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Xu L, Shi M, Qin G, Lin X, Huang B. Environmental pollutant Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induces asthenozoospermia: new insights from network toxicology. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-024-10976-9. [PMID: 39259422 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-024-10976-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
The global decline in sperm quality in men is closely associated with environmental exposure to the plasticizer Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), but the molecular mechanisms underlying its induction of asthenozoospermia (AZS) remain incompletely understood. By integrating the toxicological targets of DEHP and differential genes in AZS patients, and combining machine learning, molecular docking, and dynamics simulations, this study successfully identified hub genes and signaling pathways induced by DEHP in AZS, aiming to provide new strategies for the prevention and treatment of this disease. A total of 26 toxicological targets were identified, with FGFR1, MMP7, and ST14 clearly defined as playing crucial regulatory roles in DEHP-induced AZS. This study also reveals that DEHP may induce reproductive system inflammation, affecting the proliferation and survival of reproductive cells, and subsequently impacting sperm vitality, possibly through regulating the mTORC1 pathway, TNF-α signaling via the NF-κB pathway, and MYC targets v1 pathway. Furthermore, changes in the immune microenvironment revealed the significant impact of immune status on testicular function. In conclusion, this study provides important scientific evidence for understanding the molecular mechanisms of AZS and developing prevention and treatment strategies based on toxicological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Menghua Shi
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Guozheng Qin
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650021, Yunnan, China
| | - Xuyao Lin
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China.
| | - Bin Huang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, 418000, Hunan, China.
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2
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Zuo S, Li C, Sun X, Deng B, Zhang Y, Han Y, Ling Z, Xu J, Duan J, Wang Z, Yu X, Zheng Q, Xu X, Zong J, Tian Z, Shan L, Tang K, Huang H, Song Y, Niu Q, Zhou D, Feng S, Han Z, Wang G, Wu T, Pan J, Feng X. C-JUN overexpressing CAR-T cells in acute myeloid leukemia: preclinical characterization and phase I trial. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6155. [PMID: 39039086 PMCID: PMC11263573 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50485-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells show suboptimal efficacy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We find that CAR T cells exposed to myeloid leukemia show impaired activation and cytolytic function, accompanied by impaired antigen receptor downstream calcium, ZAP70, ERK, and C-JUN signaling, compared to those exposed to B-cell leukemia. These defects are caused in part by the high expression of CD155 by AML. Overexpressing C-JUN, but not other antigen receptor downstream components, maximally restores anti-tumor function. C-JUN overexpression increases costimulatory molecules and cytokines through reinvigoration of ERK or transcriptional activation, independent of anti-exhaustion. We conduct an open-label, non-randomized, single-arm, phase I trial of C-JUN-overexpressing CAR-T in AML (NCT04835519) with safety and efficacy as primary and secondary endpoints, respectively. Of the four patients treated, one has grade 4 (dose-limiting toxicity) and three have grade 1-2 cytokine release syndrome. Two patients have no detectable bone marrow blasts and one patient has blast reduction after treatment. Thus, overexpressing C-JUN endows CAR-T efficacy in AML.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Middle Aged
- Male
- Female
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun/metabolism
- Animals
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Aged
- Adult
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Chuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
- Central laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Biping Deng
- Cytology Laboratory, Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yibing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Yajing Han
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhuojun Ling
- Department of Hematology, Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinlong Xu
- Department of Hematology, Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiajia Duan
- Department of Hematology, Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zelin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinjian Yu
- Medical Laboratory, Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qinlong Zheng
- Medical Laboratory, Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuwen Xu
- Medical Laboratory, Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiao Zong
- Medical Laboratory, Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenglong Tian
- Gobroad Research Center, Gobroad Medical Group, Beijing, China
| | - Lingling Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Kaiting Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Huifang Huang
- Central laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yanzhi Song
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Dongming Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Sizhou Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongchao Han
- Institute of Stem Cells, Health-Biotech (Tianjin) Stem Cell Research Institute Co., Ltd, Tianjin, China
| | - Guoling Wang
- Department of Hematology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Jing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Boren Clinical Translational Center, Department of Hematology, Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoming Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China.
- Central laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
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3
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Zhang Q, Li J, Liu F, Hu J, Liu F, Zou J, Wang X. Ephrin B2 (EFNB2) potentially protects against intervertebral disc degeneration through inhibiting nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 756:109990. [PMID: 38636690 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Nucleus pulposus (NP) cell apoptosis is a significant indication of accelerated intervertebral disc degeneration; however, the precise mechanism is unelucidated as of yet. Ephrin B2 (EFNB2), the only gene down-regulated in the three degraded intervertebral disc tissue microarray groups (GSE70362, GSE147383 and GSE56081), was screened for examination in this study. Subsequently, EFNB2 was verified to be down-regulated in degraded NP tissue samples. Interleukin-1 (IL-1β) treatment of NP cells to simulate the IDD environment indicated that IL-1β treatment decreased EFNB2 expression. In degenerative NP cells stimulated by IL-1β, EFNB2 knockdown significantly increased the rate of apoptosis as well as the apoptosis-related molecules cleaved-caspase-3 and the Bax to Bcl-2 ratio. EFNB2 was found to promote AKT, PI3K, and mTOR phosphorylation; the PI3K/AKT signaling role was investigated using the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. EFNB2 overexpression significantly increased PI3K/AKT pathway activity in IL-1β-stimulated NP cells than the normal control. Moreover, EFNB2 partially alleviated NP cell apoptosis induced by IL-1β, reduced the cleaved-cas3 level, and decreased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio after the addition of the inhibitor LY294002. Additionally, EFNB2 overexpression inhibited the ERK1/2 phosphorylation; the effects of EFNB2 overexpression on ERK1/2 phosphorylation, degenerative NP cell viability, and cell apoptosis were partially reversed by ERK signaling activator Ceramide C6. EFNB2 comprehensively inhibited the apoptosis of NP cells by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling and inhibiting the ERK signaling, obviating the exacerbation of IDD. EFNB2 could be a potential target to protect against degenerative disc changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianshi Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Fubing Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Jiarui Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Fusheng Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Jianfei Zou
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
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4
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Veiga RN, de Azevedo ALK, de Oliveira JC, Gradia DF. Targeting EphA2: a promising strategy to overcome chemoresistance and drug resistance in cancer. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:479-493. [PMID: 38393661 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02431-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular A2 (EphA2) is a vital member of the Eph tyrosine kinase receptor family and has been associated with developmental processes. However, it is often overexpressed in tumors and correlates with cancer progression and worse prognosis due to the activation of its noncanonical signaling pathway. Throughout cancer treatment, the emergence of drug-resistant tumor cells is relatively common. Since the early 2000s, researchers have focused on understanding the role of EphA2 in promoting drug resistance in different types of cancer, as well as finding efficient and secure EphA2 inhibitors. In this review, the current knowledge regarding induced resistance by EphA2 in cancer treatment is summarized, and the types of cancer that lead to the most cancer-related deaths are highlighted. Some EphA2 inhibitors were also investigated. Regardless of whether the cancer treatment has reached a drug-resistance stage in EphA2-overexpressing tumors, once EphA2 is involved in cancer progression and aggressiveness, targeting EphA2 is a promising therapeutic strategy, especially in combination with other target-drugs for synergistic effect. For that reason, monoclonal antibodies against EphA2 and inhibitors of this receptor should be investigated for efficacy and drug toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Nasser Veiga
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Luiz Korte de Azevedo
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Carvalho de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Daniela Fiori Gradia
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil.
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5
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Chen Q, Zhang L, Zhang F, Yi S. FOSL1 modulates Schwann cell responses in the wound microenvironment and regulates peripheral nerve regeneration. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105444. [PMID: 37949219 PMCID: PMC10716580 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral glial Schwann cells switch to a repair state after nerve injury, proliferate to supply lost cell population, migrate to form regeneration tracks, and contribute to the generation of a permissive microenvironment for nerve regeneration. Exploring essential regulators of the repair responses of Schwann cells may benefit the clinical treatment for peripheral nerve injury. In the present study, we find that FOSL1, a AP-1 member that encodes transcription factor FOS Like 1, is highly expressed at the injured sites following peripheral nerve crush. Interfering FOSL1 decreases the proliferation rate and migration ability of Schwann cells, leading to impaired nerve regeneration. Mechanism investigations demonstrate that FOSL1 regulates Schwann cell proliferation and migration by directly binding to the promoter of EPH Receptor B2 (EPHB2) and promoting EPHB2 transcription. Collectively, our findings reveal the essential roles of FOSL1 in regulating the activation of Schwann cells and indicate that FOSL1 can be targeted as a novel therapeutic approach to orchestrate the regeneration and functional recovery of injured peripheral nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fuchao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sheng Yi
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
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6
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Luo Y, Yamada M, N’Tumba-Byn T, Asif H, Gao M, Hu Y, Marangoni P, Liu Y, Evans T, Rafii S, Klein OD, Voss HU, Hadjantonakis AK, Elemento O, Martin LA, Seandel M. SPRY4-dependent ERK negative feedback demarcates functional adult stem cells in the male mouse germline†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:533-551. [PMID: 37552049 PMCID: PMC10577279 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Niche-derived growth factors support self-renewal of mouse spermatogonial stem and progenitor cells through ERK MAPK signaling and other pathways. At the same time, dysregulated growth factor-dependent signaling has been associated with loss of stem cell activity and aberrant differentiation. We hypothesized that growth factor signaling through the ERK MAPK pathway in spermatogonial stem cells is tightly regulated within a narrow range through distinct intracellular negative feedback regulators. Evaluation of candidate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-responsive genes known to dampen downstream signaling revealed robust induction of specific negative feedback regulators, including Spry4, in cultured mouse spermatogonial stem cells in response to glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor or fibroblast growth factor 2. Undifferentiated spermatogonia in vivo exhibited high levels of Spry4 mRNA. Quantitative single-cell analysis of ERK MAPK signaling in spermatogonial stem cell cultures revealed both dynamic signaling patterns in response to growth factors and disruption of such effects when Spry4 was ablated, due to dysregulation of ERK MAPK downstream of RAS. Whereas negative feedback regulator expression decreased during differentiation, loss of Spry4 shifted cell fate toward early differentiation with concomitant loss of stem cell activity. Finally, a mouse Spry4 reporter line revealed that the adult spermatogonial stem cell population in vivo is demarcated by strong Spry4 promoter activity. Collectively, our data suggest that negative feedback-dependent regulation of ERK MAPK is critical for preservation of spermatogonial stem cell fate within the mammalian testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyun Luo
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Makiko Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Hana Asif
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meng Gao
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pauline Marangoni
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hartman Institute for Therapeutic Organ Regeneration, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Todd Evans
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hartman Institute for Therapeutic Organ Regeneration, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ophir D Klein
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Henning U Voss
- College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura A Martin
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marco Seandel
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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7
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Wang YJ, Li S, Tao HP, Zhang XN, Fang YG, Yang QE. ARHGEF15 is expressed in undifferentiated spermatogonia but is not required for spermatogenesis in mice. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100727. [PMID: 36603298 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a continual process that relies on the activities of undifferentiated spermatogonia, which contain spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that serve as the basis of spermatogenesis. The gene expression pattern and molecular control of fate decisions of undifferentiated spermatogonia are not well understood. Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 15 (ARHGEF15, also known as EPHEXIN5) is a guanine nucleotide-exchange factor (GEF) that activates the Rho protein. Here, we reported that ARHGEF15 was expressed in undifferentiated spermatogonia and spermatocytes in mouse testes; however, its deletion did not affect spermatogenesis. Arhgef15-/- mice were fertile, and histological examination of the seminiferous tubules of Arhgef15-/- mice revealed complete spermatogenesis with the presence of all types of spermatogenic cells. Proliferation and differentiation of the undifferentiated spermatogonia were not impacted; however, further analysis showed that Arhgef15 deletion resulted in decreased expression of Nanos2, Lin28a and Ddx4. Together, these findings suggest that ARHGEF15 was specifically enriched in undifferentiated spermatogonia and regulated gene expression but dispensable for spermatogenesis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hai-Ping Tao
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - You-Gui Fang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China.
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8
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Mollashahi B, Latifi-Navid H, Owliaee I, Shamdani S, Uzan G, Jamehdor S, Naserian S. Research and Therapeutic Approaches in Stem Cell Genome Editing by CRISPR Toolkit. Molecules 2023; 28:1982. [PMID: 36838970 PMCID: PMC9961668 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The most widely used genome editing toolkit is CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats). It provides the possibility of replacing and modifying DNA and RNA nucleotides. Furthermore, with advancements in biological technology, inhibition and activation of the transcription of specific gene(s) has become possible. Bioinformatics tools that target the evolution of CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) turn this protein into a vehicle that is specific for a DNA or RNA region with single guide RNA (sgRNA). This toolkit could be used by researchers to investigate the function of stem cell gene(s). Here, in this review article, we cover recent developments and applications of this technique in stem cells for research and clinical purposes and discuss different CRISPR/Cas technologies for knock-out, knock-in, activation, or inhibition of gene expression. Additionally, a comparison of several deliveries and off-target detecting strategies is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrouz Mollashahi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Hamid Latifi-Navid
- Department of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran 14965/161, Iran
| | - Iman Owliaee
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan 6517838636, Iran
| | - Sara Shamdani
- INSERM UMR-S-MD 1197, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Paris-Saclay University, 94807 Villejuif, France
- CellMedEx, 94100 Saint Maur Des Fossés, France
| | - Georges Uzan
- INSERM UMR-S-MD 1197, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Paris-Saclay University, 94807 Villejuif, France
| | - Saleh Jamehdor
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan 6517838636, Iran
| | - Sina Naserian
- INSERM UMR-S-MD 1197, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Paris-Saclay University, 94807 Villejuif, France
- CellMedEx, 94100 Saint Maur Des Fossés, France
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9
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Cason C, Lord T. RNA Interference as a Method of Gene Knockdown in Cultured Spermatogonia. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:161-177. [PMID: 37249871 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Maintenance and self-renewal of the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) population in the testis are dictated by the expression of a unique suite of genes. In manipulating gene expression through loss-of-function approaches, we can identify important regulatory mechanisms that dictate spermatogonial fate decisions. One such approach is RNA interference (RNAi), which uses natural cellular responses to small interfering RNAs to decrease levels of a targeted transcript. RNAi is performed in primary cultures of undifferentiated spermatogonia, and can be paired with techniques such as spermatogonial transplantation to assess the functional consequences of downregulated expression of the target gene on stem cell maintenance. This approach provides an alternative or complementary strategy to the generation of knockout mouse lines / cell lines. Here, we describe the methodology of RNAi in undifferentiated spermatogonia, and outline its inherent advantages and disadvantages over other technologies in the study of gene regulation in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Cason
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
- Infertility and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
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Yamada M, Luo Y, Seandel M. Viral Transduction of Mammalian Spermatogonial Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:211-225. [PMID: 37249874 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors have been major tools for genetic manipulation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in vitro. Adeno-associated viral vectors are promising emerging tools for in vivo SSC transduction that are less invasive, compared to lentivirus, since AAV DNA is not integrated into the host genome and the host genome remains intact. In this chapter, we describe protocols using lentiviral and adeno-associated viral vectors to transduce SSCs in vitro and vivo, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makiko Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yanyun Luo
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marco Seandel
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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11
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Du L, Chen W, Li C, Cui Y, He Z. RNF144B stimulates the proliferation and inhibits the apoptosis of human spermatogonial stem cells via the FCER2/NOTCH2/HES1 pathway and its abnormality is associated with azoospermia. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3565-3577. [PMID: 35699595 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Studies on gene regulation and signaling transduction pathways of human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are of the utmost significance for unveiling molecular mechanisms underlying human spermatogenesis and gene therapy of male infertility. We have demonstrated, for the first time, that RNF144B stimulated cell proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of human SSCs. The target of RNF144B was identified as FCER2 by RNA sequencing. We revealed that RNF144B interacted with FCER2 by immunoprecipitation. Consistently, overexpression of FCER2 reversed the phenotype of proliferation and apoptosis of human SSCs caused by RNF144B knockdown. Interestingly, FCER2 pulled down N2ICD (NOTCH2 intracellular domain), while N2ICD could bind to FCER2 in human SSCs. The levels of NOTCH2, FCER2, HES1, and HEY1 were reduced by RNF144B siRNA in human SSCs. Significantly, RNF144B was expressed at a lower level in nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients than in the obstructive azoospermia (OA) patients with normal spermatogenesis, and 52 patients with heterozygous mutations of RNF144B were detected in 1,000 NOA patients. These results implicate that RNF144B promotes the proliferation of human SSCs and suppresses their apoptosis via the FCER2/NOTCH2/HES1 pathway and that the abnormality of RNF144B is associated with spermatogenesis failure. This study thus provides novel molecular mechanisms regulating the fate determinations of human SSCs, and it offers new biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Du
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University; The Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University; The Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Chunyun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University; The Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yinghong Cui
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University; The Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Zuping He
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University; The Manufacture-Based Learning and Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Wang HQ, Wang T, Gao F, Ren WZ. Application of CRISPR/Cas Technology in Spermatogenesis Research and Male Infertility Treatment. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13061000. [PMID: 35741761 PMCID: PMC9223233 DOI: 10.3390/genes13061000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
As the basis of animal reproductive activity, normal spermatogenesis directly determines the efficiency of livestock production. An in-depth understanding of spermatogenesis will greatly facilitate animal breeding efforts and male infertility treatment. With the continuous development and application of gene editing technologies, they have become valuable tools to study the mechanism of spermatogenesis. Gene editing technologies have provided us with a better understanding of the functions and potential mechanisms of action of factors that regulate spermatogenesis. This review summarizes the applications of gene editing technologies, especially CRISPR/Cas9, in deepening our understanding of the function of spermatogenesis-related genes and disease treatment. The problems of gene editing technologies in the field of spermatogenesis research are also discussed.
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13
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Takahashi T, Shiraishi A, Murata J, Matsubara S, Nakaoka S, Kirimoto S, Osawa M. Muscarinic receptor M3 contributes to intestinal stem cell maintenance via EphB/ephrin-B signaling. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 4:4/9/e202000962. [PMID: 34244422 PMCID: PMC8321669 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202000962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) signaling through activation of nicotinic and muscarinic ACh receptors regulates expression of specific genes that mediate and sustain proliferation, differentiation, and homeostasis in the intestinal crypts. This signaling plays a pivotal role in the regulation of intestinal stem cell function, but the details have not been clarified. Here, we performed experiments using type 3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3) knockout mice and their intestinal organoids and report that endogenous ACh affects the size of the intestinal stem niche via M3 signaling. RNA sequencing of crypts identified up-regulation of the EphB/ephrin-B signaling pathway. Furthermore, using an MEK inhibitor (U0126), we found that mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) signaling, which is downstream of EphB/ephrin-B signaling, is activated in M3-deficient crypts. Collectively, M3, EphB/ephrin-B, and the MAPK/ERK signaling cascade work together to maintain the homeostasis of intestinal epithelial cell growth and differentiation following modifications of the cholinergic intestinal niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshio Takahashi
- Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Bioorganic Research Institute, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akira Shiraishi
- Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Bioorganic Research Institute, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Jun Murata
- Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Bioorganic Research Institute, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shin Matsubara
- Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Bioorganic Research Institute, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | | | - Masatake Osawa
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.,Center for Highly Advanced Integration of Nano and Life Sciences, Gifu University (G-CHAIN), Gifu, Japan
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