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Khatun A, Nasrin T, Hassan MS, Hoque M, Hoda M, Ali S. A review on the nexus of autophagy genes from the perspective of polycystic ovary syndrome. Biol Cell 2024:e202300069. [PMID: 38679788 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202300069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is an endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. It is a diversified multi factorial disorder and diagnosis is very complicated because of its overlapping symptoms some of which are irregular menstrual cycle, acne in face, excess level of androgen (AE), insulin resistance, obesity, cardiovascular disease, mood disorder and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). PCOS may be caused by hormonal imbalance, genetic and epigenetic vulnerability, hypothalamic and ovarian troubles. PCOS is essentially hyperandrogenimia with oligo-anovulation. This review explains the abnormal regulation of autophagy related genes and proteins in different cells at various stages which leads to the genesis of PCOS. During nutrient starvation cells face stress condition, which it tries to overcome by activating its macroautophagy mechanism and by degrading the cytoplasmic material. This provides energy to the cell facilitating its survival. Downregulation of autophagy related genes in endometria has been observed in PCOS women. PCOS can be managed by maintaining proper lifestyle and medical treatment. Healthy meals and regular exercise can prevent the excessive weight and also reduce the PCOS complications. Medicines such as metformin, clomiphene, and the oral contraceptive pill can also balance the hormonal level. The imbalance in regulation of autophagy genes has been discussed with correlation to PCOS. The different management strategies for PCOS have also been summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arifa Khatun
- Clinical and Applied Genomics (CAG) Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Aliah University, Kolkata, India
| | - Taslima Nasrin
- Clinical and Applied Genomics (CAG) Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Aliah University, Kolkata, India
| | - Md Samim Hassan
- Clinical and Applied Genomics (CAG) Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Aliah University, Kolkata, India
| | - Mehboob Hoque
- Applied Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Aliah University, Kolkata, India
| | - Muddasarul Hoda
- Nanotechnology and Applied Phytochemistry (NAP) Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Aliah University, Kolkata, India
| | - Safdar Ali
- Clinical and Applied Genomics (CAG) Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Aliah University, Kolkata, India
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2
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Wang Y, Li Q, Ma Z, Xu H, Peng F, Chen B, Ma B, Qin L, Lan J, Li Y, Lan D, Li J, Wang S, Fu W. β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Alleviates Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Cell Cycle Arrest and Death in Ovarian Granulosa Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15666. [PMID: 37958650 PMCID: PMC10649918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115666] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintaining normal functions of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) is essential for oocyte development and maturation. The dysfunction of GCs impairs nutrition supply and estrogen secretion by follicles, thus negatively affecting the breeding capacity of farm animals. Impaired GCs is generally associated with declines in Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels, which triggers un-controlled oxidative stress, and the oxidative stress, thus, attack the subcellular structures and cause cell damage. β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a NAD+ precursor, has demonstrated well-known antioxidant properties in several studies. In this study, using two types of ovarian GCs (mouse GCs (mGCs) and human granulosa cell line (KGN)) as cell models, we aimed to investigate the potential effects of NMN on gene expression patterns and antioxidant capacity of both mGCs and KGN that were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). As shown in results of the study, mGCs that were exposed to H2O2 significantly altered the gene expression patterns, with 428 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) when compared with those of the control group. Furthermore, adding NMN to H2O2-cultured mGCs displayed 621 DEGs. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly enriched in key pathways like cell cycle, senescence, and cell death. Using RT-qPCR, CCK8, and β-galactosidase staining, we found that H2O2 exposure on mGCs obviously reduced cell activity/mRNA expressions of antioxidant genes, inhibited cell proliferation, and induced cellular senescence. Notably, NMN supplementation partially prevented these H2O2-induced abnormalities. Moreover, these similar beneficial effects of NMN on antioxidant capacity were confirmed in the KGN cell models that were exposed to H2O2. Taken together, the present results demonstrate that NMN supplementation protects against H2O2-induced impairments in gene expression pattern, cell cycle arrest, and cell death in ovarian GCs through boosting NAD+ levels and provide potential strategies to ameliorate uncontrolled oxidative stress in ovarian GCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunduan Wang
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Qiao Li
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Zifeng Ma
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Hongmei Xu
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Feiyu Peng
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Bin Chen
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Bo Ma
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Linmei Qin
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Jiachen Lan
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Yueyue Li
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Daoliang Lan
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Southwest Minzu University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian Li
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Southwest Minzu University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shujin Wang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400032, China
| | - Wei Fu
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Southwest Minzu University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
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3
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Oct4 dependent chromatin activation is required for chicken primordial germ cell migration. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2535-2546. [PMID: 35397052 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10371-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the undifferentiated progenitors of the gametes. Unlike the poor maintenance of cultured mammalian PGCs, the avian PGCs can be expanded in vitro indefinitely while preserving pluripotency and germline competence. In mammals, the Oct4 is the master transcription factor that ensures the stemness of pluripotent cells such as PGCs, but the specific function of Oct4 in chicken PGCs remains unclear. As expected, the loss of Oct4 in chicken PGCs reduced the expression of key pluripotency factors and promoted the genes involved in endoderm and ectoderm differentiation. Furthermore, the global active chromatin was reduced as shown by the depletion of the H3K27ac upon Oct4 suppression. Interestingly, the de-activated chromatin caused the down-regulation of adjacent genes which are mostly known regulators of cell junction, chemotaxis and cell migration. Consequently, the Oct4-deficient PGCs show impaired cell migration and could not colonize the gonads when re-introduced into the bloodstream of the embryo. We propose that, in addition to maintaining pluripotency, the Oct4 mediated chromatin activation is dictating chicken PGC migration.
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Fayaz MA, Ibtisham F, Cham TC, Honaramooz A. Culture supplementation of bFGF, GDNF, and LIF alters in vitro proliferation, colony formation, and pluripotency of neonatal porcine germ cells. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 388:195-210. [PMID: 35102441 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03583-3] [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: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Gonocytes in the neonatal testis have male germline stem cell properties and as such have important potential applications in fertility preservation and regenerative medicine. Such applications require further studies aimed at increasing gonocyte numbers and evaluating their pluripotency in vitro. The objective of the present study was to test the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on in vitro propagation, colony formation, and expression of pluripotency markers of neonatal porcine gonocytes. Testis cells from 1-week-old piglets were cultured in basic media (DMEM + 15% FBS), supplemented with various concentrations of bFGF, GDNF, and LIF, either individually or in combinations, in a stepwise experimental design. Gonocytes and/or their colonies were evaluated every 7 days and the gonocyte- (DBA) and pluripotency-specific markers (POU5F1, SSEA-1, E-cadherin, and NANOG) assessed on day 28. Greatest gonocyte numbers and largest colonies were found in media supplemented with 10 ng/mL bFGF and 10 ng/mL bFGF + 100 ng/mL GDNF + 1500 U/mL LIF, respectively. The resultant gonocytes and colonies expressed both germ cell- and pluripotency-specific markers. These results shed light on the growth hormone requirements of porcine gonocytes for in vitro proliferation and colony formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Fayaz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Fahar Ibtisham
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Tat-Chuan Cham
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Ali Honaramooz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5B4, Canada.
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Umeno K, Sasaki A, Kimura N. The impact of oocyte death on mouse primordial follicle formation and ovarian reserve. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12489. [PMID: 36329711 PMCID: PMC9623396 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12489] [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: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovaries, the source of oocytes, maintain the numbers of primordial follicles, develop oocytes for fertilization and embryonic development. Although it is well known that about two‐thirds of oocytes are lost during the formation of primordial follicles through cyst fragmentation and the aggregation of oocytes within the cyst, the mechanism responsible for this remains unclear. Methods We provide an overview of cell death that is associated with the oocyte cyst breakdown and primordial follicle assembly along with our recent findings for mice that had been treated with a TNFα ligand inhibitor. Main Findings It is generally accepted that apoptosis is the major mechanism responsible for the depletion of germ cells. In fact, a gene deficiency or the overexpression of apoptosis regulators can have a great effect on follicle numbers and/or fertility. Apoptosis, however, may not be the only cause of the large‐scale oocyte attrition during oocyte cyst breakdown, and other mechanisms, such as aggregation, may also be involved in this process. Conclusion The continued study of oocyte death during primordial follicle formation could lead to the development of novel strategies for manipulating the primordial follicle pool, leading to improved fertility by enhancing the ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Umeno
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science Yamagata University Tsuruoka Japan
| | - Ayana Sasaki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science Yamagata University Tsuruoka Japan
| | - Naoko Kimura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science Yamagata University Tsuruoka Japan
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Kumariya S, Ubba V, Jha RK, Gayen JR. Autophagy in ovary and polycystic ovary syndrome: role, dispute and future perspective. Autophagy 2021; 17:2706-2733. [PMID: 34161185 PMCID: PMC8526011 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.1938914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a unification of endocrine and metabolic disorders and has become immensely prevalent among women of fertile age. The prime organ affected in PCOS is the ovary and its distressed functioning elicits disturbed reproductive outcomes. In the ovary, macroautophagy/autophagy performs a pivotal role in directing the chain of events starting from oocytes origin until its fertilization. Recent discoveries demonstrate a significant role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Defective autophagy in the follicular cells during different stages of follicles is observed in the PCOS ovary. Exploring different autophagy pathways provides a platform for predicting the possible cause of altered ovarian physiology in PCOS. In this review, we have emphasized autophagy's role in governing follicular development under normal circumstances and in PCOS, including significant abnormalities associated with PCOS such as anovulation, hyperandrogenemia, metabolic disturbances, and related abnormality. So far, few studies have linked autophagy and PCOS and propose its essential role in PCOS progression. However, detailed knowledge in this area is lacking. Here we have summarized the latest knowledge related to autophagy associated with PCOS. This review's main objective is to provide a background of autophagy in the ovary, its possible connection with PCOS and suggested a novel proposal for future studies to aid a better understanding of PCOS pathogenesis.Abbreviations: AE: androgen excess; AF: antral follicle; AKT/PKB: AKT serine/threonine kinase; AMH: anti-Mullerian hormone; AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; ATG: autophagy-related; BCL2: BCL2 apoptosis regulator; BECN1: beclin 1; BMP: bone morphogenetic protein; CASP3: caspase 3; CL: corpus luteum; CYP17A1/P450C17: cytochrome P450 family 17 subfamily A member 1; CYP19A1: cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1; DHEA: dehydroepiandrosterone; EH: endometrial hyperplasia; FF: follicular fluid; FOXO: forkhead box O; FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; GC: granulosa cell; GDF: growth differentiation factor; HA: hyperandrogenemia; HMGB1: high mobility group box 1; IGF1: insulin like growth factor 1; INS: insulin; IR: insulin resistance; LHCGR/LHR: luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; MAPK/ERK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; MAPK8/JNK: mitogen-activated protein kinase 8; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; MTORC: mechanistic target of rapamycin complex; NAFLD: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; NFKB: nuclear factor kappa B; OLR1/LOX-1: oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor 1; oxLDL: oxidized low-density lipoproteins; PA: palmitic acid; PCOS: polycystic ovary syndrome; PF: primary follicle; PGC: primordial germ cell; PI3K: phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PMF: primordial follicle; ROS: reactive oxygen species; RP: resting pool; SIRT1: sirtuin 1; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; T2DM: type 2 diabetes mellitus; TC: theca cell; TUG1: taurine up-regulated 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Kumariya
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Vaibhave Ubba
- Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Rajesh K. Jha
- Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Jiaur R. Gayen
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
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7
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Borkowska M, Leitch HG. Mouse Primordial Germ Cells: In Vitro Culture and Conversion to Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2214:59-73. [PMID: 32944903 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0958-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the embryonic precursors of the gametes. Despite decades of research, in vitro culture of PGCs remains a major challenge and has previously relied on undefined components such as serum and feeders. Notably, PGCs cultured for extended periods do not maintain their lineage identity but instead undergo conversion to form pluripotent stem cell lines called embryonic germ (EG) cells in response to LIF/STAT3 signaling. Here we report both established and new methodologies to derive EG cells, in a range of different conditions. We show that basic fibroblast growth factor is not required for EG cell conversion. We detail the steps taken in our laboratory to systematically remove complex components and establish a fully defined protocol that allows efficient conversion of isolated PGCs to pluripotent EG cells. In addition, we demonstrate that PGCs can adhere and proliferate in culture without the support of feeder cells or serum. This may well suggest novel approaches to establishing short-term culture of PGCs in defined conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Borkowska
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK
- Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Harry G Leitch
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.
- Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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8
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Barchi M, Innocenzi E, Giannattasio T, Dolci S, Rossi P, Grimaldi P. Cannabinoid Receptors Signaling in the Development, Epigenetics, and Tumours of Male Germ Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010025. [PMID: 31861494 PMCID: PMC6981618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are natural lipid molecules whose levels are regulated by specific biosynthetic and degradative enzymes. They bind to and activate two main cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2), and together with their metabolizing enzymes form the “endocannabinoid system” (ECS). In the last years, the relevance of endocannabinoids (eCBs) as critical modulators in various aspects of male reproduction has been pointed out. Mammalian male germ cells, from mitotic to haploid stage, have a complete ECS which is modulated during spermatogenesis. Compelling evidence indicate that in the testis an appropriate “eCBs tone”, associated to a balanced CB receptors signaling, is critical for spermatogenesis and for the formation of mature and fertilizing spermatozoa. Any alteration of this system negatively affects male reproduction, from germ cell differentiation to sperm functions, and might have also an impact on testicular tumours. Indeed, most of testicular tumours develop during early germ-cell development in which a maturation arrest is thought to be the first key event leading to malignant transformation. Considering the ever-growing number and complexity of the data on ECS, this review focuses on the role of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 signaling in male germ cells development from gonocyte up to mature spermatozoa and in the induction of epigenetic alterations in these cells which might be transmitted to the progeny. Furthermore, we present new evidence on their relevance in testicular cancer.
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9
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Ristić N, Nestorović N, Manojlović-Stojanoski M, Trifunović S, Ajdžanović V, Filipović B, Pendovski L, Milošević V. Adverse effect of dexamethasone on development of the fetal rat ovary. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2018; 33:199-207. [PMID: 30216532 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Dexamethasone (Dx) is often used in obstetric practice to promote fetal lung maturation and to prevent respiratory distress syndrome when the risk of preterm delivery persists. This therapy enables survival of the newborn, but also is associated with deleterious effects on the offspring, such as reproductive disorders. The aim of this study was to determine specifically whether prenatal exposure to Dx disturbs the physiological balance between proliferation and apoptosis of germinative cells (GC) in the ovary of 19- and 21-day-old fetuses and thus induces developmental programming of the female reproductive system. Pregnant Wistar rats (n = 10/group), separated into control (vehicle) and Dx-treated (0.5 mg/kg body mass) groups, received injections on gestational days 16, 17, and 18. Exposure to Dx lowered the volume of the fetal ovary by 30% (P < 0.05) in 21-day-old fetuses, as well as the total number of GC in the ovary by 21% (P < 0.05). When compared to the controls, in Dx-exposed fetuses, the total number of PCNA-positive GC was 27% lower at 19 days and 71% lower at 21 days old (P < 0.05), while total numbers of caspase-3-positive GC were 2.3-fold and 34% higher, respectively (P < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that prenatal exposure to Dx diminished proliferation but increased the rate of germinative cell apoptosis, with consequently reduced total germinative cell number and ovary volume. Impairment of fetal oogenesis and fewer GC in the fetal ovary compromise the oogonial stock and thus may constitute a risk of female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Ristić
- Department of Cytology, Institute for Biological Research"Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nataša Nestorović
- Department of Cytology, Institute for Biological Research"Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Manojlović-Stojanoski
- Department of Cytology, Institute for Biological Research"Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Svetlana Trifunović
- Department of Cytology, Institute for Biological Research"Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Ajdžanović
- Department of Cytology, Institute for Biological Research"Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Branko Filipović
- Department of Cytology, Institute for Biological Research"Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Verica Milošević
- Department of Cytology, Institute for Biological Research"Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
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10
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Yi H, Xiao S, Zhang Y. Stage-specific approaches promote in vitro induction for spermatogenesis. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2018; 54:217-230. [PMID: 29396731 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-017-0216-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis in vitro has been demonstrated using spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in monolayer culture or testis tissue fragments in agarose-constructed three-dimensional (3-D) conditions. However, the low efficiency of gamete maturation and the lack of a novel induction platform have limited the progress of its use in further research and clinical applications. Here, we provide modified stage-specific induction approaches for spermatogenesis in in vitro culture with cells possessing a totipotent status. With this stage-specific propagation in a monolayer condition and a changing cytokine combination, we obtained spermatogenic cells in the forward to late meiosis stages with haploid features. Based on this technical platform, we refined a novel serum-free culture system with various cytokines in 3-D Matrigel for spermatogenesis that promote totipotent embryonic stem cells to meiosis stage with distinct SCP3 expression. And we also explored the effects of coculture with fibroblasts, the mutual interactions in the induction conditions promote the mouse embryonic fibroblasts underwent stromal cells differentiation. In further overexpression of spermatogenic gene Dazl in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, we found early stage initiation for spermatogenesis, and that will enhanced if cocultured with embryonic stem cells in the induction condition. Our results provide alternative approaches for effective spermatogenesis and support the development of promising avenues for infertility therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualin Yi
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Sa Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Ohta H, Kurimoto K, Okamoto I, Nakamura T, Yabuta Y, Miyauchi H, Yamamoto T, Okuno Y, Hagiwara M, Shirane K, Sasaki H, Saitou M. In vitro expansion of mouse primordial germ cell-like cells recapitulates an epigenetic blank slate. EMBO J 2017; 36:1888-1907. [PMID: 28559416 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201695862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The expansion of primordial germ cells (PGCs), the precursors for the oocytes and spermatozoa, is a key challenge in reproductive biology/medicine. Using a chemical screening exploiting PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) induced from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), we here identify key signaling pathways critical for PGCLC proliferation. We show that the combinatorial application of Forskolin and Rolipram, which stimulate cAMP signaling via different mechanisms, expands PGCLCs up to ~50-fold in culture. The expanded PGCLCs maintain robust capacity for spermatogenesis, rescuing the fertility of infertile mice. Strikingly, during expansion, PGCLCs comprehensively erase their DNA methylome, including parental imprints, in a manner that precisely recapitulates genome-wide DNA demethylation in gonadal germ cells, while essentially maintaining their identity as sexually uncommitted PGCs, apparently through appropriate histone modifications. By establishing a paradigm for PGCLC expansion, our system reconstitutes the epigenetic "blank slate" of the germ line, an immediate precursory state for sexually dimorphic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Ohta
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan .,JST, ERATO, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuki Kurimoto
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.,JST, ERATO, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ikuhiro Okamoto
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.,JST, ERATO, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomonori Nakamura
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.,JST, ERATO, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Yabuta
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.,JST, ERATO, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Miyauchi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.,Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Ushinomiya-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.,AMED-CREST, AMED, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Okuno
- Medical Research Support Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Hagiwara
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kenjiro Shirane
- Division of Epigenomics and Development, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Epigenome Network Research Center, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan.,Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sasaki
- Division of Epigenomics and Development, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Epigenome Network Research Center, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mitinori Saitou
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan .,JST, ERATO, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.,Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Ushinomiya-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
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12
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Truman AM, Tilly JL, Woods DC. Ovarian regeneration: The potential for stem cell contribution in the postnatal ovary to sustained endocrine function. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 445:74-84. [PMID: 27743990 PMCID: PMC5604433 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The endocrine function of the ovary is dependent upon the ovarian follicle, which on a cellular basis consists of an oocyte surrounded by adjacent somatic cells responsible for generating sex steroid hormones and maintenance of hormonal stasis with the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. As females age, both fertility and the endocrine function of the ovary decline due to waning follicle numbers as well as aging-related cellular dysfunction. Although there is currently no cure for ovarian failure and endocrine disruption, recent advances in ovarian biology centered on ovarian stem cell and progenitor cell populations have brought the prospects of cell- or tissue-based therapeutic strategies closer to fruition. Herein, we review the relative contributions of ovarian stem cells to ovarian function during the reproductive lifespan, and postulate steps toward the development of ovarian stem cell-based approaches to advance fertility treatments, and also importantly to provide a physiological long-term means of endocrine support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha M Truman
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan L Tilly
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dori C Woods
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
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13
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Makoolati Z, Movahedin M, Forouzandeh-Moghadam M. Proliferation in culture of primordial germ cells derived from embryonic stem cell: induction by retinoic acid. Biosci Rep 2016; 36:e00428. [PMID: 27834666 PMCID: PMC5180254 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20160441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An in vitro system that supports primordial germ cells (PGCs) survival and proliferation is useful for enhancement of these cells and efficient transplantation in infertility disorders. One approach is cultivation of PGCs under proper conditions that allow self-renewal and proliferation of PGCs. For this purpose, we compared the effects of different concentrations of retinoic acid (RA), and the effect of PGCs co-culture (Co-C) with SIM mouse embryo-derived thioguanine- and ouabain-resistant (STO) cells on the proliferation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs)-derived PGCs. One-day-old embryoid body (EB) was cultured for 4 days in simple culture system in the presence of 5 ng/ml bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) (SCB group) for PGC induction. For PGC enrichment, ESCs-derived germ cells were cultured for 7 days in the presence of different doses (0-5 μM) of RA, both in the simple and STO Co-C systems. At the end of the culture period, viability and proliferation rates were assessed and expression of mouse vasa homologue (Mvh), α6 integrin, β1 integrin, stimulated by retinoic acid 8 (Stra8) and piwi (Drosophila)-like 2 (Piwil2) was evaluated using quantitative PCR. Also, the inductive effects were investigated immunocytochemically with Mvh and cadherin1 (CDH1) on the selected groups. Immunocytochemistry/PCR results showed higher expression of Mvh, the PGC-specific marker, in 3 μM RA concentrations on the top of the STO feeder layer. Meanwhile, assessment of the Stra8 mRNA and CDH1 protein, the specific makers for spermatogonia, showed no significant differences between groups. Based on the results, it seems that in the presence of 3 μM RA on top of the STO feeder layer cells, the majority of the cells transdifferentiated into germ cells were PGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Makoolati
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa 74616-86688, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Movahedin
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115-175, Iran
| | - Mehdi Forouzandeh-Moghadam
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115-175, Iran
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14
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Abstract
Current knowledge on gonadal development and sex determination is the product of many decades of research involving a variety of scientific methods from different biological disciplines such as histology, genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology. The earliest embryological investigations, followed by the invention of microscopy and staining methods, were based on histological examinations. The most robust development of histological staining techniques occurred in the second half of the nineteenth century and resulted in structural descriptions of gonadogenesis. These first studies on gonadal development were conducted on domesticated animals; however, currently the mouse is the most extensively studied species. The next key point in the study of gonadogenesis was the advancement of methods allowing for the in vitro culture of fetal gonads. For instance, this led to the description of the origin of cell lines forming the gonads. Protein detection using antibodies and immunolabeling methods and the use of reporter genes were also invaluable for developmental studies, enabling the visualization of the formation of gonadal structure. Recently, genetic and molecular biology techniques, especially gene expression analysis, have revolutionized studies on gonadogenesis and have provided insight into the molecular mechanisms that govern this process. The successive invention of new methods is reflected in the progress of research on gonadal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal P Piprek
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
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15
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Ge W, Chen C, De Felici M, Shen W. In vitro differentiation of germ cells from stem cells: a comparison between primordial germ cells and in vitro derived primordial germ cell-like cells. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e1906. [PMID: 26469955 PMCID: PMC4632295 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells are unique cell types capable to proliferate, some of them indefinitely, while maintaining the ability to differentiate into a few or any cell lineages. In 2003, a group headed by Hans R. Schöler reported that oocyte-like cells could be produced from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells in vitro. After more than 10 years, where have these researches reached? Which are the major successes achieved and the problems still remaining to be solved? Although during the last years, many reviews have been published about these topics, in the present work, we will focus on an aspect that has been little considered so far, namely a strict comparison between the in vitro and in vivo developmental capabilities of the primordial germ cells (PGCs) isolated from the embryo and the PGC-like cells (PGC-LCs) produced in vitro from different types of stem cells in the mouse, the species in which most investigation has been carried out. Actually, the formation and differentiation of PGCs are crucial for both male and female gametogenesis, and the faithful production of PGCs in vitro represents the basis for obtaining functional germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Ge
- Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - C Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - M De Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata', Rome 00133, Italy
| | - W Shen
- Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
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16
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Genetic mosaics and the germ line lineage. Genes (Basel) 2015; 6:216-37. [PMID: 25898403 PMCID: PMC4488662 DOI: 10.3390/genes6020216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic mosaics provide information about cellular lineages that is otherwise difficult to obtain, especially in humans. De novo mutations act as cell markers, allowing the tracing of developmental trajectories of all descendants of the cell in which the new mutation arises. De novo mutations may arise at any time during development but are relatively rare. They have usually been observed through medical ascertainment, when the mutation causes unusual clinical signs or symptoms. Mutational events can include aneuploidies, large chromosomal rearrangements, copy number variants, or point mutations. In this review we focus primarily on the analysis of point mutations and their utility in addressing questions of germ line versus somatic lineages. Genetic mosaics demonstrate that the germ line and soma diverge early in development, since there are many examples of combined somatic and germ line mosaicism for de novo mutations. The occurrence of simultaneous mosaicism in both the germ line and soma also shows that the germ line is not strictly clonal but arises from at least two, and possibly multiple, cells in the embryo with different ancestries. Whole genome or exome DNA sequencing technologies promise to expand the range of studies of genetic mosaics, as de novo mutations can now be identified through sequencing alone in the absence of a medical ascertainment. These technologies have been used to study mutation patterns in nuclear families and in monozygotic twins, and in animal model developmental studies, but not yet for extensive cell lineage studies in humans.
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17
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Chen SR, Zheng QS, Zhang Y, Gao F, Liu YX. Disruption of genital ridge development causes aberrant primordial germ cell proliferation but does not affect their directional migration. BMC Biol 2013; 11:22. [PMID: 23497137 PMCID: PMC3652777 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7007-11-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The directional migration and the following development of primordial germ cells (PGCs) during gonad formation are key steps for germline development. It has been proposed that the interaction between germ cells and genital ridge (GR) somatic cells plays essential roles in this process. However, the in vivo functional requirements of GR somatic cells in germ cell development are largely unknown. Results Wt1 mutation (Wt1R394W/R394W) results in GR agenesis through mitotic arrest of coelomic epitheliums. In this study, we employed the GR-deficient mouse model, Wt1R394W/R394W, to investigate the roles of GR somatic cells in PGC migration and proliferation. We found that the number of PGCs was dramatically reduced in GR-deficient embryos at embryonic day (E) 11.5 and E12.5 due to decreased proliferation of PGCs, involving low levels of BMP signaling. In contrast, the germ cells in Wt1R394W/R394W embryos were still mitotically active at E13.5, while all the germ cells in control embryos underwent mitotic arrest at this stage. Strikingly, the directional migration of PGCs was not affected by the absence of GR somatic cells. Most of the PGCs reached the mesenchyme under the coelomic epithelium at E10.5 and no ectopic PGCs were noted in GR-deficient embryos. However, the precise positioning of PGCs was disrupted. Conclusions Our work provides in vivo evidence that the proliferation of germ cells is precisely regulated by GR somatic cells during different stages of gonad development. GR somatic cells are probably dispensable for the directional migration of PGCs, but they are required for precise positioning of PGCs at the final step of migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Ren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
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18
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Chuykin I, Stauske M, Guan K. Spermatogonial Stem Cells. Regen Med 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-5690-8_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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19
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Shen W, Park BW, Toms D, Li J. Midkine promotes proliferation of primordial germ cells by inhibiting the expression of the deleted in azoospermia-like gene. Endocrinology 2012; 153:3482-92. [PMID: 22564978 DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-1456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Primordial germ cell (PGC) development is an area of research that is hampered by low cell numbers as well as difficulty in isolation. They are, however, required for the production of gametes and as such represent an important area of understanding that has widespread implications for fertility and reproductive technologies. Here we investigated the role of the heparin-binding growth factor midkine (MK) on PGC development, first using our established model of porcine stem cell-derived PGC-like cells and then confirming our findings in PGC. Our results show that MK has a mitogenic effect on PGC, mediated through an increased cell proliferation as well as decreased apoptosis. Upon further investigation, we found these effects concomitant with the decreased expression of the germ cell-specific gene deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL). This decrease in DAZL expression, and consequent decreases in the meiosis-related genes SCP3 and DMC1, suggest a role for MK in preventing a shift in the PGC phenotype toward meiosis. MK instead increases activity of mitotic pathways in PGC, keeping them in a proliferative, less differentiated state. Lentiviral-mediated overexpression of DAZL further confirmed its role in promoting meiosis in and reducing proliferation of PGC. These effects were mitigated by the addition of MK, which was able to limit the effect of this DAZL overexpression. Furthermore, a loss-of-function study showed that a DAZL knockdown by small interfering RNA had the same effect as that induced by the addition of MK. Taken together, these data suggest that MK is able to maintain a proliferative PGC phenotype mediated by the suppression of DAZL in early germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shen
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
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20
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Childs AJ, Anderson RA. Experimental approaches to the study of human primordial germ cells. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 825:199-210. [PMID: 22144246 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-436-0_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The survival, proliferation, and differentiation of primordial germ cells in the mammalian embryo is regulated by a complex cocktail of growth factors and interactions with surrounding somatic cells, which together form a microenvironment known as the germ cell niche. Extensive insight into the signalling pathways that regulate PGC behaviour has been provided by the study of these cells in rodent models, however little is known about the factors that regulate these processes in human PGCs. In this review, we outline experimental approaches to the culture and manipulation of the first trimester human fetal ovary, and discuss immunohistochemical and stereological approaches to detect changes in human PGC numbers and proliferation in response to treatment with exogenous growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Childs
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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21
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Guan K, Cheng IF, Baazm M. Human spermatagonial stem cells: a novel therapeutic hope for cardiac regeneration and repair? Future Cardiol 2012; 8:39-51. [DOI: 10.2217/fca.11.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the identification and characterization of human spermatogonial stem cells was reported nearly 50 years ago, great progress has been made only in the last few years. Spermatogonial stem cells attract a great deal of researchers’ attention because of their unique characteristics, including the ability to be converted spontaneously into pluripotent germline stem cells with embryonic stem cell-like properties. Pluripotent stem cells are able to differentiate into any desired cell type in the body; therefore, they are the most promising cell source for organ regeneration. The advantages of pluripotent germline stem cells over other stem cells are that they maintain a high degree of DNA integrity and can resolve some ethical and immunological problems related to human embryonic stem cells. In this article we address the origin, characteristics and pluripotency of spermatogonial stem cells. Their contribution to stem cell-based organ regeneration therapy with special emphasis on cardiac regeneration and repair in the future is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - I-Fen Cheng
- Department of Cardiology & Pneumology, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Maryam Baazm
- Department of Cardiology & Pneumology, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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22
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Eguizabal C, Montserrat N, Vassena R, Barragan M, Garreta E, Garcia-Quevedo L, Vidal F, Giorgetti A, Veiga A, Izpisua Belmonte JC. Complete meiosis from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cells 2011; 29:1186-95. [PMID: 21681858 DOI: 10.1002/stem.672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Gamete failure-derived infertility affects millions of people worldwide; for many patients, gamete donation by unrelated donors is the only available treatment. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can differentiate in vitro into germ-like cells, but they are genetically unrelated to the patient. Using an in vitro protocol that aims at recapitulating development, we have achieved, for the first time, complete differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to postmeiotic cells. Unlike previous reports using human ESCs, postmeiotic cells arose without the over-expression of germline related transcription factors. Moreover, we consistently obtained haploid cells from hiPSCs of different origin (keratinocytes and cord blood), produced with a different number of transcription factors, and of both genetic sexes, suggesting the independence of our approach from the epigenetic memory of the reprogrammed somatic cells. Our work brings us closer to the production of personalized human gametes in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Eguizabal
- Center for Regenerative Medicine in Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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23
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Gilbert D, Rapley E, Shipley J. Testicular germ cell tumours: predisposition genes and the male germ cell niche. Nat Rev Cancer 2011; 11:278-88. [PMID: 21412254 DOI: 10.1038/nrc3021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) of adults and adolescents are putatively derived from primordial germ cells or gonocytes. Recently reported genome-wide association studies implicate six gene loci that predispose to TGCT development. Remarkably, the functions of proteins encoded by genes within these regions bridge our understanding between the pathways involved in primordial germ cell physiology, male germ cell development and the molecular pathology of TGCTs. Furthermore, this improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying TGCT development and dissemination has clinical relevance for the management of patients with these tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan Gilbert
- Sussex Cancer Centre, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 5BE, East Sussex, UK
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24
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Xu B, Hua J, Zhang Y, Jiang X, Zhang H, Ma T, Zheng W, Sun R, Shen W, Sha J, Cooke HJ, Shi Q. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) regulates primordial follicle assembly by promoting apoptosis of oocytes in fetal and neonatal mouse ovaries. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16046. [PMID: 21253613 PMCID: PMC3017099 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2010] [Accepted: 12/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Primordial follicles, providing all the oocytes available to a female throughout her reproductive life, assemble in perinatal ovaries with individual oocytes surrounded by granulosa cells. In mammals including the mouse, most oocytes die by apoptosis during primordial follicle assembly, but factors that regulate oocyte death remain largely unknown. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a key regulator in many essential cellular processes, was shown to be differentially expressed during these processes in mouse ovaries using 2D-PAGE and MALDI-TOF/TOF methodology. A V-shaped expression pattern of PCNA in both oocytes and somatic cells was observed during the development of fetal and neonatal mouse ovaries, decreasing from 13.5 to 18.5 dpc and increasing from 18.5 dpc to 5 dpp. This was closely correlated with the meiotic prophase I progression from pre-leptotene to pachytene and from pachytene to diplotene when primordial follicles started to assemble. Inhibition of the increase of PCNA expression by RNA interference in cultured 18.5 dpc mouse ovaries strikingly reduced the apoptosis of oocytes, accompanied by down-regulation of known pro-apoptotic genes, e.g. Bax, caspase-3, and TNFα and TNFR2, and up-regulation of Bcl-2, a known anti-apoptotic gene. Moreover, reduced expression of PCNA was observed to significantly increase primordial follicle assembly, but these primordial follicles contained fewer granulosa cells. Similar results were obtained after down-regulation by RNA interference of Ing1b, a PCNA-binding protein in the UV-induced apoptosis regulation. Thus, our results demonstrate that PCNA regulates primordial follicle assembly by promoting apoptosis of oocytes in fetal and neonatal mouse ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Xu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Juan Hua
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Tieliang Ma
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Shen
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jiahao Sha
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Howard J. Cooke
- MRC Human Genetics Unit and Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- * E-mail:
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25
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Macdonald J, Glover JD, Taylor L, Sang HM, McGrew MJ. Characterisation and germline transmission of cultured avian primordial germ cells. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15518. [PMID: 21124737 PMCID: PMC2993963 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2010] [Accepted: 10/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Avian primordial germ cells (PGCs) have significant potential to be used as a cell-based system for the study and preservation of avian germplasm, and the genetic modification of the avian genome. It was previously reported that PGCs from chicken embryos can be propagated in culture and contribute to the germ cell lineage of host birds. Principal Findings We confirm these results by demonstrating that PGCs from a different layer breed of chickens can be propagated for extended periods in vitro. We demonstrate that intracellular signalling through PI3K and MEK is necessary for PGC growth. We carried out an initial characterisation of these cells. We find that cultured PGCs contain large lipid vacuoles, are glycogen rich, and express the stem cell marker, SSEA-1. These cells also express the germ cell-specific proteins CVH and CDH. Unexpectedly, using RT-PCR we show that cultured PGCs express the pluripotency genes c-Myc, cKlf4, cPouV, cSox2, and cNanog. Finally, we demonstrate that the cultured PGCs will migrate to and colonise the forming gonad of host embryos. Male PGCs will colonise the female gonad and enter meiosis, but are lost from the gonad during sexual development. In male hosts, cultured PGCs form functional gametes as demonstrated by the generation of viable offspring. Conclusions The establishment of in vitro cultures of germline competent avian PGCs offers a unique system for the study of early germ cell differentiation and also a comparative system for mammalian germ cell development. Primary PGC lines will form the basis of an alternative technique for the preservation of avian germplasm and will be a valuable tool for transgenic technology, with both research and industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joni Macdonald
- The Roslin Institute and Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
| | - James D. Glover
- The Roslin Institute and Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna Taylor
- The Roslin Institute and Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
| | - Helen M. Sang
- The Roslin Institute and Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J. McGrew
- The Roslin Institute and Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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26
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Fukunaga N, Teramura T, Onodera Y, Takehara T, Fukuda K, Hosoi Y. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) enhances germ cell differentiation from primate embryonic stem cells. Cell Reprogram 2010; 12:369-76. [PMID: 20698776 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2009.0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, several research groups have shown that germ cells can be produced in vitro from pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs). In the mouse, live births of offspring using germ cells induced from ESCs in vitro have been reported. Furthermore, some efficient methods for inducing the useful number of germ cells from ESCs have also been developed. On the other hand, in primates, despite the appearances of germ cell-like cells including meiotic cells were observed by spontaneous differentiation or introducing transgenes, it has not been determined whether fully functional germ cells can be derived from ESCs. To elucidate the property for the germ cells induced from primate ESCs, specification of the promoting factors for the germ cell development and improving the efficiency of germ cell derivation are essential. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has been reported as one of the important factors for mouse primordial germ cell (PGC) survival in vitro. However, the effects of LIF on germ cell formation from pluripotent cells of primates have not been examined. The aim of this study is to determine whether LIF addition can improve in vitro germ cell production from cynomolgus monkey ESCs (cyESCs). After 8 days of differentiation, LIF added culture induced dome-shaped germ cell colonies as indicated by the intense expression of alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP). These cells also demonstrate high-level expression of the germ cell-marker VASA, OCT-4, and BLIMP-1, and show SSEA-1 expression that supports their early stage germ cell identity. Finally, we observed that adding LIF to differentiating cultures inhibited meiotic gene expressions and increased the percentage of ALP-positive cells, and demonstrate that the addition of LIF to differentiation media increases differentiation of early germ cells from the cyESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Fukunaga
- Department of Biology Oriented Science and Technology, Kinki University, Osaka, Japan
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27
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Abstract
The classical view of ovarian follicle development is that it is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, in which gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) controls the release of the gonadotropic hormones follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), and that ovarian steroids exert both negative and positive regulatory effects on GnRH secretion. More recent studies in mice and humans indicate that many other intra-ovarian signaling cascades affect follicular development and gonadotropin action in a stage- and context-specific manner. As we discuss here, mutant mouse models and clinical evidence indicate that some of the most powerful intra-ovarian regulators of follicular development include the TGF-beta/SMAD, WNT/FZD/beta-catenin, and RAS/ERK1/2 signaling pathways and the FOXO/FOXL2 transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- JoAnne S. Richards
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and
Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Stephanie A. Pangas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and
Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Gonfloni S, Di Tella L, Caldarola S, Cannata SM, Klinger FG, Di Bartolomeo C, Mattei M, Candi E, De Felici M, Melino G, Cesareni G. Inhibition of the c-Abl-TAp63 pathway protects mouse oocytes from chemotherapy-induced death. Nat Med 2009; 15:1179-85. [PMID: 19783996 DOI: 10.1038/nm.2033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2009] [Accepted: 08/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Germ cells are sensitive to genotoxins, and ovarian failure and infertility are major side effects of chemotherapy in young patients with cancer. Here we describe the c-Abl-TAp63 pathway activated by chemotherapeutic DNA-damaging drugs in model human cell lines and in mouse oocytes and its role in cell death. In cell lines, upon cisplatin treatment, c-Abl phosphorylates TAp63 on specific tyrosine residues. Such modifications affect p63 stability and induce a p63-dependent activation of proapoptotic promoters. Similarly, in oocytes, cisplatin rapidly promotes TAp63 accumulation and eventually cell death. Treatment with the c-Abl kinase inhibitor imatinib counteracts these cisplatin-induced effects. Taken together, these data support a model in which signals initiated by DNA double-strand breaks are detected by c-Abl, which, through its kinase activity, modulates the p63 transcriptional output. Moreover, they suggest a new use for imatinib, aimed at preserving oocytes of the follicle reserve during chemotherapeutic treatments.
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Analysis of SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling in primordial germ cell migration and survival or differentiation in Xenopus laevis. Mech Dev 2009; 127:146-58. [PMID: 19770040 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2009.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2009] [Revised: 09/10/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Directional migration of primordial germ cells (PGCs) toward future gonads is a common feature in many animals. In zebrafish, mouse and chicken, SDF-1/CXCR4 chemokine signaling has been shown to have an important role in PGC migration. In Xenopus, SDF-1 is expressed in several regions in embryos including dorsal mesoderm, the target region that PGCs migrate to. CXCR4 is known to be expressed in PGCs. This relationship is consistent with that of more well-known animals. Here, we present experiments that examine whether chemokine signaling is involved in PGC migration of Xenopus. We investigate: (1) Whether injection of antisense morpholino oligos (MOs) for CXCR4 mRNA into vegetal blastomere containing the germ plasm or the precursor of PGCs disturbs the migration of PGCs? (2) Whether injection of exogenous CXCR4 mRNA together with MOs can restore the knockdown phenotype? (3) Whether the migratory behavior of PGCs is disturbed by the specific expression of mutant CXCR4 mRNA or SDF-1 mRNA in PGCs? We find that the knockdown of CXCR4 or the expression of mutant CXCR4 in PGCs leads to a decrease in the PGC number of the genital ridges, and that the ectopic expression of SDF-1 in PGCs leads to a decrease in the PGC number of the genital ridges and an increase in the ectopic PGC number. These results suggest that SDF-1/CXCR4 chemokine signaling is involved in the migration and survival or in the differentiation of PGCs in Xenopus.
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Eguizabal C, Shovlin TC, Durcova-Hills G, Surani A, McLaren A. Generation of primordial germ cells from pluripotent stem cells. Differentiation 2009; 78:116-23. [PMID: 19683852 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2009.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2009] [Revised: 07/05/2009] [Accepted: 07/06/2009] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells, derived from pre-implantation embryo, embryonic germ (EG) cells, derived from embryonic precursors of gametes, primordial germ cells (PGCs), can differentiate into any cell type in the body. Moreover, ES cells have the capacity to differentiate into PGCs in vitro. In the present study we have shown the differentiation capacity of six EG cell lines to form PGCs in vitro, in comparison to ES cells. Cell lines were differentiated via embryoid body (EB) formation using the co-expression of mouse vasa homolog (Mvh) and Oct-4 to identify newly formed PGCs in vitro. We found an increase of PGC numbers in almost all analysed cell lines in 5-day-old EBs, thus suggesting that EG and ES cells have similar efficiency to generate PGCs. The addition of retinoic acid confirmed that the cultures had attained a PGC-like identity and continued to proliferate. Furthermore we have shown that the expression pattern of Prmt5 and H3K27me3 in newly formed PGCs is similar to that observed in embryonic day E11.5 PGCs in vivo. By co-culturing EBs with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells some of the PGCs entered into meiosis, as judged by Scp3 expression. The derivation of germ cells from pluripotent stem cells in vitro could provide an invaluable model system to study both the genetic and epigenetic programming of germ cell development in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Eguizabal
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Henry Wellcome Building of Cancer and Developmental Biology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK.
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31
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Morita-Fujimura Y, Tokitake Y, Matsui Y. Heterogeneity of mouse primordial germ cells reflecting the distinct status of their differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis can be classified by the expression of cell surface proteins integrin α6 and c-Kit. Dev Growth Differ 2009; 51:567-83. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2009.01119.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Gilbert DC, Chandler I, McIntyre A, Goddard NC, Gabe R, Huddart RA, Shipley J. Clinical and biological significance of CXCL12 and CXCR4 expression in adult testes and germ cell tumours of adults and adolescents. J Pathol 2009; 217:94-102. [PMID: 18839394 DOI: 10.1002/path.2436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Interaction between the chemokine CXCL12 (SDF1) and the G-protein coupled receptor CXCR4 is responsible for the maintenance of adult stem cell niches and is known to play an important role in utero in the migration of primordial germ cells. We demonstrate expression of CXCL12 by Sertoli cells and confirm CXCR4 expression by the germ cell population of the adult human testes. CXCR4 is also known to mediate organ-specific patterns of metastases in a range of common cancers. We identify consistent expression of CXCR4 mRNA and protein in testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT) that accounts for their patterns of relapse in sites of known CXCL12 expression. Extragonadal primary germ cell tumours express CXCR4 and their sites of occurrence are coincident with areas of known CXCL12 expression in utero. We show that CXCL12 stimulates the invasive migration of a TGCT cell line in vitro in a CXCR4-dependent fashion and activates ERK. Furthermore, we demonstrate that expression of CXCL12 in stage I non-seminomas is significantly associated with organ-confined disease post-orchidectomy and reduced risk of relapse (p = 0.003). This may be through the loss of CXCL12 gradients that might otherwise attract cells away from the primary tumour. We propose CXCL12 expression as a potential predictor of subsequent relapse that could lead to avoiding unnecessary treatment and associated late toxicities. Our observations support a role for CXCL12/CXCR4 in the adult germ cell population and demonstrate pathological function in germ cell tumour development and metastasis that may have clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C Gilbert
- Molecular Cytogenetics, Section of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK
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33
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Follicular cells versus oocytes: Cell population dynamics in the developing ovary. Tissue Cell 2008; 40:373-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2008.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2007] [Revised: 03/26/2008] [Accepted: 03/28/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Hua J, Sidhu K. Recent advances in the derivation of germ cells from the embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells Dev 2008; 17:399-411. [PMID: 18576912 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2007.0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, considerable progress has been made in the establishment and differentiation of human embryonic stem (ES) cell lines. The primordial germ cells (PGCs) and embryonic germ (EG) cells derived from them share many of their properties with ES cells. ES cell lines have now been derived from different stages of germ cell development and they have differentiated into gametes and shown embryonic development in mice, including the production of live pups. Conversely, germ cells can also be derived from ES cells. It has been demonstrated that murine (m) ES cells can differentiate into PGCs and subsequently into early gametes (oocytes and sperms) and blastocysts. Recently, immature sperm cells derived from mES cells in culture have produced live offspring. Preliminary research has indicated that human (h) ES cells probably have the potential to differentiate into germ cells. Adult stem cells have been reported to differentiate into mature germ cells in vitro. Therefore, stem cells may offer a valuable in vitro model for the investigation of germ cell development and the early stages of human gametogenesis, including epigenetic modifications of the germ line. This review discusses recent developments in the derivation and specification of mammalian germ cells from ES cells and describes some of the mechanisms of germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlian Hua
- Diabetes Transplant Unit, Prince of Wales Hospital and The University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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35
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Abstract
Germ cells have a critical role in mediating the generation of genetic diversity and transmitting this information across generations. Furthermore, gametogenesis is unique as a developmental process in that it generates highly-specialized haploid gametes from diploid precursor stem cells through meiosis. Despite the importance of this process, progress in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underpinning mammalian germ cell development has been retarded by the lack of an efficient and reproducible system of in vitro culture for the expansion and trans-meiotic differentiation of germline cells. The dearth of such a culture system has rendered the study of germ cell biology refractory to the application of new high-throughput technologies such as RNA interference, leaving in vivo gene-targeting approaches as the only option to determine the function of genes believed to be involved in gametogenesis. Recent reports detailing the derivation of gametes in vitro from stem cells may provide the first steps in developing new tools to solve this problem. This review considers the developments made in modelling germ cell development using stem cells, and some of the challenges that need to be overcome to make this a useful tool for studying gametogenesis and to realize any future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Childs
- MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
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Fan L, Moon J, Wong TT, Crodian J, Collodi P. Zebrafish primordial germ cell cultures derived from vasa::RFP transgenic embryos. Stem Cells Dev 2008; 17:585-97. [PMID: 18576915 PMCID: PMC2741329 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2007.0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2007] [Accepted: 10/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although embryonic germ (EG) cell-mediated gene transfer has been successful in the mouse for more than a decade, this approach is limited in other species due to the difficulty of isolating the small numbers of progenitors of germ cell lineage (PGCs) from early-stage embryos and the lack of information on the in vitro culture requirements of the cells. In this study, methods were established for the culture of PGCs obtained from zebrafish embryos. Transgenic embryos that express the red fluorescent protein (RFP) under the control of the PGC-specific vasa promoter were used, making it possible to isolate pure populations of PGCs by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and to optimize the culture conditions by counting the number of fluorescent PGC colonies produced in different media. Cultures initiated from 26-somite-stage embryos contained the highest percentage of PGCs that proliferated in vitro to generate colonies. The effect of growth factors, including Kit ligand a and b (Kitlga and Kitlgb) and stromal cell-derived factor 1a and 1b (Sdf-1a and Sdf-1b), on PGC proliferation was studied. Optimal in vitro growth and survival of the zebrafish PGCs was achieved when recombinant Kitlga and Sdf-1b were added to the culture medium through transfected feeder cells, resulting in a doubling of the number of PGC colonies. Results from RT-PCR and in situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that PGCs maintained in culture expressed the kita receptor, even though receptor expression was not detected in PGCs isolated by FACS directly from dissociated embryos. In optimal growth conditions, the PGCs continued to proliferate for at least 4 months in culture. The capacity to establish long-term PGC cultures from zebrafish will make it possible to conduct in vitro studies of germ cell differentiation and EG cell pluripotency in this model species and may be valuable for the development of a cell-mediated gene transfer approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianchun Fan
- Eli Lilly & Company, Indianapolis, IN 46221, USA.
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37
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Salvador LM, Silva CP, Kostetskii I, Radice GL, Strauss JF. The promoter of the oocyte-specific gene, Gdf9, is active in population of cultured mouse embryonic stem cells with an oocyte-like phenotype. Methods 2008; 45:172-81. [PMID: 18593614 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2008.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2007] [Accepted: 03/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of germ cell-specific gene regulation in vitro is challenging. Here we report that the promoter of the oocyte-specific gene, Gdf9, is active in a population of cultured murine embryonic stem cells (ES) which have a phenotype resembling oocytes. The promoter region of the murine Gdf9 coupled to enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) was stably transfected into XX mouse ES cells. eGFP was expressed only in oocytes of chimeric mice generated from the transfected XX ES cells. The transfected ES cells were examined when cultured on feeder layers or as embryoid bodies. Large eGFP-positive cells, surrounded by a structure resembling a zona pellucida appeared transiently in cultures of the ES cells on feeder layers. Surprisingly, they were detectable on days 1 and 2 of culture but virtually absent on day 3. Addition of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) to the media significantly increased the number of eGFP-positive cels resembling oocytes. Quantitative-time PCR demonstrated a parallel increase in Gdf9 and Zp3 mRNA with changes in the abundance of eGFP-positive cells. In embryoid body cultures, eGFP-positive cells appeared transiently and then re-appeared in regional clusters after 30-45 days of culture. These findings demonstrate that a population of cultured murine ES cells contain the transcriptional machinery to drive expression of an oocyte-specific gene, and that those cells phenotypically resemble oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Salvador
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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38
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Abir R, Ben-Haroush A, Melamed N, Felz C, Krissi H, Fisch B. Expression of bone morphogenetic proteins 4 and 7 and their receptors IA, IB, and II in human ovaries from fetuses and adults. Fertil Steril 2008; 89:1430-40. [PMID: 17624341 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.04.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2006] [Revised: 04/04/2007] [Accepted: 04/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the immunocytochemical and mRNA expression of bone morphogenetic proteins 4 (BMP-4) and 7 (BMP-7) and their three receptors (BMPR-IA, BMPR-IB, and BMPR-II) in ovaries from human adults and fetuses. DESIGN Immunocytochemical and in situ hybridization study. SETTING Major tertiary care and referral academic centers. PATIENT(S) Sixteen adolescents/adults aged 13-38 years and 31 women undergoing second and third trimester pregnancy terminations. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization on paraffin sections of human ovaries from fetuses and adults. RESULT(S) The expression of the proteins for BMP-4 and BMP-7 and their receptors was detected in oogonia/oocytes and stroma cells from both sources (fetuses and women/adolescents). BMP-7 and the three receptors were identified in all of these granulosa cells, and BMP-4 was detected only in the granulosa cells of women/adolescents. Transcripts for all five ligands were identified in stroma cells of all samples and in fetal oogonia/oocytes. BMPR-IA and BMPR-IB mRNA expression was also identified in oocytes from women/adolescents. BMP-7 and BMPR-IA mRNA staining was detected in fetal granulosa cells. CONCLUSION(S) This is the first report of the expression of BMP-4 and BMP-7 and their receptors in human ovaries from fetuses as well as adults. However, to elucidate whether indeed BMP-4 or BMP-7 are involved in the initiation of human primordial follicular growth, they should be added to the culture medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Abir
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tikva, Israel.
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39
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Evaluation of immunohistochemical markers of germ cells’ proliferation in the developing rat testis: A comparative study. Tissue Cell 2008; 40:43-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2007.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2007] [Revised: 08/30/2007] [Accepted: 09/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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40
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Iwahashi K, Yoshioka H, Low EW, McCarrey JR, Yanagimachi R, Yamazaki Y. Autonomous regulation of sex-specific developmental programming in mouse fetal germ cells. Biol Reprod 2007; 77:697-706. [PMID: 17615405 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.062851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In mice, unique events regulating epigenetic programming (e.g., genomic imprinting) and replication state (mitosis versus meiosis) occur during fetal germ cell development. To determine whether these processes are autonomously programmed in fetal germ cells or are dependent upon ongoing instructive interactions with surrounding gonadal somatic cells, we isolated male and female germ cells at 13.5 days postcoitum (dpc) and maintained them in culture for 6 days, either alone or in the presence of feeder cells or gonadal somatic cells. We examined allele-specific DNA methylation in the imprinted H19 and Snrpn genes, and we also determined whether these cells remained mitotic or entered meiosis. Our results show that isolated male germ cells are able to establish a characteristic "paternal" methylation pattern at imprinted genes in the absence of any support from somatic cells. On the other hand, cultured female germ cells maintain a hypomethylated status at these loci, characteristic of the normal "maternal" methylation pattern in endogenous female germ cells before birth. Further, the surviving female germ cells entered first meiotic prophase and reached the pachytene stage, whereas male germ cells entered mitotic arrest. These results indicate that mechanisms controlling both epigenetic programming and replication state are autonomously regulated in fetal germ cells that have been exposed to the genital ridge prior to 13.5 dpc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Iwahashi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, USA
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41
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Farini D, La Sala G, Tedesco M, De Felici M. Chemoattractant action and molecular signaling pathways of Kit ligand on mouse primordial germ cells. Dev Biol 2007; 306:572-83. [PMID: 17467686 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2006] [Revised: 03/22/2007] [Accepted: 03/23/2007] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Using a Transwell chamber as migration assay for mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs), we show here that these cells posses directional migration in the absence of somatic cell and defined matrix support and in response to a Kit ligand (KL) gradient or medium conditioned by Aorta/Gonad/Mesonephros and gonadal ridges. Other putative PGC chemoattractants such as SDF1 and TGFbeta did not exert any attractive action on PGCs. The chemoattractant activity of KL and conditioned medium was also evidenced by their ability to stimulate actin reorganization in PGCs. In the aim to identify downstream signaling pathways governing KL chemoattraction on PGCs, we demonstrated that in such cells KL rapidly (5 min) increased autophosphorylation of its receptor c-Kit and caused phosphorylation of the serine-threonine kinase AKT through the action of PI3K. 740Y-P peptide, a direct activator of PI3 kinase, stimulated PGC migration at levels similar to those elicited by KL. LY294002 (a specific inhibitor of PI3K) abolished KL-dependent PGC migration or the chemoattractant activity of the conditioned medium and inhibited AKT phosphorylation; Src kinase inhibitors PP2 and SU6656, caused significant reduction of the KL-dependent PGC migration and AKT phosphorylation, while U0126, a selective inhibitor of the MEK/ERK protein kinase cascade, reduced PGC migration and AKT phosphorylation at lesser extent. SU6656 completely abolished the chemoattractant activity of the conditioned medium. Finally, SB202190 (a p38 inhibitor) and rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor) did not affect PGC migration. In addition, to demonstrate that somatic cells are not essential for PGC motility and directional migration, we evidenced a novel role for KL as PGC chemoattractant and for PI3K/AKT and Src kinase, as players involved in the activation of the PGC migratory machinery and likely important for their directional movement towards the gonadal ridges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Farini
- Department of Public Health and Cell Biology, Section of Histology and Embryology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00173 Rome, Italy
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42
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Greenfeld CR, Pepling ME, Babus JK, Furth PA, Flaws JA. BAX regulates follicular endowment in mice. Reproduction 2007; 133:865-76. [PMID: 17616717 DOI: 10.1530/rep-06-0270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
It is believed that the endowment of primordial follicles in mammalian ovaries is finite. Once follicles are depleted, infertility ensues. Thus, the size of the initial endowment has consequences for fertility and reproductive longevity. Follicular endowment is comprised of various processes that culminate with the incorporation of meiosis-arrested oocytes into primordial follicles. Apoptosis is prominent during follicular endowment, and apoptosis regulatory genes are involved in its regulation. Conflicting data exist with regard to the role of the proapoptotic Bcl-2 associated X protein (BAX) in follicular endowment. Therefore, we investigated the role of BAX during follicular endowment in embryonic and neonatal ovaries. We found that BAX is involved in regulating follicular endowment in mice. Deletion ofBaxyields increased oocyte numbers in embryonic ovaries and increased follicle numbers in neonatal ovaries when compared with wild-type ovaries. Increased follicular endowment inBax−/−ovaries is not due to enhanced germ cell viability. Further, it is not due to an increased primordial germ cell (PGC) allotment, a delay in the onset of meiosis, or altered proliferative activity of oogonia. Instead, our data suggest that the regulatory activity of BAX in follicular endowment likely occurs during PGC migration, prior to PGC colonization of the gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuck R Greenfeld
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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43
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Sorrentino E, Nazzicone V, Farini D, Campagnolo L, De Felici M. Comparative transcript profiles of cell cycle-related genes in mouse primordial germ cells, embryonic stem cells and embryonic germ cells. Gene Expr Patterns 2007; 7:714-21. [PMID: 17398164 DOI: 10.1016/j.modgep.2007.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2007] [Revised: 02/12/2007] [Accepted: 02/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We used cDNA array to compare the relative transcript levels of 96 cell cycle-related genes in mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs), embryonic germ (EG) cells and embryonic stem (ES) cells. Among 38 genes of the G1 phase analysed, Ccnd3 (CyclinD3), Cdkn1c (p57(kip2)), Rb1, and Tceb1l (Skip1-like) were expressed at significantly higher levels in PGCs than in EG and ES cells; Ccnd1 (CyclinD1) was more abundant in EG cells than in PGCs. Except for higher mRNA levels of Ccng (CyclinG1) in EG and ES cells in comparison to PGCs, no difference among 20 genes of the S and 12 genes of G2/M phases was found. Less than half of the 26 genes regarded as DNA damage checkpoint/Trp53/Atm pathway genes showed significant transcript levels in all three cell populations. Among these, the transcript levels of Ube1x and Atm were significantly higher in PGCs than in EG and ES cells while that of Ube3a was higher in these latter. In addition, relatively high mRNA levels of Timp3 characterizes EG cells while transcripts of this gene were very low in PGCs and barely detectable in ES cells. With the exception of Tceb1l, differential transcript levels found in the cDNA array assay were confirmed by real time RT-PCR. Using this method, we also analysed the transcripts of two genes not present in the cDNA array: c-myc, known to be critical for the control of cell cycle in many cell types, and Eras, specifically expressed in ES cells and involved in the control of ES cell proliferation and their tumorigenic properties. While c-myc transcripts were present at similar levels in all three cell types examined, Eras was expressed at high levels in ES cells (10-fold) and even more so in EG cells (almost 40-fold) in comparison to PGCs. Taken together, these results indicate that despite similarities between PGCs and ES or EG cells, their cell cycles are differently regulated. In particular, it appears that PGCs, like most mitotic cells, possess a more regulatable control of G1 phase than EG and ES cells. Moreover, our data provide useful clues for further studies aimed at identifying cell cycle genes critical for PGC growth and their transformation in tumorigenic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Sorrentino
- Department of Public Health and Cell Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
The concept that certain adult diseases, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia can originate from events occurring in utero arose from epidemiological studies in humans but has since been supported by numerous animal-based studies. Referred to as the "developmental origins of health and disease" or "DOHaD" hypothesis, nutritional studies to date have largely focused on two experimental paradigms involving either calorie or protein restriction for varying intervals during pregnancy, where the favoured animal models have been the sheep and rat. In recent times, attention has been directed towards the earliest stages of gestation, where there is emerging evidence to indicate that the pre-implantation embryo may be particularly sensitive to environmentally induced perturbations leading to impaired health in adulthood. In this article, we make the case for hESCs as a model of the human pre-implantation embryo. Working with comparatively large populations of embryonic cells from the species of clinical interest, the scope exists to investigate the effects of specific genetic manipulations or combinations of metabolites against contrasting genetic backgrounds, where the consequences can be evaluated in downstream tissue specific progenitor and/or terminally differentiated cells. In order to fully realize these potentials, however, both derivation and culture conditions need to be harmonized and refined so as to preclude the requirement for feeder cells and serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Sinclair
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, UK.
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45
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Dyban AP, Dyban PA. Theoretical and applied aspects of epigenetic reprogramming in mammalian development. RUSS J GENET+ 2006. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795406120027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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46
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Niki Y, Yamaguchi T, Mahowald AP. Establishment of stable cell lines of Drosophila germ-line stem cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:16325-30. [PMID: 17056713 PMCID: PMC1637581 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0607435103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Each Drosophila ovariole has three independent sets of stem cells: germ-line stem cells (GSCs) and escort stem cells, located at the anterior tip of the germarium, and somatic stem cells (SSCs), located adjacent to the newly formed 16-cell cysts. Decapentaplegic (Dpp) is required to maintain the anterior stem cells, whereas Hedgehog is required for maintenance and cell division of the SCCs. In an effort to establish a new in vitro system to analyze intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulating the division and differentiation of GSCs of Drosophila, we tested various culture conditions for growing GSCs, derived from bag of marbles (bam) mutant ovaries. We have shown that bam(-) GSCs can be maintained and promoted to divide in vitro in media containing Dpp. These cells retain the morphological features of GSCs, i.e., expression of Vasa and Nanos and spectrosomes, even after several months of culture. Somatic cells are induced to grow in culture by the presence of sonic Hedgehog. The somatic cells produce Dpp. GSCs associate with the somatic cells via DE-cadherin, features that are also prominent at the niche of a normal germarium. Finally, we have established stable cell cultures consisting of GSCs and sheets of somatic cells, which are dependent on the addition of fly extract. A somatic cell line, lacking GSCs, has also been established. These cells are thought to be descendants of SCCs. Our in vitro system may provide the opportunity to manipulate GSCs genetically and to analyze the interaction of germ-line stem cells and soma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzo Niki
- *Department of Sciences, Faculty of Science, Ibaraki University, Mito 310-8512, Japan; and
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail:
or
| | - Takafumi Yamaguchi
- *Department of Sciences, Faculty of Science, Ibaraki University, Mito 310-8512, Japan; and
| | - Anthony P. Mahowald
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, 920 East 58th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail:
or
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Durcova-Hills G, Adams IR, Barton SC, Surani MA, McLaren A. The role of exogenous fibroblast growth factor-2 on the reprogramming of primordial germ cells into pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cells 2006; 24:1441-9. [PMID: 16769760 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2005-0424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The germ cell lineage is a specified cell population that passes through a series of differentiation steps before giving rise, eventually, to either eggs or sperm. We have investigated the manner in which primordial germ cells (PGCs) are reprogrammed in vitro to form pluripotent stem cells in response to exogenous fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). The response is dependent on time of exposure and concentration of FGF-2. PGCs isolated in culture show a motile phenotype and lose any expression of a characteristic germ cell marker, mouse vasa homolog. Subsequently, some but not all of the cells show further changes of phenotype, accompanied by changes in expression of endogenous FGF-2 and up-regulation of its receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor-3, in the nucleus. We propose that it is from this reprogrammed component of the now heterogeneous PGC population that pluripotent stem cells arise.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Colony-Forming Units Assay
- Female
- Fibroblast Growth Factor 2/metabolism
- Fibroblast Growth Factor 2/pharmacology
- Germ Cells/cytology
- Germ Cells/drug effects
- Germ Cells/metabolism
- In Vitro Techniques
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred CBA
- Pluripotent Stem Cells/cytology
- Pluripotent Stem Cells/drug effects
- Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism
- Pregnancy
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1/genetics
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1/metabolism
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3/genetics
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Durcova-Hills
- The Wellcome Trust/Cancer United Kingdom Gurdon Institute of Cancer and Developmental Biology, Cambridge
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Barnett KR, Schilling C, Greenfeld CR, Tomic D, Flaws JA. Ovarian follicle development and transgenic mouse models. Hum Reprod Update 2006; 12:537-55. [PMID: 16728463 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dml022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian follicle development is a complex process that begins with the establishment of what is thought to be a finite pool of primordial follicles and culminates in either the atretic degradation of the follicle or the release of a mature oocyte for fertilization. This review highlights the many advances made in understanding these events using transgenic mouse models. Specifically, this review describes the ovarian phenotypes of mice with genetic mutations that affect ovarian differentiation, primordial follicle formation, follicular growth, atresia, ovulation and corpus luteum (CL) formation. In addition, this review describes the phenotypes of mice with mutations in a variety of genes, which affect the hormones that regulate folliculogenesis. Because studies using transgenic animals have revealed a variety of reproductive abnormalities that resemble many reproductive disorders in women, it is likely that studies using transgenic mouse models will impact our understanding of ovarian function and fertility in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- K R Barnett
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Pereda J, Zorn T, Soto-Suazo M. Migration of human and mouse primordial germ cells and colonization of the developing ovary: An ultrastructural and cytochemical study. Microsc Res Tech 2006; 69:386-95. [PMID: 16718662 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This review is an account of the origin and migratory events of primordial germ cells until their settlement in the gonad before sexual differentiation in the human as well as mice. In this context, the morphodynamic characteristics of the migration of the primordial germ cells, the macromolecular characteristics of the extracellular matrix of the migratory pathway, and the factors involved in the germ cell guidance have been analyzed and discussed in the light of recent advances in this field, by means of immunocytochemical procedures. The events prior to gonadal morphogenesis and the origin of the somatic cell content of the human gonadal primordium have been also analyzed. In particular, evidences are presented showing that cells derived from the coelomic epithelium and mesenchyme are at the origin of the somatic components of the gonadal primordium, and that a mesonephric cell contribution to the generation of somatic cell components of the genital ridge in humans should be discarded due to the morphological stability of the different nephric structures during the period preceding the sexual differentiation of the gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Pereda
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Santiago of Chile, Chile.
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50
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Farini D, Scaldaferri ML, Iona S, La Sala G, De Felici M. Growth factors sustain primordial germ cell survival, proliferation and entering into meiosis in the absence of somatic cells. Dev Biol 2005; 285:49-56. [PMID: 16139834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2005.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2004] [Revised: 06/08/2005] [Accepted: 06/09/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
It is known that mammalian primordial germ cells (PGCs), the precursors of oocytes and prospermatogonia, depend for survival and proliferation on specific growth factors and other undetermined compounds. Adhesion to neighboring somatic cells is also believed to be crucial for preventing PGC apoptosis occurring when they lose appropriate cell to cell contacts. This explains the current impossibility to maintain isolated mouse PGCs in culture for periods longer than a few hours in the absence of suitable cell feeder layers producing soluble factors and expressing surface molecules necessary for preventing PGTC apoptosis and stimulating their proliferation. In the present paper, we identified a cocktail of soluble growth factors, namely KL, LIF, BMP-4, SDF-1, bFGF and compounds (N-acetyl-L-cysteine, forskolin, retinoic acid) able to sustain the survival and self-renewal of mouse PGCs in the absence of somatic cell support. We show that under culture conditions allowing PGC adhesion to an acellular substrate, such growth factors and compounds were able to prevent the occurrence of significant levels of apoptosis in PGCs for two days, stimulate their proliferation and, when LIF was omitted from the cocktail, allow most of them to enter into and progress through meiotic prophase I. These results consent for the first time to establish culture conditions for purified mammalian PGCs in the absence of somatic cell support and should make easier the molecular dissection of the processes governing the development of such cells crucial for early gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Farini
- Department of Public Health and Cell Biology, Section of Histology and Embryology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00173, Italy
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