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Panagiotou EM, Damdimopoulos A, Li T, Moussaud-Lamodière E, Pedersen M, Lebre F, Pettersson K, Arnelo C, Papaikonomou K, Alfaro-Moreno E, Lindskog C, Svingen T, Damdimopoulou P. Exposure to the phthalate metabolite MEHP impacts survival and growth of human ovarian follicles in vitro. Toxicology 2024; 505:153815. [PMID: 38685446 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153815] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Phthalates are found in everyday items like plastics and personal care products. There is an increasing concern that continuous exposure can adversely affect female fertility. However, experimental data are lacking to establish causal links between exposure and disease in humans. To address this gap, we tested the effects of a common phthalate metabolite, mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), on adult human ovaries in vitro using an epidemiologically determined human-relevant concentration range (2.05 nM - 20.51 mM). Histomorphological assessments, steroid and cytokine measurements were performed on human ovarian tissue exposed to MEHP for 7 days in vitro. Cell viability and gene expression profile were investigated following 7 days of MEHP exposure using the human granulosa cancer cell lines KGN, and COV434, the germline tumor cell line PA-1, and human ovarian primary cells. Selected differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were validated by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence in human ovarian tissue. MEHP exposure reduced follicular growth (20.51 nM) and increased follicular degeneration (20.51 mM) in ovarian tissue, while not affecting steroid and cytokine production. Out of the 691 unique DEGs identified across all the cell types and concentrations, CSRP2 involved in cytoskeleton organization and YWHAE as well as CTNNB1 involved in the Hippo pathway, were chosen for further validation. CSRP2 was upregulated and CTNNB1 downregulated in both ovarian tissue and cells, whereas YWHAE was downregulated in cells only. In summary, one-week MEHP exposure of human ovarian tissue can perturb the development and survival of human follicles through mechanisms likely involving dysregulation of cytoskeleton organization and Hippo pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftheria Maria Panagiotou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 14186, Sweden; Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden.
| | - Anastasios Damdimopoulos
- Bioinformatics and Expression Analysis Core Facility, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 14186, Sweden
| | - Tianyi Li
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 14186, Sweden; Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Moussaud-Lamodière
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 14186, Sweden; Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Mikael Pedersen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Filipa Lebre
- Nanosafety Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Karin Pettersson
- Department of Pregnancy and Delivery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catarina Arnelo
- Department of Pregnancy and Delivery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kiriaki Papaikonomou
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | | | - Cecilia Lindskog
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Cancer Precision Medicine, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Terje Svingen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 14186, Sweden; Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
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2
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Gao K, Chen Y, Wang P, Chang W, Cao B, Luo L. GATA4: Regulation of expression and functions in goat granulosa cells. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2024; 89:106859. [PMID: 38810369 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2024.106859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
GATA4 plays a pivotal role in the reproductive processes of mammals. However, the research on GATA4 in goat ovary is limited. This study aimed to study the expression and function of GATA4 in goat ovary. Utilizing real-time PCR and western blot analysis, we studied the expression and regulatory mechanisms of GATA4 in goat ovary and granulosa cells (GCs). We found that GATA4 was expressed in all follicle types in the goat ovary, with significantly higher levels in GCs of larger follicles (>3 mm) compared to those in smaller follicles (<3 mm). Additionally, we demonstrated that human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) induced GATA4 mRNA expression via the activation of PKA, MEK, p38 MAPK, PKC, and PI3K pathways in vitro. Our study also showed that hCG suppressed the levels of miR-200b and miR-429, which in turn directly target GATA4, thereby modulating the basal and hCG-induced expression of GATA4. Functionally, we examined the effect of siRNA-mediated GATA4 knockdown on cell proliferation and hormone secretion in goat GCs. Our results revealed that knockdown of GATA4, miR-200b, and miR-429 suppressed cell proliferation. Moreover, knockdown of GATA4 decreased estradiol and progesterone production by inhibiting the promoter activities of CYP11A1, CYP19A1, HSD3B, and StAR. Collectively, our findings suggest a critical involvement of GATA4 in regulating goat GC survival and steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Gao
- Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Longhua People's Hospital, Southern Medical University (Longhua People's Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518109, PR China
| | - Yeda Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Longhua People's Hospital, Southern Medical University (Longhua People's Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518109, PR China
| | - Peijie Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Wenlin Chang
- Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Longhua People's Hospital, Southern Medical University (Longhua People's Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518109, PR China
| | - Binyun Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Liqiong Luo
- Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Longhua People's Hospital, Southern Medical University (Longhua People's Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518109, PR China.
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Migale R, Neumann M, Mitter R, Rafiee MR, Wood S, Olsen J, Lovell-Badge R. FOXL2 interaction with different binding partners regulates the dynamics of ovarian development. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl0788. [PMID: 38517962 PMCID: PMC10959415 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl0788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The transcription factor FOXL2 is required in ovarian somatic cells for female fertility. Differential timing of Foxl2 deletion, in embryonic versus adult mouse ovary, leads to distinctive outcomes, suggesting different roles across development. Here, we comprehensively investigated FOXL2's role through a multi-omics approach to characterize gene expression dynamics and chromatin accessibility changes, coupled with genome-wide identification of FOXL2 targets and on-chromatin interacting partners in somatic cells across ovarian development. We found that FOXL2 regulates more targets postnatally, through interaction with factors regulating primordial follicle formation and steroidogenesis. Deletion of one interactor, ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (Usp7), results in impairment of somatic cell differentiation, germ cell nest breakdown, and ovarian development, leading to sterility. Our datasets constitute a comprehensive resource for exploration of the molecular mechanisms of ovarian development and causes of female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Migale
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Michelle Neumann
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Richard Mitter
- Bioinformatics core, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Mahmoud-Reza Rafiee
- RNA Networks Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Sophie Wood
- Genetic Modification Service, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Jessica Olsen
- Genetic Modification Service, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Robin Lovell-Badge
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
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4
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Blücher RO, Lim RS, Jarred EG, Ritchie ME, Western PS. FGF-independent MEK1/2 signalling in the developing foetal testis is essential for male germline differentiation in mice. BMC Biol 2023; 21:281. [PMID: 38053127 PMCID: PMC10696798 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01777-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disrupted germline differentiation or compromised testis development can lead to subfertility or infertility and are strongly associated with testis cancer in humans. In mice, SRY and SOX9 induce expression of Fgf9, which promotes Sertoli cell differentiation and testis development. FGF9 is also thought to promote male germline differentiation but the mechanism is unknown. FGFs typically signal through mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) to phosphorylate ERK1/2 (pERK1/2). We explored whether FGF9 regulates male germline development through MAPK by inhibiting either FGF or MEK1/2 signalling in the foetal testis immediately after gonadal sex determination and testis cord formation, but prior to male germline commitment. RESULTS pERK1/2 was detected in Sertoli cells and inhibition of MEK1/2 reduced Sertoli cell proliferation and organisation and resulted in some germ cells localised outside of the testis cords. While pERK1/2 was not detected in germ cells, inhibition of MEK1/2 after somatic sex determination profoundly disrupted germ cell mitotic arrest, dysregulated a broad range of male germline development genes and prevented the upregulation of key male germline markers, DPPA4 and DNMT3L. In contrast, while FGF inhibition reduced Sertoli cell proliferation, expression of male germline markers was unaffected and germ cells entered mitotic arrest normally. While male germline differentiation was not disrupted by FGF inhibition, a range of stem cell and cancer-associated genes were commonly altered after 24 h of FGF or MEK1/2 inhibition, including genes involved in the maintenance of germline stem cells, Nodal signalling, proliferation, and germline cancer. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data demonstrate a novel role for MEK1/2 signalling during testis development that is essential for male germline differentiation, but indicate a more limited role for FGF signalling. Our data indicate that additional ligands are likely to act through MEK1/2 to promote male germline differentiation and highlight a need for further mechanistic understanding of male germline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rheannon O Blücher
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Rachel S Lim
- Epigenetics and Development Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Ellen G Jarred
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Matthew E Ritchie
- Epigenetics and Development Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Patrick S Western
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
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5
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Gong X, Dai S, Wang T, Zhang J, Fan G, Luo M, Yi Y, Wang H, Lu D, Xu D. MiR-17-5p/FOXL2/CDKN1B signal programming in oocytes mediates transgenerational inheritance of diminished ovarian reserve in female offspring rats induced by prenatal dexamethasone exposure. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:867-883. [PMID: 34537908 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-021-09645-6] [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: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) induces long-term reproductive toxicity in female offspring. We sought to explore the transgenerational inheritance effects of PDE on diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) in female offspring. Dexamethasone was subcutaneously administered into pregnant Wistar rats from gestational day 9 (GD9) to GD20 to obtain fetal and adult offspring of the F1 generation. F1 adult females were mated with normal males to produce the F2 generation, and the F3 generation. The findings showed decrease of serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) that in the PDE group, decrease in number of primordial follicles, and upregulation of miR-17-5p expression before birth in F1 offspring rats. Expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B) and Forkhead Box L2 (FOXL2) were downregulated, and binding of FOXL2 and the CDKN1B promoter region was decreased in PDE groups of the F1, F2, and F3 generations. In vitro intervention experiments showed that glucocorticoid receptor (GR) was involved in activity of dexamethasone. These findings indicate that PDE can activate GR in fetal rat ovary and induce DOR of offspring, and its heritability is mediated by the cascade effect of miR-17-5p/FOXL2/CDKN1B. Increase in miR-17-5p expression in oocytes is the potential molecular basis for transgenerational inheritance of PDE effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shiyun Dai
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jinzhi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Guanlan Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Mingcui Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yiwen Yi
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Dianxiang Lu
- Research Center for high altitude medicine, Qinghai University, Qinghai, 810001, China.
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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6
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Pierson Smela MD, Kramme CC, Fortuna PRJ, Adams JL, Su R, Dong E, Kobayashi M, Brixi G, Kavirayuni VS, Tysinger E, Kohman RE, Shioda T, Chatterjee P, Church GM. Directed differentiation of human iPSCs to functional ovarian granulosa-like cells via transcription factor overexpression. eLife 2023; 12:e83291. [PMID: 36803359 PMCID: PMC9943069 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
An in vitro model of human ovarian follicles would greatly benefit the study of female reproduction. Ovarian development requires the combination of germ cells and several types of somatic cells. Among these, granulosa cells play a key role in follicle formation and support for oogenesis. Whereas efficient protocols exist for generating human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), a method of generating granulosa cells has been elusive. Here, we report that simultaneous overexpression of two transcription factors (TFs) can direct the differentiation of hiPSCs to granulosa-like cells. We elucidate the regulatory effects of several granulosa-related TFs and establish that overexpression of NR5A1 and either RUNX1 or RUNX2 is sufficient to generate granulosa-like cells. Our granulosa-like cells have transcriptomes similar to human fetal ovarian cells and recapitulate key ovarian phenotypes including follicle formation and steroidogenesis. When aggregated with hPGCLCs, our cells form ovary-like organoids (ovaroids) and support hPGCLC development from the premigratory to the gonadal stage as measured by induction of DAZL expression. This model system will provide unique opportunities for studying human ovarian biology and may enable the development of therapies for female reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merrick D Pierson Smela
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Christian C Kramme
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Patrick RJ Fortuna
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Jessica L Adams
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Rui Su
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Edward Dong
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Mutsumi Kobayashi
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestownUnited States
| | - Garyk Brixi
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Department of Computer Science, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Venkata Srikar Kavirayuni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Department of Computer Science, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Emma Tysinger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Department of Computer Science, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Richie E Kohman
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Toshi Shioda
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestownUnited States
| | - Pranam Chatterjee
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Department of Computer Science, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - George M Church
- Wyss Institute, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
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7
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Yang YH, Wang R, Li M, Yang HZ, Huang GH, Ma KY, Qiu GF, Lin Y. Comparative transcriptomes analysis of the ovary reveals potential ovarian development-related genes and pathways in Macrobrachium rosenbergii. INVERTEBR REPROD DEV 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/07924259.2022.2156822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hao Yang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, MiMinistry of Agriculture (Shanghai Ocean University), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture (Shanghai Ocean University)ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai 201306, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Guangxi Institute of Fisheries, 530021, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Guangxi Institute of Fisheries, 530021, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ming Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Guangxi Institute of Fisheries, 530021, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hui-Zan Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Guangxi Institute of Fisheries, 530021, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Guang-Hua Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Guangxi Institute of Fisheries, 530021, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ke-Yi Ma
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, MiMinistry of Agriculture (Shanghai Ocean University), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture (Shanghai Ocean University)ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Gao-Feng Qiu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, MiMinistry of Agriculture (Shanghai Ocean University), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture (Shanghai Ocean University)ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yong Lin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Guangxi Institute of Fisheries, 530021, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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8
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Imaimatsu K, Uchida A, Hiramatsu R, Kanai Y. Gonadal Sex Differentiation and Ovarian Organogenesis along the Cortical-Medullary Axis in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13373. [PMID: 36362161 PMCID: PMC9655463 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In most mammals, the sex of the gonads is based on the fate of the supporting cell lineages, which arises from the proliferation of coelomic epithelium (CE) that surfaces on the bipotential genital ridge in both XY and XX embryos. Recent genetic studies and single-cell transcriptome analyses in mice have revealed the cellular and molecular events in the two-wave proliferation of the CE that produce the supporting cells. This proliferation contributes to the formation of the primary sex cords in the medullary region of both the testis and the ovary at the early phase of gonadal sex differentiation, as well as to that of the secondary sex cords in the cortical region of the ovary at the perinatal stage. To support gametogenesis, the testis forms seminiferous tubules in the medullary region, whereas the ovary forms follicles mainly in the cortical region. The medullary region in the ovary exhibits morphological and functional diversity among mammalian species that ranges from ovary-like to testis-like characteristics. This review focuses on the mechanism of gonadal sex differentiation along the cortical-medullary axis and compares the features of the cortical and medullary regions of the ovary in mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenya Imaimatsu
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Aya Uchida
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
- RIKEN BioResouce Research Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan
| | - Ryuji Hiramatsu
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Yoshiakira Kanai
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
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9
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Nicol B, Estermann MA, Yao HHC, Mellouk N. Becoming female: Ovarian differentiation from an evolutionary perspective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:944776. [PMID: 36158204 PMCID: PMC9490121 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.944776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of the bipotential gonadal primordium into ovaries and testes is a common process among vertebrate species. While vertebrate ovaries eventually share the same functions of producing oocytes and estrogens, ovarian differentiation relies on different morphogenetic, cellular, and molecular cues depending on species. The aim of this review is to highlight the conserved and divergent features of ovarian differentiation through an evolutionary perspective. From teleosts to mammals, each clade or species has a different story to tell. For this purpose, this review focuses on three specific aspects of ovarian differentiation: ovarian morphogenesis, the evolution of the role of estrogens on ovarian differentiation and the molecular pathways involved in granulosa cell determination and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States,*Correspondence: Barbara Nicol,
| | - Martin A. Estermann
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Humphrey H-C Yao
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Namya Mellouk
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy en Josas, France
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10
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Xie Y, Wu C, Li Z, Wu Z, Hong L. Early Gonadal Development and Sex Determination in Mammal. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147500. [PMID: 35886859 PMCID: PMC9323860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex determination is crucial for the transmission of genetic information through generations. In mammal, this process is primarily regulated by an antagonistic network of sex-related genes beginning in embryonic development and continuing throughout life. Nonetheless, abnormal expression of these sex-related genes will lead to reproductive organ and germline abnormalities, resulting in disorders of sex development (DSD) and infertility. On the other hand, it is possible to predetermine the sex of animal offspring by artificially regulating sex-related gene expression, a recent research hotspot. In this paper, we reviewed recent research that has improved our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of the gonad and primordial germ cells (PGCs), progenitors of the germline, to provide new directions for the treatment of DSD and infertility, both of which involve manipulating the sex ratio of livestock offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanshe Xie
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Changhua Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
- Correspondence: (Z.W.); (L.H.)
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
- Correspondence: (Z.W.); (L.H.)
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11
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Yoshino T, Suzuki T, Nagamatsu G, Yabukami H, Ikegaya M, Kishima M, Kita H, Imamura T, Nakashima K, Nishinakamura R, Tachibana M, Inoue M, Shima Y, Morohashi KI, Hayashi K. Generation of ovarian follicles from mouse pluripotent stem cells. Science 2021; 373:373/6552/eabe0237. [PMID: 34437124 DOI: 10.1126/science.abe0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Oocytes mature in a specialized fluid-filled sac, the ovarian follicle, which provides signals needed for meiosis and germ cell growth. Methods have been developed to generate functional oocytes from pluripotent stem cell-derived primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) when placed in culture with embryonic ovarian somatic cells. In this study, we developed culture conditions to recreate the stepwise differentiation process from pluripotent cells to fetal ovarian somatic cell-like cells (FOSLCs). When FOSLCs were aggregated with PGCLCs derived from mouse embryonic stem cells, the PGCLCs entered meiosis to generate functional oocytes capable of fertilization and development to live offspring. Generating functional mouse oocytes in a reconstituted ovarian environment provides a method for in vitro oocyte production and follicle generation for a better understanding of mammalian reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yoshino
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takahiro Suzuki
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan.,Functional Genomics, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Go Nagamatsu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Haruka Yabukami
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Mika Ikegaya
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Mami Kishima
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Haruka Kita
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takuya Imamura
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.,RNA Biology and Epigenomics Team/LMCP, Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 739-8511, Japan
| | - Kinichi Nakashima
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Nishinakamura
- Department of Kidney Development, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Makoto Tachibana
- Laboratory of Epigenome Dynamics, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Miki Inoue
- Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yuichi Shima
- Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City 812-8582, Japan.,Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City 812-8582, Japan.,Department of Anatomy, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki City, 701-0192 Okayama Prefecture, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichirou Morohashi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City 812-8582, Japan.,Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City 812-8582, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Hayashi
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
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12
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Kang B, Wang J, Zhang H, Shen W, El-Mahdy Othman O, Zhao Y, Min L. Genome-wide profile in DNA methylation in goat ovaries of two different litter size populations. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2021; 106:239-249. [PMID: 34212445 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although some studies have investigated the DNA methylation modification in goat ovaries, it is not understood DNA methylation related to goat litter size. This investigation was designed to explore the DNA methylation status in the ovaries of high litter size and low litter size groups using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). We found that there was global difference on DNA methylation in high litter size and low litter size goat ovaries. Many differentially methylated region-related genes (DMGs) were found in the ovaries of these two different goat populations. Moreover, enrichment analysis discovered that many DMGs were involved in gamete development, reproductive system development, wingless-type MMTV integration site family (WNT) signalling pathways and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK) signalling pathways. The data indicated that DNA methylation in goat ovaries may play important roles in the folliculogenesis, the oocyte ovulation rate and finally the litter size. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in ovaries of high and low litter size goat which helps the understanding of ovarian DNA methylation in relation to goat fertility capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beining Kang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hongfu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | | | - Yong Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lingjiang Min
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
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13
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Estermann MA, Williams S, Hirst CE, Roly ZY, Serralbo O, Adhikari D, Powell D, Major AT, Smith CA. Insights into Gonadal Sex Differentiation Provided by Single-Cell Transcriptomics in the Chicken Embryo. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107491. [PMID: 32268081 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.03.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the genetic triggers for gonadal sex differentiation vary across species, the cell biology of gonadal development was long thought to be largely conserved. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of gonadal sex differentiation, using single-cell sequencing in the embryonic chicken gonad during sexual differentiation. The data show that chicken embryonic-supporting cells do not derive from the coelomic epithelium, in contrast to other vertebrates studied. Instead, they derive from a DMRT1+/PAX2+/WNT4+/OSR1+ mesenchymal cell population. We find a greater complexity of gonadal cell types than previously thought, including the identification of two distinct sub-populations of Sertoli cells in developing testes and derivation of embryonic steroidogenic cells from a differentiated supporting-cell lineage. Altogether, these results indicate that, just as the genetic trigger for sex differs across vertebrate groups, cell lineage specification in the gonad may also vary substantially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Andres Estermann
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Sarah Williams
- Monash Bioinformatics Platform, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Claire Elizabeth Hirst
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Zahida Yesmin Roly
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Olivier Serralbo
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Deepak Adhikari
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - David Powell
- Monash Bioinformatics Platform, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Andrew Thomas Major
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Craig Allen Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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14
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Frost ER, Taylor G, Baker MA, Lovell-Badge R, Sutherland JM. Establishing and maintaining fertility: the importance of cell cycle arrest. Genes Dev 2021; 35:619-634. [PMID: 33888561 PMCID: PMC8091977 DOI: 10.1101/gad.348151.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In this review, Frost et al. summarize the current knowledge on the Cip/Kip family of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors in mouse gonad development and highlight new roles for cell cycle inhibitors in controlling and maintaining female fertility. Development of the ovary or testis is required to establish reproductive competence. Gonad development relies on key cell fate decisions that occur early in embryonic development and are actively maintained. During gonad development, both germ cells and somatic cells proliferate extensively, a process facilitated by cell cycle regulation. This review focuses on the Cip/Kip family of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) in mouse gonad development. We particularly highlight recent single-cell RNA sequencing studies that show the heterogeneity of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. This diversity highlights new roles for cell cycle inhibitors in controlling and maintaining female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Frost
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia.,Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Güneş Taylor
- Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Mark A Baker
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia
| | - Robin Lovell-Badge
- Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Jessie M Sutherland
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia
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15
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Fukuda K, Muraoka M, Kato Y, Saga Y. Decoding the transcriptome of pre-granulosa cells during the formation of primordial follicles in the mouse†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:179-191. [PMID: 33847353 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Primordial follicles, a finite reservoir of eggs in mammalian ovaries, are composed of a single oocyte and its supporting somatic cells, termed granulosa cells. Although their formation may require reciprocal interplay between oocytes and pre-granulosa cells, precursors of granulosa cells, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. We addressed this issue by decoding the transcriptome of pre-granulosa cells during the formation of primordial follicles. We found that marked gene expression changes, including extracellular matrix, cell adhesion, and several signaling pathways, occur along with primordial follicle formation. Importantly, differentiation of Lgr5-EGFP-positive pre-granulosa cells to FOXL2-positive granulosa cells was delayed in mutant ovaries of the germ cell-specific genes Nanos3 and Figla, accompanied by perturbed gene expression in mutant pre-granulosa cells. These results suggest that proper development of oocytes is required for the differentiation of pre-granulosa cells. Our data provide a valuable resource for understanding the gene regulatory networks involved in the formation of primordial follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurumi Fukuda
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan.,Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masafumi Muraoka
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
| | - Yuzuru Kato
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan.,Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yumiko Saga
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan.,Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan.,Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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16
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Estermann MA, Major AT, Smith CA. Gonadal Sex Differentiation: Supporting Versus Steroidogenic Cell Lineage Specification in Mammals and Birds. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:616387. [PMID: 33392204 PMCID: PMC7775416 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.616387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The gonads of vertebrate embryos are unique among organs because they have a developmental choice; ovary or testis formation. Given the importance of proper gonad formation for sexual development and reproduction, considerable research has been conducted over the years to elucidate the genetic and cellular mechanisms of gonad formation and sexual differentiation. While the molecular trigger for gonadal sex differentiation into ovary of testis can vary among vertebrates, from egg temperature to sex-chromosome linked master genes, the downstream molecular pathways are largely conserved. The cell biology of gonadal formation and differentiation has long thought to also be conserved. However, recent discoveries point to divergent mechanisms of gonad formation, at least among birds and mammals. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of cell lineage allocation during gonadal sex differentiation in the mouse model, focusing on the key supporting and steroidogenic cells and drawing on recent insights provided by single cell RNA-sequencing. We compare this data with emerging information in the chicken model. We highlight surprising differences in cell lineage specification between species and identify gaps in our current understanding of the cell biology underlying gonadogenesis.
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17
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Estermann MA, Smith CA. Applying Single-Cell Analysis to Gonadogenesis and DSDs (Disorders/Differences of Sex Development). Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6614. [PMID: 32927658 PMCID: PMC7555471 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The gonads are unique among the body's organs in having a developmental choice: testis or ovary formation. Gonadal sex differentiation involves common progenitor cells that form either Sertoli and Leydig cells in the testis or granulosa and thecal cells in the ovary. Single-cell analysis is now shedding new light on how these cell lineages are specified and how they interact with the germline. Such studies are also providing new information on gonadal maturation, ageing and the somatic-germ cell niche. Furthermore, they have the potential to improve our understanding and diagnosis of Disorders/Differences of Sex Development (DSDs). DSDs occur when chromosomal, gonadal or anatomical sex are atypical. Despite major advances in recent years, most cases of DSD still cannot be explained at the molecular level. This presents a major pediatric concern. The emergence of single-cell genomics and transcriptomics now presents a novel avenue for DSD analysis, for both diagnosis and for understanding the molecular genetic etiology. Such -omics datasets have the potential to enhance our understanding of the cellular origins and pathogenesis of DSDs, as well as infertility and gonadal diseases such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Craig A. Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia;
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18
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Wang G, Dong S, Guo P, Cui X, Duan S, Li J. Identification of Foxl2 in freshwater mussel Hyriopsis cumingii and its involvement in sex differentiation. Gene 2020; 754:144853. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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19
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Li R, Wu SP, Zhou L, Nicol B, Lydon JP, Yao HHC, DeMayo FJ. Increased FOXL2 expression alters uterine structures and functions†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:951-965. [PMID: 32948877 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) regulates sex differentiation and reproductive function. Elevated levels of this transcription factor have been observed in the diseases of the uterus, such as endometriosis. However, the impact of elevated FOXL2 expression on uterine physiology remains unknown. In order to determine the consequences of altered FOXL2 in the female reproductive axis, we generated mice with over-expression of FOXL2 (FOXL2OE) by crossing Foxl2LsL/+ with the Progesterone receptor Pgrcre model. FOXL2OE uterus showed severe morphological abnormality including abnormal epithelial stratification, blunted adenogenesis, increased endometrial fibrosis, and disrupted myometrial morphology. In contrast, increasing FOXL2 levels specifically in uterine epithelium by crossing the Foxl2LsL/+ with the lactoferrin Ltficre mice resulted in the eFOXL2OE mice with uterine epithelial stratification but without defects in endometrial fibrosis and adenogenesis, demonstrating a role of the endometrial stroma in the uterine abnormalities of the FOXL2OE mice. Transcriptomic analysis of 12 weeks old Pgrcre and FOXL2OE uterus at diestrus stage showed multiple signaling pathways related with cellular matrix, wnt/β-catenin, and altered cell cycle. Furthermore, we found FOXL2OE mice were sterile. The infertility was caused in part by a disruption of the hypophyseal ovarian axis resulting in an anovulatory phenotype. The FOXL2OE mice failed to show decidual responses during artificial decidualization in ovariectomized mice demonstrating the uterine contribution to the infertility phenotype. These data support that aberrantly increased FOXL2 expressions in the female reproductive tract can disrupt ovarian and uterine functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Lecong Zhou
- Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Humphrey H-C Yao
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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20
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Tang F, Richardson N, Albina A, Chaboissier MC, Perea-Gomez A. Mouse Gonad Development in the Absence of the Pro-Ovary Factor WNT4 and the Pro-Testis Factor SOX9. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051103. [PMID: 32365547 PMCID: PMC7291083 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factors SRY and SOX9 and RSPO1/WNT4/β-Catenin signaling act as antagonistic pathways to drive testis and ovary development respectively, from a common gonadal primordium in mouse embryos. In this work, we took advantage of a double knockout mouse model to study gonadal development when Sox9 and Wnt4 are both mutated. We show that the XX gonad mutant for Wnt4 or for both Wnt4 and Sox9 develop as ovotestes, demonstrating that ectopic SOX9 function is not required for the partial female-to-male sex reversal caused by a Wnt4 mutation. Sox9 deletion in XY gonads leads to ovarian development accompanied by ectopic WNT/β-catenin signaling. In XY Sox9 mutant gonads, SRY-positive supporting precursors adopt a female-like identity and develop as pre-granulosa-like cells. This phenotype cannot be fully prevented by the deletion of Wnt4 or Rspo1, indicating that SOX9 is required for the early determination of the male supporting cell identity independently of repressing RSPO1/WNT4/β-Catenin signaling. However, in XY Sox9 Wnt4 double mutant gonads, pre-granulosa cells are not maintained, as they prematurely differentiate as mature granulosa cells and then trans-differentiate into Sertoli-like cells. Together, our results reveal the dynamics of the specific and independent actions of SOX9 and WNT4 during gonadal differentiation: SOX9 is essential in the testis for early specification of male-supporting cells whereas WNT4 functions in the ovary to maintain female-supporting cell identity and inhibit male-specific vascular and steroidogenic cell differentiation.
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21
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Disorders of Sex Development-Novel Regulators, Impacts on Fertility, and Options for Fertility Preservation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072282. [PMID: 32224856 PMCID: PMC7178030 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders (or differences) of sex development (DSD) are a heterogeneous group of congenital conditions with variations in chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex. Impaired gonadal development is central to the pathogenesis of the majority of DSDs and therefore a clear understanding of gonadal development is essential to comprehend the impacts of these disorders on the individual, including impacts on future fertility. Gonadal development was traditionally considered to involve a primary 'male' pathway leading to testicular development as a result of expression of a small number of key testis-determining genes. However, it is increasingly recognized that there are several gene networks involved in the development of the bipotential gonad towards either a testicular or ovarian fate. This includes genes that act antagonistically to regulate gonadal development. This review will highlight some of the novel regulators of gonadal development and how the identification of these has enhanced understanding of gonadal development and the pathogenesis of DSD. We will also describe the impact of DSDs on fertility and options for fertility preservation in this context.
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22
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Nicol B, Grimm SA, Gruzdev A, Scott GJ, Ray MK, Yao HHC. Genome-wide identification of FOXL2 binding and characterization of FOXL2 feminizing action in the fetal gonads. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:4273-4287. [PMID: 30212841 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The identity of the gonads is determined by which fate, ovarian granulosa cell or testicular Sertoli cell, the bipotential somatic cell precursors choose to follow. In most vertebrates, the conserved transcription factor FOXL2 contributes to the fate of granulosa cells. To understand FOXL2 functions during gonad differentiation, we performed genome-wide analysis of FOXL2 chromatin occupancy in fetal ovaries and established a genetic mouse model that forces Foxl2 expression in the fetal testis. When FOXL2 was ectopically expressed in the somatic cell precursors in the fetal testis, FOXL2 was sufficient to repress Sertoli cell differentiation, ultimately resulting in partial testis-to-ovary sex-reversal. Combining genome-wide analysis of FOXL2 binding in the fetal ovary with transcriptomic analyses of our Foxl2 gain-of-function and previously published Foxl2 loss-of-function models, we identified potential pathways responsible for the feminizing action of FOXL2. Finally, comparison of FOXL2 genome-wide occupancy in the fetal ovary with testis-determining factor SOX9 genome-wide occupancy in the fetal testis revealed extensive overlaps, implying that antagonistic signals between FOXL2 and SOX9 occur at the chromatin level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Sara A Grimm
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Artiom Gruzdev
- Knockout Mouse Core Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Greg J Scott
- Knockout Mouse Core Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Manas K Ray
- Knockout Mouse Core Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Humphrey H-C Yao
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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23
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Hummitzsch K, Hatzirodos N, Irving-Rodgers HF, Hartanti MD, Perry VEA, Anderson RA, Rodgers RJ. Morphometric analyses and gene expression related to germ cells, gonadal ridge epithelial-like cells and granulosa cells during development of the bovine fetal ovary. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214130. [PMID: 30901367 PMCID: PMC6430378 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells on the surface of the mesonephros give rise to replicating Gonadal Ridge Epithelial-Like (GREL) cells, the first somatic cells of the gonadal ridge. Later germ cells associate with the GREL cells in the ovigerous cords, and the GREL cells subsequently give rise to the granulosa cells in follicles. To examine these events further, 27 bovine fetal ovaries of different gestational ages were collected and prepared for immunohistochemical localisation of collagen type I and Ki67 to identify regions of the ovary and cell proliferation, respectively. The non-stromal cortical areas (collagen-negative) containing GREL cells and germ cells and later in development, the follicles with oocytes and granulosa cells, were analysed morphometrically. Another set of ovaries (n = 17) were collected and the expression of genes associated with germ cell lineages and GREL/granulosa cells were quantitated by RT-PCR. The total volume of non-stromal areas in the cortex increased significantly and progressively with ovarian development, plateauing at the time the surface epithelium developed. However, the proportion of non-stromal areas in the cortex declined significantly and progressively throughout gestation, largely due to a cessation in growth of the non-stroma cells and the continued growth of stroma. The proliferation index in the non-stromal area was very high initially and then declined substantially at the time follicles formed. Thereafter, it remained low. The numerical density of the non-stromal cells was relatively constant throughout ovarian development. The expression levels of a number of genes across gestation either increased (AMH, FSHR, ESR1, INHBA), declined (CYP19A1, ESR2, ALDH1A1, DSG2, OCT4, LGR5) or showed no particular pattern (CCND2, CTNNB1, DAZL, FOXL2, GATA4, IGFBP3, KRT19, NR5A1, RARRES1, VASA, WNT2B). Many of the genes whose expression changed across gestation, were positively or negatively correlated with each other. The relationships between these genes may reflect their roles in the important events such as the transition of ovigerous cords to follicles, oogonia to oocytes or GREL cells to granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Hummitzsch
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nicholas Hatzirodos
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Helen F. Irving-Rodgers
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Monica D. Hartanti
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Viv E. A. Perry
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A. Anderson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Raymond J. Rodgers
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
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24
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Nef S, Stévant I, Greenfield A. Characterizing the bipotential mammalian gonad. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 134:167-194. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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25
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Rotgers E, Jørgensen A, Yao HHC. At the Crossroads of Fate-Somatic Cell Lineage Specification in the Fetal Gonad. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:739-759. [PMID: 29771299 PMCID: PMC6173476 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The reproductive endocrine systems are vastly different between males and females. This sexual dimorphism of the endocrine milieu originates from sex-specific differentiation of the somatic cells in the gonads during fetal life. Most gonadal somatic cells arise from the adrenogonadal primordium. After separation of the adrenal and gonadal primordia, the gonadal somatic cells initiate sex-specific differentiation during gonadal sex determination with the specification of the supporting cell lineages: Sertoli cells in the testis vs granulosa cells in the ovary. The supporting cell lineages then facilitate the differentiation of the steroidogenic cell lineages, Leydig cells in the testis and theca cells in the ovary. Proper differentiation of these cell types defines the somatic cell environment that is essential for germ cell development, hormone production, and establishment of the reproductive tracts. Impairment of lineage specification and function of gonadal somatic cells can lead to disorders of sexual development (DSDs) in humans. Human DSDs and processes for gonadal development have been successfully modeled using genetically modified mouse models. In this review, we focus on the fate decision processes from the initial stage of formation of the adrenogonadal primordium in the embryo to the maintenance of the somatic cell identities in the gonads when they become fully differentiated in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmi Rotgers
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Center in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina
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26
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Stringer JM, Forster SC, Qu Z, Prokopuk L, O'Bryan MK, Gardner DK, White SJ, Adelson D, Western PS. Reduced PRC2 function alters male germline epigenetic programming and paternal inheritance. BMC Biol 2018; 16:104. [PMID: 30236109 PMCID: PMC6149058 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-018-0569-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Defining the mechanisms that establish and regulate the transmission of epigenetic information from parent to offspring is critical for understanding disease heredity. Currently, the molecular pathways that regulate epigenetic information in the germline and its transmission to offspring are poorly understood. RESULTS Here we provide evidence that Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) regulates paternal inheritance. Reduced PRC2 function in mice resulted in male sub-fertility and altered epigenetic and transcriptional control of retrotransposed elements in foetal male germ cells. Males with reduced PRC2 function produced offspring that over-expressed retrotransposed pseudogenes and had altered preimplantation embryo cleavage rates and cell cycle control. CONCLUSION This study reveals a novel role for the histone-modifying complex, PRC2, in paternal intergenerational transmission of epigenetic effects on offspring, with important implications for understanding disease inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Stringer
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Ovarian Biology Laboratory, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, 3168, Australia
| | - Samuel C Forster
- Host-Microbiota Interactions Laboratory, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
- Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Zhipeng Qu
- Bioinformatics and Computational Genetics, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Lexie Prokopuk
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
- Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Stefan J White
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden Genome Technology Centre, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - David Adelson
- Bioinformatics and Computational Genetics, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Patrick S Western
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.
- Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.
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27
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Yang LJ, Zhou M, Huang LB, Yang WR, Yang ZB, Jiang SZ, Ge JS. Zearalenone-Promoted Follicle Growth through Modulation of Wnt-1/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway and Expression of Estrogen Receptor Genes in Ovaries of Postweaning Piglets. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2018; 66:7899-7906. [PMID: 29986586 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b02101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Feedstuffs are severely contaminated by zearalenone (ZEA) worldwide. A specific dietary level of ZEA could cause malformations of the reproductive organs of sows, false estrus, decreased litter size, and abortion. However, the underlying mechanisms are still not clear. The objectives of the present study were to assess the effects of ZEA on morphology, distribution, and expression of estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) in the ovaries of postweaning piglets. Furthermore, the relationship between ERs/glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β-dependent pathways mediated by ZEA and the Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway was examined. Forty healthy weaning piglets were allocated to the following four treatment groups: piglets fed with basal diet only (control), and ZEA0.5, ZEA1.0, and ZEA1.5, which were fed basal diets supplemented with ZEA at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg·kg-1, respectively. Then, the expression of GSK-3β, ERα, ERβ, and Wnt-1/β-catenin were examined histomorphologically and immunohistochemically. Results showed that the proportion of primordial follicles (PrF's) decreased ( p < 0.001) but that of atretic primordial follicles (APFs) increased ( p < 0.001) with increasing dietary ZEA levels. More interestingly, the immunopositivity of ERβ in the ovaries was stronger than that of ERα with the same treatment. The relative mRNA and protein expression levels of ERα, ERβ, Wnt-1, β-catenin, and GSK-3β in the ovaries of postweaning gilts increased linearly ( p < 0.05) as dietary ZEA concentrations increased. Moreover, the accumulation of Wnt-1 and β-catenin in the ovaries indicated that ZEA activated the Wnt-1/β-catenin pathway, mediated by ERs/GSK-3β. Our results strongly suggested that ovarian follicles in the ZEA (0.5-1.5 mg·kg-1)-treated groups were highly proliferative state, indicating that ZEA promoted ovarian development. The results also suggested that ZEA activates the ERs/GSK-3β-dependent Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway, indicating its important role in accelerating development of the ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jie Yang
- Department of Animal Sciences and Technology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention , Shandong Agricultural University , No. 61 Daizong Street , Taian City , Shandong Province 271018 , P.R. China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Animal Sciences and Technology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention , Shandong Agricultural University , No. 61 Daizong Street , Taian City , Shandong Province 271018 , P.R. China
| | - Li-Bo Huang
- Department of Animal Sciences and Technology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention , Shandong Agricultural University , No. 61 Daizong Street , Taian City , Shandong Province 271018 , P.R. China
| | - Wei-Ren Yang
- Department of Animal Sciences and Technology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention , Shandong Agricultural University , No. 61 Daizong Street , Taian City , Shandong Province 271018 , P.R. China
| | - Zai-Bin Yang
- Department of Animal Sciences and Technology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention , Shandong Agricultural University , No. 61 Daizong Street , Taian City , Shandong Province 271018 , P.R. China
| | - Shu-Zhen Jiang
- Department of Animal Sciences and Technology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention , Shandong Agricultural University , No. 61 Daizong Street , Taian City , Shandong Province 271018 , P.R. China
| | - Jin-Shan Ge
- Shandong Zhongcheng Feed Technology Co., Ltd. , No. 226 Gongye 2 Road , Feicheng City , Shandong Province 271600 , P.R. China
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28
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Wear HM, Eriksson A, Yao HHC, Watanabe KH. Cell-based computational model of early ovarian development in mice. Biol Reprod 2018; 97:365-377. [PMID: 29088396 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its importance to reproduction, certain mechanisms of early ovarian development remain a mystery. To improve our understanding, we constructed the first cell-based computational model of ovarian development in mice that is divided into two phases: Phase I spans embryonic day 5.5 (E5.5) to E12.5; and Phase II spans E12.5 to postnatal day 2. We used the model to investigate four mechanisms: in Phase I, (i) whether primordial germ cells (PGCs) undergo mitosis during migration; and (ii) if the mechanism for secretion of KIT ligand from the hindgut resembles inductive cell-cell signaling or is secreted in a static manner; and in Phase II, (iii) that changes in cellular adhesion produce germ cell nest breakdown; and (iv) whether localization of primordial follicles in the cortex of the ovary is due to proliferation of granulosa cells. We found that the combination of the first three hypotheses produced results that aligned with experimental images and PGC abundance data. Results from the fourth hypothesis did not match experimental images, which suggests that more detailed processes are involved in follicle localization. Phase I and Phase II of the model reproduce experimentally observed cell counts and morphology well. A sensitivity analysis identified contact energies, mitotic rates, KIT chemotaxis strength, and diffusion rate in Phase I and oocyte death rate in Phase II as parameters with the greatest impact on model predictions. The results demonstrate that the computational model can be used to understand unknown mechanisms, generate new hypotheses, and serve as an educational tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Wear
- Institute of Environmental Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Annika Eriksson
- Division of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University Portland, OR, USA
| | - Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Karen H Watanabe
- Institute of Environmental Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Abstract
Background Recently discovered drugs that target epigenetic modifying complexes are providing new treatment options for a range of cancers that affect patients of reproductive age. Although these drugs provide new therapies, it is likely that they will also affect epigenetic programming in sperm and oocytes. A promising target is Enhancer of Zeste 2 (EZH2), which establishes the essential epigenetic modification, H3K27me3, during development. Results In this study, we demonstrate that inhibition of EZH1/2 with the clinically relevant drug, tazemetostat, severely depletes H3K27me3 in growing oocytes of adult female mice. Moreover, EZH2 inhibition depleted H3K27me3 in primary oocytes and in fetal oocytes undergoing epigenetic reprogramming. Surprisingly, once depleted, H3K27me3 failed to recover in growing oocytes or in fetal oocytes. Conclusion Together, these data demonstrate that drugs targeting EZH2 significantly affect the germline epigenome and, based on genetic models with oocyte-specific loss of EZH2 function, are likely to affect outcomes in offspring. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-018-0465-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lexie Prokopuk
- 1Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168 Australia.,2Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168 Australia
| | - Kirsten Hogg
- 1Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168 Australia.,2Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168 Australia
| | - Patrick S Western
- 1Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168 Australia.,2Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168 Australia
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30
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Yao X, Zhang G, Guo Y, EI-Samahy M, Wang S, Wan Y, Han L, Liu Z, Wang F, Zhang Y. Vitamin D receptor expression and potential role of vitamin D on cell proliferation and steroidogenesis in goat ovarian granulosa cells. Theriogenology 2017; 102:162-173. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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31
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Wang Z, Qiu X, Kong D, Zhou X, Guo Z, Gao C, Ma S, Hao W, Jiang Z, Liu S, Zhang T, Meng X, Wang X. Comparative RNA-Seq analysis of differentially expressed genes in the testis and ovary of Takifugu rubripes. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2017; 22:50-57. [PMID: 28189874 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Takifugu rubripes is a classical model organism for studying the role of gonad organogenesis in such physiological processes as fertilization, sex determination, and sexual development. To explicitly investigate the mechanism associated with gonad organogenesis in T. rubripes, we obtained 44.3 million and 55.2 million raw reads from the testis and ovary, respectively, by RNA-seq and from these, 18,523 genes were identified. A total of 680 differentially expressed genes were obtained from comparison transcriptome analysis between the testis and ovary, and of these, 556 genes were up-regulated in the testis, whereas only 124 genes were upregulated in the ovary. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that many of these genes encode proteins involved in signal transduction and gonad development. We mainly focused on the differentially expressed genes that have the potential to develop into the gonad. The generation of large scale transcriptomic data presented in this work would enrich the genetic resources of T. rubripes, which should be valuable to the comparative and evolutionary studies of teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Wang
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xuemei Qiu
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Derong Kong
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xiaoxu Zhou
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Zhongbao Guo
- Guangxi Academy of Fishery Sciences, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Changfu Gao
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Shuai Ma
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Weiwei Hao
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Zhiqiang Jiang
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Shengcong Liu
- Dalian Tianzheng Industrial Corporation Limited, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Dalian Tianzheng Industrial Corporation Limited, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Xuesong Meng
- Dalian Tianzheng Industrial Corporation Limited, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Xiuli Wang
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China.
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Gustin SE, Stringer JM, Hogg K, Sinclair AH, Western PS. FGF9, activin and TGFβ promote testicular characteristics in an XX gonad organ culture model. Reproduction 2016; 152:529-43. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Testis development is dependent on the key sex-determining factors SRY and SOX9, which activate the essential ligand FGF9. Although FGF9 plays a central role in testis development, it is unable to induce testis formation on its own. However, other growth factors, including activins and TGFβs, also present testis during testis formation. In this study, we investigated the potential of FGF9 combined with activin and TGFβ to induce testis development in cultured XX gonads. Our data demonstrated differing individual and combined abilities of FGF9, activin and TGFβ to promote supporting cell proliferation, Sertoli cell development and male germ line differentiation in cultured XX gonads. FGF9 promoted proliferation of supporting cells in XX foetal gonads at rates similar to those observed in vivo during testis cord formation in XY gonads but was insufficient to initiate testis development. However, when FGF9, activin and TGFβ were combined, aspects of testicular development were induced, including the expression of Sox9, morphological reorganisation of the gonad and deposition of laminin around germ cells. Enhancing β-catenin activity diminished the testis-promoting activities of the combined growth factors. The male promoting activity of FGF9 and the combined growth factors directly or indirectly extended to the germ line, in which a mixed phenotype was observed. FGF9 and the combined growth factors promoted male germ line development, including mitotic arrest, but expression of pluripotency genes was maintained, rather than being repressed. Together, our data provide evidence that combined signalling by FGF9, activin and TGFβ can induce testicular characteristics in XX gonads.
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Pannetier M, Chassot AA, Chaboissier MC, Pailhoux E. Involvement of FOXL2 and RSPO1 in Ovarian Determination, Development, and Maintenance in Mammals. Sex Dev 2016; 10:167-184. [PMID: 27649556 DOI: 10.1159/000448667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, sex determination is a process through which the gonad is committed to differentiate into a testis or an ovary. This process relies on a delicate balance between genetic pathways that promote one fate and inhibit the other. Once the gonad is committed to the female pathway, ovarian differentiation begins and, depending on the species, is completed during gestation or shortly after birth. During this step, granulosa cell precursors, steroidogenic cells, and primordial germ cells start to express female-specific markers in a sex-dimorphic manner. The germ cells then arrest at prophase I of meiosis and, together with somatic cells, assemble into functional structures. This organization gives the ovary its definitive morphology and functionality during folliculogenesis. Until now, 2 main genetic cascades have been shown to be involved in female sex differentiation. The first is driven by FOXL2, a transcription factor that also plays a crucial role in folliculogenesis and ovarian fate maintenance in adults. The other operates through the WNT/CTNNB1 canonical pathway and is regulated primarily by R-spondin1. Here, we discuss the roles of FOXL2 and RSPO1/WNT/ CTNNB1 during ovarian development and homeostasis in different models, such as humans, goats, and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëlle Pannetier
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy en Josas, France
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