1
|
Huang J, Copenhaver GP, Ma H, Wang Y. New insights into the role of DNA synthesis in meiotic recombination. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11434-016-1126-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
2
|
Drosophila RecQ5 is involved in proper progression of early spermatogenesis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 452:1071-7. [PMID: 25245292 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.09.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
RecQ5, a member of the conserved RecQ DNA helicase family, is required for the maintenance of genome stability. The human RECQL5 gene is expressed ubiquitously in almost all tissues, with strong expression in the testes (Shimamoto et al., 2000). However, it remains to be elucidated in which cells RecQ5 is expressed and how RecQ5 functions in the testes. In this present study we analyzed the expression of RecQ5 in Drosophila testes. The RecQ5 protein was specifically expressed in germline cells in larval, pupal, and adult testes. Drosophila RecQ5 was localized in nuclei of male germline stem cells, spermatogoniablasts, spermatogonia, and early spermatocytes. As growth of the early spermatocyte proceeded, the amount of RecQ5 increased in the nuclei. However, before maturation of the spermatocyte, the level of RecQ5 declined. Thus, RecQ5 expression was regulated. Furthermore, we compared recq5 mutant testes with the wild-type ones. The most conspicuous alterations were swelling of the apical region of and an increase in the number of spermatocytes in the recq5 testis, suggesting a relative accumulation of spermatocytes in the recq5 mutant testes. Therefore, Drosophila RecQ5 may contribute to the proper progression from germline stem cells to spermatocytes for maintenance of genome stability.
Collapse
|
3
|
Kitazawa D, Yamaguchi M, Mori H, Inoue YH. COPI-mediated membrane trafficking is required for cytokinesis in Drosophila male meiotic divisions. J Cell Sci 2012; 125:3649-60. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.103317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The coatomer protein complex, COPI, mediates retrograde vesicle transport from the Golgi apparatus to the ER. Here, we investigated the meiotic phenotype of Drosophila spermatocytes expressing dsRNA of 52 genes encoding membrane trafficking-related factors. We identified COPI as an essential factor for male meiosis. In Drosophila male meiotic divisions, COPI is localized in the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment of tER-Golgi units scattered throughout the spermatocyte cytoplasm. Prior to chromosome segregation, the vesicles assemble at the spindle pole periphery through a poleward movement, mediated by minus-ended motor dynein along astral microtubules. At the end of each meiotic division, COPI-containing vesicles are equally partitioned between 2 daughter cells. Our present data strongly suggest that spermatocytes possess a regulatory mechanism, to fulfill equal inheritance of several types of membrane vesicles. Using testis-specific knockdown of COPI subunits or small GTPase Arf, or mutations of the γCOP gene, we examined the role of COPI in male meiosis. COPI depletion resulted in the failure of cytokinesis, through disrupted accumulation of essential proteins and lipid components at the cleavage furrow region. Furthermore, it caused a reduction in the number of overlapping central spindle microtubules, which are essential for cytokinesis. Drosophila spermatocytes construct ER-based intracellular structures associated with astral and spindle microtubules. COPI depletion resulted in severe disruption of these ER-based structures. Thus, we propose that COPI plays an important role in Drosophila male meiosis, not only through vesicle transport to the cleavage furrow region, but also via the formation of ER-based structures.
Collapse
|
4
|
Kuales G, De Mulder K, Glashauser J, Salvenmoser W, Takashima S, Hartenstein V, Berezikov E, Salzburger W, Ladurner P. Boule-like genes regulate male and female gametogenesis in the flatworm Macrostomum lignano. Dev Biol 2011; 357:117-32. [PMID: 21740899 PMCID: PMC3158854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2010] [Revised: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Members of the DAZ (Deleted in AZoospermia) gene family are important players in the process of gametogenesis and their dysregulation accounts for 10% of human male infertility. Boule, the ancestor of the family, is mainly involved in male meiosis in most organisms. With the exception of Drosophila and C. elegans, nothing is known on the function of boule in non-vertebrate animals. In the present study, we report on three boule orthologues in the flatworm Macrostomum lignano. We demonstrate that macbol1 and macbol2 are expressed in testes whilst macbol3 is expressed in ovaries and developing eggs. Macbol1 RNAi blocked spermatocyte differentiation whereas macbol2 showed no effect upon RNAi treatment. Macbol3 RNAi resulted in aberrant egg maturation and led to female sterility. We further demonstrated the evolutionary functional conservation of macbol1 by introducing this gene into Drosophila bol(1) mutants. Macbol1 was able to rescue the progression of fly meiotic divisions. In summary, our findings provide evidence for an involvement of boule genes in male and female gamete development in one organism. Furthermore, boule gene function is shown here for the first time in a lophotrochozoan. Our results point to a more diverse functional assignment of boule genes. Therefore, a better understanding of boule function in flatworms can help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of and concomitant infertility in higher organisms including humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georg Kuales
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Zoology and CMBI, Technikerstrasse 25 A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Katrien De Mulder
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Zoology and CMBI, Technikerstrasse 25 A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Hubrecht Institute and University medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jade Glashauser
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Zoology and CMBI, Technikerstrasse 25 A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Willi Salvenmoser
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Zoology and CMBI, Technikerstrasse 25 A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Shigeo Takashima
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, 621 Charles E. Young Drive, East Boyer Hall 559, CA 90095-1606 California, USA
| | - Volker Hartenstein
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, 621 Charles E. Young Drive, East Boyer Hall 559, CA 90095-1606 California, USA
| | - Eugene Berezikov
- Hubrecht Institute and University medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Walter Salzburger
- University of Basel, Zoological Institute, Vesalgasse 1, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Ladurner
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Zoology and CMBI, Technikerstrasse 25 A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Study of aneuploidy in large-headed, multiple-tailed spermatozoa: case report and review of the literature. Fertil Steril 2008; 90:1201.e13-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2007] [Revised: 09/10/2007] [Accepted: 09/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
6
|
Staiber W, Wahl S. Painting analysis of meiotic metaphase I configurations of the germ line-limited chromosomes in Acricotopus. Chromosome Res 2003; 10:101-8. [PMID: 11993930 DOI: 10.1023/a:1014980515922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Meiotic metaphase I configurations and pairing behavior of the germ line-limited chromosomes (= Ks) in the chironomid Acricotopus lucidus were analyzed by chromosome painting using specific probes of the three soma chromosomes (= Ss) and of their individual arms. The Ks are derived from the Ss and possess large S-homologous sections. Beside regular K and S bivalents, we also observed frequently K multivalents, e.g. trivalents, mainly quadrivalents, but also penta- and hexavalents, composed of the same K type in metaphases I. Chiasmata predominately occur within the S-homologous sections, probably ensuring a correct segregation and the transmission of a set of Ks to the next generation. Because K bivalents are almost exclusively autobivalents in A. lucidus formed by earlier sister chromatids, this multivalent formation with crossover also between homologous but non-identical Ks leads to genetic recombination within a K type. Rarely, quadrivalents composed of non-homologous Ks but derived from the same S were found. Therefore, these multivalents most probably resulted from crossover between homologous sections of morphologically different K types. This may result in new K types and might be important for the evolution of K type diversity in A. lucidus. In some cases, pairing-like associations between SIII and K4, which is derived from SIII, were observed in metaphases, indicating the possibility of crossover events and recombination between these chromosomes and so between the somatic and the germ-line restricted chromosome complements. Possible functions of additional copies of S sequences carried in the germ line are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Staiber
- Institute of Genetics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Giansanti MG, Bonaccorsi S, Bucciarelli E, Gatti M. Drosophila male meiosis as a model system for the study of cytokinesis in animal cells. Cell Struct Funct 2001; 26:609-17. [PMID: 11942616 DOI: 10.1247/csf.26.609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila male meiosis offers unique opportunities for mutational dissection of cytokinesis. This system allows easy and unambiguos identification of mutants defective in cytokinesis through the examination of spermatid morphology. Moreover, cytokinesis defects and protein immunostaining can be analyzed with exquisite cytological resolution because of the large size of meiotic spindles. In the past few years several mutations have been isolated that disrupt meiotic cytokinesis in Drosophila males. These mutations specify genes required for the assembly, proper constriction or disassembly of the contractile ring. Molecular characterization of these genes has identified essential components of the cytokinetic machinery, highlighting the role of the central spindle during cytokinesis. This structure appears to be both necessary and sufficient for signaling cytokinesis. In addition, many data indicate that the central spindle microtubules cooperatively interact with elements of the actomyosin contractile ring, so that impairment of either of these structures prevents the formation of the other.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M G Giansanti
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Universita' Roma La Sapienza, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hackstein JH, Hochstenbach R, Pearson PL. Towards an understanding of the genetics of human male infertility: lessons from flies. Trends Genet 2000; 16:565-72. [PMID: 11102707 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-9525(00)02140-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
It has been argued that about 4-5% of male adults suffer from infertility due to a genetic causation. From studies in the fruitfly Drosophila, there is evidence that up to 1500 recessive genes contribute to male fertility in that species. Here we suggest that the control of human male fertility is of at least comparable genetic complexity. However, because of small family size, conventional positional cloning methods for identifying human genes will have little impact on the dissection of male infertility. A critical selection of well-defined infertility phenotypes in model organisms, combined with identification of the genes involved and their orthologues in man, might reveal the genes that contribute to human male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J H Hackstein
- Dept of Evolutionary Microbiology, University of Nijmegen, Toernooiveld 1, NL-6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bopp D, Schütt C, Puro J, Huang H, Nöthiger R. Recombination and disjunction in female germ cells of Drosophila depend on the germline activity of the gene sex-lethal. Development 1999; 126:5785-94. [PMID: 10572053 DOI: 10.1242/dev.126.24.5785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Gametogenesis in males and females differs in many ways. An important difference in Drosophila is that recombination between homologous chromosomes occurs only in female meiosis. Here, we report that this process relies on the correct functioning of Sex-lethal (Sxl) which is primarily known as the master gene in somatic sex determination. Certain alleles of this gene (Sxl(fs)) disrupt the germline, but not the somatic function of Sxl and cause an arrest of germ cell development during cystocyte proliferation. Using dominant suppressor mutations that relieve this early block in Sxl(fs) mutant females, we discovered additional requirements of Sxl for normal meiotic differentiation of the oocyte. Females mutant for Sxl(fs) and carrying a suppressor become fertile, but pairing of homologous chromosomes and formation of chiasmata is severely perturbed, resulting in an almost complete lack of recombinants and a high incidence of non-disjunction events. Similar results were obtained when germline expression of wild-type Sxl was compromised by mutations in virilizer (vir), a positive regulator of Sxl. Ectopic expression of a Sxl transgene in premeiotic stages of male germline development, on the other hand, is not sufficient to allow recombination to take place, which suggests that Sxl does not have a discriminatory role in this female-specific process. We propose that Sxl performs at least two tasks in oogenesis: an ‘early’ function in formation of the egg chamber, and a ‘late’ function in progression of the meiotic cell cycle, suggesting that both events are coordinated by a common mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Bopp
- Zoological Institute of the University Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Sequence similarity data suggest that archaeal chromosome replication is eukaryotic in character. Putative nucleoid-processing proteins display similarities to both eukaryotic and bacterial counterparts, whereas cell division may occur through a predominantly bacterial mechanism. Insights into the organization of the archaeal cell cycle are therefore of interest, not only for understanding archaeal biology, but also for investigating how components from the other two domains interact and work in concert within the same cell; in addition, archaea may have the potential to provide insights into eukaryotic initiation of chromosome replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Bernander
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|