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Tirumalasetty MB, Bhattacharya I, Mohiuddin MS, Baki VB, Choubey M. Understanding testicular single cell transcriptional atlas: from developmental complications to male infertility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1394812. [PMID: 39055054 PMCID: PMC11269108 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1394812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a multi-step biological process where mitotically active diploid (2n) spermatogonia differentiate into haploid (n) spermatozoa via regulated meiotic programming. The alarming rise in male infertility has become a global concern during the past decade thereby demanding an extensive profiling of testicular gene expression. Advancements in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies have revolutionized our empathy towards complex biological events including spermatogenesis. However, despite multiple attempts made in the past to reveal the testicular transcriptional signature(s) either with bulk tissues or at the single-cell, level, comprehensive reviews on testicular transcriptomics and associated disorders are limited. Notably, technologies explicating the genome-wide gene expression patterns during various stages of spermatogenic progression provide the dynamic molecular landscape of testicular transcription. Our review discusses the advantages of single-cell RNA-sequencing (Sc-RNA-seq) over bulk RNA-seq concerning testicular tissues. Additionally, we highlight the cellular heterogeneity, spatial transcriptomics, dynamic gene expression and cell-to-cell interactions with distinct cell populations within the testes including germ cells (Gc), Sertoli cells (Sc), Peritubular cells (PTc), Leydig cells (Lc), etc. Furthermore, we provide a summary of key finding of single-cell transcriptomic studies that have shed light on developmental mechanisms implicated in testicular disorders and male infertility. These insights emphasize the pivotal roles of Sc-RNA-seq in advancing our knowledge regarding testicular transcriptional landscape and may serve as a potential resource to formulate future clinical interventions for male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasargod, Kerala, India
| | - Mohammad Sarif Mohiuddin
- Department of Foundations of Medicine, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, United States
| | - Vijaya Bhaskar Baki
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Mayank Choubey
- Department of Foundations of Medicine, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, United States
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2
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Bush SJ, Nikola R, Han S, Suzuki S, Yoshida S, Simons BD, Goriely A. Adult Human, but Not Rodent, Spermatogonial Stem Cells Retain States with a Foetal-like Signature. Cells 2024; 13:742. [PMID: 38727278 PMCID: PMC11083513 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis involves a complex process of cellular differentiation maintained by spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Being critical to male reproduction, it is generally assumed that spermatogenesis starts and ends in equivalent transcriptional states in related species. Based on single-cell gene expression profiling, it has been proposed that undifferentiated human spermatogonia can be subclassified into four heterogenous subtypes, termed states 0, 0A, 0B, and 1. To increase the resolution of the undifferentiated compartment and trace the origin of the spermatogenic trajectory, we re-analysed the single-cell (sc) RNA-sequencing libraries of 34 post-pubescent human testes to generate an integrated atlas of germ cell differentiation. We then used this atlas to perform comparative analyses of the putative SSC transcriptome both across human development (using 28 foetal and pre-pubertal scRNA-seq libraries) and across species (including data from sheep, pig, buffalo, rhesus and cynomolgus macaque, rat, and mouse). Alongside its detailed characterisation, we show that the transcriptional heterogeneity of the undifferentiated spermatogonial cell compartment varies not only between species but across development. Our findings associate 'state 0B' with a suppressive transcriptomic programme that, in adult humans, acts to functionally oppose proliferation and maintain cells in a ready-to-react state. Consistent with this conclusion, we show that human foetal germ cells-which are mitotically arrested-can be characterised solely as state 0B. While germ cells with a state 0B signature are also present in foetal mice (and are likely conserved at this stage throughout mammals), they are not maintained into adulthood. We conjecture that in rodents, the foetal-like state 0B differentiates at birth into the renewing SSC population, whereas in humans it is maintained as a reserve population, supporting testicular homeostasis over a longer reproductive lifespan while reducing mutagenic load. Together, these results suggest that SSCs adopt differing evolutionary strategies across species to ensure fertility and genome integrity over vastly differing life histories and reproductive timeframes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J. Bush
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Rafail Nikola
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Seungmin Han
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Shinnosuke Suzuki
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Benjamin D. Simons
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
- Wellcome—MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0WA, UK
| | - Anne Goriely
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
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Aharon D, Marlow FL. Sexual determination in zebrafish. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:8. [PMID: 34936027 PMCID: PMC11072476 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04066-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish have emerged as a major model organism to study vertebrate reproduction due to their high fecundity and external development of eggs and embryos. The mechanisms through which zebrafish determine their sex have come under extensive investigation, as they lack a definite sex-determining chromosome and appear to have a highly complex method of sex determination. Single-gene mutagenesis has been employed to isolate the function of genes that determine zebrafish sex and regulate sex-specific differentiation, and to explore the interactions of genes that promote female or male sexual fate. In this review, we focus on recent advances in understanding of the mechanisms, including genetic and environmental factors, governing zebrafish sex development with comparisons to gene functions in other species to highlight conserved and potentially species-specific mechanisms for specifying and maintaining sexual fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devora Aharon
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy, Place Box 1020, New York, NY, 10029-6574, USA
| | - Florence L Marlow
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy, Place Box 1020, New York, NY, 10029-6574, USA.
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Integration and gene co-expression network analysis of scRNA-seq transcriptomes reveal heterogeneity and key functional genes in human spermatogenesis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19089. [PMID: 34580317 PMCID: PMC8476490 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98267-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process of cellular division and differentiation that begins with spermatogonia stem cells and leads to functional spermatozoa production. However, many of the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is used to sequence the entire transcriptome at the single-cell level to assess cell-to-cell variability. In this study, more than 33,000 testicular cells from different scRNA-seq datasets with normal spermatogenesis were integrated to identify single-cell heterogeneity on a more comprehensive scale. Clustering, cell type assignments, differential expressed genes and pseudotime analysis characterized 5 spermatogonia, 4 spermatocyte, and 4 spermatid cell types during the spermatogenesis process. The UTF1 and ID4 genes were introduced as the most specific markers that can differentiate two undifferentiated spermatogonia stem cell sub-cellules. The C7orf61 and TNP can differentiate two round spermatid sub-cellules. The topological analysis of the weighted gene co-expression network along with the integrated scRNA-seq data revealed some bridge genes between spermatogenesis's main stages such as DNAJC5B, C1orf194, HSP90AB1, BST2, EEF1A1, CRISP2, PTMS, NFKBIA, CDKN3, and HLA-DRA. The importance of these key genes is confirmed by their role in male infertility in previous studies. It can be stated that, this integrated scRNA-seq of spermatogenic cells offers novel insights into cell-to-cell heterogeneity and suggests a list of key players with a pivotal role in male infertility from the fertile spermatogenesis datasets. These key functional genes can be introduced as candidates for filtering and prioritizing genotype-to-phenotype association in male infertility.
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Di Persio S, Leitão E, Wöste M, Tekath T, Cremers JF, Dugas M, Li X, Meyer Zu Hörste G, Kliesch S, Laurentino S, Neuhaus N, Horsthemke B. Whole-genome methylation analysis of testicular germ cells from cryptozoospermic men points to recurrent and functionally relevant DNA methylation changes. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:160. [PMID: 34419158 PMCID: PMC8379757 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01144-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have reported an association between male infertility and aberrant sperm DNA methylation patterns, in particular in imprinted genes. In a recent investigation based on whole methylome and deep bisulfite sequencing, we have not found any evidence for such an association, but have demonstrated that somatic DNA contamination and genetic variation confound methylation studies in sperm of severely oligozoospermic men. To find out whether testicular germ cells (TGCs) of such patients might carry aberrant DNA methylation, we compared the TGC methylomes of four men with cryptozoospermia (CZ) and four men with obstructive azoospermia, who had normal spermatogenesis and served as controls (CTR). RESULTS There was no difference in DNA methylation at the whole genome level or at imprinted regions between CZ and CTR samples. However, using stringent filters to identify group-specific methylation differences, we detected 271 differentially methylated regions (DMRs), 238 of which were hypermethylated in CZ (binominal test, p < 2.2 × 10-16). The DMRs were enriched for distal regulatory elements (p = 1.0 × 10-6) and associated with 132 genes, 61 of which are differentially expressed at various stages of spermatogenesis. Almost all of the 67 DMRs associated with the 61 genes (94%) are hypermethylated in CZ (63/67, p = 1.107 × 10-14). As judged by single-cell RNA sequencing, 13 DMR-associated genes, which are mainly expressed during meiosis and spermiogenesis, show a significantly different pattern of expression in CZ patients. In four of these genes, the promoter is hypermethylated in CZ men, which correlates with a lower expression level in these patients. In the other nine genes, eight of which downregulated in CZ, germ cell-specific enhancers may be affected. CONCLUSIONS We found that impaired spermatogenesis is associated with DNA methylation changes in testicular germ cells at functionally relevant regions of the genome. We hypothesize that the described DNA methylation changes may reflect or contribute to premature abortion of spermatogenesis and therefore not appear in the mature, motile sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Di Persio
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Elsa Leitão
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Marius Wöste
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Tobias Tekath
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Jann-Frederik Cremers
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Dugas
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Xiaolin Li
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Gerd Meyer Zu Hörste
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Sandra Laurentino
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| | - Bernhard Horsthemke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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Martin-Inaraja M, Ferreira M, Taelman J, Eguizabal C, Chuva De Sousa Lopes SM. Improving In Vitro Culture of Human Male Fetal Germ Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082033. [PMID: 34440801 PMCID: PMC8393746 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Male human fetal germ cells (hFGCs) give rise to spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which are the adult precursors of the male gametes. Human SSCs are a promising (autologous) source of cells for male fertility preservation; however, in contrast to mouse SSCs, we are still unable to culture them in the long term. Here, we investigated the effect of two different culture media and four substrates (laminin, gelatin, vitronectin and matrigel) in the culture of dissociated second trimester testes, enriched for hFGCs. After 6 days in culture, we quantified the presence of POU5F1 and DDX4 expressing hFGCs. We observed a pronounced difference in hFGC number in different substrates. The combination of gelatin-coated substrate and medium containing GDNF, LIF, FGF2 and EGF resulted in the highest percentage of hFGCs (10% of the total gonadal cells) after 6 days of culture. However, the vitronectin-coated substrate resulted in a comparable percentage of hFGCs regardless of the media used (3.3% of total cells in Zhou-medium and 4.8% of total cells in Shinohara-medium). We provide evidence that not only the choices of culture medium but also choices of the adequate substrate are crucial for optimizing culture protocols for male hFGCs. Optimizing culture conditions in order to improve the expansion of hFGCs will benefit the development of gametogenesis assays in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Martin-Inaraja
- Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Basque Centre for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, 48960 Galdakao, Spain; (M.M.-I.); (C.E.)
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Monica Ferreira
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.F.); (J.T.)
| | - Jasin Taelman
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.F.); (J.T.)
| | - Cristina Eguizabal
- Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Basque Centre for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, 48960 Galdakao, Spain; (M.M.-I.); (C.E.)
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Susana M. Chuva De Sousa Lopes
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.F.); (J.T.)
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-71-526-9350
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Xia Q, Cui G, Fan Y, Wang X, Hu G, Wang L, Luo X, Yang L, Cai Q, Xu K, Guo W, Gao M, Li Y, Wu J, Li W, Chen J, Qi H, Peng G, Yao H. RNA helicase DDX5 acts as a critical regulator for survival of neonatal mouse gonocytes. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13000. [PMID: 33666296 PMCID: PMC8088469 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mammalian spermatogenesis is a biological process of male gamete formation. Gonocytes are the only precursors of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) which develop into mature spermatozoa. DDX5 is one of DEAD-box RNA helicases and expresses in male germ cells, suggesting that Ddx5 plays important functions during spermatogenesis. Here, we explore the functions of Ddx5 in regulating the specification of gonocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Germ cell-specific Ddx5 knockout (Ddx5-/- ) mice were generated. The morphology of testes and epididymides and fertility in both wild-type and Ddx5-/- mice were analysed. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to profile the transcriptome in testes from wild-type and Ddx5-/- mice at postnatal day (P) 2. Dysregulated genes were validated by single-cell qRT-PCR and immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS In male mice, Ddx5 was expressed in germ cells at different stages of development. Germ cell-specific Ddx5 knockout adult male mice were sterile due to completely devoid of germ cells. Male germ cells gradually disappeared in Ddx5-/- mice from E18.5 to P6. Single-cell transcriptome analysis showed that genes involved in cell cycle and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) pathway were significantly decreased in Ddx5-deficient gonocytes. Notably, Ddx5 ablation impeded the proliferation of gonocytes. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals the critical roles of Ddx5 in fate determination of gonocytes, offering a novel insight into the pathogenesis of male sterility.
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Voigt AL, Thiageswaran S, de Lima e Martins Lara N, Dobrinski I. Metabolic Requirements for Spermatogonial Stem Cell Establishment and Maintenance In Vivo and In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1998. [PMID: 33670439 PMCID: PMC7922219 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) is a unique adult stem cell that requires tight physiological regulation during development and adulthood. As the foundation of spermatogenesis, SSCs are a potential tool for the treatment of infertility. Understanding the factors that are necessary for lifelong maintenance of a SSC pool in vivo is essential for successful in vitro expansion and safe downstream clinical usage. This review focused on the current knowledge of prepubertal testicular development and germ cell metabolism in different species, and implications for translational medicine. The significance of metabolism for cell biology, stem cell integrity, and fate decisions is discussed in general and in the context of SSC in vivo maintenance, differentiation, and in vitro expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ina Dobrinski
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (A.L.V.); (S.T.); (N.d.L.e.M.L.)
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Raina K, Dey C, Thool M, Sudhagar S, Thummer RP. An Insight into the Role of UTF1 in Development, Stem Cells, and Cancer. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:1280-1293. [PMID: 33517544 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10127-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The curiosity to understand the mechanisms regulating transcription in pluripotent cells resulted in identifying a unique transcription factor named Undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (UTF1). This proline-rich, nuclear protein is highly conserved among placental mammals with prominent expression observed in pluripotent, germ, and cancer cells. In pluripotent and germ cells, its role has been implicated primarily in proper cell differentiation, whereas in cancer, it shows tissue-specific function, either as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor gene. Furthermore, UTF1 is crucial for germ cell development, spermatogenesis, and maintaining male fertility in mice. In addition, recent studies have demonstrated the importance of UTF1 in the generation of high quality induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) and as an excellent biomarker to identify bona fide iPSCs. Functionally, UTF1 aids in establishing a favorable chromatin state in embryonic stem cells, reducing "transcriptional noise" and possibly functions similarly in re-establishing this state in differentiated cells upon their reprogramming to generate mature iPSCs. This review highlights the multifaceted roles of UTF1 and its implication in development, spermatogenesis, stem, and cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khyati Raina
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Chandrima Dey
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Madhuri Thool
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.,Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati, Changsari, Guwahati, Assam, 781101, India
| | - S Sudhagar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati, Changsari, Guwahati, Assam, 781101, India
| | - Rajkumar P Thummer
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.
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10
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Sone R, Taimatsu K, Ohga R, Nishimura T, Tanaka M, Kawahara A. Critical roles of the ddx5 gene in zebrafish sex differentiation and oocyte maturation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14157. [PMID: 32873816 PMCID: PMC7463030 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71143-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
DEAD-box helicase 5 (Ddx5) functions as an ATP-dependent RNA helicase and as a transcriptional coactivator for several transcription factors; however, the developmental function of the ddx5 gene in vertebrates is not fully understood. We found that the zebrafish ddx5 gene was expressed in developing gonads. Using the genome editing technology transcription activator-like effector nuclease, we established a ddx5-disrupted zebrafish and examined the morphological phenotypes of the mutant. We found that the majority of ddx5-deficient mutants developed as fertile males with normal testes and a small number of ddx5-deficient mutants developed as infertile females with small ovaries. Apoptotic cell death at 31 days post fertilization was increased in thick immature gonads (presumptive developing ovaries) of the ddx5-deficient mutant compared to those of heterozygous wild-type fish, while the number of apoptotic cells in thin immature gonads (presumptive developing testes) was comparable between the mutant and wild-type animals. Histological analysis revealed that ovaries of adult ddx5-deficient females had fewer vitellogenic oocytes and a larger number of stage I and II oocytes. The amount of cyclic adenosine monophosphate in the ddx5-deficient ovaries was high compared to that of wild-type ovaries, presumably leading to the mitotic arrest of oocyte maturation. Therefore, the ddx5 gene is dispensable for testis development, but it is essential for female sex differentiation and oocyte maturation in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Sone
- Laboratory for Developmental Biology, Center for Medical Education and Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan
| | - Kiyohito Taimatsu
- Laboratory for Developmental Biology, Center for Medical Education and Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan
| | - Rie Ohga
- Laboratory for Developmental Biology, Center for Medical Education and Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan
| | - Toshiya Nishimura
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan.,Faculty of Fisheries Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 041-8611, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanaka
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan
| | - Atsuo Kawahara
- Laboratory for Developmental Biology, Center for Medical Education and Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan.
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11
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Parekh PA, Garcia TX, Hofmann MC. Regulation of GDNF expression in Sertoli cells. Reproduction 2020; 157:R95-R107. [PMID: 30620720 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells regulate male germ cell proliferation and differentiation and are a critical component of the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche, where homeostasis is maintained by the interplay of several signaling pathways and growth factors. These factors are secreted by Sertoli cells located within the seminiferous epithelium, and by interstitial cells residing between the seminiferous tubules. Sertoli cells and peritubular myoid cells produce glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which binds to the RET/GFRA1 receptor complex at the surface of undifferentiated spermatogonia. GDNF is known for its ability to drive SSC self-renewal and proliferation of their direct cell progeny. Even though the effects of GDNF are well studied, our understanding of the regulation its expression is still limited. The purpose of this review is to discuss how GDNF expression in Sertoli cells is modulated within the niche, and how these mechanisms impact germ cell homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parag A Parekh
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Marie-Claude Hofmann
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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12
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Struijk RB, Dorssers LCJ, Henneman P, Rijlaarsdam MA, Venema A, Jongejan A, Mannens MMAM, Looijenga LHJ, Repping S, van Pelt AMM. Comparing genome-scale DNA methylation and CNV marks between adult human cultured ITGA6+ testicular cells and seminomas to assess in vitro genomic stability. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230253. [PMID: 32176716 PMCID: PMC7075560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autologous transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells is a promising new avenue to restore fertility in infertile recipients. Expansion of the initial spermatogonial stem cell pool through cell culturing is a necessary step to obtain enough cells for effective repopulation of the testis after transplantation. Since in vitro propagation can lead to (epi-)genetic mutations and possibly malignant transformation of the starting cell population, we set out to investigate genome-wide DNA methylation status in uncultured and cultured primary testicular ITGA6+ sorted cells and compare them with germ cell tumor samples of the seminoma subtype. Seminomas displayed a severely global hypomethylated profile, including loss of genomic imprinting, which we did not detect in cultured primary testicular ITGA6+ cells. Differential methylation analysis revealed altered regulation of gamete formation and meiotic processes in cultured primary testicular ITGA6+ cells but not in seminomas. The pivotal POU5F1 marker was hypomethylated in seminomas but not in uncultured or cultured primary testicular ITGA6+ cells, which is reflected in the POU5F1 mRNA expression levels. Lastly, seminomas displayed a number of characteristic copy number variations that were not detectable in primary testicular ITGA6+ cells, either before or after culture. Together, the data show a distinct DNA methylation patterns in cultured primary testicular ITGA6+ cells that does not resemble the pattern found in seminomas, but also highlight the need for more sensitive methods to fully exclude the presence of malignant cells after culture and to further study the epigenetic events that take place during in vitro culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B. Struijk
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lambert C. J. Dorssers
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, and Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Henneman
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin A. Rijlaarsdam
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, and Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Venema
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aldo Jongejan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel M. A. M. Mannens
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leendert H. J. Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, and Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M. M. van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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13
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A Novel Tissue and Stem Cell Specific TERF1 Splice Variant Is Downregulated in Tumour Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010085. [PMID: 31877678 PMCID: PMC6981981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we describe the identification of a novel splice variant of TERF1/PIN2, one of the main components of the telomeric shelterin complex. This new splice variant is identical to TERF1, apart from a 30 amino acid internal insertion near to the C-terminus of TERF1. Based on genome comparison analyses and RNA expression data, we show that this splice variant is conserved among hominidae but absent from all other species. RNA expression and histological analyses show specific expression in human spermatogonial and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), while all other analyzed tissues lack the expression of this TERF1-isoform, hence the name TERF1-tsi (TERF1-tissue-specific-isoform). In addition, we could not detect any expression in primary human cells and established cancer cell lines. Immunohistochemistry results involving two new rabbit polyclonal antibodies, generated against TERF1-tsi specific peptides, indicate nuclear localization of TERF1-tsi in a subset of spermatogonial stem cells. In line with this observation, immunofluorescence analyzes in various cell lines consistently revealed that ectopic TERF1-tsi localizes to the cell nucleus, mainly but not exclusively at telomeres. In a first attempt to evaluate the impact of TERF1-tsi in the testis, we have tested its expression in normal testis samples versus matched tumor samples from the same patients. Both RT-PCR and IHC show a specific downregulation of TERF1-tsi in tumor samples while the expression of TERF1 and PIN2 remains unchanged.
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14
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Hermann BP, Cheng K, Singh A, Roa-De La Cruz L, Mutoji KN, Chen IC, Gildersleeve H, Lehle JD, Mayo M, Westernströer B, Law NC, Oatley MJ, Velte EK, Niedenberger BA, Fritze D, Silber S, Geyer CB, Oatley JM, McCarrey JR. The Mammalian Spermatogenesis Single-Cell Transcriptome, from Spermatogonial Stem Cells to Spermatids. Cell Rep 2019; 25:1650-1667.e8. [PMID: 30404016 PMCID: PMC6384825 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 342] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex and dynamic cellular differentiation process critical to male reproduction and sustained by spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Although patterns of gene expression have been described for aggregates of certain spermatogenic cell types, the full continuum of gene expression patterns underlying ongoing spermatogenesis in steady state was previously unclear. Here, we catalog single-cell transcriptomes for >62,000 individual spermatogenic cells from immature (postnatal day 6) and adult male mice and adult men. This allowed us to resolve SSC and progenitor spermatogonia, elucidate the full range of gene expression changes during male meiosis and spermiogenesis, and derive unique gene expression signatures for multiple mouse and human spermatogenic cell types and/or subtypes. These transcriptome datasets provide an information-rich resource for studies of SSCs, male meiosis, testicular cancer, male infertility, or contraceptive development, as well as a gene expression roadmap to be emulated in efforts to achieve spermatogenesis in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Hermann
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; Genomics Core, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
| | - Keren Cheng
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Anukriti Singh
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Lorena Roa-De La Cruz
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Kazadi N Mutoji
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - I-Chung Chen
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Heidi Gildersleeve
- Genomics Core, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Jake D Lehle
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Max Mayo
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Birgit Westernströer
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Nathan C Law
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
| | - Melissa J Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
| | - Ellen K Velte
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Bryan A Niedenberger
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Danielle Fritze
- The UT Transplant Center, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Sherman Silber
- The Infertility Center of St. Louis, Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Jon M Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
| | - John R McCarrey
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
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15
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Gille AS, Lapoujade C, Wolf JP, Fouchet P, Barraud-Lange V. Contribution of Single-Cell Transcriptomics to the Characterization of Human Spermatogonial Stem Cells: Toward an Application in Male Fertility Regenerative Medicine? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225773. [PMID: 31744138 PMCID: PMC6888480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing progress in genomic technologies offers exciting tools that can help to resolve transcriptome and genome-wide DNA modifications at single-cell resolution. These methods can be used to characterize individual cells within complex tissue organizations and to highlight various molecular interactions. Here, we will discuss recent advances in the definition of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) and their progenitors in humans using the single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNAseq) approach. Exploration of gene expression patterns allows one to investigate stem cell heterogeneity. It leads to tracing the spermatogenic developmental process and its underlying biology, which is highly influenced by the microenvironment. scRNAseq already represents a new diagnostic tool for the personalized investigation of male infertility. One may hope that a better understanding of SSC biology could facilitate the use of these cells in the context of fertility preservation of prepubertal children, as a key component of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Gille
- UMRE008 Stabilité Génétique, Cellules Souches et Radiations, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, IRCM, Université de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (C.L.); (P.F.)
- Team Genomic Epigenetic and Physiopathology of Reproduction, Department of Genetic, Development and Cancer, Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, 22 rue Méchain, 75014 Paris, France; (J.-P.W.); (V.B.-L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Clémentine Lapoujade
- UMRE008 Stabilité Génétique, Cellules Souches et Radiations, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, IRCM, Université de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (C.L.); (P.F.)
| | - Jean-Philippe Wolf
- Team Genomic Epigenetic and Physiopathology of Reproduction, Department of Genetic, Development and Cancer, Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, 22 rue Méchain, 75014 Paris, France; (J.-P.W.); (V.B.-L.)
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Descartes, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University Hospital Paris Centre, CHU Cochin, Laboratory of Histology Embryology Biology of Reproduction, 123 boulevard de Port Royal, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Pierre Fouchet
- UMRE008 Stabilité Génétique, Cellules Souches et Radiations, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, IRCM, Université de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (C.L.); (P.F.)
| | - Virginie Barraud-Lange
- Team Genomic Epigenetic and Physiopathology of Reproduction, Department of Genetic, Development and Cancer, Cochin Institute, Inserm U1016, 22 rue Méchain, 75014 Paris, France; (J.-P.W.); (V.B.-L.)
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Descartes, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University Hospital Paris Centre, CHU Cochin, Laboratory of Histology Embryology Biology of Reproduction, 123 boulevard de Port Royal, 75014 Paris, France
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16
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Laurentino S, Heckmann L, Di Persio S, Li X, Meyer Zu Hörste G, Wistuba J, Cremers JF, Gromoll J, Kliesch S, Schlatt S, Neuhaus N. High-resolution analysis of germ cells from men with sex chromosomal aneuploidies reveals normal transcriptome but impaired imprinting. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:127. [PMID: 31462300 PMCID: PMC6714305 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0720-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The most common sex chromosomal aneuploidy in males is Klinefelter syndrome, which is characterized by at least one supernumerary X chromosome. While these men have long been considered infertile, focal spermatogenesis can be observed in some patients, and sperm can be surgically retrieved and used for artificial reproductive techniques. Although these gametes can be used for fertility treatments, little is known about the molecular biology of the germline in Klinefelter men. Specifically, it is unclear if germ cells in Klinefelter syndrome correctly establish the androgenetic DNA methylation profile and transcriptome. This is due to the low number of germ cells in the Klinefelter testes available for analysis. Results Here, we overcame these difficulties and successfully investigated the epigenetic and transcriptional profiles of germ cells in Klinefelter patients employing deep bisulfite sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing. On the transcriptional level, the germ cells from Klinefelter men clustered together with the differentiation stages of normal spermatogenesis. Klinefelter germ cells showed a normal DNA methylation profile of selected germ cell-specific markers compared with spermatogonia and sperm from men with normal spermatogenesis. However, germ cells from Klinefelter patients showed variations in the DNA methylation of imprinted regions. Conclusions These data indicate that Klinefelter germ cells have a normal transcriptome but might present aberrant imprinting, showing impairment in germ cell development that goes beyond mere germ cell loss. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-019-0720-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Laurentino
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Laura Heckmann
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Sara Di Persio
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Xiaolin Li
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Gerd Meyer Zu Hörste
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Jann-Frederik Cremers
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jörg Gromoll
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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17
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Kubota H, Brinster RL. Spermatogonial stem cells. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:52-74. [PMID: 29617903 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the most primitive spermatogonia in the testis and have an essential role to maintain highly productive spermatogenesis by self-renewal and continuous generation of daughter spermatogonia that differentiate into spermatozoa, transmitting genetic information to the next generation. Since the 1950s, many experimental methods, including histology, immunostaining, whole-mount analyses, and pulse-chase labeling, had been used in attempts to identify SSCs, but without success. In 1994, a spermatogonial transplantation method was reported that established a quantitative functional assay to identify SSCs by evaluating their ability to both self-renew and differentiate to spermatozoa. The system was originally developed using mice and subsequently extended to nonrodents, including domestic animals and humans. Availability of the functional assay for SSCs has made it possible to develop culture systems for their ex vivo expansion, which dramatically advanced germ cell biology and allowed medical and agricultural applications. In coming years, SSCs will be increasingly used to understand their regulation, as well as in germline modification, including gene correction, enhancement of male fertility, and conversion of somatic cells to biologically competent male germline cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kubota
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
| | - Ralph L Brinster
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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18
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Kanamori M, Oikawa K, Tanemura K, Hara K. Mammalian germ cell migration during development, growth, and homeostasis. Reprod Med Biol 2019; 18:247-255. [PMID: 31312103 PMCID: PMC6613016 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germ cells represent one of the typical cell types that moves over a long period of time and large distance within the animal body. To continue its life cycle, germ cells must migrate to spatially distinct locations for proper development. Defects in such migration processes can result in infertility. Thus, for more than a century, the principles of germ cell migration have been a focus of interest in the field of reproductive biology. METHODS Based on published reports (mainly from rodents), investigations of germ cell migration before releasing from the body, including primordial germ cells (PGCs), gonocytes, spermatogonia, and immature spermatozoon, were summarized. MAIN FINDINGS Germ cells migrate with various patterns, with each migration step regulated by distinct mechanisms. During development, PGCs actively and passively migrate from the extraembryonic region toward genital ridges through the hindgut epithelium. After sex determination, male germline cells migrate heterogeneously in a developmental stage-dependent manner within the testis. CONCLUSION During migration, there are multiple gates that disallow germ cells from re-entering the proper developmental pathway after wandering off the original migration path. The presence of gates may ensure the robustness of germ cell development during development, growth, and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuho Kanamori
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, Graduate School of Agricultural ScienceTohoku UniversitySendaiJapan
| | - Kenta Oikawa
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, Graduate School of Agricultural ScienceTohoku UniversitySendaiJapan
| | - Kentaro Tanemura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, Graduate School of Agricultural ScienceTohoku UniversitySendaiJapan
| | - Kenshiro Hara
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, Graduate School of Agricultural ScienceTohoku UniversitySendaiJapan
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19
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DDX5 plays essential transcriptional and post-transcriptional roles in the maintenance and function of spermatogonia. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2278. [PMID: 31123254 PMCID: PMC6533336 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09972-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is sustained by mitotic germ cells with self-renewal potential known as undifferentiated spermatogonia. Maintenance of undifferentiated spermatogonia and spermatogenesis is dependent on tightly co-ordinated transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. The RNA helicase DDX5 is expressed by spermatogonia but roles in spermatogenesis are unexplored. Using an inducible knockout mouse model, we characterise an essential role for DDX5 in spermatogonial maintenance and show that Ddx5 is indispensable for male fertility. We demonstrate that DDX5 regulates appropriate splicing of key genes necessary for spermatogenesis. Moreover, DDX5 regulates expression of cell cycle genes in undifferentiated spermatogonia post-transcriptionally and is required for cell proliferation and survival. DDX5 can also act as a transcriptional co-activator and we demonstrate that DDX5 interacts with PLZF, a transcription factor required for germline maintenance, to co-regulate select target genes. Combined, our data reveal a critical multifunctional role for DDX5 in regulating gene expression programmes and activity of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Sustained sperm production is dependent on activity of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Here, the authors demonstrate an essential role for RNA helicase DDX5 in maintenance of spermatogonia in adults through control of gene transcription plus RNA processing and export.
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20
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Liang S, Liu D, Li X, Wei M, Yu X, Li Q, Ma H, Zhang Z, Qin Z. SOX2 participates in spermatogenesis of Zhikong scallop Chlamys farreri. Sci Rep 2019; 9:76. [PMID: 30635613 PMCID: PMC6329761 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35983-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As an important transcription factor, SOX2 involves in embryogenesis, maintenance of stem cells and proliferation of primordial germ cell (PGC). However, little was known about its function in mature gonads. Herein, we investigated the SOX2 gene profiles in testis of scallop, Chlamys farreri. The level of C. farreri SOX2 (Cf-SOX2) mRNA increased gradually along with gonadal development and reached the peak at mature stage, and was located in all germ cells, including spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa. Knockdown of Cf-SOX2 using RNAi leaded to a mass of germ cells lost, and only a few spermatogonia retained in the nearly empty testicular acini after 21 days. TUNEL assay showed that apoptosis occurred in spermatocytes. Furthermore, transcriptome profiles of the testes were compared between Cf-SOX2 knockdown and normal scallops, 131,340 unigenes were obtained and 2,067 differential expression genes (DEGs) were identified. GO and KEGG analysis showed that most DEGs were related to cell apoptosis (casp2, casp3, casp8), cell proliferation (samd9, crebzf, iqsec1) and spermatogenesis (htt, tusc3, zmynd10, nipbl, mfge8), and enriched in p53, TNF and apoptosis pathways. Our study revealed Cf-SOX2 is essential in spermatogenesis and testis development of C. farreri and provided important clues for better understanding of SOX2 regulatory mechanisms in bivalve testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoshuai Liang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.,The Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Danwen Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Xixi Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Maokai Wei
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Xiaohan Yu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Qi Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Huixin Ma
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Zhifeng Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Zhenkui Qin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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21
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Contradictory mRNA and protein misexpression of EEF1A1 in ductal breast carcinoma due to cell cycle regulation and cellular stress. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13904. [PMID: 30224719 PMCID: PMC6141510 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32272-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Encoded by EEF1A1, the eukaryotic translation elongation factor eEF1α1 strongly promotes the heat shock response, which protects cancer cells from proteotoxic stress, following for instance oxidative stress, hypoxia or aneuploidy. Unexpectedly, therefore, we find that EEF1A1 mRNA levels are reduced in virtually all breast cancers, in particular in ductal carcinomas. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicate that EEF1A1 mRNA underexpression independently predicts poor patient prognosis for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) cancers. EEF1A1 mRNA levels are lowest in the most invasive, lymph node-positive, advanced stage and postmenopausal tumors. In sharp contrast, immunohistochemistry on 100 ductal breast carcinomas revealed that at the protein level eEF1α1 is ubiquitously overexpressed, especially in ER+ , progesterone receptor-positive and lymph node-negative tumors. Explaining this paradox, we find that EEF1A1 mRNA levels in breast carcinomas are low due to EEF1A1 allelic copy number loss, found in 27% of tumors, and cell cycle-specific expression, because mRNA levels are high in G1 and low in proliferating cells. This also links estrogen-induced cell proliferation to clinical observations. In contrast, high eEF1α1 protein levels protect tumor cells from stress-induced cell death. These observations suggest that, by obviating EEF1A1 transcription, cancer cells can rapidly induce the heat shock response following proteotoxic stress, and survive.
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22
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Griswold MD. 50 years of spermatogenesis: Sertoli cells and their interactions with germ cells. Biol Reprod 2018; 99:87-100. [PMID: 29462262 PMCID: PMC7328471 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex morphology of the Sertoli cells and their interactions with germ cells has been a focus of investigators since they were first described by Enrico Sertoli. In the past 50 years, information on Sertoli cells has transcended morphology alone to become increasingly more focused on molecular questions. The goal of investigators has been to understand the role of the Sertoli cells in spermatogenesis and to apply that information to problems relating to male fertility. Sertoli cells are unique in that they are a nondividing cell population that is active for the reproductive lifetime of the animal and cyclically change morphology and gene expression. The numerous and distinctive junctional complexes and membrane specializations made by Sertoli cells provide a scaffold and environment for germ cell development. The increased focus of investigators on the molecular components and putative functions of testicular cells has resulted primarily from procedures that isolate specific cell types from the testicular milieu. Products of Sertoli cells that influence germ cell development and vice versa have been characterized from cultured cells and from the application of transgenic technologies. Germ cell transplantation has shown that the Sertoli cells respond to cues from germ cells with regard to developmental timing and has furthered a focus on spermatogenic stem cells and the stem cell niche. Very basic and universal features of spermatogenesis such as the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium and the spermatogenic wave are initiated by Sertoli cells and maintained by Sertoli-germ cell cooperation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Griswold
- Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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23
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Utf1 contributes to intergenerational epigenetic inheritance of pluripotency. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14612. [PMID: 29097685 PMCID: PMC5668265 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14426-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (Utf1) is expressed in pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and primordial germ cells (PGCs). Utf1 expression is directly controlled by pluripotency factors Oct4 and Sox2, which form a ternary complex with the Utf1 enhancer. The Utf1 protein plays a role in chromatin organization and epigenetic control of bivalent gene expression in ESCs in vitro, where it promotes effective cell differentiation during exit from pluripotency. The function of Utf1 in PGCs in vivo, however, is not known. Here, we report that proper development of Utf1 null embryos almost entirely depends on the presence of functional Utf1 alleles in the parental germline. This indicates that Utf1’s proposed epigenetic role in ESC pluripotency in vitro may be linked to intergenerational epigenetic inheritance in vivo. One component - or at least facilitator - of the relevant epigenetic mark appears to be Utf1 itself, since Utf1-driven tomato reporter and Utf1 are detected in mature germ cells. We also provide initial evidence for a reduced adult testis size in Utf1 null mice. Our findings thus point at unexpected functional links between the core ESC pluripotency factor network and epigenetic inheritance of pluripotency.
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24
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Jan SZ, Vormer TL, Jongejan A, Röling MD, Silber SJ, de Rooij DG, Hamer G, Repping S, van Pelt AMM. Unraveling transcriptome dynamics in human spermatogenesis. Development 2017; 144:3659-3673. [PMID: 28935708 PMCID: PMC5675447 DOI: 10.1242/dev.152413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a dynamic developmental process that includes stem cell proliferation and differentiation, meiotic cell divisions and extreme chromatin condensation. Although studied in mice, the molecular control of human spermatogenesis is largely unknown. Here, we developed a protocol that enables next-generation sequencing of RNA obtained from pools of 500 individually laser-capture microdissected cells of specific germ cell subtypes from fixed human testis samples. Transcriptomic analyses of these successive germ cell subtypes reveals dynamic transcription of over 4000 genes during human spermatogenesis. At the same time, many of the genes encoding for well-established meiotic and post-meiotic proteins are already present in the pre-meiotic phase. Furthermore, we found significant cell type-specific expression of post-transcriptional regulators, including expression of 110 RNA-binding proteins and 137 long non-coding RNAs, most of them previously not linked to spermatogenesis. Together, these data suggest that the transcriptome of precursor cells already contains the genes necessary for cellular differentiation and that timely translation controlled by post-transcriptional regulators is crucial for normal development. These established transcriptomes provide a reference catalog for further detailed studies on human spermatogenesis and spermatogenic failure. Highlighted Article: Using laser capture microscopy, a comprehensive transcriptomic dataset of well-defined and distinct germ cell subtypes based on morphology and localization in the human testis is generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Z Jan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tinke L Vormer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aldo Jongejan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael D Röling
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sherman J Silber
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,The Infertility Center of St. Louis, St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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25
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Di Persio S, Saracino R, Fera S, Muciaccia B, Esposito V, Boitani C, Berloco BP, Nudo F, Spadetta G, Stefanini M, de Rooij DG, Vicini E. Spermatogonial kinetics in humans. Development 2017; 144:3430-3439. [PMID: 28827392 DOI: 10.1242/dev.150284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The human spermatogonial compartment is essential for daily production of millions of sperm. Despite this crucial role, the molecular signature, kinetic behavior and regulation of human spermatogonia are poorly understood. Using human testis biopsies with normal spermatogenesis and by studying marker protein expression, we have identified for the first time different subpopulations of spermatogonia. MAGE-A4 marks all spermatogonia, KIT marks all B spermatogonia and UCLH1 all Apale-dark (Ap-d) spermatogonia. We suggest that at the start of the spermatogenic lineage there are Ap-d spermatogonia that are GFRA1High, likely including the spermatogonial stem cells. Next, UTF1 becomes expressed, cells become quiescent and GFRA1 expression decreases. Finally, GFRA1 expression is lost and subsequently cells differentiate into B spermatogonia, losing UTF1 and acquiring KIT expression. Strikingly, most human Ap-d spermatogonia are out of the cell cycle and even differentiating type B spermatogonial proliferation is restricted. A novel scheme for human spermatogonial development is proposed that will facilitate further research in this field, the understanding of cases of infertility and the development of methods to increase sperm output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Di Persio
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Rossana Saracino
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Stefania Fera
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Barbara Muciaccia
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Valentina Esposito
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Carla Boitani
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Bartolomeo P Berloco
- Department of General and Specialistic Surgery 'Paride Stefanini', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Francesco Nudo
- Department of General and Specialistic Surgery 'Paride Stefanini', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Gustavo Spadetta
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrological, Anesthesiological and Geriatric Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Mario Stefanini
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Elena Vicini
- Fondazione Pasteur Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences - Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
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