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Hau RK, Wright SH, Cherrington NJ. In Vitro and In Vivo Models for Drug Transport Across the Blood-Testis Barrier. Drug Metab Dispos 2023; 51:1157-1168. [PMID: 37258305 PMCID: PMC10449102 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.123.001288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is a selectively permeable membrane barrier formed by adjacent Sertoli cells (SCs) in the seminiferous tubules of the testes that develops intercellular junctional complexes to protect developing germ cells from external pressures. However, due to this inherent defense mechanism, the seminiferous tubule lumen can act as a pharmacological sanctuary site for latent viruses (e.g., Ebola, Zika) and cancers (e.g., leukemia). Therefore, it is critical to identify and evaluate BTB carrier-mediated drug delivery pathways to successfully treat these viruses and cancers. Many drugs are unable to effectively cross cell membranes without assistance from carrier proteins like transporters because they are large, polar, and often carry a charge at physiologic pH. SCs express transporters that selectively permit endogenous compounds, such as carnitine or nucleosides, across the BTB to support normal physiologic activity, although reproductive toxicants can also use these pathways, thereby circumventing the BTB. Certain xenobiotics, including select cancer therapeutics, antivirals, contraceptives, and environmental toxicants, are known to accumulate within the male genital tract and cause testicular toxicity; however, the transport pathways by which these compounds circumvent the BTB are largely unknown. Consequently, there is a need to identify the clinically relevant BTB transport pathways in in vitro and in vivo BTB models that recapitulate human pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for these xenobiotics. This review summarizes the various in vitro and in vivo models of the BTB reported in the literature and highlights the strengths and weaknesses of certain models for drug disposition studies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Drug disposition to the testes is influenced by the physical, physiological, and immunological components of the blood-testis barrier (BTB). But many compounds are known to cross the BTB by transporters, resulting in pharmacological and/or toxicological effects in the testes. Therefore, models that assess drug transport across the human BTB must adequately account for these confounding factors. This review identifies and discusses the benefits and limitations of various in vitro and in vivo BTB models for preclinical drug disposition studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond K Hau
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, (R.K.H., N.J.C.) and College of Medicine, Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (S.H.W.)
| | - Stephen H Wright
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, (R.K.H., N.J.C.) and College of Medicine, Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (S.H.W.)
| | - Nathan J Cherrington
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, (R.K.H., N.J.C.) and College of Medicine, Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (S.H.W.)
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2
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Du G, Wu J, Zhang C, Cao X, Li L, He J, Zhang Y, Shang Y. Generation and application of immortalized sertoli cell line from sheep testis. J Virol Methods 2023; 316:114727. [PMID: 36990185 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2023.114727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Primary sheep testicular Sertoli cells (STSCs) are ideal for investigating the molecular and pathogenic processes of capripoxvirus. However, the high cost of isolation and culture of primary STSCs, time-consuming operation, and short lifespan greatly limit their real-world application. In our study, the primary STSCs were isolated and immortalized by transfection of a lentiviral recombinant plasmid containing simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen. Androgen-binding protein (ABP) and vimentin (VIM) protein expression, SV40 large T antigen activity, proliferation assays, and apoptosis analysis results showed that immortalized large T antigen STSCs (TSTSCs) still had the same physiological characteristics and biological functions as primary STSCs. Moreover, immortalized TSTSCs had strong anti-apoptosis ability, extended lifespan, and enhanced proliferative activity compared to primary STSCs, which had not transformed in vitro and showed any signs of malignancy phenotype in nude mice. Besides, immortalized TSTSCs were susceptible to goatpox virus (GTPV), lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), and Orf virus (ORFV). In conclusion, immortalized TSTSCs are useful in vitro models to study GTPV, LSDV, and ORFV in a wide range of ways, suggesting that it can be safely used in virus isolation, vaccine and drug screening studies in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyu Du
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention,Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; Department of Veterinary Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinyan Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention,Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Institute of Veterinary Research (CAAS), China
| | - Xiaoan Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention,Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Lingxia Li
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Jijun He
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention,Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Youjun Shang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention,Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China.
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3
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López C, Aguilar R, Nardocci G, Cereceda K, Vander Stelt K, Slebe JC, Montecino M, Concha II. Wnt/β-catenin signaling enhances transcription of the CX43 gene in murine Sertoli cells. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:6753-6762. [PMID: 30417410 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Sertoli cells provide the nutritional and metabolic support for germ cells. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is important for the development of the seminiferous epithelium during embryonic age, although after birth this pathway is downregulated. Cx43 gene codes for a protein that is critical during testicular development. The Cx43 promoter contains TCF/β-catenin binding elements (TBEs) that contribute CX43 expression in different cell types and which may also be regulating the expression of this gene in Sertoli cells. In this study, we demonstrate that 42GPA9 Sertoli cells respond to treatments that result in accumulation of β-catenin within the nucleus and in upregulation of CX43 gene transcription. β-Catenin binds to TBEs located both upstream and downstream of the transcriptional start site (TSS). Luciferase reporter experiments revealed that TBEs located upstream of the TSS are necessary for β-catenin-mediated upregulation. Our results also indicate that the Wnt/β-catenin-dependent upregulation of the Cx43 gene in Sertoli cells is accompanied by changes in epigenetic parameters that may be directly contributing to generating a chromatin environment that facilitates the establishment of the transcriptional machinery at this promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila López
- Instituto de Bioquimíca y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Aguilar
- Center for Biomedical Research and FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gino Nardocci
- Center for Biomedical Research and FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karina Cereceda
- Instituto de Bioquimíca y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Karen Vander Stelt
- Instituto de Bioquimíca y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Slebe
- Instituto de Bioquimíca y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Martin Montecino
- Center for Biomedical Research and FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ilona I Concha
- Instituto de Bioquimíca y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
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Ahmed N, Yang P, Chen H, Ujjan IA, Haseeb A, Wang L, Soomro F, Faraz S, Sahito B, Ali W, Chen Q. Characterization of inter-Sertoli cell tight and gap junctions in the testis of turtle: Protect the developing germ cells from an immune response. Microb Pathog 2018; 123:60-67. [PMID: 29959039 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It is conceivable that early developing germ cells must across the basal to the luminal region of seminiferous tubules (STs) during spermatogenesis is associated with extensive restructuring of junctional complex. However, very limited information is documented about these junctional complexes in reptiles. In the present study we have determined the localization of inter-Sertoli cell tight junctions (TJ's), protein CLDN11 and gap junction protein Cx43 during spermatogenesis in the testis. In early spermatogenesis, weak immunoreactivity of CLDN11and focal localization of Cx43 was observed around the Sertoli cell in the luminal region, but completely delaminated from the basal compartment of STs. In late spermatogenesis, strong focal to linear localization of CLDN11and Cx43 was detected at the points of contact between two Sertoli cells and around the early stages of primary spermatocytes in the basal compartment of STs. In late spermatogenesis, localization of CLDN11and Cx43 was drastically reduced and seen only around Sertoli cells and spermatogonia near the basal lamina. However, transmission electron microscopy revealed that inter-Sertoli cell tight junctions were present within the basal compartment of STs, leaving the spermatogonia and early primary spermatocytes in the basal region during mid spermatogenesis. Gap junctions were observed between Sertoli cells, and Sertoli cells with spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes throughout spermatogenesis. Moreover, adherens and hemidesmosomes junctions were observed during spermatogenesis. The above findings collectively suggest that the intensity and localization of TJ's and gap junctions vary according to the spermatogenetic stages that might be protected the developing germ cells from own immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisar Ahmed
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China; Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, LUAWMS, Uthal, 90150, Pakistan
| | - Ping Yang
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Imtiaz Ali Ujjan
- Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Haseeb
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Feroza Soomro
- Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Faraz
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, LUAWMS, Uthal, 90150, Pakistan
| | - Benazir Sahito
- Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan
| | - Waseem Ali
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Qiusheng Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China.
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Wei X, Jia Y, Xue Y, Geng L, Wang M, Li L, Wang M, Zhang X, Wu X. GDNF-expressing STO feeder layer supports the long-term propagation of undifferentiated mouse spermatogonia with stem cell properties. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36779. [PMID: 27827452 PMCID: PMC5101510 DOI: 10.1038/srep36779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of a stem cell culture system would expedite our understanding of the biology of tissue regeneration. Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) is the foundation for lifelong male spermatogenesis and the SSC culture has been optimized continuously in recent years. However, there have been many inconveniences to reconstruct SSC self-renewal and proliferation in vitro, such as the frequent refreshment of recombinant cytokines, including GDNF, the essential growth factor for SSC maintenance. In the present study, we observed that both STO and MEF cells, which were previously used as feeders for SSC growth, did not express GDNF, but a GDNF-expressing STO feeder could support undifferentiated mouse spermatogonia propagation in vitro for three months without the refreshment of recombinant growth factor GDNF. The cell morphology, growth rate and SSC-associated gene expression remained identical to the SSCs cultured using previous methods. The transplantation of SSCs growing on these GDNF-expressing STO feeders could generate extensive colonies of spermatogenesis in recipient testes, functionally validating the stemness of these cells. Collectively, our data indicated that the further modification of feeder cells might facilitate the self-renewal and propagation of SSCs in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SKLRM), Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SKLRM), Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SKLRM), Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Lei Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SKLRM), Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SKLRM), Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Lufan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SKLRM), Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Mei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SKLRM), Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SKLRM), Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Xin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SKLRM), Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
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6
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Wang H, Wen L, Yuan Q, Sun M, Niu M, He Z. Establishment and applications of male germ cell and Sertoli cell lines. Reproduction 2016; 152:R31-40. [PMID: 27069011 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Within the seminiferous tubules there are two major cell types, namely male germ cells and Sertoli cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that male germ cells and Sertoli cells can have significant applications in treating male infertility and other diseases. However, primary male germ cells are hard to proliferate in vitro and the number of spermatogonial stem cells is scarce. Therefore, methods that promote the expansion of these cell populations are essential for their use from the bench to the bed side. Notably, a number of cell lines for rodent spermatogonia, spermatocytes and Sertoli cells have been developed, and significantly we have successfully established a human spermatogonial stem cell line with an unlimited proliferation potential and no tumor formation. This newly developed cell line could provide an abundant source of cells for uncovering molecular mechanisms underlying human spermatogenesis and for their utilization in the field of reproductive and regenerative medicine. In this review, we discuss the methods for establishing spermatogonial, spermatocyte and Sertoli cell lines using various kinds of approaches, including spontaneity, transgenic animals with oncogenes, simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen, the gene coding for a temperature-sensitive mutant of p53, telomerase reverse gene (Tert), and the specific promoter-based selection strategy. We further highlight the essential applications of these cell lines in basic research and translation medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center
| | - Liping Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center
| | - Qingqing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center
| | - Min Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center
| | - Minghui Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center
| | - Zuping He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center Shanghai Institute of AndrologyRen Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive GeneticsShanghai, China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineShanghai, China
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7
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Maldonado R, Mancilla H, Villarroel-Espíndola F, Slebe F, Slebe JC, Méndez R, Guinovart JJ, Concha II. Glycogen Synthase in Sertoli Cells: More Than Glycogenesis? J Cell Biochem 2016; 117:2597-607. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Maldonado
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia 5090000 Chile
| | - Héctor Mancilla
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia 5090000 Chile
| | - Franz Villarroel-Espíndola
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia 5090000 Chile
| | - Felipe Slebe
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) Barcelona; The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology; Baldiri Reixac 10 Barcelona 08028 Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Slebe
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia 5090000 Chile
| | - Raúl Méndez
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) Barcelona; The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology; Baldiri Reixac 10 Barcelona 08028 Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA); Barcelona Spain
| | - Joan J. Guinovart
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) Barcelona; The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology; Baldiri Reixac 10 Barcelona 08028 Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; University of Barcelona; Av. Diagonal 643 Barcelona 08028 Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM); Madrid Spain
| | - Ilona I. Concha
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia 5090000 Chile
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8
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Villarroel-Espíndola F, Tapia C, González-Stegmaier R, Concha II, Slebe JC. Polyglucosan Molecules Induce Mitochondrial Impairment and Apoptosis in Germ Cells Without Affecting the Integrity and Functionality of Sertoli Cells. J Cell Physiol 2016; 231:2142-52. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cynthia Tapia
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia Chile
| | | | - Ilona I. Concha
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Slebe
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia Chile
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9
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Vija L, Boukari K, Loosfelt H, Meduri G, Viengchareun S, Binart N, Young J, Lombès M. Ligand-dependent stabilization of androgen receptor in a novel mouse ST38c Sertoli cell line. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 384:32-42. [PMID: 24440575 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mature Sertoli cells (SC) are critical mediators of androgen regulation of spermatogenesis, via the androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Available immortalized SC lines loose AR expression or androgen responsiveness, hampering the study of endogenous AR regulation in SC. We have established and characterized a novel clonal mouse immortalized SC line, ST38c. These cells express some SC specific genes (sox9, wt1, tjp1, clu, abp, inhbb), but not fshr, yet more importantly, maintain substantial expression of endogenous AR as determined by PCR, immunocytochemistry, testosterone binding assays and Western blots. Microarrays allowed identification of some (146) but not all (rhox5, spinlw1), androgen-dependent, SC expressed target genes. Quantitative Real-Time PCR validated regulation of five up-regulated and two down-regulated genes. We show that AR undergoes androgen-dependent transcriptional activation as well as agonist-dependent posttranslational stabilization in ST38c cells. This cell line constitutes a useful experimental tool for future investigations on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of androgen receptor signaling in SC function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Vija
- INSERM U693 and Univ Paris-Sud 11, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Sud, UMR-S693, Le Kremlin Bicêtre F-94276, France; «Carol Davila» University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Kahina Boukari
- INSERM U693 and Univ Paris-Sud 11, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Sud, UMR-S693, Le Kremlin Bicêtre F-94276, France
| | - Hugues Loosfelt
- INSERM U693 and Univ Paris-Sud 11, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Sud, UMR-S693, Le Kremlin Bicêtre F-94276, France
| | - Geri Meduri
- INSERM U693 and Univ Paris-Sud 11, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Sud, UMR-S693, Le Kremlin Bicêtre F-94276, France
| | - Say Viengchareun
- INSERM U693 and Univ Paris-Sud 11, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Sud, UMR-S693, Le Kremlin Bicêtre F-94276, France
| | - Nadine Binart
- INSERM U693 and Univ Paris-Sud 11, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Sud, UMR-S693, Le Kremlin Bicêtre F-94276, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Service d'Endocrinologie et Maladies de la Reproduction, Le Kremlin Bicêtre F-94275, France
| | - Jacques Young
- INSERM U693 and Univ Paris-Sud 11, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Sud, UMR-S693, Le Kremlin Bicêtre F-94276, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Service d'Endocrinologie et Maladies de la Reproduction, Le Kremlin Bicêtre F-94275, France
| | - Marc Lombès
- INSERM U693 and Univ Paris-Sud 11, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Sud, UMR-S693, Le Kremlin Bicêtre F-94276, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Service d'Endocrinologie et Maladies de la Reproduction, Le Kremlin Bicêtre F-94275, France.
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Villarroel-Espíndola F, Maldonado R, Mancilla H, vander Stelt K, Acuña AI, Covarrubias A, López C, Angulo C, Castro MA, Slebe JC, Durán J, García-Rocha M, Guinovart JJ, Concha II. Muscle glycogen synthase isoform is responsible for testicular glycogen synthesis: glycogen overproduction induces apoptosis in male germ cells. J Cell Biochem 2013; 114:1653-64. [PMID: 23386391 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen is the main source of glucose for many biological events. However, this molecule may have other functions, including those that have deleterious effects on cells. The rate-limiting enzyme in glycogen synthesis is glycogen synthase (GS). It is encoded by two genes, GYS1, expressed in muscle (muscle glycogen synthase, MGS) and other tissues, and GYS2, primarily expressed in liver (liver glycogen synthase, LGS). Expression of GS and its activity have been widely studied in many tissues. To date, it is not clear which GS isoform is responsible for glycogen synthesis and the role of glycogen in testis. Using RT-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence, we have detected expression of MGS but not LGS in mice testis during development. We have also evaluated GS activity and glycogen storage at different days after birth and we show that both GS activity and levels of glycogen are higher during the first days of development. Using RT-PCR, we have also shown that malin and laforin are expressed in testis, key enzymes for regulation of GS activity. These proteins form an active complex that regulates MGS by poly-ubiquitination in both Sertoli cell and male germ cell lines. In addition, PTG overexpression in male germ cell line triggered apoptosis by caspase3 activation, proposing a proapoptotic role of glycogen in testis. These findings suggest that GS activity and glycogen synthesis in testis could be regulated and a disruption of this process may be responsible for the apoptosis and degeneration of seminiferous tubules and possible cause of infertility.
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11
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Chevalier N, Vega A, Bouskine A, Siddeek B, Michiels JF, Chevallier D, Fénichel P. GPR30, the non-classical membrane G protein related estrogen receptor, is overexpressed in human seminoma and promotes seminoma cell proliferation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34672. [PMID: 22496838 PMCID: PMC3319601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular germ cell tumours are the most frequent cancer of young men with an increasing incidence all over the world. Pathogenesis and reasons of this increase remain unknown but epidemiological and clinical data have suggested that fetal exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) with estrogenic effects, could participate to testicular germ cell carcinogenesis. However, these EEDs (like bisphenol A) are often weak ligands for classical nuclear estrogen receptors. Several research groups recently showed that the non classical membrane G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30) mediates the effects of estrogens and several xenoestrogens through rapid non genomic activation of signal transduction pathways in various human estrogen dependent cancer cells (breast, ovary, endometrium). The aim of this study was to demonstrate that GPER was overexpressed in testicular tumours and was able to trigger JKT-1 seminoma cell proliferation. RESULTS We report here for the first time a complete morphological and functional characterization of GPER in normal and malignant human testicular germ cells. In normal adult human testes, GPER was expressed by somatic (Sertoli cells) and germ cells (spermatogonia and spermatocytes). GPER was exclusively overexpressed in seminomas, the most frequent testicular germ cell cancer, localized at the cell membrane and triggered a proliferative effect on JKT-1 cells in vitro, which was completely abolished by G15 (a GPER selective antagonist) and by siRNA invalidation. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that GPER is expressed by human normal adult testicular germ cells, specifically overexpressed in seminoma tumours and able to trigger seminoma cell proliferation in vitro. It should therefore be considered rather than classical ERs when xeno-estrogens or other endocrine disruptors are assessed in testicular germ cell cancers. It may also represent a prognosis marker and/or a therapeutic target for seminomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Chevalier
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMR U1065/UNS, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Equipe 5 « Environnement, Reproduction et Cancers Hormono-Dépendants », Nice, France
- Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Faculté de Médecine, Institut Signalisation et Pathologie (IFR 50), Nice, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Hôpital de l'Archet, Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Nice, France
| | - Aurélie Vega
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMR U1065/UNS, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Equipe 5 « Environnement, Reproduction et Cancers Hormono-Dépendants », Nice, France
- Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Faculté de Médecine, Institut Signalisation et Pathologie (IFR 50), Nice, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Hôpital de l'Archet, Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Nice, France
| | - Adil Bouskine
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMR U1065/UNS, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Equipe 5 « Environnement, Reproduction et Cancers Hormono-Dépendants », Nice, France
- Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Faculté de Médecine, Institut Signalisation et Pathologie (IFR 50), Nice, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Hôpital de l'Archet, Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Nice, France
| | - Bénazir Siddeek
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMR U1065/UNS, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Equipe 5 « Environnement, Reproduction et Cancers Hormono-Dépendants », Nice, France
- Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Faculté de Médecine, Institut Signalisation et Pathologie (IFR 50), Nice, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Hôpital de l'Archet, Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Nice, France
| | - Jean-François Michiels
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Hôpital Pasteur, Laboratoire d'Anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques, Nice, France
| | - Daniel Chevallier
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Hôpital Pasteur, Service d'Urologie, Nice, France
| | - Patrick Fénichel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMR U1065/UNS, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Equipe 5 « Environnement, Reproduction et Cancers Hormono-Dépendants », Nice, France
- Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Faculté de Médecine, Institut Signalisation et Pathologie (IFR 50), Nice, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Hôpital de l'Archet, Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Nice, France
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Expression of antioxidant defense and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 in rat developing Sertoli cells. Cell Biol Int 2011; 35:883-9. [PMID: 21375507 DOI: 10.1042/cbi20100454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells play an essential role in the development of a functional testis. ROS (reactive oxygen species) are normally produced by the developing testicular cells and may be dangerous to spermatogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the developmental expression of genes involved in antioxidant defense as well as in the DNA damage response in rat Sertoli cells. As revealed by quantitative RT-PCR analysis, the expression pattern of the antioxidant enzymes GST (glutathione-S-transferase), CAT (catalase) and SOD (superoxide dismutase) showed a progressive decrease from birth to puberty. The expression level of the oncosuppressor p53 revealed a net reduction as well. We next focused on PARP-1 [poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1], a 'guardian of the genome' that combats stress conditions. At both the mRNA and protein level, PARP-1 expression was low at the early stage of development and increased later on. Maximal PARP-1 expression was preceded by a rise in the transcript level for MTs (metallothioneins), which provide zinc to zinc-dependent enzymes and proteins, including PARP-1. Our results showed an increased expression of PARP-1 during Sertoli cell development, together with a decrease in the expression of antioxidant enzymes. In conclusion, a role of PARP-1 in protecting the testicular differentiation is suggested.
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Carette D, Gilleron J, Segretain D, Pointis G. Heteromeric connexin 43/connexin 33 complex endocytosis: A connexin phosphorylation independent mechanism. Biochimie 2010; 92:555-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2010.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2009] [Accepted: 02/02/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Tramoni M, Gilleron J, Tahiri K, Carette D, Corvol MT, Segretain D, Pointis G, Savouret JF. Contraceptive steroids from pharmaceutical waste perturbate junctional communication in Sertoli cells. Biochimie 2009; 91:1366-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2009.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2009] [Accepted: 09/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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15
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Gilleron J, Carette D, Carpentier F, Segretain D, Pointis G. Three-dimensional analysis of connexin43 gap junction in the ex vivo rat seminiferous tubules: Short-term effects of hormonal effectors. Microsc Res Tech 2009; 72:845-55. [DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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16
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Angulo C, Castro MA, Rivas CI, Segretain D, Maldonado R, Yañez AJ, Slebe JC, Vera JC, Concha II. Molecular identification and functional characterization of the vitamin C transporters expressed by Sertoli cells. J Cell Physiol 2008; 217:708-16. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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17
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Gilleron J, Fiorini C, Carette D, Avondet C, Falk MM, Segretain D, Pointis G. Molecular reorganization of Cx43, Zo-1 and Src complexes during the endocytosis of gap junction plaques in response to a non-genomic carcinogen. J Cell Sci 2008; 121:4069-78. [PMID: 19033388 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.033373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) exhibits dynamic trafficking that is altered in most tumor cells and in response to carcinogen exposure. A number of connexin (Cx)-binding proteins are known to be involved in endocytic internalization of gap junctions. Here, we analyzed the discrete molecular interactions that occur between Src, ZO-1 and Cx43 during Cx43 internalization in response to the non-genomic carcinogen gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH). Internalization of the Cx43 gap junction plaque was significantly accelerated in Cx43-GFP transfected 42GPA9 Sertoli cells that were exposed to the carcinogen. HCH induced the rapid recruitment of Src to the plasma membrane, activation of Src within 3 minutes and the efficient inhibition of gap junctional coupling, but had no effect in the presence of the Src inhibitor PP2. Immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that HCH increased Cx43-Src interaction and concomitantly decreased Cx43-ZO-1 association. ZO-1 was detected on both sides of the gap junction plaques in untreated cells, but appeared to be mainly localized on one side during HCH-induced internalization. The dissociation of ZO-1 from Cx43 appears to occur specifically on the side of the plaque to which Src was recruited. These findings provide mechanistic evidence by which internalization of the Cx43 gap junction plaque might be initiated, suggesting that Src-mediated dissociation of ZO-1 from one side of the plaque initiates endocytic internalization of gap junctions and that this process is amplified in response to exposure to HCH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérome Gilleron
- INSERM U 895, Team 5 Physiopathologic control of germ cell proliferation: genomic and non genomic mechanisms, Université Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saint-Pères, 75006, Paris, France
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18
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Gilleron J, Nebout M, Scarabelli L, Senegas-Balas F, Palmero S, Segretain D, Pointis G. A potential novel mechanism involving connexin 43 gap junction for control of sertoli cell proliferation by thyroid hormones. J Cell Physiol 2006; 209:153-61. [PMID: 16823880 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.20716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
There is strong evidence that thyroid hormones through triiodothyronine (T3) regulate Sertoli cell proliferation and differentiation in the neonatal testis. However, the mechanism(s) by which they are able to control Sertoli cell proliferation is unclear. In the present study in vivo approaches (PTU-induced neonatal hypothyroidism known to affect Sertoli cell proliferation) associated with in vitro experiments on a Sertoli cell line were developed to investigate this question. We demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of T3 on Sertoli cell growth, analyzed by evaluating DNA-incorporated [3H] thymidine, was associated with a time and dose-dependent increase in the levels of Cx43, a constitutive protein of gap junctions, known to participate in the control of cell proliferation and the most predominant Cx in the testis. These Cx43 changes were associated with increased gap junction communication measured by gap FRAP. Consistent with these results two specific inhibitors of gap junction coupling, AGA and oleamide, were able to significantly reverse the T3 inhibitory effect on Sertoli cell proliferation. The present data also revealed a nongenomic effect of T3 on Cx43 Sertoli cells that was evidenced by a rapid up-regulation of gap junction plaque number as identified in Cx43-GFP transfected cells exposed to the hormone. This process appears mediated through actin cytoskeleton since incubation of the cells with cytochalasin D totally reversed the T3 stimulatory effect on Cx43-GFP gap junction plaques. Based on these data, we propose a working hypothesis in which Cx43 could be an intermediate target for T3 inhibition of neonatal Sertoli cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Gilleron
- INSERM U 670, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Paris V René Descartes, Paris, France
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19
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Corcelle E, Nebout M, Bekri S, Gauthier N, Hofman P, Poujeol P, Fénichel P, Mograbi B. Disruption of autophagy at the maturation step by the carcinogen lindane is associated with the sustained mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase activity. Cancer Res 2006; 66:6861-70. [PMID: 16818664 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-05-3557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Macroautophagy (hereafter referred to as autophagy) has emerged as a key tumor suppressor pathway. During this process, the cytosolic constituents are sequestered into autophagosomes, which subsequently fuse with lysosomes to become autolysosomes where their contents are finally degraded. Although a reduced autophagy has been shown in human tumors or in response to oncogenes and carcinogens, the underlying mechanism(s) remain(s) unknown. Here, we show that widely used carcinogen Lindane promotes vacuolation of Sertoli cells. By electron and immunofluorescent microscopy analyses, we showed that these structures are acid autolysosomes, containing cellular debris, and labeled by LC3, Rab7, and LAMP1, markers of autophagosomes, late endosomes, and lysosomes, respectively. Such Lindane-induced vacuolation results from significant delay in autophagy degradation, in relation with a decline of the lysosomal activity of aryl sulfatase A. At molecular level, we show that this defect in autolysosomal maturation is independent of mammalian target of rapamycin and p38 inhibitions. Rather, the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is required for Lindane to disrupt the autophagic pathway. Most importantly, we provide the first evidence that sustained activation of ERK pathway is sufficient to commit cell to autophagic vacuolation. Taken together, these findings strongly support that the aberrant sustained activation of ERK by the carcinogen Lindane disrupts the maturation of autophagosomes into functional autolysosomes. Our findings therefore suggest the possibility that high constitutive ERK activity found in all cancers may provide a malignant advantage by impeding the tumor suppressive function of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Corcelle
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U670, IFR 50, Faculté de Médecine, Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice Cedex 02, France
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20
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Fiorini C, Decrouy X, Defamie N, Segretain D, Pointis G. Opposite regulation of connexin33 and connexin43 by LPS and IL-1α in spermatogenesis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2006; 290:C733-40. [PMID: 16236818 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00106.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The gap junction proteins, connexins (Cxs), are present in the testis, and among them, Cx43 play an essential role in spermatogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the testicular expression and regulation of another Cx, Cx33, previously described as a negative regulator of gap junction communication. Cx33 mRNA was present in testis and undetectable in heart, liver, ovary, and uterus. In the mature testis, Cx33 was specifically immunolocalized in the basal compartment of the seminiferous tubules, whereas Cx43 was present in both seminiferous tubule and interstitial compartments. During stages IX and X of spermatogenesis, characterized by Sertoli cell phagocytosis of residual bodies, Cx43 was poorly expressed within seminiferous tubules, while Cx33 signal was strong. To evaluate the role of phagocytosis in the control of Cx33 and Cx43 expression, the effect of LPS was analyzed in the Sertoli cell line 42GPA9. We show herein that phagocytosis activation by LPS concomitantly stimulated Cx33 and inhibited Cx43 mRNA levels. These effects appear to have been mediated through IL-1α, because the exposure of Sertoli cells to the IL-1 receptor antagonist partly reversed these effects. IL-1α enhanced and reduced, respectively, the levels of Cx33 and Cx43 mRNA in a time- and dose-dependent manner. These data reveal that Cx33 and Cx43 genes are controlled differently within the testis and suggest that these two Cxs may exert opposite and complementary effects on spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Fiorini
- Faculté de Médecine, INSERM U 670, 28 Ave. de Valombrose, 06107 Nice cedex 2, France
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21
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Pointis G, Fiorini C, Defamie N, Segretain D. Gap junctional communication in the male reproductive system. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2005; 1719:102-16. [PMID: 16259941 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2005.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2005] [Revised: 09/20/2005] [Accepted: 09/21/2005] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Male fertility is a highly controlled process that allows proliferation, meiosis and differentiation of male germ cells in the testis, final maturation in the epididymis and also requires functional male accessory glands: seminal vesicles, prostate and corpus cavernosum. In addition to classical endocrine and paracrine controls, mainly by gonadotropins LH and FSH and steroids, there is now strong evidence that all these processes are dependent upon the presence of homocellular or heterocellular junctions, including gap junctions and their specific connexins (Cxs), between the different cell types that structure the male reproductive tract. The present review is focused on the identification of Cxs, their distribution in the testis and in different structures of the male genital tract (epididymis, seminal vesicle, prostate, corpus cavernosum), their crucial role in the control of spermatogenesis and their implication in the function of the male accessory glands, including functional smooth muscle tone. Their potential dysfunctions in some testis (spermatogenic arrest, seminoma) and prostate (benign hyperplasia, adenocarcinoma) diseases and in the physiopathology of the human erectile function are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Pointis
- INSERM U 670, Faculté de Médecine, 28 avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice cedex 02, France.
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Chaudhary J, Sadler-Riggleman I, Ague JM, Skinner MK. The helix-loop-helix inhibitor of differentiation (ID) proteins induce post-mitotic terminally differentiated Sertoli cells to re-enter the cell cycle and proliferate. Biol Reprod 2005; 72:1205-17. [PMID: 15647457 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.035717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior to puberty the Sertoli cells undergo active cell proliferation, and at the onset of puberty they become a terminally differentiated postmitotic cell population that support spermatogenesis. The molecular mechanisms involved in the postmitotic block of pubertal and adult Sertoli cells are unknown. The four known helix-loop-helix ID proteins (i.e., Id1, Id2, Id3, and Id4) are considered dominant negative regulators of cellular differentiation pathways and act as positive regulators of cellular proliferation. ID proteins are expressed at low levels by postpubertal Sertoli cells and are transiently induced by serum. The hypothesis tested was that ID proteins can induce a terminally differentiated postmitotic Sertoli cell to reenter the cell cycle if they are constitutively expressed. To test this hypothesis, ID1 and ID2 were stably integrated and individually overexpressed in postmitotic rat Sertoli cells. Overexpression of ID1 or ID2 allowed postmitotic Sertoli cells to reenter the cell cycle and undergo mitosis. The cells continued to proliferate even after 300 cell doublings. The functional markers of Sertoli cell differentiation such as transferrin, inhibin alpha, Sert1, and androgen binding protein (ABP) continued to be expressed by the proliferating Sertoli cells, but at lower levels. FSH receptor expression was lost in the proliferating Sertoli cell-Id lines. Some Sertoli cell genes, such as cyclic protein 2 (cathepsin L) and Sry-related HMG box protein-11 (Sox11) increase in expression. At no stage of proliferation did the cells exhibit senescence. The expression profile as determined with a microarray protocol of the Sertoli cell-Id lines suggested an overall increase in cell cycle genes and a decrease in growth inhibitory genes. These results demonstrate that overexpression of ID1 and ID2 genes in a postmitotic, terminally differentiated cell type have the capacity to induce reentry into the cell cycle. The observations are discussed in regards to potential future applications in model systems of terminally differentiated cell types such as neurons or myocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaideep Chaudhary
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman,Washington 99164-4231, USA
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Abstract
The range of in vivo or in vitro immortalized cell lines currently available provides a variety of model systems for studies of normal and pathological cell functions. The cell lines have been derived from spontaneous or experimentally induced tumors, or through in vitro immortalization. The transgenic (TG) techniques provide a powerful approach, allowing the production of in vivo animal models for a variety of diseases, including malignant tumors, through tissue-specific expression of oncogenes or other tumor-promoting genes. The TG techniques also enable the production of cell lines with specific characteristics, through insertion of desired genes into specific cell types, which can then be immortalized upon cell culture. The use of temperature-sensitive immortalizing genes offers an additional advantage of controlling gene expression, including the proliferation and differentiation of the cells to be immortalized. As regards the male reproductive system, a number of cell lines of testicular somatic cells are currently available. This review covers mainly the immortalized cell lines of testicular Leydig and Sertoli cells, with special reference to murine cell lines for the study of testicular endocrine function and tumorigenesis. These cell lines also provide useful tools to investigate the molecular basis of hormone actions and testicular cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafis A Rahman
- Department of Physiology, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
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Kurita K, Sakai N. Functionally distinctive testicular cell lines of zebrafish to support male germ cell development. Mol Reprod Dev 2004; 67:430-8. [PMID: 14991734 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Here we describe two testicular cell lines of zebrafish with distinct functions to support the development of male germ cells. Twelve cell lines were established by single-colony isolation from tumor-like testis-derived ZtA6 cells, and the features characteristic of Sertoli cells such as phagocytic activity and transcription both of their specific genes, sox9a and Wilms' tumor suppressor WT1, and of the vas gene of germ cells were analyzed in the lines. Six lines exhibited these three characteristics of Sertoli cells. Despite the single-colony isolation, low levels of vas expression were detected in three lines. Two lines, ZtA6-2 and ZtA6-12, showed almost the same characteristics as Sertoli cells, but exhibited distinctive features when male germ cells were cocultured with each line as feeders. The in vitro fertilization by the culture of germ cells with ZtA6-12 produced more embryos than that with ZtA6-2. In contrast, ZtA6-2 gave rise to large clumps of germ cells after a 12-day culture, while ZtA6-12 still produced only small clumps. Expression of vas, strongly expressed in spermatogonia and premeiotic spermatocytes, was prolonged in the culture with ZtA6-2, while it reduced in that with ZtA6-12. Compared with the previous results obtained on the original ZtA6 cells, these results suggested that the function of the ZtA6-2 cells was directed to stimulate the proliferation of spermatogonia, and ZtA6-12 to stimulate the differentiation into sperm. These cell lines will facilitate investigation of Sertoli cell molecules that contribute to the proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonia, and the longer culture time of male germ cells by using these lines successively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayoko Kurita
- Department of Marine Bioscience and Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Fukui Prefectural University, Obama, Japan
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Konrad L, Munir Keilani M, Cordes A, Völck-Badouin E, Laible L, Albrecht M, Renneberg H, Aumüller G. Rat Sertoli cells express epithelial but also mesenchymal genes after immortalization with SV40. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2004; 1722:6-14. [PMID: 15716129 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2004.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2004] [Revised: 10/20/2004] [Accepted: 10/29/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A new immortal Sertoli cell line from pubertal rat testis was established and characterized. We have generated the clonal line SCIT-C8 expressing established markers for Sertoli cells (SC) like transferrin, clusterin and steel factor/stem cell factor (SCF). Additionally, the immortalized cells express afadin, a protein which is a member of tight and adherens junctions, therefore the cells may be useful for studies of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in vitro. In contrast to primary SC, the immortalized cells lost expression of androgen receptor and responsiveness to androgens and follicle-stimulating hormone. Surprisingly, we found mRNA expression and protein secretion of the mesenchymal markers, fibronectin and entactin-1, which we also observed for the immortalized SC lines, ASC-17D and 93RS2. In comparison to primary SC, the immortalized cells demonstrated enhanced adhesion in vitro. This correlated with the expression of entactin-1 because adhesion was strongly reduced by antibody perturbation experiments. Additionally, we found the alternatively spliced and primarily muscle cell-specific long variant of TGF-beta2 not only in peritubular cells (PC), but also in the primary and immortalized SC. Furthermore, all immortalized cell lines secreted higher amounts of TGF-beta2 than primary SC. In conclusion, the immortalized SC lines from different developmental stages showed a similar pattern of epithelial and mesenchymal markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutz Konrad
- Department of Urology, Uniklinikum Lahnberge, Baldingerstr, D-35033 Marburg, Germany.
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Fiorini C, Mograbi B, Cronier L, Bourget I, Decrouy X, Nebout M, Ferrua B, Malassine A, Samson M, Fénichel P, Segretain D, Pointis G. Dominant negative effect of connexin33 on gap junctional communication is mediated by connexin43 sequestration. J Cell Sci 2004; 117:4665-72. [PMID: 15331631 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.01335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctional intercellular communication is involved in the control of cell proliferation and differentiation. Connexin33, a member of the multi-gene family of gap junction proteins, exerts an inhibitory effect on intercellular communication when injected into Xenopus oocytes. However, the molecular mechanisms involved remain to be elucidated. Our results show that connexin33 was only expressed within the seminiferous tubules in the testis. In contrast to the majority of connexins, connexin33 was unphosphorylated. Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that connexin33 physically interacted with connexin43, mainly with the phosphorylated P1 isoform of connexin43 but not with connexin26 and connexin32, two other connexins expressed in the tubular compartment. In Sertoli cells and COS-7 cells, connexin43 was located at the plasma membrane, whereas in connexin33 transfected cells, the specific association of connexin33/43 was sequestered in the intracellular compartment. High-resolution fluorescent deconvolution microscopy indicated that the connexin33/43 complex was mainly found within early endosomes. Sequestration of connexin33/43 complex was associated with a complete inhibition of the gap junctional coupling between adjacent cells. These findings provide the first evidence of a new mechanistic model by which a native connexin, exerting a dominant negative effect, can inhibit gap junctional intercellular communication. In the testis, connexin33 could exert a specific role on germ cell proliferation by suppressing the regulatory effect of connexin43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Fiorini
- INSERM EMI 00-09, IFR 50, Faculté de Médecine, Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice CEDEX 02, France
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27
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Segretain D, Fiorini C, Decrouy X, Defamie N, Prat JR, Pointis G. A proposed role for ZO-1 in targeting connexin 43 gap junctions to the endocytic pathway. Biochimie 2004; 86:241-4. [PMID: 15194225 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2004.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2004] [Accepted: 05/13/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions are intercellular channels organized in plaque that directly link adjacent cells. Connexins (Cx), the constitutive proteins of gap junctions are associated with several partner proteins (cytoskeletal, anchoring) which could participate in plaque formation and degradation. Coimmunoprecipitation and indirect immunofluorescence analyses showed that ZO-1, a tight junction-associated protein, was linked to Cx43 in the testis. By using gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), known to induce gap junction endocytosis, we demonstrated that endocytosis increased Cx43/ZO-1 association within the cytoplasm of treated Sertoli cells. In control cells, the two proteins were present, as expected, at the plasma membrane level, but poorly colocalized. The increased intracytoplasmic Cx43/ZO-1 complex was associated with a shift towards increased levels of Cx43 P1 and P2 isoforms. The HCH induced Cx43 hyperphosphorylation was abolished by the ERK inhibitor PD98059 suggesting that this effect could be mediated through activation of the ERK pathway. These data strongly support a novel role for ZO-1 in the turnover of Cx43 during gap junction plaque endocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Segretain
- Inserm EMI 00-09, IFR 50, Université Paris V, 45, rue des Saint-Pères, 75006 Paris, France
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Mograbi B, Corcelle E, Defamie N, Samson M, Nebout M, Segretain D, Fénichel P, Pointis G. Aberrant Connexin 43 endocytosis by the carcinogen lindane involves activation of the ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Carcinogenesis 2003; 24:1415-23. [PMID: 12807735 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgg093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although worldwide concerns have emerged about environmental factors that display carcinogenic and reprotoxic effects, little is known about the mechanism(s) by which these chemicals alter testicular function. Using the 42GPA9 Sertoli cell line, we recently reported that one widely used lipid-soluble pesticide, Lindane impairs gap junctional intercellular communication by promoting the intracellular localization of Connexin 43 (Cx43), a tumor suppressor. We showed here that this chemical triggered the accumulation of Cx43 within Rab5 positive endosomes. Interestingly, evidence is provided that Lindane-induced Cx43 endocytosis did not stem on alteration of Cx43 partition in lipid rafts. Lindane induced concomitantly Cx43 phosphorylation and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) but not of JNK and p38 mitogen- activated protein kinases. Inhibition of ERK pathway by PD98059, a MEK1-specific inhibitor, prevented Lindane-induced Cx43 phosphorylation, restored Cx43 membranous localization and gap junction coupling. Altogether, these findings provide the first evidence that Lindane-altered Cx43 endocytosis requires ERK activation. Such inappropriate activation of the mitogenic MAPK pathway and inactivation of the tumor suppressor Cx43 by Lindane may participate in the promotion of neoplastic cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baharia Mograbi
- INSERM EMI 00-09, IFR 50, Faculté de Médecine, Avenue de Valombrose, F-06107 Nice Cedex 02, France.
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Tabuchi Y, Takahashi RI, Ueda M, Obinata M. Development of a conditionally immortalized testicular Sertoli cell line RTS3-3 from adult transgenic rats harboring temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 large T-antigen gene. Cell Struct Funct 2003; 28:87-95. [PMID: 12655154 DOI: 10.1247/csf.28.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgenic mice and rats harboring temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 (tsSV40) large T-antigen gene are useful for establishing cell lines from tissues. We succeeded in establishing a conditionally immortalized testicular Sertoli cell line, RT3-3, from adult transgenic rats harboring the oncogene. The cells grew at permissive (33 degrees C) and intermediate (37 degrees C) temperatures but not at nonpermissive temperature (39 degrees C). Large T-antigen was expressed at 33 and 37 degrees C, whereas the expression level was gradually decreased at 39 degrees C, suggesting that the temperature-sensitive growth characteristics arise as a result of the function of tsSV40 large T-antigen. The cells showed biochemical features associate with normal Sertoli cells including expressions of mRNAs of sulfated glycoprotein-2 (SGP-2), transferrin (TF) and steel factor. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that nonpermissive temperature induced increase in the level of SGP-2. Moreover, levels of SGP-2 and/or TF were significantly elevated in the cells treatment with sodium butyrate and retinoic acid, inducers of cellular differentiation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the establishment of a testicular Sertoli cell line from the transgenic rats. Thus, the conditionally immortalized cell line RTS3-3 with unique characteristics may serve as good experimental in vitro models for basic and applied biology of testicular Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Tabuchi
- Life Science Research Center, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama City, Toyama 930-0194, Japan.
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TABUCHI YOSHIAKI, OHTA SHOICHIRO, YANAI NOBUAKI, OBINATA MASUO, KONDO TAKASHI, FUSE HIDEKI, ASANO SHINJI. DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONDITIONALLY IMMORTALIZED TESTICULAR SERTOLI CELL LINE TTE3 EXPRESSING SERTOLI CELL SPECIFIC GENES FROM MICE TRANSGENIC FOR TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE SIMIAN VIRUS 40 LARGE T ANTIGEN GENE. J Urol 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s0022-5347(05)65359-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- YOSHIAKI TABUCHI
- From the Molecular Genetics Research Center and Departments of Urology and Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Toyama and Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - SHOICHIRO OHTA
- From the Molecular Genetics Research Center and Departments of Urology and Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Toyama and Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - NOBUAKI YANAI
- From the Molecular Genetics Research Center and Departments of Urology and Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Toyama and Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - MASUO OBINATA
- From the Molecular Genetics Research Center and Departments of Urology and Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Toyama and Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - TAKASHI KONDO
- From the Molecular Genetics Research Center and Departments of Urology and Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Toyama and Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - HIDEKI FUSE
- From the Molecular Genetics Research Center and Departments of Urology and Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Toyama and Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - SHINJI ASANO
- From the Molecular Genetics Research Center and Departments of Urology and Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Toyama and Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONDITIONALLY IMMORTALIZED TESTICULAR SERTOLI CELL LINE TTE3 EXPRESSING SERTOLI CELL SPECIFIC GENES FROM MICE TRANSGENIC FOR TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE SIMIAN VIRUS 40 LARGE T ANTIGEN GENE. J Urol 2002. [DOI: 10.1097/00005392-200203000-00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Merhi RA, Guillaud L, Delouis C, Cotinot C. Establishment and characterization of immortalized ovine Sertoli cell lines. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2001; 37:581-8. [PMID: 11710435 DOI: 10.1290/1071-2690(2001)037<0581:eacoio>2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to generate immortalized Sertoli cell lines from prepubertal lamb testes to facilitate investigations during the course of testicular differentiation. The Sertoli cells were enzymatically isolated and immortalized by transfection, with the sequences coding for the SV40 large T-antigen fused downstream of regulatory elements from the human vimentin gene. The different cell lines were positively stained with antibodies to vimentin and transferrin, in agreement with their Sertoli origin. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the specific expression of molecular markers (clusterin/sulfated glycoprotein ISGP-2], follicle-stimulating hormone [rFSH], alpha-inhibin, anti-Müllerian hormone, Wilms' tumor gene [WT-1], steroidogenic factor 1 [SF-1], SRY-related HMG box gene g [SOX9], and sex-determining region of Y chromosome) normally expressed in this cellular type. All were shown to express messenger ribonucleic acids for SGP-2, alpha-inhibin, WT-1, SOX9, and SF-1 (except SF-1 for clone no. 1). Moreover, we performed alkaline phosphatase and receptor tyrosine kinase p145 (c-kit) detection to ensure the absence of contamination by peritubular, germ cells, and Leydig cells. Both tests were negative for all the seven cell lines. These ovine Sertoli cell lines are the first ones obtained from livestock that exhibit specific Sertoli cell characteristics resembling different stages of phenotypic development. They provide useful in vitro model systems for toxicological investigations, coculture, and transfection experiments, making it possible to study signal transduction pathways, cell-cell interactions, and gene expression in species other than rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Merhi
- Unité de Biologie du développement et Biotechnologies, INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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Xing W, Sairam MR. Characterization of regulatory elements of ovine follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor gene: the role of E-box in the regulation of ovine FSHreceptor expression. Biol Reprod 2001; 64:579-89. [PMID: 11159361 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod64.2.579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression and activation of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) in the granulosa and Sertoli cells are required for normal development of the ovarian follicles and germ cells. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms by which FSHR expression is regulated. We fused an ovine FSHR promoter to a luciferase gene to understand the promoter regulation in two gonadal cell lines. Deletion studies revealed that the strongest promoter was at -200 to +163 relative to the transcription start site. One of cis-elements protected from DNase I digestion was mapped to between +32 and +54 of the 174-base pair (bp) minimal promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay with a 26-bp probe (+32 to +57) and nuclear extracts from Sertoli (15P1) and granulosa (JC-410) cell lines demonstrated a sequence-specific DNA-protein complex. Southwestern analysis detected a 43-kDa protein bound to the 26-bp probe. Gel supershift with upstream stimulatory factor 1 and 2 (USF-1/2) antibodies revealed that the DNA-protein complex contained these two transcription factors. Mutation within the E-box of the promoter abolished the sequence-specific binding and the minimal promoter activity but also greatly reduced the transcription of the proximal promoters by 49%-70%. These data suggest that the USF-1/2 binding to the promoter is required for the expression of the ovine FSHR in the gonadal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Xing
- Molecular Reproduction Research Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, 110 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2W 1R7
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Batias C, Siffroi JP, Fénichel P, Pointis G, Segretain D. Connexin43 gene expression and regulation in the rodent seminiferous epithelium. J Histochem Cytochem 2000; 48:793-805. [PMID: 10820153 DOI: 10.1177/002215540004800608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin43 (Cx43) is one of the most predominant gap junction proteins found in the testis. We used in situ hybridization and indirect immunofluorescence to study the distribution of Cx43 mRNA and protein in the rodent seminiferous epithelium. During mouse testis maturation, Cx43 mRNA and its corresponding protein were first detected in the adluminal compartment of the growing seminiferous tubules (early postnatal age: Day 12) to become progressively located in the basal compartment at later ages (Days 16, 19, 27). In seminiferous tubules of sexually mature animals, the intensity of the hybridization signal was stage-dependent, with a maximum at Stage VII compared with Stages V and IX of the spermatogenic cycle (p<0.05). The highest expression of Cx43 mRNA was observed in the supporting Sertoli cells and, to a lesser extent, in the most basally located and less mature germ cells (spermatogonia and spermatocytes). Consistent with these observations, in situ dye coupling was observed between Sertoli cells and basal germ cells. In a mutant mouse deficient for the retinoid X receptor beta, which exhibited abnormal spermatogenesis due to altered Sertoli cell function, Cx43 transcripts were markedly decreased in the seminiferous epithelium (p<0.01). The immunoreactive signal for Cx43 was significantly reduced in seminiferous tubules of the 3-month-old mutant mice (p<0.05) and undetectable in older animals. These data provide new information about the precise localization of Cx43 mRNA and protein in seminiferous tubules of immature and mature rodent testes. Moreover, they suggest that retinoids, through the RXRbeta receptors, could be involved in the control of Cx43 gene expression in Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Batias
- INSERM CJF 95/04, EA 1760, IFR 50, Faculté de Médecine, Nice, France
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35
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Bourdon V, Defamie N, Fenichel P, Pointis G. Regulation of tissue-type plasminogen activator and its inhibitor (PAI-1) by lipopolysaccharide-induced phagocytosis in a Sertoli cell line. Exp Cell Res 1999; 247:367-72. [PMID: 10066364 DOI: 10.1006/excr.1998.4369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The plasminogen activator (PA) system is thought to play a major role in the proteolytic events associated with spermatogenesis. The mechanisms controlling the expression of PA and of its major physiological inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), in the seminiferous epithelium are still unknown. In the present study we analyzed the expression of PA and PAI-1 in a murine Sertoli cell line (42GPA9) in response to stimulation by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) used to activate the phagocytic activity of these cells. Immortalized Sertoli cells cultured under basal conditions secreted predominantly tissue-type PA (tPA) as demonstrated by zymographic analysis and the presence of tPA transcripts. In zymographic experiments a larger molecular weight proteolytic band corresponding to the formation of PA-PAI-1 complex was also observed. The stimulation of immortalized Sertoli cells by LPS resulted in both alteration of the apparent tPA molecular weight to a higher form and transient increase in PAI-1 biosynthesis. The phorbol ester TPA stimulates similarly PAI-1 synthesis in the Sertoli cell line, while 8-bromo-cAMP has no effect. These results suggest for the first time the existence of a direct linkage between molecular events triggered by phagocytosis and regulation of tPA and PAI-1 in Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Bourdon
- Groupe de Recherche sur l'Interaction Gamétique, INSERM CJF 95/04, Faculté de Médecine, Avenue de Valombrose, Nice Cedex 02, 06107, France
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