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Chen X, Shi C, Ye Y, Wang C, Li R, Wang H, Hou C, Song W, Xu X, Mu C. Dorsomorphin (DM) inhibits the ovarian development of Portunus trituberculatus by acting on the BMP signaling pathway. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2025; 54:101440. [PMID: 39954577 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2025.101440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2024] [Revised: 01/17/2025] [Accepted: 02/07/2025] [Indexed: 02/17/2025]
Abstract
Bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) regulate animal growth, cell proliferation and differentiation. The BMP signaling pathway plays an important regulatory role during ovarian follicle development in mammals. However, related studies in crustaceans are limited. The focus of this study was the key gene of the BMP signaling pathway, the BMP type I receptor. Portunus trituberculatus was injected with different concentrations of dorsomorphin (DM) and observed for one month to identify the optimal effective concentration for interference with the BMP signaling pathway. Subsequent transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics measurements were performed to identify the effects of BMP signaling on ovarian development in P. trituberculatus. A preliminary mechanism of action of the BMP signaling pathway in the regulation of ovarian development was revealed through combined multiomics analysis and lipid analysis. This study provides a theoretical basis for further exploration of the molecular mechanism regulating gonadal development in crustaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Applied Aquacultral Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; Key Laboratory of Green Mariculture (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Ce Shi
- Key Laboratory of Applied Aquacultral Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Green Mariculture (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yangfang Ye
- Key Laboratory of Applied Aquacultral Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Green Mariculture (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Chunlin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Aquacultral Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Green Mariculture (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Ronghua Li
- Key Laboratory of Applied Aquacultral Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Green Mariculture (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Aquacultral Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Green Mariculture (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Congcong Hou
- Key Laboratory of Applied Aquacultral Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Green Mariculture (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Weiwei Song
- Key Laboratory of Applied Aquacultral Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Green Mariculture (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Xinghong Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Changkao Mu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Aquacultral Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Green Mariculture (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Ningbo 315211, China.
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Wu GMJ, Chen ACH, Yeung WSB, Lee YL. Current progress on in vitro differentiation of ovarian follicles from pluripotent stem cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1166351. [PMID: 37325555 PMCID: PMC10267358 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1166351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian female reproduction requires a functional ovary. Competence of the ovary is determined by the quality of its basic unit-ovarian follicles. A normal follicle consists of an oocyte enclosed within ovarian follicular cells. In humans and mice, the ovarian follicles are formed at the foetal and the early neonatal stage respectively, and their renewal at the adult stage is controversial. Extensive research emerges recently to produce ovarian follicles in-vitro from different species. Previous reports demonstrated the differentiation of mouse and human pluripotent stem cells into germline cells, termed primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs). The germ cell-specific gene expressions and epigenetic features including global DNA demethylation and histone modifications of the pluripotent stem cells-derived PGCLCs were extensively characterized. The PGCLCs hold potential for forming ovarian follicles or organoids upon cocultured with ovarian somatic cells. Intriguingly, the oocytes isolated from the organoids could be fertilized in-vitro. Based on the knowledge of in-vivo derived pre-granulosa cells, the generation of these cells from pluripotent stem cells termed foetal ovarian somatic cell-like cells was also reported recently. Despite successful in-vitro folliculogenesis from pluripotent stem cells, the efficiency remains low, mainly due to the lack of information on the interaction between PGCLCs and pre-granulosa cells. The establishment of in-vitro pluripotent stem cell-based models paves the way for understanding the critical signalling pathways and molecules during folliculogenesis. This article aims to review the developmental events during in-vivo follicular development and discuss the current progress of generation of PGCLCs, pre-granulosa and theca cells in-vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genie Min Ju Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Andy Chun Hang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - William Shu Biu Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yin Lau Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
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Bustamante-Marin XM, Capel B. Oxygen availability influences the incidence of testicular teratoma in Dnd1Ter/+ mice. Front Genet 2023; 14:1179256. [PMID: 37180974 PMCID: PMC10169730 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1179256] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular teratomas and teratocarcinomas are the most common testicular germ cell tumors in early childhood and young men, and they are frequently found unilaterally in the left testis. In 129/SvJ mice carrying a heterozygous copy of the potent modifier of tumor incidence Ter, a point mutation in the dead-end homolog one gene (Dnd1 Ter/+), ∼70% of the unilateral teratomas arise in the left testis. We previously showed that in mice, left/right differences in vascular architecture are associated with reduced hemoglobin saturation and increased levels of the hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) in the left compared to the right testis. To test the hypothesis that systemic reduction of oxygen availability in Dnd1 Ter/+ mice would lead to an increased incidence of bilateral tumors, we placed pregnant females from 129/SvJ Dnd1 Ter/+ intercross matings in a hypobaric chamber for 12-h intervals. Our results show that in 129/SvJ Dnd1 Ter/+ male gonads, the incidence of bilateral teratoma increased from 3.3% to 64% when fetuses were exposed to acute low oxygen conditions for 12-h between E13.8 and E14.3. The increase in tumor incidence correlated with the maintenance of high expression of pluripotency genes Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog, elevated activity of the Nodal signaling pathway, and suppression of germ cell mitotic arrest. We propose that the combination of heterozygosity for the Ter mutation and hypoxia causes a delay in male germ cell differentiation that promotes teratoma initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena M. Bustamante-Marin
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Departamento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias De La Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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Ghasemi D, Ebrahimi-Barough S, Nekoofar MH, Mohamadnia A, Lotfibakhshaiesh N, Bahrami N, Karimi R, Taghdiri Nooshabadi V, Azami M, Hasanzadeh E, Ai J. Differentiation of human endometrial stem cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogel into oocyte-like cells. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2022; 13:229-240. [PMID: 37431484 PMCID: PMC10329755 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2022.23960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (hEnMSCs) are a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with multi-lineage differentiation potential, making them an intriguing tool in regenerative medicine, particularly for the treatment of reproductive and infertility issues. The specific process of germline cell-derived stem cell differentiation remains unknown, the aim is to study novel ways to achieve an effective differentiation method that produces adequate and functioning human gamete cells. METHODS We adjusted the optimum retinoic acid (RA) concentration for enhancement of germ cell-derived hEnSCs generation in 2D cell culture after 7 days in this study. Subsequently, we developed a suitable oocyte-like cell induction media including RA and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), and studied their effects on oocyte-like cell differentiation in 2D and 3D cell culture media utilizing cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogel. RESULTS Our results from microscopy analysis, real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence tests revealed that 10 µM RA concentration was the optimal dose for inducing germ-like cells after 7 days. We examined the alginate hydrogel structural characteristics and integrity by rheology analysis and SEM microscope. We also demonstrated encapsulated cell viability and adhesion in the manufactured hydrogel. We propose that in 3D cell cultures in alginate hydrogel, an induction medium containing 10 µM RA and 50 ng/mL BMP4 can enhance hEnSC differentiation into oocyte-like cells. CONCLUSION The production of oocyte-like cells using 3D alginate hydrogel may be viable in vitro approach for replacing gonad tissues and cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diba Ghasemi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Ebrahimi-Barough
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nekoofar
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Dentistry, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Abdolreza Mohamadnia
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasrin Lotfibakhshaiesh
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Naghmeh Bahrami
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Craniomaxillofacial Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Karimi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vajihe Taghdiri Nooshabadi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Azami
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Hasanzadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Jafar Ai
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Pryzhkova MV, Boers R, Jordan PW. Modeling Human Gonad Development in Organoids. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2022; 19:1185-1206. [PMID: 36350469 PMCID: PMC9679106 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-022-00492-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our learning about human reproductive development is greatly hampered due to the absence of an adequate model. Animal studies cannot truthfully recapitulate human developmental processes, and studies of human fetal tissues are limited by their availability and ethical restrictions. Innovative three-dimensional (3D) organoid technology utilizing human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offered a new approach to study tissue and organ development in vitro. However, a system for modeling human gonad development has not been established, thus, limiting our ability to study causes of infertility. METHODS In our study we utilized the 3D hPSC organoid culture in mini-spin bioreactors. Relying on intrinsic self-organizing and differentiation capabilities of stem cells, we explored whether organoids could mimic the development of human embryonic and fetal gonad. RESULTS We have developed a simple, bioreactor-based organoid system for modeling early human gonad development. Male hPSC-derived organoids follow the embryonic gonad developmental trajectory and differentiate into multipotent progenitors, which further specialize into testicular supporting and interstitial cells. We demonstrated functional activity of the generated cell types by analyzing the expression of cell type-specific markers. Furthermore, the specification of gonadal progenitors in organoid culture was accompanied by the characteristic architectural tissue organization. CONCLUSION This organoid system opens the opportunity for detailed studies of human gonad and germ cell development that can advance our understanding of sex development disorders. Implementation of human gonad organoid technology could be extended to modeling causes of infertility and regenerative medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina V Pryzhkova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
| | - Romina Boers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra, 1117 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip W Jordan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
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Weterings SDC, van Oostrom MJ, Sonnen KF. Building bridges between fields: bringing together development and homeostasis. Development 2021; 148:270964. [PMID: 34279592 PMCID: PMC8326920 DOI: 10.1242/dev.193268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite striking parallels between the fields of developmental biology and adult tissue homeostasis, these are disconnected in contemporary research. Although development describes tissue generation and homeostasis describes tissue maintenance, it is the balance between stem cell proliferation and differentiation that coordinates both processes. Upstream signalling regulates this balance to achieve the required outcome at the population level. Both development and homeostasis require tight regulation of stem cells at the single-cell level and establishment of patterns at the tissue-wide level. Here, we emphasize that the general principles of embryonic development and tissue homeostasis are similar, and argue that interactions between these disciplines will be beneficial for both research fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja D C Weterings
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marek J van Oostrom
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Katharina F Sonnen
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Yoshino T, Saito D. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition–based morphogenesis of dorsal mesentery and gonad. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 92:105-112. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Sepponen K, Lundin K, Knuus K, Väyrynen P, Raivio T, Tapanainen JS, Tuuri T. The Role of Sequential BMP Signaling in Directing Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Bipotential Gonadal Cells. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2017; 102:4303-4314. [PMID: 28938435 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2017-01469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Human gonads arise as a pair of epithelial ridges on the surface of intermediate mesoderm (IM)-derived mesonephros. Toxic environmental factors and mutations in various genes are known to disturb normal gonadal development, but because of a lack of suitable in vitro models, detailed studies characterizing the molecular basis of the observed defects have not been performed. OBJECTIVE To establish an in vitro method for studying differentiation of bipotential gonadal progenitors by using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and to investigate the role of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in gonadal differentiation. DESIGN We tested 17 protocols using activin A, CHIR-99021, and varying durations of BMP-7 and the BMP inhibitor dorsomorphin. Activation of activin A, WNT, and BMP pathways was optimized to induce differentiation. SETTING Academic research laboratory. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Cell differentiation, gene expression, and flow cytometry. RESULTS The two most efficient protocols consistently upregulated IM markers LHX1, PAX2, and OSR1 at days 2 to 4 and bipotential gonadal markers EMX2, GATA4, WT1, and LHX9 at day 8 of culture. The outcome depended on the combination of the duration, concentration, and type of BMP activation and the length of WNT signaling. Adjusting any of the parameters substantially affected the requirements for other parameters. CONCLUSIONS We have established a reproducible protocol for directed differentiation of hESCs into bipotential gonadal cells. The protocol can be used to model early gonadal development in humans and allows further differentiation to mature gonadal somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsi Sepponen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki 00029, Finland
| | - Karolina Lundin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki 00029, Finland
| | - Katri Knuus
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki 00029, Finland
| | - Pia Väyrynen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki 00029, Finland
| | - Taneli Raivio
- Department of Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Juha S Tapanainen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki 00029, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Oulu, University of Oulu, Medical Research Center Oulu and PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Timo Tuuri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki 00029, Finland
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9
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Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling in animal reproductive system development and function. Dev Biol 2017; 427:258-269. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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10
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Yoshino T, Murai H, Saito D. Hedgehog-BMP signalling establishes dorsoventral patterning in lateral plate mesoderm to trigger gonadogenesis in chicken embryos. Nat Commun 2016; 7:12561. [PMID: 27558761 PMCID: PMC5007334 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The gonad appears in the early embryo after several events: cells at the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) undergo ingression, begin gonadal differentiation and then retain primordial germ cells (PGCs). Here we show that in the chicken embryo, these events are triggered on the basis of dorsoventral patterning at the medial LPM. Gonadal progenitor cells (GPCs) at the ventromedial LPM initiate gonadogenesis by undergoing ingression, whereas mesonephric capsule progenitor cells (MCPCs) at the dorsomedial LPM do not. These contrasting behaviours are caused by Hedgehog signalling, which is activated in GPCs but not in MCPCs. Inhibiting Hedgehog signalling prevents GPCs from forming gonadal structures and collecting PGCs. When activated by Hedgehog signalling, MCPCs form an ectopic gonad. This Hedgehog signalling is mediated by BMP4. These findings provide insight into embryonic patterning and gonadal initiation in the chicken embryo. Ingression of cells from the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) initiates gonad differentiation but how these events are triggered is unclear. Here, the authors show that gonadal progenitor cells at the ventromedial LPM initiate gonadogenesis, and are activated by Hedgehog and BMP4 signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yoshino
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Murai
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences (FRIS), Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Daisuke Saito
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences (FRIS), Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
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Windley SP, Wilhelm D. Signaling Pathways Involved in Mammalian Sex Determination and Gonad Development. Sex Dev 2016; 9:297-315. [PMID: 26905731 DOI: 10.1159/000444065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of any organ system requires a complex interplay of cellular signals to initiate the differentiation and development of the heterogeneous cell and tissue types required to carry out the organs' functions. In this way, an extracellular stimulus is transmitted to an intracellular target through an array of interacting protein intermediaries, ultimately enabling the target cell to elicit a response. Surprisingly, only a small number of signaling pathways are implicated throughout embryogenesis and are used over and over again. Gonadogenesis is a unique process in that 2 morphologically distinct organs, the testes and ovaries, arise from a common precursor, the bipotential genital ridge. Accordingly, most of the signaling pathways observed throughout embryogenesis also have been shown to be important for mammalian sex determination and gonad development. Here, we review the mechanisms of signal transduction within these pathways and the importance of these pathways throughout mammalian gonad development, mainly concentrating on data obtained in mouse but including other species where appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon P Windley
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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12
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Nettersheim D, Jostes S, Sharma R, Schneider S, Hofmann A, Ferreira HJ, Hoffmann P, Kristiansen G, Esteller MB, Schorle H. BMP Inhibition in Seminomas Initiates Acquisition of Pluripotency via NODAL Signaling Resulting in Reprogramming to an Embryonal Carcinoma. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005415. [PMID: 26226633 PMCID: PMC4520454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Type II germ cell cancers (GCC) can be subdivided into seminomas and non-seminomas. Seminomas are similar to carcinoma in situ (CIS) cells, the common precursor of type II GCCs, with regard to epigenetics and expression, while embryonal carcinomas (EC) are totipotent and differentiate into teratomas, yolk-sac tumors and choriocarcinomas. GCCs can present as seminomas with a non-seminoma component, raising the question if a CIS gives rise to seminomas and ECs at the same time or whether seminomas can be reprogrammed to ECs. In this study, we utilized the seminoma cell line TCam-2 that acquires an EC-like status after xenografting into the murine flank as a model for a seminoma to EC transition and screened for factors initiating and driving this process. Analysis of expression and DNA methylation dynamics during transition of TCam-2 revealed that many pluripotency- and reprogramming-associated genes were upregulated while seminoma-markers were downregulated. Changes in expression level of 53 genes inversely correlated to changes in DNA methylation. Interestingly, after xenotransplantation 6 genes (GDF3, NODAL, DNMT3B, DPPA3, GAL, AK3L1) were rapidly induced, followed by demethylation of their genomic loci, suggesting that these 6 genes are poised for expression driving the reprogramming. We demonstrate that inhibition of BMP signaling is the initial event in reprogramming, resulting in activation of the pluripotency-associated genes and NODAL signaling. We propose that reprogramming of seminomas to ECs is a multi-step process. Initially, the microenvironment causes inhibition of BMP signaling, leading to induction of NODAL signaling. During a maturation phase, a fast acting NODAL loop stimulates its own activity and temporarily inhibits BMP signaling. During the stabilization phase, a slow acting NODAL loop, involving WNTs re-establishes BMP signaling and the pluripotency circuitry. In parallel, DNMT3B-driven de novo methylation silences seminoma-associated genes and epigenetically fixes the EC state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Nettersheim
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sina Jostes
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rakesh Sharma
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andrea Hofmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Humberto J Ferreira
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Per Hoffmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Glen Kristiansen
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Manel B Esteller
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Physiological Sciences II, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
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Hedgehog and Resident Vascular Stem Cell Fate. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2015:468428. [PMID: 26064136 PMCID: PMC4438189 DOI: 10.1155/2015/468428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog pathway is a pivotal morphogenic driver during embryonic development and a key regulator of adult stem cell self-renewal. The discovery of resident multipotent vascular stem cells and adventitial progenitors within the vessel wall has transformed our understanding of the origin of medial and neointimal vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) during vessel repair in response to injury, lesion formation, and overall disease progression. This review highlights the importance of components of the Hh and Notch signalling pathways within the medial and adventitial regions of adult vessels, their recapitulation following vascular injury and disease progression, and their putative role in the maintenance and differentiation of resident vascular stem cells to vascular lineages from discrete niches within the vessel wall.
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Hu YC, Nicholls PK, Soh YQS, Daniele JR, Junker JP, van Oudenaarden A, Page DC. Licensing of primordial germ cells for gametogenesis depends on genital ridge signaling. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005019. [PMID: 25739037 PMCID: PMC4349450 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In mouse embryos at mid-gestation, primordial germ cells (PGCs) undergo licensing to become gametogenesis-competent cells (GCCs), gaining the capacity for meiotic initiation and sexual differentiation. GCCs then initiate either oogenesis or spermatogenesis in response to gonadal cues. Germ cell licensing has been considered to be a cell-autonomous and gonad-independent event, based on observations that some PGCs, having migrated not to the gonad but to the adrenal gland, nonetheless enter meiosis in a time frame parallel to ovarian germ cells -- and do so regardless of the sex of the embryo. Here we test the hypothesis that germ cell licensing is cell-autonomous by examining the fate of PGCs in Gata4 conditional mutant (Gata4 cKO) mouse embryos. Gata4, which is expressed only in somatic cells, is known to be required for genital ridge initiation. PGCs in Gata4 cKO mutants migrated to the area where the genital ridge, the precursor of the gonad, would ordinarily be formed. However, these germ cells did not undergo licensing and instead retained characteristics of PGCs. Our results indicate that licensing is not purely cell-autonomous but is induced by the somatic genital ridge. During embryonic development, stem cell-like primordial germ cells travel across the developing embryo to the genital ridge, which gives rise to the gonad. Around the time of their arrival, the primordial germ cells gain the capacity to undertake sexual specialization and meiosis—a process called germ cell licensing. Based on the observation that meiosis and sexual differentiation can occur when primordial germ cells stray into the area of the adrenal gland, the primordial germ cell has been thought to be responsible for its own licensing. We tested this notion by examining the licensing process in mutant mouse embryos that did not form a genital ridge. We discovered that in the absence of the genital ridge, primordial germ cells migrate across the developing embryo properly, but instead of undergoing licensing, these cells retain their primordial germ cell characteristics. We conclude that licensing of embryonic primordial germ cells for gametogenesis is dependent on signaling from the genital ridge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Chiang Hu
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Peter K. Nicholls
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Y. Q. Shirleen Soh
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joseph R. Daniele
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jan Philipp Junker
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Hubrecht Institute—KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alexander van Oudenaarden
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Hubrecht Institute—KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - David C. Page
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family consists of several growth factor proteins that belong to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. BMPs bind to type I and type II serine-threonine kinase receptors, and transduce signals through the Smad signalling pathway. BMPs have been identified in mammalian ovaries, and functional studies have shown that they are involved in the regulation of oogenesis and folliculogenesis. This review summarizes the role of the BMP system during formation, growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in mammals.
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Rosner A, Moiseeva E, Rabinowitz C, Rinkevich B. Germ lineage properties in the urochordate Botryllus schlosseri - from markers to temporal niches. Dev Biol 2013; 384:356-74. [PMID: 24120376 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Revised: 08/25/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The primordial germ cells (PGCs) in the colonial urochordate Botryllus schlosseri are sequestered in late embryonic stage. PGC-like populations, located at any blastogenic stage in specific niches, inside modules with curtailed lifespan, survive throughout the life of the colony by repeated weekly migration to newly formed buds. This cyclical migration and the lack of specific markers for PGC-like populations are obstacles to the study on PGCs. For that purpose, we isolated the Botryllus DDX1 (BS-DDX1) and characterized it by normal expression patterns and by specific siRNA knockdown experiments. Expression of BS-DDX1 concurrent with BS-Vasa, γ-H2AX, BS-cadherin and phospho-Smad1/5/8, demarcate PGC cells from soma cells and from more differentiated germ cells lineages, which enabled the detection of additional putative transient niches in zooids. Employing BS-cadherin siRNA knockdown, retinoic acid (RA) administration or β-estradiol administration affirmed the BS-Vasa(+)BS-DDX1(+)BS-cadherin(+)γ-H2AX(+)phospho-Smad1/5/8(+) population as the B. schlosseri PGC-like cells. By striving to understand the PGC-like cells trafficking between transient niches along blastogenic cycles, CM-DiI-stained PGC-like enriched populations from late blastogenic stage D zooids were injected into genetically matched colonial ramets at blastogenic stages A or C and their fates were observed for 9 days. Based on the accumulated data, we conceived a novel network of several transient and short lived 'germ line niches' that preserve PGCs homeostasis, protecting these cells from the weekly astogenic senescence processes, thus enabling the survival of the PGCs throughout the organism's life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Rosner
- National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanography & Limnological Research, Tel Shikmona, P.O. Box 8030, Haifa 31080, Israel.
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Duggal G, Heindryckx B, Warrier S, O'Leary T, Van der Jeught M, Lierman S, Vossaert L, Deroo T, Deforce D, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, De Sutter P. Influence of activin A supplementation during human embryonic stem cell derivation on germ cell differentiation potential. Stem Cells Dev 2013; 22:3141-55. [PMID: 23829223 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2013.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are more similar to "primed" mouse epiblast stem cells (mEpiSCs). mEpiSCs, which are derived in Activin A, show an increased propensity to form primordial germ cell (PGC)-like cells in response to bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4). Hence, we hypothesized that hESCs derived in the presence of Activin A may be more competent in differentiating towards PGC-like cells after supplementation with BMP4 compared to standard hESC lines. We were able to successfully derive two hESC lines in the presence of Activin A, which were pluripotent and showed higher base levels of STELLA and cKIT compared to standard hESC lines derived without Activin A addition. Furthermore, upon differentiation as embryoid bodies in the presence of BMP4, we observed upregulation of VASA at day 7, both at the transcript and protein level compared to standard hESC lines, which appeared to take longer time for PGC specification. Unlike other hESC lines, nuclear pSMAD2/3 presence confirmed that Activin signalling was switched on in Activin A-derived hESC lines. They were also responsive to BMP4 based on nuclear detection of pSMAD1/5/8 and showed endodermal differentiation as a result of GATA-6 expression. Hence, our results provide novel insights into the impact of hESC derivation in the presence of Activin A and its subsequent influence on germ cell differentiation potential in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galbha Duggal
- 1 Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital , Ghent, Belgium
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18
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Chen SR, Zheng QS, Zhang Y, Gao F, Liu YX. Disruption of genital ridge development causes aberrant primordial germ cell proliferation but does not affect their directional migration. BMC Biol 2013; 11:22. [PMID: 23497137 PMCID: PMC3652777 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7007-11-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The directional migration and the following development of primordial germ cells (PGCs) during gonad formation are key steps for germline development. It has been proposed that the interaction between germ cells and genital ridge (GR) somatic cells plays essential roles in this process. However, the in vivo functional requirements of GR somatic cells in germ cell development are largely unknown. Results Wt1 mutation (Wt1R394W/R394W) results in GR agenesis through mitotic arrest of coelomic epitheliums. In this study, we employed the GR-deficient mouse model, Wt1R394W/R394W, to investigate the roles of GR somatic cells in PGC migration and proliferation. We found that the number of PGCs was dramatically reduced in GR-deficient embryos at embryonic day (E) 11.5 and E12.5 due to decreased proliferation of PGCs, involving low levels of BMP signaling. In contrast, the germ cells in Wt1R394W/R394W embryos were still mitotically active at E13.5, while all the germ cells in control embryos underwent mitotic arrest at this stage. Strikingly, the directional migration of PGCs was not affected by the absence of GR somatic cells. Most of the PGCs reached the mesenchyme under the coelomic epithelium at E10.5 and no ectopic PGCs were noted in GR-deficient embryos. However, the precise positioning of PGCs was disrupted. Conclusions Our work provides in vivo evidence that the proliferation of germ cells is precisely regulated by GR somatic cells during different stages of gonad development. GR somatic cells are probably dispensable for the directional migration of PGCs, but they are required for precise positioning of PGCs at the final step of migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Ren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
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Retinoic acid promotes proliferation of chicken primordial germ cells via activation of PI3K/Akt-mediated NF-κB signalling cascade. Cell Biol Int 2012; 36:705-12. [PMID: 22548360 DOI: 10.1042/cbi20110542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As embryonic progenitors for the gametes, PGCs (primordial germ cells) proliferate and develop under strict regulation of numerous intrinsic and external factors. As the most active natural metabolite of vitamin A, all-trans RA (retinoic acid) plays pivotal roles in regulating development of various cells. The proliferating action of RA on PGCs was investigated along with the intracellular PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/Akt (protein kinase B; also known as Akt)-mediated NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) signalling cascade. The results show that RA significantly promoted PGC proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner, confirmed by BrdU (bromodeoxyuridine) incorporation and cell cycle analysis. However, this promoting effect was attenuated by sequential inhibitors of LY294002 for PI3K, KP372-1 for Akt and SN50 for NF-κB respectively. Western blot analysis showed increased Akt phosphorylation (Ser473) of PGCs after stimulation with RA, but this was abolished by LY294002 or KP372-1. Treatment with RA increased expression of NF-κB and decreased IκBα (inhibitory κBα) expression, which were inhibited by SN50. Blockade of PI3K or Akt activity inhibited NF-κB translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Finally, mRNA expression of cell cycle regulating genes [cyclin D1 and E, CDK6 (cyclin-dependent kinase 6) and CDK2] was up-regulated in the RA-treated cells. This stimulation was also markedly retarded by combined treatment with LY294002, KP372-1 and SN50. These results suggest that RA activates the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signalling cascade to promote proliferation of the cultured chicken PGCs.
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The reciprocal relationship between primordial germ cells and pluripotent stem cells. J Mol Med (Berl) 2012; 90:753-61. [PMID: 22584374 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-012-0912-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Revised: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are induced in the epiblast early in mammalian development. They develop their specific fate separate from somatic cells by the generation of a unique transcriptional profile and by epigenetic modifications of histones and DNA. PGCs are related to pluripotent cells in many respects, both on a molecular and a cell biological level. Mimicking their in vivo development, PGCs can be derived in culture from pluripotent cells. Vice versa, PGCs can be converted in vitro into pluripotent embryonic germ cells. Recent evidence indicates that the derivation of pluripotent embryonic stem cells from explanted inner cell mass cells may pass through a germ cell-like state, but that this intermediate is not obligatory. In this review, we discuss PGC development and its relevance to pluripotency in mammalian embryos. We outline possibilities and problems connected to the application of in vitro-derived germ cells in reproductive medicine.
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Kolasa A, Misiakiewicz K, Marchlewicz M, Wiszniewska B. The generation of spermatogonial stem cells and spermatogonia in mammals. Reprod Biol 2012; 12:5-23. [DOI: 10.1016/s1642-431x(12)60074-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Majesky MW, Dong XR, Hoglund V, Daum G, Mahoney WM. The adventitia: a progenitor cell niche for the vessel wall. Cells Tissues Organs 2011; 195:73-81. [PMID: 22005572 DOI: 10.1159/000331413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent observations suggest that the adventitial layer of blood vessels exhibits properties resembling a stem/progenitor cell niche. Progenitor cells have been isolated from the adventitia of both murine and human blood vessels with the potential to form endothelial cells, mural cells, osteogenic cells, and adipocytes. These progenitors appear to cluster at or near the border zone between the outer media and inner adventitia. In the mouse, this border zone region corresponds to a localized site of sonic hedgehog signaling in the artery wall. This brief review will discuss the emerging evidence that the tunica adventitia may provide a niche-like signaling environment for resident progenitor cells and will address the role of the adventitia in growth, remodeling, and repair of the artery wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Majesky
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash., USA.
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23
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Fan YS, Hu YJ, Yang WX. TGF-β superfamily: how does it regulate testis development. Mol Biol Rep 2011; 39:4727-41. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-011-1265-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Hopf C, Viebahn C, Püschel B. BMP signals and the transcriptional repressor BLIMP1 during germline segregation in the mammalian embryo. Dev Genes Evol 2011; 221:209-23. [PMID: 21881976 PMCID: PMC3192270 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-011-0373-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Molecular factors and tissue compartments involved in the foundation of the mammalian germline have been mainly described in the mouse so far. To find mechanisms applicable to mammals in general, we analyzed temporal and spatial expression patterns of the transcriptional repressor BLIMP1 (also known as PRDM1) and the signaling molecules BMP2 and BMP4 in perigastrulation and early neurulation embryos of the rabbit using whole-mount in situ hybridization and high-resolution light microscopy. Both BMP2 and BMP4 are expressed in annular domains at the boundary of the embryonic disc, which—in contrast to the situation in the mouse—partly belong to intraembryonic tissues. While BMP2 expression begins at (pregastrulation) stage 1 in the hypoblast, BMP4 expression commences—distinctly delayed compared to the mouse—diffusely at (pregastrulation) stage 2; from stage 3 onwards, BMP4 is expressed peripherally in hypoblast and epiblast and in the mesoderm at the posterior pole of the embryonic disc. BLIMP1 expression begins throughout the hypoblast at stage 1 and emerges in single primordial germ cell (PGC) precursors in the posterior epiblast at stage 2 and then in single mesoderm cells at positions identical to those identified by PGC-specific antibodies. These expression patterns suggest that function and chronology of factors involved in germline segregation are similar in mouse and rabbit, but higher temporal and spatial resolution offered by the rabbit demonstrates a variable role of bone morphogenetic proteins and makes “blimping” a candidate case for lateral inhibition without the need for an allantoic germ cell niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clas Hopf
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Center of Anatomy, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Kreuzbergring 36, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Viebahn
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Center of Anatomy, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Kreuzbergring 36, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Püschel
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Center of Anatomy, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Kreuzbergring 36, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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Myers M, Tripurani SK, Middlebrook B, Economides AN, Canalis E, Pangas SA. Loss of gremlin delays primordial follicle assembly but does not affect female fertility in mice. Biol Reprod 2011; 85:1175-82. [PMID: 21832168 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.091728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) protein family is renowned for its diverse roles in developmental biology including reproduction. Gremlin is a member of the differential screening-selected gene aberrative in neuroblastoma (DAN)/cerberus family of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists. Recent studies on gremlin focus on its involvement in embryonic skeletal, lung, and kidney development. To define the role of gremlin (Grem1) in female reproduction, we analyzed postnatal folliculogenesis using global and conditional knockout (cKO) mice for gremlin. Grem1(-/-) mice die within 48 h after birth, and ovaries collected from neonatal Grem1(-/-) mice demonstrated reduced oocyte numbers and delayed primordial follicle development. Transplanting Grem1(-/-) neonatal ovaries showed that folliculogenesis proceeded to large antral follicle stage, but Grem1(-/-) ovaries contained corpora lutea-like structures not found in control-transplanted ovaries. However, Grem1 cKO mice had comparable fertility to control mice. These data suggest that gremlin plays a previously uncharacterized role in the regulation of oocyte numbers and the timing of primordial follicle development, but either it is not required for later folliculogenesis or its loss is possibly compensated by other BMP antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Myers
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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26
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Di Giovanni V, Alday A, Chi L, Mishina Y, Rosenblum ND. Alk3 controls nephron number and androgen production via lineage-specific effects in intermediate mesoderm. Development 2011; 138:2717-27. [PMID: 21613322 DOI: 10.1242/dev.059030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian kidney and male reproductive system are both derived from the intermediate mesoderm. The spatial and temporal expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2 and BMP4 and their cognate receptor, activin like kinase 3 (ALK3), suggests a functional role for BMP-ALK3 signaling during formation of intermediate mesoderm-derivative organs. Here, we define cell autonomous functions for Alk3 in the kidney and male gonad in mice with CRE-mediated Alk3 inactivation targeted to intermediate mesoderm progenitors (Alk3(IMP null)). Alk3-deficient mice exhibit simple renal hypoplasia characterized by decreases in both kidney size and nephron number but normal tissue architecture. These defects are preceded by a decreased contribution of Alk3-deleted cells to the metanephric blastema and reduced expression of Osr1 and SIX2, which mark nephron progenitor cells. Mutant mice are also characterized by defects in intermediate mesoderm-derived genital tissues with fewer mesonephric tubules and testicular Leydig cells, epithelial vacuolization in the postnatal corpus epididymis, and decreased serum testosterone levels and reduced fertility. Analysis of ALK3-dependent signaling effectors revealed lineage-specific reduction of phospho-p38 MAPK in metanephric mesenchyme and phospho-SMAD1/5/8 in the testis. Together, these results demonstrate a requirement for Alk3 in distinct progenitor cell populations derived from the intermediate mesoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Di Giovanni
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
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