1
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Fraser B, Wilkins A, Whiting S, Liang M, Rebourcet D, Nixon B, Aitken RJ. Development of peptides for targeting cell ablation agents concurrently to the Sertoli and Leydig cell populations of the testes: An approach to non-surgical sterilization. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0292198. [PMID: 38574116 PMCID: PMC10994420 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292198] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The surgical sterilization of cats and dogs has been used to prevent their unwanted breeding for decades. However, this is an expensive and invasive procedure, and often impractical in wider contexts, for example the control of feral populations. A sterilization agent that could be administered in a single injection, would not only eliminate the risks imposed by surgery but also be a much more cost-effective solution to this worldwide problem. In this study, we sought to develop a targeting peptide that would selectively bind to Leydig cells of the testes. Subsequently, after covalently attaching a cell ablation agent, Auristatin, to this peptide we aimed to apply this conjugated product (LH2Auristatin) to adult male mice in vivo, both alone and together with a previously developed Sertoli cell targeting peptide (FSH2Menadione). The application of LH2Auristatin alone resulted in an increase in sperm DNA damage, reduced mean testes weights and mean seminiferous tubule size, along with extensive germ cell apoptosis and a reduction in litter sizes. Together with FSH2Menadione there was also an increase in embryo resorptions. These promising results were observed in around a third of all treated animals. Given this variability, we discuss how these reagents might be modified in order to increase target cell ablation and improve their efficacy as sterilization agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Fraser
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Alex Wilkins
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Sara Whiting
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Mingtao Liang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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2
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Bhattacharya I, Sharma SS, Majumdar SS. Etiology of Male Infertility: an Update. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:942-965. [PMID: 38036863 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01401-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process of germ cell division and differentiation that involves extensive cross-talk between the developing germ cells and the somatic testicular cells. Defective endocrine signaling and/or intrinsic defects within the testes can adversely affect spermatogenic progression, leading to subfertility/infertility. In recent years, male infertility has been recognized as a global public health concern, and research over the last few decades has elucidated the complex etiology of male infertility. Congenital reproductive abnormalities, genetic mutations, and endocrine/metabolic dysfunction have been demonstrated to be involved in infertility/subfertility in males. Furthermore, acquired factors like exposure to environmental toxicants and lifestyle-related disorders such as illicit use of psychoactive drugs have been shown to adversely affect spermatogenesis. Despite the large body of available scientific literature on the etiology of male infertility, a substantial proportion of infertility cases are idiopathic in nature, with no known cause. The inability to treat such idiopathic cases stems from poor knowledge about the complex regulation of spermatogenesis. Emerging scientific evidence indicates that defective functioning of testicular Sertoli cells (Sc) may be an underlying cause of infertility/subfertility in males. Sc plays an indispensable role in regulating spermatogenesis, and impaired functional maturation of Sc has been shown to affect fertility in animal models as well as humans, suggesting abnormal Sc as a potential underlying cause of reproductive insufficiency/failure in such cases of unexplained infertility. This review summarizes the major causes of infertility/subfertility in males, with an emphasis on infertility due to dysregulated Sc function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Kerala, Periye Campus, Kasaragod, 671320, Kerala, India.
| | - Souvik Sen Sharma
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, 500 032, Telangana, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, 500 032, Telangana, India.
- Gujarat Biotechnology University, Gandhinagar, GIFT City, Gandhinagar, 382355, Gujarat, India.
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3
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Pawlicki P, Yurdakok-Dikmen B, Tworzydlo W, Kotula-Balak M. Toward understanding the role of the interstitial tissue architects: Possible functions of telocytes in the male gonad. Theriogenology 2024; 217:25-36. [PMID: 38241912 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Telocytes represent a relatively recently discovered population of interstitial cells with a unique morphological structure that distinguishes them from other neighboring cells. Through their long protrusions extending from the cell body, telocytes create microenvironments via tissue compartmentalization and create homo- and hetero-cellular junctions. These establish a three-dimensional network enabling the maintenance of interstitial compartment homeostasis through regulation of extracellular matrix organization and activity, structural support, paracrine and juxtracrine communication, immunomodulation, immune surveillance, cell survival, and apoptosis. The presence of telocytes has also been confirmed in testicular interstitial tissue of many species of animals. The objective of this review is to summarize recent findings on telocytes in the male gonad, on which conclusions have been deduced that indicate the involvement of telocytes in maintaining the cytoarchitecture of the testicular interstitial tissue, in the processes of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, and photoperiod-mediated changes in the testes in seasonally reproductive animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Pawlicki
- Center of Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Redzina 1c, 30-248, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Begum Yurdakok-Dikmen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara, 06110, Dışkapı, Turkey.
| | - Waclaw Tworzydlo
- Department of Developmental Biology and Invertebrate Morphology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9, 30-385, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Malgorzata Kotula-Balak
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Preclinical Sciences, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland.
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4
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Xiao Z, Liang J, Huang R, Chen D, Mei J, Deng J, Wang Z, Li L, Li Z, Xia H, Yang Y, Huang Y. Inhibition of miR-143-3p Restores Blood-Testis Barrier Function and Ameliorates Sertoli Cell Senescence. Cells 2024; 13:313. [PMID: 38391926 PMCID: PMC10887369 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to the increasing trend of delayed childbirth, the age-related decline in male reproductive function has become a widely recognized issue. Sertoli cells (SCs) play a vital role in creating the necessary microenvironment for spermatogenesis in the testis. However, the mechanism underlying Sertoli cell aging is still unclear. In this study, senescent Sertoli cells showed a substantial upregulation of miR-143-3p expression. miR-143-3p was found to limit Sertoli cell proliferation, promote cellular senescence, and cause blood-testis barrier (BTB) dysfunction by targeting ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 E3 (UBE2E3). Additionally, the TGF-β receptor inhibitor SB431542 showed potential in alleviating age-related BTB dysfunction, rescuing testicular atrophy, and reversing the reduction in germ cell numbers by negatively regulating miR-143-3p. These findings clarified the regulatory pathways underlying Sertoli cell senescence and suggested a promising therapeutic approach to restore BTB function, alleviate Sertoli cell senescence, and improve reproductive outcomes for individuals facing fertility challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Xiao
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Z.X.); (J.L.); (R.H.); (D.C.); (J.M.); (Z.W.); (L.L.); (Z.L.); (H.X.)
| | - Jinlian Liang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Z.X.); (J.L.); (R.H.); (D.C.); (J.M.); (Z.W.); (L.L.); (Z.L.); (H.X.)
| | - Rufei Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Z.X.); (J.L.); (R.H.); (D.C.); (J.M.); (Z.W.); (L.L.); (Z.L.); (H.X.)
| | - Derong Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Z.X.); (J.L.); (R.H.); (D.C.); (J.M.); (Z.W.); (L.L.); (Z.L.); (H.X.)
| | - Jiaxin Mei
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Z.X.); (J.L.); (R.H.); (D.C.); (J.M.); (Z.W.); (L.L.); (Z.L.); (H.X.)
| | - Jingxian Deng
- Department of Pharmacology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China;
| | - Zhaoyang Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Z.X.); (J.L.); (R.H.); (D.C.); (J.M.); (Z.W.); (L.L.); (Z.L.); (H.X.)
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Z.X.); (J.L.); (R.H.); (D.C.); (J.M.); (Z.W.); (L.L.); (Z.L.); (H.X.)
| | - Ziyi Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Z.X.); (J.L.); (R.H.); (D.C.); (J.M.); (Z.W.); (L.L.); (Z.L.); (H.X.)
| | - Huan Xia
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Z.X.); (J.L.); (R.H.); (D.C.); (J.M.); (Z.W.); (L.L.); (Z.L.); (H.X.)
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Z.X.); (J.L.); (R.H.); (D.C.); (J.M.); (Z.W.); (L.L.); (Z.L.); (H.X.)
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yadong Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Z.X.); (J.L.); (R.H.); (D.C.); (J.M.); (Z.W.); (L.L.); (Z.L.); (H.X.)
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
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5
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Blank MH, Kawaoku AJT, Rui BR, Carreira ACO, Hamilton TRDS, Goissis MD, Pereira RJG. Successful xenotransplantation of testicular cells following fractionated chemotherapy of recipient birds. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3085. [PMID: 38321093 PMCID: PMC10847125 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45019-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
An essential step in the success of germ cell transplantation is the preparation of the recipient's testicular environment to increase the availability of stem cell niches. However, most methods for this purpose in birds face serious limitations such as partial germ cell depletion, high toxicity and mortality, or the need to use expensive technologies. Here, we validated a simple and practical technique of transferring quail testicular cells into chicken testes depleted of endogenous spermatozoa by fractioned chemotherapy (20 mg/kg/week busulfan for 5 weeks). This protocol resulted in a very low mortality of the treated day-old chicks and, despite maintenance of androgenic activity, sperm production was decreased by 84.3% at 25 weeks of age. NANOG immunostaining revealed that very few to no germ cells were present following treatment with 20 and 40 mg/kg, respectively. RT-qPCR data also showed that c-MYC and NANOG expression declined in these treatments, but GRFα1 and BID expressions remained unaltered among groups. After xenotransplantation, quail germ cells were immunodetected in chicken testes using a species-specific antibody (QCPN), and quail ovalbumin DNA was found in seminal samples collected from chicken recipients. Together, these data confirm that fractionated administration of busulfan in hatchlings is a practical, effective, and safe protocol to prepare recipient male birds capable of supporting xenogeneic spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Henrique Blank
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 255, Pirassununga, SP , CEP 13635-900, Brazil.
| | | | - Bruno Rogério Rui
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 255, Pirassununga, SP , CEP 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Claudia Oliveira Carreira
- Cell and Molecular Therapy Center (NUCEL), Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Rua Pangaré 100, São Paulo, 05360-130, Brazil
| | - Thais Rose Dos Santos Hamilton
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 255, Pirassununga, SP , CEP 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Demarchi Goissis
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 255, Pirassununga, SP , CEP 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Ricardo José Garcia Pereira
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 255, Pirassununga, SP , CEP 13635-900, Brazil.
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6
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Xing D, Jin Y, Jin B. A narrative review on inflammaging and late-onset hypogonadism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1291389. [PMID: 38298378 PMCID: PMC10827931 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1291389] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing life expectancy observed in recent years has resulted in a higher prevalence of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) in older men. LOH is characterized by the decline in testosterone levels and can have significant impacts on physical and mental health. While the underlying causes of LOH are not fully understood, there is a growing interest in exploring the role of inflammaging in its development. Inflammaging is a concept that describes the chronic, low-grade, systemic inflammation that occurs as a result of aging. This inflammatory state has been implicated in the development of various age-related diseases. Several cellular and molecular mechanisms have been identified as contributors to inflammaging, including immune senescence, cellular senescence, autophagy defects, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Despite the extensive research on inflammaging, its relationship with LOH has not yet been thoroughly reviewed in the literature. To address this gap, we aim to review the latest findings related to inflammaging and its impact on the development of LOH. Additionally, we will explore interventions that target inflammaging as potential treatments for LOH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Xing
- Medical College of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yihan Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Baofang Jin
- Andrology Department of Integrative Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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7
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O’Donnell L, Dagley LF, Curley M, Darbey A, O’Shaughnessy PJ, Diemer T, Pilatz A, Fietz D, Stanton PG, Smith LB, Rebourcet D. Sertoli cell-enriched proteins in mouse and human testicular interstitial fluid. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290846. [PMID: 37656709 PMCID: PMC10473511 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290846] [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: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells support the development of sperm and the function of various somatic cells in the interstitium between the tubules. Sertoli cells regulate the function of the testicular vasculature and the development and function of the Leydig cells that produce testosterone for fertility and virility. However, the Sertoli cell-derived factors that regulate these cells are largely unknown. To define potential mechanisms by which Sertoli cells could support testicular somatic cell function, we aimed to identify Sertoli cell-enriched proteins in the testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) between the tubules. We previously resolved the proteome of TIF in mice and humans and have shown it to be a rich source of seminiferous tubule-derived proteins. In the current study, we designed bioinformatic strategies to interrogate relevant proteomic and genomic datasets to identify Sertoli cell-enriched proteins in mouse and human TIF. We analysed proteins in mouse TIF that were significantly reduced after one week of acute Sertoli cell ablation in vivo and validated which of these are likely to arise primarily from Sertoli cells based on relevant mouse testis RNASeq datasets. We used a different, but complementary, approach to identify Sertoli cell-enriched proteins in human TIF, taking advantage of high-quality human testis genomic, proteomic and immunohistochemical datasets. We identified a total of 47 and 40 Sertoli cell-enriched proteins in mouse and human TIF, respectively, including 15 proteins that are conserved in both species. Proteins with potential roles in angiogenesis, the regulation of Leydig cells or steroidogenesis, and immune cell regulation were identified. The data suggests that some of these proteins are secreted, but that Sertoli cells also deposit specific proteins into TIF via the release of extracellular vesicles. In conclusion, we have identified novel Sertoli cell-enriched proteins in TIF that are candidates for regulating somatic cell-cell communication and testis function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza O’Donnell
- Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Laura F. Dagley
- Department of Medical Biology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Curley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Annalucia Darbey
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter J. O’Shaughnessy
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Thorsten Diemer
- Medical Faculty, Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Medical Faculty, Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Daniela Fietz
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Peter G. Stanton
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lee B. Smith
- Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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8
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Bone morphogenetic protein 4 inhibits rat stem/progenitor Leydig cell development and regeneration via SMAD-dependent and SMAD-independent signaling. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:1039. [PMID: 36513649 PMCID: PMC9748027 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05471-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) is an important member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily. BMP4 is expressed in the Leydig cell lineage. We hypothesized that BMP4 might regulate the development of stem/progenitor Leydig cells. The BMP4 receptors, BMPR1A, BMPR1B, and BMPR2 were found to be expressed in progenitor Leydig cells of prepubertal testis and isolated cells. BMP4 at 1 and 10 ng/mL significantly reduced androgen production and down-regulated steroidogenesis-related gene and protein expression possibly by activating the SMAD signaling pathway (increasing SMAD1/5 phosphorylation and SMAD4) at 24 h treatment. BMP4 at 0.1 ng/mL and higher concentrations markedly reduced the EdU labeling index of CD90+ stem Leydig cells after 24 h treatment and significantly reduced the number of EdU+ stem Leydig cells on the surface of seminiferous tubules after 7 days of culture. BMP4 at 0.01 ng/mL and higher concentrations significantly blocked the differentiation of stem Leydig cells into adult cells, as shown by the reduction of testosterone secretion and the downregulation of Lhcgr, Scarb1, Cyp11a1, Hsd11b1, and Insl3 and their function after 3D seminiferous tubule culture for 3 weeks, and this effect was reversed by co-treatment with the BMP4 antagonists noggin and doxomorphine. In addition, BMP4 also blocked stem Leydig cell differentiation through SMAD-independent signaling pathways (ERK1/2 and AMPK). Ethanedimethane sulfonate (EDS) single injection can result in reduction of testosterone, restoration can happen post treatment. In an in vivo model of Leydig cell regeneration following EDS treatment, intratesticular injection of BMP4 from day 14 to day 28 post-elimination significantly reduced serum testosterone levels and down-regulated the expression of Scarb1, Star, Hsd11b1, and Insl3 and its proteins, possibly through SMAD-dependent and SMAD-independent (ERK1/2 and AMPK) signaling pathways. In conclusion, BMP4 is expressed in cells of the Leydig cell lineage and blocks entry of stem/progenitor Leydig cells into adult Leydig cells through SMAD-dependent and SMAD-independent signaling pathways.
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9
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Jia S, Wilbourne J, Crossen MJ, Zhao F. Morphogenesis of the female reproductive tract along antero-posterior and dorso-ventral axes is dependent on Amhr2+ mesenchyme in mice†. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1477-1489. [PMID: 36130202 PMCID: PMC9752753 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphogenesis of the female reproductive tract is regulated by the mesenchyme. However, the identity of the mesenchymal lineage that directs the morphogenesis of the female reproductive tract has not been determined. Using in vivo genetic cell ablation, we identified Amhr2+ mesenchyme as an essential mesenchymal population in patterning the female reproductive tract. After partial ablation of Amhr2+ mesenchymal cells, the oviduct failed to develop its characteristic coiling due to decreased epithelial proliferation and tubule elongation during development. The uterus displayed a reduction in size and showed decreased cellular proliferation in both epithelial and mesenchymal compartments. More importantly, in the uterus, partial ablation of Amhr2+ mesenchyme caused abnormal lumen shape and altered the direction of its long axis from the dorsal-ventral axis to the left-right axis (i.e., perpendicular to the dorsal-ventral axis). Despite these morphological defects, epithelia underwent normal differentiation into secretory and ciliated cells in the oviduct and glandular epithelial cells in the uterus. These results demonstrated that Amhr2+ mesenchyme can direct female reproductive tract morphogenesis by regulating epithelial proliferation and lumen shape without affecting the differentiation of epithelial cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Jia
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jillian Wilbourne
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - McKenna J Crossen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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10
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Washburn RL, Hibler T, Kaur G, Dufour JM. Sertoli Cell Immune Regulation: A Double-Edged Sword. Front Immunol 2022; 13:913502. [PMID: 35757731 PMCID: PMC9218077 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.913502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The testis must create and maintain an immune privileged environment to protect maturing germ cells from autoimmune destruction. The establishment of this protective environment is due, at least in part, to Sertoli cells. Sertoli cells line the seminiferous tubules and form the blood-testis barrier (BTB), a barrier between advanced germ cells and the immune system. The BTB compartmentalizes the germ cells and facilitates the appropriate microenvironment necessary for spermatogenesis. Further, Sertoli cells modulate innate and adaptive immune processes through production of immunoregulatory compounds. Sertoli cells, when transplanted ectopically (outside the testis), can also protect transplanted tissue from the recipient’s immune system and reduce immune complications in autoimmune diseases primarily by immune regulation. These properties make Sertoli cells an attractive candidate for inflammatory disease treatments and cell-based therapies. Conversely, the same properties that protect the germ cells also allow the testis to act as a reservoir site for infections. Interestingly, Sertoli cells also have the ability to mount an antimicrobial response, if necessary, as in the case of infections. This review aims to explore how Sertoli cells act as a double-edged sword to both protect germ cells from an autoimmune response and activate innate and adaptive immune responses to fight off infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Washburn
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Immunology and Infectious Disease Concentration, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Taylor Hibler
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Immunology and Infectious Disease Concentration, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Gurvinder Kaur
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Jannette M Dufour
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Immunology and Infectious Disease Concentration, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
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11
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O'Donnell L, Smith LB, Rebourcet D. Sperm-specific proteins: new implications for diagnostic development and cancer immunotherapy. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2022; 77:102104. [PMID: 35671587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2022.102104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa are comprised of many unique proteins not expressed elsewhere. Sperm-specific proteins are first expressed at puberty, after the development of immune tolerance to self-antigens, and have been assumed to remain confined inside the seminiferous tubules, protected from immune cell recognition by various mechanisms of testicular immune privilege. However, new data has shown that sperm-specific proteins are released by the tubules into the surrounding interstitial fluid; from here they can contact immune cells, potentially promote immune tolerance, and enter the circulation. These new findings have clinical implications for diagnostics and therapeutics targeted at a specific class of proteins known as cancer-testis antigens (CTA), the opportunity to identify new communication pathways in the testis, and to discover new ways to monitor testis function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza O'Donnell
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Lee B Smith
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, 4222, Queensland, Australia
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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12
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de Oliveira SA, Cerri PS, Sasso-Cerri E. Impaired macrophages and failure of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in rat testes with cytokines deficiency induced by diacerein. Histochem Cell Biol 2021; 156:561-581. [PMID: 34515835 PMCID: PMC8436873 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-021-02023-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The role of cytokines in testicular function under normal conditions has not been completely understood. Here, we evaluated testicular macrophages (TM), steroidogenesis by Leydig cells (LC) and seminiferous tubules integrity in cytokines-deficient rat testes induced by diacerein, an anti-inflammatory drug that inhibits interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Male rats received daily 100 mg/kg of diacerein (DIAG; n = 8) or saline (CG; n = 8) for 30 days. Serum testosterone (T) levels were measured and the seminiferous tubule (ST) area, epithelial area (EA), frequency of damaged ST and number of Sertoli cells (SC) were evaluated. TUNEL method and immunoreactions for detection of pro-IL-1β, TNF-α, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), androgen receptor (AR) and scavenger receptor for hemoglobin-haptoglobin complexes (CD163), a TM marker, were performed. Testicular AR, 17β-HSD and IL-1β levels were detected by Western blot. Data were submitted to Student t test (p ≤ 0.05). In DIAG, T and testicular AR, 17β-HSD and IL-1β levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive interstitial cells increased and LC showed weak StAR, 17β-HSD and AR immunoexpression in association with reduced IL-1β immunoexpression and number of CD163-positive TM in the interstitial tissue from diacerein-treated rats. Numerous damaged ST were found in DIAG, and reduction in the EA were associated with germ cells death. Moreover, the number of SC reduced and weak AR and TNF-α immunoexpression was observed in SC and germ cells, respectively. The cytokines deficiency induced by diacerein impairs TM, LC and spermatogenesis, and points to a role of IL-1β in steroidogenesis under normal conditions. In the ST, the weak AR and TNF-α immunoexpression in SC and germ cells, respectively, reinforces the idea that TNF-α plays a role in the SC androgenic control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paulo Sérgio Cerri
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Dental School - São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Humaitá, 1680, Araraquara, SP, CEP: 14801-903, Brazil
| | - Estela Sasso-Cerri
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Dental School - São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Humaitá, 1680, Araraquara, SP, CEP: 14801-903, Brazil.
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13
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O'Donnell L, Rebourcet D, Dagley LF, Sgaier R, Infusini G, O'Shaughnessy PJ, Chalmel F, Fietz D, Weidner W, Legrand JMD, Hobbs RM, McLachlan RI, Webb AI, Pilatz A, Diemer T, Smith LB, Stanton PG. Sperm proteins and cancer-testis antigens are released by the seminiferous tubules in mice and men. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21397. [PMID: 33565176 PMCID: PMC7898903 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002484r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sperm develop from puberty in the seminiferous tubules, inside the blood-testis barrier to prevent their recognition as "non-self" by the immune system, and it is widely assumed that human sperm-specific proteins cannot access the circulatory or immune systems. Sperm-specific proteins aberrantly expressed in cancer, known as cancer-testis antigens (CTAs), are often pursued as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets based on the assumption they are neoantigens absent from the circulation in healthy men. Here, we identify a wide range of germ cell-derived and sperm-specific proteins, including multiple CTAs, that are selectively deposited by the Sertoli cells of the adult mouse and human seminiferous tubules into testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) that is "outside" the blood-testis barrier. From TIF, the proteins can access the circulatory- and immune systems. Disruption of spermatogenesis decreases the abundance of these proteins in mouse TIF, and a sperm-specific CTA is significantly decreased in TIF from infertile men, suggesting that exposure of certain CTAs to the immune system could depend on fertility status. The results provide a rationale for the development of blood-based tests useful in the management of male infertility and indicate CTA candidates for cancer immunotherapy and biomarker development that could show sex-specific and male-fertility-related responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza O'Donnell
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Laura F Dagley
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Raouda Sgaier
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Medical Faculty, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, UKGM GmbH, Giessen, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Infusini
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter J O'Shaughnessy
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Frederic Chalmel
- Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085, University Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Daniela Fietz
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Weidner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Medical Faculty, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, UKGM GmbH, Giessen, Germany
| | - Julien M D Legrand
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robert I McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew I Webb
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Medical Faculty, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, UKGM GmbH, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Diemer
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Medical Faculty, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, UKGM GmbH, Giessen, Germany
| | - Lee B Smith
- Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Peter G Stanton
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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14
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O'Donnell L, Smith LB, Rebourcet D. Sertoli cells as key drivers of testis function. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:2-9. [PMID: 34229950 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells are the orchestrators of spermatogenesis; they support fetal germ cell commitment to the male pathway and are essential for germ cell development, from maintenance of the spermatogonial stem cell niche and spermatogonial populations, through meiosis and spermiogeneis and to the final release of mature spermatids during spermiation. However, Sertoli cells are also emerging as key regulators of other testis somatic cells, including supporting peritubular myoid cell development in the pre-pubertal testis and supporting the function of the testicular vasculature and in contributing to testicular immune privilege. Sertoli cells also have a major role in regulating androgen production within the testis, by specifying interstitial cells to a steroidogenic fate, contributing to androgen production in the fetal testis, and supporting fetal and adult Leydig cell development and function. Here, we provide an overview of the specific roles for Sertoli cells in the testis and highlight how these cells are key drivers of testicular sperm output, and of adult testis size and optimal function of other testicular somatic cells, including the steroidogenic Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza O'Donnell
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Lee B Smith
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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15
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Shen YC, Shami AN, Moritz L, Larose H, Manske GL, Ma Q, Zheng X, Sukhwani M, Czerwinski M, Sultan C, Chen H, Gurczynski SJ, Spence JR, Orwig KE, Tallquist M, Li JZ, Hammoud SS. TCF21 + mesenchymal cells contribute to testis somatic cell development, homeostasis, and regeneration in mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3876. [PMID: 34162856 PMCID: PMC8222243 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24130-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular development and function rely on interactions between somatic cells and the germline, but similar to other organs, regenerative capacity declines in aging and disease. Whether the adult testis maintains a reserve progenitor population remains uncertain. Here, we characterize a recently identified mouse testis interstitial population expressing the transcription factor Tcf21. We found that TCF21lin cells are bipotential somatic progenitors present in fetal testis and ovary, maintain adult testis homeostasis during aging, and act as potential reserve somatic progenitors following injury. In vitro, TCF21lin cells are multipotent mesenchymal progenitors which form multiple somatic lineages including Leydig and myoid cells. Additionally, TCF21+ cells resemble resident fibroblast populations reported in other organs having roles in tissue homeostasis, fibrosis, and regeneration. Our findings reveal that the testis, like other organs, maintains multipotent mesenchymal progenitors that can be potentially leveraged in development of future therapies for hypoandrogenism and/or infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chi Shen
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Lindsay Moritz
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hailey Larose
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gabriel L Manske
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Qianyi Ma
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xianing Zheng
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael Czerwinski
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Caleb Sultan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Haolin Chen
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, John Hopkins, USA
| | | | - Jason R Spence
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michelle Tallquist
- University of Hawaii, Center for Cardiovascular Research, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Jun Z Li
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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16
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Involvement of Cytokines and Hormones in the Development of Spermatogenesis In Vitro from Spermatogonial Cells of Cyclophosphamide-Treated Immature Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041672. [PMID: 33562323 PMCID: PMC7914946 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggressive chemotherapy treatment may lead to male infertility. Prepubertal boys do not produce sperm at this age, however, they have spermatogonial stem cells in their testes. Here, we examined the effect of intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (CP) on the capacity of immature mice (IM) to develop spermatogenesis in vivo and in vitro [using methylcellulose culture system (MCS)]. Our results show a significant decrease in testicular weight, total number of testicular cells, and the number of Sertoli, peritubular, premeiotic, and meiotic/post-meiotic cells, but an increase in the percentages of damaged seminiferous tubules in CP-treated IM compared to control. The functionality of Sertoli cells was significantly affected. The addition of testosterone to isolated cells from seminiferous tubules of CP-treated IM significantly increased the percentages of premeiotic (CD9-positive cells) and meiotic/post-meiotic cells (ACROSIN-positive cells) developed in MCS compared to control. The addition of FSH did not affect developed cells in MCS compared to control, but in combination with testosterone, it significantly decreased the percentages of CD9-positive cells and ACROSIN-positive cells. The addition of IL-1 did not affect developed cells in MCS compared to control, but in combination with testosterone, it significantly increased the percentages of VASA-positive cells and BOULE-positive cells compared to IL-1 or testosterone. Addition of TNF significantly increased only CD9-positive cells in MCS compared to control, but in combination with testosterone, it significantly decreased ACROSIN-positive cells compared to testosterone. Our results show a significant impairment of spermatogenesis in the testes of CP-treated IM, and that spermatogonial cells from these mice proliferate and differentiate to meiotic/post-meiotic cells under in vitro culture conditions.
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17
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Stewart MK, Mattiske DM, Pask AJ. Exogenous Oestrogen Impacts Cell Fate Decision in the Developing Gonads: A Potential Cause of Declining Human Reproductive Health. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8377. [PMID: 33171657 PMCID: PMC7664701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of testicular dysgenesis syndrome-related conditions and overall decline in human fertility has been linked to the prevalence of oestrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment. Ectopic activation of oestrogen signalling by EDCs in the gonad can impact testis and ovary function and development. Oestrogen is the critical driver of ovarian differentiation in non-mammalian vertebrates, and in its absence a testis will form. In contrast, oestrogen is not required for mammalian ovarian differentiation, but it is essential for its maintenance, illustrating it is necessary for reinforcing ovarian fate. Interestingly, exposure of the bi-potential gonad to exogenous oestrogen can cause XY sex reversal in marsupials and this is mediated by the cytoplasmic retention of the testis-determining factor SOX9 (sex-determining region Y box transcription factor 9). Oestrogen can similarly suppress SOX9 and activate ovarian genes in both humans and mice, demonstrating it plays an essential role in all mammals in mediating gonad somatic cell fate. Here, we review the molecular control of gonad differentiation and explore the mechanisms through which exogenous oestrogen can influence somatic cell fate to disrupt gonad development and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for defining the effects of oestrogenic EDCs on the developing gonads and ultimately their impacts on human reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie K. Stewart
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (D.M.M.); (A.J.P.)
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18
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Yan RG, Li BY, Yang QE. Function and transcriptomic dynamics of Sertoli cells during prospermatogonia development in mouse testis. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:525-535. [PMID: 32952085 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) arise from a subpopulation of prospermatogonia during neonatal testis development. Currently, molecular mechanisms directing the prospermatogonia to spermatogonial transition are not well understood. In the study, we found that reducing Sertoli cells number by Amh-cre mediated expression of diphtheria toxin (AC;DTA) in murine fetal testis caused defects in prospermatogonia fate decisions. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed that Sertoli cells loss occurred at embryonic day (E) 14.5. Prospermatogonia maintained mitotic arrest at E16.5 in control animals, in contrast, 13.4% of germ cells in AC;DTA testis reentered cell cycle and expressed gH2A.X and Sycp3, indicating the commitment to meiosis. After birth, the number of prospermatogonia resuming mitosis was significantly affected by Sertoli cell loss in AC;DTA animals. Lastly, we isolated primary Sertoli cells using a Sertoli cell specific GFP reporter line and showed dynamics of Sertoli cell transcriptomes at E12.5, E13.5, E16.5 and P1. By further analysis, we revealed unique gene expression patterns and potential candidate genes regulating Sertoli cell development and likely mediating interactions between Sertoli cells, prospermatogonia and other testicular cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Ge Yan
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, QH, 810001, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bin-Ye Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Xining, QH, 81001, China
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, QH, 810001, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, QH, 810001, China.
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19
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Lokka E, Lintukorpi L, Cisneros-Montalvo S, Mäkelä JA, Tyystjärvi S, Ojasalo V, Gerke H, Toppari J, Rantakari P, Salmi M. Generation, localization and functions of macrophages during the development of testis. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4375. [PMID: 32873797 PMCID: PMC7463013 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18206-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In the testis, interstitial macrophages are thought to be derived from the yolk sac during fetal development, and later replaced by bone marrow-derived macrophages. By contrast, the peritubular macrophages have been reported to emerge first in the postnatal testis and solely represent descendants of bone marrow-derived monocytes. Here, we define new monocyte and macrophage types in the fetal and postnatal testis using high-dimensional single-cell analyses. Our results show that interstitial macrophages have a dominant contribution from fetal liver-derived precursors, while peritubular macrophages are generated already at birth from embryonic precursors. We find that bone marrow-derived monocytes do not substantially contribute to the replenishment of the testicular macrophage pool even after systemic macrophage depletion. The presence of macrophages prenatally, but not postnatally, is necessary for normal spermatogenesis. Our multifaceted data thus challenge the current paradigms in testicular macrophage biology by delineating their differentiation, homeostasis and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmi Lokka
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, FI-20520, Finland.,Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, FIN-20520, Finland.,MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, FI-20520, Finland
| | - Laura Lintukorpi
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, FI-20520, Finland.,Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, FIN-20520, Finland
| | | | - Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, FI-20520, Finland
| | - Sofia Tyystjärvi
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, FI-20520, Finland.,Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, FIN-20520, Finland
| | - Venla Ojasalo
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, FI-20520, Finland.,Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, FIN-20520, Finland
| | - Heidi Gerke
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, FI-20520, Finland.,Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, FIN-20520, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, FI-20520, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, FI-20520, Finland
| | - Pia Rantakari
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, FI-20520, Finland. .,Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, FIN-20520, Finland.
| | - Marko Salmi
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, FI-20520, Finland. .,MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, FI-20520, Finland.
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20
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Zomer HD, Reddi PP. Characterization of rodent Sertoli cell primary cultures. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:857-870. [PMID: 32743879 PMCID: PMC7685524 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells play a vital role in spermatogenesis by offering physical and nutritional support to the differentiating male germ cells. They form the blood-testis barrier and secrete growth factors essential for germ cell differentiation. Sertoli cell primary cultures are critical for understanding the regulation of spermatogenesis; however, obtaining pure cultures has been a challenge. Rodent Sertoli cell isolation protocols do not rule out contamination by the interstitial or connective tissue cells. Sertoli cell-specific markers could be helpful, but there is no consensus. Vimentin, the most commonly used marker, is not specific for Sertoli cells since its expression has been reported in peritubular myoid cells, mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, and endothelial cells, which contaminate Sertoli cell preparations. Markers based on transcription and growth factors also have limitations. Thus, the impediment to obtaining pure Sertoli cell cultures pertains to both the method of isolation and marker usage. The aim of this review is to discuss improvements to current methods of rodent Sertoli cell primary cultures, assess the properties of prepubertal versus mature Sertoli cell cultures, and propose steps to improve cellular characterization. Potential benefits of using contemporary approaches, including lineage tracing, specific cell ablation, and RNA-seq for obtaining Sertoli-specific transcript markers are discussed. Evaluating the specificity and applicability of these markers at the protein level to characterize Sertoli cells in culture would be critical. This review is expected to positively impact future work using primary cultures of rodent Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena D Zomer
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Prabhakara P Reddi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
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21
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Comparative testis structure and function in three representative mice strains. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 382:391-404. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03239-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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22
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Zhu Q, Li X, Ge RS. Toxicological Effects of Cadmium on Mammalian Testis. Front Genet 2020; 11:527. [PMID: 32528534 PMCID: PMC7265816 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadmium is a heavy metal, and people are exposed to it through contaminated foods and smoking. In humans and other mammals, cadmium causes damage to male testis. In this review, we summarize the effects of cadmium on the development and function of the testis. Cadmium causes severe structural damage to the seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cells, and blood-testis barrier, thus leading to the loss of sperm. Cadmium hinders Leydig cell development, inhibits Leydig cell function, and induces Leydig cell tumors. Cadmium also disrupts the vascular system of the testis. Cadmium is a reactive oxygen species inducer and possibly induces DNA damage, thus epigenetically regulating somatic cell and germ cell function, leading to male subfertility/infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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23
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Bishop TF, Van Eenennaam AL. Genome editing approaches to augment livestock breeding programs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 223:223/Suppl_1/jeb207159. [PMID: 32034040 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.207159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The prospect of genome editing offers a number of promising opportunities for livestock breeders. Firstly, these tools can be used in functional genomics to elucidate gene function, and identify causal variants underlying monogenic traits. Secondly, they can be used to precisely introduce useful genetic variation into structured livestock breeding programs. Such variation may include repair of genetic defects, the inactivation of undesired genes, and the moving of useful alleles and haplotypes between breeds in the absence of linkage drag. Editing could also be used to accelerate the rate of genetic progress by enabling the replacement of the germ cell lineage of commercial breeding animals with cells derived from genetically elite lines. In the future, editing may also provide a useful complement to evolving approaches to decrease the length of the generation interval through in vitro generation of gametes. For editing to be adopted, it will need to seamlessly integrate with livestock breeding schemes. This will likely involve introducing edits into multiple elite animals to avoid genetic bottlenecks. It will also require editing of different breeds and lines to maintain genetic diversity, and enable structured cross-breeding. This requirement is at odds with the process-based trigger and event-based regulatory approach that has been proposed for the products of genome editing by several countries. In the absence of regulatory harmony, researchers in some countries will have the ability to use genome editing in food animals, while others will not, resulting in disparate access to these tools, and ultimately the potential for global trade disruptions.
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24
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Wang YQ, Cheng JM, Wen Q, Tang JX, Li J, Chen SR, Liu YX. An exploration of the role of Sertoli cells on fetal testis development using cell ablation strategy. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:223-230. [PMID: 32011766 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) are presumed to be the center of testis differentiation because they provide both structural support and biological regulation for spermatogenesis. Previous studies suggest that SCs control germ cell (GC) count and Leydig cell (LC) development in mouse testes. However, the regulatory role of SCs on peritubular myoid (PTM) cell fate in fetal testis has not been clearly reported. Here, we employed Amh-Cre; diphtheria toxin fragment A (DTA) mouse model to selectively ablate SCs from embryonic day (E) 14.5. Results found that SC ablation in the fetal stage caused the disruption of testis cords and the massive loss of GCs. Furthermore, the number of α-smooth muscle actin-labeled PTM cells was gradually decreased from E14.5 and almost lost at E18.5 in SC ablation testis. Interestingly, some Ki67 and 3β-HSD double-positive fetal LCs could be observed in Amh-Cre; DTA testes at E16.5 and E18.5. Consistent with this phenomenon, the messenger RNA levels of Hsd3b1, Cyp11a1, Lhr, Star and the protein levels of 3β-HSD and P450Scc were significantly elevated by SC ablation. SC ablation appears to induce ectopic proliferation of fetal LCs although the total LC number appeared reduced. Together, these findings bring us a better understanding of SCs' central role in fetal testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Mei Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qing Wen
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
| | - Ji-Xin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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25
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Pelusi C, Fanelli F, Baccini M, Triggiani V, Bartolomeo N, Carbone MD, De Pergola G, Di Dalmazi G, Pagotto U, Pasquali R, Giagulli VA. Effect of clomiphene citrate treatment on the Sertoli cells of dysmetabolic obese men with low testosterone levels. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2020; 92:38-45. [PMID: 31677181 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clomiphene citrate (CC) has been shown to restore the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by increasing testosterone (T) levels to physiological levels in patients with dysmetabolic conditions such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the data are unclear regarding the effects on Sertoli cell (SC) function. AIM To study SC function by assessing Inhibin B (IB) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels at baseline and after 3 months of CC treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is an ancillary study of a cross-over, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial performed to evaluate androgen response to CC treatment in dysmetabolic obese subjects with low T levels treated with metformin. We evaluated SC function by assessing IB and AMH levels at baseline and after 3 months of each treatment in ten dysmetabolic obese subjects with low T levels. In all subjects, the influence of the clinical characteristics, metabolic and hormonal baseline parameters on SC and Leydig (LC) function, evaluated respectively with AMH, IB, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and T levels, was tested. RESULTS No significant changes were observed for IB and AMH concentrations after each treatment period. Whereas T and oestradiol (E2) levels were shown to be significantly higher in the CC plus metformin phase (CC/Met) only. No clinical, metabolic or hormonal parameters showed significant effects on serum AMH at baseline or after treatments. However, baseline T, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and E2 positively affected IB levels during CC/Met therapy (P = .003, P = .038 and P = .049, respectively). Baseline leptin and FSH had a negative (P = 031) and positive (P = .048) respectively role on T levels during CC/Met, as they were statistically significant compared to the placebo period (Plac/Met). CONCLUSION Unlike the LC activity, CC was unable to influence SC function, as shown by the lack of IB and AMH serum modifications, thus suggesting an intrinsic nonreversible defect of SC cells in patients with dysmetabolic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Pelusi
- Endocrinology Unit and Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical & Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Flaminia Fanelli
- Endocrinology Unit and Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical & Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Margherita Baccini
- Endocrinology Unit and Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical & Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Triggiani
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Bartolomeo
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni De Pergola
- Nutrition Outpatient Clinic, Clinical Oncology Unit, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Guido Di Dalmazi
- Endocrinology Unit and Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical & Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Uberto Pagotto
- Endocrinology Unit and Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical & Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Renato Pasquali
- Endocrinology Unit and Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical & Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vito Angelo Giagulli
- Outpatients Clinic of Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease, Conversano Hospital, Bari, Italy
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26
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Zirkin BR, Papadopoulos V. Leydig cells: formation, function, and regulation. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:101-111. [PMID: 29566165 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 322] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein we summarize important discoveries made over many years about Leydig cell function and regulation. Fetal Leydig cells produce the high levels of androgen (testosterone or androstenedione, depending upon the species) required for differentiation of male genitalia and brain masculinization. Androgen production declines with loss of these cells, reaching a nadir at postpartum. Testosterone then gradually increases to high levels with adult Leydig cell development from stem cells. In the adult, luteinizing hormone (LH) binding to Leydig cell LH receptors stimulates cAMP production, increasing the rate of cholesterol translocation into the mitochondria. Cholesterol is metabolized to pregnenolone by the CYP11A1 enzyme at the inner mitochondrial membrane, and pregnenolone to testosterone by mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum enzymes. Cholesterol translocation to the inner mitochondrial membrane is mediated by a protein complex formed at mitochondrial contact sites that consists of the cholesterol binding translocator protein, voltage dependent anion channel, and other mitochondrial and cytosolic proteins. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein acts at this complex to enhance cholesterol movement across the membranes and thus increase testosterone formation. The 14-3-3γ and ε adaptor proteins serve as negative regulators of steroidogenesis, controlling the maximal amount of steroid formed. Decline in testosterone production occurs in many aging and young men, resulting in metabolic and quality-of-life changes. Testosterone replacement therapy is widely used to elevate serum testosterone levels in hypogonadal men. With knowledge gained of the mechanisms involved in testosterone formation, it is also conceivable to use pharmacological means to increase serum testosterone by Leydig cell stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry R Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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27
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Mo J, Chen X, Ni C, Wu K, Li X, Zhu Q, Ma L, Chen Y, Zhang S, Wang Y, Lian Q, Ge RS. Fibroblast growth factor homologous factor 1 stimulates Leydig cell regeneration from stem cells in male rats. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:5618-5631. [PMID: 31222931 PMCID: PMC6653537 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor homologous factor 1 (FHF1) is an intracellular protein that does not bind to cell surface fibroblast growth factor receptor. Here, we report that FHF1 is abundantly present in Leydig cells with up‐regulation during its development. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with 75 mg/kg ethane dimethane sulphonate (EDS) to ablate Leydig cells to initiate their regeneration. Then, rats daily received intratesticular injection of FHF1 (0, 10 and 100 ng/testis) from post‐EDS day 14 for 14 days. FHF1 increased serum testosterone levels without affecting the levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone. FHF1 increased the cell number staining with HSD11B1, a biomarker for Leydig cells at the advanced stage, without affecting the cell number staining with CYP11A1, a biomarker for all Leydig cells. FHF1 did not affect PCNA‐labelling index in Leydig cells. FHF1 increased Leydig cell mRNA (Lhcgr, Scarb1, Star, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1, Hsd17b3, Insl3, Nr5a1 and Hsd11b1) and their protein levels in vivo. FHF1 increased preadipocyte biomarker Dlk1 mRNA level and decreased fully differentiated adipocyte biomarker (Fabp4 and Lpl) mRNA and their protein levels. In conclusion, FHF1 promotes Leydig cell regeneration from stem cells while inhibiting the differentiation of preadipocyte/stem cells into adipocytes in EDS‐treated testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Mo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiuxiu Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chaobo Ni
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Keyang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qiqi Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Leika Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yiyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qingquan Lian
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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28
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Savvulidi F, Ptacek M, Savvulidi Vargova K, Stadnik L. Manipulation of spermatogonial stem cells in livestock species. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2019; 10:46. [PMID: 31205688 PMCID: PMC6560896 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-019-0355-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We are entering an exciting epoch in livestock biotechnology during which the fundamental approaches (such as transgenesis, spermatozoa cryopreservation and artificial insemination) will be enhanced based on the modern understanding of the biology of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) combined with the outstanding recent advances in genomic editing technologies and in vitro cell culture systems. The general aim of this review is to outline comprehensively the promising applications of SSC manipulation that could in the nearest future find practical application in livestock breeding. Here, we will focus on 1) the basics of mammalian SSC biology; 2) the approaches for SSC isolation and purification; 3) the available in vitro systems for the stable expansion of isolated SSCs; 4) a discussion of how the manipulation of SSCs can accelerate livestock transgenesis; 5) a thorough overview of the techniques of SSC transplantation in livestock species (including the preparation of recipients for SSC transplantation, the ultrasonographic-guided SSC transplantation technique in large farm animals, and the perspectives to improve further the SSC transplantation efficiency), and finally, 6) why SSC transplantation is valuable to extend the techniques of spermatozoa cryopreservation and/or artificial insemination. For situations where no reliable data have yet been obtained for a particular livestock species, we will rely on the data obtained from studies conducted in rodents because the knowledge gained from rodent research is translatable to livestock species to a great extent. On the other hand, we will draw special attention to situations where such translation is not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipp Savvulidi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Suchdol Czech Republic
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, U Nemocnice 5, 128 53 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Ptacek
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Suchdol Czech Republic
| | - Karina Savvulidi Vargova
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, U Nemocnice 5, 128 53 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ludek Stadnik
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Suchdol Czech Republic
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29
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Rebourcet D, O'Shaughnessy PJ, Smith LB. The expanded roles of Sertoli cells: lessons from Sertoli cell ablation models. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coemr.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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30
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O'Shaughnessy PJ, Mitchell RT, Monteiro A, O'Hara L, Cruickshanks L, der Grinten HCV, Brown P, Abel M, Smith LB. Androgen receptor expression is required to ensure development of adult Leydig cells and to prevent development of steroidogenic cells with adrenal characteristics in the mouse testis. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2019; 19:8. [PMID: 30995907 PMCID: PMC6472051 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-019-0189-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background The interstitium of the mouse testis contains Leydig cells and a small number of steroidogenic cells with adrenal characteristics which may be derived from the fetal adrenal during development or may be a normal subset of the developing fetal Leydig cells. Currently it is not known what regulates development and/or proliferation of this sub-population of steroidogenic cells in the mouse testis. Androgen receptors (AR) are essential for normal testicular function and in this study we have examined the role of the AR in regulating interstitial cell development. Results Using a mouse model which lacks gonadotropins and AR (hpg.ARKO), stimulation of luteinising hormone receptors in vivo with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) caused a marked increase in adrenal cell transcripts/protein in a group of testicular interstitial cells. hCG also induced testicular transcripts associated with basic steroidogenic function in these mice but had no effect on adult Leydig cell-specific transcript levels. In hpg mice with functional AR, treatment with hCG induced Leydig cell-specific function and had no effect on adrenal transcript levels. Examination of mice with cell-specific AR deletion and knockdown of AR in a mouse Leydig cell line suggests that AR in the Leydig cells are likely to regulate these effects. Conclusions This study shows that in the mouse the androgen receptor is required both to prevent development of testicular cells with adrenal characteristics and to ensure development of an adult Leydig cell phenotype. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12861-019-0189-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J O'Shaughnessy
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G61 1QH, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Ana Monteiro
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G61 1QH, Glasgow, UK
| | - Laura O'Hara
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Lyndsey Cruickshanks
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Hedi Claahsen-van der Grinten
- Department of Paediatrics, Radboud Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Pamela Brown
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Margaret Abel
- Department of Human Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Lee B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.,School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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31
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Udagawa O, Okamura K, Suzuki T, Nohara K. Arsenic Exposure and Reproductive Toxicity. CURRENT TOPICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-2565-6_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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32
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Sèdes L, Desdoits-Lethimonier C, Rouaisnel B, Holota H, Thirouard L, Lesne L, Damon-Soubeyrand C, Martinot E, Saru JP, Mazaud-Guittot S, Caira F, Beaudoin C, Jégou B, Volle DH. Crosstalk between BPA and FXRα Signaling Pathways Lead to Alterations of Undifferentiated Germ Cell Homeostasis and Male Fertility Disorders. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 11:944-958. [PMID: 30245210 PMCID: PMC6178796 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have reported an association between the farnesoid X receptor alpha (FXRα) and estrogenic signaling pathways. Fxrα could thus be involved in the reprotoxic effects of endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol-A (BPA). To test this hypothesis, mice were exposed to BPA and/or stigmasterol (S), an FXRα antagonist. Following the exposure to both molecules, wild-type animals showed impaired fertility and lower sperm cell production associated with the alteration of the establishment and maintenance of the undifferentiated germ cell pool. The crosstalk between BPA and FXRα is further supported by the lower impact of BPA in mice genetically ablated for Fxrα and the fact that BPA counteracted the effects of FXRα agonists. These effects might result from the downregulation of Fxrα expression following BPA exposure. BPA and S act additively in human testis. Our data demonstrate that FXRα activity modulates the impact of BPA on male gonads and on undifferentiated germ cell population. BPA and S exposures synergistically induce male fertility disorders BPA regulates Fxr expression BPA and S act additively in human testis
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauriane Sèdes
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, UMR 6293, GReD, Laboratoire Génétique, Reproduction & Développement, 28 Place Henri-Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Christèle Desdoits-Lethimonier
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Betty Rouaisnel
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, UMR 6293, GReD, Laboratoire Génétique, Reproduction & Développement, 28 Place Henri-Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hélène Holota
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, UMR 6293, GReD, Laboratoire Génétique, Reproduction & Développement, 28 Place Henri-Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laura Thirouard
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, UMR 6293, GReD, Laboratoire Génétique, Reproduction & Développement, 28 Place Henri-Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laurianne Lesne
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Christelle Damon-Soubeyrand
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, UMR 6293, GReD, Laboratoire Génétique, Reproduction & Développement, 28 Place Henri-Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Emmanuelle Martinot
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, UMR 6293, GReD, Laboratoire Génétique, Reproduction & Développement, 28 Place Henri-Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Paul Saru
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, UMR 6293, GReD, Laboratoire Génétique, Reproduction & Développement, 28 Place Henri-Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Séverine Mazaud-Guittot
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Françoise Caira
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, UMR 6293, GReD, Laboratoire Génétique, Reproduction & Développement, 28 Place Henri-Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Claude Beaudoin
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, UMR 6293, GReD, Laboratoire Génétique, Reproduction & Développement, 28 Place Henri-Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bernard Jégou
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - David H Volle
- INSERM U 1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, UMR 6293, GReD, Laboratoire Génétique, Reproduction & Développement, 28 Place Henri-Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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33
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Testicular macrophages: Guardians of fertility. Cell Immunol 2018; 330:120-125. [PMID: 29650243 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages are innate immune cells present in essentially every organ of the body with dedicated tissue specific functions. We will present in this review the unique properties and functions of macrophage populations residing in the testis, an immune-privileged organ. Testicular macrophages (tMΦ) could be seen as guardians of fertility due to their immunosuppressive functions protecting spermatogenesis from auto immune-attack. They exhibit testis specific functions with essential roles in normal testis homeostasis and fetal testicular development. Recently, two distinct testicular macrophage populations have been characterized based on different localization, morphology, gene expression profiles, developmental origin and postnatal development. We will discuss the importance of these two testicular macrophage populations for organ specific functions such as testosterone production and spermatogenesis, as well as their role in establishing immuno-privilege highlighting the contributions of macrophages to male fertility.
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Abstract
Testis development and function is regulated by intricate cell-cell cross talk. Characterization of the mechanisms underpinning this has been derived through a wide variety of approaches including pharmacological manipulation, transgenics, and cell-specific ablation of populations. The removal of all or a proportion of a specific cell type has been achieved through a variety of approaches. In this paper, we detail a combined transgenic and pharmacological approach to ablate the Sertoli or germ cell populations using diphtheria toxin in mice. We describe the key steps in generation, validation, and use of the models and also describe the caveats and cautions necessary. We also provide a detailed description of the methodology applied to characterize testis development and function in models of postnatal Sertoli or germ cell ablation.
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35
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Penny GM, Cochran RB, Pihlajoki M, Kyrönlahti A, Schrade A, Häkkinen M, Toppari J, Heikinheimo M, Wilson DB. Probing GATA factor function in mouse Leydig cells via testicular injection of adenoviral vectors. Reproduction 2017; 154:455-467. [PMID: 28710293 PMCID: PMC5589507 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Testicular Leydig cells produce androgens essential for proper male reproductive development and fertility. Here, we describe a new Leydig cell ablation model based on Cre/Lox recombination of mouse Gata4 and Gata6, two genes implicated in the transcriptional regulation of steroidogenesis. The testicular interstitium of adult Gata4flox/flox ; Gata6flox/flox mice was injected with adenoviral vectors encoding Cre + GFP (Ad-Cre-IRES-GFP) or GFP alone (Ad-GFP). The vectors efficiently and selectively transduced Leydig cells, as evidenced by GFP reporter expression. Three days after Ad-Cre-IRES-GFP injection, expression of androgen biosynthetic genes (Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1 and Hsd17b3) was reduced, whereas expression of another Leydig cell marker, Insl3, was unchanged. Six days after Ad-Cre-IRES-GFP treatment, the testicular interstitium was devoid of Leydig cells, and there was a concomitant loss of all Leydig cell markers. Chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, mitochondrial swelling, and other ultrastructural changes were evident in the degenerating Leydig cells. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry demonstrated reduced levels of androstenedione and testosterone in testes from mice injected with Ad-Cre-IRES-GFP. Late effects of treatment included testicular atrophy, infertility and the accumulation of lymphoid cells in the testicular interstitium. We conclude that adenoviral-mediated gene delivery is an expeditious way to probe Leydig cell function in vivo Our findings reinforce the notion that GATA factors are key regulators of steroidogenesis and testicular somatic cell survival.Free Finnish abstract: A Finnish translation of this abstract is freely available at http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/154/4/455/suppl/DC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gervette M Penny
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Rebecca B Cochran
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Marjut Pihlajoki
- Children's HospitalUniversity of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Kyrönlahti
- Children's HospitalUniversity of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anja Schrade
- Children's HospitalUniversity of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Merja Häkkinen
- University of Eastern FinlandSchool of Pharmacy, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Department of PhysiologyInstitute of Biomedicine, University of Turku and Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Markku Heikinheimo
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Children's HospitalUniversity of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - David B Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Developmental BiologyWashington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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36
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Rebourcet D, Darbey A, Monteiro A, Soffientini U, Tsai YT, Handel I, Pitetti JL, Nef S, Smith LB, O'Shaughnessy PJ. Sertoli Cell Number Defines and Predicts Germ and Leydig Cell Population Sizes in the Adult Mouse Testis. Endocrinology 2017; 158:2955-2969. [PMID: 28911170 PMCID: PMC5659676 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Sertoli cells regulate differentiation and development of the testis and are essential for maintaining adult testis function. To model the effects of dysregulating Sertoli cell number during development or aging, we have used acute diphtheria toxin-mediated cell ablation to reduce Sertoli cell population size. Results show that the size of the Sertoli cell population that forms during development determines the number of germ cells and Leydig cells that will be present in the adult testis. Similarly, the number of germ cells and Leydig cells that can be maintained in the adult depends directly on the size of the adult Sertoli cell population. Finally, we have used linear modeling to generate predictive models of testis cell composition during development and in the adult based on the size of the Sertoli cell population. This study shows that at all ages the size of the Sertoli cell population is predictive of resulting testicular cell composition. A reduction in Sertoli cell number/proliferation at any age will therefore lead to a proportional decrease in germ cell and Leydig cell numbers, with likely consequential effects on fertility and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Rebourcet
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Annalucia Darbey
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Monteiro
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Ugo Soffientini
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Yi Ting Tsai
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Handel
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Luc Pitetti
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Lee B Smith
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Peter J O'Shaughnessy
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
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37
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Mossadegh-Keller N, Gentek R, Gimenez G, Bigot S, Mailfert S, Sieweke MH. Developmental origin and maintenance of distinct testicular macrophage populations. J Exp Med 2017; 214:2829-2841. [PMID: 28784628 PMCID: PMC5626405 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20170829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular macrophages (tMφ) are the principal immune cells of the mammalian testis. Beyond classical immune functions, they have been shown to be important for organogenesis, spermatogenesis, and male hormone production. In the adult testis, two different macrophage populations have been identified based on their distinct tissue localization and morphology, but their developmental origin and mode of homeostatic maintenance are unknown. In this study, we use genetic lineage-tracing models and adoptive transfer protocols to address this question. We show that embryonic progenitors give rise to the interstitial macrophage population, whereas peritubular macrophages are exclusively seeded postnatally in the prepuberty period from bone marrow (BM)-derived progenitors. As the proliferative capacity of interstitial macrophages declines, BM progenitors also contribute to this population. Once established, both the peritubular and interstitial macrophage populations exhibit a long life span and a low turnover in the steady state. Our observations identify distinct developmental pathways for two different tMφ populations that have important implications for the further dissection of their distinct roles in organ homeostasis and testicular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noushin Mossadegh-Keller
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille, France
| | - Rebecca Gentek
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille, France
| | - Gregory Gimenez
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille, France.,Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin in der Helmholtzgemeinschaft, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sylvain Bigot
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille, France
| | - Sebastien Mailfert
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille, France
| | - Michael H Sieweke
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille, France .,Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin in der Helmholtzgemeinschaft, Berlin, Germany
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38
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Woodcock ME, Idoko-Akoh A, McGrew MJ. Gene editing in birds takes flight. Mamm Genome 2017; 28:315-323. [PMID: 28612238 PMCID: PMC5569130 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-017-9701-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The application of gene editing (GE) technology to create precise changes to the genome of bird species will provide new and exciting opportunities for the biomedical, agricultural and biotechnology industries, as well as providing new approaches for producing research models. Recent advances in modifying both the somatic and germ cell lineages in chicken indicate that this species, and conceivably soon other avian species, has joined a growing number of model organisms in the gene editing revolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Woodcock
- The Roslin Institute and Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Alewo Idoko-Akoh
- The Roslin Institute and Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Michael J McGrew
- The Roslin Institute and Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
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39
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Kaur G, Vadala S, Dufour JM. An overview of a Sertoli cell transplantation model to study testis morphogenesis and the role of the Sertoli cells in immune privilege. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2017; 3:dvx012. [PMID: 29492314 PMCID: PMC5804552 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvx012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Advanced testicular germ cells, expressing novel cell surface and intracellular proteins, appear after the establishment of central tolerance and thus are auto-immunogenic. However, due to testis immune privilege these germ cells normally do not evoke a detrimental immune response. The Sertoli cell (SC) barrier (also known as the blood-testis barrier) creates a unique microenvironment required for the completion of spermatogenesis and sequesters the majority of the advanced germ cells from the immune system. Given that an intact SC barrier is necessary for spermatogenesis and that disruption of the SC barrier results in loss of advanced germ cells independent of an immune response, this dual role of the SC barrier makes it difficult to directly test the importance of the SC barrier in immune privilege. The ability of SCs to survive and protect co-grafted cells when transplanted ectopically (outside the testis) across immunological barriers is well-documented. Here, we will discuss the use of a SC transplantation model to investigate the role of SC and the SC barrier in immune privilege. Additionally, the formation of cord/tubule like structures in this model, containing both SCs and myoid cells, further extends its application to study testis morphogenesis. We will also discuss the potential use of this model to study the effects of drugs/environmental toxins on testis morphogenesis, tight junction formation and SC-myoid cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurvinder Kaur
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Scott Vadala
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Jannette M. Dufour
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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40
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Ganguli N, Wadhwa N, Usmani A, Kunj N, Ganguli N, Sarkar RK, Ghorai SM, Majumdar SS. An efficient method for generating a germ cell depleted animal model for studies related to spermatogonial stem cell transplantation. Stem Cell Res Ther 2016; 7:142. [PMID: 27659063 PMCID: PMC5032248 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-016-0405-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation (SSCT) has become important for conservation of endangered species, transgenesis and for rejuvenating testes which have lost germ cells (Gc) due to gonadotoxic chemotherapy or radiotherapy during the prepubertal phase of life. Creating a germ cell-depleted animal model for transplantation of normal or gene-transfected SSC is a prerequisite for such experimental studies. Traditionally used intraperitoneal injections of busulfan to achieve this are associated with painful hematopoietic toxicity and affects the wellbeing of the animals. Use of testicular busulfan has been reported recently to avoid this but with a very low success rate of SSCT. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a more efficient method to achieve higher SSCT without any suffering or mortality of the animals. METHODS A solution of busulfan, ranging from 25 μg/20 μl to 100 μg/20 μl in 50 % DMSO was used for this study. Each testis received two diagonally opposite injections of 10 μl each. Only DMSO was used as control. Germ cell depletion was checked every 15 days. GFP-expressing SSC from transgenic donor mice C57BL/6-Tg (UBC-GFP) 30Scha/J were transplanted into busulfan-treated testis. Two months after SSCT, mice were analyzed for presence of colonies of donor-derived SSC and their ability to generate offspring. RESULTS A dose of 75 μg of busulfan resulted in reduction of testis size and depletion of the majority of Gc of testis in all mice within 15 days post injection without causing mortality or a cytotoxic effect in other organs. Two months after SSCT, colonies of donor-derived Gc-expressing GFP were observed in recipient testes. When cohabitated with females, donor-derived offspring were obtained. By our method, 71 % of transplanted males sired transgenic progeny as opposed to 5.5 % by previously described procedures. About 56 % of progeny born were transgenic by our method as opposed to 1.2 % by the previously reported methods. CONCLUSIONS We have established an efficient method of generating a germ cell-depleted animal model by using a lower dose of busulfan, injected through two diagonally opposite sites in the testis, which allows efficient colonization of transplanted SSC resulting in a remarkably higher proportion of donor-derived offspring generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmalya Ganguli
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Neerja Wadhwa
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India.,Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110 007, India
| | - Abul Usmani
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Neetu Kunj
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Nilanjana Ganguli
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar Sarkar
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Soma M Ghorai
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110 007, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India. .,National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telengana, India.
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41
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Rebourcet D, Wu J, Cruickshanks L, Smith SE, Milne L, Fernando A, Wallace RJ, Gray CD, Hadoke PWF, Mitchell RT, O'Shaughnessy PJ, Smith LB. Sertoli Cells Modulate Testicular Vascular Network Development, Structure, and Function to Influence Circulating Testosterone Concentrations in Adult Male Mice. Endocrinology 2016; 157:2479-88. [PMID: 27145015 PMCID: PMC4891787 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The testicular vasculature forms a complex network, providing oxygenation, micronutrients, and waste clearance from the testis. The vasculature is also instrumental to testis function because it is both the route by which gonadotropins are delivered to the testis and by which T is transported away to target organs. Whether Sertoli cells play a role in regulating the testicular vasculature in postnatal life has never been unequivocally demonstrated. In this study we used models of acute Sertoli cell ablation and acute germ cell ablation to address whether Sertoli cells actively influence vascular structure and function in the adult testis. Our findings suggest that Sertoli cells play a key role in supporting the structure of the testicular vasculature. Ablating Sertoli cells (and germ cells) or germ cells alone results in a similar reduction in testis size, yet only the specific loss of Sertoli cells leads to a reduction in total intratesticular vascular volume, the number of vascular branches, and the numbers of small microvessels; loss of germ cells alone has no effect on the testicular vasculature. These perturbations to the testicular vasculature leads to a reduction in fluid exchange between the vasculature and testicular interstitium, which reduces gonadotropin-stimulated circulating T concentrations, indicative of reduced Leydig cell stimulation and/or reduced secretion of T into the vasculature. These findings describe a new paradigm by which the transport of hormones and other factors into and out of the testis may be influenced by Sertoli cells and highlights these cells as potential targets for enhancing this endocrine relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Rebourcet
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Junxi Wu
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Lyndsey Cruickshanks
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Smith
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Milne
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Anuruddika Fernando
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J Wallace
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Calum D Gray
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick W F Hadoke
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J O'Shaughnessy
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Lee B Smith
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health (D.R., J.W., L.C., S.E.S., L.M., A.F., R.T.M., L.B.S.), University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (J.W., P.W.F.H.), and Clinical Research Imaging Centre (C.D.G.), University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedics (R.J.W.), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Eh16 4SB, United Kingdom; and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine (P.J.O.), University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
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