1
|
Pavlova SV, Romanenko SA, Matveevsky SN, Kuksin AN, Dvoyashov IA, Kovalskaya YM, Proskuryakova AA, Serdyukova NA, Petrova TV. Supernumerary Chromosomes Enhance Karyotypic Diversification of Narrow-Headed Voles of the Subgenus Stenocranius (Rodentia, Mammalia). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART B, MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2024. [PMID: 39233501 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
The subgenus Stenocranius contains two cryptic species: Lasiopodomys gregalis (subdivided into three allopatrically distributed and genetically well-isolated lineages A, B, and C) and Lasiopodomys raddei. To identify karyotype characteristics of this poorly studied cryptic species complex, we used comparative cytogenetic analysis of 138 individuals from 41 localities in South Siberia and Mongolia. A detailed description of the L. raddei karyotype and of the L. gregalis lineage С karyotype is presented for the first time. The A chromosome complement of all examined narrow-headed voles consisted of 2n = 36 and a fundamental number of autosomal arms (FNa) of 50. Between species, patterns of differential staining were similar, though additional C-heterochromatic blocks were found in L. gregalis lineages; Ag-positive nucleolar organizers and ribosomal DNA (rDNA) clusters are located on eight and nine acrocentric pairs, respectively. No B chromosomes (Bs) were found in the Early Pleistocene relic L. raddei, while one to five small heterochromatic acrocentric Bs were detected in all L. gregalis lineages; the number and frequency of Bs varied considerably within lineages, but no intraindividual variation was observed. In both species, telomeric repeats were visualized at termini of all chromosomes, including Bs. The number and localization of rDNA clusters on Bs varied among B-carriers. Immunodetection of several meiotic proteins indicated that meio-Bs are transcriptionally inactive and have a pattern of meiotic behavior similar to that of sex chromosomes (some homology of Bs to sex chromosomes is supposed). The nature, mechanisms of inheritance and stability of Bs in L. gregalis require further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana V Pavlova
- Laboratory of Population Ecology, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana A Romanenko
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Sergey N Matveevsky
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksander N Kuksin
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Geoecology, Tuvinian Institute for Exploration of Natural Resources, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kyzyl, Russia
| | - Ivan A Dvoyashov
- Laboratory of Behaviour and Behavioral Ecology of Mammals, A. N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia M Kovalskaya
- Laboratory of Behaviour and Behavioral Ecology of Mammals, A. N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiya A Proskuryakova
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Natalia A Serdyukova
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Tatyana V Petrova
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Genomics and Paleogenomics, Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Milton AM, Marín-Gual L, Lister NC, McIntyre KL, Grady PGS, Laird MK, Bond DM, Hore TA, O'Neill RJ, Pask AJ, Renfree MB, Ruiz-Herrera A, Waters PD. Imprinted X chromosome inactivation in marsupials: The paternal X arrives at the egg with a silent DNA methylation profile. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2412185121. [PMID: 39190362 PMCID: PMC11388282 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2412185121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is an epigenetic process that results in the transcriptional silencing of one X chromosome in the somatic cells of females. This phenomenon is common to both eutherian and marsupial mammals, but there are fundamental differences. In eutherians, the X chosen for silencing is random. DNA methylation on the eutherian inactive X is high at transcription start sites (TSSs) and their flanking regions, resulting in universally high DNA methylation. This contrasts XCI in marsupials where the paternally derived X is always silenced, and in which DNA methylation is low at TSSs and flanking regions. Here, we examined the DNA methylation status of the tammar wallaby X chromosome during spermatogenesis to determine the DNA methylation profile of the paternal X prior to and at fertilization. Whole genome enzymatic methylation sequencing was carried out on enriched flow-sorted populations of premeiotic, meiotic, and postmeiotic cells. We observed that the X displayed a pattern of DNA methylation from spermatogonia to mature sperm that reflected the inactive X in female somatic tissue. Therefore, the paternal X chromosome arrives at the egg with a DNA methylation profile that reflects the transcriptionally silent X in adult female somatic tissue. We present this epigenetic signature as a candidate for the long sought-after imprint for paternal XCI in marsupials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Milton
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Laia Marín-Gual
- Departament de Biologia Cellular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Spain
| | - Nicholas C Lister
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Kim L McIntyre
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Patrick G S Grady
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269
| | - Melanie K Laird
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Donna M Bond
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Timothy A Hore
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Rachel J O'Neill
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269
| | - Andrew J Pask
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Marilyn B Renfree
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Aurora Ruiz-Herrera
- Departament de Biologia Cellular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Spain
| | - Paul D Waters
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Elkrewi M, Vicoso B. Single-nucleus atlas of the Artemia female reproductive system suggests germline repression of the Z chromosome. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011376. [PMID: 39213449 PMCID: PMC11392275 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the molecular pathways that regulate oogenesis and define cellular identity in the Arthropod female reproductive system and the extent of their conservation is currently very limited. This is due to the focus on model systems, including Drosophila and Daphnia, which do not reflect the observed diversity of morphologies, reproductive modes, and sex chromosome systems. We use single-nucleus RNA and ATAC sequencing to produce a comprehensive single nucleus atlas of the adult Artemia franciscana female reproductive system. We map our data to the Fly Cell Atlas single-nucleus dataset of the Drosophila melanogaster ovary, shedding light on the conserved regulatory programs between the two distantly related Arthropod species. We identify the major cell types known to be present in the Artemia ovary, including germ cells, follicle cells, and ovarian muscle cells. Additionally, we use the germ cells to explore gene regulation and expression of the Z chromosome during meiosis, highlighting its unique regulatory dynamics and allowing us to explore the presence of meiotic sex chromosome silencing in this group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Elkrewi
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Beatriz Vicoso
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Menon DU, Chakraborty P, Murcia N, Magnuson T. ARID1A governs the silencing of sex-linked transcription during male meiosis in the mouse. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.05.25.542290. [PMID: 37292940 PMCID: PMC10245947 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.25.542290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We present evidence implicating the BAF (BRG1/BRM Associated Factor) chromatin remodeler in meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). By immunofluorescence (IF), the putative BAF DNA binding subunit, ARID1A (AT-rich Interaction Domain 1a), appeared enriched on the male sex chromosomes during diplonema of meiosis I. Those germ cells showing a Cre-induced loss of ARID1A were arrested in pachynema and failed to repress sex-linked genes, indicating a defective MSCI. Consistent with this defect, mutant sex chromosomes displayed an abnormal presence of elongating RNA polymerase II coupled with an overall increase in chromatin accessibility detectable by ATAC-seq. By investigating potential mechanisms underlying these anomalies, we identified a role for ARID1A in promoting the preferential enrichment of the histone variant, H3.3, on the sex chromosomes, a known hallmark of MSCI. Without ARID1A, the sex chromosomes appeared depleted of H3.3 at levels resembling autosomes. Higher resolution analyses by CUT&RUN revealed shifts in sex-linked H3.3 associations from discrete intergenic sites and broader gene-body domains to promoters in response to the loss of ARID1A. Several sex-linked sites displayed ectopic H3.3 occupancy that did not co-localize with DMC1 (DNA Meiotic Recombinase 1). This observation suggests a requirement for ARID1A in DMC1 localization to the asynapsed sex chromatids. We conclude that ARID1A-directed H3.3 localization influences meiotic sex chromosome gene regulation and DNA repair.
Collapse
|
5
|
Lin Z, Li D, Zheng J, Yao C, Liu D, Zhang H, Feng H, Chen C, Li P, Zhang Y, Jiang B, Hu Z, Zhao Y, Shi F, Cao D, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Li Z, Yeung WSB, Chow LT, Wang H, Liu K. The male pachynema-specific protein MAPS drives phase separation in vitro and regulates sex body formation and chromatin behaviors in vivo. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113651. [PMID: 38175751 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113651] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Dynamic chromosome remodeling and nuclear compartmentalization take place during mammalian meiotic prophase I. We report here that the crucial roles of male pachynema-specific protein (MAPS) in pachynema progression might be mediated by its liquid-liquid phase separation in vitro and in cellulo. MAPS forms distinguishable liquid phases, and deletion or mutations of its N-terminal amino acids (aa) 2-9 disrupt its secondary structure and charge properties, impeding phase separation. Maps-/- pachytene spermatocytes exhibit defects in nucleus compartmentalization, including defects in forming sex bodies, altered nucleosome composition, and disordered chromatin accessibility. MapsΔ2-9/Δ2-9 male mice expressing MAPS protein lacking aa 2-9 phenocopy Maps-/- mice. Moreover, a frameshift mutation in C3orf62, the human counterpart of Maps, is correlated with nonobstructive azoospermia in a patient exhibiting pachynema arrest in spermatocyte development. Hence, the phase separation property of MAPS seems essential for pachynema progression in mouse and human spermatocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zexiong Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dongliang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiahuan Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Dongteng Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Haiwei Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chunxu Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Massey Cancer Institute, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Yuxiang Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Binjie Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhe Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fu Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dandan Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Louise T Chow
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Hengbin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Massey Cancer Institute, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Kui Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Matveevsky SN, Kolomiets OL, Shchipanov NA, Pavlova SV. Natural male hybrid common shrews with a very long chromosomal multivalent at meiosis appear not to be completely sterile. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART B, MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2024; 342:45-58. [PMID: 38059675 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Among 36 known chromosomal hybrid zones of the common shrew Sorex araneus, the Moscow-Seliger hybrid zone is of special interest because inter-racial complex heterozygotes (F1 hybrids) produce the longest meiotic configuration, consisting of 11 chromosomes with monobrachial homology (undecavalent or chain-of-eleven: CXI). Different studies suggest that such a multivalent may negatively affect meiotic progression and in general should significantly reduce fertility of hybrids. In this work, by immunocytochemical and electron microscopy methods, we investigated for the first time chromosome synapsis, recombination and meiotic silencing in pachytene spermatocytes of natural inter-racial heterozygous shrew males carrying CXI configurations. Despite some abnormalities detected in spermatocytes, such as associations of chromosomes, stretched centromeres, and the absence of recombination nodules in some arms of the multivalent, a large number of morphologically normal spermatozoa were observed. Possible low stringency of pachytene checkpoints may mean that even very long meiotic configurations do not cause complete sterility of such complex inter-racial heterozygotes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey N Matveevsky
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Oxana L Kolomiets
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolay A Shchipanov
- Laboratory of Population Ecology, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana V Pavlova
- Laboratory of Population Ecology, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hunnicutt KE, Callahan C, Keeble S, Moore EC, Good JM, Larson EL. Different complex regulatory phenotypes underlie hybrid male sterility in divergent rodent crosses. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.30.564782. [PMID: 37961317 PMCID: PMC10634954 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.30.564782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Hybrid incompatibilities are a critical component of species barriers and may arise due to negative interactions between divergent regulatory elements in parental species. We used a comparative approach to identify common themes in the regulatory phenotypes associated with hybrid male sterility in two divergent rodent crosses, dwarf hamsters and house mice. We investigated three potential characteristic regulatory phenotypes in hybrids including the propensity towards over or underexpression relative to parental species, the influence of developmental stage on the extent of misexpression, and the role of the sex chromosomes on misexpression phenotypes. In contrast to near pervasive overexpression in hybrid house mice, we found that misexpression in hybrid dwarf hamsters was dependent on developmental stage. In both house mouse and dwarf hamster hybrids, however, misexpression increased with the progression of spermatogenesis, although to varying extents and with potentially different consequences. In both systems, we detected sex-chromosome specific overexpression in stages of spermatogenesis where inactivated X chromosome expression was expected, but the hybrid overexpression phenotypes were fundamentally different. Importantly, misexpression phenotypes support the presence of multiple histological blocks to spermatogenesis in dwarf hamster hybrids, including a potential role of meiotic stalling early in spermatogenesis. Collectively, we demonstrate that while there are some similarities in hybrid regulatory phenotypes of house mice and dwarf hamsters, there are also clear differences that point towards unique mechanisms underlying hybrid male sterility in each system. Our results highlight the potential of comparative approaches in helping to understand the importance of disrupted gene regulation in speciation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Colin Callahan
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812
| | - Sara Keeble
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812
| | - Emily C. Moore
- University of Denver, Department of Biological Sciences, Denver, CO, 80208
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812
| | - Jeffrey M. Good
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812
| | - Erica L. Larson
- University of Denver, Department of Biological Sciences, Denver, CO, 80208
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhao LY, Li P, Yao CC, Tian RH, Tang YX, Chen YZ, Zhou Z, Li Z. Low XIST expression in Sertoli cells of Klinefelter syndrome patients causes high susceptibility of these cells to an extra X chromosome. Asian J Androl 2023; 25:662-673. [PMID: 37202929 DOI: 10.4103/aja202315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common genetic cause of human male infertility. However, the effect of the extra X chromosome on different testicular cell types remains poorly understood. Here, we profiled testicular single-cell transcriptomes from three KS patients and normal karyotype control individuals. Among the different somatic cells, Sertoli cells showed the greatest transcriptome changes in KS patients. Further analysis showed that X-inactive-specific transcript ( XIST ), a key factor that inactivates one X chromosome in female mammals, was widely expressed in each testicular somatic cell type but not in Sertoli cells. The loss of XIST in Sertoli cells leads to an increased level of X chromosome genes, and further disrupts their transcription pattern and cellular function. This phenomenon was not detected in other somatic cells such as Leydig cells and vascular endothelial cells. These results proposed a new mechanism to explain why testicular atrophy in KS patients is heterogeneous with loss of seminiferous tubules but interstitial hyperplasia. Our study provides a theoretical basis for subsequent research and related treatment of KS by identifying Sertoli cell-specific X chromosome inactivation failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Yu Zhao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- Department of Urology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Chen-Cheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Ru-Hui Tian
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Yu-Xin Tang
- Department of Urology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Yu-Zhuo Chen
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Suzuki T. Overview of single-cell RNA sequencing analysis and its application to spermatogenesis research. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12502. [PMID: 36726594 PMCID: PMC9884325 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Single-cell transcriptomics allows parallel analysis of multiple cell types in tissues. Because testes comprise somatic cells and germ cells at various stages of spermatogenesis, single-cell RNA sequencing is a powerful tool for investigating the complex process of spermatogenesis. However, single-cell RNA sequencing analysis needs extensive knowledge of experimental technologies and bioinformatics, making it difficult for many, particularly experimental biologists and clinicians, to use it. Methods Aiming to make single-cell RNA sequencing analysis familiar, this review article presents an overview of experimental and computational methods for single-cell RNA sequencing analysis with a history of transcriptomics. In addition, combining the PubMed search and manual curation, this review also provides a summary of recent novel insights into human and mouse spermatogenesis obtained using single-cell RNA sequencing analyses. Main Findings Single-cell RNA sequencing identified mesenchymal cells and type II innate lymphoid cells as novel testicular cell types in the adult mouse testes, as well as detailed subtypes of germ cells. This review outlines recent discoveries into germ cell development and subtypes, somatic cell development, and cell-cell interactions. Conclusion The findings on spermatogenesis obtained using single-cell RNA sequencing may contribute to a deeper understanding of spermatogenesis and provide new directions for male fertility therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Suzuki
- RIKEN Center for Integrated Medical Science (IMS)Yokohama CityKanagawaJapan
- Graduate School of Medical Life ScienceYokohama City UniversityYokohama CityKanagawaJapan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kazi S, Castañeda JM, Savolainen A, Xu Y, Liu N, Qiao H, Ramirez‐Solis R, Nozawa K, Yu Z, Matzuk MM, Prunskaite‐Hyyryläinen R. MRNIP interacts with sex body chromatin to support meiotic progression, spermatogenesis, and male fertility in mice. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22479. [PMID: 35920200 PMCID: PMC9544956 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101168rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Meiosis has a principal role in sexual reproduction to generate haploid gametes in both sexes. During meiosis, the cell nucleus hosts a dynamic environment where some genes are transcriptionally activated, and some are inactivated at the same time. This becomes possible through subnuclear compartmentalization. The sex body, sequestering X and Y chromosomes during male meiosis and creating an environment for the meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) is one of the best known and studied subnuclear compartments. Herein, we show that MRNIP forms droplet-like accumulations that fuse together to create a distinct subnuclear compartment that partially overlaps with the sex body chromatin during diplotene. We demonstrate that Mrnip-/- spermatocytes have impaired DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair, they display reduced sex body formation and defective MSCI. We show that Mrnip-/- undergoes critical meiocyte loss at the diplotene stage. Furthermore, we determine that DNA DSBs (induced by SPO11) and synapsis initiation (facilitated by SYCP1) precede Mrnip expression in testes. Altogether, our findings indicate that in addition to an emerging role in DNA DSB repair, MRNIP has an essential function in spermatogenesis during meiosis I by forming drop-like accumulations interacting with the sex body.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samina Kazi
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
| | | | - Audrey Savolainen
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
| | - Yiding Xu
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Huanyu Qiao
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | | | - Kaori Nozawa
- Department of Pathology & ImmunologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Zhifeng Yu
- Department of Pathology & ImmunologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Center for Drug DiscoveryBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Martin M. Matzuk
- Department of Pathology & ImmunologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Center for Drug DiscoveryBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
R-Loop Formation in Meiosis: Roles in Meiotic Transcription-Associated DNA Damage. EPIGENOMES 2022; 6:epigenomes6030026. [PMID: 36135313 PMCID: PMC9498298 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes6030026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is specialized cell division during gametogenesis that produces genetically unique gametes via homologous recombination. Meiotic homologous recombination entails repairing programmed 200–300 DNA double-strand breaks generated during the early prophase. To avoid interference between meiotic gene transcription and homologous recombination, mammalian meiosis is thought to employ a strategy of exclusively transcribing meiotic or post-meiotic genes before their use. Recent studies have shown that R-loops, three-stranded DNA/RNA hybrid nucleotide structures formed during transcription, play a crucial role in transcription and genome integrity. Although our knowledge about the function of R-loops during meiosis is limited, recent findings in mouse models have suggested that they play crucial roles in meiosis. Given that defective formation of an R-loop can cause abnormal transcription and transcription-coupled DNA damage, the precise regulatory network of R-loops may be essential in vivo for the faithful progression of mammalian meiosis and gametogenesis.
Collapse
|
12
|
Fleck K, Raj R, Erceg J. The 3D genome landscape: Diverse chromosomal interactions and their functional implications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:968145. [PMID: 36036013 PMCID: PMC9402908 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.968145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome organization includes contacts both within a single chromosome and between distinct chromosomes. Thus, regulatory organization in the nucleus may include interplay of these two types of chromosomal interactions with genome activity. Emerging advances in omics and single-cell imaging technologies have allowed new insights into chromosomal contacts, including those of homologs and sister chromatids, and their significance to genome function. In this review, we highlight recent studies in this field and discuss their impact on understanding the principles of chromosome organization and associated functional implications in diverse cellular processes. Specifically, we describe the contributions of intra-chromosomal, inter-homolog, and inter-sister chromatid contacts to genome organization and gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Fleck
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Romir Raj
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Jelena Erceg
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ruiz-Herrera A, Waters PD. Fragile, unfaithful and persistent Ys-on how meiosis can shape sex chromosome evolution. Heredity (Edinb) 2022; 129:22-30. [PMID: 35459933 PMCID: PMC9273583 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-022-00532-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-linked inheritance is a stark exception to Mendel's Laws of Heredity. Here we discuss how the evolution of heteromorphic sex chromosomes (mainly the Y) has been shaped by the intricacies of the meiotic programme. We propose that persistence of Y chromosomes in distantly related mammalian phylogroups can be explained in the context of pseudoautosomal region (PAR) size, meiotic pairing strategies, and the presence of Y-borne executioner genes that regulate meiotic sex chromosome inactivation. We hypothesise that variation in PAR size can be an important driver for the evolution of recombination frequencies genome wide, imposing constraints on Y fate. If small PAR size compromises XY segregation during male meiosis, the stress of producing aneuploid gametes could drive function away from the Y (i.e., a fragile Y). The Y chromosome can avoid fragility either by acquiring an achiasmatic meiotic XY pairing strategy to reduce aneuploid gamete production, or gain meiotic executioner protection (a persistent Y). Persistent Ys will then be under strong pressure to maintain high recombination rates in the PAR (and subsequently genome wide), as improper segregation has fatal consequences for germ cells. In the event that executioner protection is lost, the Y chromosome can be maintained in the population by either PAR rejuvenation (extension by addition of autosome material) or gaining achiasmatic meiotic pairing, the alternative is Y loss. Under this dynamic cyclic evolutionary scenario, understanding the meiotic programme in vertebrate and invertebrate species will be crucial to further understand the plasticity of the rise and fall of heteromorphic sex chromosomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Ruiz-Herrera
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina (IBB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Spain.
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Spain.
| | - Paul D Waters
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rajam SM, Varghese PC, Dutta D. Histone Chaperones as Cardinal Players in Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:767773. [PMID: 35445016 PMCID: PMC9014011 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.767773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamicity and flexibility of the chromatin landscape are critical for most of the DNA-dependent processes to occur. This higher-order packaging of the eukaryotic genome into the chromatin is mediated by histones and associated non-histone proteins that determine the states of chromatin. Histone chaperones- “the guardian of genome stability and epigenetic information” controls the chromatin accessibility by escorting the nucleosomal and non-nucleosomal histones as well as their variants. This distinct group of molecules is involved in all facets of histone metabolism. The selectivity and specificity of histone chaperones to the histones determine the maintenance of the chromatin in an open or closed state. This review highlights the functional implication of the network of histone chaperones in shaping the chromatin function in the development of an organism. Seminal studies have reported embryonic lethality at different stages of embryogenesis upon perturbation of some of the chaperones, suggesting their essentiality in development. We hereby epitomize facts and functions that emphasize the relevance of histone chaperones in orchestrating different embryonic developmental stages starting from gametogenesis to organogenesis in multicellular organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sruthy Manuraj Rajam
- Regenerative Biology Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Pallavi Chinnu Varghese
- Regenerative Biology Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Debasree Dutta
- Regenerative Biology Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Foe VE. Does the Pachytene Checkpoint, a Feature of Meiosis, Filter Out Mistakes in Double-Strand DNA Break Repair and as a side-Effect Strongly Promote Adaptive Speciation? Integr Org Biol 2022; 4:obac008. [PMID: 36827645 PMCID: PMC8998493 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This essay aims to explain two biological puzzles: why eukaryotic transcription units are composed of short segments of coding DNA interspersed with long stretches of non-coding (intron) DNA, and the near ubiquity of sexual reproduction. As is well known, alternative splicing of its coding sequences enables one transcription unit to produce multiple variants of each encoded protein. Additionally, padding transcription units with non-coding DNA (often many thousands of base pairs long) provides a readily evolvable way to set how soon in a cell cycle the various mRNAs will begin being expressed and the total amount of mRNA that each transcription unit can make during a cell cycle. This regulation complements control via the transcriptional promoter and facilitates the creation of complex eukaryotic cell types, tissues, and organisms. However, it also makes eukaryotes exceedingly vulnerable to double-strand DNA breaks, which end-joining break repair pathways can repair incorrectly. Transcription units cover such a large fraction of the genome that any mis-repair producing a reorganized chromosome has a high probability of destroying a gene. During meiosis, the synaptonemal complex aligns homologous chromosome pairs and the pachytene checkpoint detects, selectively arrests, and in many organisms actively destroys gamete-producing cells with chromosomes that cannot adequately synapse; this creates a filter favoring transmission to the next generation of chromosomes that retain the parental organization, while selectively culling those with interrupted transcription units. This same meiotic checkpoint, reacting to accidental chromosomal reorganizations inflicted by error-prone break repair, can, as a side effect, provide a mechanism for the formation of new species in sympatry. It has been a long-standing puzzle how something as seemingly maladaptive as hybrid sterility between such new species can arise. I suggest that this paradox is resolved by understanding the adaptive importance of the pachytene checkpoint, as outlined above.
Collapse
|
16
|
Xiong M, Zhou S, Feng S, Gui Y, Li J, Wu Y, Dong J, Yuan S. UHRF1 is indispensable for meiotic sex chromosome inactivation and interacts with the DNA damage response pathway in mice. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:168-182. [PMID: 35284939 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During male meiosis, the constitutively unsynapsed XY chromosomes undergo meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI), and the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway is critical for MSCI establishment. Our previous study showed that UHRF1(ubiquitin-like, with PHD and ring finger domains 1) deletion led to meiotic arrest and male infertility; however, the underlying mechanisms of UHRF1 in the regulation of meiosis remain unclear. Here, we report that UHRF1 is required for MSCI and cooperates with the DDR pathway in male meiosis. UHRF1-deficient spermatocytes display aberrant pairing and synapsis of homologous chromosomes during the pachytene stage. In addition, UHRF1 deficiency leads to aberrant recruitment of ATR and FANCD2 on the sex chromosomes and disrupts the diffusion of ATR to the XY chromatin. Furthermore, we show that UHRF1 acts as a cofactor of BRCA1 to facilitate the recruitment of DDR factors onto sex chromosomes for MSCI establishment. Accordingly, deletion of UHRF1 leads to the failure of meiotic silencing on sex chromosomes, resulting in meiotic arrest. In addition to our previous findings, the present study reveals that UHRF1 participates in MSCI, ensuring the progression of male meiosis. This suggests a multifunctional role of UHRF1 in the male germline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengneng Xiong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shumin Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shenglei Feng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yiqian Gui
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jinmei Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yanqing Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Juan Dong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.,Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China.,Laboratory of Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Toscani MA, Pigozzi MI, Papeschi AG, Bressa MJ. Histone H3 Methylation and Autosomal vs. Sex Chromosome Segregation During Male Meiosis in Heteroptera. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.836786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Heteropteran insects exhibit a remarkable diversity of meiotic processes, including coexistence of different chromosomes types with different behavior during the first meiotic division, non-chiasmatic segregation, and inverted meiosis. Because of this diversity they represent suitable models to study fundamental questions about the mechanisms of chromosome behavior during cell division. All heteropteran species possess holokinetic chromosomes and in most of them the autosomal chromosomes synapse, recombine, and undergoe pre-reductional meiosis. In contrast, the sex chromosomes are achiasmatic, behave as univalents at metaphase I and present an inverted or post-reductional meiosis. An exception to this typical behavior is found in Pachylis argentinus, where both the autosomes and the X-chromosome divide reductionally at anaphase I and then divide equationally at anaphase II. In the present report, we analyzed the distribution of histones H3K9me2 and H3K9me3 in P. argentinus and in five species that have simple and multiple sex chromosome systems with typical chromosome segregation, Belostoma elegans, B. oxyurum, Holhymenia rubiginosa, Phthia picta, and Oncopeltus unifasciatellus. We found that H3K9me3 is a marker for sex-chromosomes from early prophase I to the end of the first division in all the species. H3K9me2 also marks the sex chromosomes since early prophase but shows different dynamics at metaphase I depending on the sex-chromosome segregation: it is lost in species with equationally dividing sex chromosomes but remains on one end of the X chromosome of P. argentinus, where chromatids migrate together at anaphase I. It is proposed that the loss of H3K9me2 from the sex chromosomes observed at metaphase I may be part of a set of epigenetic signals that lead to the reductional or equational division of autosomes and sex chromosomes observed in most Heteroptera. The present observations suggest that the histone modifications analyzed here evolved in Heteroptera as markers for asynaptic and achiasmatic sex chromosomes during meiosis to allow the distinction from the chiasmatic autosomal chromosomes.
Collapse
|
18
|
Marín-Gual L, González-Rodelas L, Pujol G, Vara C, Martín-Ruiz M, Berríos S, Fernández-Donoso R, Pask A, Renfree MB, Page J, Waters PD, Ruiz-Herrera A. Strategies for meiotic sex chromosome dynamics and telomeric elongation in Marsupials. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010040. [PMID: 35130272 PMCID: PMC8853506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
During meiotic prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair, synapse and recombine in a tightly regulated process that ensures the generation of genetically variable haploid gametes. Although the mechanisms underlying meiotic cell division have been well studied in model species, our understanding of the dynamics of meiotic prophase I in non-traditional model mammals remains in its infancy. Here, we reveal key meiotic features in previously uncharacterised marsupial species (the tammar wallaby and the fat-tailed dunnart), plus the fat-tailed mouse opossum, with a focus on sex chromosome pairing strategies, recombination and meiotic telomere homeostasis. We uncovered differences between phylogroups with important functional and evolutionary implications. First, sex chromosomes, which lack a pseudo-autosomal region in marsupials, had species specific pairing and silencing strategies, with implications for sex chromosome evolution. Second, we detected two waves of γH2AX accumulation during prophase I. The first wave was accompanied by low γH2AX levels on autosomes, which correlated with the low recombination rates that distinguish marsupials from eutherian mammals. In the second wave, γH2AX was restricted to sex chromosomes in all three species, which correlated with transcription from the X in tammar wallaby. This suggests non-canonical functions of γH2AX on meiotic sex chromosomes. Finally, we uncover evidence for telomere elongation in primary spermatocytes of the fat-tailed dunnart, a unique strategy within mammals. Our results provide new insights into meiotic progression and telomere homeostasis in marsupials, highlighting the importance of capturing the diversity of meiotic strategies within mammals. The generation of haploid gametes is a hallmark of sexual reproduction. And this is accomplished by a complex, albeit tightly regulated, reductional cell division called meiosis. Although meiosis has been extensively studied in eutherian mammal model species, our understanding of the mechanisms regulating chromosome synapsis, recombination and segregation during meiosis progression is still incomplete especially in non-eutherian mammals. To fill this gap and capture the diversity of meiotic strategies among mammals, we study previously uncharacterised representative marsupial species, an evolutionary assemblage that last shared a common ancestry more than 80 million years ago. We uncover novel, hence non-canonical, strategies for sex chromosome pairing, DNA repair, recombination and transcription. Most importantly, we reveal the uniqueness of marsupial meiosis, which includes the unprecedented detection of alternative mechanism (ALT) for the paternal control of telomere length during prophase I. Our findings suggest that ALT (previously only associated to cancer cells) could play a role in telomere homeostasis in mammalian germ cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laia Marín-Gual
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Laura González-Rodelas
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Gala Pujol
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Covadonga Vara
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Marta Martín-Ruiz
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Soledad Berríos
- Programa de Genética Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Raúl Fernández-Donoso
- Programa de Genética Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrew Pask
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marilyn B. Renfree
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jesús Page
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paul D. Waters
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, UNSW Sydney, Australia
| | - Aurora Ruiz-Herrera
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hunnicutt KE, Good JM, Larson EL. Unraveling patterns of disrupted gene expression across a complex tissue. Evolution 2022; 76:275-291. [PMID: 34882778 PMCID: PMC9355168 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Whole tissue RNASeq is the standard approach for studying gene expression divergence in evolutionary biology and provides a snapshot of the comprehensive transcriptome for a given tissue. However, whole tissues consist of diverse cell types differing in expression profiles, and the cellular composition of these tissues can evolve across species. Here, we investigate the effects of different cellular composition on whole tissue expression profiles. We compared gene expression from whole testes and enriched spermatogenesis populations in two species of house mice, Mus musculus musculus and M. m. domesticus, and their sterile and fertile F1 hybrids, which differ in both cellular composition and regulatory dynamics. We found that cellular composition differences skewed expression profiles and differential gene expression in whole testes samples. Importantly, both approaches were able to detect large-scale patterns such as disrupted X chromosome expression, although whole testes sampling resulted in decreased power to detect differentially expressed genes. We encourage researchers to account for histology in RNASeq and consider methods that reduce sample complexity whenever feasible. Ultimately, we show that differences in cellular composition between tissues can modify expression profiles, potentially altering inferred gene ontological processes, insights into gene network evolution, and processes governing gene expression evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsie E Hunnicutt
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, 80208
| | - Jeffrey M Good
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, 59812
| | - Erica L Larson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, 80208
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Alavattam KG, Maezawa S, Andreassen PR, Namekawa SH. Meiotic sex chromosome inactivation and the XY body: a phase separation hypothesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:18. [PMID: 34971404 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04075-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian male meiosis, the heterologous X and Y chromosomes remain unsynapsed and, as a result, are subject to meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). MSCI is required for the successful completion of spermatogenesis. Following the initiation of MSCI, the X and Y chromosomes undergo various epigenetic modifications and are transformed into a nuclear body termed the XY body. Here, we review the mechanisms underlying the initiation of two essential, sequential processes in meiotic prophase I: MSCI and XY-body formation. The initiation of MSCI is directed by the action of DNA damage response (DDR) pathways; downstream of the DDR, unique epigenetic states are established, leading to the formation of the XY body. Accumulating evidence suggests that MSCI and subsequent XY-body formation may be driven by phase separation, a physical process that governs the formation of membraneless organelles and other biomolecular condensates. Thus, here we gather literature-based evidence to explore a phase separation hypothesis for the initiation of MSCI and the formation of the XY body.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kris G Alavattam
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.,Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.,Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - So Maezawa
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
| | - Paul R Andreassen
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bredemeyer KR, Seabury CM, Stickney MJ, McCarrey JR, vonHoldt BM, Murphy WJ. Rapid Macrosatellite Evolution Promotes X-Linked Hybrid Male Sterility in a Feline Interspecies Cross. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:5588-5609. [PMID: 34519828 PMCID: PMC8662614 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The sterility or inviability of hybrid offspring produced from an interspecific mating result from incompatibilities between parental genotypes that are thought to result from divergence of loci involved in epistatic interactions. However, attributes contributing to the rapid evolution of these regions also complicates their assembly, thus discovery of candidate hybrid sterility loci is difficult and has been restricted to a small number of model systems. Here we reported rapid interspecific divergence at the DXZ4 macrosatellite locus in an interspecific cross between two closely related mammalian species: the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) and the Jungle cat (Felis chaus). DXZ4 is an interesting candidate due to its structural complexity, copy number variability, and described role in the critical yet complex biological process of X-chromosome inactivation. However, the full structure of DXZ4 was absent or incomplete in nearly every available mammalian genome assembly given its repetitive complexity. We compared highly continuous genomes for three cat species, each containing a complete DXZ4 locus, and discovered that the felid DXZ4 locus differs substantially from the human ortholog, and that it varies in copy number between cat species. Additionally, we reported expression, methylation, and structural conformation profiles of DXZ4 and the X chromosome during stages of spermatogenesis that have been previously associated with hybrid male sterility. Collectively, these findings suggest a new role for DXZ4 in male meiosis and a mechanism for feline interspecific incompatibility through rapid satellite divergence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Bredemeyer
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Mark J Stickney
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - John R McCarrey
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - William J Murphy
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
X Chromosome Inactivation during Grasshopper Spermatogenesis. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12121844. [PMID: 34946793 PMCID: PMC8700825 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of transcriptional activity during meiosis depends on the interrelated processes of recombination and synapsis. In eutherian mammal spermatocytes, transcription levels change during prophase-I, being low at the onset of meiosis but highly increased from pachytene up to the end of diplotene. However, X and Y chromosomes, which usually present unsynapsed regions throughout prophase-I in male meiosis, undergo a specific pattern of transcriptional inactivation. The interdependence of synapsis and transcription has mainly been studied in mammals, basically in mouse, but our knowledge in other unrelated phylogenetically species is more limited. To gain new insights on this issue, here we analyzed the relationship between synapsis and transcription in spermatocytes of the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans. Autosomal chromosomes of this species achieve complete synapsis; however, the single X sex chromosome remains always unsynapsed and behaves as a univalent. We studied transcription in meiosis by immunolabeling with RNA polymerase II phosphorylated at serine 2 and found that whereas autosomes are active from leptotene up to diakinesis, the X chromosome is inactive throughout meiosis. This inactivation is accompanied by the accumulation of, at least, two repressive epigenetic modifications: H3 methylated at lysine 9 and H2AX phosphorylated at serine 139. Furthermore, we identified that X chromosome inactivation occurs in premeiotic spermatogonia. Overall, our results indicate: (i) transcription regulation in E. plorans spermatogenesis differs from the canonical pattern found in mammals and (ii) X chromosome inactivation is likely preceded by a process of heterochromatinization before the initiation of meiosis.
Collapse
|
23
|
Gil-Fernández A, Ribagorda M, Martín-Ruiz M, López-Jiménez P, Laguna T, Gómez R, Parra MT, Viera A, Veyrunes F, Page J. Meiotic Behavior of Achiasmate Sex Chromosomes in the African Pygmy Mouse Mus mattheyi Offers New Insights into the Evolution of Sex Chromosome Pairing and Segregation in Mammals. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1434. [PMID: 34573416 PMCID: PMC8471055 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
X and Y chromosomes in mammals are different in size and gene content due to an evolutionary process of differentiation and degeneration of the Y chromosome. Nevertheless, these chromosomes usually share a small region of homology, the pseudoautosomal region (PAR), which allows them to perform a partial synapsis and undergo reciprocal recombination during meiosis, which ensures their segregation. However, in some mammalian species the PAR has been lost, which challenges the pairing and segregation of sex chromosomes in meiosis. The African pygmy mouse Mus mattheyi shows completely differentiated sex chromosomes, representing an uncommon evolutionary situation among mouse species. We have performed a detailed analysis of the location of proteins involved in synaptonemal complex assembly (SYCP3), recombination (RPA, RAD51 and MLH1) and sex chromosome inactivation (γH2AX) in this species. We found that neither synapsis nor chiasmata are found between sex chromosomes and their pairing is notably delayed compared to autosomes. Interestingly, the Y chromosome only incorporates RPA and RAD51 in a reduced fraction of spermatocytes, indicating a particular DNA repair dynamic on this chromosome. The analysis of segregation revealed that sex chromosomes are associated until metaphase-I just by a chromatin contact. Unexpectedly, both sex chromosomes remain labelled with γH2AX during first meiotic division. This chromatin contact is probably enough to maintain sex chromosome association up to anaphase-I and, therefore, could be relevant to ensure their reductional segregation. The results presented suggest that the regulation of both DNA repair and epigenetic modifications in the sex chromosomes can have a great impact on the divergence of sex chromosomes and their proper transmission, widening our understanding on the relationship between meiosis and the evolution of sex chromosomes in mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gil-Fernández
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.G.-F.); (M.R.); (M.M.-R.); (P.L.-J.); (T.L.); (R.G.); (M.T.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Marta Ribagorda
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.G.-F.); (M.R.); (M.M.-R.); (P.L.-J.); (T.L.); (R.G.); (M.T.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Marta Martín-Ruiz
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.G.-F.); (M.R.); (M.M.-R.); (P.L.-J.); (T.L.); (R.G.); (M.T.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Pablo López-Jiménez
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.G.-F.); (M.R.); (M.M.-R.); (P.L.-J.); (T.L.); (R.G.); (M.T.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Tamara Laguna
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.G.-F.); (M.R.); (M.M.-R.); (P.L.-J.); (T.L.); (R.G.); (M.T.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Rocío Gómez
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.G.-F.); (M.R.); (M.M.-R.); (P.L.-J.); (T.L.); (R.G.); (M.T.P.); (A.V.)
| | - María Teresa Parra
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.G.-F.); (M.R.); (M.M.-R.); (P.L.-J.); (T.L.); (R.G.); (M.T.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Alberto Viera
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.G.-F.); (M.R.); (M.M.-R.); (P.L.-J.); (T.L.); (R.G.); (M.T.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Frederic Veyrunes
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution, ISEM UMR 5554 (CNRS/Université Montpellier/IRD/EPHE), 34090 Montpellier, France;
| | - Jesús Page
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.G.-F.); (M.R.); (M.M.-R.); (P.L.-J.); (T.L.); (R.G.); (M.T.P.); (A.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Epigenetic Dysregulation of Mammalian Male Meiosis Caused by Interference of Recombination and Synapsis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092311. [PMID: 34571960 PMCID: PMC8467405 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092311] [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] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiosis involves a series of specific chromosome events, namely homologous synapsis, recombination, and segregation. Disruption of either recombination or synapsis in mammals results in the interruption of meiosis progression during the first meiotic prophase. This is usually accompanied by a defective transcriptional inactivation of the X and Y chromosomes, which triggers a meiosis breakdown in many mutant models. However, epigenetic changes and transcriptional regulation are also expected to affect autosomes. In this work, we studied the dynamics of epigenetic markers related to chromatin silencing, transcriptional regulation, and meiotic sex chromosome inactivation throughout meiosis in knockout mice for genes encoding for recombination proteins SPO11, DMC1, HOP2 and MLH1, and the synaptonemal complex proteins SYCP1 and SYCP3. These models are defective in recombination and/or synapsis and promote apoptosis at different stages of progression. Our results indicate that impairment of recombination and synapsis alter the dynamics and localization pattern of epigenetic marks, as well as the transcriptional regulation of both autosomes and sex chromosomes throughout prophase-I progression. We also observed that the morphological progression of spermatocytes throughout meiosis and the dynamics of epigenetic marks are processes that can be desynchronized upon synapsis or recombination alteration. Moreover, we detected an overlap of early and late epigenetic signatures in most mutants, indicating that the normal epigenetic transitions are disrupted. This can alter the transcriptional shift that occurs in spermatocytes in mid prophase-I and suggest that the epigenetic regulation of sex chromosomes, but also of autosomes, is an important factor in the impairment of meiosis progression in mammals.
Collapse
|
25
|
Iwamori T, Iwamori N, Matsumoto M, Imai H, Ono E. Novel localizations and interactions of intercellular bridge proteins revealed by proteomic profiling†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:1134-1144. [PMID: 31995159 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa017] [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: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Intercellular bridges (ICBs) connecting germ cells are essential for spermatogenesis, and their deletion causes male infertility. However, the functions and component factors of ICBs are still unknown. We previously identified novel ICB-associated proteins by proteomics analysis using ICB enrichment. Here, we performed immunoprecipitation-proteomics analyses using antibodies specific to known ICB proteins MKLP1, RBM44, and ectoplasmic specialization-associated protein KIAA1210 and predicted protein complexes in the ICB cores. KIAA1210, its binding protein topoisomerase2B (TOP2B), and tight junction protein ZO1 were identified as novel ICB proteins. On the other hand, as well as KIAA1210 and TOP2B, MKLP1 and RBM44, but not TEX14, were localized at the XY body of spermatocytes, suggesting that there is a relationship between ICB proteins and meiotic chromosomes. Moreover, small RNAs interacted with an ICB protein complex that included KIAA1210, RBM44, and MKLP1. These results indicate dynamic movements of ICB proteins and suggest that ICB proteins could be involved not only in the communication between germ cells but also in their epigenetic regulation. Our results provide a novel perspective on the function of ICBs and could be helpful in revealing the biological function of the ICB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tokuko Iwamori
- Department of Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Center of Biomedical Research, Research Center for Human Disease Modeling, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Naoki Iwamori
- Department of Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Center of Biomedical Research, Research Center for Human Disease Modeling, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Laboratory of Zoology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan and
| | - Masaki Matsumoto
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Imai
- Department of Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Center of Biomedical Research, Research Center for Human Disease Modeling, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Etsuro Ono
- Department of Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Center of Biomedical Research, Research Center for Human Disease Modeling, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Xu Y, Qiao H. A Hypothesis: Linking Phase Separation to Meiotic Sex Chromosome Inactivation and Sex-Body Formation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:674203. [PMID: 34485277 PMCID: PMC8415632 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.674203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
During meiotic prophase I, X and Y chromosomes in mammalian spermatocytes only stably pair at a small homologous region called the pseudoautosomal region (PAR). However, the rest of the sex chromosomes remain largely unsynapsed. The extensive asynapsis triggers transcriptional silencing - meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). Along with MSCI, a special nuclear territory, sex body or XY body, forms. In the early steps of MSCI, DNA damage response (DDR) factors, such as BRCA1, ATR, and γH2AX, function as sensors and effectors of the silencing signals. Downstream canonical repressive histone modifications, including methylation, acetylation, ubiquitylation, and SUMOylation, are responsible for the transcriptional repression of the sex chromosomes. Nevertheless, mechanisms of the sex-body formation remain unclear. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) may drive the formation of several chromatin subcompartments, such as pericentric heterochromatin, nucleoli, inactive X chromosomes. Although several proteins involved in phase separation are found in the sex bodies, when and whether these proteins exert functions in the sex-body formation and MSCI is still unknown. Here, we reviewed recent publications on the mechanisms of MSCI and LLPS, pointed out the potential link between LLPS and the formation of sex bodies, and discussed its implications for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Huanyu Qiao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhang X, Li M, Jiang X, Ma H, Fan S, Li Y, Yu C, Xu J, Khan R, Jiang H, Shi Q. Nuclear translocation of MTL5 from cytoplasm requires its direct interaction with LIN9 and is essential for male meiosis and fertility. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009753. [PMID: 34388164 PMCID: PMC8386835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is essential for the generation of gametes and sexual reproduction, yet the factors and underlying mechanisms regulating meiotic progression remain largely unknown. Here, we showed that MTL5 translocates into nuclei of spermatocytes during zygotene-pachytene transition and ensures meiosis advances beyond pachytene stage. MTL5 shows strong interactions with MuvB core complex components, a well-known transcriptional complex regulating mitotic progression, and the zygotene-pachytene transition of MTL5 is mediated by its direct interaction with the component LIN9, through MTL5 C-terminal 443–475 residues. Male Mtl5c-mu/c-mu mice expressing the truncated MTL5 (p.Ser445Arg fs*3) that lacks the interaction with LIN9 and is detained in cytoplasm showed male infertility and spermatogenic arrest at pachytene stage, same as that of Mtl5 knockout mice, indicating that the interaction with LIN9 is essential for the nuclear translocation and function of MTL5 during meiosis. Our data demonstrated MTL5 translocates into nuclei during the zygotene-pachytene transition to initiate its function along with the MuvB core complex in pachytene spermatocytes, highlighting a new mechanism regulating the progression of male meiosis. Meiosis is essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the factors regulating the progression of meiosis remain largely unknown. We reported the testis specific protein MTL5 translocated into the nuclei of spermatocytes at the zygotene-pachytene transition by direct interaction with LIN9, which is an essential component of MuvB core complex, to promote meiotic progression beyond the pachytene stage. We also showed that MTL5 pulls down MYBL1 and all of the MuvB core complex (except LIN54) in spermatocytes. Given the known role of the MuvB core complex as a cell cycle regulator in mitotic cells, we suggested that MTL5 promotes meiotic progression along with the MuvB core complex to ensure male fertility. Our results indicated a novel function of the MuvB complex in male meiosis and also shed light on the master regulator proteins that control meiotic progression at the pachytene stage. MTL5 is a novel and germ-cell specific regulator of cell cycle progression to function at a specific stage by nuclear translocation in meiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingxia Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ming Li
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- * E-mail: (XJ); (HJ); (QS)
| | - Hui Ma
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Suixing Fan
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Li
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Changping Yu
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jianze Xu
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ranjha Khan
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hanwei Jiang
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- * E-mail: (XJ); (HJ); (QS)
| | - Qinghua Shi
- First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- * E-mail: (XJ); (HJ); (QS)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chromosomal positioning in spermatogenic cells is influenced by chromosomal factors associated with gene activity, bouquet formation and meiotic sex chromosome inactivation. Chromosoma 2021; 130:163-175. [PMID: 34231035 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-021-00761-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Chromosome territoriality is not random along the cell cycle and it is mainly governed by intrinsic chromosome factors and gene expression patterns. Conversely, very few studies have explored the factors that determine chromosome territoriality and its influencing factors during meiosis. In this study, we analysed chromosome positioning in murine spermatogenic cells using three-dimensionally fluorescence in situ hybridization-based methodology, which allows the analysis of the entire karyotype. The main objective of the study was to decipher chromosome positioning in a radial axis (all analysed germ-cell nuclei) and longitudinal axis (only spermatozoa) and to identify the chromosomal factors that regulate such an arrangement. Results demonstrated that the radial positioning of chromosomes during spermatogenesis was cell-type specific and influenced by chromosomal factors associated to gene activity. Chromosomes with specific features that enhance transcription (high GC content, high gene density and high numbers of predicted expressed genes) were preferentially observed in the inner part of the nucleus in virtually all cell types. Moreover, the position of the sex chromosomes was influenced by their transcriptional status, from the periphery of the nucleus when its activity was repressed (pachytene) to a more internal position when it is partially activated (spermatid). At pachytene, chromosome positioning was also influenced by chromosome size due to the bouquet formation. Longitudinal chromosome positioning in the sperm nucleus was not random either, suggesting the importance of ordered longitudinal positioning for the release and activation of the paternal genome after fertilisation.
Collapse
|
29
|
Manfrevola F, Guillou F, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Chianese R. LINCking the Nuclear Envelope to Sperm Architecture. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050658. [PMID: 33925685 PMCID: PMC8145172 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear architecture undergoes an extensive remodeling during spermatogenesis, especially at levels of spermatocytes (SPC) and spermatids (SPT). Interestingly, typical events of spermiogenesis, such as nuclear elongation, acrosome biogenesis, and flagellum formation, need a functional cooperation between proteins of the nuclear envelope and acroplaxome/manchette structures. In addition, nuclear envelope plays a key role in chromosome distribution. In this scenario, special attention has been focused on the LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex, a nuclear envelope-bridge structure involved in the connection of the nucleoskeleton to the cytoskeleton, governing mechanotransduction. It includes two integral proteins: KASH- and SUN-domain proteins, on the outer (ONM) and inner (INM) nuclear membrane, respectively. The LINC complex is involved in several functions fundamental to the correct development of sperm cells such as head formation and head to tail connection, and, therefore, it seems to be important in determining male fertility. This review provides a global overview of the main LINC complex components, with a special attention to their subcellular localization in sperm cells, their roles in the regulation of sperm morphological maturation, and, lastly, LINC complex alterations associated to male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manfrevola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Florian Guillou
- PRC, CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France;
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Mahadevaraju S, Fear JM, Akeju M, Galletta BJ, Pinheiro MMLS, Avelino CC, Cabral-de-Mello DC, Conlon K, Dell'Orso S, Demere Z, Mansuria K, Mendonça CA, Palacios-Gimenez OM, Ross E, Savery M, Yu K, Smith HE, Sartorelli V, Yang H, Rusan NM, Vibranovski MD, Matunis E, Oliver B. Dynamic sex chromosome expression in Drosophila male germ cells. Nat Commun 2021; 12:892. [PMID: 33563972 PMCID: PMC7873209 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-20897-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Given their copy number differences and unique modes of inheritance, the evolved gene content and expression of sex chromosomes is unusual. In many organisms the X and Y chromosomes are inactivated in spermatocytes, possibly as a defense mechanism against insertions into unpaired chromatin. In addition to current sex chromosomes, Drosophila has a small gene-poor X-chromosome relic (4th) that re-acquired autosomal status. Here we use single cell RNA-Seq on fly larvae to demonstrate that the single X and pair of 4th chromosomes are specifically inactivated in primary spermatocytes, based on measuring all genes or a set of broadly expressed genes in testis we identified. In contrast, genes on the single Y chromosome become maximally active in primary spermatocytes. Reduced X transcript levels are due to failed activation of RNA-Polymerase-II by phosphorylation of Serine 2 and 5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharvani Mahadevaraju
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney and Digestive Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Justin M Fear
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney and Digestive Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Miriam Akeju
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Brian J Galletta
- Cell Biology and Physiology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Mara M L S Pinheiro
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, SP 05508-090, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila C Avelino
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, SP 05508-090, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diogo C Cabral-de-Mello
- Instituto de Biociências/IB, Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada, UNESP-Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro, São Paulo, 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Katie Conlon
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Stafania Dell'Orso
- Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Zelalem Demere
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kush Mansuria
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Carolina A Mendonça
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, SP 05508-090, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Octavio M Palacios-Gimenez
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, SP 05508-090, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Department of Organismal Biology, Systematic Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eli Ross
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Max Savery
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney and Digestive Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Kevin Yu
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Harold E Smith
- Genomics Core, National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney and Digestive Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Vittorio Sartorelli
- Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Haiwang Yang
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney and Digestive Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Nasser M Rusan
- Cell Biology and Physiology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Maria D Vibranovski
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, SP 05508-090, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Erika Matunis
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Brian Oliver
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney and Digestive Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Peng Y, Qiao H. The Application of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing in Mammalian Meiosis Studies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:673642. [PMID: 34485276 PMCID: PMC8416306 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.673642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a cellular division process that produces gametes for sexual reproduction. Disruption of complex events throughout meiosis, such as synapsis and homologous recombination, can lead to infertility and aneuploidy. To reveal the molecular mechanisms of these events, transcriptome studies of specific substages must be conducted. However, conventional methods, such as bulk RNA-seq and RT-qPCR, are not able to detect the transcriptional variations effectively and precisely, especially for identifying cell types and stages with subtle differences. In recent years, mammalian meiotic transcriptomes have been intensively studied at the single-cell level by using single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) approaches, especially through two widely used platforms, Smart-seq2 and Drop-seq. The scRNA-seq protocols along with their downstream analysis enable researchers to accurately identify cell heterogeneities and investigate meiotic transcriptomes at a higher resolution. In this review, we compared bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq to show the advantages of the scRNA-seq in meiosis studies; meanwhile, we also pointed out the challenges and limitations of the scRNA-seq. We listed recent findings from mammalian meiosis (male and female) studies where scRNA-seq applied. Next, we summarized the scRNA-seq analysis methods and the meiotic marker genes from spermatocytes and oocytes. Specifically, we emphasized the different features of the two scRNA-seq protocols (Smart-seq2 and Drop-seq) in the context of meiosis studies and discussed their strengths and weaknesses in terms of different research purposes. Finally, we discussed the future applications of scRNA-seq in the meiosis field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiheng Peng
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Huanyu Qiao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Gil-Fernández A, Saunders PA, Martín-Ruiz M, Ribagorda M, López-Jiménez P, Jeffries DL, Parra MT, Viera A, Rufas JS, Perrin N, Veyrunes F, Page J. Meiosis reveals the early steps in the evolution of a neo-XY sex chromosome pair in the African pygmy mouse Mus minutoides. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008959. [PMID: 33180767 PMCID: PMC7685469 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex chromosomes of eutherian mammals are highly different in size and gene content, and share only a small region of homology (pseudoautosomal region, PAR). They are thought to have evolved through an addition-attrition cycle involving the addition of autosomal segments to sex chromosomes and their subsequent differentiation. The events that drive this process are difficult to investigate because sex chromosomes in almost all mammals are at a very advanced stage of differentiation. Here, we have taken advantage of a recent translocation of an autosome to both sex chromosomes in the African pygmy mouse Mus minutoides, which has restored a large segment of homology (neo-PAR). By studying meiotic sex chromosome behavior and identifying fully sex-linked genetic markers in the neo-PAR, we demonstrate that this region shows unequivocal signs of early sex-differentiation. First, synapsis and resolution of DNA damage intermediates are delayed in the neo-PAR during meiosis. Second, recombination is suppressed or largely reduced in a large portion of the neo-PAR. However, the inactivation process that characterizes sex chromosomes during meiosis does not extend to this region. Finally, the sex chromosomes show a dual mechanism of association at metaphase-I that involves the formation of a chiasma in the neo-PAR and the preservation of an ancestral achiasmate mode of association in the non-homologous segments. We show that the study of meiosis is crucial to apprehend the onset of sex chromosome differentiation, as it introduces structural and functional constrains to sex chromosome evolution. Synapsis and DNA repair dynamics are the first processes affected in the incipient differentiation of X and Y chromosomes, and they may be involved in accelerating their evolution. This provides one of the very first reports of early steps in neo-sex chromosome differentiation in mammals, and for the first time a cellular framework for the addition-attrition model of sex chromosome evolution. Sex chromosomes seem to evolve and differentiate at different rates in different taxa. The reasons for this variability are still debated. It is well established that recombination suppression around the sex-determining region triggers differentiation, and several studies have investigated this process from a genetic point of view. However, the cellular context in which recombination arrest occurs has received little attention so far. In this report, we show that meiosis, the cellular division in which pairing and recombination between chromosomes takes place, can affect the incipient differentiation of X and Y chromosomes. Combining cytogenetic and genomic approaches, we found that in the African pygmy mouse Mus minutoides, which has recently undergone sex chromosome-autosome fusions, synapsis and DNA repair dynamics are disturbed along the newly added region of the sex chromosomes. We argue that these alterations are a by-product of the fusion itself, and cause recombination suppression across a large region of the neo-sex chromosome pair. Therefore, we propose that the meiotic context in which sex or neo-sex chromosomes arise is crucial to understand the very early stages of their differentiation, as it could promote or hinder recombination suppression, and therefore impact the rate at which these chromosomes differentiate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gil-Fernández
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paul A. Saunders
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, ISEM UMR 5554 (CNRS/Université Montpellier/IRD/EPHE), Montpellier, France
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marta Martín-Ruiz
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Ribagorda
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo López-Jiménez
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel L. Jeffries
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - María Teresa Parra
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Viera
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio S. Rufas
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicolas Perrin
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Frederic Veyrunes
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, ISEM UMR 5554 (CNRS/Université Montpellier/IRD/EPHE), Montpellier, France
| | - Jesús Page
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Zakhidov ST, Mudzhiri NM, Makarova IV, Andreeva LE. Unusual Behavior of the XY Body in Spermatogenesis in Mutagenized Mice. BIOL BULL+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359020060163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
34
|
Meiotic Executioner Genes Protect the Y from Extinction. Trends Genet 2020; 36:728-738. [PMID: 32773168 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The Y has been described as a wimpy degraded relic of the X, with imminent demise should it lose sex-determining function. Why then has it persisted in almost all mammals? Here we present a novel mechanistic explanation for its evolutionary perseverance: the persistent Y hypothesis. The Y chromosome bears genes that act as their own judge, jury, and executioner in the tightly regulated meiotic surveillance pathways. These executioners are crucial for successful meiosis, yet need to be silenced during the meiotic sex chromosome inactivation window, otherwise germ cells die. Only rare transposition events to the X, where they remain subject to obligate meiotic silencing, are heritable, posing strong evolutionary constraint for the Y chromosome to persist.
Collapse
|
35
|
McNicoll F, Kühnel A, Biswas U, Hempel K, Whelan G, Eichele G, Jessberger R. Meiotic sex chromosome cohesion and autosomal synapsis are supported by Esco2. Life Sci Alliance 2020; 3:e201900564. [PMID: 32051254 PMCID: PMC7025286 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.201900564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In mitotic cells, establishment of sister chromatid cohesion requires acetylation of the cohesin subunit SMC3 (acSMC3) by ESCO1 and/or ESCO2. Meiotic cohesin plays additional but poorly understood roles in the formation of chromosome axial elements (AEs) and synaptonemal complexes. Here, we show that levels of ESCO2, acSMC3, and the pro-cohesion factor sororin increase on meiotic chromosomes as homologs synapse. These proteins are less abundant on the largely unsynapsed sex chromosomes, whose sister chromatid cohesion appears weaker throughout the meiotic prophase. Using three distinct conditional Esco2 knockout mouse strains, we demonstrate that ESCO2 is essential for male gametogenesis. Partial depletion of ESCO2 in prophase I spermatocytes delays chromosome synapsis and further weakens cohesion along sex chromosomes, which show extensive separation of AEs into single chromatids. Unsynapsed regions of autosomes are associated with the sex chromatin and also display split AEs. This study provides the first evidence for a specific role of ESCO2 in mammalian meiosis, identifies a particular ESCO2 dependence of sex chromosome cohesion and suggests support of autosomal synapsis by acSMC3-stabilized cohesion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- François McNicoll
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anne Kühnel
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Uddipta Biswas
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kai Hempel
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gabriela Whelan
- Department of Genes and Behaviour, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gregor Eichele
- Department of Genes and Behaviour, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rolf Jessberger
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Liu Y, Zhang Y, Yin J, Gao Y, Li Y, Bai D, He W, Li X, Zhang P, Li R, Zhang L, Jia Y, Zhang Y, Lin J, Zheng Y, Wang H, Gao S, Zeng W, Liu W. Distinct H3K9me3 and DNA methylation modifications during mouse spermatogenesis. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:18714-18725. [PMID: 31662436 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.010496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation and histone modifications critically regulate the expression of many genes and repeat regions during spermatogenesis. However, the molecular details of these processes in male germ cells remain to be addressed. Here, using isolated murine sperm cells, ultra-low-input native ChIP-Seq (ULI-NChIP-Seq), and whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), we investigated genome-wide DNA methylation patterns and histone 3 Lys-9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) modifications during mouse spermatogenesis. We found that DNA methylation and H3K9me3 have distinct sequence preferences and dynamics in promoters and repeat elements during spermatogenesis. H3K9me3 modifications in histones at gene promoters were highly enriched in round spermatids. H3K9me3 modification on long terminal repeats (LTRs) and long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) was involved in silencing active transcription from these regions in conjunction with reestablishment of DNA methylation. Furthermore, H3K9me3 remodeling on the X chromosome was involved in meiotic sex chromosome inactivation and in partial transcriptional reactivation of sex chromosomes in spermatids. Our findings also revealed the DNA methylation patterns and H3K9me3 modification profiles of paternal and maternal germline imprinting control regions (gICRs) during spermatogenesis. Taken together, our results provide a genome-wide map of H3K9me3 modifications during mouse spermatogenesis that may be helpful for understanding male reproductive disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingdong Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yanping Zhang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiqing Yin
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yawei Gao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yanhe Li
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Dandan Bai
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Wenteng He
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xueliang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Rongnan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Lingkai Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yanping Jia
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yalin Zhang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiaming Lin
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Wenqiang Liu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Sharma P, Ghanghas P, Kaushal N, Kaur J, Kaur P. Epigenetics and oxidative stress: A twin-edged sword in spermatogenesis. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13432. [PMID: 31583745 DOI: 10.1111/and.13432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a series of complex events involving a delicate balance between cell proliferation and cell differentiation. Aggregation of chromatins and epigenetic modifications play a vital role in spermatogenesis via regulation of molecular pathways to maintain testicular homeostasis. These epigenetic mechanisms consist of histone modification, chromatin remodelling, DNA methylation and miRNA, etc., which reportedly are critical players in spermatogenesis. One such mechanism involves regulation of oxidative stress in the male reproductive system. The fact that testicular cells contain plenty of unsaturated fatty acids and undergo division at a high rate makes spermatogenic cells highly susceptible to oxidative insult leading to deleterious effect on spermatozoa, which may culminate in infertility in men. Although the correlation between ROS-mediated oxidative stress and epigenetic alterations has been indicated, research in this regard is still in infancy. Further, the fact that environmental and life style factors are critical determinants of spermatogenic potential indicates the importance of epigenetic regulation of key molecular events in spermatogenesis. Therefore, the current review aims to discuss the ROS-induced epigenetic deregulation of the molecular mechanism(s) involved in spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parul Sharma
- University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Preety Ghanghas
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Naveen Kaushal
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Jaspreet Kaur
- University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Parminder Kaur
- University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Hämäläinen RH, Landoni JC, Ahlqvist KJ, Goffart S, Ryytty S, Rahman MO, Brilhante V, Icay K, Hautaniemi S, Wang L, Laiho M, Suomalainen A. Defects in mtDNA replication challenge nuclear genome stability through nucleotide depletion and provide a unifying mechanism for mouse progerias. Nat Metab 2019; 1:958-965. [PMID: 32694840 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-019-0120-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutagenesis and nuclear DNA repair defects are considered cellular mechanisms of ageing. mtDNA mutator mice with increased mtDNA mutagenesis show signs of premature ageing. However, why patients with mitochondrial diseases, or mice with other forms of mitochondrial dysfunction, do not age prematurely remains unknown. Here, we show that cells from mutator mice display challenged nuclear genome maintenance similar to that observed in progeric cells with defects in nuclear DNA repair. Cells from mutator mice show slow nuclear DNA replication fork progression, cell cycle stalling and chronic DNA replication stress, leading to double-strand DNA breaks in proliferating progenitor or stem cells. The underlying mechanism involves increased mtDNA replication frequency, sequestering of nucleotides to mitochondria, depletion of total cellular nucleotide pools, decreased deoxynucleoside 5'-triphosphate (dNTP) availability for nuclear genome replication and compromised nuclear genome maintenance. Our data indicate that defects in mtDNA replication can challenge nuclear genome stability. We suggest that defects in nuclear genome maintenance, particularly in the stem cell compartment, represent a unified mechanism for mouse progerias. Therefore, through their destabilizing effects on the nuclear genome, mtDNA mutations are indirect contributors to organismal ageing, suggesting that the direct role of mtDNA mutations in driving ageing-like symptoms might need to be revisited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riikka H Hämäläinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
- Research Program in Stem Cells and Metabolism, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Juan C Landoni
- Research Program in Stem Cells and Metabolism, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kati J Ahlqvist
- Research Program in Stem Cells and Metabolism, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Steffi Goffart
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Sanna Ryytty
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - M Obaidur Rahman
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Virginia Brilhante
- Research Program in Stem Cells and Metabolism, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katherine Icay
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sampsa Hautaniemi
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liya Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marikki Laiho
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anu Suomalainen
- Research Program in Stem Cells and Metabolism, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Helsinki University Hospital, Department of Neurosciences, Helsinki, Finland.
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Mahadevan IA, Pentakota S, Roy R, Bhaduri U, Satyanarayana Rao MR. TH2BS11ph histone mark is enriched in the unsynapsed axes of the XY body and predominantly associates with H3K4me3-containing genomic regions in mammalian spermatocytes. Epigenetics Chromatin 2019; 12:53. [PMID: 31493790 PMCID: PMC6731575 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-019-0300-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background TH2B is a major histone variant that replaces about 80–85% of somatic H2B in mammalian spermatocytes and spermatids. The post-translational modifications (PTMs) on TH2B have been well characterised in spermatocytes and spermatids. However, the biological function(s) of these PTMs on TH2B have not been deciphered in great detail. In our attempt to decipher the unique function(s) of histone variant TH2B, we detected the modification in the N-terminal tail, Serine 11 phosphorylation on TH2B (TH2BS11ph) in spermatocytes. Results The current study is aimed at understanding the function of the TH2BS11ph modification in the context of processes that occur during meiotic prophase I. Immunofluorescence studies with the highly specific antibodies revealed that TH2BS11ph histone mark is enriched in the unsynapsed axes of the sex body and is associated with XY body-associated proteins like Scp3, γH2AX, pATM, ATR, etc. Genome-wide occupancy studies as determined by ChIP sequencing experiments in P20 C57BL6 mouse testicular cells revealed that TH2BS11ph is enriched in X and Y chromosomes confirming the immunofluorescence staining pattern in the pachytene spermatocytes. Apart from the localisation of this modification in the XY body, TH2BS11ph is majorly associated with H3K4me3-containing genomic regions like gene promoters, etc. These data were also found to corroborate with the ChIP sequencing data of TH2BS11ph histone mark carried out in P12 C57BL6 mouse testicular cells, wherein we found the predominant localisation of this modification at H3K4me3-containing genomic regions. Mass spectrometry analysis of proteins that associate with TH2BS11ph-containing mononucleosomes revealed key proteins linked with the functions of XY body, pericentric heterochromatin and transcription. Conclusions TH2BS11ph modification is densely localised in the unsynapsed axes of the XY body of the pachytene spermatocyte. By ChIP sequencing studies in mouse P12 and P20 testicular cells, we demonstrate that TH2BS11ph is predominantly associated with H3K4me3 positive genomic regions like gene promoters, etc. We propose that TH2BS11ph modification could act alone or in concert with other histone modifications to recruit the appropriate transcription or XY body recombination protein machinery at specific genomic loci.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iyer Aditya Mahadevan
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur PO., Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Satyakrishna Pentakota
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Raktim Roy
- The Graduate School of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000E. 50th St., Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Utsa Bhaduri
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur PO., Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Manchanahalli R Satyanarayana Rao
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur PO., Bangalore, 560064, India.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Vegesna R, Tomaszkiewicz M, Medvedev P, Makova KD. Dosage regulation, and variation in gene expression and copy number of human Y chromosome ampliconic genes. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008369. [PMID: 31525193 PMCID: PMC6772104 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Y chromosome harbors nine multi-copy ampliconic gene families expressed exclusively in testis. The gene copies within each family are >99% identical to each other, which poses a major challenge in evaluating their copy number. Recent studies demonstrated high variation in Y ampliconic gene copy number among humans. However, how this variation affects expression levels in human testis remains understudied. Here we developed a novel computational tool Ampliconic Copy Number Estimator (AmpliCoNE) that utilizes read sequencing depth information to estimate Y ampliconic gene copy number per family. We applied this tool to whole-genome sequencing data of 149 men with matched testis expression data whose samples are part of the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. We found that the Y ampliconic gene families with low copy number in humans were deleted or pseudogenized in non-human great apes, suggesting relaxation of functional constraints. Among the Y ampliconic gene families, higher copy number leads to higher expression. Within the Y ampliconic gene families, copy number does not influence gene expression, rather a high tolerance for variation in gene expression was observed in testis of presumably healthy men. No differences in gene expression levels were found among major Y haplogroups. Age positively correlated with expression levels of the HSFY and PRY gene families in the African subhaplogroup E1b, but not in the European subhaplogroups R1b and I1. We also found that expression of five Y ampliconic gene families is coordinated with that of their non-Y (i.e. X or autosomal) homologs. Indeed, five ampliconic gene families had consistently lower expression levels when compared to their non-Y homologs suggesting dosage regulation, while the HSFY family had higher expression levels than its X homolog and thus lacked dosage regulation.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Chromosomes, Human, Y/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Y/physiology
- DNA Copy Number Variations/genetics
- Databases, Genetic
- Dosage Compensation, Genetic/genetics
- Dosage Compensation, Genetic/physiology
- Epigenesis, Genetic/genetics
- Gene Dosage/genetics
- Gene Expression/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation/genetics
- Genes, Y-Linked/genetics
- Genes, Y-Linked/physiology
- Heat Shock Transcription Factors/genetics
- Heat Shock Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Humans
- Male
- Multigene Family/genetics
- Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods
- Testis/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahulsimham Vegesna
- Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate Program, The Huck Institutes for the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
| | - Marta Tomaszkiewicz
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
| | - Paul Medvedev
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
- Center for Medical Genomics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
| | - Kateryna D. Makova
- Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate Program, The Huck Institutes for the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
- Center for Medical Genomics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Bolcun-Filas E, Handel MA. Meiosis: the chromosomal foundation of reproduction. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:112-126. [PMID: 29385397 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is the chromosomal foundation of reproduction, with errors in this important process leading to aneuploidy and/or infertility. In this review celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, the important chromosomal structures and dynamics contributing to genomic integrity across generations are highlighted. Critical unsolved biological problems are identified, and the advances that will lead to their ultimate resolution are predicted.
Collapse
|
42
|
Zhang F, Zhang Y, Lv X, Xu B, Zhang H, Yan J, Li H, Wu L. Evolution of an X-Linked miRNA Family Predominantly Expressed in Mammalian Male Germ Cells. Mol Biol Evol 2019; 36:663-678. [PMID: 30649414 PMCID: PMC6445303 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msz001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. However, comprehensive expression profiles of miRNAs during mammalian spermatogenesis are lacking. Herein, we sequenced small RNAs in highly purified mouse spermatogenic cells at different stages. We found that a family of X-linked miRNAs named spermatogenesis-related miRNAs (spermiRs) is predominantly expressed in the early meiotic phases and has a conserved testis-specific high expression pattern in different mammals. We identified one spermiR homolog in opossum; this homolog might originate from THER1, a retrotransposon that is active in marsupials but extinct in current placental mammals. SpermiRs have expanded rapidly with mammalian evolution and are diverged into two clades, spermiR-L and spermiR-R, which are likely to have been generated at least in part by tandem duplication mediated by flanking retrotransposable elements. Notably, despite having undergone highly frequent lineage-specific duplication events, the sequences encoding all spermiR family members are strictly located between two protein-coding genes, Slitrk2 and Fmr1. Moreover, spermiR-Ls and spermiR-Rs have evolved different expression patterns during spermatogenesis in different mammals. Intriguingly, the seed sequences of spermiRs, which are critical for the recognition of target genes, are highly divergent within and among mammals, whereas spermiR target genes largely overlap. When miR-741, the most highly expressed spermiR, is knocked out in cultured mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), another spermiR, miR-465a-5p, is dramatically upregulated and becomes the most abundant miRNA. Notably, miR-741−/− SSCs grow normally, and the genome-wide expression levels of mRNAs remain unchanged. All these observations indicate functional compensation between spermiR family members and strong coevolution between spermiRs and their targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengjuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolong Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Beiying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongdao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Haipeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ligang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Toledo M, Sun X, Brieño-Enríquez MA, Raghavan V, Gray S, Pea J, Milano CR, Venkatesh A, Patel L, Borst PL, Alani E, Cohen PE. A mutation in the endonuclease domain of mouse MLH3 reveals novel roles for MutLγ during crossover formation in meiotic prophase I. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008177. [PMID: 31170160 PMCID: PMC6588253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During meiotic prophase I, double-strand breaks (DSBs) initiate homologous recombination leading to non-crossovers (NCOs) and crossovers (COs). In mouse, 10% of DSBs are designated to become COs, primarily through a pathway dependent on the MLH1-MLH3 heterodimer (MutLγ). Mlh3 contains an endonuclease domain that is critical for resolving COs in yeast. We generated a mouse (Mlh3DN/DN) harboring a mutation within this conserved domain that is predicted to generate a protein that is catalytically inert. Mlh3DN/DN males, like fully null Mlh3-/- males, have no spermatozoa and are infertile, yet spermatocytes have grossly normal DSBs and synapsis events in early prophase I. Unlike Mlh3-/- males, mutation of the endonuclease domain within MLH3 permits normal loading and frequency of MutLγ in pachynema. However, key DSB repair factors (RAD51) and mediators of CO pathway choice (BLM helicase) persist into pachynema in Mlh3DN/DN males, indicating a temporal delay in repair events and revealing a mechanism by which alternative DSB repair pathways may be selected. While Mlh3DN/DN spermatocytes retain only 22% of wildtype chiasmata counts, this frequency is greater than observed in Mlh3-/- males (10%), suggesting that the allele may permit partial endonuclease activity, or that other pathways can generate COs from these MutLγ-defined repair intermediates in Mlh3DN/DN males. Double mutant mice homozygous for the Mlh3DN/DN and Mus81-/- mutations show losses in chiasmata close to those observed in Mlh3-/- males, indicating that the MUS81-EME1-regulated crossover pathway can only partially account for the increased residual chiasmata in Mlh3DN/DN spermatocytes. Our data demonstrate that mouse spermatocytes bearing the MLH1-MLH3DN/DN complex display the proper loading of factors essential for CO resolution (MutSγ, CDK2, HEI10, MutLγ). Despite these functions, mice bearing the Mlh3DN/DN allele show defects in the repair of meiotic recombination intermediates and a loss of most chiasmata.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Toledo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- The Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Xianfei Sun
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Miguel A. Brieño-Enríquez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- The Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Vandana Raghavan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Stephen Gray
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- The Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Pea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- The Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Carolyn R. Milano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- The Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Anita Venkatesh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Lekha Patel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Peter L. Borst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- The Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Eric Alani
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Paula E. Cohen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- The Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wang Y, Wang H, Zhang Y, Du Z, Si W, Fan S, Qin D, Wang M, Duan Y, Li L, Jiao Y, Li Y, Wang Q, Shi Q, Wu X, Xie W. Reprogramming of Meiotic Chromatin Architecture during Spermatogenesis. Mol Cell 2019; 73:547-561.e6. [PMID: 30735655 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2018.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Chromatin organization undergoes drastic reconfiguration during gametogenesis. However, the molecular reprogramming of three-dimensional chromatin structure in this process remains poorly understood for mammals, including primates. Here, we examined three-dimensional chromatin architecture during spermatogenesis in rhesus monkey using low-input Hi-C. Interestingly, we found that topologically associating domains (TADs) undergo dissolution and reestablishment in spermatogenesis. Strikingly, pachytene spermatocytes, where synapsis occurs, are strongly depleted for TADs despite their active transcription state but uniquely show highly refined local compartments that alternate between transcribing and non-transcribing regions (refined-A/B). Importantly, such chromatin organization is conserved in mouse, where it remains largely intact upon transcription inhibition. Instead, it is attenuated in mutant spermatocytes, where the synaptonemal complex failed to be established. Intriguingly, this is accompanied by the restoration of TADs, suggesting that the synaptonemal complex may restrict TADs and promote local compartments. Thus, these data revealed extensive reprogramming of higher-order meiotic chromatin architecture during mammalian gametogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, THU-PKU Center for Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hanben Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SKLRM), Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, THU-PKU Center for Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhenhai Du
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, THU-PKU Center for Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei Si
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Suixing Fan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, USTC-SJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Dongdong Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SKLRM), Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Mei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SKLRM), Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yanchao Duan
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Lufan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SKLRM), Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yuying Jiao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, USTC-SJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, THU-PKU Center for Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qiujun Wang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, THU-PKU Center for Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, USTC-SJH Joint Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Xin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SKLRM), Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China.
| | - Wei Xie
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, THU-PKU Center for Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Hu J, Sun F, Handel MA. Nuclear localization of EIF4G3 suggests a role for the XY body in translational regulation during spermatogenesis in mice. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:102-114. [PMID: 29161344 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4G (EIF4G) is an important scaffold protein in the translation initiation complex. In mice, mutation of the Eif4g3 gene causes male infertility, with arrest of meiosis at the end of meiotic prophase. This study documents features of the developmental expression and subcellular localization of EIF4G3 that might contribute to its highly specific role in meiosis and spermatogenesis. Quite unexpectedly, EIF4G3 is located in the nucleus of spermatocytes, where it is highly enriched in the XY body, the chromatin domain formed by the transcriptionally inactive sex chromosomes. Moreover, many other, but not all, translation-related proteins are also localized in the XY body. These unanticipated observations implicate roles for the XY body in controlling mRNA metabolism and/or "poising" protein translation complexes before the meiotic division phase in spermatocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fengyun Sun
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ribagorda M, Berríos S, Solano E, Ayarza E, Martín-Ruiz M, Gil-Fernández A, Parra MT, Viera A, Rufas JS, Capanna E, Castiglia R, Fernández-Donoso R, Page J. Meiotic behavior of a complex hexavalent in heterozygous mice for Robertsonian translocations: insights for synapsis dynamics. Chromosoma 2019; 128:149-163. [PMID: 30826871 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-019-00695-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Natural populations of the house mouse Mus musculus domesticus show great diversity in chromosomal number due to the presence of chromosomal rearrangements, mainly Robertsonian translocations. Breeding between two populations with different chromosomal configurations generates subfertile or sterile hybrid individuals due to impaired meiotic development. In this study, we have analyzed prophase-I spermatocytes of hybrids formed by crossing mice from Vulcano and Lipari island populations. Both populations have a 2n = 26 karyotype but different combinations of Robertsonian translocations. We studied the progress of synapsis, recombination, and meiotic silencing of unsynapsed chromosomes during prophase-I through the immunolocalization of the proteins SYCP3, SYCP1, γH2AX, RAD51, and MLH1. In these hybrids, a hexavalent is formed that, depending on the degree of synapsis between chromosomes, can adopt an open chain, a ring, or a closed configuration. The frequency of these configurations varies throughout meiosis, with the maximum degree of synapsis occurring at mid pachytene. In addition, we observed the appearance of heterologous synapsis between telocentric and metacentric chromosomes; however, this synapsis seems to be transient and unstable and unsynapsed regions are frequently observed in mid-late pachytene. Interestingly, we found that chiasmata are frequently located at the boundaries of unsynapsed chromosomal regions in the hexavalent during late pachytene. These results provide new clues about synapsis dynamics during meiosis. We propose that mechanical forces generated along chromosomes may induce premature desynapsis, which, in turn, might be counteracted by the location of chiasmata. Despite these and additional meiotic features, such as the accumulation of γH2AX on unsynapsed chromosome regions, we observed a large number of cells that progressed to late stages of prophase-I, indicating that synapsis defects may not trigger a meiotic crisis in these hybrids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Ribagorda
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Soledad Berríos
- Programa de Genética Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Emanuela Solano
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Charles Darwin", Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Eliana Ayarza
- Departamento de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marta Martín-Ruiz
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Gil-Fernández
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Teresa Parra
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Viera
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio S Rufas
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ernesto Capanna
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Charles Darwin", Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Castiglia
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Charles Darwin", Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Raúl Fernández-Donoso
- Programa de Genética Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jesús Page
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
The evolution of heteromorphic sex chromosomes has occurred independently many times in different lineages. The differentiation of sex chromosomes leads to dramatic changes in sequence composition and function and guides the evolutionary trajectory and utilization of genes in pivotal sex determination and reproduction roles. In addition, meiotic recombination and pairing mechanisms are key in orchestrating the resultant impact, retention and maintenance of heteromorphic sex chromosomes, as the resulting exposure of unpaired DNA at meiosis triggers ancient repair and checkpoint pathways. In this review, we summarize the different ways in which sex chromosome systems are organized at meiosis, how pairing is affected, and differences in unpaired DNA responses. We hypothesize that lineage specific differences in meiotic organization is not only a consequence of sex chromosome evolution, but that the establishment of epigenetic changes on sex chromosomes contributes toward their evolutionary conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tasman Daish
- Comparative Genome Biology Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Frank Grützner
- Comparative Genome Biology Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Transition from a meiotic to a somatic-like DNA damage response during the pachytene stage in mouse meiosis. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1007439. [PMID: 30668564 PMCID: PMC6358097 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Homologous recombination (HR) is the principal mechanism of DNA repair acting during meiosis and is fundamental for the segregation of chromosomes and the increase of genetic diversity. Nevertheless, non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) mechanisms can also act during meiosis, mainly in response to exogenously-induced DNA damage in late stages of first meiotic prophase. In order to better understand the relationship between these two repair pathways, we studied the response to DNA damage during male mouse meiosis after gamma radiation. We clearly discerned two types of responses immediately after treatment. From leptotene to early pachytene, exogenous damage triggered the massive presence of γH2AX throughout the nucleus, which was associated with DNA repair mediated by HR components (DMC1 and RAD51). This early pathway finished with the sequential removal of DMC1 and RAD51 and was no longer inducible at mid pachytene. However, from mid-pachytene to diplotene, γH2AX appeared as large discrete foci. This late repair pattern was mediated initially by NHEJ, involving Ku70 and XRCC4, which were constitutively present, and 53BP1, which appeared at sites of damage soon after irradiation. Nevertheless, 24 hours after irradiation, a HR pathway involving RAD51 but not DMC1 mostly replaced NHEJ. Additionally, we observed the occurrence of synaptonemal complex bridges between bivalents, most likely representing chromosome translocation events that may involve DMC1, RAD51 or 53BP1. Our results reinforce the idea that the early “meiotic” repair pathway that acts by default at the beginning of meiosis is replaced from mid-pachytene onwards by a “somatic-like” repair pattern. This shift might be important to resolve DNA damage (either endogenous or exogenous) that could not be repaired by the early meiotic mechanisms, for instance those in the sex chromosomes, which lack a homologous chromosome to repair with. This transition represents another layer of functional changes that occur in meiotic cells during mid pachytene, in addition to epigenetic reprograming, reactivation of transcription, changes in the gene expression profile and acquisition of competence to proceed to metaphase. DNA repair is critical for both somatic and meiotic cells. During meiosis, hundreds of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) are introduced endogenously. To repair this damage, meiotic cells use a specialized version of the homologous recombination (HR) pathway that uses specific meiotic recombinases, such as DMC1, to promote repair with the homologous chromosome instead of the sister chromatid. This process is important to ensure chromosome segregation during meiosis and, as a side consequence, increases the genetic diversity of offspring. Nevertheless, under specific circumstances, meiotic cells can use other DNA repair mechanisms such as non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), which is error-prone. We investigated the response of mouse spermatocytes to increased DNA damage caused by gamma radiation, which is commonly used in cancer therapy. We found that the excess of DSBs produced by irradiation is processed by the meiotic HR recombination pathway in spermatocytes at the early stages of first meiotic prophase. However, this response is not inducible from the mid-pachytene stage onwards. From this point on, spermatocytes rely on a response that shares many features with that of somatic cells. In this response, the NHEJ pathway is first used to repair DNA damage but is subsequently replaced by a HR mechanism that does not use DMC1. Instead, it relies only on RAD51, which is known to function in both somatic and meiosis cells and, contrary to DMC1, has a preference for the sister chromatid. This switch from a meiotic to a somatic-like response is accompanied by a conspicuous change in the epigenetic response to DNA damage, reinforcing the idea that a functional transition occurs in meiotic cells during the mid-pachytene stage.
Collapse
|
49
|
Larson EL, Kopania EEK, Good JM. Spermatogenesis and the Evolution of Mammalian Sex Chromosomes. Trends Genet 2018; 34:722-732. [PMID: 30077434 PMCID: PMC6161750 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Developmental constraint and sexual conflict shape the evolution of heteromorphic sex chromosomes. These contrasting forces are perhaps strongest during spermatogenesis in species with XY males. In this review, we consider how the unique regulatory environment and selective pressures of spermatogenesis interact to impact sex chromosome evolution in mammals. We explore how each developmental phase of spermatogenesis influences sex chromosome gene content, structure, and rate of molecular evolution, and how these attributes may contribute to speciation. We argue that a developmental context is fundamental to understanding sex chromosome evolution and that an evolutionary perspective can shed new light on our understanding of sperm development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica L Larson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80208, USA.
| | - Emily E K Kopania
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Good
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Green CD, Ma Q, Manske GL, Shami AN, Zheng X, Marini S, Moritz L, Sultan C, Gurczynski SJ, Moore BB, Tallquist MD, Li JZ, Hammoud SS. A Comprehensive Roadmap of Murine Spermatogenesis Defined by Single-Cell RNA-Seq. Dev Cell 2018; 46:651-667.e10. [PMID: 30146481 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 296] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis requires intricate interactions between the germline and somatic cells. Within a given cross section of a seminiferous tubule, multiple germ and somatic cell types co-occur. This cellular heterogeneity has made it difficult to profile distinct cell types at different stages of development. To address this challenge, we collected single-cell RNA sequencing data from ∼35,000 cells from the adult mouse testis and identified all known germ and somatic cells, as well as two unexpected somatic cell types. Our analysis revealed a continuous developmental trajectory of germ cells from spermatogonia to spermatids and identified candidate transcriptional regulators at several transition points during differentiation. Focused analyses delineated four subtypes of spermatogonia and nine subtypes of Sertoli cells; the latter linked to histologically defined developmental stages over the seminiferous epithelial cycle. Overall, this high-resolution cellular atlas represents a community resource and foundation of knowledge to study germ cell development and in vivo gametogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Qianyi Ma
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gabriel L Manske
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Xianing Zheng
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Simone Marini
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lindsay Moritz
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Caleb Sultan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Bethany B Moore
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Jun Z Li
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|