinoic acid synthesis. These findings unlock a range of potential applications of spermatogonial transplantation, from fertility restoration in individuals with cancer to conservation of biological diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Nakamura
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Higashiyama 5-1, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan; Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 5-3-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
| | - David J Jörg
- Wellcome Trust-Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Yayoi Kon
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Higashiyama 5-1, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Benjamin D Simons
- Wellcome Trust-Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK.
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Higashiyama 5-1, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki 444-8787, Japan.
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21
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Parker N, Laychur A, Sukwani M, Orwig KE, Oatley JM, Zhang C, Rutaganira FU, Shokat K, Wright WW. Spermatogonial Stem Cell Numbers Are Reduced by Transient Inhibition of GDNF Signaling but Restored by Self-Renewing Replication when Signaling Resumes. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:597-609. [PMID: 33636117 PMCID: PMC7940257 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
One cause of human male infertility is a scarcity of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in testes with Sertoli cells that neither produce adequate amounts of GDNF nor form the Sertoli-Sertoli junctions that form the blood-testis barrier (BTB). These patients raise the issue of whether a pool of SSCs, depleted due to inadequate GDNF stimulation, will expand if normal signaling is restored. Here, we reduce adult mouse SSC numbers by 90% using a chemical-genetic approach that reversibly inhibits GDNF signaling. Signal resumption causes all remaining SSCs to replicate immediately, but they primarily form differentiating progenitor spermatogonia. Subsequently, self-renewing replication restores SSC numbers. Testicular GDNF levels are not increased during restoration. However, SSC replication decreases as numbers of SSCs and progenitors increase, suggesting important regulatory interactions among these cells. Finally, sequential loss of SSCs and then pachytene spermatocytes causes dissolution of the BTB, thereby recapitulating another important characteristic of some infertile men. SSCs are rapidly lost when GDNF signaling is inhibited If signaling resumes the depleted SSC pool is restored by self-renewing replication Testicular GDNF levels are not increased during restoration SSC replication decreases as stem cell numbers increase
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Parker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andrew Laychur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Meena Sukwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jon M Oatley
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164, USA
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, 600 16(th) Street, MC 2280, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Florentine U Rutaganira
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, 600 16(th) Street, MC 2280, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Kevan Shokat
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, 600 16(th) Street, MC 2280, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - William W Wright
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Prokai D, Pudasaini A, Kanchwala M, Moehlman AT, Waits AE, Chapman KM, Chaudhary J, Acevedo J, Keller P, Chao X, Carr BR, Hamra FK. Spermatogonial Gene Networks Selectively Couple to Glutathione and Pentose Phosphate Metabolism but Not Cysteine Biosynthesis. iScience 2021; 24:101880. [PMID: 33458605 PMCID: PMC7797946 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In adult males, spermatogonia maintain lifelong spermatozoa production for oocyte fertilization. To understand spermatogonial metabolism we compared gene profiles in rat spermatogonia to publicly available mouse, monkey, and human spermatogonial gene profiles. Interestingly, rat spermatogonia expressed metabolic control factors Foxa1, Foxa2, and Foxa3. Germline Foxa2 was enriched in Gfra1Hi and Gfra1Low undifferentiated A-single spermatogonia. Foxa2-bound loci in spermatogonial chromatin were overrepresented by conserved stemness genes (Dusp6, Gfra1, Etv5, Rest, Nanos2, Foxp1) that intersect bioinformatically with conserved glutathione/pentose phosphate metabolism genes (Tkt, Gss, Gc l c , Gc l m, Gpx1, Gpx4, Fth), marking elevated spermatogonial GSH:GSSG. Cystine-uptake and intracellular conversion to cysteine typically couple glutathione biosynthesis to pentose phosphate metabolism. Rat spermatogonia, curiously, displayed poor germline stem cell viability in cystine-containing media, and, like primate spermatogonia, exhibited reduced transsulfuration pathway markers. Exogenous cysteine, cysteine-like mercaptans, somatic testis cells, and ferroptosis inhibitors counteracted the cysteine-starvation-induced spermatogonial death and stimulated spermatogonial growth factor activity in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Prokai
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ashutosh Pudasaini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- GenomeDesigns Laboratory, LLC, 314 Stonebridge Drive, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Mohammed Kanchwala
- McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Andrew T. Moehlman
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Alexandrea E. Waits
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Karen M. Chapman
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jaideep Chaudhary
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jesus Acevedo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Cecil H. & Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Patrick Keller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Cecil H. & Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xing Chao
- McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Bruce R. Carr
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - F. Kent Hamra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Cecil H. & Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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Zhou S, Feng S, Qin W, Wang X, Tang Y, Yuan S. Epigenetic Regulation of Spermatogonial Stem Cell Homeostasis: From DNA Methylation to Histone Modification. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 17:562-580. [PMID: 32939648 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10044-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells(SSCs)are the ultimate germline stem cells with the potential of self-renewal and differentiation, and a dynamic balance of SSCs play an essential role in spermatogenesis. During the gene expression process, genomic DNA and nuclear protein, working together, contribute to SSC homeostasis. Recently, emerging studies have shown that epigenome-related molecules such as chromatin modifiers play an important role in SSC homeostasis through regulating target gene expression. Here, we focus on two types of epigenetic events, including DNA methylation and histone modification, and summarize their function in SSC homeostasis. Understanding the molecular mechanism during SSC homeostasis will promote the recognition of epigenetic biomarkers in male infertility, and bring light into therapies of infertile patients.Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Shenglei Feng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, 510500, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunge Tang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, 510500, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China. .,Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China.
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24
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Xie Y, Wei BH, Ni FD, Yang WX. Conversion from spermatogonia to spermatocytes: Extracellular cues and downstream transcription network. Gene 2020; 764:145080. [PMID: 32858178 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Spermatocyte (spc) formation from spermatogonia (spg) differentiation is the first step of spermatogenesis which produces prodigious spermatozoa for a lifetime. After decades of studies, several factors involved in the functioning of a mouse were discovered both inside and outside spg. Considering the peculiar expression and working pattern of each factor, this review divides the whole conversion of spg to spc into four consecutive development processes with a focus on extracellular cues and downstream transcription network in each one. Potential coordination among Dmrt1, Sohlh1/2 and BMP families mediates Ngn3 upregulation, which marks progenitor spg, with other changes. After that, retinoic acid (RA), as a master regulator, promotes A1 spg formation with its helpers and Sall4. A1-to-B spg transition is under the control of Kitl and impulsive RA signaling together with early and late transcription factors Stra8 and Dmrt6. Finally, RA and its responsive effectors conduct the entry into meiosis. The systematic transcription network from outside to inside still needs research to supplement or settle the controversials in each process. As a step further ahead, this review provides possible drug targets for infertility therapy by cross-linking humans and mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xie
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bang-Hong Wei
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei-Da Ni
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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25
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Chen W, Zhang Z, Chang C, Yang Z, Wang P, Fu H, Wei X, Chen E, Tan S, Huang W, Sun L, Ni T, Yang Y, Wang Y. A bioenergetic shift is required for spermatogonial differentiation. Cell Discov 2020; 6:56. [PMID: 32864161 PMCID: PMC7431567 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-020-0183-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A bioenergetic balance between glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration is particularly important for stem cell fate specification. It however remains to be determined whether undifferentiated spermatogonia switch their preference for bioenergy production during differentiation. In this study, we found that ATP generation in spermatogonia was gradually increased upon retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiation. To accommodate this elevated energy demand, RA signaling concomitantly switched ATP production in spermatogonia from glycolysis to mitochondrial respiration, accompanied by increased levels of reactive oxygen species. Disrupting mitochondrial respiration significantly blocked spermatogonial differentiation. Inhibition of glucose conversion to glucose-6-phosphate or pentose phosphate pathway also repressed the formation of c-Kit+ differentiating germ cells, suggesting that metabolites produced from glycolysis are required for spermatogonial differentiation. We further demonstrated that the expression levels of several metabolic regulators and enzymes were significantly altered upon RA-induced differentiation, with both RNA-seq and quantitative proteomic analyses. Taken together, our data unveil a critically regulated bioenergetic balance between glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration that is required for spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Zhaoran Zhang
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Chingwen Chang
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Zhichang Yang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Pengxiang Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Haihui Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering & MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Xiao Wei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Eric Chen
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Suxu Tan
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Wen Huang
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Liangliang Sun
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Ting Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering & MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Yi Yang
- Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
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26
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Li TT, Geng SS, Xu HY, Luo AL, Zhao PW, Yang H, Liang XW, Lu YQ, Yang XG, Lu KH. Effects of different culture systems on the culture of prepuberal buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis) spermatogonial stem cell-like cells in vitro. J Vet Sci 2020; 21:e13. [PMID: 31940692 PMCID: PMC7000897 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2020.21.e13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, the systems for culturing buffalo spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in vitro are varied, and their effects are still inconclusive. In this study, we compared the effects of culture systems with undefined (foetal bovine serum) and defined (KnockOut Serum Replacement) materials on the in vitro culture of buffalo SSC-like cells. Significantly more DDX4- and UCHL1-positive cells (cultured for 2 days at passage 2) were observed in the defined materials culture system than in the undefined materials system (p < 0.01), and these cells were maintained for a longer period than those in the culture system with undefined materials (10 days vs. 6 days). Furthermore, NANOS2 (p < 0.05), DDX4 (p < 0.01) and UCHL1 (p < 0.05) were expressed at significantly higher levels in the culture system with defined materials than in that with undefined materials. Induction with retinoic acid was used to verify that the cultured cells maintained SSC characteristics, revealing an SCP3+ subset in the cells cultured in the defined materials system. The expression levels of Stra8 (p < 0.05) and Rec8 (p < 0.01) were significantly increased, and the expression levels of ZBTB16 (p < 0.01) and DDX4 (p < 0.05) were significantly decreased. These findings provided a clearer research platform for exploring the mechanism of buffalo SSCs in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Shuang Shuang Geng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Hui Yan Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Ao Lin Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Peng Wei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Huan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Xing Wei Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Yang Qing Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Xiao Gan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China.
| | - Ke Huan Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China.
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27
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Du X, Wu S, Wei Y, Yu X, Ma F, Zhai Y, Yang D, Zhang M, Liu W, Zhu H, Wu J, Liao M, Li N, Bai C, Li G, Hua J. PAX7 promotes CD49f-positive dairy goat spermatogonial stem cells' self-renewal. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:1481-1493. [PMID: 32692417 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process that originates from and depends on the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The number of SSCs is rare, which makes the separation and enrichment of SSCs difficult and inefficient. The transcription factor PAX7 maintains fertility in normal spermatogenesis in mice. However, for large animals, much less is known about the SSCs' self-renewal regulation, especially in dairy goats. We isolated and enriched the CD49f-positive and negative dairy goat testicular cells by magnetic-activated cell sorting strategies. The RNA- sequencing and experimental data revealed that cells with a high CD49f and PAX7 expression are undifferentiated spermatogonia in goat testis. Our findings indicated that ZBTB16 (PLZF), PAX7, LIN28A, BMPR1B, FGFR1, and FOXO1 were expressed higher in CD49f-positive cells as compared to negative cells and goat fibroblasts cells. The expression and distribution of PAX7 in dairy goat also have been detected, which gradually decreased in testis tissue along with the increasing age. When the PAX7 gene was overexpressed in dairy goat immortal mGSCs-I-SB germ cell lines, the expression of PLZF, GFRα1, ID4, and OCT4 was upregulated. Together, our data demonstrated that there is a subset of spermatogonial stem cells with a high expression of PAX7 among the CD49f+ spermatogonia, and PAX7 can maintain the self-renewal of CD49f-positive SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Du
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Siyu Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yudong Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiuwei Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fanglin Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuanxin Zhai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Donghui Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mengfei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenqing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haijing Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Life Science Research Center, Yulin University, Yulin, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiang Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,College of Agriculture, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Mingzhi Liao
- College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Na Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunling Bai
- Key Laboratory for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Guangpeng Li
- Key Laboratory for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Jinlian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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28
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Uchida A, Sakib S, Labit E, Abbasi S, Scott RW, Underhill TM, Biernaskie J, Dobrinski I. Development and function of smooth muscle cells is modulated by Hic1 in mouse testis. Development 2020; 147:dev.185884. [PMID: 32554530 DOI: 10.1242/dev.185884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian testis, contractile peritubular myoid cells (PMCs) regulate the transport of sperm and luminal fluid, while secreting growth factors and extracellular matrix proteins to support the spermatogonial stem cell niche. However, little is known about the role of testicular smooth muscle cells during postnatal testicular development. Here we report age-dependent expression of hypermethylated in cancer 1 (Hic1; also known as ZBTB29) in testicular smooth muscle cells, including PMCs and vascular smooth muscle cells, in the mouse. Postnatal deletion of Hic1 in smooth muscle cells led to their increased proliferation and resulted in dilatation of seminiferous tubules, with increased numbers of PMCs. These seminiferous tubules contained fewer Sertoli cells and more spermatogonia, and fibronectin was not detected in their basement membrane. The expression levels of genes encoding smooth muscle contractile proteins, Acta2 and Cnn1, were downregulated in the smooth muscle cells lacking Hic1, and the seminiferous tubules appeared to have reduced contractility. These data imply a role for Hic1 in determining the size of seminiferous tubules by regulating postnatal smooth muscle cell proliferation, subsequently affecting spermatogenesis in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Uchida
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada.,Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Sadman Sakib
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Elodie Labit
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Sepideh Abbasi
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - R Wilder Scott
- The Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - T Michael Underhill
- The Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Jeff Biernaskie
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
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29
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Han JY, Cho HY, Kim YM, Park KJ, Jung KM, Park JS. Production of quail (Coturnix japonica) germline chimeras by transfer of Ficoll-enriched spermatogonial stem cells. Theriogenology 2020; 154:223-231. [PMID: 32679354 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Due to the absence of long-term in vitro germline competent stem cell maintenance systems and efficient methods for germline transmission, efforts to develop an effective transgenic system in quail has remained limited. To overcome this limitation, here we produced germline chimeric quails through transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) enriched by density gradient methods utilizing Ficoll-Paque PLUS (Ficoll), Percoll and sucrose solution as a practical strategy for germline transmission in quail. For all gradient methods, testicular cells were separated as two fractions, and the expression levels of SSC-specific genes (GFRA1, ITGA6, ITGB1) and pluripotency genes (NANOG, POUV) were examined. As a result, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and RNA probe hybridization analysis revealed that the upper fraction that was separated by Ficoll showed the highest expression of SSC-specific and pluripotency genes among all fractions. Cells in the upper Ficoll gradient fraction also displayed reduced heterochromatin distribution, as observed in differentiated spermatogonia using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These results indicate that SSCs were enriched in the upper fraction by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. Subsequent transplantation experiments revealed that the efficiency of germline transmission to donor-derived gametes in the germline chimeras with transplanted SSCs and whole testicular cells was 0-13.2% and 0-4.4%, respectively. Collectively, these results demonstrate that quail SSCs were easily enriched with a density gradient method and that this method is a feasible and practical way to preserve the germplasm of quail. Furthermore, we can expect to apply this method in research examining the production of transgenic quail and preservation of avian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yong Han
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ho Yeon Cho
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Min Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Je Park
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Min Jung
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Se Park
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
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30
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Law NC, Oatley JM. Developmental underpinnings of spermatogonial stem cell establishment. Andrology 2020; 8:852-861. [PMID: 32356598 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The germline serves as a conduit for transmission of genetic and epigenetic information from one generation to the next. In males, spermatozoa are the final carriers of inheritance and their continual production is supported by a foundational population of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that forms from prospermatogonial precursors during the early stages of neonatal development. In mammals, the timing for which SSCs are specified and the underlying mechanisms guiding this process remain to be completely understood. OBJECTIVES To propose an evolving concept for how the foundational SSC population is established. MATERIALS AND METHODS This review summarizes recent and historical findings from peer-reviewed publications made primarily with mouse models while incorporating limited studies from humans and livestock. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Establishment of the SSC population appears to follow a biphasic pattern involving a period of fate programming followed by an establishment phase that culminates in formation of the SSC population. This model for establishment of the foundational SSC population from precursors is anticipated to extend across mammalian species and include humans and livestock, albeit on different timescales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan C Law
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Jon M Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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31
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Abstract
Infertility caused by chemotherapy or radiation treatments negatively impacts patient-survivor quality of life. The only fertility preservation option available to prepubertal boys who are not making sperm is cryopreservation of testicular tissues that contain spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) with potential to produce sperm and/or restore fertility. SSC transplantation to regenerate spermatogenesis in infertile adult survivors of childhood cancers is a mature technology. However, the number of SSCs obtained in a biopsy of a prepubertal testis may be small. Therefore, methods to expand SSC numbers in culture before transplantation are needed. Here we review progress with human SSC culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherin David
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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32
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Sohni A, Tan K, Song HW, Burow D, de Rooij DG, Laurent L, Hsieh TC, Rabah R, Hammoud SS, Vicini E, Wilkinson MF. The Neonatal and Adult Human Testis Defined at the Single-Cell Level. Cell Rep 2020; 26:1501-1517.e4. [PMID: 30726734 PMCID: PMC6402825 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis has been intensely studied in rodents but remains poorly understood in humans. Here, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze human testes. Clustering analysis of neonatal testes reveals several cell subsets, including cell populations with characteristics of primordial germ cells (PGCs) and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). In adult testes, we identify four undifferentiated spermatogonia (SPG) clusters, each of which expresses specific marker genes. We identify protein markers for the most primitive SPG state, allowing us to purify this likely SSC-enriched cell subset. We map the timeline of male germ cell development from PGCs through fetal germ cells to differentiating adult SPG stages. We also define somatic cell subsets in both neonatal and adult testes and trace their developmental trajectories. Our data provide a blueprint of the developing human male germline and supporting somatic cells. The PGC-like and SSC markers are candidates to be used for SSC therapy to treat infertility. Sohni et al. use scRNA-seq analysis to define cell subsets in the human testis. Highlights include the identification of primordial germ cell- and spermatogonial stem cell-like cell subsets in neonatal testes, numerous undifferentiated spermatogonial cell states in adult testes, and somatic cell subsets in both neonatal and adult testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Sohni
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kun Tan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Hye-Won Song
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dana Burow
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Louise Laurent
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tung-Chin Hsieh
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92103, USA
| | - Raja Rabah
- Pediatric and Perinatal Pathology, Michigan Medicine, CS Mott and VonVoigtlander Women's Hospitals, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-4272, USA
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Elena Vicini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic, Section of Histology Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Miles F Wilkinson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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Roake CM, Artandi SE. Regulation of human telomerase in homeostasis and disease. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2020; 21:384-397. [PMID: 32242127 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-020-0234-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein complex, the catalytic core of which includes the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and the non-coding human telomerase RNA (hTR), which serves as a template for the addition of telomeric repeats to chromosome ends. Telomerase expression is restricted in humans to certain cell types, and telomerase levels are tightly controlled in normal conditions. Increased levels of telomerase are found in the vast majority of human cancers, and we have recently begun to understand the mechanisms by which cancer cells increase telomerase activity. Conversely, germline mutations in telomerase-relevant genes that decrease telomerase function cause a range of genetic disorders, including dyskeratosis congenita, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and bone marrow failure. In this Review, we discuss the transcriptional regulation of human TERT, hTR processing, assembly of the telomerase complex, the cellular localization of telomerase and its recruitment to telomeres, and the regulation of telomerase activity. We also discuss the disease relevance of each of these steps of telomerase biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M Roake
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Steven E Artandi
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Gille AS, Lapoujade C, Wolf JP, Fouchet P, Barraud-Lange V. Contribution of Single-Cell Transcriptomics to the Characterization of Human Spermatogonial Stem Cells: Toward an Application in Male Fertility Regenerative Medicine? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225773. [PMID: 31744138 PMCID: PMC6888480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing progress in genomic technologies offers exciting tools that can help to resolve transcriptome and genome-wide DNA modifications at single-cell resolution. These methods can be used to characterize individual cells within complex tissue organizations and to highlight various molecular interactions. Here, we will discuss recent advances in the definition of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) and their progenitors in humans using the single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNAseq) approach. Exploration of gene expression patterns allows one to investigate stem cell heterogeneity. It leads to tracing the spermatogenic developmental process and its underlying biology, which is highly influenced by the microenvironment. scRNAseq already represents a new diagnostic tool for the personalized investigation of male infertility. One may hope that a better understanding of SSC biology could facilitate the use of these cells in the context of fertility preservation of prepubertal children, as a key component of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Gille
- UMRE008 Stabilité Génétique, Cellules Souches et Radiations, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, IRCM, Université de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (C.L.); (P.F.)
- Team Genomic Epigenetic and Physiopathology of Reproduction, Department of Genetic, Development and Cancer, Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, 22 rue Méchain, 75014 Paris, France; (J.-P.W.); (V.B.-L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Clémentine Lapoujade
- UMRE008 Stabilité Génétique, Cellules Souches et Radiations, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, IRCM, Université de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (C.L.); (P.F.)
| | - Jean-Philippe Wolf
- Team Genomic Epigenetic and Physiopathology of Reproduction, Department of Genetic, Development and Cancer, Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, 22 rue Méchain, 75014 Paris, France; (J.-P.W.); (V.B.-L.)
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Descartes, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University Hospital Paris Centre, CHU Cochin, Laboratory of Histology Embryology Biology of Reproduction, 123 boulevard de Port Royal, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Pierre Fouchet
- UMRE008 Stabilité Génétique, Cellules Souches et Radiations, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, IRCM, Université de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (C.L.); (P.F.)
| | - Virginie Barraud-Lange
- Team Genomic Epigenetic and Physiopathology of Reproduction, Department of Genetic, Development and Cancer, Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, 22 rue Méchain, 75014 Paris, France; (J.-P.W.); (V.B.-L.)
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Descartes, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University Hospital Paris Centre, CHU Cochin, Laboratory of Histology Embryology Biology of Reproduction, 123 boulevard de Port Royal, 75014 Paris, France
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Dong L, Gul M, Hildorf S, Pors SE, Kristensen SG, Hoffmann ER, Cortes D, Thorup J, Andersen CY. Xeno-Free Propagation of Spermatogonial Stem Cells from Infant Boys. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215390. [PMID: 31671863 PMCID: PMC6862004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation therapy is a promising strategy to renew spermatogenesis for prepubertal boys whose fertility is compromised. However, propagation of SSCs is required due to a limited number of SSCs in cryopreserved testicular tissue. This propagation must be done under xeno-free conditions for clinical application. SSCs were propagated from infant testicular tissue (7 mg and 10 mg) from two boys under xeno-free conditions using human platelet lysate and nutrient source. We verified SSC-like cell clusters (SSCLCs) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immune-reaction assay using the SSC markers undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (UTF1), ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L1 (UCHL1), GDNF receptor alpha-1 (GFRα-1) Fα and promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger protein (PLZF). The functionality of the propagated SSCs was investigated by pre-labelling using green fluorescent Cell Linker PKH67 and xeno-transplantation of the SSCLCs into busulfan-treated, therefore sterile, immunodeficient mice. SSC-like cell clusters (SSCLCs) appeared after 2 weeks in primary passage. The SSCLCs were SSC-like as the UTF1, UCHL1, GFRα1 and PLZF were all positive. After 2.5 months’ culture period, a total of 13 million cells from one sample were harvested for xenotransplantation. Labelled human propagated SSCs were identified and verified in mouse seminiferous tubules at 3–6 weeks, confirming that the transplanted cells contain SSCLCs. The present xeno-free clinical culture protocol allows propagation of SSCs from infant boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Dong
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Murat Gul
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Urology, Aksaray University School of Medicine, Aksaray 68100, Turkey.
| | - Simone Hildorf
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Susanne Elisabeth Pors
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Stine Gry Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Eva R Hoffmann
- Center for Chromosome Stability, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Dina Cortes
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Pediatrics, Hvidovre, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2650 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jorgen Thorup
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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La HM, Hobbs RM. Mechanisms regulating mammalian spermatogenesis and fertility recovery following germ cell depletion. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4071-4102. [PMID: 31254043 PMCID: PMC11105665 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03201-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly complex multi-step process sustained by a population of mitotic germ cells with self-renewal potential known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The maintenance and regulation of SSC function are strictly dependent on a supportive niche that is composed of multiple cell types. A detailed appreciation of the molecular mechanisms underpinning SSC activity and fate is of fundamental importance for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, different models of SSC identity and spermatogonial hierarchy have been proposed and recent studies indicate that cell populations supporting steady-state germline maintenance and regeneration following damage are distinct. Importantly, dynamic changes in niche properties may underlie the fate plasticity of spermatogonia evident during testis regeneration. While formation of spermatogenic colonies in germ-cell-depleted testis upon transplantation is a standard assay for SSCs, differentiation-primed spermatogonial fractions have transplantation potential and this assay provides readout of regenerative rather than steady-state stem cell capacity. The characterisation of spermatogonial populations with regenerative capacity is essential for the development of clinical applications aimed at restoring fertility in individuals following germline depletion by genotoxic treatments. This review will discuss regulatory mechanisms of SSCs in homeostatic and regenerative testis and the conservation of these mechanisms between rodent models and man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue M La
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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Wang JH, Li Y, Deng SL, Liu YX, Lian ZX, Yu K. Recent Research Advances in Mitosis during Mammalian Gametogenesis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8060567. [PMID: 31185583 PMCID: PMC6628140 DOI: 10.3390/cells8060567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitosis is a highly sophisticated and well-regulated process during the development and differentiation of mammalian gametogenesis. The regulation of mitosis plays an essential role in keeping the formulation in oogenesis and gametogenesis. In the past few years, substantial research progress has been made by showing that cyclins/cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) have roles in the regulation of meiosis. In addition, more functional signaling molecules have been discovered in mitosis. Growing evidence has also indicated that miRNAs influence cell cycling. In this review, we focus on specific genes, cyclins/Cdk, signaling pathways/molecules, and miRNAs to discuss the latest achievements in understanding their roles in mitosis during gametogenesis. Further elucidation of mitosis during gametogenesis may facilitate delineating all processes of mammalian reproduction and the development of disease treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Hao Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Shou-Long Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Zheng-Xing Lian
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Kun Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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38
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Yamada M, Cai W, Martin LA, N’Tumba-Byn T, Seandel M. Functional robustness of adult spermatogonial stem cells after induction of hyperactive Hras. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008139. [PMID: 31050682 PMCID: PMC6519842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that paternal age correlates with disease risk in children. De novo gain-of-function mutations in the FGF-RAS-MAPK signaling pathway are known to cause a subset of genetic diseases associated with advanced paternal age, such as Apert syndrome, achondroplasia, Noonan syndrome, and Costello syndrome. It has been hypothesized that adult spermatogonial stem cells with pathogenic mutations are clonally expanded over time and propagate the mutations to offspring. However, no model system exists to interrogate mammalian germline stem cell competition in vivo. In this study, we created a lineage tracing system, which enabled undifferentiated spermatogonia with endogenous expression of HrasG12V, a known pathogenic gain-of-function mutation in RAS-MAPK signaling, to compete with their wild-type counterparts in the mouse testis. Over a year of fate analysis, neither HrasG12V-positive germ cells nor sperm exhibited a significant expansion compared to wild-type neighbors. Short-term stem cell capacity as measured by transplantation analysis was also comparable between wild-type and mutant groups. Furthermore, although constitutively active HRAS was detectable in the mutant cell lines, they did not exhibit a proliferative advantage or an enhanced response to agonist-evoked pERK signaling. These in vivo and in vitro results suggest that mouse spermatogonial stem cells are functionally resistant to a heterozygous HrasG12V mutation in the endogenous locus and that mechanisms could exist to prevent such harmful mutations from being expanded and transmitted to the next generation. Recent research has found that advanced paternal age is associated with increased risk in children to develop a subset of congenital anomalies, such as Apert syndrome, achondroplasia, Noonan syndrome, and Costello syndrome. The causative genetic errors (mutations) in these disorders have been identified to originate from the fathers’ testicles and their numbers increase with fathers’ age. It has been hypothesized that the germline stem cells that continuously self-renew and differentiate to supply sperm (referred as spermatogonial stem cells [SSCs]) carry these mutations and have the ability to expand preferentially as compared to normal SSCs with advancing age of the father, thereby increasing the likelihood of transmission of mutant sperm to the next generation. To test this hypothesis, we created a mouse model, in which a mutation known to enhance cell proliferation is induced in a subset of SSCs, and these cells compete with the neighboring normal (i.e., wild-type) stem cells. However, surprisingly, the germline cell population carrying the mutation in the testis was stable over a year of observation, suggesting that mechanisms could exist to prevent such harmful mutations from being expanded and transmitted to the next generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makiko Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MY); (MS)
| | - Winson Cai
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Laura A. Martin
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Thierry N’Tumba-Byn
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Marco Seandel
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MY); (MS)
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Costa GMJ, Sousa AL, Figueiredo AFA, Lacerda SMSN, França LR. Characterization of spermatogonial cells and niche in the scorpion mud turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 273:163-171. [PMID: 29966660 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Undifferentiated spermatogonia (Aund) or spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are committed to the establishment and maintenance of spermatogenesis and fertility throughout a male's life and are located in a highly specialized microenvironment called niche that regulates their fate. Although several studies have been developed on SSCs in mammalian testis, little is known about other vertebrate classes. The present study is the first to perform a more detailed investigation on the spermatogonial cells and their niche in a reptilian species. Thus, we characterized Aund/SSCs and evaluated the existence of SSCs niche in the Kinosternon scorpioides, a freshwater turtle found from Mexico to northern and central South America. Our results showed that, in this species, Aund/SSCs exhibited a nuclear morphological pattern similar to those described for other mammalian species already investigated. However, in comparison to other spermatogonial cell types, Aund/SSCs presented the largest nuclear volume in this turtle. Similar to some mammalian and fish species investigated, both GFRA1 and CSF1 receptors were expressed in Aund/SSCs in K. scorpioides. Also, as K. scorpioides Aund/SSCs were preferentially located near blood vessels, it can be suggested that this niche characteristic is a well conserved feature during evolution. Besides being valuable for comparative reproductive biology, our findings represent an important step towards the understanding of SSCs biology and the development of valuable systems/tools for SSCs culture and cryopreservation in turtles. Moreover, we expect that the above-mentioned results will be useful for reproductive biotechnologies as well as for governmental programs aiming at reptilian species conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M J Costa
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - A L Sousa
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, State University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - A F A Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - S M S N Lacerda
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - L R França
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA), Manaus, AM, Brazil.
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Kubota H. Heterogeneity of Spermatogonial Stem Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1169:225-242. [PMID: 31487027 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-24108-7_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Germ cells transfer genetic materials from one generation to the next, which ensures the continuation of the species. Spermatogenesis, the process of male germ cell production, is one of the most productive systems in adult tissues. This high productivity depends on the well-coordinated differentiation cascade in spermatogonia, occurring via their synchronized cell division and proliferation. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are responsible for maintaining the spermatogonial population via self-renewal and the continuous generation of committed progenitor cells that differentiate into spermatozoa. Like other stem cells in the body, SSCs are defined by their self-renewal and differentiation abilities. A functional transplantation assay, in which these biological properties of SSCs can be quantitatively evaluated, was developed using mice, and the cell surface characteristics and intracellular marker gene expression of murine SSCs were successfully determined. Another approach to elucidate SSC identity is a cell lineage-tracing experiment using transgenic mice, which can track the SSC behavior in the testes. Recent studies using both these experimental approaches have revealed that the SSC identity changed depending upon the developmental, homeostatic, and regenerative circumstances. In addition, single-cell transcriptomic analyses have further indicated the instability of marker gene expression in SSCs. More studies are needed to unify the results of the determination of SSC identity based on the functional properties and accumulating transcriptomic data of SSCs, to elucidate the functional interaction between SSC behavior and gene products and illustrate the conserved features of SSCs amidst their heterogeneity. Furthermore, the deterministic roles of distinct SSC niches under different physiological conditions in the SSC heterogeneity and its causal regulators must also be clarified in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kubota
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, 034-8628, Japan.
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41
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Yoshida S. Heterogeneous, dynamic, and stochastic nature of mammalian spermatogenic stem cells. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 135:245-285. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Kitadate Y, Jörg DJ, Tokue M, Maruyama A, Ichikawa R, Tsuchiya S, Segi-Nishida E, Nakagawa T, Uchida A, Kimura-Yoshida C, Mizuno S, Sugiyama F, Azami T, Ema M, Noda C, Kobayashi S, Matsuo I, Kanai Y, Nagasawa T, Sugimoto Y, Takahashi S, Simons BD, Yoshida S. Competition for Mitogens Regulates Spermatogenic Stem Cell Homeostasis in an Open Niche. Cell Stem Cell 2018; 24:79-92.e6. [PMID: 30581080 PMCID: PMC6327111 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In many tissues, homeostasis is maintained by physical contact between stem cells and an anatomically defined niche. However, how stem cell homeostasis is achieved in environments where cells are motile and dispersed among their progeny remains unknown. Using murine spermatogenesis as a model, we find that spermatogenic stem cell density is tightly regulated by the supply of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) from lymphatic endothelial cells. We propose that stem cell homeostasis is achieved through competition for a limited supply of FGFs. We show that the quantitative dependence of stem cell density on FGF dosage, the biased localization of stem cells toward FGF sources, and stem cell dynamics during regeneration following injury can all be predicted and explained within the framework of a minimal theoretical model based on "mitogen competition." We propose that this model provides a generic and robust mechanism to support stem cell homeostasis in open, or facultative, niche environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kitadate
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - David J Jörg
- The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Moe Tokue
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Ayumi Maruyama
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Rie Ichikawa
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Soken Tsuchiya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oe-Honmachi, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Eri Segi-Nishida
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan
| | - Toshinori Nakagawa
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Aya Uchida
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Chiharu Kimura-Yoshida
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Research Institute, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka Prefectural Hospital Organization 840, Murodo-cho, Izumi, Osaka, 594-1101, Japan
| | - Seiya Mizuno
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Sugiyama
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan
| | - Takuya Azami
- Department of Stem Cells and Human Disease Models, Research Center for Animal Life Science, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta, Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Ema
- Department of Stem Cells and Human Disease Models, Research Center for Animal Life Science, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta, Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Chiyo Noda
- Division of Environmental Photobiology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Satoru Kobayashi
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Isao Matsuo
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Research Institute, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka Prefectural Hospital Organization 840, Murodo-cho, Izumi, Osaka, 594-1101, Japan
| | - Yoshiakira Kanai
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Takashi Nagasawa
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Immunology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Immunology Frontier Research Center, World Premier International Research Center (WPI), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Sugimoto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oe-Honmachi, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan; Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan
| | - Benjamin D Simons
- The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK.
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan.
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43
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Guo J, Grow EJ, Mlcochova H, Maher GJ, Lindskog C, Nie X, Guo Y, Takei Y, Yun J, Cai L, Kim R, Carrell DT, Goriely A, Hotaling JM, Cairns BR. The adult human testis transcriptional cell atlas. Cell Res 2018; 28:1141-1157. [PMID: 30315278 PMCID: PMC6274646 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-018-0099-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 357] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Human adult spermatogenesis balances spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) self-renewal and differentiation, alongside complex germ cell-niche interactions, to ensure long-term fertility and faithful genome propagation. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of ~6500 testicular cells from young adults. We found five niche/somatic cell types (Leydig, myoid, Sertoli, endothelial, macrophage), and observed germline-niche interactions and key human-mouse differences. Spermatogenesis, including meiosis, was reconstructed computationally, revealing sequential coding, non-coding, and repeat-element transcriptional signatures. Interestingly, we identified five discrete transcriptional/developmental spermatogonial states, including a novel early SSC state, termed State 0. Epigenetic features and nascent transcription analyses suggested developmental plasticity within spermatogonial States. To understand the origin of State 0, we profiled testicular cells from infants, and identified distinct similarities between adult State 0 and infant SSCs. Overall, our datasets describe key transcriptional and epigenetic signatures of the normal adult human testis, and provide new insights into germ cell developmental transitions and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingtao Guo
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.,Department of Surgery (Andrology/Urology), Center for Reconstructive Urology and Men's Health, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, 84122, USA
| | - Edward J Grow
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Hana Mlcochova
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX39DS, UK
| | - Geoffrey J Maher
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX39DS, UK
| | - Cecilia Lindskog
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Xichen Nie
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Yixuan Guo
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Yodai Takei
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Jina Yun
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Long Cai
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Robin Kim
- Section of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Douglas T Carrell
- Department of Surgery (Andrology/Urology), Center for Reconstructive Urology and Men's Health, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, 84122, USA
| | - Anne Goriely
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX39DS, UK
| | - James M Hotaling
- Department of Surgery (Andrology/Urology), Center for Reconstructive Urology and Men's Health, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, 84122, USA
| | - Bradley R Cairns
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
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44
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Takashima S. Biology and manipulation technologies of male germline stem cells in mammals. Reprod Med Biol 2018; 17:398-406. [PMID: 30377393 PMCID: PMC6194257 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the origin of sperm and defined by their functions of "colonization in the testis" and "spermatogenesis". In vitro manipulation techniques of SSCs contribute to a wide variety of fields including reproductive medicine and molecular breeding. This review presents the recent progress of the biology and manipulation technologies of SSCs. METHODS Research articles regarding SSC biology and technologies were collected and summarized. MAIN FINDINGS Dr. Ralph Brinster developed the spermatogonial transplantation technique that enables SSC detection by functional markers. Using this technique, cultured SSCs, termed germline stem (GS) cells, were established from the mouse. GS cells provide the opportunity to produce genome-edited animals without using zygotes. In vitro spermatogenesis allows production of haploid germ cells from GS cells without spermatogonial transplantation. The recent advancement of pluripotent stem cell culture techniques has also achieved production of functional GS-like cells in addition to male/female germ cells. CONCLUSION Although in vitro manipulation techniques of GS cells have been developed for the mouse, it appears to be difficult to apply these techniques to other species. Understanding and control of interspecies barriers are required to extend this technology to nonrodent mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiji Takashima
- Faculty of Textile Science and TechnologyShinshu UniversityUedaJapan
- Graduate school of Science and TechnologyShinshu UniversityUedaJapan
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45
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La HM, Chan AL, Legrand JMD, Rossello FJ, Gangemi CG, Papa A, Cheng Q, Morand EF, Hobbs RM. GILZ-dependent modulation of mTORC1 regulates spermatogonial maintenance. Development 2018; 145:dev.165324. [PMID: 30126904 DOI: 10.1242/dev.165324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Male fertility is dependent on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that self-renew and produce differentiating germ cells. Growth factors produced within the testis are essential for SSC maintenance but intrinsic factors that dictate the SSC response to these stimuli are poorly characterised. Here, we have studied the role of GILZ, a TSC22D family protein and spermatogenesis regulator, in spermatogonial function and signalling. Although broadly expressed in the germline, GILZ was prominent in undifferentiated spermatogonia and Gilz deletion in adults resulted in exhaustion of the GFRα1+ SSC-containing population and germline degeneration. GILZ loss was associated with mTORC1 activation, suggesting enhanced growth factor signalling. Expression of deubiquitylase USP9X, an mTORC1 modulator required for spermatogenesis, was disrupted in Gilz mutants. Treatment with an mTOR inhibitor rescued GFRα1+ spermatogonial failure, indicating that GILZ-dependent mTORC1 inhibition is crucial for SSC maintenance. Analysis of cultured undifferentiated spermatogonia lacking GILZ confirmed aberrant activation of ERK MAPK upstream mTORC1 plus USP9X downregulation and interaction of GILZ with TSC22D proteins. Our data indicate an essential role for GILZ-TSC22D complexes in ensuring the appropriate response of undifferentiated spermatogonia to growth factors via distinct inputs to mTORC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue M La
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Ai-Leen Chan
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Julien M D Legrand
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Fernando J Rossello
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Christina G Gangemi
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Antonella Papa
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Qiang Cheng
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Eric F Morand
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia .,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
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46
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Fayomi AP, Orwig KE. Spermatogonial stem cells and spermatogenesis in mice, monkeys and men. Stem Cell Res 2018; 29:207-214. [PMID: 29730571 PMCID: PMC6010318 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuous spermatogenesis in post-pubertal mammals is dependent on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which balance self-renewing divisions that maintain stem cell pool with differentiating divisions that sustain continuous sperm production. Rodent stem and progenitor spermatogonia are described by their clonal arrangement in the seminiferous epithelium (e.g., Asingle, Apaired or Aaligned spermatogonia), molecular markers (e.g., ID4, GFRA1, PLZF, SALL4 and others) and most importantly by their biological potential to produce and maintain spermatogenesis when transplanted into recipient testes. In contrast, stem cells in the testes of higher primates (nonhuman and human) are defined by description of their nuclear morphology and staining with hematoxylin as Adark and Apale spermatogonia. There is limited information about how dark and pale descriptions of nuclear morphology in higher primates correspond with clone size, molecular markers or transplant potential. Do the apparent differences in stem cells and spermatogenic lineage development between rodents and primates represent true biological differences or simply differences in the volume of research and the vocabulary that has developed over the past half century? This review will provide an overview of stem, progenitor and differentiating spermatogonia that support spermatogenesis; identifying parallels between rodents and primates where they exist as well as features unique to higher primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adetunji P Fayomi
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
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47
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Masaki K, Sakai M, Kuroki S, Jo JI, Hoshina K, Fujimori Y, Oka K, Amano T, Yamanaka T, Tachibana M, Tabata Y, Shiozawa T, Ishizuka O, Hochi S, Takashima S. FGF2 Has Distinct Molecular Functions from GDNF in the Mouse Germline Niche. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 10:1782-1792. [PMID: 29681540 PMCID: PMC5989648 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Both glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) are bona fide self-renewal factors for spermatogonial stem cells, whereas retinoic acid (RA) induces spermatogonial differentiation. In this study, we investigated the functional differences between FGF2 and GDNF in the germline niche by providing these factors using a drug delivery system in vivo. Although both factors expanded the GFRA1+ subset of undifferentiated spermatogonia, the FGF2-expanded subset expressed RARG, which is indispensable for proper differentiation, 1.9-fold more frequently than the GDNF-expanded subset, demonstrating that FGF2 expands a differentiation-prone subset in the testis. Moreover, FGF2 acted on the germline niche to suppress RA metabolism and GDNF production, suggesting that FGF2 modifies germline niche functions to be more appropriate for spermatogonial differentiation. These results suggest that FGF2 contributes to induction of differentiation rather than maintenance of undifferentiated spermatogonia, indicating reconsideration of the role of FGF2 in the germline niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaito Masaki
- Department of Textile Science and Technology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Mizuki Sakai
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kuroki
- Division of Epigenome Dynamics, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichiro Jo
- Laboratory of Biomaterials, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kazuo Hoshina
- Nagano Animal Industry Experiment Station, Shiojiri 399-0711, Japan
| | - Yuki Fujimori
- Nagano Animal Industry Experiment Station, Shiojiri 399-0711, Japan
| | - Kenji Oka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Toshiyasu Amano
- Department of Urology, Nagano Red Cross Hospital, Nagano 380-8582, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yamanaka
- Department of Textile Science and Technology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Makoto Tachibana
- Division of Epigenome Dynamics, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Tabata
- Laboratory of Biomaterials, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Tanri Shiozawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Osamu Ishizuka
- Department of Urology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Shinichi Hochi
- Department of Textile Science and Technology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan; Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | - Seiji Takashima
- Department of Textile Science and Technology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda 386-8567, Japan; Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan.
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