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Olotu O, Ahmedani A, Kotaja N. Small Non-Coding RNAs in Male Reproduction. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:213-225. [PMID: 38346711 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1779726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Male reproductive functions are strictly regulated in order to maintain sperm production and fertility. All processes are controlled by precise regulation of gene expression, which creates specific gene expression programs for different developmental stages and cell types, and forms the functional basis for the reproductive system. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) are involved in gene regulation by targeting mRNAs for translational repression and degradation through complementary base pairing to recognize their targets. This review article summarizes the current knowledge on the function of different classes of sncRNAs, in particular microRNAs (miRNAs) and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), during male germ cell differentiation, with the focus on sncRNAs expressed in the germline. Although transcriptionally inactive, mature spermatozoa contain a complex population of sncRNAs, and we also discuss the recently identified role of sperm sncRNAs in the intergenerational transmission of epigenetic information on father's environmental and lifestyle exposures to offspring. Finally, we summarize the current information on the utility of sncRNAs as potential biomarkers of infertility that may aid in the diagnosis and prediction of outcomes of medically assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Opeyemi Olotu
- Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ammar Ahmedani
- Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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2
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Kopania EEK, Thomas GWC, Hutter CR, Mortimer SME, Callahan CM, Roycroft E, Achmadi AS, Breed WG, Clark NL, Esselstyn JA, Rowe KC, Good JM. Molecular evolution of male reproduction across species with highly divergent sperm morphology in diverse murine rodents. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.30.555585. [PMID: 37693452 PMCID: PMC10491253 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.30.555585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Sperm competition can drive rapid evolution of male reproductive traits, but it remains unclear how variation in sperm competition intensity shapes phenotypic and molecular diversity across clades. Old World mice and rats (subfamily Murinae) comprise a rapid radiation and exhibit incredible diversity in sperm morphology and production. We combined phenotype and sequence data to model the evolution of reproductive traits and genes across 78 murine species. We identified several shifts towards smaller relative testes mass, a trait reflective of reduced sperm competition. Several sperm traits were associated with relative testes mass, suggesting that mating system evolution likely selects for convergent traits related to sperm competitive ability. Molecular evolutionary rates of spermatogenesis proteins also correlated with relative testes mass, but in an unexpected direction. We predicted that sperm competition would result in rapid divergence among species with large relative testes mass, but instead found that many spermatogenesis genes evolve more rapidly in species with smaller relative testes mass due to relaxed purifying selection. While some reproductive genes evolved under positive selection, relaxed selection played a greater role underlying rapid evolution in small testes species. Our work demonstrates that sexual selection can impose strong purifying selection shaping the evolution of male reproduction.
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3
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Liu W, Li X, Ma Q, Zhu Y, Zhao W, Yang Y, Xiao W, Huang D, Cai F, Chan DYL, Zhao S, Chu Q. Testis cell pyroptosis mediated by CASP1 and CASP4: possible sertoli cell-only syndrome pathogenesis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:53. [PMID: 37296437 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01101-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) is the most serious pathological type of non-obstructive azoospermia. Recently, several genes related to SCOS have been identified, including FANCM, TEX14, NR5A1, NANOS2, PLK4, WNK3, and FANCA, but they cannot fully explain the pathogenesis of SCOS. This study attempted to explain spermatogenesis dysfunction in SCOS through testicular tissue RNA sequencing and to provide new targets for SCOS diagnosis and therapy. METHODS We analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) based on RNA sequencing of nine patients with SCOS and three patients with obstructive azoospermia and normal spermatogenesis. We further explored the identified genes using ELISA and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS In total, 9406 DEGs were expressed (Log2|FC|≥ 1; adjusted P value < 0.05) in SCOS samples, and 21 hub genes were identified. Three upregulated core genes were found, including CASP4, CASP1, and PLA2G4A. Thus, we hypothesized that testis cell pyroptosis mediated by CASP1 and CASP4 might be involved in SCOS occurrence and development. ELISA verified that CASP1 and CASP4 activities in the testes of patients with SCOS were significantly higher than those in patients with normal spermatogenesis. Immunohistochemical results showed that CASP1 and CASP4 in the normal spermatogenesis group were mainly expressed in the nuclei of spermatogenic, Sertoli, and interstitial cells. CASP1 and CASP4 in the SCOS group were mainly expressed in the nuclei of Sertoli and interstitial cells because of the loss of spermatogonia and spermatocytes. CASP1 and CASP4 expression levels in the testes of patients with SCOS were significantly higher than those in patients with normal spermatogenisis. Furthermore, the pyroptosis-related proteins GSDMD and GSDME in the testes of patients with SCOS were also significantly higher than those in control patients. ELISA also showed that inflammatory factors (IL-1 β, IL-18, LDH, and ROS) were significantly increased in the SCOS group. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, we found that cell pyroptosis-related genes and key markers were significantly increased in the testes of patients with SCOS. We also observed many inflammatory and oxidative stress reactions in SCOS. Thus, we propose that testis cell pyroptosis mediated by CASP1 and CASP4 could participate in SCOS occurrence and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wantao Liu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinan Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Ma
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongtong Zhu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenzhong Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yisheng Yang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiqiang Xiao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Daxiong Huang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengbo Cai
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - David Yiu Leung Chan
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Shanchao Zhao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Qingjun Chu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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4
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Yao B, An K, Kang Y, Tan Y, Zhang D, Su J. Reproductive Suppression Caused by Spermatogenic Arrest: Transcriptomic Evidence from a Non-Social Animal. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054611. [PMID: 36902039 PMCID: PMC10003443 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive suppression is an adaptive strategy in animal reproduction. The mechanism of reproductive suppression has been studied in social animals, providing an essential basis for understanding the maintenance and development of population stability. However, little is known about it in solitary animals. The plateau zokor is a dominant, subterranean, solitary rodent in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. However, the mechanism of reproductive suppression in this animal is unknown. We perform morphological, hormonal, and transcriptomic assays on the testes of male plateau zokors in breeders, in non-breeders, and in the non-breeding season. We found that the testes of non-breeders are smaller in weight and have lower serum testosterone levels than those of breeders, and the mRNA expression levels of the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and its transcription factors are significantly higher in non-breeder testes. Genes related to spermatogenesis are significantly downregulated in both meiotic and post-meiotic stages in non-breeders. Genes related to the meiotic cell cycle, spermatogenesis, flagellated sperm motility, fertilization, and sperm capacitation are significantly downregulated in non-breeders. Our data suggest that high levels of AMH may lead to low levels of testosterone, resulting in delayed testicular development, and physiological reproductive suppression in plateau zokor. This study enriches our understanding of reproductive suppression in solitary mammals and provides a basis for the optimization of managing this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohui Yao
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Kang An
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yukun Kang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yuchen Tan
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Degang Zhang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Junhu Su
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Correspondence:
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5
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Lehtiniemi T, Bourgery M, Ma L, Ahmedani A, Mäkelä M, Asteljoki J, Olotu O, Laasanen S, Zhang FP, Tan K, Chousal JN, Burow D, Koskinen S, Laiho A, Elo L, Chalmel F, Wilkinson M, Kotaja N. SMG6 localizes to the chromatoid body and shapes the male germ cell transcriptome to drive spermatogenesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:11470-11491. [PMID: 36259644 PMCID: PMC9723633 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) is a highly conserved and selective RNA turnover pathway that depends on the endonuclease SMG6. Here, we show that SMG6 is essential for male germ cell differentiation in mice. Germ-cell conditional knockout (cKO) of Smg6 induces extensive transcriptome misregulation, including a failure to eliminate meiotically expressed transcripts in early haploid cells, and accumulation of NMD target mRNAs with long 3' untranslated regions (UTRs). Loss of SMG6 in the male germline results in complete arrest of spermatogenesis at the early haploid cell stage. We find that SMG6 is strikingly enriched in the chromatoid body (CB), a specialized cytoplasmic granule in male germ cells also harboring PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and the piRNA-binding protein PIWIL1. This raises the possibility that SMG6 and the piRNA pathway function together, which is supported by several findings, including that Piwil1-KO mice phenocopy Smg6-cKO mice and that SMG6 and PIWIL1 co-regulate many genes in round spermatids. Together, our results demonstrate that SMG6 is an essential regulator of the male germline transcriptome, and highlight the CB as a molecular platform coordinating RNA regulatory pathways to control sperm production and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Lehtiniemi
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matthieu Bourgery
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Lin Ma
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ammar Ahmedani
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Margareeta Mäkelä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Juho Asteljoki
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Opeyemi Olotu
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Samuli Laasanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Fu-Ping Zhang
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- GM-Unit, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kun Tan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jennifer N Chousal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dana Burow
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Satu Koskinen
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Asta Laiho
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura L Elo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Frédéric Chalmel
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Miles F Wilkinson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine (IGM), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Institute of Biomedicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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6
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Ceyhan Y, Zhang M, Sandoval CG, Agoulnik AI, Agoulnik IU. Expression pattern and the roles of phosphatidylinositol phosphatases in testis. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:902-915. [PMID: 35766372 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac132] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositides (PIs) are relatively rare lipid components of the cellular membranes. Their homeostasis is tightly controlled by specific PI kinases and phosphatases. PIs play essential roles in cellular signaling, cytoskeletal organization, and secretory processes in various diseases and normal physiology. Gene targeting experiments strongly suggest that in mice with deficiency of several PI phosphatases such as Pten, Mtmrs, Inpp4b, and Inpp5b, spermatogenesis is affected, resulting in partial or complete infertility. Similarly, in men, loss of several of the PIP phosphatases is observed in infertility characterized by the lack of mature sperm. Using available gene expression databases, we compare expression of known PI phosphatases in various testicular cell types, infertility patients, and mouse age-dependent testicular gene expression, and discuss their potential roles in testis physiology and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin Ceyhan
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Manqi Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Carlos G Sandoval
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander I Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Irina U Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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7
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O'Donnell L, Smith LB, Rebourcet D. Sperm-specific proteins: new implications for diagnostic development and cancer immunotherapy. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2022; 77:102104. [PMID: 35671587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2022.102104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa are comprised of many unique proteins not expressed elsewhere. Sperm-specific proteins are first expressed at puberty, after the development of immune tolerance to self-antigens, and have been assumed to remain confined inside the seminiferous tubules, protected from immune cell recognition by various mechanisms of testicular immune privilege. However, new data has shown that sperm-specific proteins are released by the tubules into the surrounding interstitial fluid; from here they can contact immune cells, potentially promote immune tolerance, and enter the circulation. These new findings have clinical implications for diagnostics and therapeutics targeted at a specific class of proteins known as cancer-testis antigens (CTA), the opportunity to identify new communication pathways in the testis, and to discover new ways to monitor testis function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza O'Donnell
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Lee B Smith
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, 4222, Queensland, Australia
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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8
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Curley M, Darbey A, O'Donnell L, Kilcoyne KR, Wilson K, Mungall W, Rebourcet D, Guo J, Mitchell RT, Smith LB. Leukemia inhibitory factor-receptor signalling negatively regulates gonadotrophin-stimulated testosterone production in mouse Leydig Cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 544:111556. [PMID: 35031431 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Testicular Leydig cells (LCs) are the principal source of circulating testosterone in males. LC steroidogenesis maintains sexual function, fertility and general health, and is influenced by various paracrine factors. The leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) is expressed in the testis and activated by different ligands, including leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), produced by peritubular myoid cells. LIF can modulate LC testosterone production in vitro under certain circumstances, but the role of consolidated signalling through LIFR in adult LC function in vivo has not been established. We used a conditional Lifr allele in combination with adenoviral vectors expressing Cre-recombinase to generate an acute model of LC Lifr-KO in the adult mouse testis, and showed that LC Lifr is not required for short term LC survival or basal steroidogenesis. However, LIFR-signalling negatively regulates steroidogenic enzyme expression and maximal gonadotrophin-stimulated testosterone biosynthesis, expanding our understanding of the intricate regulation of LC steroidogenic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Curley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Annalucia Darbey
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Liza O'Donnell
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Karen R Kilcoyne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsten Wilson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Will Mungall
- Bioresearch and Veterinary Services, University of Edinburgh, the Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Jingtao Guo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, EH91LF, United Kingdom
| | - Lee B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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9
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Hunnicutt KE, Good JM, Larson EL. Unraveling patterns of disrupted gene expression across a complex tissue. Evolution 2022; 76:275-291. [PMID: 34882778 PMCID: PMC9355168 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Whole tissue RNASeq is the standard approach for studying gene expression divergence in evolutionary biology and provides a snapshot of the comprehensive transcriptome for a given tissue. However, whole tissues consist of diverse cell types differing in expression profiles, and the cellular composition of these tissues can evolve across species. Here, we investigate the effects of different cellular composition on whole tissue expression profiles. We compared gene expression from whole testes and enriched spermatogenesis populations in two species of house mice, Mus musculus musculus and M. m. domesticus, and their sterile and fertile F1 hybrids, which differ in both cellular composition and regulatory dynamics. We found that cellular composition differences skewed expression profiles and differential gene expression in whole testes samples. Importantly, both approaches were able to detect large-scale patterns such as disrupted X chromosome expression, although whole testes sampling resulted in decreased power to detect differentially expressed genes. We encourage researchers to account for histology in RNASeq and consider methods that reduce sample complexity whenever feasible. Ultimately, we show that differences in cellular composition between tissues can modify expression profiles, potentially altering inferred gene ontological processes, insights into gene network evolution, and processes governing gene expression evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffrey M. Good
- University of Montana, Division of Biological Sciences, Missoula, MO, 59812
| | - Erica L. Larson
- University of Denver, Department of Biological Sciences, Denver, CO, 80208
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10
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Kopania EEK, Larson EL, Callahan C, Keeble S, Good JM. Molecular Evolution across Mouse Spermatogenesis. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:6517785. [PMID: 35099536 PMCID: PMC8844503 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Genes involved in spermatogenesis tend to evolve rapidly, but we lack a clear understanding of how protein sequences and patterns of gene expression evolve across this complex developmental process. We used fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to generate expression data for early (meiotic) and late (postmeiotic) cell types across 13 inbred strains of mice (Mus) spanning ∼7 My of evolution. We used these comparative developmental data to investigate the evolution of lineage-specific expression, protein-coding sequences, and expression levels. We found increased lineage specificity and more rapid protein-coding and expression divergence during late spermatogenesis, suggesting that signatures of rapid testis molecular evolution are punctuated across sperm development. Despite strong overall developmental parallels in these components of molecular evolution, protein and expression divergences were only weakly correlated across genes. We detected more rapid protein evolution on the X chromosome relative to the autosomes, whereas X-linked gene expression tended to be relatively more conserved likely reflecting chromosome-specific regulatory constraints. Using allele-specific FACS expression data from crosses between four strains, we found that the relative contributions of different regulatory mechanisms also differed between cell types. Genes showing cis-regulatory changes were more common late in spermatogenesis, and tended to be associated with larger differences in expression levels and greater expression divergence between species. In contrast, genes with trans-acting changes were more common early and tended to be more conserved across species. Our findings advance understanding of gene evolution across spermatogenesis and underscore the fundamental importance of developmental context in molecular evolutionary studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E K Kopania
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
| | - Erica L Larson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO, 80208, USA
| | - Colin Callahan
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
| | - Sara Keeble
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Good
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
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11
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Sinha S, Knapp M, Pywtorak J, McCain G, Wingerden K, VanDervoort C, Gondek JM, Madrid P, Parman T, Gerrard S, Long JE, Blithe DL, Moss S, Lee MS. Contraceptive and Infertility Target DataBase: a contraceptive drug development tool for targeting and analysis of human reproductive specific tissues†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:1366-1374. [PMID: 34514504 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The long and challenging drug development process begins with discovery biology for the selection of an appropriate target for a specific indication. Target is a broad term that can be applied to a range of biological entities such as proteins, genes, and ribonucleic acids (RNAs). Although there are numerous databases available for mining biological entities, publicly available searchable, downloadable databases to aid in target selection for a specific disease or indication (e.g., developing contraceptives and infertility treatments) are limited. We report the development of the Contraceptive and Infertility Target DataBase (https://www.citdbase.org), which provides investigators an interface to mine existing transcriptomic and proteomic resources to identify high-quality contraceptive/infertility targets. The development of similar databases is applicable to the identification of targets for other diseases and conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jill E Long
- Contraceptive Development Program, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Diana L Blithe
- Contraceptive Development Program, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Stuart Moss
- Fertility and Infertility Branch, Division of Extramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Min S Lee
- Contraceptive Development Program, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
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12
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O'Donnell L, Rebourcet D, Dagley LF, Sgaier R, Infusini G, O'Shaughnessy PJ, Chalmel F, Fietz D, Weidner W, Legrand JMD, Hobbs RM, McLachlan RI, Webb AI, Pilatz A, Diemer T, Smith LB, Stanton PG. Sperm proteins and cancer-testis antigens are released by the seminiferous tubules in mice and men. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21397. [PMID: 33565176 PMCID: PMC7898903 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002484r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sperm develop from puberty in the seminiferous tubules, inside the blood-testis barrier to prevent their recognition as "non-self" by the immune system, and it is widely assumed that human sperm-specific proteins cannot access the circulatory or immune systems. Sperm-specific proteins aberrantly expressed in cancer, known as cancer-testis antigens (CTAs), are often pursued as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets based on the assumption they are neoantigens absent from the circulation in healthy men. Here, we identify a wide range of germ cell-derived and sperm-specific proteins, including multiple CTAs, that are selectively deposited by the Sertoli cells of the adult mouse and human seminiferous tubules into testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) that is "outside" the blood-testis barrier. From TIF, the proteins can access the circulatory- and immune systems. Disruption of spermatogenesis decreases the abundance of these proteins in mouse TIF, and a sperm-specific CTA is significantly decreased in TIF from infertile men, suggesting that exposure of certain CTAs to the immune system could depend on fertility status. The results provide a rationale for the development of blood-based tests useful in the management of male infertility and indicate CTA candidates for cancer immunotherapy and biomarker development that could show sex-specific and male-fertility-related responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza O'Donnell
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Laura F Dagley
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Raouda Sgaier
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Medical Faculty, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, UKGM GmbH, Giessen, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Infusini
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter J O'Shaughnessy
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Frederic Chalmel
- Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085, University Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Daniela Fietz
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Weidner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Medical Faculty, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, UKGM GmbH, Giessen, Germany
| | - Julien M D Legrand
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robert I McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew I Webb
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Medical Faculty, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, UKGM GmbH, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Diemer
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Medical Faculty, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, UKGM GmbH, Giessen, Germany
| | - Lee B Smith
- Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Peter G Stanton
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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13
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Aldahhan RA, Stanton PG, Ludlow H, de Kretser DM, Hedger MP. Experimental Cryptorchidism Causes Chronic Inflammation and a Progressive Decline in Sertoli Cell and Leydig Cell Function in the Adult Rat Testis. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2916-2928. [PMID: 34008157 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00616-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism causes spermatogenic failure and reduced serum androgen levels, as well as testicular oedema and fibrosis, which are hallmarks of inflammation. However, the role of inflammation and the effects of cryptorchidism on Sertoli cell and Leydig cell function at the molecular level remain ill-defined. Bilateral cryptorchidism was surgically induced in adult rats for 7 and 14 weeks. Testis weights decreased to 40% of normal within 7 weeks, due to loss of all developing spermatogenic cells except spermatogonia, but did not decrease further at 14 weeks. Serum FSH and LH were increased at both time points, consistent with a loss of feedback by inhibin and testosterone. This damage was accompanied by progressive accumulation of interstitial fluid and peritubular fibrosis, and a progressive decline of several critical Sertoli cell genes (Sox9, Inha (inhbin α-subunit), Cldn11 (claudin 11), Gja1 (connexin 43), and Il1a (interleukin-1α)) and the Leydig cell steroidogenic enzymes, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, and Hs17b3. Activin B and the activin-binding protein, follistatin, also declined, but the intratesticular concentration of activin A, which is a regulator of inflammatory responses, was largely unaffected at either time point. Expression of genes involved in inflammation (Tnf, Il10, Il1b, Mcp1) and fibrosis (Acta2, Col1a1) were considerably elevated at both time points. These data indicate that induction of experimental cryptorchidism, which causes complete failure of spermatogenesis in the adult rat, also induces chronic testicular inflammation, manifesting in oedema and fibrosis, and a progressive decline of Sertoli and Leydig cell gene expression and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashid A Aldahhan
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. .,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. .,Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 2114, Dammam, 31541, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Peter G Stanton
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - David M de Kretser
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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14
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Aldahhan RA, Stanton PG. Heat stress response of somatic cells in the testis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 527:111216. [PMID: 33639219 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The testis is a temperature-sensitive organ that needs to be maintained 2-7 °C below core body temperature to ensure the production of normal sperm. Failure to maintain testicular temperature in mammals impairs spermatogenesis and leads to low sperm counts, poor sperm motility and abnormal sperm morphology in the ejaculate. This review discusses the recent knowledge on the response of testicular somatic cells to heat stress and, specifically, regarding the relevant contributions of heat, germ cell depletion and inflammatory reactions on the functions of Sertoli and Leydig cells. It also outlines mechanisms of testicular thermoregulation, as well as the thermogenic factors that impact testicular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashid A Aldahhan
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 2114, Dammam, 31541, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Peter G Stanton
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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15
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Geisinger A, Rodríguez-Casuriaga R, Benavente R. Transcriptomics of Meiosis in the Male Mouse. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:626020. [PMID: 33748111 PMCID: PMC7973102 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.626020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular studies of meiosis in mammals have been long relegated due to some intrinsic obstacles, namely the impossibility to reproduce the process in vitro, and the difficulty to obtain highly pure isolated cells of the different meiotic stages. In the recent years, some technical advances, from the improvement of flow cytometry sorting protocols to single-cell RNAseq, are enabling to profile the transcriptome and its fluctuations along the meiotic process. In this mini-review we will outline the diverse methodological approaches that have been employed, and some of the main findings that have started to arise from these studies. As for practical reasons most studies have been carried out in males, and mostly using mouse as a model, our focus will be on murine male meiosis, although also including specific comments about humans. Particularly, we will center on the controversy about gene expression during early meiotic prophase; the widespread existing gap between transcription and translation in meiotic cells; the expression patterns and potential roles of meiotic long non-coding RNAs; and the visualization of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation from the RNAseq perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Geisinger
- Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay.,Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rosana Rodríguez-Casuriaga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ricardo Benavente
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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16
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Stuparević I, Novačić A, Rahmouni AR, Fernandez A, Lamb N, Primig M. Regulation of the conserved 3'-5' exoribonuclease EXOSC10/Rrp6 during cell division, development and cancer. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:1092-1113. [PMID: 33599082 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The conserved 3'-5' exoribonuclease EXOSC10/Rrp6 processes and degrades RNA, regulates gene expression and participates in DNA double-strand break repair and control of telomere maintenance via degradation of the telomerase RNA component. EXOSC10/Rrp6 is part of the multimeric nuclear RNA exosome and interacts with numerous proteins. Previous clinical, genetic, biochemical and genomic studies revealed the protein's essential functions in cell division and differentiation, its RNA substrates and its relevance to autoimmune disorders and oncology. However, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms that control the transcription, translation and stability of EXOSC10/Rrp6 during cell growth, development and disease and how these mechanisms evolved from yeast to human. Herein, we provide an overview of the RNA- and protein expression profiles of EXOSC10/Rrp6 during cell division, development and nutritional stress, and we summarize interaction networks and post-translational modifications across species. Additionally, we discuss how known and predicted protein interactions and post-translational modifications influence the stability of EXOSC10/Rrp6. Finally, we explore the idea that different EXOSC10/Rrp6 alleles, which potentially alter cellular protein levels or affect protein function, might influence human development and disease progression. In this review we interpret information from the literature together with genomic data from knowledgebases to inspire future work on the regulation of this essential protein's stability in normal and malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Stuparević
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Ana Novačić
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - A Rachid Rahmouni
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR4301 du CNRS, Orléans, 45071, France
| | - Anne Fernandez
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, UMR 9002 CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Ned Lamb
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, UMR 9002 CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Michael Primig
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, 35000, France
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17
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Rodríguez-Casuriaga R, Geisinger A. Contributions of Flow Cytometry to the Molecular Study of Spermatogenesis in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1151. [PMID: 33503798 PMCID: PMC7865295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian testes are very heterogeneous organs, with a high number of different cell types. Testicular heterogeneity, together with the lack of reliable in vitro culture systems of spermatogenic cells, have been an obstacle for the characterization of the molecular bases of the unique events that take place along the different spermatogenic stages. In this context, flow cytometry has become an invaluable tool for the analysis of testicular heterogeneity, and for the purification of stage-specific spermatogenic cell populations, both for basic research and for clinical applications. In this review, we highlight the importance of flow cytometry for the advances on the knowledge of the molecular groundwork of spermatogenesis in mammals. Moreover, we provide examples of different approaches to the study of spermatogenesis that have benefited from flow cytometry, including the characterization of mutant phenotypes, transcriptomics, epigenetic and genome-wide chromatin studies, and the attempts to establish cell culture systems for research and/or clinical aims such as infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosana Rodríguez-Casuriaga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Geisinger
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
- Biochemistry-Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
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18
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Jamin SP, Hikmet F, Mathieu R, Jégou B, Lindskog C, Chalmel F, Primig M. Combined RNA/tissue profiling identifies novel Cancer/testis genes. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:3003-3023. [PMID: 33426787 PMCID: PMC8564638 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12900] [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: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer/Testis (CT) genes are induced in germ cells, repressed in somatic cells, and derepressed in somatic tumors, where these genes can contribute to cancer progression. CT gene identification requires data obtained using standardized protocols and technologies. This is a challenge because data for germ cells, gonads, normal somatic tissues, and a wide range of cancer samples stem from multiple sources and were generated over substantial periods of time. We carried out a GeneChip‐based RNA profiling analysis using our own data for testis and enriched germ cells, data for somatic cancers from the Expression Project for Oncology, and data for normal somatic tissues from the Gene Omnibus Repository. We identified 478 candidate loci that include known CT genes, numerous genes associated with oncogenic processes, and novel candidates that are not referenced in the Cancer/Testis Database (www.cta.lncc.br). We complemented RNA expression data at the protein level for SPESP1, GALNTL5, PDCL2, and C11orf42 using cancer tissue microarrays covering malignant tumors of breast, uterus, thyroid, and kidney, as well as published RNA profiling and immunohistochemical data provided by the Human Protein Atlas (www.proteinatlas.org). We report that combined RNA/tissue profiling identifies novel CT genes that may be of clinical interest as therapeutical targets or biomarkers. Our findings also highlight the challenges of detecting truly germ cell‐specific mRNAs and the proteins they encode in highly heterogenous testicular, somatic, and tumor tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soazik P Jamin
- Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S, Univ Rennes, France
| | - Feria Hikmet
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Romain Mathieu
- Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S, Univ Rennes, France.,Department of Urology, University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - Bernard Jégou
- Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S, Univ Rennes, France
| | - Cecilia Lindskog
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Frédéric Chalmel
- Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S, Univ Rennes, France
| | - Michael Primig
- Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S, Univ Rennes, France
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19
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Rolland AD, Evrard B, Darde TA, Le Béguec C, Le Bras Y, Bensalah K, Lavoué S, Jost B, Primig M, Dejucq-Rainsford N, Chalmel F, Jégou B. RNA profiling of human testicular cells identifies syntenic lncRNAs associated with spermatogenesis. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1278-1290. [PMID: 31247106 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the noncoding transcriptional landscape during spermatogenesis conserved between human and rodents? SUMMARY ANSWER We identified a core group of 113 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 20 novel genes dynamically and syntenically transcribed during spermatogenesis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Spermatogenesis is a complex differentiation process driven by a tightly regulated and highly specific gene expression program. Recently, several studies in various species have established that a large proportion of known lncRNAs are preferentially expressed during meiosis and spermiogenesis in a testis-specific manner. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION To further investigate lncRNA expression in human spermatogenesis, we carried out a cross-species RNA profiling study using isolated testicular cells. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Human testes were obtained from post-mortem donors (N = 8, 51 years old on average) or from prostate cancer patients with no hormonal treatment (N = 9, 80 years old on average) and only patients with full spermatogenesis were used to prepare enriched populations of spermatocytes, spermatids, Leydig cells, peritubular cells and Sertoli cells. To minimize potential biases linked to inter-patient variations, RNAs from two or three donors were pooled prior to RNA-sequencing (paired-end, strand-specific). Resulting reads were mapped to the human genome, allowing for assembly and quantification of corresponding transcripts. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Our RNA-sequencing analysis of pools of isolated human testicular cells enabled us to reconstruct over 25 000 transcripts. Among them we identified thousands of lncRNAs, as well as many previously unidentified genes (novel unannotated transcripts) that share many properties of lncRNAs. Of note is that although noncoding genes showed much lower synteny than protein-coding ones, a significant fraction of syntenic lncRNAs displayed conserved expression during spermatogenesis. LARGE SCALE DATA Raw data files (fastq) and a searchable table (.xlss) containing information on genomic features and expression data for all refined transcripts have been submitted to the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus under accession number GSE74896. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Isolation procedures may alter the physiological state of testicular cells, especially for somatic cells, leading to substantial changes at the transcriptome level. We therefore cross-validated our findings with three previously published transcriptomic analyses of human spermatogenesis. Despite the use of stringent filtration criteria, i.e. expression cut-off of at least three fragments per kilobase of exon model per million reads mapped, fold-change of at least three and false discovery rate adjusted P-values of less than <1%, the possibility of assembly artifacts and false-positive transcripts cannot be fully ruled out. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS For the first time, this study has led to the identification of a large number of conserved germline-associated lncRNAs that are potentially important for spermatogenesis and sexual reproduction. In addition to further substantiating the basis of the human testicular physiology, our study provides new candidate genes for male infertility of genetic origin. This is likely to be relevant for identifying interesting diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and also potential novel therapeutic targets for male contraception. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm); l'Université de Rennes 1; l'Ecole des hautes études en santé publique (EHESP); INERIS-STORM to B.J. [N 10028NN]; Rennes Métropole 'Défis scientifiques émergents' to F.C (2011) and A.D.R (2013). The authors have no competing financial interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Rolland
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - B Evrard
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - T A Darde
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France.,Univ Rennes, Inria, CNRS, IRISA, Rennes, France
| | - C Le Béguec
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Y Le Bras
- Univ Rennes, Inria, CNRS, IRISA, Rennes, France
| | - K Bensalah
- Urology Department, University of Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - S Lavoué
- Unité de Coordination Hospitalière des Prélèvements d'organes et de Tissus, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - B Jost
- Plateforme GenomEast-Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U964, CNRS UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - M Primig
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - N Dejucq-Rainsford
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - F Chalmel
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - B Jégou
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
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20
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Yang W, Zhao F, Chen M, Li Y, Lan X, Yang R, Pan C. Identification and characterization of male reproduction-related genes in pig (Sus scrofa) using transcriptome analysis. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:381. [PMID: 32487021 PMCID: PMC7268776 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-06790-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The systematic interrogation of reproduction-related genes was key to gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying male reproductive traits in mammals. Here, based on the data collected from the NCBI SRA database, this study first revealed the genes involved in porcine male reproduction as well their uncharacterized transcriptional characteristics. RESULTS Results showed that the transcription of porcine genome was more widespread in testis than in other organs (the same for other mammals) and that testis had more tissue-specific genes (1210) than other organs. GO and GSEA analyses suggested that the identified test is-specific genes (TSGs) were associated with male reproduction. Subsequently, the transcriptional characteristics of porcine TSGs, which were conserved across different mammals, were uncovered. Data showed that 195 porcine TSGs shared similar expression patterns with other mammals (cattle, sheep, human and mouse), and had relatively higher transcription abundances and tissue specificity than low-conserved TSGs. Additionally, further analysis of the results suggested that alternative splicing, transcription factors binding, and the presence of other functionally similar genes were all involved in the regulation of porcine TSGs transcription. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this analysis revealed an extensive gene set involved in the regulation of porcine male reproduction and their dynamic transcription patterns. Data reported here provide valuable insights for a further improvement of the economic benefits of pigs as well as future treatments for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Feiyang Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Mingyue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Ye Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Xianyong Lan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Ruolin Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China. .,Present Address: Northwest A&F University, No.22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China.
| | - Chuanying Pan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China. .,Present Address: Northwest A&F University, No.22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China.
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21
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Du G, Wang X, Luo M, Xu W, Zhou T, Wang M, Yu L, Li L, Cai L, Wang PJ, Zhong Li J, Oatley JM, Wu X. mRBPome capture identifies the RNA-binding protein TRIM71, an essential regulator of spermatogonial differentiation. Development 2020; 147:dev184655. [PMID: 32188631 PMCID: PMC10679512 DOI: 10.1242/dev.184655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Continual spermatogenesis relies on the actions of an undifferentiated spermatogonial population that is composed of stem cells and progenitors. Here, using mouse models, we explored the role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in regulation of the biological activities of this population. Proteins bound to polyadenylated RNAs in primary cultures of undifferentiated spermatogonia were captured with oligo (dT)-conjugated beads after UV-crosslinking and profiled by proteomics (termed mRBPome capture), yielding a putative repertoire of 473 RBPs. From this database, the RBP TRIM71 was identified and found to be expressed by stem and progenitor spermatogonia in prepubertal and adult mouse testes. Tissue-specific deletion of TRIM71 in the male germline led to reduction of the undifferentiated spermatogonial population and a block in transition to the differentiating state. Collectively, these findings demonstrate a key role of the RBP system in regulation of the spermatogenic lineage and may provide clues about the influence of RBPs on the biology of progenitor cell populations in other lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihua Du
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Xinrui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Rare Metabolic Diseases & Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Mengcheng Luo
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, and Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Weiya Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Mei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Luping Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Lufan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Li'e Cai
- Key Laboratory of Rare Metabolic Diseases & Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - P Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - John Zhong Li
- Key Laboratory of Rare Metabolic Diseases & Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jon M Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Xin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
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22
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Aldahhan RA, Stanton PG, Ludlow H, de Kretser DM, Hedger MP. Acute heat-treatment disrupts inhibin-related protein production and gene expression in the adult rat testis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 498:110546. [PMID: 31422101 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110546] [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: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Heat reversibly disrupts spermatogenesis, but the effects on Sertoli cell (SC) function and inhibin/activin-related proteins are less well-defined. Adult rat testis weights decreased by 40% within 2 weeks after heat-treatment (43 °C, 15 min), due to loss of pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. Coincident effects were reduced SC nuclear volume at one week and >50% reduction in expression of several critical SC genes (Inha, Cld11, Gja1, Tjp1, Cldn3) by 2 weeks. Leydig cell steroidogenic enzymes, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, were also reduced. Activin gene expression was unaffected at this time, but expression of the activin-binding protein, follistatin (Fst), increased >2-fold. At 4-8 weeks, coincident with the recovery of spermatocytes and early spermatids, but progressive loss of elongated spermatids, most SC genes had recovered; however, testicular activin A was reduced and activin B increased. At 8 weeks, serum inhibin was decreased and, consequently, serum FSH increased. Crucially, germ cell damage was not associated with a significant inflammatory response. At 14 weeks, most testicular parameters had returned to normal, but testis weights remained slightly reduced. These data indicate that, following acute heat-treatment, expression of several key Sertoli and Leydig cell genes declined in parallel with the initial loss of meiotic germ cells, whereas activins were responsive to the subsequent loss of mature spermatids, leading to an increase in testicular activin B production relative to activin A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashid A Aldahhan
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Peter G Stanton
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - David M de Kretser
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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23
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Kuznetsova SA, Petrukov KS, Pletnev FI, Sergiev PV, Dontsova OA. RNA (C5-cytosine) Methyltransferases. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2019; 84:851-869. [PMID: 31522668 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297919080029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The review summarizes the data on pro- and eukaryotic RNA (C5-cytosine) methyltransferases. The structure, intracellular location, RNA targets, and catalytic mechanisms of these enzymes, as well as the functional role of methylated cytosine residues in RNA are presented. The functions of RNA (C5-cytosine) methyltransferases unassociated with their methylation activity are discussed. Special attention is given to the similarities and differences in the structures and mechanisms of action of RNA and DNA methyltransferases. The data on the association of mutations in the RNA (C5-cytosine) methyltransferases genes and human diseases are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Kuznetsova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Institute of Functional Genomics, Moscow, 119234, Russia.
| | - K S Petrukov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - F I Pletnev
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow, 119991, Russia.,Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, 121205, Moscow Region, Russia.,Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - P V Sergiev
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Institute of Functional Genomics, Moscow, 119234, Russia.,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow, 119991, Russia.,Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, 121205, Moscow Region, Russia.,Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, St. Petersburg, 197758, Russia
| | - O A Dontsova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow, 119991, Russia.,Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, 121205, Moscow Region, Russia.,Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997, Russia
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24
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Maezawa S, Yukawa M, Alavattam KG, Barski A, Namekawa SH. Dynamic reorganization of open chromatin underlies diverse transcriptomes during spermatogenesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:593-608. [PMID: 29126117 PMCID: PMC5778473 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During spermatogenesis, germ cells undergo massive cellular reconstruction and dynamic chromatin remodeling to facilitate highly diverse transcriptomes, which are required for the production of functional sperm. However, it remains unknown how germline chromatin is organized to promote the dynamic, complex transcriptomes of spermatogenesis. Here, using ATAC-seq, we establish the varied landscape of open chromatin during spermatogenesis. We identify the reorganization of accessible chromatin in intergenic and intronic regions during the mitosis-to-meiosis transition. During the transition, mitotic-type open chromatin is closed while the de novo formation of meiotic-type open chromatin takes place. Contrastingly, differentiation processes such as spermatogonial differentiation and the meiosis-to-postmeiosis transition involve chromatin closure without the de novo formation of accessible chromatin. In spermiogenesis, the germline-specific Polycomb protein SCML2 promotes the closure of open chromatin at autosomes for gene suppression. Paradoxically, we identify the massive de novo formation of accessible chromatin when the sex chromosomes undergo meiotic sex chromosome inactivation, and this is also mediated by SCML2. These results reveal meiotic sex chromosome inactivation as an active process for chromatin organization. Together, our results unravel the genome-wide, dynamic reorganization of open chromatin and reveal mechanisms that underlie diverse transcriptomes during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Maezawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA
| | - Masashi Yukawa
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA.,Division of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Kris G Alavattam
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA
| | - Artem Barski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA.,Division of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 49267, USA
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25
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Genetic resistance to DEHP-induced transgenerational endocrine disruption. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0208371. [PMID: 31181066 PMCID: PMC6557477 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) interferes with sex hormones signaling pathways (SHP). C57BL/6J mice prenatally exposed to 300 mg/kg/day DEHP develop a testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) at adulthood, but similarly-exposed FVB/N mice are not affected. Here we aim to understand the reasons behind this drastic difference that should depend on the genome of the strain. In both backgrounds, pregnant female mice received per os either DEHP or corn oil vehicle and the male filiations were examined. Computer-assisted sperm analysis showed a DEHP-induced decreased sperm count and velocities in C57BL/6J. Sperm RNA sequencing experiments resulted in the identification of the 62 most differentially expressed RNAs. These RNAs, mainly regulated by hormones, produced strain-specific transcriptional responses to prenatal exposure to DEHP; a pool of RNAs was increased in FVB, another pool of RNAs was decreased in C57BL/6J. In FVB/N, analysis of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) impacting SHP identified rs387782768 and rs29315913 respectively associated with absence of the Forkhead Box A3 (Foxa3) RNA and increased expression of estrogen receptor 1 variant 4 (NM_001302533) RNA. Analysis of the role of SNPs modifying SHP binding sites in function of strain-specific responses to DEHP revealed a DEHP-resistance allele in FVB/N containing an additional FOXA1-3 binding site at rs30973633 and four DEHP-induced beta-defensins (Defb42, Defb30, Defb47 and Defb48). A DEHP-susceptibility allele in C57BL/6J contained five SNPs (rs28279710, rs32977910, rs46648903, rs46677594 and rs48287999) affecting SHP and six genes (Svs2, Svs3b, Svs4, Svs3a, Svs6 and Svs5) epigenetically silenced by DEHP. Finally, targeted experiments confirmed increased methylation in the Svs3ab promoter with decreased SEMG2 persisting across generations, providing a molecular explanation for the transgenerational sperm velocity decrease found in C57BL/6J after DEHP exposure. We conclude that the existence of SNP-dependent mechanisms in FVB/N inbred mice may confer resistance to transgenerational endocrine disruption.
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26
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Hu J, Sun F, Handel MA. Nuclear localization of EIF4G3 suggests a role for the XY body in translational regulation during spermatogenesis in mice. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:102-114. [PMID: 29161344 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4G (EIF4G) is an important scaffold protein in the translation initiation complex. In mice, mutation of the Eif4g3 gene causes male infertility, with arrest of meiosis at the end of meiotic prophase. This study documents features of the developmental expression and subcellular localization of EIF4G3 that might contribute to its highly specific role in meiosis and spermatogenesis. Quite unexpectedly, EIF4G3 is located in the nucleus of spermatocytes, where it is highly enriched in the XY body, the chromatin domain formed by the transcriptionally inactive sex chromosomes. Moreover, many other, but not all, translation-related proteins are also localized in the XY body. These unanticipated observations implicate roles for the XY body in controlling mRNA metabolism and/or "poising" protein translation complexes before the meiotic division phase in spermatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fengyun Sun
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA
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27
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Hermo L, Oliveira RL, Smith CE, Au CE, Bergeron JJM. Dark side of the epididymis: tails of sperm maturation. Andrology 2019; 7:566-580. [PMID: 31102346 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Hermes body (HB) previously called the cytoplasmic droplet is a focal distension of the flagellar cytoplasm of epididymal spermatozoa consisting mainly of isolated flattened Golgi cisternae. OBJECTIVE To define a functional role for the HB of epididymal spermatozoa. METHODS Isolated fractions of HBs of epididymal spermatozoa were prepared and by quantitative tandem mass spectrometry revealed 1511 proteins. RESULTS The glucose transporter GLUT-3 was the most abundant protein followed by hexokinase 1, which along with the presence of all glycolytic enzymes suggested a role for the HB in glycolysis. Several TMED/p24 Golgi trafficking proteins were abundant with TMED7/p27 and TMED2/p24 defining the identity of the flattened cisternae within the HB as Golgi, along with the known Golgi proteins, GBF1, GOLPH3, Man2α1, and ManIIX. The Golgi trafficking protein TMED7/p27 via small 50-nm vesicles emanating from the Golgi cisternae was proposed to transport GLUT-3 to the plasma membrane for ATP production related to sperm motility. The internal membranes revealed abundant proteins not only of Golgi cisternae, but also of endoplasmic reticulum and endosomes. COPI and COPII coats, clathrin, SNAREs, annexins, atlastins, and GTPases were identified for vesicular trafficking and membrane fusion, in addition to ribosomes, stress proteins for protection, proteasome proteins involved in degradation, and cytoskeletal elements for migration of the HB along the flagellum. The biogenesis of the HB occurring at step 19 spermatids of the testis just prior to their release was uncovered as a key step in germ cell differentiation, where several proteins were expressed, some for the first time. CONCLUSION As epididymal spermatozoa undergo remodeling of their protein makeup through selective degradation of sperm proteins during epididymal transit, then remodeling as a consequence of new protein synthesis is not excluded by our observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Hermo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - R L Oliveira
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - C E Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - C E Au
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Hospital Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - J J M Bergeron
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Hospital Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
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28
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Tian R, Yao C, Yang C, Zhu Z, Li C, Zhi E, Wang J, Li P, Chen H, Yuan Q, He Z, Li Z. Fibroblast growth factor-5 promotes spermatogonial stem cell proliferation via ERK and AKT activation. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:40. [PMID: 30670081 PMCID: PMC6343348 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1139-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sertoli cells are the most important somatic cells contributing to the microenvironment (named niche) for spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). They produce amounts of crucial growth factors and structure proteins that play essential roles in the complex processes of male SSCs survival, proliferation, and differentiation. It has been suggested that Sertoli cell abnormalities could result in spermatogenesis failure, eventually causing azoospermia in humans. However, to the end, the gene expression characteristics and protein functions of human Sertoli cells remained unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of fibroblast growth factor-5 (FGF5), a novel growth factor downregulated in Sertoli cells from Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) patients compared to Sertoli cells from obstructive azoospermia (OA) patients, on SSCs. Methods We compared the transcriptome between Sertoli cell from SCOS and OA patients. Then, we evaluated the expression of FGF5, a growth factor which is downregulated in SCOS Sertoli cells, in human primary cultured Sertoli cells and testicular tissue. Also, the proliferation effect of FGF5 in mice SSCs was detected using EDU assay and CCK-8 assay. To investigate the mechanism of FGF5, Phospho Explorer Array was performed. And the results were verified using Western blot assay. Results Using RNA-Seq, we found 308 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between Sertoli cells from SCOS and OA patients. We noted and verified that the expression of fibroblast growth factor-5 (FGF5) was higher in Sertoli cells of OA patients than that of SCOS patients at both transcriptional and translational levels. Proliferation assays showed that rFGF5 enhanced the proliferation of mouse SSCs line C18-4 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, we demonstrated that ERK and AKT were activated and the expression of Cyclin A2 and Cyclin E1 was enhanced by rFGF5. Conclusion The distinct RNA profiles between Sertoli cells from SCOS and OA patients were identified using RNA-Seq. Also, FGF5, a growth factor that downregulated in SCOS Sertoli cells, could promote SSCs proliferation via ERK and AKT activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhui Tian
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Zijue Zhu
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Chong Li
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, 250 Bibo Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Junlong Wang
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Huixing Chen
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Qingqing Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 845 Lingshan Road, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Zuping He
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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Issigonis M, Newmark PA. From worm to germ: Germ cell development and regeneration in planarians. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 135:127-153. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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30
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Li Y, Li RH, Ran MX, Zhang Y, Liang K, Ren YN, He WC, Zhang M, Zhou GB, Qazi IH, Zeng CJ. High throughput small RNA and transcriptome sequencing reveal capacitation-related microRNAs and mRNA in boar sperm. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:736. [PMID: 30305024 PMCID: PMC6180635 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5132-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Capacitation, a prerequisite for oocyte fertilization, is a complex process involving series of structural and functional changes in sperms such as membrane modifications, modulation of enzyme activities, and protein phosphorylation. In order to penetrate and fertilize an oocyte, mammalian sperms must undergo capacitation. Nevertheless, the process of sperm capacitation remains poorly understood and requires further elucidation. In the current study, via high throughput sequencing, we identified and explored the differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs involved in boar sperm capacitation. Results We identified a total of 5342 mRNAs and 204 miRNAs that were differentially expressed in fresh and capacitated boar sperms. From these, 12 miRNAs (8 known and 4 newly identified miRNAs) and their differentially expressed target mRNAs were found to be involved in sperm capacitation-related PI3K-Akt, MAPK, cAMP-PKA and Ca2+signaling pathways. Conclusions Our study is first to provide the complete miRNA and transcriptome profiles of boar sperm. Our findings provide important insights for the understanding of the RNA profile in boar sperm and future elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanism relevant to mammalian sperm capacitation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5132-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Rong-Hong Li
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ming-Xia Ran
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Kai Liang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ying-Nan Ren
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wen-Cheng He
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Guang-Bin Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Izhar Hyder Qazi
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China.,Department of Veterinary Anatomy & Histology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand, Sindh, 67210, Pakistan
| | - Chang-Jun Zeng
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China. .,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China.
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31
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Larson EL, Kopania EEK, Good JM. Spermatogenesis and the Evolution of Mammalian Sex Chromosomes. Trends Genet 2018; 34:722-732. [PMID: 30077434 PMCID: PMC6161750 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Developmental constraint and sexual conflict shape the evolution of heteromorphic sex chromosomes. These contrasting forces are perhaps strongest during spermatogenesis in species with XY males. In this review, we consider how the unique regulatory environment and selective pressures of spermatogenesis interact to impact sex chromosome evolution in mammals. We explore how each developmental phase of spermatogenesis influences sex chromosome gene content, structure, and rate of molecular evolution, and how these attributes may contribute to speciation. We argue that a developmental context is fundamental to understanding sex chromosome evolution and that an evolutionary perspective can shed new light on our understanding of sperm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L Larson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80208, USA.
| | - Emily E K Kopania
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Good
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
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32
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Chen Y, Zheng Y, Gao Y, Lin Z, Yang S, Wang T, Wang Q, Xie N, Hua R, Liu M, Sha J, Griswold MD, Li J, Tang F, Tong MH. Single-cell RNA-seq uncovers dynamic processes and critical regulators in mouse spermatogenesis. Cell Res 2018; 28:879-896. [PMID: 30061742 PMCID: PMC6123400 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-018-0074-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A systematic interrogation of male germ cells is key to complete understanding of molecular mechanisms governing spermatogenesis and the development of new strategies for infertility therapies and male contraception. Here we develop an approach to purify all types of homogeneous spermatogenic cells by combining transgenic labeling and synchronization of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium, and subsequent single-cell RNA-sequencing. We reveal extensive and previously uncharacterized dynamic processes and molecular signatures in gene expression, as well as specific patterns of alternative splicing, and novel regulators for specific stages of male germ cell development. Our transcriptomics analyses led us to discover discriminative markers for isolating round spermatids at specific stages, and different embryo developmental potentials between early and late stage spermatids, providing evidence that maturation of round spermatids impacts on embryo development. This work provides valuable insights into mammalian spermatogenesis, and a comprehensive resource for future studies towards the complete elucidation of gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yuxuan Zheng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Biomedical Institute for Pioneering Investigation via Convergence, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yun Gao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Biomedical Institute for Pioneering Investigation via Convergence, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Suming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Tongtong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Qiu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Nannan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Rong Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China
| | - Jiahao Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China
| | - Michael D Griswold
- School of Molecular Biosciences and the Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Jinsong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Biomedical Institute for Pioneering Investigation via Convergence, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China. .,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China. .,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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33
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Tharmalingam MD, Jorgensen A, Mitchell RT. Experimental models of testicular development and function using human tissue and cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 468:95-110. [PMID: 29309804 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian testis has two main roles, production of gametes for reproduction and synthesis of steroid- and peptide hormones for masculinization. These processes are tightly regulated and involve complex interactions between a number of germ and somatic cell-types that comprise a unique microenvironment known as the germ stem cell niche. In humans, failure of normal testicular development or function is associated with susceptibility to a variety of male reproductive disorders including disorders of sex development, infertility and testicular cancer. Whilst studies in rodent models have provided detailed insight into the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms that regulate the testis, there are important species differences in testicular development, function and reproductive disorders that highlight the need for suitable experimental models utilising human testicular tissues or cells. In this review, we outline experimental approaches used to sustain cells and tissue from human testis at different developmental time-points and discuss relevant end-points. These include survival, proliferation and differentiation of cell lineages within the testis as well as autocrine, paracrine and endocrine function. We also highlight the utility of these experimental approaches for modelling the effects of environmental exposures on testicular development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa D Tharmalingam
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK
| | - Anne Jorgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK; Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Sick Children, 9 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1LF, Scotland, UK.
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34
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Wu Y, Xu K, Qi H. Domain-functional analyses of PIWIL1 and PABPC1 indicate their synergistic roles in protein translation via 3′-UTRs of meiotic mRNAs†. Biol Reprod 2018; 99:773-788. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyao Wu
- School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaibiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huayu Qi
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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35
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Jégou B, Sankararaman S, Rolland AD, Reich D, Chalmel F. Meiotic Genes Are Enriched in Regions of Reduced Archaic Ancestry. Mol Biol Evol 2018; 34:1974-1980. [PMID: 28444387 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msx141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
About 1-6% of the genetic ancestry of modern humans today originates from admixture with archaic humans. It has recently been shown that autosomal genomic regions with a reduced proportion of Neanderthal and Denisovan ancestries (NA and DA) are significantly enriched in genes that are more expressed in testis than in other tissues. To determine whether a cellular segregation pattern would exist, we combined maps of archaic introgression with a cross-analysis of three transcriptomic datasets deciphering the transcriptional landscape of human gonadal cell types. We reveal that the regions deficient in both NA and DA contain a significant enrichment of genes transcribed in meiotic germ cells. The interbreeding of anatomically modern humans with archaic humans may have introduced archaic-derived alleles that contributed to genetic incompatibilities affecting meiosis that were subsequently purged by natural selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Jégou
- Inserm U1085-IRSET, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.,Université Sorbonne Paris Cité (USPC), Paris, France.,EHESP - School of Public Health, Rennes, France
| | - S Sankararaman
- Department of Computer Science, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA.,Department of Human Genetics, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - A D Rolland
- Inserm U1085-IRSET, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - D Reich
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA.,Harvard Medical School, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA
| | - F Chalmel
- Inserm U1085-IRSET, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
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36
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Ntostis P, Carter D, Iles D, Huntriss J, Tzetis M, Miller D. Potential sperm contributions to the murine zygote predicted by in silico analysis. Reproduction 2017; 154:777-788. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Paternal contributions to the zygote are thought to extend beyond delivery of the genome and paternal RNAs have been linked to epigenetic transgenerational inheritance in different species. In addition, sperm–egg fusion activates several downstream processes that contribute to zygote formation, including PLC zeta-mediated egg activation and maternal RNA clearance. Since a third of the preimplantation developmental period in the mouse occurs prior to the first cleavage stage, there is ample time for paternal RNAs or their encoded proteins potentially to interact and participate in early zygotic activities. To investigate this possibility, a bespoke next-generation RNA sequencing pipeline was employed for the first time to characterise and compare transcripts obtained from isolated murine sperm, MII eggs and pre-cleavage stage zygotes. Gene network analysis was then employed to identify potential interactions between paternally and maternally derived factors during the murine egg-to-zygote transition involving RNA clearance, protein clearance and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Ourin silicoapproach looked for factors in sperm, eggs and zygotes that could potentially interact co-operatively and synergistically during zygote formation. At least five sperm RNAs (Hdac11,Fbxo2,Map1lc3a,Pcbp4andZfp821) met these requirements for a paternal contribution, which with complementary maternal co-factors suggest a wider potential for extra-genomic paternal involvement in the developing zygote.
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37
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von Kopylow K, Spiess AN. Human spermatogonial markers. Stem Cell Res 2017; 25:300-309. [PMID: 29239848 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we provide an up-to-date compilation of published human spermatogonial markers, with focus on the three nuclear subtypes Adark, Apale and B. In addition, we have extended our recently published list of putative spermatogonial markers with protein expression and RNA-sequencing data from the Human Protein Atlas and supported these by literature evidence. Most importantly, we have put substantial effort in acquiring a comprehensive list of new and potentially interesting markers by refiltering the raw data of 15 published germ cell expression datasets (four human, eleven rodent) and subsequent building of intersections to acquire a robust, cross-species set of spermatogonia-enriched or -specific transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrein von Kopylow
- Department of Andrology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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38
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Lehtiniemi T, Kotaja N. Germ granule-mediated RNA regulation in male germ cells. Reproduction 2017; 155:R77-R91. [PMID: 29038333 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Germ cells have exceptionally diverse transcriptomes. Furthermore, the progress of spermatogenesis is accompanied by dramatic changes in gene expression patterns, the most drastic of them being near-to-complete transcriptional silencing during the final steps of differentiation. Therefore, accurate RNA regulatory mechanisms are critical for normal spermatogenesis. Cytoplasmic germ cell-specific ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules, known as germ granules, participate in posttranscriptional regulation in developing male germ cells. Particularly, germ granules provide platforms for the PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway and appear to be involved both in piRNA biogenesis and piRNA-targeted RNA degradation. Recently, other RNA regulatory mechanisms, such as the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway have also been associated to germ granules providing new exciting insights into the function of germ granules. In this review article, we will summarize our current knowledge on the role of germ granules in the control of mammalian male germ cell's transcriptome and in the maintenance of fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Institute of BiomedicineUniversity of Turku, Turku, Finland
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39
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Jan SZ, Vormer TL, Jongejan A, Röling MD, Silber SJ, de Rooij DG, Hamer G, Repping S, van Pelt AMM. Unraveling transcriptome dynamics in human spermatogenesis. Development 2017; 144:3659-3673. [PMID: 28935708 PMCID: PMC5675447 DOI: 10.1242/dev.152413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a dynamic developmental process that includes stem cell proliferation and differentiation, meiotic cell divisions and extreme chromatin condensation. Although studied in mice, the molecular control of human spermatogenesis is largely unknown. Here, we developed a protocol that enables next-generation sequencing of RNA obtained from pools of 500 individually laser-capture microdissected cells of specific germ cell subtypes from fixed human testis samples. Transcriptomic analyses of these successive germ cell subtypes reveals dynamic transcription of over 4000 genes during human spermatogenesis. At the same time, many of the genes encoding for well-established meiotic and post-meiotic proteins are already present in the pre-meiotic phase. Furthermore, we found significant cell type-specific expression of post-transcriptional regulators, including expression of 110 RNA-binding proteins and 137 long non-coding RNAs, most of them previously not linked to spermatogenesis. Together, these data suggest that the transcriptome of precursor cells already contains the genes necessary for cellular differentiation and that timely translation controlled by post-transcriptional regulators is crucial for normal development. These established transcriptomes provide a reference catalog for further detailed studies on human spermatogenesis and spermatogenic failure. Highlighted Article: Using laser capture microscopy, a comprehensive transcriptomic dataset of well-defined and distinct germ cell subtypes based on morphology and localization in the human testis is generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Z Jan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tinke L Vormer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aldo Jongejan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael D Röling
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sherman J Silber
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,The Infertility Center of St. Louis, St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Transcriptional activity is repressed due to the packaging of sperm chromatins during spermiogenesis. The detection of numerous transcripts in sperm, however, raises the question whether transcriptional events exist in sperm,
which has been the central focus of the recent studies. To summarize the transcriptional activity during spermiogenesis and in sperm, we reviewed the documents on transcript differences during spermiogenesis, in sperm with
differential motility, before and after capacitation and cryopreservation. This will lay a theoretical foundation for studying the mechanism(s) of gene expression in sperm, and would be invaluable in making better use of animal
sires and developing reproductive control technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Ren
- The Key Laboratory for Farm Animal Genetic Resources and Utilization of Ministry of Agriculture of China, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoli Chen
- The Key Laboratory for Farm Animal Genetic Resources and Utilization of Ministry of Agriculture of China, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhenling Wang
- Beijing Agricultural Vocation College, Beijing 102442, China
| | - Dong Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Farm Animal Genetic Resources and Utilization of Ministry of Agriculture of China, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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41
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Fang DA, Zhou YF, Zhang MY, Xu DP, Liu K, Duan JR. Developmental Expression of HSP60 and HSP10 in the Coilia nasus Testis during Upstream Spawning Migration. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8070189. [PMID: 28754007 PMCID: PMC5541322 DOI: 10.3390/genes8070189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) and heat shock protein 10 (HSP10) are important chaperones, which have been proven to have essential roles in mediating the correct folding of nuclear encoded proteins imported to mitochondria. Mitochondria are known as the power house of the cell, with which it produces energy and respires aerobically. In this regard, the obtained HSP60 and HSP10 have typical characteristics of the HSP60/10 family signature. Their mRNA transcripts detected were highest during the developmental phase (in April), while the lowest levels were found in the resting phase (after spawning in late July). Additionally, the strongest immunolabeling positive signals were found in the primary spermatocyte, with lower positive staining in secondary sperm cells, and a weak or absent level in the mature sperm. At the electron microscopic level, immunogold particles were localized in the mitochondrial matrix. Data indicated that HSP10 and HSP60 were inducible and functional in the Coilia nasus testis development and migration process, suggesting their essential roles in this process. The results also indicated that HSP60 may be one indicator of properly working mitochondrial import and refolding in the fish testis. This study also provides an expanded perspective on the role of heat shock protein families in spawning migration biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di-An Fang
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanshui Road 9, Wuxi 214000, Jiangsu, China.
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Fishery Resources and Environment in the Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture, Xuejiali 69, Wuxi 214000, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yan-Feng Zhou
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanshui Road 9, Wuxi 214000, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Min-Ying Zhang
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanshui Road 9, Wuxi 214000, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Dong-Po Xu
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanshui Road 9, Wuxi 214000, Jiangsu, China.
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Fishery Resources and Environment in the Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture, Xuejiali 69, Wuxi 214000, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Kai Liu
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanshui Road 9, Wuxi 214000, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jin-Rong Duan
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanshui Road 9, Wuxi 214000, Jiangsu, China.
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42
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Male Infertility Is Responsible for Nearly Half of the Extinction Observed in the Mouse Collaborative Cross. Genetics 2017; 206:557-572. [PMID: 28592496 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.116.199596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of the Collaborative Cross (CC) project was to generate and distribute over 1000 independent mouse recombinant inbred strains derived from eight inbred founders. With inbreeding nearly complete, we estimated the extinction rate among CC lines at a remarkable 95%, which is substantially higher than in the derivation of other mouse recombinant inbred populations. Here, we report genome-wide allele frequencies in 347 extinct CC lines. Contrary to expectations, autosomes had equal allelic contributions from the eight founders, but chromosome X had significantly lower allelic contributions from the two inbred founders with underrepresented subspecific origins (PWK/PhJ and CAST/EiJ). By comparing extinct CC lines to living CC strains, we conclude that a complex genetic architecture is driving extinction, and selection pressures are different on the autosomes and chromosome X Male infertility played a large role in extinction as 47% of extinct lines had males that were infertile. Males from extinct lines had high variability in reproductive organ size, low sperm counts, low sperm motility, and a high rate of vacuolization of seminiferous tubules. We performed QTL mapping and identified nine genomic regions associated with male fertility and reproductive phenotypes. Many of the allelic effects in the QTL were driven by the two founders with underrepresented subspecific origins, including a QTL on chromosome X for infertility that was driven by the PWK/PhJ haplotype. We also performed the first example of cross validation using complementary CC resources to verify the effect of sperm curvilinear velocity from the PWK/PhJ haplotype on chromosome 2 in an independent population across multiple generations. While selection typically constrains the examination of reproductive traits toward the more fertile alleles, the CC extinct lines provided a unique opportunity to study the genetic architecture of fertility in a widely genetically variable population. We hypothesize that incompatibilities between alleles with different subspecific origins is a key driver of infertility. These results help clarify the factors that drove strain extinction in the CC, reveal the genetic regions associated with poor fertility in the CC, and serve as a resource to further study mammalian infertility.
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SLY regulates genes involved in chromatin remodeling and interacts with TBL1XR1 during sperm differentiation. Cell Death Differ 2017; 24:1029-1044. [PMID: 28475176 PMCID: PMC5442469 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2017.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm differentiation requires unique transcriptional regulation and chromatin remodeling after meiosis to ensure proper compaction and protection of the paternal genome. Abnormal sperm chromatin remodeling can induce sperm DNA damage, embryo lethality and male infertility, yet, little is known about the factors which regulate this process. Deficiency in Sly, a mouse Y chromosome-encoded gene expressed only in postmeiotic male germ cells, has been shown to result in the deregulation of hundreds of sex chromosome-encoded genes associated with multiple sperm differentiation defects and subsequent male infertility. The underlying mechanism remained, to date, unknown. Here, we show that SLY binds to the promoter of sex chromosome-encoded and autosomal genes highly expressed postmeiotically and involved in chromatin regulation. Specifically, we demonstrate that Sly knockdown directly induces the deregulation of sex chromosome-encoded H2A variants and of the H3K79 methyltransferase DOT1L. The modifications prompted by loss of Sly alter the postmeiotic chromatin structure and ultimately result in abnormal sperm chromatin remodeling with negative consequences on the sperm genome integrity. Altogether our results show that SLY is a regulator of sperm chromatin remodeling. Finally we identified that SMRT/N-CoR repressor complex is involved in gene regulation during sperm differentiation since members of this complex, in particular TBL1XR1, interact with SLY in postmeiotic male germ cells.
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44
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Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome and Long-Lasting Epigenetic Silencing of Mouse Sperm Genes Involved in the Reproductive System after Prenatal Exposure to DEHP. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170441. [PMID: 28085963 PMCID: PMC5234833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocrine disruptor bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has been shown to exert adverse effects on the male animal reproductive system. However, its mode of action is unclear and a systematic analysis of its molecular targets is needed. In the present study, we investigated the effects of prenatal exposure to 300 mg/kg/day DEHP during a critical period for gonads differentiation to testes on male mice offspring reproductive parameters, including the genome-wide RNA expression and associated promoter methylation status in the sperm of the first filial generation. It was observed that adult male offspring displayed symptoms similar to the human testicular dysgenesis syndrome. A combination of sperm transcriptome and methylome data analysis allowed to detect a long-lasting DEHP-induced and robust promoter methylation-associated silencing of almost the entire cluster of the seminal vesicle secretory proteins and antigen genes, which are known to play a fundamental role in sperm physiology. It also resulted in the detection of a DEHP-induced promoter demethylation associated with an up-regulation of three genes apparently not relevant for sperm physiology and partially related to the immune system. As previously reported, DEHP induced an increase in mir-615 microRNA expression and a genome-wide decrease in microRNA promoter methylation. A functional analysis revealed DEHP-induced enrichments in down-regulated gene transcripts coding for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and tumor necrosis factor signaling pathways, and in up-regulated gene transcripts coding for calcium binding and numerous myosin proteins. All these enriched pathways and networks have been described to be associated in some way with the reproductive system. This study identifies a large new array of genes dysregulated by DEHP that may play a role in the complex system controlling the development of the male reproductive system.
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Fisher HS, Jacobs-Palmer E, Lassance JM, Hoekstra HE. The genetic basis and fitness consequences of sperm midpiece size in deer mice. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13652. [PMID: 27910854 PMCID: PMC5146288 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
An extensive array of reproductive traits varies among species, yet the genetic mechanisms that enable divergence, often over short evolutionary timescales, remain elusive. Here we examine two sister-species of Peromyscus mice with divergent mating systems. We find that the promiscuous species produces sperm with longer midpiece than the monogamous species, and midpiece size correlates positively with competitive ability and swimming performance. Using forward genetics, we identify a gene associated with midpiece length: Prkar1a, which encodes the R1α regulatory subunit of PKA. R1α localizes to midpiece in Peromyscus and is differentially expressed in mature sperm of the two species yet is similarly abundant in the testis. We also show that genetic variation at this locus accurately predicts male reproductive success. Our findings suggest that rapid evolution of reproductive traits can occur through cell type-specific changes to ubiquitously expressed genes and have an important effect on fitness. Across species there are large changes in sperm morphology, yet how and why is unclear. Here, the authors show in Peromyscus mice, that the sperm midpiece length influences swimming speed and male fertility, and is regulated by cell-type specific expression of a ubiquitously expressed gene, Prkar1a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi S Fisher
- Department of Organismic &Evolutionary Biology, Department of Molecular &Cellular Biology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Emily Jacobs-Palmer
- Department of Organismic &Evolutionary Biology, Department of Molecular &Cellular Biology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jean-Marc Lassance
- Department of Organismic &Evolutionary Biology, Department of Molecular &Cellular Biology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Hopi E Hoekstra
- Department of Organismic &Evolutionary Biology, Department of Molecular &Cellular Biology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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Wu C, Ding X, Tan H, Li H, Xiong C. Alterations of testis-specific promoter methylation in cell-free seminal deoxyribonucleic acid of idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermic men with different testicular phenotypes. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:1331-1337. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Stanton PG, Foo CFH, Rainczuk A, Stephens AN, Condina M, O'Donnell L, Weidner W, Ishikawa T, Cruickshanks L, Smith LB, McLachlan RI. Mapping the testicular interstitial fluid proteome from normal rats. Proteomics 2016; 16:2391-402. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201600107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter G. Stanton
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science; Monash University; Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Caroline F. H. Foo
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science; Monash University; Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Adam Rainczuk
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science; Monash University; Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Andrew N. Stephens
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science; Monash University; Clayton Victoria Australia
- Epworth Research Institute; Epworth Healthcare; Richmond Victoria Australia
| | | | - Liza O'Donnell
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science; Monash University; Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Wolfgang Weidner
- Department of Urology; Paediatric Urology and Andrology; Justus Liebig University; Giessen Germany
| | | | - Lyndsey Cruickshanks
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health; University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh United Kingdom
| | - Lee B. Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health; University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh United Kingdom
| | - Robert I. McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science; Monash University; Clayton Victoria Australia
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Marayati BF, Hoskins V, Boger RW, Tucker JF, Fishman ES, Bray AS, Zhang K. The fission yeast MTREC and EJC orthologs ensure the maturation of meiotic transcripts during meiosis. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2016; 22:1349-59. [PMID: 27365210 PMCID: PMC4986891 DOI: 10.1261/rna.055608.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Meiosis is a highly regulated process by which genetic information is transmitted through sexual reproduction. It encompasses unique mechanisms that do not occur in vegetative cells, producing a distinct, well-regulated meiotic transcriptome. During vegetative growth, many meiotic genes are constitutively transcribed, but most of the resulting mRNAs are rapidly eliminated by the Mmi1-MTREC (Mtl1-Red1 core) complex. While Mmi1-MTREC targets premature meiotic RNAs for degradation by the nuclear 3'-5' exoribonuclease exosome during mitotic growth, its role in meiotic gene expression during meiosis is not known. Here, we report that Red5, an essential MTREC component, interacts with pFal1, an ortholog of eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4aIII in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe In mammals, together with MAGO (Mnh1), Rnps1, and Y14, elF4AIII (pFal1) forms the core of the exon junction complex (EJC), which is essential for transcriptional surveillance and localization of mature mRNAs. In fission yeast, two EJC orthologs, pFal1 and Mnh1, are functionally connected with MTREC, specifically in the process of meiotic gene expression during meiosis. Although pFal1 interacts with Mnh1, Y14, and Rnps1, its association with Mnh1 is not disrupted upon loss of Y14 or Rnps1. Mutations of Red1, Red5, pFal1, or Mnh1 produce severe meiotic defects; the abundance of meiotic transcripts during meiosis decreases; and mRNA maturation processes such as splicing are impaired. Since studying meiosis in mammalian germline cells is difficult, our findings in fission yeast may help to define the general mechanisms involved in accurate meiotic gene expression in higher eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahjat Fadi Marayati
- Department of Biology and Center for Molecular Communication and Signaling, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27106, USA
| | - Victoria Hoskins
- Program of Human Genetics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Robert W Boger
- Department of Biology and Center for Molecular Communication and Signaling, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27106, USA
| | - James F Tucker
- Department of Biology and Center for Molecular Communication and Signaling, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27106, USA
| | - Emily S Fishman
- Department of Biology and Center for Molecular Communication and Signaling, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27106, USA
| | - Andrew S Bray
- Department of Biology and Center for Molecular Communication and Signaling, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27106, USA
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Biology and Center for Molecular Communication and Signaling, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27106, USA
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Borowiec AS, Sion B, Chalmel F, D Rolland A, Lemonnier L, De Clerck T, Bokhobza A, Derouiche S, Dewailly E, Slomianny C, Mauduit C, Benahmed M, Roudbaraki M, Jégou B, Prevarskaya N, Bidaux G. Cold/menthol TRPM8 receptors initiate the cold-shock response and protect germ cells from cold-shock-induced oxidation. FASEB J 2016; 30:3155-70. [PMID: 27317670 PMCID: PMC5001517 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201600257r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Testes of most male mammals present the particularity of being externalized from the body and are consequently slightly cooler than core body temperature (4-8°C below). Although, hypothermia of the testis is known to increase germ cells apoptosis, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms, including cold sensors, transduction pathways, and apoptosis triggers. In this study, using a functional knockout mouse model of the cold and menthol receptors, dubbed transient receptor potential melastatine 8 (TRPM8) channels, we found that TRPM8 initiated the cold-shock response by differentially modulating cold- and heat-shock proteins. Besides, apoptosis of germ cells increased in proportion to the cooling level in control mice but was independent of temperature in knockout mice. We also observed that the rate of germ cell death correlated positively with the reactive oxygen species level and negatively with the expression of the detoxifying enzymes. This result suggests that the TRPM8 sensor is a key determinant of germ cell fate under hypothermic stimulation.-Borowiec, A.-S., Sion, B., Chalmel, F., Rolland, A. D., Lemonnier, L., De Clerck, T., Bokhobza, A., Derouiche, S., Dewailly, E., Slomianny, C., Mauduit, C., Benahmed, M., Roudbaraki, M., Jégou, B., Prevarskaya, N., Bidaux, G. Cold/menthol TRPM8 receptors initiate the cold-shock response and protect germ cells from cold-shock-induced oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benoit Sion
- Pharmacologie Fondamentale et Clinique de la Douleur, INSERM, U1107, Neuro-Dol, Clermont Université, Université d'Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | | | - Loïc Lemonnier
- Physiologie Cellulaire (PHYCEL), INSERM, U1003, Université Lille, Lille, France
| | - Tatiana De Clerck
- Physiologie Cellulaire (PHYCEL), INSERM, U1003, Université Lille, Lille, France
| | - Alexandre Bokhobza
- Physiologie Cellulaire (PHYCEL), INSERM, U1003, Université Lille, Lille, France
| | - Sandra Derouiche
- Physiologie Cellulaire (PHYCEL), INSERM, U1003, Université Lille, Lille, France
| | - Etienne Dewailly
- Physiologie Cellulaire (PHYCEL), INSERM, U1003, Université Lille, Lille, France
| | - Christian Slomianny
- Physiologie Cellulaire (PHYCEL), INSERM, U1003, Université Lille, Lille, France
| | - Claire Mauduit
- Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Team 5, INSERM, U1065, Nice, France; and
| | - Mohamed Benahmed
- Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Team 5, INSERM, U1065, Nice, France; and
| | - Morad Roudbaraki
- Physiologie Cellulaire (PHYCEL), INSERM, U1003, Université Lille, Lille, France
| | - Bernard Jégou
- INSERM, U1085-Irset, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, France
| | - Natalia Prevarskaya
- Physiologie Cellulaire (PHYCEL), INSERM, U1003, Université Lille, Lille, France
| | - Gabriel Bidaux
- Physiologie Cellulaire (PHYCEL), INSERM, U1003, Université Lille, Lille, France; Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers, Atomes et Molécules (PhLAM), UMR8523, Biophotonic Team, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
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50
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Lin X, Han M, Cheng L, Chen J, Zhang Z, Shen T, Wang M, Wen B, Ni T, Han C. Expression dynamics, relationships, and transcriptional regulations of diverse transcripts in mouse spermatogenic cells. RNA Biol 2016; 13:1011-1024. [PMID: 27560004 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2016.1218588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Among all tissues of the metazoa, the transcritpome of testis displays the highest diversity and specificity. However, its composition and dynamics during spermatogenesis have not been fully understood. Here, we have identified 20,639 message RNAs (mRNAs), 7,168 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 15,101 circular RNAs (circRNAs) in mouse spermatogenic cells, and found many of them were specifically expressed in testes. lncRNAs are significantly more testis-specific than mRNAs. At all stages, mRNAs are generally more abundant than lncRNAs, and linear transcripts are more abundant than circRNAs. We showed that the productions of circRNAs and piRNAs were highly regulated instead of random processes. Based on the results of a small-scale functional screening experiment using cultured mouse spermatogonial stem cells, many evolutionarily conserved lncRNAs are likely to play roles in spermatogenesis. Typical classes of transcription factor binding sites are enriched in the promoters of testis-specific m/lncRNA genes. Target genes of CREM and RFX2, 2 key TFs for spermatogenesis, were further validated by using ChIP-chip assays and RNA-seq on RFX2-knockout spermatogenic cells. Our results contribute to the current understanding of the transcriptomic complexity of spermatogenic cells and provide a valuable resource from which many candidate genes may be selected for further functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiwen Lin
- a State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Miao Han
- b State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering & Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Lu Cheng
- c Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Jian Chen
- a State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China.,d Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Zhuqiang Zhang
- a State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China.,d Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Ting Shen
- b State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering & Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Min Wang
- a State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Bo Wen
- b State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering & Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University , Shanghai , China.,c Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Ting Ni
- b State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering & Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Chunsheng Han
- a State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
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