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Song G, Dai T, Chang Y, Pei H, Liu W, Guo P, Ren Y, Shen G, Feng J. A BEST classification system of large to giant congenital melanocytic nevi based on expert consensus and distribution characteristics. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024. [PMID: 38708780 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.20075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large to giant congenital melanocytic nevi (LGCMN) significantly decrease patients' quality of life, but the inaccuracy of current classification system makes their clinical management challenging. OBJECTIVES To improve and extend the existing LGCMN 6B/7B classification systems by developing a novel LGCMN classification system based on a new phenotypic approach to clinical tool development. METHODS Three hundred and sixty-one LGCMN cases were categorized into four subtypes based on anatomic site: bonce (25.48%), extremity (17.73%), shawl (19.67%) and trunks (37.12%) LGCMN. A 'BEST' classification system of LGCMN was established and validated by a support vector machine classifier combined with the 7B system. RESULTS The most common LGCMN distributions were on bonce and trunks (bathing trunk), whereas breast/belly and body LGCMN were exceptionally rare. Sexual dimorphism characterized distribution, with females showing a wider range of lesions in the genital area. Nearly half of the patients with bathing trunk LGCMN exhibited a butterfly-like distribution. Approximately half of the LGCMN with chest involvement did not have nipple-areola complex involvement. Abdomen, back and buttock involvement was associated with the presence of satellite nevi (r = 0.558), and back and buttock involvement was associated with the presence of nodules (r = 0.364). CONCLUSIONS The effective quantification of a standardized anatomical site provides data support for the accuracy of the 6B/7B classification systems. The simplified BEST classification system can help establish a LGCMN clinical database for exploration of LGCMN aetiology, disease management and prognosis prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Song
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Plastic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Tao Dai
- Department of Wound Reconstructive Surgery, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yajie Chang
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Huile Pei
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Wuping Liu
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Pengfei Guo
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yongqiang Ren
- Department of Plastic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Guiping Shen
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jianghua Feng
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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2
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Olson CM, Frolov A, Tan Y, Martin JR, Campbell M. A Rare Case of Penoscrotal Webbing and Extensive Hernias: An Anatomical Report With Genetic Insights. Cureus 2023; 15:e47375. [PMID: 38021525 PMCID: PMC10657503 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
During a routine anatomical dissection of an 81-year-old male cadaver received through the Gift Body Program of Saint Louis University School of Medicine (SLU SOM), a massive bulging in the abdominal area was observed that was consistent with numerous hernia repairs noted in the donor's self-reported medical history. Gross anatomical dissection of the cadaveric body revealed extensive herniation of portions of the small intestine and peritoneal sac along the costal margin and extending to the left aspect of the abdomen. Additionally, an uncircumcised phallus was buried within the suprapubic fat pad and demonstrated simple, grade III penoscrotal webbing (PSW), creating an impression of micropenis presence. To gain additional insights into the current case, analysis of the coding regions (exomes) of DNA procured from the body for putative genetic variants was performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. This analysis revealed 110 rare (minor allele frequency (MAF) ≤ 0.01), pathologic/deleterious genetic mutations. The most relevant variants to this case were the ones associated with male sexual development, BMP1 and BMP4; connective tissue development, COL3A1 and COL5A3; cilia morphogenesis and function, DNAH5 and MAPK15; as well as hormonal homeostasis, ESR1. Direct involvement of BMP1 both in male sexual development and hernia genesis makes it a strong candidate for linking the two pathologies, PSW and multiple hernias, observed in the present case. Yet the presence of a group of mutated genes linked to myopathies (ITGA7, NRAP, POLM, SCN5A, XIRP2) and muscular dystrophy (ITGA7) raises a question about the involvement of these muscular pathologies in hernia genesis and unsuccessful hernia repairs associated with the current case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carley M Olson
- Department of Surgery - Center for Anatomical Science and Education, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, USA
| | - Andrey Frolov
- Department of Surgery - Center for Anatomical Science and Education, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, USA
| | - Yun Tan
- Department of Surgery - Center for Anatomical Science and Education, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, USA
| | - John R Martin
- Department of Surgery - Center for Anatomical Science and Education, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, USA
| | - Meadow Campbell
- Department of Surgery - Center for Anatomical Science and Education, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, USA
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Kawakami Y, Sawano K, Shibata N, Kaneko T, Nagasaki K. Klinefelter syndrome with penoscrotal transposition and diphallia: A case study. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2023. [PMID: 37060306 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yugo Kawakami
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Homeostatic Regulation and Development, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Niigata Prefectural Shibata Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kentaro Sawano
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Homeostatic Regulation and Development, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Nao Shibata
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Homeostatic Regulation and Development, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kaneko
- Department of Pediatrics, Niigata Prefectural Shibata Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Keisuke Nagasaki
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Homeostatic Regulation and Development, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
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4
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Xie C, Cai J, Li N, Hua P, Yang Z, Yu X, Tang D, Hu Y, Liu Q. Yolk sac tumor and dysgerminoma in the left gonad following gonadoblastoma in the right gonad in a 46,XY DSD with a novel SRY missense mutation: a case report. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:58. [PMID: 36694125 PMCID: PMC9872390 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05317-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 10-15% of 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSDs) have an SRY mutation residing in the high mobility group (HMG) domain. Here, we present a case of 46,XY DSD caused by a novel missense mutation in the HMG region of SRY rapidly progressing to germ cell tumors (GCTs). CASE PRESENTATION An adolescent female (15 years old) exhibiting primary amenorrhea was later diagnosed as a 46,XY female with bilateral gonadal dysplasia on the basis of peripheral lymphocyte karyotype 46,XY and a novel missense mutation in SRY (c.281 T > G, p.L94R). The novel missense mutation (c.281 T > G, p.L94R) and its adjacent region were conserved. Protein structure analysis showed that the mutant site was located in the middle of the HMG domain, and the mutant protein had a diminished ability to bind to DNA. Imaging examination revealed an adolescent female with a naive uterus. Laparoscopy and initial pathological examination revealed left gonadal dysplasia and right gonadal dysplasia with gonadoblastoma (GB). Right gonadectomy by laparoscopy was performed upon consent from the patient's parents. Less than 1 year postoperatively, the left gonadal gland deteriorated as observed by the findings of a mass in the left adnexal region by pelvic MRI and serum AFP > 1000 ng/ml by serological tests, and then total hysterectomy and adnexal and left gonadectomy by laparoscopy were performed. The GCT stage was classified as stage Ic according to FIGO. At this time, pathologic examination showed that the left gonad had progressed to yolk sac tumor and dysgerminoma. The patient underwent chemotherapy post-operatively but developed type III myelosuppression and tumor recurrence several months later. CONCLUSIONS The patient initially presented with right gonadoblastoma but chose only right gonadectomy by laparoscopy to preserve the female sex characteristics, which resulted in rapid deterioration of the left gonad and poor treatment outcomes. This case demonstrates the importance of early genetic diagnosis and treatment of 46,XY female DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengxiu Xie
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731 China
| | - Jian Cai
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Pathology Department, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731 China
| | - Nan Li
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731 China
| | - Ping Hua
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731 China
| | - Zexuan Yang
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Ultrasound Department, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731 China
| | - Xia Yu
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Medical Laboratory, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731 China
| | - Dongmei Tang
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731 China
| | - Yu Hu
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731 China
| | - Qingsong Liu
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731 China
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5
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Franco M, Khorrami Chokami K, Albertelli M, Teti C, Cocchiara F, Gatto F, Trombetta C, Ferone D, Boschetti M. Modulatory activity of testosterone on growth pattern and IGF-1 levels in vanishing testis syndrome: a case report during 15 years of follow-up. BMC Endocr Disord 2023; 23:13. [PMID: 36631784 PMCID: PMC9835337 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-022-01258-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vanishing testis syndrome (VTS), is a 46, XY disorder of sex development (46, XY DSD) and is characterized by the absence of testis in a 46, XY subject with male genitalia, gonadal dysgenesis and consequent hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. CASE PRESENTATION A young man affected by VTS has been followed up for more than 15-year in our center. The patient received different testosterone formulations, which modulated his IGF-1 levels and height velocity, depending on different stimulatory effects, mimicking pubertal spurt until achieving a final height in line with his genetic target. Exogenous testosterone, activating GH/IGF-1 system, can directly influence growth pattern. With this particular case report we demonstrate that an accurate monitoring of patients with VTS, as well as a perfect reproduction of testosterone secretion during pubertal spurt, can guarantee a normal growth and development and, consequently, a high level of quality of life in adulthood. CONCLUSION Testosterone levels act an important role during pubertal spurt in modulating the GH/IGF-1 axis, besides its well-known impact in sexual development. Very little amount of exogenous testosterone can stimulate IGF-1 secretion and provide to growth velocity the drive that characterizes the initial phases of the growth spurt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Franco
- Endocrinology Unit, UOSD Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo-Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - Keyvan Khorrami Chokami
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine & Medical Specialties (DiMI), IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Manuela Albertelli
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine & Medical Specialties (DiMI), IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Teti
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases Unit, ASL1, Imperia, Italy
| | | | - Federico Gatto
- Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlo Trombetta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, Urological Clinic, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Diego Ferone
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine & Medical Specialties (DiMI), IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mara Boschetti
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine & Medical Specialties (DiMI), IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
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Amato CM, Yao HHC, Zhao F. One Tool for Many Jobs: Divergent and Conserved Actions of Androgen Signaling in Male Internal Reproductive Tract and External Genitalia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:910964. [PMID: 35846302 PMCID: PMC9280649 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.910964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the 1940s, Alfred Jost demonstrated the necessity of testicular secretions, particularly androgens, for male internal and external genitalia differentiation. Since then, our knowledge of androgen impacts on differentiation of the male internal (Wolffian duct) and external genitalia (penis) has been drastically expanded upon. Between these two morphologically and functionally distinct organs, divergent signals facilitate the establishment of tissue-specific identities. Conversely, conserved actions of androgen signaling are present in both tissues and are largely responsible for the growth and expansion of the organs. In this review we synthesize the existing knowledge of the cell type-specific, organ specific, and conserved signaling mechanisms of androgens. Mechanistic studies on androgen signaling in the Wolffian duct and male external genitalia have largely been conducted in mouse model organisms. Therefore, the majority of the review is focused on mouse model studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro M. Amato
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Humphrey H-C. Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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7
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Li J, Sun C, Zheng J, Li J, Yi G, Yang N. Time-Course Transcriptional and Chromatin Accessibility Profiling Reveals Genes Associated With Asymmetrical Gonadal Development in Chicken Embryos. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:832132. [PMID: 35345851 PMCID: PMC8957256 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.832132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In birds, male gonads form on both sides whereas most females develop asymmetric gonads. Multiple early lines of evidence suggested that the right gonad fails to develop into a functional ovary, mainly due to differential expression of PITX2 in the gonadal epithelium. Despite some advances in recent years, the molecular mechanisms underlying asymmetric gonadal development remain unclear. Here, using bulk analysis of whole gonads, we established a relatively detailed profile of four representative stages of chicken gonadal development at the transcriptional and chromatin levels. We revealed that many candidate genes were significantly enriched in morphogenesis, meiosis and subcellular structure formation, which may be responsible for asymmetric gonadal development. Further chromatin accessibility analysis suggested that the transcriptional activities of the candidate genes might be regulated by nearby open chromatin regions, which may act as transcription factor (TF) binding sites and potential cis-regulatory elements. We found that LHX9 was a promising TF that bound to the left-biased peaks of many cell cycle-related genes. In summary, this study provides distinctive insights into the potential molecular basis underlying the asymmetric development of chicken gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Congjiao Sun
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangxia Zheng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Junying Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guoqiang Yi
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ning Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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8
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Racca JD, Chatterjee D, Chen YS, Rai RK, Yang Y, Georgiadis MM, Haas E, Weiss MA. Tenuous transcriptional threshold of human sex determination. II. SRY exploits water-mediated clamp at the edge of ambiguity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1029177. [PMID: 36568077 PMCID: PMC9771472 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1029177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Y-encoded transcription factor SRY initiates male differentiation in therian mammals. This factor contains a high-mobility-group (HMG) box, which mediates sequence-specific DNA binding with sharp DNA bending. A companion article in this issue described sex-reversal mutations at box position 72 (residue 127 in human SRY), invariant as Tyr among mammalian orthologs. Although not contacting DNA, the aromatic ring seals the domain's minor wing at a solvent-exposed junction with a basic tail. A seeming paradox was posed by the native-like biochemical properties of inherited Swyer variant Y72F: its near-native gene-regulatory activity is consistent with the father's male development, but at odds with the daughter's XY female somatic phenotype. Surprisingly, aromatic rings (Y72, F72 or W72) confer higher transcriptional activity than do basic or polar side chains generally observed at solvated DNA interfaces (Arg, Lys, His or Gln). Whereas biophysical studies (time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer and heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy) uncovered only subtle perturbations, dissociation of the Y72F complex was markedly accelerated relative to wild-type. Studies of protein-DNA solvation by molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations of an homologous high-resolution crystal structure (SOX18) suggest that Y72 para-OH anchors a network of water molecules at the tail-DNA interface, perturbed in the variant in association with nonlocal conformational fluctuations. Loss of the Y72 anchor among SRY variants presumably "unclamps" its basic tail, leading to (a) rapid DNA dissociation despite native affinity and (b) attenuated transcriptional activity at the edge of sexual ambiguity. Conservation of Y72 suggests that this water-mediated clamp operates generally among SRY and metazoan SOX domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D. Racca
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Joseph D. Racca, ; Michael A. Weiss,
| | - Deepak Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Yen-Shan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Ratan K. Rai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Yanwu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Millie M. Georgiadis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Elisha Haas
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Michael A. Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Joseph D. Racca, ; Michael A. Weiss,
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Major AT, Estermann MA, Smith CA. Anatomy, Endocrine Regulation, and Embryonic Development of the Rete Testis. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6154516. [PMID: 33661305 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction in males requires the transfer of spermatozoa from testis tubules via the rete system to the efferent ductules, epididymis, and vas deferens. The rete therefore forms an essential bridging system between the testis and excurrent ducts. Yet the embryonic origin and molecular regulation of rete testis development is poorly understood. This review examines the anatomy, endocrine control, and development of the mammalian rete testis, focusing on recent findings on its molecular regulation, identifying gaps in our knowledge, and identifying areas for future research. The rete testis develops in close association with Sertoli cells of the seminiferous cords, although unique molecular markers are sparce. Most recently, modern molecular approaches such as global RNA-seq have revealed the transcriptional signature of rete cell precursors, pointing to at least a partial common origin with Sertoli cells. In the mouse, genes involved in Sertoli cell development or maintenance, such as Sox9, Wt1, Sf1, and Dmrt1, are also expressed in cells of the rete system. Rete progenitor cells also express unique markers, such as Pax8, E-cadherin, and keratin 8. These must directly or indirectly regulate the physical joining of testis tubules to the efferent duct system and confer other physiological functions of the rete. The application of technologies such as single-cell RNA-seq will clarify the origin and developmental trajectory of this essential component of the male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Major
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Martin A Estermann
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Craig A Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
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10
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Serres-Armero A, Davis BW, Povolotskaya IS, Morcillo-Suarez C, Plassais J, Juan D, Ostrander EA, Marques-Bonet T. Copy number variation underlies complex phenotypes in domestic dog breeds and other canids. Genome Res 2021; 31:762-774. [PMID: 33863806 PMCID: PMC8092016 DOI: 10.1101/gr.266049.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Extreme phenotypic diversity, a history of artificial selection, and socioeconomic value make domestic dog breeds a compelling subject for genomic research. Copy number variation (CNV) is known to account for a significant part of inter-individual genomic diversity in other systems. However, a comprehensive genome-wide study of structural variation as it relates to breed-specific phenotypes is lacking. We have generated whole genome CNV maps for more than 300 canids. Our data set extends the canine structural variation landscape to more than 100 dog breeds, including novel variants that cannot be assessed using microarray technologies. We have taken advantage of this data set to perform the first CNV-based genome-wide association study (GWAS) in canids. We identify 96 loci that display copy number differences across breeds, which are statistically associated with a previously compiled set of breed-specific morphometrics and disease susceptibilities. Among these, we highlight the discovery of a long-range interaction involving a CNV near MED13L and TBX3, which could influence breed standard height. Integration of the CNVs with chromatin interactions, long noncoding RNA expression, and single nucleotide variation highlights a subset of specific loci and genes with potential functional relevance and the prospect to explain trait variation between dog breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Serres-Armero
- IBE, Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (Universitat Pompeu Fabra/CSIC), Ciencies Experimentals i de la Salut, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Brian W Davis
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.,Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Inna S Povolotskaya
- Veltischev Research and Clinical Institute for Pediatrics of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Carlos Morcillo-Suarez
- IBE, Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (Universitat Pompeu Fabra/CSIC), Ciencies Experimentals i de la Salut, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Jocelyn Plassais
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - David Juan
- IBE, Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (Universitat Pompeu Fabra/CSIC), Ciencies Experimentals i de la Salut, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Elaine A Ostrander
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Tomas Marques-Bonet
- IBE, Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (Universitat Pompeu Fabra/CSIC), Ciencies Experimentals i de la Salut, Barcelona 08003, Spain.,CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona 08028, Spain.,Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia 08010, Spain.,Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia 08201, Spain
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11
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Iida A, Nakai R, Nomura J, Tanaka R, Mizuno N, Kurobe M, Hondo E. Sharply Angled Lateral Curvature Modification in Anal Fin of a Viviparous Fish, Xenotoca variata (Cyprinodontiformes: Goodeidae). Zoolog Sci 2021; 38:67-71. [PMID: 33639720 DOI: 10.2108/zs200135] [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: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Almost all viviparous species possess male external genitalia; for example, the mammalian penis is an intromittent organ. Some live-bearing bony fish use their anal fins to assist in mating and internal fertilization. We previously reported a male-specific asymmetric curvature at the posterior end of the anal fin in Xenotoca eiseni, a viviparous fish of the family Goodeidae. However, three other goodeid species, Xenotoca melanosoma, Zoogoneticus quitzeoensis, and Chapalichthys pardalis, examined in that study possessed lesser anal fin curvature modifications as compared to those in the anal fin of X. eiseni. Here, we report the second case of acute-angled curvature modification of the male anal fin in the family Goodeidae. We obtained a dead specimen of the goodeid species Xenotoca variata from a city zoo in Japan, and the morphological and histological analyses indicated an acute-angled asymmetric curvature of the posterior end of the anal fin in X. variata, similar to that observed in X. eiseni in the previous study. However, in our previous report, obtuse-angled modification was only observed in one other Xenotoca species, X. melanosoma, and two species belonging to other genera, Z. quitzeoensis and C. pardalis. Therefore, our findings suggest that the acute-angled curvature in the male anal fin has been developed in the genus Xenotoca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuo Iida
- Department of Animal Sciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furocho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan, .,Department of Regeneration Science and Engineering, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.,Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furocho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Risako Nakai
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furocho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Jumpei Nomura
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furocho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Rieko Tanaka
- Nagoya Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Nagoya 464-0804, Japan
| | - Nobutoshi Mizuno
- Nagoya Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Nagoya 464-0804, Japan
| | - Masami Kurobe
- Nagoya Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Nagoya 464-0804, Japan
| | - Eiichi Hondo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furocho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.,Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furocho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
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12
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Barbosa GO, Biancardi MF, Carvalho HF. Heparan sulfate fine‐tunes stromal‐epithelial communication in the prostate gland. Dev Dyn 2020; 250:618-628. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme O. Barbosa
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology State University of Campinas Campinas Brazil
| | - Manoel F. Biancardi
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences Federal University of Goiás Goiânia Brazil
| | - Hernandes F. Carvalho
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology State University of Campinas Campinas Brazil
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13
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A case series of infants with increased VAMP7 gene dosage at birth and virilization defects. J Pediatr Urol 2020; 16:423.e1-423.e6. [PMID: 32622737 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genitourinary disorders are the most frequent congenital defects in newborns; however, little is known about their etiology. Several studies have been carried out to find genetic risk factors in the development of these malformations. The expression of VAMP7 is found in testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostatic tissues, penis, and urethra. Alterations in gene dose of VAMP7 were recently reported in a subset of male patients initially identified clinically by the presence of congenital genitourinary disorders. In 2016, the authors developed a diagnostic algorithm for early detection of sex chromosome aneuploidies by quantifying the SHOX, VAMP7, and SRY gene dose in newborns by qPCR using dried blood spot (DBS) samples. OBJECTIVE Correlate the increased gene dose of VAMP7, obtained by qPCR using DBS, with genitourinary congenital defects attributable to disorders in virilization and verify the increased gene dose by microarrays. STUDY DESIGN Samples that only presented increased VAMP7 gene dosage were selected from a previously analyzed group of 5088 males in which the early detection of sex chromosomes aneuploidies was performed. Eight males were found with an increased gene dose of VAMP7 (relative quantitation > 1.3) and were called in for a complete clinical evaluation aimed at the identification of genitourinary anomalies, qPCR and microarrays. RESULTS Eight males from 5088 samples were identified with increased VAMP7 gene dosage of which six patients were clinically evaluated, of which 50% were identified with alterations in genital development (bilateral cryptorchidism, unilateral cryptorchidism, and glandular hypospadias) and speech delay, while the rest presented different types of atopy. DISCUSSION Tannour-Louet et al. postulated on 2014 that the duplication of the Xq28 region, specifically of VAMP7, plays a role in the human masculinization disorders of the urogenital tract. The study was based on array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) results performed to 116 males with disorders of sexual differentiation. In the present study, the patients were initially selected due to an increased gene dose of VAMP7 detected by qPCR, then the clinical evaluation and the aCGH were performed, inverse to what was reported previously but with similar percentages between both studies. CONCLUSION In this work, the authors report cases of cryptorchidism, hypospadias, language delay and atopy in male preschoolers initially identified because they have an increased gene dose of VAMP7.
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Del Giudice F, Kasman AM, De Berardinis E, Busetto GM, Belladelli F, Eisenberg ML. Association between male infertility and male-specific malignancies: systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based retrospective cohort studies. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:984-996. [PMID: 32709378 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the current evidence that correlates impaired male fertility with the risk of developing male-related malignancies. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based retrospective cohort studies. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) Men diagnosed with impaired fertility status and subsequently observed to determine incidence risk in developing testicular cancer (TCa) or prostate cancer (PCa). INTERVENTION(S) Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Pooled risk ratio (RR) differences among male factor infertility subjects compared with a fertile control population, and meta-regression analysis according to age at baseline, mean follow-up, range of study time, and year of publication. RESULT(S) Six studies met the inclusion criteria and were critically examined. Four studies examined male infertility and TCa (n = 161,634; 174 TCa cases), and four examined infertility in relation to PCa (n = 183,950 men; 377 PCa cases) from 1963 to 2014. The pooled RR was 2.033 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.66-2.48); heterogeneity: Q = 3.04 (degree of freedom [df] = 3); I2 = 1.55% for TCa and 1.68 (95% CI, 1.17-2.4); Q = 23.3(df = 3); I2 = 87.1% for PCa. CONCLUSION(S) Male infertility was associated with a subsequent risk of both TCa and PCa. Although the clinical significance of these findings remains uncertain, future studies should evaluate the underlying mechanisms to determine whether testis and prostate screening practices should be altered in men with male infertility. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO 167277.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Del Giudice
- Department of Maternal-Infant and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" Rome University, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy; Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Alex M Kasman
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Ettore De Berardinis
- Department of Maternal-Infant and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" Rome University, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Busetto
- Department of Maternal-Infant and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" Rome University, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Belladelli
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Division of Experimental Oncology, Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, and University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.
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15
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Mason KA, Schoelwer MJ, Rogol AD. Androgens During Infancy, Childhood, and Adolescence: Physiology and Use in Clinical Practice. Endocr Rev 2020; 41:5770947. [PMID: 32115641 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We provide an in-depth review of the role of androgens in male maturation and development, from the fetal stage through adolescence into emerging adulthood, and discuss the treatment of disorders of androgen production throughout these time periods. Testosterone, the primary androgen produced by males, has both anabolic and androgenic effects. Androgen exposure induces virilization and anabolic body composition changes during fetal development, influences growth and virilization during infancy, and stimulates development of secondary sexual characteristics, growth acceleration, bone mass accrual, and alterations of body composition during puberty. Disorders of androgen production may be subdivided into hypo- or hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism may be either congenital or acquired (resulting from cranial radiation, trauma, or less common causes). Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism occurs in males with Klinefelter syndrome and may occur in response to pelvic radiation, certain chemotherapeutic agents, and less common causes. These disorders all require testosterone replacement therapy during pubertal maturation and many require lifelong replacement. Androgen (or gonadotropin) therapy is clearly beneficial in those with persistent hypogonadism and self-limited delayed puberty and is now widely used in transgender male adolescents. With more widespread use and newer formulations approved for adults, data from long-term randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed to enable pediatricians to identify the optimal age of initiation, route of administration, and dosing frequency to address the unique needs of their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Mason
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | | | - Alan D Rogol
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
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16
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Generation of a Quantitative Luciferase Reporter for Sox9 SUMOylation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041274. [PMID: 32070068 PMCID: PMC7072981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Sox9 is a master transcription factor for chondrogenesis, which is essential for chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, and maintenance. Sox9 activity is regulated by multiple layers, including post-translational modifications, such as SUMOylation. A detection method for visualizing the SUMOylation in live cells is required to fully understand the role of Sox9 SUMOylation. In this study, we generated a quantitative reporter for Sox9 SUMOylation that is based on the NanoBiT system. The simultaneous expression of Sox9 and SUMO1 constructs that are conjugated with NanoBiT fragments in HEK293T cells induced luciferase activity in SUMOylation target residue of Sox9-dependent manner. Furthermore, the reporter signal could be detected from both cell lysates and live cells. The signal level of our reporter responded to the co-expression of SUMOylation or deSUMOylation enzymes by several fold, showing dynamic potency of the reporter. The reporter was active in multiple cell types, including ATDC5 cells, which have chondrogenic potential. Finally, using this reporter, we revealed a extracellular signal conditions that can increase the amount of SUMOylated Sox9. In summary, we generated a novel reporter that was capable of quantitatively visualizing the Sox9-SUMOylation level in live cells. This reporter will be useful for understanding the dynamism of Sox9 regulation during chondrogenesis.
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17
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Wu L, Li Y, Xu Y, Li Y, Wang L, Ma X, Liu H, Li X, Zhou L. Cloning and characterization of wnt4a gene in a natural triploid teleost, Qi river crucian carp (Carassius auratus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 277:104-111. [PMID: 30923007 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
WNT4 (wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 4) plays a key role in the ovarian differentiation and development in mammals. However, the possible roles of Wnt4 during gonadal differentiation and development need further clarification in teleosts. In this study, we cloned and characterized the full-length cDNA of Qi river crucian carp (Carassius auratus) wnt4a gene (CA-wnt4a). The cDNA of CA-wnt4a is 2337 bp, including the ORF of 1059 bp, encoding a putative protein with a transmembrane domain and a WNT family domain. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the CA-Wnt4a identified is a genuine Wnt4a. Tissue distribution analysis showed that CA-wnt4a is expressed in all the tissues examined, including ovary. CA-wnt4a undergoes a stepwise increase in the embryonic stages, suggesting that CA-wnt4a might be involved in the early developmental stage. Ontogenic analysis demonstrated that CA-wnt4a expression is upregulated in the ovaries at 30-50 days after hatching (dah), the critical period of sex determination/differentiation in Qi river crucian carp. From 90 dah, the expression of CA-wnt4a was gradually downregulated in the developing ovaries. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that CA-Wnt4a was expressed in the somatic and germ cells of the ovary by 30 dah, thereafter, positive signals of Wnt4a were detected in the somatic cells, oogonia and primary growth oocytes from 60 dah. In the sex-reversed testis induced by letrozole treatment, the expression level of CA-wnt4a was significantly downregulated. When CA-wnt4a expression was inhibited by injection of FH535 (an inhibitor of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway) in the ovaries, levels of cyp19a1a, foxl2 mRNA were significantly downregulated, while sox9b and cyp11c1 were upregulated, which suggested that together with Foxl2-leading estrogen pathway, CA-wnt4a signaling pathway might be involved in ovarian differentiation and repression of the male pathway gene expression in Qi river crucian carp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Wu
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China
| | - Yongjing Li
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China
| | - Yufeng Xu
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China
| | - Yanfeng Li
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China
| | - Xiao Ma
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China
| | - Huifen Liu
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China
| | - Xuejun Li
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, PR China
| | - Linyan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China.
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18
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Male-specific asymmetric curvature of anal fin in a viviparous teleost, Xenotoca eiseni. ZOOLOGY 2019; 134:1-7. [PMID: 31146903 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Xenotoca eiseni is a viviparous teleost from the family Goodeidae. Internal fertilization occurs in this species; therefore, the male fish must transfer their sperm to the females. To this end, the males use their anal fins as external genitalia during mating. However, in goodeid species, there are a few reports of anal fin modifications functioning as genitalia. In the present study, I describe a male-specific lateral curvature with fin robe thickening on the two most posterior rays of the anal fin of X. eiseni. Morphological and behavioral analyses suggested that the lateral curvature provides a directional preference for coupling of male X. eiseni. The modification appears to be a male secondary sex characteristic. Other goodeid species Xenotoca melanosoma and Chapalichthys pardalis also possess the lateral curvature, but without robe thickening. Furthermore, Zoogoneticus quitzeoensis exhibited only curvature structure either smaller than those of other species or absent. Therefore, the anal fin curvature may not necessarily be used for internal fertilization in all species investigated in this study. However, it is still possible that it provides novel advantages during mating in certain goodeid species.
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19
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Abstract
Sexual fate can no longer be considered an irreversible deterministic process that once established during early embryonic development, plays out unchanged across an organism's life. Rather, it appears to be a dynamic process, with sexual phenotype determined through an ongoing battle for supremacy between antagonistic male and female developmental pathways. That sexual fate is not final and is actively regulated via the suppression or activation of opposing genetic networks creates the potential for flexibility in sexual phenotype in adulthood. Such flexibility is seen in many fish, where sex change is a usual and adaptive part of the life cycle. Many fish are sequential hermaphrodites, beginning life as one sex and changing sometime later to the other. Sequential hermaphrodites include species capable of female-to-male (protogynous), male-to-female (protandrous), or bidirectional (serial) sex change. These natural forms of sex change involve coordinated transformations across multiple biological systems, including behavioral, anatomical, neuroendocrine and molecular axes. Here we review the biological processes underlying this amazing transformation, focusing particularly on the molecular aspects, where new genomic technologies are beginning to help us understand how sex change is initiated and regulated at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil J Gemmell
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Erica V Todd
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Timothy A Hore
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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20
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Savchuk I, Morvan ML, Antignac JP, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Le Bizec B, Söder O, Svechnikov K. The human genital tubercle is steroidogenic organ at early pregnancy. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 477:148-155. [PMID: 29928928 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
It is generally accepted that androgens produced by fetal Leydig cells (FLC) control proper masculinization of the male external genitalia. Here, we hypothesized that the human genital tubercle (GT) has potential to synthesize androgens independently of FLC at early pregnancy. We observed that human GT of both genders have capacity to synthesize steroids of the Δ4, Δ5 and alternative pathway of DHT synthesis including the androgen itself. The presence of steroids in the GT was associated with the expression of corresponding steroidogenic enzymes. Levels of steroids and the expression of steroidogenic enzymes were similar in the GT from male and female fetuses. In contrast to the GT, the human fetal testis synthesized DHT from testosterone but not via the alternative pathway. Our findings strongly suggest that the human GT at early pregnancy can synthesize DHT via the alternative pathway, which may play an important role in organogenesis of the urethra.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Savchuk
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institutet & University Hospital, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M L Morvan
- LUNAM Université, École nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les aliments (LABERCA), UMR INRA, 1329, Nantes, France
| | - J P Antignac
- LUNAM Université, École nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les aliments (LABERCA), UMR INRA, 1329, Nantes, France
| | - K Gemzell-Danielsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Divivision of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B Le Bizec
- LUNAM Université, École nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les aliments (LABERCA), UMR INRA, 1329, Nantes, France
| | - O Söder
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institutet & University Hospital, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - K Svechnikov
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institutet & University Hospital, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden.
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21
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Li Q, Jiao J, Li H, Wan H, Zheng C, Cai J, Bao S. Histone arginine methylation by Prmt5 is required for lung branching morphogenesis through repression of BMP signaling. J Cell Sci 2018; 131:jcs.217406. [PMID: 29950483 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.217406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Branching morphogenesis is essential for the successful development of a functional lung to accomplish its gas exchange function. Although many studies have highlighted requirements for the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway during branching morphogenesis, little is known about how BMP signaling is regulated. Here, we report that the protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (Prmt5) and symmetric dimethylation at histone H4 arginine 3 (H4R3sme2) directly associate with chromatin of Bmp4 to suppress its transcription. Inactivation of Prmt5 in the lung epithelium results in halted branching morphogenesis, altered epithelial cell differentiation and neonatal lethality. These defects are accompanied by increased apoptosis and reduced proliferation of lung epithelium, as a consequence of elevated canonical BMP-Smad1/5/9 signaling. Inhibition of BMP signaling by Noggin rescues the lung branching defects of Prmt5 mutant in vitro Taken together, our results identify a novel mechanism through which Prmt5-mediated histone arginine methylation represses canonical BMP signaling to regulate lung branching morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China.,School of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Huijun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China.,School of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Huajing Wan
- Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, West China Institute of Women and Children's Health, and Department of Pediatrics, Huaxi Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Caihong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Cai
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Shilai Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China .,School of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
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22
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A Rare Case of Human Diphallia Associated with Hypospadias. Case Rep Urol 2018; 2018:8293036. [PMID: 30009078 PMCID: PMC6020512 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8293036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Diphallia or penile duplication is a rare congenital variant with an estimated frequency of 1 per 5 to 6 million live births. The extent of duplication varies widely and typically occurs with other malformations including urogenital, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal anomalies. Here we present a case of human diphallia that was detected during routine dissection of an 84-year-old cadaver. Upon thorough examination, this case was characterized as a complete bifid penis which was accompanied by hypospadias with no other anatomical abnormalities detected. To gain insights into the etiology of this case, we analyzed DNA procured from the body for putative genetic variants using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology. Our results support clinical observations consistent with human diphallia being a polygenic syndrome and identify new genetic variants that might underlie its etiology.
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23
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Goikoetxea A, Todd EV, Gemmell NJ. Stress and sex: does cortisol mediate sex change in fish? Reproduction 2017; 154:R149-R160. [PMID: 28890443 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cortisol is the main glucocorticoid (GC) in fish and the hormone most directly associated with stress. Recent research suggests that this hormone may act as a key factor linking social environmental stimuli and the onset of sex change by initiating a shift in steroidogenesis from estrogens to androgens. For many teleost fish, sex change occurs as a usual part of the life cycle. Changing sex is known to enhance the lifetime reproductive success of these fish and the modifications involved (behavioral, gonadal and morphological) are well studied. However, the exact mechanism behind the transduction of the environmental signals into the molecular cascade that underlies this singular process remains largely unknown. We here synthesize current knowledge regarding the role of cortisol in teleost sex change with a focus on two well-described transformations: temperature-induced masculinization and socially regulated sex change. Three non-mutually exclusive pathways are considered when describing the potential role of cortisol in mediating teleost sex change: cross-talk between GC and androgen pathways, inhibition of aromatase expression and upregulation of amh (the gene encoding anti-Müllerian hormone). We anticipate that understanding the role of cortisol in the initial stages of sex change will further improve our understanding of sex determination and differentiation across vertebrates, and may lead to new tools to control fish sex ratios in aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erica V Todd
- Department of AnatomyUniversity of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Neil J Gemmell
- Department of AnatomyUniversity of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Ambeskovic M, Roseboom TJ, Metz GAS. Transgenerational effects of early environmental insults on aging and disease incidence. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 117:297-316. [PMID: 28807754 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Revised: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adverse early life experiences are major influences on developmental trajectories with potentially life-long consequences. Prenatal or early postnatal exposure to stress, undernutrition or environmental toxicants may reprogram brain development and increase risk of behavioural and neurological disorders later in life. Not only experience within a single lifetime, but also ancestral experience affects health trajectories and chances of successful aging. The central mechanism in transgenerational programming of a disease may be the formation of epigenetic memory. This review explores transgenerational effects of early adverse experience on health and disease incidence in older age. First, we address mechanisms of developmental and transgenerational programming of disease and inheritance. Second, we discuss experimental and clinical findings linking early environmental determinants to adverse aging trajectories in association with possible parental contributions and sex-specific effects. Third, we outline the main mechanisms of age-related functional decline and suggest potential interventions to reverse negative effects of transgenerational programming. Thus, strategies that support healthy development and successful aging should take into account the potential influences of transgenerational inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Ambeskovic
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K3M4, Canada
| | - Tessa J Roseboom
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Centre, Meibergdreef 9, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gerlinde A S Metz
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K3M4, Canada.
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Savchuk I, Morvan ML, Antignac JP, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Le Bizec B, Söder O, Svechnikov K. Androgenic potential of human fetal adrenals at the end of the first trimester. Endocr Connect 2017; 6:348-359. [PMID: 28592511 PMCID: PMC5516548 DOI: 10.1530/ec-17-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The onset of steroidogenesis in human fetal adrenal glands (HFA) during the first trimester is poorly investigated. An unresolved question is the capacity of the HFA to produce potent androgen DHT via conventional and/or the backdoor pathway(s) at the end of first trimester, when androgen-responsive organs are developed. Our aim was to explore steroidogenesis and the expression of steroidogenic enzymes and transcription factors in HFA at gestational weeks (GW) 9-12 with focus on their androgenic potential. Steroids in the HFA were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The expression of steroidogenic enzymes and transcription factors in the HFA at GW9-12 was investigated by qPCR, automated Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. We demonstrated that during GW9-12 HFA produced steroids of the ∆5, ∆4 and the backdoor pathways of the biosynthesis of DHT, though the latter was limited to production of 17α-OH-dihydroprogesterone, androsterone and androstanedione without further conversion to DHT. The only androgens identified in the HFA were testosterone and androsterone, a precursor in the biosynthesis of DHT. We also observed higher levels of CYP17A1 but low expression of 3βHSD2 at GW11-12 in the HFA. Elevated levels of CYP17A1 were associated with an increased expression of SF-1 and GATA-6. Altogether, our data demonstrate that of those steroids analyzed, the only potent androgen directly produced by the HFA at GW9-12 was testosterone. The onset of steroidogenesis in the HFA is a complex process that is regulated by the coordinated action of related transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Savchuk
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M L Morvan
- LUNAM UniversitéÉcole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation, Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les Aliments (LABERCA), USC INRA 1329, Nantes, France
| | - J P Antignac
- LUNAM UniversitéÉcole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation, Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les Aliments (LABERCA), USC INRA 1329, Nantes, France
| | - K Gemzell-Danielsson
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKarolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B Le Bizec
- LUNAM UniversitéÉcole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation, Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les Aliments (LABERCA), USC INRA 1329, Nantes, France
| | - O Söder
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - K Svechnikov
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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26
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Cooke PS, Nanjappa MK, Ko C, Prins GS, Hess RA. Estrogens in Male Physiology. Physiol Rev 2017; 97:995-1043. [PMID: 28539434 PMCID: PMC6151497 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00018.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens have historically been associated with female reproduction, but work over the last two decades established that estrogens and their main nuclear receptors (ESR1 and ESR2) and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) also regulate male reproductive and nonreproductive organs. 17β-Estradiol (E2) is measureable in blood of men and males of other species, but in rete testis fluids, E2 reaches concentrations normally found only in females and in some species nanomolar concentrations of estrone sulfate are found in semen. Aromatase, which converts androgens to estrogens, is expressed in Leydig cells, seminiferous epithelium, and other male organs. Early studies showed E2 binding in numerous male tissues, and ESR1 and ESR2 each show unique distributions and actions in males. Exogenous estrogen treatment produced male reproductive pathologies in laboratory animals and men, especially during development, and studies with transgenic mice with compromised estrogen signaling demonstrated an E2 role in normal male physiology. Efferent ductules and epididymal functions are dependent on estrogen signaling through ESR1, whose loss impaired ion transport and water reabsorption, resulting in abnormal sperm. Loss of ESR1 or aromatase also produces effects on nonreproductive targets such as brain, adipose, skeletal muscle, bone, cardiovascular, and immune tissues. Expression of GPER is extensive in male tracts, suggesting a possible role for E2 signaling through this receptor in male reproduction. Recent evidence also indicates that membrane ESR1 has critical roles in male reproduction. Thus estrogens are important physiological regulators in males, and future studies may reveal additional roles for estrogen signaling in various target tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Manjunatha K Nanjappa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Gail S Prins
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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27
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Choudhury MN, Uddin A, Chakraborty S. Nucleotide composition and codon usage bias of SRY gene. Andrologia 2017; 50. [PMID: 28124482 DOI: 10.1111/and.12787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The SRY gene is present within the sex-determining region of the Y chromosome which is responsible for maleness in mammals. The nonuniform usage of synonymous codons in the mRNA transcript for encoding a particular amino acid is the codon usage bias (CUB). Analysis of codon usage pattern is important to understand the genetic and molecular organisation of a gene. It also helps in heterologous gene expression, design of primer and synthetic gene. However, the analysis of codon usage bias of SRY gene was not yet studied. We have used bioinformatic tools to analyse codon usage bias of SRY gene across mammals. Codon bias index (CBI) indicated that the overall extent of codon usage bias was weak. The relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis suggested that most frequently used codons had an A or C at the third codon position. Compositional constraint played an important role in codon usage pattern as evident from correspondence analysis (CA). Significant correlation among nucleotides constraints indicated that both mutation pressure and natural selection affect the codon usage pattern. Neutrality plot suggested that natural selection might play a major role, while mutation pressure might play a minor role in codon usage pattern in SRY gene in different species of mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N Choudhury
- Department of Biotechnology, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India
| | - A Uddin
- Department of Zoology, Moinul Hoque Choudhury Memorial Science College, Algapur, Hailakandi, India
| | - S Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India
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28
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Todd EV, Liu H, Muncaster S, Gemmell NJ. Bending Genders: The Biology of Natural Sex Change in Fish. Sex Dev 2016; 10:223-241. [PMID: 27820936 DOI: 10.1159/000449297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual fate is no longer seen as an irreversible deterministic switch set during early embryonic development but as an ongoing battle for primacy between male and female developmental trajectories. That sexual fate is not final and must be actively maintained via continuous suppression of the opposing sexual network creates the potential for flexibility into adulthood. In many fishes, sexuality is not only extremely plastic, but sex change is a usual and adaptive part of the life cycle. Sequential hermaphrodites begin life as one sex, changing sometime later to the other, and include species capable of protandrous (male-to-female), protogynous (female-to-male), or serial (bidirectional) sex change. Natural sex change involves coordinated transformations across multiple biological systems, including behavioural, anatomical, neuroendocrine, and molecular axes. We here review the biological processes underlying this amazing transformation, focussing particularly on its molecular basis, which remains poorly understood, but where new genomic technologies are significantly advancing our understanding of how sex change is initiated and progressed at the molecular level. Knowledge of how a usually committed developmental process remains plastic in sequentially hermaphroditic fishes is relevant to understanding the evolution and functioning of sexual developmental systems in vertebrates generally, as well as pathologies of sexual development in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica V Todd
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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29
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Yoshino T, Murai H, Saito D. Hedgehog-BMP signalling establishes dorsoventral patterning in lateral plate mesoderm to trigger gonadogenesis in chicken embryos. Nat Commun 2016; 7:12561. [PMID: 27558761 PMCID: PMC5007334 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The gonad appears in the early embryo after several events: cells at the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) undergo ingression, begin gonadal differentiation and then retain primordial germ cells (PGCs). Here we show that in the chicken embryo, these events are triggered on the basis of dorsoventral patterning at the medial LPM. Gonadal progenitor cells (GPCs) at the ventromedial LPM initiate gonadogenesis by undergoing ingression, whereas mesonephric capsule progenitor cells (MCPCs) at the dorsomedial LPM do not. These contrasting behaviours are caused by Hedgehog signalling, which is activated in GPCs but not in MCPCs. Inhibiting Hedgehog signalling prevents GPCs from forming gonadal structures and collecting PGCs. When activated by Hedgehog signalling, MCPCs form an ectopic gonad. This Hedgehog signalling is mediated by BMP4. These findings provide insight into embryonic patterning and gonadal initiation in the chicken embryo. Ingression of cells from the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) initiates gonad differentiation but how these events are triggered is unclear. Here, the authors show that gonadal progenitor cells at the ventromedial LPM initiate gonadogenesis, and are activated by Hedgehog and BMP4 signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yoshino
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Murai
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences (FRIS), Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Daisuke Saito
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences (FRIS), Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
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30
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Soleymani B, Hafezian SH, Mianji GR, Mansouri K, Chaharaein B, Tajehmiri A, Sharifi Tabar M, Mostafaie A. Bovine Sex Determining Region Y: Cloning, Optimized Expression, and Purification. Anim Biotechnol 2016; 28:44-52. [DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2016.1198796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bijan Soleymani
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Agricultural Science and Natural Resources University of Sari, Sari, Iran
| | - Sayed Hassan Hafezian
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Agricultural Science and Natural Resources University of Sari, Sari, Iran
| | - Ghodratollah Rahimi Mianji
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Agricultural Science and Natural Resources University of Sari, Sari, Iran
| | - Kamran Mansouri
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Broomand Chaharaein
- Agricultural Research Center, Jehad-e Keshavarzi Institute, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ahmad Tajehmiri
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharifi Tabar
- Schools of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ali Mostafaie
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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31
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Wu L, Wu F, Xie L, Wang D, Zhou L. Synergistic role of β-catenin1 and 2 in ovarian differentiation and maintenance of female pathway in Nile tilapia. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 427:33-44. [PMID: 26948949 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Two β-catenin (β-cat) genes exist in teleosts but little is known about their expression and function in ovarian development. We identified β-cat1 and β-cat2 from the Nile tilapia. β-cat1 and β-cat2 displayed a similar expression pattern in the ovary during development, and were mainly expressed in the oogonia and oocytes. In luciferase assays, β-cat1 activated the TOPFlash reporter dose-dependently, whereas β-cat2 failed to do so. Cotransfection of β-cat1 and β-cat2 synergistically enhanced the expression of the reporter. A specific interaction between β-cat1 and β-cat2 was also observed in a mammalian two-hybrid assay. Furthermore, tilapia recombinant Dkk1, an inhibitor of the β-cat pathway, decreased β-cat1 and β-cat2, while increased sox9, dmrt1, cyp11b2 and foxl2 expression in the in vitro cultured tilapia ovary, which could be abolished by simultaneous treatment with Bio, an agonist of β-cat. Consistently, β-cat1 or β-cat2 knockdown in XX fish by TALENs caused the retardation of ovarian differentiation and masculinization, as reflected by the upregulation of dmrt1, cyp11b2, sox9, and serum 11-KT level. On the contrary, serum E2 level was unchanged even though foxl2 transcription was upregulated. These data suggestes that both β-cat1 and β-cat2 are important members and play synergistic roles in the canonical Wnt signal pathway in fish. Independent of Foxl2-leading estrogen pathway, they might be involved in ovarian differentiation and repression of the male pathway gene expression in tilapia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Fengrui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; School of Biological and Food Engineering, Fuyang Teachers College, Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province, Fuyang 236000, China
| | - Lang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Linyan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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32
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Kayserili H, Altunoglu U, Yesil G, Rosti RÖ. Microcephaly, dysmorphic features, corneal dystrophy, hairy nipples, underdeveloped labioscrotal folds, and small cerebellum in four patients. Am J Med Genet A 2016; 170:1391-9. [PMID: 27075597 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH) can occur as an isolated entity or part of a syndrome. PCH has been reported with facial dysmorphism, ocular anomalies, and genital anomalies, but the co-occurrence of all four has not been previously described. We report on four patients, born to two consanguineous families that are not related to one another, with distinctive facial features (short forehead, laterally extended, medially flared eyebrows), corneal dystrophy, underdevelopment of labioscrotal folds, and nonprogressive PCH. In addition, the patients show hair extruding from the lactiferous ducts, which to our knowledge has not been described before. The parental consanguinity, affected siblings of both genders, and absent manifestations in parents, indicate an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance as most likely. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hülya Kayserili
- Department of Medical Genetics, Koç University, School of Medicine (KUSoM), Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Medical Genetics, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Umut Altunoglu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gozde Yesil
- Department of Genetics, Bezmialem Vakıf University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rasim Özgür Rosti
- Department of Medical Genetics, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Pediatric Brain Diseases, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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33
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Investigation of sexual dimorphisms through mouse models and hormone/hormone-disruptor treatments. Differentiation 2016; 91:78-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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34
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Nishan U, Damas-Souza DM, Barbosa GO, Muhammad N, Rahim A, Carvalho HF. New transcription factors involved with postnatal ventral prostate gland development in male Wistar rats during the first week. Life Sci 2015; 143:168-73. [PMID: 26549646 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2015.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The high incidence in men of prostatic diseases, including benign and malignant tumors, makes the understanding of prostate development and biology very important. Understanding the organogenesis of the prostate gland has been a substantial challenge as "prostatic code" is not well defined at the present time. The novelty of this work lies in unveiling new transcription factors (TFs) during neonatal ventral prostate (VP) gland development in male Wistar rats. MAIN METHODS The techniques of qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry have been employed to perform this work while the VP gland was obtained from neonatal rats at day zero (the day of birth) day 3 and 6. KEY FINDINGS 16 TFs were studied and we found an increased expression of Eya2, Lhrh and Znf142, invariable levels of Znf703 and Dbp, and decreased expression of 11 others at postnatal development day 3 and 6 as compared to day zero. ZNF703 was found by immunohistochemistry in epithelial cells at days 0, 3 and 6. qRT-PCR for Eya2 and Dmrt2 showed the highest and lowest fold change for them respectively, and immunohistochemistry showed that the former is being expressed at the three selected time points while the latter appears to be diminishing with very few cells expressing it until day 6. SIGNIFICANCE Results from this work is reporting the role of these TFs for the first time and will significantly contribute to the current understanding of the development and branching morphogenesis of the neonatal VP gland during the first week of postnatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umar Nishan
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Biomedical Materials (IRCBM), COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Danilo M Damas-Souza
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Oliveira Barbosa
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nawshad Muhammad
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Biomedical Materials (IRCBM), COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdur Rahim
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Biomedical Materials (IRCBM), COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hernandes F Carvalho
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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35
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Li X, Li H, Jia L, Li X, Rahman N. Oestrogen action and male fertility: experimental and clinical findings. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:3915-30. [PMID: 26160724 PMCID: PMC11113595 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1981-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
A proper balance between androgen and oestrogen is fundamental for normal male reproductive development and function in both animals and humans. This balance is governed by the cytochrome P450 aromatase, which is expressed also under spatio-temporal control. Oestrogen receptors ERα and/or ERβ, together with the membrane-associated G-protein-coupled functional ER (GPER), mediate the effects of oestrogen in the testis. Oestrogen action in male reproduction is more complex than previously predicted. The androgen/oestrogen balance and its regulation in the masculinisation programming window (MPW) during foetal life is the most critical period for the development of the male reproductive system. If this balance is impaired during the MPW, the male reproductive system may be negatively affected. Recent data from genetically modified mice and human infertile patients have shown that oestrogens may promote the engulfment of live Leydig cells by macrophages leading to male infertility. We also discuss recent data on environmental oestrogen exposure in men and rodents, where a rodent-human distinction is crucial and analyse some aspects of male fertility potentially related to impaired oestrogen/androgen balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Li
- State Key Laboratory of the Agro-Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
| | - Haiwen Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Lina Jia
- State Key Laboratory of the Agro-Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiru Li
- Department of General Surgery, The 301th Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Nafis Rahman
- Department of Physiology, Institute F Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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36
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Yaba A, Ordueri NEG, Tanriover G, Sahin P, Demir N, Celik-Ozenci C. Expression of CCM2 and CCM3 during mouse gonadogenesis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:1497-507. [PMID: 26386873 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0559-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Three cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) proteins, CCM1, CCM2, and CCM3, regulate cell-cell adhesion, cell shape and polarity, and most likely cell adhesion to extracellular matrix. Recently, CCM2 and CCM3 are known to be expressed in control and varicocele-induced rat testes, but little is known about these proteins during gonadogenesis. This led us to study the CCM proteins during the mouse gonadogenesis. METHODS Neonatal (PND 0), postnatal, and adult mice testes and ovaries were obtained from mice. CCM2 and CCM3 expression were analyzed during mouse testicular and ovarian development by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS The results showed that in both sexes, Ccm2 and Ccm3 mRNA and protein were first detectable after gonadogenesis when the gonads were well differentiated and remained present until the adult stage. In the testis, CCM2 and CCM3 expression were restricted to the nuclei of Sertoli cells, suggesting a conserved role in testicular differentiation. In the ovary, the CCM2 and CCM3 proteins were localized in the cytoplasm of oocytes, suggesting an unexpected role during oogenesis. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results showed that expression of Ccm2 and Ccm3 genes could play a role in the regulation of mouse gonadogenesis translational activation upon testicular and ovarian development. CONCLUSIONS The localization of CCM2 and CCM3 proteins show their different functions for CCM2 and CCM3 which may have important roles in testicular and ovarian differentiation. In conclusion, CCM2 and CCM3 may be involved in establishing the differential expression pattern in developing mouse testis and ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aylin Yaba
- Department of Histology and Embryology, İstanbul Medipol University School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - N Ece Gungor Ordueri
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, 07070 Campus, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gamze Tanriover
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, 07070 Campus, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Pinar Sahin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, 07070 Campus, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Necdet Demir
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, 07070 Campus, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ciler Celik-Ozenci
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, 07070 Campus, Antalya, Turkey.
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Zheng B, Zhao D, Zhang P, Shen C, Guo Y, Zhou T, Guo X, Zhou Z, Sha J. Quantitative Proteomics Reveals the Essential Roles of Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 (STIM1) in the Testicular Cord Formation in Mouse Testis. Mol Cell Proteomics 2015. [PMID: 26199344 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m115.049569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular cord formation in male gonadogenesis involves assembly of several cell types, the precise molecular mechanism is still not well known. With the high-throughput quantitative proteomics technology, a comparative proteomic profile of mouse embryonic male gonads were analyzed at three time points (11.5, 12.5, and 13.5 days post coitum), corresponding to critical stages of testicular cord formation in gonadal development. 4070 proteins were identified, and 338 were differentially expressed, of which the Sertoli cell specific genes were significant enrichment, with mainly increased expression across testis cord development. Additionally, we found overrepresentation of proteins related to oxidative stress in these Sertoli cell specific genes. Of these differentially expressed oxidative stress-associated Sertoli cell specific protein, stromal interaction molecule 1, was found to have discrepant mRNA and protein regulations, with increased protein expression but decreased mRNA levels during testis cord development. Knockdown of Stim1 in Sertoli cells caused extensive defects in gonadal development, including testicular cord disruption, loss of interstitium, and failed angiogenesis, together with increased levels of reactive oxygen species. And suppressing the aberrant elevation of reactive oxygen species could partly rescue the defects of testicular cord development. Taken together, our results suggest that reactive oxygen species regulation in Sertoli cells is important for gonadogenesis, and the quantitative proteomic data could be a rich resource to the elucidation of regulation of testicular cord development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zheng
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Dan Zhao
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Pan Zhang
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Cong Shen
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Zuomin Zhou
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jiahao Sha
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
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Lezcano C, Chaux A, Velazquez EF, Cubilla AL. Clinicopathological features and histogenesis of penile cysts. Semin Diagn Pathol 2015; 32:245-8. [DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2014.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Liu D, Shen L, Tao Y, Kuang Y, Cai L, Wang D, He M, Tong X, Zhou S, Sun J, Shi C, Wang C, Wu Y. Alterations in gene expression during sexual differentiation in androgen receptor knockout mice induced by environmental endocrine disruptors. Int J Mol Med 2014; 35:399-404. [PMID: 25434310 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2014.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we aimed to explore the effect of environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) on sexual differentiation in androgen receptor (AR)-/-, AR+/- and AR+/+ male mice. By using a Cre-loxP conditional knockout strategy, we generated AR knockout mice. By mating flox-AR female mice with AR-Cre male mice, the offspring male mice which were produced were examined. Mice not subjected to any type of intervention were used as the controls. Furthermore, male mice of different genotypes were selected and further divided into subgroups as follows: the control group, bisphenol A (BPA) group and the dibutyl phthalate [corrected] (DBP) group. The expression of the Wilms tumor 1 (WT1), lutropin/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHR), 17-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17βHSD3) and steroid-5-alpha-reductase, alpha polypeptide 2 (SRD5A2) genes was determined by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in the weight of the mice between the control group and the knockout group (P>0.05). The results revealed that, compared with the control group, in the knockout group, anogenital distance was shortened, and testicular weight and testosterone levels were decreased; estradiol levels were elevated; the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). In the group of AR+/- male mice exposed to 100 mg/l EEDs, hypospadias was successfully induced, suggesting that EEDs are involved in the embryonic stage of sexual development in male mice. The quantitative detection of WT1, LHR, 17βHSD3 and SRD5A2 gene expression by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis indicated that these genes were significantly downregulated in the mice in the BPA group. In conclusion, exposure to EEDs induces hypospadias in heterozygous and wild-type male mice offspring during sexual differentiation, but has no effect on homozygous offspring. Therefore, EEDs play an important role during the third stage of sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehong Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Liping Shen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Yonglin Tao
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Ying Kuang
- Shanghai Research Center for Model Organisms, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Lei Cai
- Shanghai Research Center for Model Organisms, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Dan Wang
- School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China
| | - Meiduo He
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Xuebo Tong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Shuguang Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Chenchen Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Chunxiao Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
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Murata T, Ishitsuka Y, Karouji K, Kaneda H, Toki H, Nakai Y, Makino S, Fukumura R, Kotaki H, Wakana S, Noda T, Gondo Y. β-CateninC429S mice exhibit sterility consequent to spatiotemporally sustained Wnt signalling in the internal genitalia. Sci Rep 2014; 4:6959. [PMID: 25376241 PMCID: PMC4223658 DOI: 10.1038/srep06959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signalling regulates numerous developmental and homeostatic processes. Ctnnb1 (also known as β-catenin) is the only protein that transmits signals from various Wnt ligands to downstream genes. In this study, we report that our newly established mouse strain, which harbours a Cys429 to Ser missense mutation in the β-catenin gene, exhibited specific organ defects in contrast to mice with broadly functioning Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Both homozygous mutant males and females produced normal gametes but were infertile because of abnormal seminal vesicle and vaginal morphogenesis. An ins-TOPGAL transgenic reporter spatiotemporally sustained Wnt/β-catenin signalling during the corresponding organogenesis. Therefore, β-catenin(C429S) should provide new insights into β-catenin as a universal component of Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Murata
- Mutagenesis and Genomics Team, RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yuichi Ishitsuka
- Mutagenesis and Genomics Team, RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kumiko Karouji
- Population and Quantitative Genomics Team, RIKEN Genomic Sciences Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hideki Kaneda
- Japan Mouse Clinic, RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hideaki Toki
- Team for Advanced Development and Evaluation of Human Disease Models, RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yuji Nakai
- Mutagenesis and Genomics Team, RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shigeru Makino
- Mutagenesis and Genomics Team, RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Fukumura
- Mutagenesis and Genomics Team, RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hayato Kotaki
- Mutagenesis and Genomics Team, RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shigeharu Wakana
- Japan Mouse Clinic, RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Noda
- Team for Advanced Development and Evaluation of Human Disease Models, RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoichi Gondo
- Mutagenesis and Genomics Team, RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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Sexually dimorphic expression of Mafb regulates masculinization of the embryonic urethral formation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:16407-12. [PMID: 25362053 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1413273111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Masculinization of external genitalia is an essential process in the formation of the male reproductive system. Prominent characteristics of this masculinization are the organ size and the sexual differentiation of the urethra. Although androgen is a pivotal inducer of the masculinization, the regulatory mechanism under the control of androgen is still unknown. Here, we address this longstanding question about how androgen induces masculinization of the embryonic external genitalia through the identification of the v-maf avian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog B (Mafb) gene. Mafb is expressed prominently in the mesenchyme of male genital tubercle (GT), the anlage of external genitalia. MAFB expression is rarely detected in the mesenchyme of female GTs. However, exposure to exogenous androgen induces its mesenchymal expression in female GTs. Furthermore, MAFB expression is prominently down-regulated in male GTs of androgen receptor (Ar) KO mice, indicating that AR signaling is necessary for its expression. It is revealed that Mafb KO male GTs exhibit defective embryonic urethral formation, giving insight into the common human congenital anomaly hypospadias. However, the size of Mafb KO male GTs is similar with that of wild-type males. Moreover, androgen treatment fails to induce urethral masculinization of the GTs in Mafb KO mice. The current results provide evidence that Mafb is an androgen-inducible, sexually dimorphic regulator of embryonic urethral masculinization.
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Racca JD, Chen YS, Maloy JD, Wickramasinghe N, Phillips NB, Weiss MA. Structure-function relationships in human testis-determining factor SRY: an aromatic buttress underlies the specific DNA-bending surface of a high mobility group (HMG) box. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:32410-29. [PMID: 25258310 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.597526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Human testis determination is initiated by SRY, a Y-encoded architectural transcription factor. Mutations in SRY cause 46 XY gonadal dysgenesis with female somatic phenotype (Swyer syndrome) and confer a high risk of malignancy (gonadoblastoma). Such mutations cluster in the SRY high mobility group (HMG) box, a conserved motif of specific DNA binding and bending. To explore structure-function relationships, we constructed all possible substitutions at a site of clinical mutation (W70L). Our studies thus focused on a core aromatic residue (position 15 of the consensus HMG box) that is invariant among SRY-related HMG box transcription factors (the SOX family) and conserved as aromatic (Phe or Tyr) among other sequence-specific boxes. In a yeast one-hybrid system sensitive to specific SRY-DNA binding, the variant domains exhibited reduced (Phe and Tyr) or absent activity (the remaining 17 substitutions). Representative nonpolar variants with partial or absent activity (Tyr, Phe, Leu, and Ala in order of decreasing side-chain volume) were chosen for study in vitro and in mammalian cell culture. The clinical mutation (Leu) was found to markedly impair multiple biochemical and cellular activities as respectively probed through the following: (i) in vitro assays of specific DNA binding and protein stability, and (ii) cell culture-based assays of proteosomal degradation, nuclear import, enhancer DNA occupancy, and SRY-dependent transcriptional activation. Surprisingly, however, DNA bending is robust to this or the related Ala substitution that profoundly impairs box stability. Together, our findings demonstrate that the folding, trafficking, and gene-regulatory function of SRY requires an invariant aromatic "buttress" beneath its specific DNA-bending surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D Racca
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Yen-Shan Chen
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - James D Maloy
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Nalinda Wickramasinghe
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Nelson B Phillips
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Michael A Weiss
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
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43
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Regulation of male sex determination: genital ridge formation and Sry activation in mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:4781-802. [PMID: 25139092 PMCID: PMC4233110 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1703-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sex determination is essential for the sexual reproduction to generate the next generation by the formation of functional male or female gametes. In mammals, primary sex determination is commenced by the presence or absence of the Y chromosome, which controls the fate of the gonadal primordium. The somatic precursor of gonads, the genital ridge is formed at the mid-gestation stage and gives rise to one of two organs, a testis or an ovary. The fate of the genital ridge, which is governed by the differentiation of somatic cells into Sertoli cells in the testes or granulosa cells in the ovaries, further determines the sex of an individual and their germ cells. Mutation studies in human patients with disorders of sex development and mouse models have revealed factors that are involved in mammalian sex determination. In most of mammals, a single genetic trigger, the Y-linked gene Sry (sex determination region on Y chromosome), regulates testicular differentiation. Despite identification of Sry in 1990, precise mechanisms underlying the sex determination of bipotential genital ridges are still largely unknown. Here, we review the recent progress that has provided new insights into the mechanisms underlying genital ridge formation as well as the regulation of Sry expression and its functions in male sex determination of mice.
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44
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Davies W. Sex differences in attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: candidate genetic and endocrine mechanisms. Front Neuroendocrinol 2014; 35:331-46. [PMID: 24680800 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental condition characterised by severe inattention, pathological impulsivity and hyperactivity; it is relatively common affecting up to 6% of children, and is associated with a risk of long-term adverse educational and social consequences. Males are considerably more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females; the course of the disorder and its associated co-morbidities also appear to be sensitive to sex. Here, I discuss fundamental biological (genetic and endocrine) mechanisms that have been shown to, or could theoretically, contribute towards these sexually dimorphic phenomena. Greater understanding of how and why the sexes differ with respect to ADHD vulnerability should allow us to identify and characterise novel protective and risk factors for the disorder, and should ultimately facilitate improved diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Davies
- Behavioural Genetics Group, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Schools of Psychology and Medicine, Cardiff University, Tower Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK; Medical Research Council Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK.
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45
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Rijlaarsdam MA, Looijenga LHJ. An oncofetal and developmental perspective on testicular germ cell cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2014; 29:59-74. [PMID: 25066859 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Germ cell tumors (GCTs) represent a diverse group of tumors presumably originating from (early fetal) developing germ cells. Most frequent are the testicular germ cell cancers (TGCC). Overall, TGCC is the most frequent malignancy in Caucasian males (20-40 years) and remains an important cause of (treatment related) mortality in these young men. The strong association between the phenotype of TGCC stem cell components and their totipotent ancestor (fetal primordial germ cell or gonocyte) makes these tumors highly relevant from an onco-fetal point of view. This review subsequently discusses the evidence for the early embryonic origin of TGCCs, followed by an overview of the crucial association between TGCC pathogenesis, genetics, environmental exposure and the (fetal) testicular micro-environment (genvironment). This culminates in an evaluation of three genvironmentally modulated hallmarks of TGCC directly related to the oncofetal pathogenesis of TGCC: (1) maintenance of pluripotency, (2) cell cycle control/cisplatin sensitivity and (3) regulation of proliferation/migration/apoptosis by KIT-KITL mediated receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. Briefly, TGCC exhibit identifiable stem cell components (seminoma and embryonal carcinoma) and progenitors that show large and consistent similarities to primordial/embryonic germ cells, their presumed totipotent cells of origin. TGCC pathogenesis depends crucially on a complex interaction of genetic and (micro-)environmental, i.e. genvironmental risk factors that have only been partly elucidated despite significant effort. TGCC stem cell components also show a high degree of similarity with embryonic stem/germ cells (ES) in the regulation of pluripotency and cell cycle control, directly related to their exquisite sensitivity to DNA damaging agents (e.g. cisplatin). Of note, (ES specific) micro-RNAs play a pivotal role in the crossover between cell cycle control, pluripotency and chemosensitivity. Moreover, multiple consistent observations reported TGCC to be associated with KIT-KITL mediated receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, a pathway crucially implicated in proliferation, migration and survival during embryogenesis including germ cell development. In conclusion, TGCCs are a fascinating model for onco-fetal developmental processes especially with regard to studying cell cycle control, pluripotency maintenance and KIT-KITL signaling. The knowledge presented here contributes to better understanding of the molecular characteristics of TGCC pathogenesis, translating to identification of at risk individuals and enhanced quality of care for TGCC patients (diagnosis, treatment and follow-up).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin A Rijlaarsdam
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leendert H J Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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46
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Increased gene copy number of VAMP7 disrupts human male urogenital development through altered estrogen action. Nat Med 2014; 20:715-24. [PMID: 24880616 PMCID: PMC4283218 DOI: 10.1038/nm.3580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vesicle transport is intimately connected with key nuclear functions and transcriptional regulation. Here, children born with congenital genitourinary tract masculinization disorders were analyzed by array-Comparative Genomic Hybridization, which revealed the presence of de novo copy number gains on Xq28 encompassing the VAMP7 gene encoding a vesicle-trafficking protein. Humanized VAMP7 BAC transgenic mice displayed cryptorchidism, urethral defects, and hypospadias. Mutant mice exhibited reduced penile length, focal spermatogenic anomalies, diminished sperm motility, and subfertility. VAMP7 colocalized with estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) in the presence of ligand. Elevated levels of VAMP7 markedly intensified ESR1 transcriptional activity by increasing ESR1 protein cellular content upon ligand stimulation and up-regulated the expression of estrogen-responsive genes including ATF3, CYR61, and CTGF, all of which are implicated in human hypospadias. Hence, increased gene dosage of the SNARE protein, VAMP7, enhances estrogen receptor action in male genitourinary tissues, affects the virilization of the reproductive tract, and results in genitourinary birth defects in humans.
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Murashima A, Kishigami S, Thomson A, Yamada G. Androgens and mammalian male reproductive tract development. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1849:163-70. [PMID: 24875095 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
One of the main functions of androgen is in the sexually dimorphic development of the male reproductive tissues. During embryogenesis, androgen determines the morphogenesis of male specific organs, such as the epididymis, seminal vesicle, prostate and penis. Despite the critical function of androgens in masculinization, the downstream molecular mechanisms of androgen signaling are poorly understood. Tissue recombination experiments and tissue specific androgen receptor (AR) knockout mouse studies have revealed epithelial or mesenchymal specific androgen-AR signaling functions. These findings also indicate that epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are a key feature of AR specific activity, and paracrine growth factor action may mediate some of the effects of androgens. This review focuses on mouse models showing the interactions of androgen and growth factor pathways that promote the sexual differentiation of reproductive organs. Recent studies investigating context dependent AR target genes are also discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Nuclear receptors in animal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki Murashima
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama 641-8509, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kishigami
- Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kinki University, Kinokawa 649-6493, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Axel Thomson
- Department of Urology, McGill University Health Centre, 1650 Cedar Av, Montreal, Québec, H3A 1A4, Canada
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama 641-8509, Wakayama, Japan.
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48
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Dai R, Ahmed SA. Sexual dimorphism of miRNA expression: a new perspective in understanding the sex bias of autoimmune diseases. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2014; 10:151-63. [PMID: 24623979 PMCID: PMC3949753 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s33517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases encompass a diverse group of diseases which emanate from a dysregulated immune system that launches a damaging attack on its own tissues. Autoimmune attacks on self tissues can occur in any organ or body system. A notable feature of autoimmune disease is that a majority of these disorders occur predominantly in females. The precise basis of sex bias in autoimmune diseases is complex and potentially involves sex chromosomes, sex hormones, and sex-specific gene regulation in response to internal and external stimuli. Epigenetic regulation of genes, especially by microRNAs (miRNAs), is now attracting significant attention. miRNAs are small, non-protein-coding RNAs that are predicted to regulate a majority of human genes, including those involved in immune regulation. Therefore, it is not surprising that dysregulated miRNAs are evident in many diseases, including autoimmune diseases. Because there are marked sex differences in the incidence of autoimmune diseases, this review focuses on the role of sex factors on miRNA expression in the context of autoimmune diseases, an aspect not addressed thus far. Here, we initially review miRNA biogenesis and miRNA regulation of immunity and autoimmunity. We then summarize the recent findings of sexual dimorphism of miRNA expression in diverse tissues, which imply a critical role of miRNA in sex differentiation and in sex-specific regulation of tissue development and/or function. We also discuss the important contribution of the X chromosome and sex hormones to the sexual dimorphism of miRNA expression. Understanding sexually dimorphic miRNA expression in sex-biased autoimmune diseases not only offers us new insight into the mechanism of sex bias of the disease but will also aid us in developing new sex-based therapeutic strategies for the efficient treatment of these diseases with a sex bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rujuan Dai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - S Ansar Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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49
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Ipulan LA, Suzuki K, Matsushita S, Suzuki H, Okazawa M, Jacinto S, Hirai SI, Yamada G. Development of the external genitalia and their sexual dimorphic regulation in mice. Sex Dev 2014; 8:297-310. [PMID: 24503953 DOI: 10.1159/000357932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of the external genitalia is divided into 2 developmental stages: the formation and growth of a bipotential genital tubercle (GT) and the sexual differentiation of the male and female GT. The sexually dimorphic processes, which occur during the second part of GT differentiation, are suggested to be governed by androgen signaling and more recently crosstalk with other signaling factors. The process of elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of hormone signaling towards other signaling networks in the GT is still in its early stages. Nevertheless, it is becoming a productive area of research. This review summarizes various studies on the development of the murine GT and the defining characteristics of a masculinized GT and presents the different signaling pathways possibly involved during masculinization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lerrie Ann Ipulan
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Wakayama, Japan
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50
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Abstract
Losing the penis in species with internal fertilization may seem paradoxical, but birds have managed to do it multiple times. A new study addresses one developmental mechanism responsible for penis reduction in birds, and opens the door to further examination of this little understood evolutionary phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L R Brennan
- Division of Organismal and Evolutionary Biology and Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
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