1
|
Vedelek V, Jankovics F, Zádori J, Sinka R. Mitochondrial Differentiation during Spermatogenesis: Lessons from Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3980. [PMID: 38612789 PMCID: PMC11012351 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073980] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous diseases can arise as a consequence of mitochondrial malfunction. Hence, there is a significant focus on studying the role of mitochondria in cancer, ageing, neurodegenerative diseases, and the field of developmental biology. Mitochondria could exist as discrete organelles in the cell; however, they have the ability to fuse, resulting in the formation of interconnected reticular structures. The dynamic changes between these forms correlate with mitochondrial function and mitochondrial health, and consequently, there is a significant scientific interest in uncovering the specific molecular constituents that govern these transitions. Moreover, the specialized mitochondria display a wide array of variable morphologies in their cristae formations. These inner mitochondrial structures are closely associated with the specific functions performed by the mitochondria. In multiple cases, the presence of mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to male sterility, as it has been observed to cause a range of abnormal spermatogenesis and sperm phenotypes in different species. This review aims to elucidate the dynamic alterations and functions of mitochondria in germ cell development during the spermatogenesis of Drosophila melanogaster.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Vedelek
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Jankovics
- Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, 6726 Szeged, Hungary;
- Department of Medical Biology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical Centre, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - János Zádori
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical Centre, University of Szeged, 6723 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Rita Sinka
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zelinger E, Brumfeld V, Rechav K, Waiger D, Kossovsky T, Heifetz Y. Three-dimensional correlative microscopy of the Drosophila female reproductive tract reveals modes of communication in seminal receptacle sperm storage. Commun Biol 2024; 7:155. [PMID: 38321098 PMCID: PMC10847118 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05829-y] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
In many taxa, females store sperm in specialized storage organs. Most insect sperm storage organs have a tubular structure, typically consisting of a central lumen surrounded by epithelial cells. These specialized tubules perform the essential tasks of transporting sperm through the female reproductive tract and supporting long-term sperm survival and function. Little is known about the way in which female sperm storage organs provide an environment conducive to sperm survival. We address this using a combined light microscopy, micro computed tomography (microCT), and Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM) approach for high-resolution correlative three-dimensional imaging to advance our understanding of sperm-female interactions in Drosophila melanogaster. Using this multimodal approach, we were able to scan the lower female reproductive tract and distal portion of the seminal receptacle at low magnification, and to subsequently zoom in for further analysis on an ultrastructural level. Our findings highlight aspects of the way in which the seminal receptacle keeps sperm viable in the lumen, and set the stage for further studies. The methods developed are suitable not only for Drosophila but also for other organisms with soft, delicate tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Einat Zelinger
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
- Center for Scientific Imaging, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Vlad Brumfeld
- Chemical Research Support Department, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Katya Rechav
- Chemical Research Support Department, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Daniel Waiger
- Center for Scientific Imaging, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tally Kossovsky
- Center for Scientific Imaging, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yael Heifetz
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
François CM, Pihl T, Dunoyer de Segonzac M, Hérault C, Hudry B. Metabolic regulation of proteome stability via N-terminal acetylation controls male germline stem cell differentiation and reproduction. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6737. [PMID: 37872135 PMCID: PMC10593830 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42496-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms connecting cellular metabolism with differentiation remain poorly understood. Here, we find that metabolic signals contribute to stem cell differentiation and germline homeostasis during Drosophila melanogaster spermatogenesis. We discovered that external citrate, originating outside the gonad, fuels the production of Acetyl-coenzyme A by germline ATP-citrate lyase (dACLY). We show that this pathway is essential during the final spermatogenic stages, where a high Acetyl-coenzyme A level promotes NatB-dependent N-terminal protein acetylation. Using genetic and biochemical experiments, we establish that N-terminal acetylation shields key target proteins, essential for spermatid differentiation, from proteasomal degradation by the ubiquitin ligase dUBR1. Our work uncovers crosstalk between metabolism and proteome stability that is mediated via protein post-translational modification. We propose that this system coordinates the metabolic state of the organism with gamete production. More broadly, modulation of proteome turnover by circulating metabolites may be a conserved regulatory mechanism to control cell functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M François
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Nice, 06108, France
| | - Thomas Pihl
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Nice, 06108, France
| | | | - Chloé Hérault
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Nice, 06108, France
| | - Bruno Hudry
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Nice, 06108, France.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Molina-Gil S, Sotillos S, Espinosa-Vázquez JM, Almudi I, Hombría JCG. Interlocking of co-opted developmental gene networks in Drosophila and the evolution of pre-adaptive novelty. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5730. [PMID: 37714829 PMCID: PMC10504328 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41414-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The re-use of genes in new organs forms the base of many evolutionary novelties. A well-characterised case is the recruitment of the posterior spiracle gene network to the Drosophila male genitalia. Here we find that this network has also been co-opted to the testis mesoderm where is required for sperm liberation, providing an example of sequentially repeated developmental co-options. Associated to this co-option event, an evolutionary expression novelty appeared, the activation of the posterior segment determinant Engrailed to the anterior A8 segment controlled by common testis and spiracle regulatory elements. Enhancer deletion shows that A8 anterior Engrailed activation is not required for spiracle development but only necessary in the testis. Our study presents an example of pre-adaptive developmental novelty: the activation of the Engrailed transcription factor in the anterior compartment of the A8 segment where, despite having no specific function, opens the possibility of this developmental factor acquiring one. We propose that recently co-opted networks become interlocked, so that any change to the network because of its function in one organ, will be mirrored by other organs even if it provides no selective advantage to them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Molina-Gil
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), CSIC-JA-UPO Ctra. de Utrera, km1, 41013, Seville, Spain
- Málaga Biomedical Research Institute and Andalusian Centre for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology Platform, Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain
| | - Sol Sotillos
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), CSIC-JA-UPO Ctra. de Utrera, km1, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - José Manuel Espinosa-Vázquez
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), CSIC-JA-UPO Ctra. de Utrera, km1, 41013, Seville, Spain
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Instituto de la Grasa. Campus de la Universidad Pablo de Olavide. Ctra. de Utrera, km. 1, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - Isabel Almudi
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), CSIC-JA-UPO Ctra. de Utrera, km1, 41013, Seville, Spain
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal, 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - James C-G Hombría
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), CSIC-JA-UPO Ctra. de Utrera, km1, 41013, Seville, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rocha JJ, Jayaram SA, Stevens TJ, Muschalik N, Shah RD, Emran S, Robles C, Freeman M, Munro S. Functional unknomics: Systematic screening of conserved genes of unknown function. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002222. [PMID: 37552676 PMCID: PMC10409296 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The human genome encodes approximately 20,000 proteins, many still uncharacterised. It has become clear that scientific research tends to focus on well-studied proteins, leading to a concern that poorly understood genes are unjustifiably neglected. To address this, we have developed a publicly available and customisable "Unknome database" that ranks proteins based on how little is known about them. We applied RNA interference (RNAi) in Drosophila to 260 unknown genes that are conserved between flies and humans. Knockdown of some genes resulted in loss of viability, and functional screening of the rest revealed hits for fertility, development, locomotion, protein quality control, and resilience to stress. CRISPR/Cas9 gene disruption validated a component of Notch signalling and 2 genes contributing to male fertility. Our work illustrates the importance of poorly understood genes, provides a resource to accelerate future research, and highlights a need to support database curation to ensure that misannotation does not erode our awareness of our own ignorance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João J. Rocha
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tim J. Stevens
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rajen D. Shah
- Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sahar Emran
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Robles
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Freeman
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Munro
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hoshino R, Sano H, Yoshinari Y, Nishimura T, Niwa R. Circulating fructose regulates a germline stem cell increase via gustatory receptor-mediated gut hormone secretion in mated Drosophila. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadd5551. [PMID: 36827377 PMCID: PMC9956130 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add5551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Oogenesis is influenced by multiple environmental factors. In the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, nutrition and mating have large impacts on an increase in female germline stem cells (GSCs). However, it is unclear whether these two factors affect this GSC increase interdependently. Here, we report that dietary sugars are crucial for the GSC increase after mating. Dietary glucose is required for mating-induced release of neuropeptide F (NPF) from enteroendocrine cells (EECs), followed by NPF-mediated enhancement of GSC niche signaling. Unexpectedly, dietary glucose does not directly act on NPF-positive EECs. Rather, it contributes to elevation of hemolymph fructose generated through the polyol pathway. Elevated fructose stimulates the fructose-specific gustatory receptor, Gr43a, in NPF-positive EECs, leading to NPF secretion. This study demonstrates that circulating fructose, derived from dietary sugars, is a prerequisite for the GSC increase that leads to enhancement of egg production after mating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Hoshino
- Degree Programs in Life and Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Hiroko Sano
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Life Science, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Yuto Yoshinari
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Takashi Nishimura
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Niwa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shao L, Fingerhut JM, Falk BL, Han H, Maldonado G, Qiao Y, Lee V, Hall E, Chen L, Polevoy G, Hernández G, Lasko P, Brill JA. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E-5 is required for spermiogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. Development 2023; 150:286752. [PMID: 36695474 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Drosophila sperm development is characterized by extensive post-transcriptional regulation whereby thousands of transcripts are preserved for translation during later stages. A key step in translation initiation is the binding of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) to the 5' mRNA cap. In addition to canonical eIF4E-1, Drosophila has multiple eIF4E paralogs, including four (eIF4E-3, -4, -5, and -7) that are highly expressed in the testis. Among these, only eIF4E-3 has been characterized genetically. Here, using CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis, we determined that eIF4E-5 is essential for male fertility. eIF4E-5 protein localizes to the distal ends of elongated spermatid cysts, and eIF4E-5 mutants exhibit defects during post-meiotic stages, including a mild defect in spermatid cyst polarization. eIF4E-5 mutants also have a fully penetrant defect in individualization, resulting in failure to produce mature sperm. Indeed, our data indicate that eIF4E-5 regulates non-apoptotic caspase activity during individualization by promoting local accumulation of the E3 ubiquitin ligase inhibitor Soti. Our results further extend the diversity of non-canonical eIF4Es that carry out distinct spatiotemporal roles during spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Shao
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, PGCRL Building, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Jaclyn M Fingerhut
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Brook L Falk
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, PGCRL Building, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Hong Han
- Department of Biology, McGill University, 3649 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montréal, Quebec, H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Giovanna Maldonado
- Laboratory of Translation and Cancer, Unit of Biomedical Research on Cancer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Av San Fernando 22, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Yuemeng Qiao
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, PGCRL Building, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Human Biology Program, University of Toronto, 300 Huron Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3J6, Canada
| | - Vincent Lee
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, PGCRL Building, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Hall
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, PGCRL Building, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Biology, McGill University, 3649 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montréal, Quebec, H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Gordon Polevoy
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, PGCRL Building, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Greco Hernández
- Laboratory of Translation and Cancer, Unit of Biomedical Research on Cancer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Av San Fernando 22, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Paul Lasko
- Department of Biology, McGill University, 3649 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montréal, Quebec, H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Julie A Brill
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, PGCRL Building, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Maaroufi HO, Pauchova L, Lin YH, Wu BCH, Rouhova L, Kucerova L, Vieira LC, Renner M, Sehadova H, Hradilova M, Zurovec M. Mutation in Drosophila concentrative nucleoside transporter 1 alters spermatid maturation and mating behavior. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:945572. [PMID: 36105362 PMCID: PMC9467524 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.945572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Concentrative nucleoside transporters (Cnts) are unidirectional carriers that mediate the energy-costly influx of nucleosides driven by the transmembrane sodium gradient. Cnts are transmembrane proteins that share a common structural organization and are found in all phyla. Although there have been studies on Cnts from a biochemical perspective, no deep research has examined their role at the organismal level. Here, we investigated the role of the Drosophila melanogaster cnt1 gene, which is specifically expressed in the testes. We used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate a mutation in the cnt1 gene. The cnt1 mutants exhibited defects in the duration of copulation and spermatid maturation, which significantly impaired male fertility. The most striking effect of the cnt1 mutation in spermatid maturation was an abnormal structure of the sperm tail, in which the formation of major and minor mitochondrial derivatives was disrupted. Our results demonstrate the importance of cnt1 in male fertility and suggest that the observed defects in mating behavior and spermatogenesis are due to alterations in nucleoside transport and associated metabolic pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Houda Ouns Maaroufi
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Lucie Pauchova
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Yu-Hsien Lin
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Bulah Chia-Hsiang Wu
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Lenka Rouhova
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Lucie Kucerova
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Ligia Cota Vieira
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Marek Renner
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Hana Sehadova
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Miluse Hradilova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Michal Zurovec
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Michal Zurovec,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Deng D, Xing S, Liu X, Ji Q, Zhai Z, Peng W. Transcriptome analysis of sex-biased gene expression in the spotted-wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura). G3 GENES|GENOMES|GENETICS 2022; 12:6588685. [PMID: 35587603 PMCID: PMC9339319 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism occurs widely throughout insects and has profound influences on evolutionary path. Sex-biased genes are considered to account for most of phenotypic differences between sexes. In order to explore the sex-biased genes potentially associated with sexual dimorphism and sexual development in Drosophila suzukii, a major devastating and invasive crop pest, we conducted whole-organism transcriptome profiling and sex-biased gene expression analysis on adults of both sexes. We identified transcripts of genes involved in several sex-specific physiological and functional processes, including transcripts involved in sex determination, reproduction, olfaction, and innate immune signals. A total of 11,360 differentially expressed genes were identified in the comparison, and 1,957 differentially expressed genes were female-biased and 4,231 differentially expressed genes were male-biased. The pathway predominantly enriched for differentially expressed genes was related to spliceosome, which might reflect the differences in the alternative splicing mechanism between males and females. Twenty-two sex determination and 16 sex-related reproduction genes were identified, and expression pattern analysis revealed that the majority of genes were differentially expressed between sexes. Additionally, the differences in sex-specific olfactory and immune processes were analyzed and the sex-biased expression of these genes may play important roles in pheromone and odor detection, and immune response. As a valuable dataset, our sex-specific transcriptomic data can significantly contribute to the fundamental elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of sexual dimorphism in fruit flies, and may provide candidate genes potentially useful for the development of genetic sexing strains, an important tool for sterile insect technique applications against this economically important species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Deng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Ecology and Health, Hunan Normal University , Changsha 410081, China
| | - Shisi Xing
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Ecology and Health, Hunan Normal University , Changsha 410081, China
| | - Xuxiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Lab of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Biological Control, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Qinge Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Lab of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Biological Control, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zongzhao Zhai
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Ecology and Health, Hunan Normal University , Changsha 410081, China
| | - Wei Peng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Animal Intestinal Ecology and Health, Hunan Normal University , Changsha 410081, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gandara ACP, Drummond-Barbosa D. Warm and cold temperatures have distinct germline stem cell lineage effects during Drosophila oogenesis. Development 2022; 149:274368. [PMID: 35156684 PMCID: PMC8959152 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite their medical and economic relevance, it remains largely unknown how suboptimal temperatures affect adult insect reproduction. Here, we report an in-depth analysis of how chronic adult exposure to suboptimal temperatures affects oogenesis using the model insect Drosophila melanogaster. In adult females maintained at 18°C (cold) or 29°C (warm), relative to females at the 25°C control temperature, egg production was reduced through distinct cellular mechanisms. Chronic 18°C exposure improved germline stem cell maintenance, survival of early germline cysts and oocyte quality, but reduced follicle growth with no obvious effect on vitellogenesis. By contrast, in females at 29°C, germline stem cell numbers and follicle growth were similar to those at 25°C, while early germline cyst death and degeneration of vitellogenic follicles were markedly increased and oocyte quality plummeted over time. Finally, we also show that these effects are largely independent of diet, male factors or canonical temperature sensors. These findings are relevant not only to cold-blooded organisms, which have limited thermoregulation, but also potentially to warm-blooded organisms, which are susceptible to hypothermia, heatstroke and fever.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Caroline P Gandara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Daniela Drummond-Barbosa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vasudevan D, Katow H, Huang HW, Tang G, Ryoo HD. A Protein-trap allele reveals roles for Drosophila ATF4 in photoreceptor degeneration, oogenesis and wing development. Dis Model Mech 2021; 15:273766. [PMID: 34919148 PMCID: PMC8938396 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Metazoans have evolved various quality control mechanisms to cope with cellular stress inflicted by external and physiological conditions. ATF4 is a major effector of the Integrated Stress Response (ISR), an evolutionarily conserved pathway that mediates adaptation to various cellular stressors. Loss of function of Drosophila ATF4, encoded by the gene cryptocephal (crc), results in lethality during pupal development. The roles of crc in Drosophila disease models and in adult tissue homeostasis thus remain poorly understood. Here, we report that a protein-trap MiMIC insertion in the crc locus generates a crc-GFP fusion protein that allows visualization of crc activity in vivo. This allele also acts as a hypomorphic mutant that uncovers previously unknown roles for crc. Specifically, the crc protein-trap line shows crc-GFP induction in a Drosophila model for Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). This crc allele renders flies more vulnerable to amino acid deprivation and age-dependent retinal degeneration. These mutants also show defects in wing veins and oocyte maturation. Together, our data reveal previously unknown roles for crc in development, cellular homeostasis and photoreceptor survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Vasudevan
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Hidetaka Katow
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | | | - Grace Tang
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Hyung Don Ryoo
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rapid Divergence of Key Spermatogenesis Genes in nasuta-Subgroup of Drosophila. J Mol Evol 2021; 90:2-16. [PMID: 34807291 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-021-10037-x] [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: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The crosses between closely related Drosophila species usually produce sterile hybrid males with spermatogenesis disrupted at post-meiotic phase, especially in sperm individualization stage than the pre-meiotic stage. This is possibly due to the rapid interspecies divergence of male sex and reproduction-related genes. Here we annotated 11 key spermatogenesis genes in 35 strains of species belonging to nasuta-subgroup of Drosophila, where many interspecies crosses produce sterile males. We characterized the divergence and polymorphism in the protein coding regions by employing gene-wide, codon-wide, and lineage-specific selection analysis to test the mode and strength of selection acting on these genes. Our analysis showed signature of positive selection at bag of marbles (bam) and benign gonial cell neoplasma (bgcn) despite the selection constrains and the absence of endosymbiont infection which could potentially drive rapid divergence due to an arms race while roughex (rux) showed lineage-specific rapid divergence in frontal sheen complex of nasuta-subgroup. cookie monster (comr) showed rapid divergence consistent with the possibility of meiotic arrest observed in sterile hybrids of Drosophila species. Rapid divergence observed at don juan (dj) and Mst98Ca-like was consistent with fused sperm-tail abnormality observed in the hybrids of Drosophila nasuta and Drosophila albomicans. These findings highlight the potential role of rapid nucleotide divergence in bringing about hybrid incompatibility in the form of male sterility; however, additional genetic manipulation studies can widen our understanding of hybrid incompatibilities. Furthermore, our study emphasizes the importance of young species belonging to nasuta-subgroup of Drosophila in studying post-zygotic reproductive isolation mechanisms.
Collapse
|
13
|
Hodge SH, Watts A, Marley R, Baines RA, Hafen E, MacDougall LK. Twitchy, the Drosophila orthologue of the ciliary gating protein FBF1/dyf-19, is required for coordinated locomotion and male fertility. Biol Open 2021; 10:bio058531. [PMID: 34357392 PMCID: PMC8353261 DOI: 10.1242/bio.058531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cilia are compartmentalised from the rest of the cell by a ciliary gate comprising transition fibres and a transition zone. The ciliary gate allows the selective import and export of molecules such as transmembrane receptors and transport proteins. These are required for the assembly of the cilium, its function as a sensory and signalling centre and to maintain its distinctive composition. Certain motile cilia can also form within the cytosol as exemplified by human and Drosophila sperm. The role of transition fibre proteins has not been well described in the cytoplasmic cilia. Drosophila have both compartmentalised primary cilia, in sensory neurons, and sperm flagella that form within the cytosol. Here, we describe phenotypes for twitchy the Drosophila orthologue of a transition fibre protein, mammalian FBF1/C. elegans dyf-19. Loss-of-function mutants in twitchy are adult lethal and display a severely uncoordinated phenotype. Twitchy flies are too uncoordinated to mate but RNAi-mediated loss of twitchy specifically within the male germline results in coordinated but infertile adults. Examination of sperm from twitchy RNAi-knockdown flies shows that the flagellar axoneme forms, elongates and is post-translationally modified by polyglycylation but the production of motile sperm is impaired. These results indicate that twitchy is required for the function of both sensory cilia that are compartmentalised from the rest of the cell and sperm flagella that are formed within the cytosol of the cell. Twitchy is therefore likely to function as part of a molecular gate in sensory neurons but may have a distinct function in sperm cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne H. Hodge
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Amy Watts
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Richard Marley
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Richard A. Baines
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Ernst Hafen
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lindsay K. MacDougall
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lange A, Patel PH, Heames B, Damry AM, Saenger T, Jackson CJ, Findlay GD, Bornberg-Bauer E. Structural and functional characterization of a putative de novo gene in Drosophila. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1667. [PMID: 33712569 PMCID: PMC7954818 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21667-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Comparative genomic studies have repeatedly shown that new protein-coding genes can emerge de novo from noncoding DNA. Still unknown is how and when the structures of encoded de novo proteins emerge and evolve. Combining biochemical, genetic and evolutionary analyses, we elucidate the function and structure of goddard, a gene which appears to have evolved de novo at least 50 million years ago within the Drosophila genus. Previous studies found that goddard is required for male fertility. Here, we show that Goddard protein localizes to elongating sperm axonemes and that in its absence, elongated spermatids fail to undergo individualization. Combining modelling, NMR and circular dichroism (CD) data, we show that Goddard protein contains a large central α-helix, but is otherwise partially disordered. We find similar results for Goddard's orthologs from divergent fly species and their reconstructed ancestral sequences. Accordingly, Goddard's structure appears to have been maintained with only minor changes over millions of years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Lange
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Prajal H Patel
- Department of Biology, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Brennen Heames
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Adam M Damry
- Research School of Chemistry, ANU College of Science, Canberra, Australia
| | - Thorsten Saenger
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Colin J Jackson
- Research School of Chemistry, ANU College of Science, Canberra, Australia
| | | | - Erich Bornberg-Bauer
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Shi Z, Lim C, Tran V, Cui K, Zhao K, Chen X. Single-cyst transcriptome analysis of Drosophila male germline stem cell lineage. Development 2020; 147:dev.184259. [PMID: 32122991 DOI: 10.1242/dev.184259] [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: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The Drosophila male germline stem cell (GSC) lineage provides a great model to understand stem cell maintenance, proliferation, differentiation and dedifferentiation. Here, we use the Drosophila GSC lineage to systematically analyze the transcriptome of discrete but continuously differentiating germline cysts. We first isolated single cysts at each recognizable stage from wild-type testes, which were subsequently applied for RNA-seq analyses. Our data delineate a high-resolution transcriptome atlas in the entire male GSC lineage: the most dramatic switch occurs from early to late spermatocyte, followed by the change from the mitotic spermatogonia to early meiotic spermatocyte. By contrast, the transit-amplifying spermatogonia cysts display similar transcriptomes, suggesting common molecular features among these stages, which may underlie their similar behavior during both differentiation and dedifferentiation processes. Finally, distinct differentiating germ cell cyst samples do not exhibit obvious dosage compensation of X-chromosomal genes, even considering the paucity of X-chromosomal gene expression during meiosis, which is different from somatic cells. Together, our single cyst-resolution, genome-wide transcriptional profile analyses provide an unprecedented resource to understand many questions in both germ cell biology and stem cell biology fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Shi
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Cindy Lim
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Vuong Tran
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Kairong Cui
- Systems Biology Center (SBC), Division of Intramural Research (DIR), National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, MSC 1674, Building 10, Room 7B05, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Keji Zhao
- Systems Biology Center (SBC), Division of Intramural Research (DIR), National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, MSC 1674, Building 10, Room 7B05, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fabrizio JJ, Rollins J, Bazinet CW, Wegener S, Koziy I, Daniel R, Lombardo V, Pryce D, Bharrat K, Innabi E, Villanobos M, Mendoza G, Ferrara E, Rodway S, Vicioso M, Siracusa V, Dailey E, Pronovost J, Innabi S, Patel V, DeSouza N, Quaranto D, Niknejad A. Tubulin-binding cofactor E-like (TBCEL), the protein product of the mulet gene, is required in the germline for the regulation of inter-flagellar microtubule dynamics during spermatid individualization. Biol Open 2020; 9:bio049080. [PMID: 32033965 PMCID: PMC7055396 DOI: 10.1242/bio.049080] [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: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual sperm cells are resolved from a syncytium during late step of spermiogenesis known as individualization, which is accomplished by an Individualization Complex (IC) composed of 64 investment cones. mulet encodes Tubulin-binding cofactor E-like (TBCEL), suggesting a role for microtubule dynamics in individualization. Indeed, a population of ∼100 cytoplasmic microtubules fails to disappear in mulet mutant testes during spermatogenesis. This persistence, detected using epi-fluorescence and electron microscopy, suggests that removal of these microtubules by TBCEL is a prerequisite for individualization. Immunofluorescence reveals TBCEL expression in elongated spermatid cysts. In addition, testes from mulet mutant males were rescued to wild type using tubulin-Gal4 to drive TBCEL expression, indicating that the mutant phenotype is caused by the lack of TBCEL. Finally, RNAi driven by bam-GAL4 successfully phenocopied mulet, confirming that mulet is required in the germline for individualization. We propose a model in which the cytoplasmic microtubules serve as alternate tracks for investment cones in mulet mutant testes.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James J Fabrizio
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Janet Rollins
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | | | - Stephanie Wegener
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology Magdeburg, Department Genetics of Learning and Memory, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Iryna Koziy
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Rachel Daniel
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Vincent Lombardo
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Dwaine Pryce
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Kavita Bharrat
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Elissa Innabi
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Marielle Villanobos
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Gabriela Mendoza
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Elisa Ferrara
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Stephanie Rodway
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Matthew Vicioso
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Victoria Siracusa
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Erin Dailey
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Justin Pronovost
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Simon Innabi
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Vrutant Patel
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Nicole DeSouza
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Danielle Quaranto
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| | - Amir Niknejad
- Department of Mathematics, College of Mt St Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Szabad J, Peng J, Kubli E. Control of mating plug expelling and sperm storage in Drosophila: A gynandromorph- and mutation-based dissection. Biol Futur 2019; 70:301-311. [PMID: 34554542 DOI: 10.1556/019.70.2019.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this study, we analyzed gynandromorphs with female terminalia, to dissect mating-related female behaviors in Drosophila. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used gynandromorphs, experimentally modified wild-type (Oregon-R) females, and mutant females that lacked different components of the female reproductive apparatus. RESULTS Many of the gynandromorphs mated but did not expel the mating plug (MP). Some of these - with thousands of sperm in the uterus - failed to take up sperm into the storage organs. There were gynandromorphs that stored plenty of sperm but failed to release them to fertilize eggs. Expelling the MP, sperm uptake into the storage organs, and the release of stored sperm along egg production are separate steps occurring during Drosophila female fertility. Cuticle landmarks of the gynandromorphs revealed that while the nerve foci that control MP expelling and also those that control sperm uptake reside in the abdominal, the sperm release foci derive from the thoracic region of the blastoderm. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The gynandromorph study is confirmed by analyses of (a) mutations that cause female sterility: Fs(3)Avar (preventing egg deposition), Tm2gs (removing germline cells), and iab-4DB (eliminating gonad formation) and (b) by experimentally manipulated wild-type females: decapitated or cut through ventral nerve cord.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- János Szabad
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Ch-8057, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Department of Biology, University of Szeged, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Jing Peng
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Ch-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eric Kubli
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Ch-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
LOTUS domain protein MARF1 binds CCR4-NOT deadenylase complex to post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression in oocytes. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4031. [PMID: 30279526 PMCID: PMC6168497 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06404-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression plays an essential role during oocyte maturation. Here we report that Drosophila MARF1 (Meiosis Regulator And mRNA Stability Factor 1), which consists of one RNA-recognition motif and six tandem LOTUS domains with unknown molecular function, is essential for oocyte maturation. When tethered to a reporter mRNA, MARF1 post-transcriptionally silences reporter expression by shortening reporter mRNA poly-A tail length and thereby reducing reporter protein level. This activity is mediated by the MARF1 LOTUS domain, which binds the CCR4-NOT deadenylase complex. MARF1 binds cyclin A mRNA and shortens its poly-A tail to reduce Cyclin A protein level during oocyte maturation. This study identifies MARF1 as a regulator in oocyte maturation and defines the conserved LOTUS domain as a post-transcriptional effector domain that recruits CCR4-NOT deadenylase complex to shorten target mRNA poly-A tails and suppress their translation. The RNA-binding protein MARF1 is required for post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs during mouse oogenesis. Here, by analyzing a Drosophila MARF1 mutant, the authors show that MARF1 recruits CCR4-NOT deadenylase to shorten the poly-A tails of target mRNAs such as cyclin A and suppress their translation during Drosophila oogenesis.
Collapse
|
19
|
Ameku T, Yoshinari Y, Texada MJ, Kondo S, Amezawa K, Yoshizaki G, Shimada-Niwa Y, Niwa R. Midgut-derived neuropeptide F controls germline stem cell proliferation in a mating-dependent manner. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2005004. [PMID: 30248087 PMCID: PMC6152996 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2005004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell maintenance is established by neighboring niche cells that promote stem cell self-renewal. However, it is poorly understood how stem cell activity is regulated by systemic, tissue-extrinsic signals in response to environmental cues and changes in physiological status. Here, we show that neuropeptide F (NPF) signaling plays an important role in the pathway regulating mating-induced germline stem cell (GSC) proliferation in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. NPF expressed in enteroendocrine cells (EECs) of the midgut is released in response to the seminal-fluid protein sex peptide (SP) upon mating. This midgut-derived NPF controls mating-induced GSC proliferation via ovarian NPF receptor (NPFR) activity, which modulates bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling levels in GSCs. Our study provides a molecular mechanism that describes how a gut-derived systemic factor couples stem cell behavior to physiological status, such as mating, through interorgan communication. Communication between different organs is essential to respond quickly to environmental cues or changes in the physiological status of an organism. Recent studies have shown the existence of humoral factors or hormones, which are transported by the circulatory system to different organs and achieve coordination between them. Here, we have analyzed the communication mechanism between organs that regulates proliferation of germline stem cells (GSCs) in the ovary of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. We show that a peptide hormone called neuropeptide F (NPF) is a key player in this process. This peptide is produced in both the brain and the midgut, and, remarkably, we find that only NPF released from the midgut is crucial for controlling post-mating GSC proliferation. Our data suggest that mating stimulates the release of NPF from the endocrine cells of the midgut stimulated by the presence of a seminal peptide. Midgut-derived NPF is then transduced through an NPF-specific G-protein–coupled receptor expressed in the ovary, and this triggers GSC proliferation. Our study identifies an essential interaction between the digestive system and the ovary that regulates the size of stem cell populations in flies depending on mating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomotsune Ameku
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yuto Yoshinari
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Michael J Texada
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Shu Kondo
- Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Kotaro Amezawa
- Department of Marine Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Goro Yoshizaki
- Department of Marine Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Shimada-Niwa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Niwa
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Japan.,AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hofherr A, Seger C, Fitzpatrick F, Busch T, Michel E, Luan J, Osterried L, Linden F, Kramer-Zucker A, Wakimoto B, Schütze C, Wiedemann N, Artati A, Adamski J, Walz G, Kunji ERS, Montell C, Watnick T, Köttgen M. The mitochondrial transporter SLC25A25 links ciliary TRPP2 signaling and cellular metabolism. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2005651. [PMID: 30080851 PMCID: PMC6095617 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2005651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cilia are organelles specialized in movement and signal transduction. The ciliary transient receptor potential ion channel polycystin-2 (TRPP2) controls elementary cilia-mediated physiological functions ranging from male fertility and kidney development to left-right patterning. However, the molecular components translating TRPP2 channel-mediated Ca2+ signals into respective physiological functions are unknown. Here, we show that the Ca2+-regulated mitochondrial ATP-Mg/Pi solute carrier 25 A 25 (SLC25A25) acts downstream of TRPP2 in an evolutionarily conserved metabolic signaling pathway. We identify SLC25A25 as an essential component in this cilia-dependent pathway using a genome-wide forward genetic screen in Drosophila melanogaster, followed by a targeted analysis of SLC25A25 function in zebrafish left-right patterning. Our data suggest that TRPP2 ion channels regulate mitochondrial SLC25A25 transporters via Ca2+ establishing an evolutionarily conserved molecular link between ciliary signaling and mitochondrial metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Hofherr
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- * E-mail: (AH); (MK)
| | - Claudia Seger
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Fiona Fitzpatrick
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Tilman Busch
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Michel
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Jingting Luan
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Lea Osterried
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Frieder Linden
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Albrecht Kramer-Zucker
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Barbara Wakimoto
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Conny Schütze
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ZBMZ, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Nils Wiedemann
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ZBMZ, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Anna Artati
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Genome Analysis Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jerzy Adamski
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Genome Analysis Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Lehrstuhl für Experimentelle Genetik, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Gerd Walz
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Edmund R. S. Kunji
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Montell
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
| | - Terry Watnick
- Division of Nephrology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michael Köttgen
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- * E-mail: (AH); (MK)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Genetic Analyses of Elys Mutations in Drosophila Show Maternal-Effect Lethality and Interactions with Nucleoporin Genes. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2018; 8:2421-2431. [PMID: 29773558 PMCID: PMC6027884 DOI: 10.1534/g3.118.200361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
ELYS determines the subcellular localizations of Nucleoporins (Nups) during interphase and mitosis. We made loss-of-function mutations of Elys in Drosophila melanogaster and found that ELYS is dispensable for zygotic viability and male fertility but the maternal supply is necessary for embryonic development. Subsequent to fertilization, mitotic progression of the embryos produced by the mutant females is severely disrupted at the first cleavage division, accompanied by irregular behavior of mitotic centrosomes. The Nup160 introgression from D. simulans shows close resemblance to that of the Elys mutations, suggesting a common role for those proteins in the first cleavage division. Our genetic experiments indicated critical interactions between ELYS and three Nup107-160 subcomplex components; hemizygotes of either Nup37, Nup96 or Nup160 were lethal in the genetic background of the Elys mutation. Not only Nup96 and Nup160 but also Nup37 of D. simulans behave as recessive hybrid incompatibility genes with D. melanogaster An evolutionary analysis indicated positive natural selection in the ELYS-like domain of ELYS. Here we propose that genetic incompatibility between Elys and Nups may lead to reproductive isolation between D. melanogaster and D. simulans, although direct evidence is necessary.
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
As a laboratory animal, Drosophila melanogaster has made extensive contributions to understanding many areas of fundamental biology as well as being an effective model for human disease. Until recently, there was relatively little known about fly peroxisomes. There were early studies that examined the role of peroxisome enzymes during development of organs like the eye. However, with the advent of a well-annotated, sequenced genome, several groups have collectively determined, first by sequence homology and increasingly by functional studies, Drosophila Peroxins and related peroxisome proteins. Notably, it was shown that Drosophila peroxisome biogenesis is mediated via a well-conserved PTS1 import system. Although the fly genome encodes a Pex7 homologue, a canonical PTS2 import system does not seem to be conserved in Drosophila. Given the homology between Drosophila and Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Homo sapiens peroxisome biogenesis and function, Drosophila has emerged as an effective multicellular system to model human Peroxisome Biogenesis Disorders. Finally, Drosophila peroxisome research has recently come into its own, facilitating new discoveries into the role of peroxisomes within specific tissues, such as testes or immune cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Anderson-Baron
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 5-14 Medical Sciences, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Andrew J Simmonds
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 5-14 Medical Sciences, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H7, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Saari S, Andjelković A, Garcia GS, Jacobs HT, Oliveira MT. Expression of Ciona intestinalis AOX causes male reproductive defects in Drosophila melanogaster. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2017; 17:9. [PMID: 28673232 PMCID: PMC5496232 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-017-0151-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Mitochondrial alternative respiratory-chain enzymes are phylogenetically widespread, and buffer stresses affecting oxidative phosphorylation in species that possess them. However, they have been lost in the evolutionary lineages leading to vertebrates and arthropods, raising the question as to what survival or reproductive disadvantages they confer. Recent interest in using them in therapy lends a biomedical dimension to this question. Methods Here, we examined the impact of the expression of Ciona intestinalis alternative oxidase, AOX, on the reproductive success of Drosophila melanogaster males. Sperm-competition assays were performed between flies carrying three copies of a ubiquitously expressed AOX construct, driven by the α-tubulin promoter, and wild-type males of the same genetic background. Results In sperm-competition assays, AOX conferred a substantial disadvantage, associated with decreased production of mature sperm. Sperm differentiation appeared to proceed until the last stages, but was spatially deranged, with spermatozoids retained in the testis instead of being released to the seminal vesicle. High AOX expression was detected in the outermost cell-layer of the testis sheath, which we hypothesize may disrupt a signal required for sperm maturation. Conclusions AOX expression in Drosophila thus has effects that are deleterious to male reproductive function. Our results imply that AOX therapy must be developed with caution. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12861-017-0151-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sina Saari
- Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology, Tampere University Hospital, University of Tampere, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ana Andjelković
- Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology, Tampere University Hospital, University of Tampere, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Geovana S Garcia
- Departamento de Tecnologia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Howard T Jacobs
- Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology, Tampere University Hospital, University of Tampere, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland. .,Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Marcos T Oliveira
- Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology, Tampere University Hospital, University of Tampere, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland.,Departamento de Tecnologia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
A genetically enhanced sterile insect technique against the fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) by feeding adult double-stranded RNAs. Sci Rep 2017. [PMID: 28642479 PMCID: PMC5481416 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04431-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAi based sterile insect technique (SIT) is an authentic insect management approach but requires proper target genes. During this study, spermless males were developed by interfering with germ cell differentiation and azoospermia related genes. Data demonstrates significant reductions in the target genes expressions (boul, zpg, dsxM, fzo and gas8) after oral dsRNAs administration. Knock down of target genes significantly affected the reproductive ability of males and reduced egg-hatching as compared to the control group. Furthermore, different combinations of selected gene dsRNAs (boul + zpg, boul + dsxM and zpg + dsxM) were made, which resulted up to 85.40% of male sterility. The most effective combination was selected to prepare different concentrations of dsRNA, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 ng/μl, that caused 18.97%, 38.68%, 58.02% and 85.40% male sterility, respectively. Subsequently, 1000 ng/μl of the same combination of ds-RNAs was used against differently aged adult flies (1, 5, 7, 10 days) which lead to 85.40%, 31.42%, 21.76% and 9.90% male sterility, respectively. SIT developed in this study showed that, boul + zpg combination of dsRNA feeding for 6 hours significantly reduced the number of spermatozoa and viability of sperm in 1-day-old B. dorsalis flies. In short, this study provides an effective SIT technique for long-term B. dorsalis management.
Collapse
|
25
|
Velentzas AD, Velentzas PD, Katarachia S, Mpakou VE, Papassideri IS, Stravopodis DJ. Data of sperm-entry inability in Drosophila melanogaster ovarian follicles that are depleted of s36 chorionic protein. Data Brief 2017; 12:180-183. [PMID: 28443296 PMCID: PMC5394213 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2017.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents data associated with the research article entitled “Targeted downregulation of s36 protein unearths its cardinal role in chorion biogenesis and architecture during Drosophila melanogaster oogenesis” [1]. Drosophila chorion is produced by epithelial follicle cells and one of its functional serving role is egg fertilization through the micropyle, a specialized narrow channel at the anterior tip of the egg [2]. Sperm entry during fertilization is necessary for the egg to complete meiosis [3]. D. melanogaster flies being characterized by severe downregulation of the s36 chorionic protein, specifically in the follicle-cell compartment of their ovary, appear with impaired fly fertility (Velentzas et al., 2016) [1]. In an effort to further investigate whether the observed infertility in the s36-targeted flies derives from a fertilization failure, such as the inability of sperm to pass through egg׳s micropyle, we mated females carrying s36-depleted ovaries with males expressing the GFP protein either in their sperm tails, or in both their sperm tails and sperm heads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Athanassios D Velentzas
- Section of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, School of Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis D Velentzas
- Section of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, School of Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatia Katarachia
- Section of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, School of Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki E Mpakou
- Section of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, School of Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Issidora S Papassideri
- Section of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, School of Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios J Stravopodis
- Section of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, School of Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Thioredoxin-dependent disulfide bond reduction is required for protamine eviction from sperm chromatin. Genes Dev 2016; 30:2651-2656. [PMID: 28031247 PMCID: PMC5238724 DOI: 10.1101/gad.290916.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Emelyanov and Fyodorov identify the Drosophila thioredoxin Deadhead (DHD) as the factor responsible for the reduction of intermolecular disulfide bonds in protamines and their eviction from sperm during fertilization. Cysteine oxidation in protamines leads to their oligomerization and contributes to sperm chromatin compaction. Here we identify the Drosophila thioredoxin Deadhead (DHD) as the factor responsible for the reduction of intermolecular disulfide bonds in protamines and their eviction from sperm during fertilization. Protamine chaperone TAP/p32 dissociates DNA–protamine complexes in vitro only when protamine oligomers are first converted to monomers by DHD. dhd-null embryos cannot decondense sperm chromatin and terminate development after the first pronuclear division. Therefore, the thioredoxin DHD plays a critical role in early development to facilitate the switch from protamine-based sperm chromatin structures to the somatic nucleosomal chromatin.
Collapse
|
27
|
Unlocking sperm chromatin at fertilization requires a dedicated egg thioredoxin in Drosophila. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13539. [PMID: 27876811 PMCID: PMC5122968 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In most animals, the extreme compaction of sperm DNA is achieved after the massive replacement of histones with sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs), such as protamines. In some species, the ultracompact sperm chromatin is stabilized by a network of disulfide bonds connecting cysteine residues present in SNBPs. Studies in mammals have established that the reduction of these disulfide crosslinks at fertilization is required for sperm nuclear decondensation and the formation of the male pronucleus. Here, we show that the Drosophila maternal thioredoxin Deadhead (DHD) is specifically required to unlock sperm chromatin at fertilization. In dhd mutant eggs, the sperm nucleus fails to decondense and the replacement of SNBPs with maternally-provided histones is severely delayed, thus preventing the participation of paternal chromosomes in embryo development. We demonstrate that DHD localizes to the sperm nucleus to reduce its disulfide targets and is then rapidly degraded after fertilization.
Collapse
|
28
|
Memory Elicited by Courtship Conditioning Requires Mushroom Body Neuronal Subsets Similar to Those Utilized in Appetitive Memory. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164516. [PMID: 27764141 PMCID: PMC5072562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An animal’s ability to learn and to form memories is essential for its survival. The fruit fly has proven to be a valuable model system for studies of learning and memory. One learned behavior in fruit flies is courtship conditioning. In Drosophila courtship conditioning, male flies learn not to court females during training with an unreceptive female. He retains a memory of this training and for several hours decreases courtship when subsequently paired with any female. Courtship conditioning is a unique learning paradigm; it uses a positive-valence stimulus, a female fly, to teach a male to decrease an innate behavior, courtship of the female. As such, courtship conditioning is not clearly categorized as either appetitive or aversive conditioning. The mushroom body (MB) region in the fruit fly brain is important for several types of memory; however, the precise subsets of intrinsic and extrinsic MB neurons necessary for courtship conditioning are unknown. Here, we disrupted synaptic signaling by driving a shibirets effector in precise subsets of MB neurons, defined by a collection of split-GAL4 drivers. Out of 75 lines tested, 32 showed defects in courtship conditioning memory. Surprisingly, we did not have any hits in the γ lobe Kenyon cells, a region previously implicated in courtship conditioning memory. We did find that several γ lobe extrinsic neurons were necessary for courtship conditioning memory. Overall, our memory hits in the dopaminergic neurons (DANs) and the mushroom body output neurons were more consistent with results from appetitive memory assays than aversive memory assays. For example, protocerebral anterior medial DANs were necessary for courtship memory, similar to appetitive memory, while protocerebral posterior lateral 1 (PPL1) DANs, important for aversive memory, were not needed. Overall, our results indicate that the MB circuits necessary for courtship conditioning memory coincide with circuits necessary for appetitive memory.
Collapse
|
29
|
Vedelek V, Laurinyecz B, Kovács AL, Juhász G, Sinka R. Testis-Specific Bb8 Is Essential in the Development of Spermatid Mitochondria. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161289. [PMID: 27529784 PMCID: PMC4986964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are essential organelles of developing spermatids in Drosophila, which undergo dramatic changes in size and shape after meiotic division, where mitochondria localized in the cytoplasm, migrate near the nucleus, aggregate, fuse and create the Nebenkern. During spermatid elongation the two similar mitochondrial derivatives of the Nebenkern start to elongate parallel to the axoneme. One of the elongated mitochondrial derivatives starts to lose volume and becomes the minor mitochondrial derivative, while the other one accumulates paracrystalline and becomes the major mitochondrial derivative. Proteins and intracellular environment that are responsible for cyst elongation and paracrystalline formation in the major mitochondrial derivative need to be identified. In this work we investigate the function of the testis specific big bubble 8 (bb8) gene during spermatogenesis. We show that a Minos element insertion in bb8 gene, a predicted glutamate dehydrogenase, causes recessive male sterility. We demonstrate bb8 mRNA enrichment in spermatids and the mitochondrial localisation of Bb8 protein during spermatogenesis. We report that megamitochondria develop in the homozygous mutant testes, in elongating spermatids. Ultrastructural analysis of the cross section of elongated spermatids shows enlarged mitochondria and the production of paracrystalline in both major and minor mitochondrial derivatives. Our results suggest that the Bb8 protein and presumably glutamate metabolism has a crucial role in the normal development and establishment of the identity of the mitochondrial derivatives during spermatid elongation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Vedelek
- Department of Genetics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Attila L Kovács
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Juhász
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rita Sinka
- Department of Genetics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ameku T, Niwa R. Mating-Induced Increase in Germline Stem Cells via the Neuroendocrine System in Female Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006123. [PMID: 27310920 PMCID: PMC4911108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mating and gametogenesis are two essential components of animal reproduction. Gametogenesis must be modulated by the need for gametes, yet little is known of how mating, a process that utilizes gametes, may modulate the process of gametogenesis. Here, we report that mating stimulates female germline stem cell (GSC) proliferation in Drosophila melanogaster. Mating-induced increase in GSC number is not simply owing to the indirect effect of emission of stored eggs, but rather is stimulated by a male-derived Sex Peptide (SP) and its receptor SPR, the components of a canonical neuronal pathway that induces a post-mating behavioral switch in females. We show that ecdysteroid, the major insect steroid hormone, regulates mating-induced GSC proliferation independently of insulin signaling. Ovarian ecdysteroid level increases after mating and transmits its signal directly through the ecdysone receptor expressed in the ovarian niche to increase the number of GSCs. Impairment of ovarian ecdysteroid biosynthesis disrupts mating-induced increase in GSCs as well as egg production. Importantly, feeding of ecdysteroid rescues the decrease in GSC number caused by impairment of neuronal SP signaling. Our study illustrates how female GSC activity is coordinately regulated by the neuroendocrine system to sustain reproductive success in response to mating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomotsune Ameku
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Niwa
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
The union of haploid gametes at fertilization initiates the formation of the diploid zygote in sexually reproducing animals. This founding event of embryogenesis includes several fascinating cellular and nuclear processes, such as sperm-egg cellular interactions, sperm chromatin remodelling, centrosome formation or pronuclear migration. In comparison with other aspects of development, the exploration of animal fertilization at the functional level has remained so far relatively limited, even in classical model organisms. Here, we have reviewed our current knowledge of fertilization in Drosophila melanogaster, with a special emphasis on the genes involved in the complex transformation of the fertilizing sperm nucleus into a replicated set of paternal chromosomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Loppin
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, CNRS UMR5558, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Raphaëlle Dubruille
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, CNRS UMR5558, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Béatrice Horard
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, CNRS UMR5558, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Fu XF, Cheng SF, Wang LQ, Yin S, De Felici M, Shen W. DAZ Family Proteins, Key Players for Germ Cell Development. Int J Biol Sci 2015; 11:1226-35. [PMID: 26327816 PMCID: PMC4551758 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.11536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
DAZ family proteins are found almost exclusively in germ cells in distant animal species. Deletion or mutations of their encoding genes usually severely impair either oogenesis or spermatogenesis or both. The family includes Boule (or Boll), Dazl (or Dazla) and DAZ genes. Boule and Dazl are situated on autosomes while DAZ, exclusive of higher primates, is located on the Y chromosome. Deletion of DAZ gene is the most common causes of infertility in humans. These genes, encoding for RNA binding proteins, contain a highly conserved RNA recognition motif and at least one DAZ repeat encoding for a 24 amino acids sequence able to bind other mRNA binding proteins. Basically, Daz family proteins function as adaptors for target mRNA transport and activators of their translation. In some invertebrate species, BOULE protein play a pivotal role in germline specification and a conserved regulatory role in meiosis. Depending on the species, DAZL is expressed in primordial germ cells (PGCs) and/or pre-meiotic and meiotic germ cells of both sexes. Daz is found in fetal gonocytes, spermatogonia and spermatocytes of adult testes. Here we discuss DAZ family genes in a phylogenic perspective, focusing on the common and distinct features of these genes, and their pivotal roles during gametogenesis evolved during evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Fei Fu
- 1. Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China ; 2. College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Shun-Feng Cheng
- 1. Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China ; 3. Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Lin-Qing Wang
- 1. Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China ; 3. Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Shen Yin
- 1. Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China ; 3. Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Massimo De Felici
- 4. Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Wei Shen
- 1. Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China ; 3. Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Levine MT, Vander Wende HM, Malik HS. Mitotic fidelity requires transgenerational action of a testis-restricted HP1. eLife 2015; 4:e07378. [PMID: 26151671 PMCID: PMC4491702 DOI: 10.7554/elife.07378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm-packaged DNA must undergo extensive reorganization to ensure its timely participation in embryonic mitosis. Whereas maternal control over this remodeling is well described, paternal contributions are virtually unknown. In this study, we show that Drosophila melanogaster males lacking Heterochromatin Protein 1E (HP1E) sire inviable embryos that undergo catastrophic mitosis. In these embryos, the paternal genome fails to condense and resolve into sister chromatids in synchrony with the maternal genome. This delay leads to a failure of paternal chromosomes, particularly the heterochromatin-rich sex chromosomes, to separate on the first mitotic spindle. Remarkably, HP1E is not inherited on mature sperm chromatin. Instead, HP1E primes paternal chromosomes during spermatogenesis to ensure faithful segregation post-fertilization. This transgenerational effect suggests that maternal control is necessary but not sufficient for transforming sperm DNA into a mitotically competent pronucleus. Instead, paternal action during spermiogenesis exerts post-fertilization control to ensure faithful chromosome segregation in the embryo. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.07378.001 The genetic information of cells is packaged into structures called chromosomes, which are made up of long strands of DNA that are wrapped around proteins to form a structure called chromatin. The cells of most animals contain two copies of every chromosome, but the egg and sperm cells contain only one copy. This means that when an egg fuses with a sperm cell during fertilization, the resulting ‘zygote’ will contain two copies of each chromosome—one inherited from the mother, and one from the father. These chromosomes duplicate and divide many times within the developing embryo in a process known as mitosis. The first division of the zygote is particularly complicated, as the egg and sperm chromosomes must go through extensive—and yet different—chromatin reorganization processes. For instance, paternal DNA is inherited via sperm, where specialized sperm proteins package the DNA more tightly than in the maternal DNA, which is packaged by histone proteins used throughout development. For paternal DNA to participate in mitosis in the embryo, it must first undergo a transition to a histone-packaged state. Despite these differences, both maternal and paternal chromosomes must undergo mitosis at the same time if the zygote is to successfully divide. Although it is known that the egg cell contributes essential proteins that are incorporated into the sperm chromatin to help it reorganize, the importance of paternal proteins in coordinating this process remains poorly understood. Many members of a family of proteins called Heterochromatin Protein 1 (or HP1 for short) have previously been shown to control chromatin organization in plants and animals. In 2012, researchers found that several HP1 proteins are found only in the testes of the fruit fly species Drosophila melanogaster. They predicted that these proteins might help control the reorganization of the paternal chromosomes following fertilization. Levine et al.—including researchers involved in the 2012 study—have now used genetic and cell-based techniques to show that one member of the HP1 family (called HP1E) ensures that the paternal chromosomes are ready for cell division at the same time as the maternal chromosomes. Male flies that are unable to produce this protein do not have any offspring because, while these flies' sperm can fertilize eggs, the resulting zygotes cannot divide as normal. Further experiments revealed that HP1E is not inherited through the chromatin of mature sperm, but instead influences the structure of the chromosomes during the final stages of the development of the sperm cells in the fly testes. This study shows that both maternal and paternal proteins are needed to control how the paternal chromosomes reorganize in fruit fly embryos. Although difficult to discover and decipher, this work re-emphasizes the importance of paternal epigenetic contributions—changes that alter how DNA is read, without changing the DNA sequence itself—for ensuring the viability of resulting offspring. Future work will reveal both the molecular mechanism of this epigenetic transfer of information, as well as why certain Drosophila species are able to naturally overcome the loss of the essential HP1E protein. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.07378.002
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia T Levine
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Helen M Vander Wende
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Harmit S Malik
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, United States
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Loss-of-function analysis reveals distinct requirements of the translation initiation factors eIF4E, eIF4E-3, eIF4G and eIF4G2 in Drosophila spermatogenesis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122519. [PMID: 25849588 PMCID: PMC4388691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotes, post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression has a key role in many cellular and developmental processes. Spermatogenesis involves a complex developmental program that includes changes in cell cycle dynamics and dramatic cellular remodeling. Translational control is critical for spermatogenesis in Drosophila as many mRNAs synthesized in the spermatocytes are translated only much later during spermatid differentiation. Testes-specific translation initiation factors eIF4E-3 and eIF4G2 are essential specifically for male fertility. However, details of their roles during different stages of spermatogenesis are unknown, and the role of canonical translation initiation factors in spermatogenesis remains unexplored. In this study, we addressed the functional role of eIF4E-1, eIF4E-3, eIF4G and eIF4G2 in testes development and formation of mature sperm. Using the UAS-Gal4 system and RNA interference, we systematically knocked down these four genes in different stages of germ cell development, and in the somatic cells. Our results show that eIF4E-1 function in early germ cells and the surrounding somatic cells is critical for spermatogenesis. Both eIF4E-1 and eIF4E-3 are required in spermatocytes for chromosome condensation and cytokinesis during the meiotic stages. Interestingly, we find that eIF4G knockdown did not affect male fertility while eIF4G2 has distinct functions during spermatogenesis; it is required in early germ cells for proper meiotic divisions and spermatid elongation while its abrogation in spermatocytes caused meiotic arrest. Double knockdown of eIF4G and eIF4G2 shows that these proteins act redundantly during the early stages of spermatogenesis. Taken together, our analysis reveals spatio-temporal roles of the canonical and testes-specific translation initiation factors in coordinating developmental programs during spermatogenesis.
Collapse
|
35
|
Chen D, Wu C, Zhao S, Geng Q, Gao Y, Li X, Zhang Y, Wang Z. Three RNA binding proteins form a complex to promote differentiation of germline stem cell lineage in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004797. [PMID: 25412508 PMCID: PMC4238977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In regenerative tissues, one of the strategies to protect stem cells from genetic aberrations, potentially caused by frequent cell division, is to transiently expand the stem cell daughters before further differentiation. However, failure to exit the transit amplification may lead to overgrowth, and the molecular mechanism governing this regulation remains vague. In a Drosophila mutagenesis screen for factors involved in the regulation of germline stem cell (GSC) lineage, we isolated a mutation in the gene CG32364, which encodes a putative RNA-binding protein (RBP) and is designated as tumorous testis (tut). In tut mutant, spermatogonia fail to differentiate and over-amplify, a phenotype similar to that in mei-P26 mutant. Mei-P26 is a TRIM-NHL tumor suppressor homolog required for the differentiation of GSC lineage. We found that Tut binds preferentially a long isoform of mei-P26 3′UTR, and is essential for the translational repression of mei-P26 reporter. Bam and Bgcn are both RBPs that have also been shown to repress mei-P26 expression. Our genetic analyses indicate that tut, bam, or bgcn is required to repress mei-P26 and to promote the differentiation of GSCs. Biochemically, we demonstrate that Tut, Bam, and Bgcn can form a physical complex in which Bam holds Tut on its N-terminus and Bgcn on its C-terminus. Our in vivo and in vitro evidence illustrate that Tut acts with Bam, Bgcn to accurately coordinate proliferation and differentiation in Drosophila germline stem cell lineage. In regenerative tissues, the successive differentiation of stem cell lineage is well controlled and coordinated with proper cell proliferation at each differentiation stage. Disruption of the control mechanism can lead to tumor growth or tissue degeneration. The germline stem cell lineage of Drosophila spermatogenesis provides an ideal research model to unravel the genetic network coordinating proliferation and differentiation. In a genetic screen, we identified a male-sterile mutant whose germ cells are under-differentiated and overproliferating. The responsible gene encodes an RNA-binding protein whose target belongs to a tumor suppressor family. We demonstrate that this and two other RNA-binding proteins form a physical and functional unit to ensure the proper differentiation and accurate proliferation of germline stem cell lineage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Di Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,
- The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,
| | - Chan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,
- The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,
| | - Shaowei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,
- The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,
| | - Qing Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,
- The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,
| | - Yu Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,
- The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,
| | - Yang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,
- The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,
| | - Zhaohui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kairamkonda S, Nongthomba U. Beadex function in the motor neurons is essential for female reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113003. [PMID: 25396431 PMCID: PMC4232528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster has served as an excellent model system for understanding the neuronal circuits and molecular mechanisms regulating complex behaviors. The Drosophila female reproductive circuits, in particular, are well studied and can be used as a tool to understand the role of novel genes in neuronal function in general and female reproduction in particular. In the present study, the role of Beadex, a transcription co-activator, in Drosophila female reproduction was assessed by generation of mutant and knock down studies. Null allele of Beadex was generated by transposase induced excision of P-element present within an intron of Beadex gene. The mutant showed highly compromised reproductive abilities as evaluated by reduced fecundity and fertility, abnormal oviposition and more importantly, the failure of sperm release from storage organs. However, no defect was found in the overall ovariole development. Tissue specific, targeted knock down of Beadex indicated that its function in neurons is important for efficient female reproduction, since its neuronal knock down led to compromised female reproductive abilities, similar to Beadex null females. Further, different neuronal class specific knock down studies revealed that Beadex function is required in motor neurons for normal fecundity and fertility of females. Thus, the present study attributes a novel and essential role for Beadex in female reproduction through neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subhash Kairamkonda
- Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Upendra Nongthomba
- Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Lim C, Tarayrah L, Chen X. Transcriptional regulation during Drosophila spermatogenesis. SPERMATOGENESIS 2014; 2:158-166. [PMID: 23087835 PMCID: PMC3469439 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.21775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila spermatogenesis has become a paradigmatic system for the study of mechanisms that regulate adult stem cell maintenance, proliferation and differentiation. The dramatic cellular differentiation process from germline stem cell (GSC) to mature sperm is accompanied by dynamic changes in gene expression, which are regulated at transcriptional, post-transcriptional (including translational) and post-translational levels. Post-transcriptional regulation has been proposed as a unique feature of germ cells. However, recent studies have provided new insights into transcriptional regulation during Drosophila spermatogenesis. Both signaling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms act to orchestrate the transcriptional regulation of distinct genes at different germ cell differentiation stages. Many of the regulatory pathways that control male gamete differentiation in Drosophila are conserved in mammals. Therefore, studies using Drosophila spermatogenesis will provide insight into the molecular mechanisms that regulate mammalian germ cell differentiation pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Lim
- Department of Biology; The Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Corrigan L, Redhai S, Leiblich A, Fan SJ, Perera SMW, Patel R, Gandy C, Wainwright SM, Morris JF, Hamdy F, Goberdhan DCI, Wilson C. BMP-regulated exosomes from Drosophila male reproductive glands reprogram female behavior. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 206:671-88. [PMID: 25154396 PMCID: PMC4151142 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201401072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Male Drosophila reproductive glands secrete exosomes in a BMP-dependent manner that fuse with sperm after mating and suppress female remating. Male reproductive glands secrete signals into seminal fluid to facilitate reproductive success. In Drosophila melanogaster, these signals are generated by a variety of seminal peptides, many produced by the accessory glands (AGs). One epithelial cell type in the adult male AGs, the secondary cell (SC), grows selectively in response to bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. This signaling is involved in blocking the rapid remating of mated females, which contributes to the reproductive advantage of the first male to mate. In this paper, we show that SCs secrete exosomes, membrane-bound vesicles generated inside late endosomal multivesicular bodies (MVBs). After mating, exosomes fuse with sperm (as also seen in vitro for human prostate-derived exosomes and sperm) and interact with female reproductive tract epithelia. Exosome release was required to inhibit female remating behavior, suggesting that exosomes are downstream effectors of BMP signaling. Indeed, when BMP signaling was reduced in SCs, vesicles were still formed in MVBs but not secreted as exosomes. These results demonstrate a new function for the MVB–exosome pathway in the reproductive tract that appears to be conserved across evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Corrigan
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, England, UK
| | - Siamak Redhai
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, England, UK
| | - Aaron Leiblich
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, England, UK Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, England, UK
| | - Shih-Jung Fan
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, England, UK
| | - Sumeth M W Perera
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, England, UK
| | - Rachel Patel
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, England, UK
| | - Carina Gandy
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, England, UK
| | - S Mark Wainwright
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, England, UK
| | - John F Morris
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, England, UK
| | - Freddie Hamdy
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, England, UK
| | - Deborah C I Goberdhan
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, England, UK
| | - Clive Wilson
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, England, UK
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Rathke C, Baarends WM, Awe S, Renkawitz-Pohl R. Chromatin dynamics during spermiogenesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1839:155-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2013.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 339] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
40
|
Cheng W, Ip YT, Xu Z. Gudu, an Armadillo repeat-containing protein, is required for spermatogenesis in Drosophila. Gene 2013; 531:294-300. [PMID: 24055424 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.08.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The Drosophila annotated gene CG5155 encodes a protein that contains 10 Armadillo-repeats and has an unknown function. To fill this gap, we performed loss-of-function studies using RNAi. By analysis of four independent Drosophila RNAi lines targeting two non-overlapping regions of the CG5155 transcript, we demonstrate that this gene is required for male fertility. Therefore, we have named this gene Gudu. The transcript of Gudu is highly enriched in adult testes. Knockdown of Gudu by a ubiquitous driver leads to defects in the formation of the individualization complex that is required for spermatid maturation, thereby impairing spermatogenesis. Furthermore, testis-specific knockdown of Gudu by crossing the RNAi lines with the bam-Gal4 driver is sufficient to cause the infertility and defective spermatogenesis. Since Gudu is highly homologous to vertebrate ARMC4, also an Armadillo-repeat-containing protein enriched in testes, our results suggest that Gudu and ARMC4 are a subfamily of Armadillo-repeat containing proteins that may have an evolutionarily conserved function in spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Y Tony Ip
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Zuoshang Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abdallah AM, Zhou X, Kim C, Shah KK, Hogden C, Schoenherr JA, Clemens JC, Chang HC. Activated Cdc42 kinase regulates Dock localization in male germ cells during Drosophila spermatogenesis. Dev Biol 2013; 378:141-53. [PMID: 23562806 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2012] [Revised: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Deregulation of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase ACK1 (Activated Cdc42-associated kinase) correlates with poor prognosis in cancers and has been implicated in promoting metastasis. To further understand its in vivo function, we have characterized the developmental defects of a null mutation in Drosophila Ack, which bears a high degree of sequence similarity to mammalian ACK1 but lacks a CRIB domain. We show that Ack, while not essential for viability, is critical for sperm formation. This function depends on Ack tyrosine kinase activity and is required cell autonomously in differentiating male germ cells at or after the spermatocyte stage. Ack associates predominantly with endocytic clathrin sites in spermatocytes, but disruption of Ack function has no apparent effect on clathrin localization and receptor-mediated internalization of Boss (Bride of sevenless) protein in eye discs. Instead, Ack is required for the subcellular distribution of Dock (dreadlocks), the Drosophila homolog of the SH2- and SH3-containing adaptor protein Nck. Moreover, Dock forms a complex with Ack, and the localization of Dock in male germ cells depends on its SH2 domain. Together, our results suggest that Ack-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation recruits Dock to promote sperm differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abbas M Abdallah
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2054, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Lu X. Fluorescent imaging of Drosophila melanogaster sperm in the reproductive tract: a new model of flagellar motility. Methods Enzymol 2013; 525:131-48. [PMID: 23522468 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-397944-5.00007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The sperm of Drosophila melanogaster stands out because of its enormous length and perplexing movements that break some norms of flagella. Most flagella with analyzed motility, ranging from flagella of Chlamydomonas to sperm of marine invertebrates and vertebrates, are from a few microns to at most 208 μm in length. Most flagella propagate waves in a constant direction, starting at the base of the flagellum and moving toward the tip (base-to-tip waves). In contrast, the fly sperm is 1.9-mm long and it propagates waves in base-to-tip or tip-to-base direction, generating head-leading or tail-leading movement. Of the two movement orientations, the sperm choose one or the other for a particular movement along the convoluted path leading to fertilization. For example, the sperm enter the seminal receptacle (SR) for storage with a tail-leading movement, but exit it for fertilization with a head-leading movement. Moreover, the sperm move with unusual waveforms. A modified sinusoidal or arc-line waveform generates semistationary movement-moving but staying at a general area-within temporary reservoirs (ejaculatory duct, uterus) and storage organs (SR, spermathecae). In contrast, a corkscrew-like helical waveform is ideal for rapid advancing movement and suspected for traveling through long tubules that interconnect these reservoirs. Here, we describe new methods for capturing these complex sperm movements that naturally occur in the reproductive tract. The imaging methods coupled with large mutant collections and genomic resources make the fly sperm a powerful new model for understanding flagellar motility and its dynamic regulation in vivo. The motility regulatory proteins we have identified in the fly are broadly conserved, thus illustrating a general utility of this model system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyi Lu
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Tayler TD, Pacheco DA, Hergarden AC, Murthy M, Anderson DJ. A neuropeptide circuit that coordinates sperm transfer and copulation duration in Drosophila. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:20697-702. [PMID: 23197833 PMCID: PMC3528491 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1218246109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate behaviors are often executed in concert with accompanying physiological programs. How this coordination is achieved is poorly understood. Mating behavior and the transfer of sperm and seminal fluid (SSFT) provide a model for understanding how concerted behavioral and physiological programs are coordinated. Here we identify a male-specific neural pathway that coordinates the timing of SSFT with the duration of copulation behavior in Drosophila. Silencing four abdominal ganglion (AG) interneurons (INs) that contain the neuropeptide corazonin (Crz) both blocked SSFT and substantially lengthened copulation duration. Activating these Crz INs caused rapid ejaculation in isolated males, a phenotype mimicked by injection of Crz peptide. Crz promotes SSFT by activating serotonergic (5-HT) projection neurons (PNs) that innervate the accessory glands. Activation of these PNs in copulo caused premature SSFT and also shortened copulation duration. However, mating terminated normally when these PNs were silenced, indicating that SSFT is not required for appropriate copulation duration. Thus, the lengthened copulation duration phenotype caused by silencing Crz INs is independent of the block to SSFT. We conclude that four Crz INs independently control SSFT and copulation duration, thereby coupling the timing of these two processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anne C. Hergarden
- Division of Biology 156-29 and
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125; and
| | - Mala Murthy
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute and
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| | - David J. Anderson
- Division of Biology 156-29 and
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125; and
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Schoenherr JA, Drennan JM, Martinez JS, Chikka MR, Hall MC, Chang HC, Clemens JC. Drosophila activated Cdc42 kinase has an anti-apoptotic function. PLoS Genet 2012; 8:e1002725. [PMID: 22615583 PMCID: PMC3355085 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated Cdc42 kinases (Acks) are evolutionarily conserved non-receptor tyrosine kinases. Activating somatic mutations and increased ACK1 protein levels have been found in many types of human cancers and correlate with a poor prognosis. ACK1 is activated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor signaling and functions to regulate EGF receptor turnover. ACK1 has additionally been found to propagate downstream signals through the phosphorylation of cancer relevant substrates. Using Drosophila as a model organism, we have determined that Drosophila Ack possesses potent anti-apoptotic activity that is dependent on Ack kinase activity and is further activated by EGF receptor/Ras signaling. Ack anti-apoptotic signaling does not function through enhancement of EGF stimulated MAP kinase signaling, suggesting that it must function through phosphorylation of some unknown effector. We isolated several putative Drosophila Ack interacting proteins, many being orthologs of previously identified human ACK1 interacting proteins. Two of these interacting proteins, Drk and yorkie, were found to influence Ack signaling. Drk is the Drosophila homolog of GRB2, which is required to couple ACK1 binding to receptor tyrosine kinases. Drk knockdown blocks Ack survival activity, suggesting that Ack localization is important for its pro-survival activity. Yorkie is a transcriptional co-activator that is downstream of the Salvador-Hippo-Warts pathway and promotes transcription of proliferative and anti-apoptotic genes. We find that yorkie and Ack synergistically interact to produce tissue overgrowth and that yorkie loss of function interferes with Ack anti-apoptotic signaling. Our results demonstrate how increased Ack signaling could contribute to cancer when coupled to proliferative signals. A number of recent studies have uncovered an involvement of Ack family members in human cancer. The majority of these studies focus on human ACK1 and suggest that ACK1 regulates diverse cancer-relevant biological functions, including stimulation of proliferation, blocking programmed cell death, and enhancing metastasis. It is unclear from these studies whether these biological outcomes are directly controlled by ACK1 activity or if they are indirect consequences of ACK1 signaling. Using Drosophila as a model organism, our study demonstrates that Ack serves to promote cell survival by blocking programmed cell death: a mechanism of eliminating excess, damaged, or cancerous cells. We further find that Ack activity functions synergistically with cell growth signals to produce massive cellular overgrowth. Our findings define the physiological role of Ack proteins and add further support to the value of Ack family members as therapeutic drug targets for the treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. Schoenherr
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - J. Michelle Drennan
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Juan S. Martinez
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Madhusudana Rao Chikka
- Department of Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Mark C. Hall
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Henry C. Chang
- Department of Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - James C. Clemens
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Drosophila Dynein intermediate chain gene, Dic61B, is required for spermatogenesis. PLoS One 2011; 6:e27822. [PMID: 22145020 PMCID: PMC3228723 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study reports the identification and characterization of a novel gene, Dic61B, required for male fertility in Drosophila. Complementation mapping of a novel male sterile mutation, ms21, isolated in our lab revealed it to be allelic to CG7051 at 61B1 cytogenetic region, since two piggyBac insertion alleles, CG7051(c05439) and CG7051(f07138) failed to complement. CG7051 putatively encodes a Dynein intermediate chain. All three mutants, ms21, CG7051(c05439) and CG7051(f07138), exhibited absolute recessive male sterility with abnormally coiled sperm axonemes causing faulty sperm individualization as revealed by Phalloidin staining in Don Juan-GFP background. Sequencing of PCR amplicons uncovered two point mutations in ms21 allele and confirmed the piggyBac insertions in CG7051(c05439) and CG7051(f07138) alleles to be in 5'UTR and 4(th) exon of CG7051 respectively, excision of which reverted the male sterility. In situ hybridization to polytene chromosomes demonstrated CG7051 to be a single copy gene. RT-PCR of testis RNA revealed defective splicing of the CG7051 transcripts in mutants. Interestingly, expression of cytoplasmic dynein intermediate chain, α, β, γ tubulins and α-spectrin was normal in mutants while ultra structural studies revealed defects in the assembly of sperm axonemes. Bioinformatics further highlighted the homology of CG7051 to axonemal dynein intermediate chain of various organisms, including DNAI1 of humans, mutations in which lead to male sterility due to immotile sperms. Based on these observations we conclude that CG7051 encodes a novel axonemal dynein intermediate chain essential for male fertility in Drosophila and rename it as Dic61B. This is the first axonemal Dic gene of Drosophila to be characterized at molecular level and shown to be required for spermatogenesis.
Collapse
|
46
|
Ohsako T, Yamamoto MT. Sperm of the wasted mutant are wasted when females utilize the stored sperm in Drosophila melanogaster. Genes Genet Syst 2011; 86:97-108. [PMID: 21670549 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.86.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Females of many animal species store sperm after copulation for use in fertilization, but the mechanisms controlling sperm storage and utilization are largely unknown. Here we describe a novel male sterile mutation of Drosophila melanogaster, wasted (wst), which shows defects in various processes of sperm utilization. The sperm of wst mutant males are stored like those of wild-type males in the female sperm storage organs, the spermathecae and seminal receptacles, after copulation and are released at each ovulation. However, an average of thirteen times more wst sperm than wild type sperm are released at each ovulation, resulting in rapid loss of sperm stored in seminal receptacles within a few days after copulation. wst sperm can enter eggs efficiently at 5 hr after copulation, but the efficiency of sperm entry decreases significantly by 24 hr after copulation, suggesting that wst sperm lose their ability to enter eggs during storage. Furthermore, wst sperm fail to undergo nuclear decondensation, which prevents the process of fertilization even when sperm enter eggs. Our results indicate that the wst gene is essential for independent processes in the utilization of stored sperm; namely, regulation of sperm release from female storage organs, maintenance of sperm efficiency for entry into eggs, and formation of the male pronucleus in the egg at fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Ohsako
- Drosophila Genetic Resource Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto 616-8354, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Moon S, Cho B, Min SH, Lee D, Chung YD. The THO complex is required for nucleolar integrity in Drosophila spermatocytes. Development 2011; 138:3835-45. [PMID: 21828100 DOI: 10.1242/dev.056945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The THO complex is a conserved multisubunit protein complex that functions in the formation of export-competent messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP). Although the complex has been studied extensively at the single-cell level, its exact role at the multicellular organism level has been poorly understood. Here, we isolated a novel Drosophila male sterile mutant, garmcho (garm). Positional cloning indicated that garm encodes a subunit of the Drosophila THO complex, THOC5. Flies lacking THOC5 showed a meiotic arrest phenotype with severe nucleolar disruption in primary spermatocytes. A functional GFP-tagged fusion protein, THOC5-GFP, revealed a unique pattern of THOC5 localization near the nucleolus. The nucleolar distribution of a testis-specific TATA binding protein (TBP)-associated factor (tTAF), SA, which is required for the expression of genes responsible for sperm differentiation, was severely disrupted in mutant testes lacking THOC5. But THOC5 appeared to be largely dispensable for the expression and nuclear export of either tTAF target mRNAs or tTAF-independent mRNAs. Taken together, our study suggests that the Drosophila THO complex is necessary for proper spermatogenesis by contribution to the establishment or maintenance of nucleolar integrity rather than by nuclear mRNA export in spermatocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sungjin Moon
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Seoul, Seoul, 130-743, Korea
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Rotkopf S, Hamberg Y, Aigaki T, Snapper SB, Shilo BZ, Schejter ED. The WASp-based actin polymerization machinery is required in somatic support cells for spermatid maturation and release. Development 2011; 138:2729-39. [PMID: 21652648 DOI: 10.1242/dev.059865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
WASp family proteins serve as conserved regulators of branched microfilament array formation via the Arp2/3 actin polymerization machinery. We have identified a specific role during spermatogenesis for the Drosophila WASp homolog (Wsp) and associated elements. Spermatogenesis within the fly testis is carried out in cysts, where a pair of somatic cyst cells encloses differentiating sperm. The final phase of the process involves the attachment of matured cysts to a specialized epithelium at the base of the testis, followed by release of individual motile spermatids into the adjoining seminal vesicle. Wsp mutant cysts contain fully mature sperm, but spermatid release does not occur, resulting in male sterility. Our data suggest that the Wsp-Arp2/3-based machinery acts in the cyst cells to influence proper microfilament organization and to enable cyst attachment to the base of the testis. Wsp activity in this context is mediated by the small GTPase Cdc42. Involvement of the cell surface protein Sticks and stones and the Wsp adapter protein D-WIP (Vrp1) is also crucial. In parallel, we demonstrate that N-WASp (Wasl), the major mammalian WASp family protein, is required in the somatic Sertoli cells of the mouse testis for sperm maturation. A requirement for WASp-based activity in somatic support cells therefore appears to be a universal feature of spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shay Rotkopf
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Pan Y, Robinett CC, Baker BS. Turning males on: activation of male courtship behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21144. [PMID: 21731661 PMCID: PMC3120818 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2011] [Accepted: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate sexual behaviors of Drosophila melanogaster males are an attractive system for elucidating how complex behavior patterns are generated. The potential for male sexual behavior in D. melanogaster is specified by the fruitless (fru) and doublesex (dsx) sex regulatory genes. We used the temperature-sensitive activator dTRPA1 to probe the roles of fru(M)- and dsx-expressing neurons in male courtship behaviors. Almost all steps of courtship, from courtship song to ejaculation, can be induced at very high levels through activation of either all fru(M) or all dsx neurons in solitary males. Detailed characterizations reveal different roles for fru(M) and dsx in male courtship. Surprisingly, the system for mate discrimination still works well when all dsx neurons are activated, but is impaired when all fru(M) neurons are activated. Most strikingly, we provide evidence for a fru(M)-independent courtship pathway that is primarily vision dependent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Pan
- Janelia Farm Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Carmen C. Robinett
- Janelia Farm Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Bruce S. Baker
- Janelia Farm Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Sartain CV, Cui J, Meisel RP, Wolfner MF. The poly(A) polymerase GLD2 is required for spermatogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. Development 2011; 138:1619-29. [PMID: 21427144 DOI: 10.1242/dev.059618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The DNA of a developing sperm is normally inaccessible for transcription for part of spermatogenesis in many animals. In Drosophila melanogaster, many transcripts needed for late spermatid differentiation are synthesized in pre-meiotic spermatocytes, but are not translated until later stages. Thus, post-transcriptional control mechanisms are required to decouple transcription and translation during spermatogenesis. In the female germline, developing germ cells accomplish similar decoupling through poly(A) tail alterations to ensure that dormant transcripts are not prematurely translated: a transcript with a short poly(A) tail will remain untranslated, whereas elongating the poly(A) tail permits protein production. In Drosophila, the ovary-expressed cytoplasmic poly(A) polymerase WISPY is responsible for stage-specific poly(A) tail extension in the female germline. Here, we examine the possibility that a recently derived testis-expressed WISPY paralog, GLD2, plays a similar role in the Drosophila male germline. We show that knockdown of Gld2 transcripts causes male sterility, as GLD2-deficient males do not produce mature sperm. Spermatogenesis up to and including meiosis appears normal in the absence of GLD2, but post-meiotic spermatid development rapidly becomes abnormal. Nuclear bundling and F-actin assembly are defective in GLD2 knockdown testes and nuclei fail to undergo chromatin reorganization in elongated spermatids. GLD2 also affects the incorporation of protamines and the stability of dynamin and transition protein transcripts. Our results indicate that GLD2 is an important regulator of late spermatogenesis and is the first example of a Gld-2 family member that plays a significant role specifically in male gametogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline V Sartain
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|