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Schülke LC, Wistuba J, Nordhoff V, Behre HM, Cremers JF, Kliesch S, Di Persio S, Neuhaus N. Identification of two hidden clinical subgroups among men with idiopathic cryptozoospermia. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:892-901. [PMID: 38365879 PMCID: PMC11063552 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are there subgroups among patients with cryptozoospermia pointing to distinct etiologies? SUMMARY ANSWER We reveal two distinct subgroups of cryptozoospermic (Crypto) patients based on testicular tissue composition, testicular volume, and FSH levels. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Cryptozoospermic patients present with a sperm concentration below 0.1 million/ml. While the etiology of the severely impaired spermatogenesis remains largely unknown, alterations of the spermatogonial compartment have been reported including a reduction of the reserve stem cells in these patients. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION To assess whether there are distinct subgroups among cryptozoospermic patients, we applied the statistical method of cluster analysis. For this, we retrospectively selected 132 cryptozoospermic patients from a clinical database who underwent a testicular biopsy in the frame of fertility treatment at a university hospital. As controls (Control), we selected 160 patients with obstructive azoospermia and full spermatogenesis. All 292 patients underwent routine evaluation for endocrine, semen, and histological parameters (i.e. the percentage of tubules with elongated spermatids). Moreover, outcome of medically assisted reproduction (MAR) was assessed for cryptozoospermic (n = 73) and Control patients (n = 87), respectively. For in-depth immunohistochemical and histomorphometrical analyses, representative tissue samples from cryptozoospermic (n = 27) and Control patients (n = 12) were selected based on cluster analysis results and histological parameters. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS This study included two parts: firstly using clinical parameters of the entire cohort of 292 patients, we performed principal component analysis (PCA) followed by hierarchical clustering on principal components (i.e. considering hormonal values, ejaculate parameters, and histological information). Secondly, for histological analyses seminiferous tubules were categorized according to the most advanced germ cell type present in sections stained with Periodic acid Schif. On the selected cohort of 39 patients (12 Control, 27 cryptozoospermic), we performed immunohistochemistry for spermatogonial markers melanoma-associated antigen 4 (MAGEA4) and piwi like RNA-mediated gene silencing 4 (PIWIL4) followed by quantitative analyses. Moreover, the morphologically defined Adark spermatogonia, which are considered to be the reserve stem cells, were quantified. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The PCA and hierarchical clustering revealed three different clusters, one of them containing all Control samples. The main factors driving the sorting of patients to the clusters were the percentage of tubules with elongated spermatids (Cluster 1, all Control patients and two cryptozoospermic patients), the percentage of tubules with spermatocytes (Cluster 2, cryptozoospermic patients), and tubules showing a Sertoli cells only phenotype (Cluster 3, cryptozoospermic patients). Importantly, the percentage of tubules containing elongated spermatids was comparable between Clusters 2 and 3. Additional differences were higher FSH levels (P < 0.001) and lower testicular volumes (P < 0.001) in Cluster 3 compared to Cluster 2. In the spermatogonial compartment of both cryptozoospermic Clusters, we found lower numbers of MAGEA4+ and Adark spermatogonia but higher proportions of PIWIL4+ spermatogonia, which were significantly correlated with a lower percentage of tubules containing elongated spermatids. In line with this common alteration, the outcome of MAR was comparable between Controls as well as both cryptozoospermic Clusters. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION While we have uncovered the existence of subgroups within the cohort of cryptozoospermic patients, comprehensive genetic analyses remain to be performed to unravel potentially distinct etiologies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The novel insight that cryptozoospermic patients can be divided into two subgroups will facilitate the strategic search for underlying genetic etiologies. Moreover, the shared alterations of the spermatogonial stem cell compartment between the two cryptozoospermic subgroups could represent a general response mechanism to the reduced output of sperm, which may be associated with a progressive phenotype. This study therefore offers novel approaches towards the understanding of the etiology underlying the reduced sperm formation in cryptozoospermic patients. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) German research foundation CRU 326 (grants to: SDP, NN). Moreover, we thank the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Münster for the financial support of Lena Charlotte Schülke through the MedK-program. We acknowledge support from the Open Access Publication Fund of the University of Münster. The authors have no potential conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Charlotte Schülke
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Verena Nordhoff
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hermann M Behre
- UKM Kinderwunschzentrum, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jann-Frederik Cremers
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sara Di Persio
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Bush SJ, Nikola R, Han S, Suzuki S, Yoshida S, Simons BD, Goriely A. Adult Human, but Not Rodent, Spermatogonial Stem Cells Retain States with a Foetal-like Signature. Cells 2024; 13:742. [PMID: 38727278 PMCID: PMC11083513 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis involves a complex process of cellular differentiation maintained by spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Being critical to male reproduction, it is generally assumed that spermatogenesis starts and ends in equivalent transcriptional states in related species. Based on single-cell gene expression profiling, it has been proposed that undifferentiated human spermatogonia can be subclassified into four heterogenous subtypes, termed states 0, 0A, 0B, and 1. To increase the resolution of the undifferentiated compartment and trace the origin of the spermatogenic trajectory, we re-analysed the single-cell (sc) RNA-sequencing libraries of 34 post-pubescent human testes to generate an integrated atlas of germ cell differentiation. We then used this atlas to perform comparative analyses of the putative SSC transcriptome both across human development (using 28 foetal and pre-pubertal scRNA-seq libraries) and across species (including data from sheep, pig, buffalo, rhesus and cynomolgus macaque, rat, and mouse). Alongside its detailed characterisation, we show that the transcriptional heterogeneity of the undifferentiated spermatogonial cell compartment varies not only between species but across development. Our findings associate 'state 0B' with a suppressive transcriptomic programme that, in adult humans, acts to functionally oppose proliferation and maintain cells in a ready-to-react state. Consistent with this conclusion, we show that human foetal germ cells-which are mitotically arrested-can be characterised solely as state 0B. While germ cells with a state 0B signature are also present in foetal mice (and are likely conserved at this stage throughout mammals), they are not maintained into adulthood. We conjecture that in rodents, the foetal-like state 0B differentiates at birth into the renewing SSC population, whereas in humans it is maintained as a reserve population, supporting testicular homeostasis over a longer reproductive lifespan while reducing mutagenic load. Together, these results suggest that SSCs adopt differing evolutionary strategies across species to ensure fertility and genome integrity over vastly differing life histories and reproductive timeframes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J. Bush
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Rafail Nikola
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Seungmin Han
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Shinnosuke Suzuki
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - 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
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Benjamin D. Simons
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
- Wellcome—MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0WA, UK
| | - Anne Goriely
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
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Zou D, Li K, Su L, Liu J, Lu Y, Huang R, Li M, Mang X, Geng Q, Li P, Tang J, Yu Z, Zhang Z, Chen D, Miao S, Yu J, Yan W, Song W. DDX20 is required for cell-cycle reentry of prospermatogonia and establishment of spermatogonial stem cell pool during testicular development in mice. Dev Cell 2024:S1534-5807(24)00227-2. [PMID: 38657611 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), as key regulators of mRNA fate, are abundantly expressed in the testis. However, RBPs associated with human male infertility remain largely unknown. Through bioinformatic analyses, we identified 62 such RBPs, including an evolutionarily conserved RBP, DEAD-box helicase 20 (DDX20). Male germ-cell-specific inactivation of Ddx20 at E15.5 caused T1-propsermatogonia (T1-ProSG) to fail to reenter cell cycle during the first week of testicular development in mice. Consequently, neither the foundational spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) pool nor progenitor spermatogonia were ever formed in the knockout testes. Mechanistically, DDX20 functions to control the translation of its target mRNAs, many of which encode cell-cycle-related regulators, by interacting with key components of the translational machinery in prospermatogonia. Our data demonstrate a previously unreported function of DDX20 as a translational regulator of critical cell-cycle-related genes, which is essential for cell-cycle reentry of T1-ProSG and formation of the SSC pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingfeng Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Luying Su
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Mengzhen Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Xinyu Mang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Qi Geng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Pengyu Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jielin Tang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Zhixin Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Zexuan Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Dingyao Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Shiying Miao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China; The Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu 610052, China.
| | - Wei Yan
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA; Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China.
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Wang B, Zhang S, Wang H, Wang M, Tao Y, Ye M, Fan Z, Wang Y, Liu L. Identification of EGR4 as a prospective target for inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and a novel biomarker in colorectal cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2024:10.1038/s41417-024-00743-1. [PMID: 38459370 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00743-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
EGR4 (Early Growth Response 4) is a member of the EGR family, involving in tumorigenesis. However, the function and action mechanism of EGR4 in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. To address this, we assessed the prognosis of CRC based on EGR4 using the Kaplan-Meier plotter tool and tissue microarray. The abundance of immunoinfiltration was evaluated through ssGSEA, TISIDB, and TIMER. In vitro experiments involving knockdown or overexpression of EGR4 were performed, and RNA-sequencing was conducted to explore potential mechanisms. Furthermore, we used oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil to validate the impact of EGR4 on chemo-resistance. Pan-cancer analysis and tissue microarray showed that EGR4 was highly expressed in CRC and significantly correlated with an unfavorable prognosis. Moreover, EGR4 expression was associated with immunoinfiltration and cancer-associated fibroblasts in the CRC microenvironment. Functional enrichment demonstrated that high-expressional EGR4 were involved in chromatin and nucleosome assembly. Additionally, EGR4 promoted the proliferation of CRC cells. Mechanistically, EGR4 upregulated TNFα to activate the NF-κB signaling pathway, and its knockdown reduced p65 nuclear translocation. Importantly, combining shEGR4 with oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil significantly inhibited CRC proliferation. Taken together, these findings provide new insights into the potential prognosis and therapeutic targets of EGR4 in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bangting Wang
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- The Friendship Hospital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Ili & Jiangsu Joint Institute of Health, Yining, China
| | - Shijie Zhang
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haiyang Wang
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Wang
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuwen Tao
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mujie Ye
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhining Fan
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- The Friendship Hospital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Ili & Jiangsu Joint Institute of Health, Yining, China.
| | - Li Liu
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Sieper MH, Gaikwad AS, Fros M, Weber P, Di Persio S, Oud MS, Kliesch S, Neuhaus N, Stallmeyer B, Tüttelmann F, Wyrwoll MJ. Scrutinizing the human TEX genes in the context of human male infertility. Andrology 2024; 12:570-584. [PMID: 37594251 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility affects around 15% of all couples worldwide and is increasingly linked to variants in genes specifically expressed in the testis. Well-established causes of male infertility include pathogenic variants in the genes TEX11, TEX14, and TEX15, while few studies have recently reported variants in TEX13B, TEX13C, FAM9A (TEX39A), and FAM9B (TEX39B). OBJECTIVES We aimed at screening for novel potential candidate genes among the human TEX ("testis expressed") genes as well as verifying previously described disease associations in this set of genes. MATERIALS AND METHODS To this end, we screened the exome sequencing data of 1305 men, including 1056 crypto- and azoospermic individuals, and determined cell-specific expression by analyzing testis-specific single-cell RNA sequencing data for genes with identified variants. To investigate the overarching role in male fertility, we generated testis-specific knockdown (KD) models of all 10 orthologous TEX genes in Drosophila melanogaster. RESULTS We detected rare potential disease-causing variants in TEX10, TEX13A, TEX13B, TEX13C, TEX13D, ZFAND3 (TEX27), TEX33, FAM9A (TEX39A), and FAM9B (TEX39B), in 28 infertile men, of which 15 men carried variants in TEX10, TEX27, and TEX33. The KD of TEX2, TEX9, TEX10, TEX13, ZFAND3 (TEX27), TEX28, TEX30, NFX1 (TEX42), TEX261, and UTP4 (TEX292) in Drosophila resulted in normal fertility. DISCUSSION Based on our findings, the autosomal dominant predicted genes TEX10 and ZFAND3 (TEX27) and the autosomal recessive predicted gene TEX33, which all three are conceivably required for germ cell maturation, were identified as novel potential candidate genes for human non-obstructive azoospermia. We additionally identified hemizygous loss-of-function (LoF) variants in TEX13B, TEX13C, and FAM9A (TEX39A) as unlikely monogenic culprits of male infertility as LoF variants were also found in control men. CONCLUSION Our findings concerning the X-linked genes TEX13B, TEX13C, and FAM9A (TEX39A) contradict previous reports and will decrease false-positive reports in genetic diagnostics of azoospermic men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie H Sieper
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Avinash S Gaikwad
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Marion Fros
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Philipp Weber
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sara Di Persio
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Manon S Oud
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Birgit Stallmeyer
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Margot J Wyrwoll
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Piechka A, Sparanese S, Witherspoon L, Hach F, Flannigan R. Molecular mechanisms of cellular dysfunction in testes from men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:67-90. [PMID: 38110528 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00837-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Male factor infertility affects 50% of infertile couples worldwide; the most severe form, non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), affects 10-15% of infertile males. Treatment for individuals with NOA is limited to microsurgical sperm extraction paired with in vitro fertilization intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Unfortunately, spermatozoa are only retrieved in ~50% of patients, resulting in live birth rates of 21-46%. Regenerative therapies could provide a solution; however, understanding the cell-type-specific mechanisms of cellular dysfunction is a fundamental necessity to develop precision medicine strategies that could overcome these abnormalities and promote regeneration of spermatogenesis. A number of mechanisms of cellular dysfunction have been elucidated in NOA testicular cells. These mechanisms include abnormalities in both somatic cells and germ cells in NOA testes, such as somatic cell immaturity, aberrant growth factor signalling, increased inflammation, increased apoptosis and abnormal extracellular matrix regulation. Future cell-type-specific investigations in identifying modulators of cellular transcription and translation will be key to understanding upstream dysregulation, and these studies will require development of in vitro models to functionally interrogate spermatogenic niche dysfunction in both somatic and germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arina Piechka
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sydney Sparanese
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Luke Witherspoon
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Faraz Hach
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ryan Flannigan
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Johannsen EB, Skakkebæk A, Kalucka JM, Fedder J, Gravholt CH, Just J. The testicular microvasculature in Klinefelter syndrome is immature with compromised integrity and characterized by excessive inflammatory cross-talk. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2339-2349. [PMID: 37910660 PMCID: PMC10694403 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead224] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does Klinefelter syndrome (KS) lead to a distinct gene expression pattern at single-cell level in the testes that could provide insight into the reported microvascular dysfunction in the testes? SUMMARY ANSWER A distinct gene expression pattern within microvascular-associated cells of males with KS suggests excessive endothelial cell (EC) activation, disorganized vessel formation, and the presence of immature vessels with compromised integrity. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Recent studies show that males with KS exhibit microvascular dysfunction in their testes, which affects blood flow and is associated with lower circulating levels of testosterone. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A comparative cross-sectional study of males with KS (n = 6), non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) (n = 5), cryptozoospermia (n = 3), and controls (n = 15) was carried out. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We analyzed publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data of testicular cells from males with KS, males with NOA, males with cryptozoospermia, and controls. The integration of these datasets allowed us to analyze gene expression profiles and communication patterns among the cell types within the testis and to identify capillary ECs to investigate changes at the microvascular level. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Rooted in changes at the single-cell level, our study demonstrates a shift in gene expression forming the foundation for altered cellular communication, microvascular remodeling, and pro-inflammatory responses within the testes of males with KS. We identified genes that were dysregulated in capillary ECs from males with KS (Padj < 0.05). Specifically, the unique microvascular gene expression in males with KS indicated enhanced capillary EC activation and increased inflammatory cross-talk, leading to impaired vessel maturation and increased EC barrier permeability. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our study is constrained by an unbalanced design, with varying sample sizes and number of cells within each group. We acknowledge the restricted access to clinical information. In addition, our findings were deduced from changes in gene expression, which limits us to infer potential biological consequences arising from these alterations. Furthermore, the absence of a pre-pubertal age group limits the generalizability of our findings and warrants further investigation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study offers novel insights into the testicular pathophysiology in KS and underscores the potential contribution of microvascular dysfunction to the hypogonadism and infertility observed in males with KS. While this study aims to better understand the microvascular dysfunction in KS, the precise connections to testosterone deficiency and testicular atrophy remain to be fully elucidated. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) A.S. was supported by the Independent Research Fund Denmark (0134-00130B). C.H.G. was supported by Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF15OC0016474, NNF20OC0060610), 'Fonden til lægevidenskabens fremme', the Familien Hede Nielsen foundation and the Independent Research Fund Denmark (0134-00406A). E.B.J. was supported by Aarhus University and E.B.J. and C.H.G by the Independent Research Fund Denmark (2096-00165A). J.M.K. was supported by Lundbeckfonden (R307-2018-3667), Carlsberg Fonden (CF19-0687), Novo Nordisk Fonden (0073440) and Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus (SDCA). The authors declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma B Johannsen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Anne Skakkebæk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Joanna M Kalucka
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Jens Fedder
- Centre of Andrology and Fertility Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Research Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Claus H Gravholt
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Endocrinology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Jesper Just
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
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8
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Salehi N, Totonchi M. The construction of a testis transcriptional cell atlas from embryo to adult reveals various somatic cells and their molecular roles. J Transl Med 2023; 21:859. [PMID: 38012716 PMCID: PMC10680190 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04722-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The testis is a complex organ that undergoes extensive developmental changes from the embryonic stage to adulthood. The development of germ cells, which give rise to spermatozoa, is tightly regulated by the surrounding somatic cells. METHODS To better understand the dynamics of these changes, we constructed a transcriptional cell atlas of the testis, integrating single-cell RNA sequencing data from over 26,000 cells across five developmental stages: fetal germ cells, infants, childhood, peri-puberty, and adults. We employed various analytical techniques, including clustering, cell type assignments, identification of differentially expressed genes, pseudotime analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and evaluation of paracrine cell-cell communication, to comprehensively analyze this transcriptional cell atlas of the testis. RESULTS Our analysis revealed remarkable heterogeneity in both somatic and germ cell populations, with the highest diversity observed in Sertoli and Myoid somatic cells, as well as in spermatogonia, spermatocyte, and spermatid germ cells. We also identified key somatic cell genes, including RPL39, RPL10, RPL13A, FTH1, RPS2, and RPL18A, which were highly influential in the weighted gene co-expression network of the testis transcriptional cell atlas and have been previously implicated in male infertility. Additionally, our analysis of paracrine cell-cell communication supported specific ligand-receptor interactions involved in neuroactive, cAMP, and estrogen signaling pathways, which support the crucial role of somatic cells in regulating germ cell development. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our transcriptional atlas provides a comprehensive view of the cell-to-cell heterogeneity in the testis and identifies key somatic cell genes and pathways that play a central role in male fertility across developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najmeh Salehi
- School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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9
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Sandmann S, Schaumburg F, Varghese J. GEFAAR: a generic framework for the analysis of antimicrobial resistance providing statistics and cluster analyses. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16922. [PMID: 37805536 PMCID: PMC10560266 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44109-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Easy access to antimicrobial resistance data and meaningful visualization is essential to guide the empirical antimicrobial treatment and to promote the rational use of antimicrobial agents. Currently available solutions are commonly externally hosted, centralized systems. However, there is a need for close monitoring by local analysis tools. To fill this gap, we developed GEFAAR-a generic framework for the analysis of antimicrobial resistance data. Following the example of the German Robert Koch Institute (RKI), an interactive web-application is provided to determine basic pathogen and resistance statistics. In addition to the RKI's externally maintained database, our application provides a generic framework to import tabular data and to analyze them safely in a local environment. Moreover, our application offers an intuitive web-based user interface to visualize resistance trend analysis as well as advanced cluster analyses on species- or clinic/unit level to generate alerts of potential transmission events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Sandmann
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| | - Frieder Schaumburg
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Julian Varghese
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
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10
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Li R, Zhou Q, Liu G, Zhu F, Liu Z, Bo H, Fan L. CSNK1G2-AS1 promotes metastasis, colony formation and serves as a biomarker in testicular germ cell tumor cells. J Cancer 2023; 14:2771-2783. [PMID: 37781070 PMCID: PMC10539554 DOI: 10.7150/jca.85640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aim: Some long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to significantly participate in the progression of TGCTs. In comparison to the normal testis, the TGCT tissues showed significantly decreased CSNK1G2-AS1 expression, however, its effect on TGCTs and its mechanism are still unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of CSNK1G2-AS1 on TGCTs and explore the mechanism underlying its effect on TGCTs. Materials and Methods: In this study, to evaluate the expression of CSNK1G2-AS1 in tissue samples from TGCTs, the UCSC and GEPIA databases were applied and qRT-PCR was conducted. The Kaplan-Meier Plotter was applied to analyze the correlation between CSNK1G2-AS1 methylation levels and the prognosis of TGCTs patients. The assays of MTS, clone formation, transwell, and flow cytometry were performed to investigate the effect of CSNK1G2-AS1 overexpression on the proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis of TGCT cells, respectively. Finally, western blotting was conducted to determine the expressions of the proteins associated with EMT and AKT. Results: Our study first found that, compared to the normal testis, TGCTs tissue showed significantly decreased CSNK1G2-AS1 expression, and hypomethylation of CSNK1G2-AS1 was significantly correlated with a better prognosis with TGCTs patients. In vitro, we found that overexpression of CSNK1G2-AS1 dramatically promoted the clone formation, invasion, and migration of TGCT cells, but inhibited apoptosis. And CSNK1G2-AS1 overexpression significantly decreased the expression of EMT-associated proteins ZO-1 but increased the expression and phosphorylation of AKT. Conclusions: CSNK1G2-AS1 may play an essential role in the pathogenesis and metastasis of TGCTs through the EMT- and AKT-mediated signal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixue Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianyin Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangmin Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Zhu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhizhong Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Cancer Hospital, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Bo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqing Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
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11
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Patel M, Muthigi A, Laurentino S, Diaz P, Ramasamy R. Male reproductive aging: can men with oligospermia become azoospermic over time? Int J Impot Res 2023; 35:505-508. [PMID: 36253473 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-022-00634-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mehul Patel
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Akhil Muthigi
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sandra Laurentino
- Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Parris Diaz
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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12
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Berres S, Gromoll J, Wöste M, Sandmann S, Laurentino S. OGRE: calculate, visualize, and analyze overlap between genomic input regions and public annotations. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:300. [PMID: 37496002 PMCID: PMC10369718 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05422-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modern genome sequencing leads to an ever-growing collection of genomic annotations. Combining these elements with a set of input regions (e.g. genes) would yield new insights in genomic associations, such as those involved in gene regulation. The required data are scattered across different databases making a manual approach tiresome, unpractical, and prone to error. Semi-automatic approaches require programming skills in data parsing, processing, overlap calculation, and visualization, which most biomedical researchers lack. Our aim was to develop an automated tool providing all necessary algorithms, benefiting both bioinformaticians and researchers without bioinformatic training. RESULTS We developed overlapping annotated genomic regions (OGRE) as a comprehensive tool to associate and visualize input regions with genomic annotations. It does so by parsing regions of interest, mining publicly available annotations, and calculating possible overlaps between them. The user can thus identify location, type, and number of associated regulatory elements. Results are presented as easy to understand visualizations and result tables. We applied OGRE to recent studies and could show high reproducibility and potential new insights. To demonstrate OGRE's performance in terms of running time and output, we have conducted a benchmark and compared its features with similar tools. CONCLUSIONS OGRE's functions and built-in annotations can be applied as a downstream overlap association step, which is compatible with most genomic sequencing outputs, and can thus enrich pre-existing analyses pipelines. Compared to similar tools, OGRE shows competitive performance, offers additional features, and has been successfully applied to two recent studies. Overall, OGRE addresses the lack of tools for automatic analysis, local genomic overlap calculation, and visualization by providing an easy to use, end-to-end solution for both biologists and computational scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Berres
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1 Building D11, 48149, Munster, Germany
| | - Jörg Gromoll
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1 Building D11, 48149, Munster, Germany
| | - Marius Wöste
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1 Building A11, 48149, Munster, Germany
| | - Sarah Sandmann
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1 Building A11, 48149, Munster, Germany
| | - Sandra Laurentino
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1 Building D11, 48149, Munster, Germany.
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13
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Sagaradze G, Monakova A, Efimenko A. Potency Assays for Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Secretome-Based Products for Tissue Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119379. [PMID: 37298329 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult stem cells maintaining tissue homeostasis and regeneration are tightly regulated by their specific microenvironments or stem cell niches. The dysfunction of niche components may alter the activity of stem cells and ultimately lead to intractable chronic or acute disorders. To overcome this dysfunction, niche-targeting regenerative medicine treatments such as gene, cell, and tissue therapy are actively investigated. Here, multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), and particularly their secretomes, are of high interest due to their potency to recover and reactivate damaged or lost stem cell niches. However, a workflow for the development of MSC secretome-based products is not fully covered by regulatory authorities, and and this issue significantly complicates their clinical translation and has possibly been expressed in a huge number of failed clinical trials. One of the most critical issues in this regard relates to the development of potency assays. In this review, guidelines for biologicals and cell therapies are considered to be applied for the development of potency assays for the MSC secretome-based products that aim for tissue regeneration. Specific attention is paid to their possible effects on stem cell niches and to a spermatogonial stem cell niche in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgy Sagaradze
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Education Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 27/10, Lomonosovskiy av., 119192 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Monakova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Education Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 27/10, Lomonosovskiy av., 119192 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 27/1, Lomonosovskiy av., 119192 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia Efimenko
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Education Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 27/10, Lomonosovskiy av., 119192 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 27/1, Lomonosovskiy av., 119192 Moscow, Russia
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14
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He J, Zhao Y, Zhou Z, Zhang M. Machine learning and integrative analysis identify the common pathogenesis of azoospermia complicated with COVID-19. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1114870. [PMID: 37283758 PMCID: PMC10239851 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1114870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although more recent evidence has indicated COVID-19 is prone to azoospermia, the common molecular mechanism of its occurrence remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study is to further investigate the mechanism of this complication. Methods To discover the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways of azoospermia and COVID-19, integrated weighted co-expression network (WGCNA), multiple machine learning analyses, and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) were performed. Results Therefore, we screened two key network modules in the obstructive azoospermia (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) samples. The differentially expressed genes were mainly related to the immune system and infectious virus diseases. We then used multiple machine learning methods to detect biomarkers that differentiated OA from NOA. Enrichment analysis showed that azoospermia patients and COVID-19 patients shared a common IL-17 signaling pathway. In addition, GLO1, GPR135, DYNLL2, and EPB41L3 were identified as significant hub genes in these two diseases. Screening of two different molecular subtypes revealed that azoospermia-related genes were associated with clinicopathological characteristics of age, hospital-free-days, ventilator-free-days, charlson score, and d-dimer of patients with COVID-19 (P < 0.05). Finally, we used the Xsum method to predict potential drugs and single-cell sequencing data to further characterize whether azoospermia-related genes could validate the biological patterns of impaired spermatogenesis in cryptozoospermia patients. Conclusion Our study performs a comprehensive and integrated bioinformatics analysis of azoospermia and COVID-19. These hub genes and common pathways may provide new insights for further mechanism research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarong He
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR, China
| | - Yuanqiao Zhao
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR, China
| | - Zhixian Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR, China
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15
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Höffken V, Di Persio S, Laurentino S, Wyrwoll MJ, Terwort N, Hermann A, Röpke A, Oud MS, Wistuba J, Kliesch S, Pavenstädt HJ, Tüttelmann F, Neuhaus N, Kremerskothen J. WWC2 expression in the testis: Implications for spermatogenesis and male fertility. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22912. [PMID: 37086090 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200960r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
The family of WWC proteins is known to regulate cell proliferation and organ growth control via the Hippo signaling pathway. As WWC proteins share a similar domain structure and a common set of interacting proteins, they are supposed to fulfill compensatory functions in cells and tissues. While all three WWC family members WWC1, WWC2, and WWC3 are found co-expressed in most human organs including lung, brain, kidney, and liver, in the testis only WWC2 displays a relatively high expression. In this study, we investigated the testicular WWC2 expression in spermatogenesis and male fertility. We show that the Wwc2 mRNA expression level in mouse testes is increased during development in parallel with germ cell proliferation and differentiation. The cellular expression of each individual WWC family member was evaluated in published single-cell mRNA datasets of murine and human testes demonstrating a high WWC2 expression predominantly in early spermatocytes. In line with this, immunohistochemistry revealed cytosolic WWC2 protein expression in primary spermatocytes from human testes displaying full spermatogenesis. In accordance with these findings, markedly lower WWC2 expression levels were detected in testicular tissues from mice and men lacking germ cells. Finally, analysis of whole-exome sequencing data of male patients affected by infertility and unexplained severe spermatogenic failure revealed several heterozygous, rare WWC2 gene variants with a proposed damaging function and putative impact on WWC2 protein structure. Taken together, our findings provide novel insights into the testicular expression of WWC2 and show its cell-specific expression in spermatocytes. As rare WWC2 variants were identified in the background of disturbed spermatogenesis, WWC2 may be a novel candidate gene for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Höffken
- Institute of Molecular Nephrology, Internal Medicine D, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sara Di Persio
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sandra Laurentino
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Margot J Wyrwoll
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nicole Terwort
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Anke Hermann
- Institute of Molecular Nephrology, Internal Medicine D, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Albrecht Röpke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Manon S Oud
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hermann J Pavenstädt
- Institute of Molecular Nephrology, Internal Medicine D, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Kremerskothen
- Institute of Molecular Nephrology, Internal Medicine D, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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16
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Chen Y, Liu X, Zhang L, Zhu F, Yan L, Tang W, Zhang Z, Liu Q, Jiang H, Qiao J. Deciphering the Molecular Characteristics of Human Idiopathic Nonobstructive Azoospermia from the Perspective of Germ Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023:e2206852. [PMID: 37083227 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is one of the most important causes of male infertility, accounting for 10-15% of infertile men worldwide. Among these, more than 70% of cases are idiopathic NOA (iNOA), whose pathogenesis and molecular basis remain unknown. This work profiles 3696 human testicular single-cell transcriptomes from 17 iNOA patients, which are classified into four classes with different arrest periods and variable cell proportions based on the gene expression patterns and pathological features. Genes related to the cell cycle, energy production, and gamete generation show obvious abnormalities in iNOA germ cells. This work identifies several candidate causal genes for iNOA, including CD164, LELP1, and TEX38, which are significantly downregulated in iNOA germ cells. Notably, CD164 knockdown promotes apoptosis in spermatogonia. Cellular communications between spermatogonial stem cells and Sertoli cells are disturbed in iNOA patients. Moreover, BOD1L2, C1orf194, and KRTCAP2 are found to indicate testicular spermatogenic capacity in a variety of testicular diseases, such as Y-chromosome microdeletions and Klinefelter syndrome. In general, this study analyzes the pathogenesis of iNOA from the perspective of germ cell development, transcription factor (TF) regulatory networks, as well as germ cell and somatic cell interactions, which provides new ideas for clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidong Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xixi Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Feiyin Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Liying Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wenhao Tang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Beijing, 100871, China
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17
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Singh A, Hermann BP. Conserved Transcriptome Features Define Prepubertal Primate Spermatogonial Stem Cells as A dark Spermatogonia and Identify Unique Regulators. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:4755. [PMID: 36902187 PMCID: PMC10002546 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054755] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antineoplastic treatments for cancer and other non-malignant disorders can result in long-term or permanent male infertility by ablating spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). SSC transplantation using testicular tissue harvested before a sterilizing treatment is a promising approach for restoring male fertility in these cases, but a lack of exclusive biomarkers to unequivocally identify prepubertal SSCs limits their therapeutic potential. To address this, we performed single-cell RNA-seq on testis cells from immature baboons and macaques and compared these cells with published data from prepubertal human testis cells and functionally-defined mouse SSCs. While we found discrete groups of human spermatogonia, baboon and rhesus spermatogonia appeared less heterogenous. A cross-species analysis revealed cell types analogous to human SSCs in baboon and rhesus germ cells, but a comparison with mouse SSCs revealed significant differences with primate SSCs. Primate-specific SSC genes were enriched for components and regulators of the actin cytoskeleton and participate in cell-adhesion, which may explain why the culture conditions for rodent SSCs are not appropriate for primate SSCs. Furthermore, correlating the molecular definitions of human SSC, progenitor and differentiating spermatogonia with the histological definitions of Adark/Apale spermatogonia indicates that both SSCs and progenitor spermatogonia are Adark, while Apale spermatogonia appear biased towards differentiation. These results resolve the molecular identity of prepubertal human SSCs, define novel pathways that could be leveraged for advancing their selection and propagation in vitro, and confirm that the human SSC pool resides entirely within Adark spermatogonia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian P. Hermann
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, 1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
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18
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Siebert-Kuss LM, Krenz H, Tekath T, Wöste M, Di Persio S, Terwort N, Wyrwoll MJ, Cremers JF, Wistuba J, Dugas M, Kliesch S, Schlatt S, Tüttelmann F, Gromoll J, Neuhaus N, Laurentino S. Transcriptome analyses in infertile men reveal germ cell-specific expression and splicing patterns. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:6/2/e202201633. [PMID: 36446526 PMCID: PMC9713473 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of spermatogenesis-when germ cells differentiate into sperm-is tightly regulated, and misregulation in gene expression is likely to be involved in the physiopathology of male infertility. The testis is one of the most transcriptionally rich tissues; nevertheless, the specific gene expression changes occurring during spermatogenesis are not fully understood. To better understand gene expression during spermatogenesis, we generated germ cell-specific whole transcriptome profiles by systematically comparing testicular transcriptomes from tissues in which spermatogenesis is arrested at successive steps of germ cell differentiation. In these comparisons, we found thousands of differentially expressed genes between successive germ cell types of infertility patients. We demonstrate our analyses' potential to identify novel highly germ cell-specific markers (TSPY4 and LUZP4 for spermatogonia; HMGB4 for round spermatids) and identified putatively misregulated genes in male infertility (RWDD2A, CCDC183, CNNM1, SERF1B). Apart from these, we found thousands of genes showing germ cell-specific isoforms (including SOX15, SPATA4, SYCP3, MKI67). Our approach and dataset can help elucidate genetic and transcriptional causes for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara M Siebert-Kuss
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Henrike Krenz
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tobias Tekath
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Marius Wöste
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sara Di Persio
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nicole Terwort
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Margot J Wyrwoll
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jann-Frederik Cremers
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Dugas
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Institute of Medical Informatics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jörg Gromoll
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sandra Laurentino
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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19
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Di Persio S, Neuhaus N. Human spermatogonial stem cells and their niche in male (in)fertility: novel concepts from single-cell RNA-sequencing. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:1-13. [PMID: 36409992 PMCID: PMC9825264 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The amount of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data produced in the field of human male reproduction has steadily increased. Transcriptional profiles of thousands of testicular cells have been generated covering the human neonatal, prepubertal, pubertal and adult period as well as different types of male infertility; the latter include non-obstructive azoospermia, cryptozoospermia, Klinefelter syndrome and azoospermia factor deletions. In this review, we provide an overview of transcriptional changes in different testicular subpopulations during postnatal development and in cases of male infertility. Moreover, we review novel concepts regarding the existence of spermatogonial and somatic cell subtypes as well as their crosstalk and provide corresponding marker genes to facilitate their identification. We discuss the potential clinical implications of scRNA-seq findings, the need for spatial information and the necessity to corroborate findings by exploring other levels of regulation, including at the epigenetic or protein level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Di Persio
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
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20
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Dong F, Ping P, Ma Y, Chen XF. Application of single-cell RNA sequencing on human testicular samples: a comprehensive review. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:2167-2197. [PMID: 37151874 PMCID: PMC10158017 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.82191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
So far there has been no comprehensive review using systematic literature search strategies to show the application of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in the human testis of the whole life cycle (from embryos to aging males). Here, we summarized the application of scRNA-seq analyses on various human testicular biological samples. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), focusing on English researches published after 2009. Articles related to GEO data-series were also retrieved in PubMed or BioRxiv. 81 full-length studies were finally included in the review. ScRNA-seq has been widely used on different human testicular samples with various library strategies, and new cell subtypes such as State 0 spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) and stage_a/b/c Sertoli cells (SC) were identified. For the development of normal testes, scRNA-seq-based evidence showed dynamic transcriptional changes of both germ cells and somatic cells from embryos to adults. And dysregulated metabolic signaling or hedgehog signaling were revealed by scRNA-seq in aged SC or Leydig cells (LC), respectively. For infertile males, scRNA-seq studies revealed profound changes of testes, such as the increased proportion of immature SC/LC of Klinefelter syndrome, the somatic immaturity and altered germline autophagy of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia, and the repressed differentiation of SSC in trans-females receiving testosterone inhibition therapy. Besides, the re-analyzing of public scRNA-seq data made further discoveries such as the potential vulnerability of testicular SARS-CoV-2 infection, and both evolutionary conservatism and divergence among species. ScRNA-seq analyses would unveil mechanisms of testes' development and changes so as to help developing novel treatments for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Dong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Ping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
- ✉ Corresponding author: Dr. Xiang-Feng Chen. Address: 845 Lingshan Road, Shanghai, P. R. China, 200135. Telephone: +86-21-20284500; Fax: +86-21-58394262; Email address: . Dr. Yi Ma. Address: 845 Lingshan Road, Shanghai, P. R. China, 200135. Telephone: +86-21-20284500; Fax: +86-21-58394262; Email address:
| | - Xiang-Feng Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai, China
- ✉ Corresponding author: Dr. Xiang-Feng Chen. Address: 845 Lingshan Road, Shanghai, P. R. China, 200135. Telephone: +86-21-20284500; Fax: +86-21-58394262; Email address: . Dr. Yi Ma. Address: 845 Lingshan Road, Shanghai, P. R. China, 200135. Telephone: +86-21-20284500; Fax: +86-21-58394262; Email address:
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21
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Liebich A, Schmid N, Koupourtidou C, Herrmann C, Dietrich KG, Welter H, Ninkovic J, Mayerhofer A. The Molecular Signature of Human Testicular Peritubular Cells Revealed by Single-Cell Analysis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223685. [PMID: 36429113 PMCID: PMC9688777 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritubular cells of the human testis form a small compartment surrounding the seminiferous tubules. They are crucial for sperm transport, and they emerge as contributors to the spermatogonial stem cell niche. They are among the least known cell types of the human body. We employed single-cell RNA sequencing of cultured human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), which had been isolated from testicular samples of donors with normal spermatogenesis. The significant overlap between our results and recently published ex vivo data indicates that HTPCs are a highly adequate cellular model to define and study these cells. Thus, based on the expression of several markers, HTPCs can be classified as testicular smooth muscle cells. Small differences between the in vivo/in vitro expressed genes may be due to cellular plasticity. Plasticity was also shown upon addition of FCS to the culture medium. Based on transcriptome similarities, four cellular states were identified. Further analyses confirmed the presence of known stem cell niche-relevant factors (e.g., GDNF) and identified unknown functions, e.g., the ability to produce retinoic acid. Therefore, HTPCs allow us to define the signature(s) and delineate the functions of human testicular peritubular cells. The data may also serve as a resource for future studies to better understand male (in)fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Liebich
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Nina Schmid
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christina Koupourtidou
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Helmholtz Center Munich, Institute of Stem Cell Research, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Carola Herrmann
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Kim-Gwendolyn Dietrich
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Harald Welter
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jovica Ninkovic
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Helmholtz Center Munich, Institute of Stem Cell Research, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center, Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-89-2180-75859
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22
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Marečková M, Massalha H, Lorenzi V, Vento-Tormo R. Mapping Human Reproduction with Single-Cell Genomics. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2022; 23:523-547. [PMID: 35567278 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-120121-114415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The trillions of cells in the human body develop as a result of the fusion of two extremely specialized cells: an oocyte and a sperm. This process is essential for the continuation of our species, as it ensures that parental genetic information is mixed and passed on from generation to generation. In addition to producing oocytes, the female reproductive system must provide the environment for the appropriate development of the fetus until birth. New genomic and computational tools offer unique opportunities to study the tight spatiotemporal regulatory mechanisms that are required for the cycle of human reproduction. This review explores how single-cell technologies have been used to build cellular atlases of the human reproductive system across the life span and how these maps have proven useful to better understand reproductive pathologies and dissect the heterogeneity of in vitro model systems. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics, Volume 23 is October 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Marečková
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom; .,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom;
| | - Hassan Massalha
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom; .,Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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23
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Nie X, Munyoki SK, Sukhwani M, Schmid N, Missel A, Emery BR, DonorConnect, Stukenborg JB, Mayerhofer A, Orwig KE, Aston KI, Hotaling JM, Cairns BR, Guo J. Single-cell analysis of human testis aging and correlation with elevated body mass index. Dev Cell 2022; 57:1160-1176.e5. [PMID: 35504286 PMCID: PMC9090997 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Aging men display reduced reproductive health; however, testis aging is poorly understood at the molecular and genomic levels. Here, we utilized single-cell RNA-seq to profile over 44,000 cells from both young and older men and examined age-related changes in germline development and in the testicular somatic cells. Age-related changes in spermatogonial stem cells appeared modest, whereas age-related dysregulation of spermatogenesis and somatic cells ranged from moderate to severe. Altered pathways included signaling and inflammation in multiple cell types, metabolic signaling in Sertoli cells, hedgehog signaling and testosterone production in Leydig cells, cell death and growth in testicular peritubular cells, and possible developmental regression in both Leydig and peritubular cells. Remarkably, the extent of dysregulation correlated with body mass index in older but not in younger men. Collectively, we reveal candidate molecular mechanisms underlying the complex testicular changes conferred by aging and their possible exacerbation by concurrent chronic conditions such as obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xichen Nie
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Sarah K Munyoki
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Nina Schmid
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Grosshaderner Strasse 9, Planegg, Munich, 82152, Germany
| | - Annika Missel
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Grosshaderner Strasse 9, Planegg, Munich, 82152, Germany
| | - Benjamin R Emery
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | | | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Laboratory Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Bioclinicum J9:30, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna 17164, Sweden
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Grosshaderner Strasse 9, Planegg, Munich, 82152, Germany
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - James M Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Bradley R Cairns
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
| | - Jingtao Guo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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24
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Galdon G, Deebel NA, Zarandi NP, Teramoto D, Lue Y, Wang C, Swerdloff R, Pettenati MJ, Kearns WG, Howards S, Kogan S, Atala A, Sadri-Ardekani H. In vitro propagation of XXY human Klinefelter spermatogonial stem cells: A step towards new fertility opportunities. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1002279. [PMID: 36246909 PMCID: PMC9554955 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1002279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) is characterized by a masculine phenotype, supernumerary sex chromosomes (47, XXY), and impaired fertility due to loss of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Early testicular cryopreservation could be an option for future fertility treatments in these patients, including SSCs transplantation or in vitro spermatogenesis. It is critically essential to adapt current in vitro SSCs propagation systems as a fertility option for KS patients. KS human testicular samples (13,15- and 17-year-old non-mosaic KS boys) were donated by patients enrolled in an experimental testicular tissue banking program. Testicular cells were isolated from cryopreserved tissue and propagated in long-term culture for 110 days. Cell-specific gene expression confirmed the presence of all four main cell types found in testes: Spermatogonia, Sertoli, Leydig, and Peritubular cells. A population of ZBTB16+ undifferentiated spermatogonia was identified throughout the culture using digital PCR. Flow cytometric analysis also detected an HLA-/CD9+/CD49f+ population, indicating maintenance of a stem cell subpopulation among the spermatogonial cells. FISH staining for chromosomes X and Y showed most cells containing an XXY karyotype with a smaller number containing either XY or XX. Both XY and XX populations were able to be enriched by magnetic sorting for CD9 as a spermatogonia marker. Molecular karyotyping demonstrated genomic stability of the cultured cells, over time. Finally, single-cell RNAseq analysis confirmed transcription of ID4, TCN2, and NANOS 3 within a population of putative SSCs population. This is the first study showing successful isolation and long-term in vitro propagation of human KS testicular cells. These findings could inform the development of therapeutic fertility options for KS patients, either through in vitro spermatogenesis or transplantation of SSC, in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Galdon
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Facultad de Medicina, Escuela de doctorado, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nicholas A. Deebel
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | | | - Darren Teramoto
- Division of Endocrinology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - YanHe Lue
- Division of Endocrinology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Christina Wang
- Division of Endocrinology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ronald Swerdloff
- Division of Endocrinology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mark J. Pettenati
- Section of Medical Genetics, Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - William G. Kearns
- AdvaGenix and Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore and Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Stuart Howards
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Stanley Kogan
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Hooman Sadri-Ardekani
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Hooman Sadri-Ardekani,
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