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Caroppo E, Skinner MK. Could the sperm epigenome become a diagnostic tool for evaluation of the infertile man? Hum Reprod 2024; 39:478-485. [PMID: 38148019 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead266] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Although male infertility is currently diagnosed when abnormal sperm parameters are found, the poor predictive ability of sperm parameters on natural fecundity and medically assisted reproduction outcome poses the need for improved diagnostic techniques for male infertility. The accumulating evidence about the role played by the sperm epigenome in modulation of the early phases of embryonic development has led researchers to focus on the epigenetic mechanisms within the sperm epigenome to find new molecular markers of male infertility. Indeed, sperm epigenome abnormalities could explain some cases of unexplained male infertility in men showing normal sperm parameters and were found to be associated with poor embryo development in IVF cycles. The present mini-review summarizes the current knowledge about this interesting topic, starting from a description of the epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression regulation (i.e. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs' activity). We also discuss possible mechanisms by which environmental factors might cause epigenetic changes in the human germline and affect embryonic development, as well as subsequent generations' phenotypes. Studies demonstrating sperm epigenome abnormalities in men with male infertility are reviewed, with particular emphasis on those with the more severe form of spermatogenic dysfunction. Observations demonstrate that the diagnostic and prognostic efficacy of sperm epigenome evaluation will help facilitate the management of men with male factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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2
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Alagundagi DB, Ghate SD, Shetty P, Gollapalli P, Shetty P, Patil P. Integrated molecular-network analysis reveals infertility-associated key genes and transcription factors in the non-obstructive azoospermia. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 288:183-190. [PMID: 37549510 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.07.023] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a multifactorial reproductive health problem with complex causes. Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is characterized by failure of spermatogenesis, leading to the absence of spermatozoa in ejaculates. The molecular mechanism underlying the NOA is still not well understood. OBJECTIVES This study aims to identify the key genes involved in male infertility that could be a potential biomarker in the diagnosis and prognosis of azoospermia. STUDY DESIGN The microarray expression profiles dataset GSE45885 and GSE45887 were downloaded from the NCBI's Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed for male infertility-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using the GEO2R tool. The common DEGs between the two datasets were combined and their protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using Cytoscape to reveal the hub genes by topology and module analysis. In addition, transcription factors (TFs) and protein kinases regulating the hub genes were identified using the X2K tool. Then, the expression of the hub genes was validated by analyzing the GSE190752 microarray dataset. Further, the PPI network was screened for biological roles and enriched pathways using DAVID software. RESULTS About 256 DEGs associated with NOA were identified and constructed the PPI network to find the infertility-associated proteins. The biological processes linked with these proteins were spermatogenesis, cell differentiation, flagellated sperm motility, and spermatid development. The topology and module analysis of the infertility-associated protein network identified the hub genes TEX38, FAM71F, PRR30, FAM166A, LYZL6, TPPP2, ARMC12, SPACA4, and FAM205A, which were found to be upregulated in the non-obstructive azoospermia. In addition, a total of 23 transcription factors and 3 protein kinases that are regulating these key hub genes were identified. Further these hub genes expression was validated using the microarray data and found that their expression was increased in the testicular biopsies obtained from NOA subjects, compared to healthy individuals. CONCLUSION The identified key genes and its associated transcription factors are known to regulate the infertility-related processes in the non-obstructive azoospermia. Also, the clinical sample-based microarray data validation for the expression of these key hub genes indicates their potentiality to develop them as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhananjay B Alagundagi
- Central Research Laboratory, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Sudeep D Ghate
- Center for Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Prasannakumar Shetty
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justice K S Hegde Charitable Hospital, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Pavan Gollapalli
- Center for Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Praveenkumar Shetty
- Central Research Laboratory, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India; Department of Biochemistry, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Prakash Patil
- Central Research Laboratory, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
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Rotondo JC, Lanzillotti C, Mazziotta C, Tognon M, Martini F. Epigenetics of Male Infertility: The Role of DNA Methylation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:689624. [PMID: 34368137 PMCID: PMC8339558 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.689624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of studies focused on the role of epigenetics, including DNA methylation, in spermatogenesis and male infertility. We aimed to provide an overview of the knowledge concerning the gene and genome methylation and its regulation during spermatogenesis, specifically in the context of male infertility etiopathogenesis. Overall, the findings support the hypothesis that sperm DNA methylation is associated with sperm alterations and infertility. Several genes have been found to be differentially methylated in relation to impaired spermatogenesis and/or reproductive dysfunction. Particularly, DNA methylation defects of MEST and H19 within imprinted genes and MTHFR within non-imprinted genes have been repeatedly linked with male infertility. A deep knowledge of sperm DNA methylation status in association with reduced reproductive potential could improve the development of novel diagnostic tools for this disease. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the mechanisms affecting methylation in sperm and their impact on male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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4
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Kulac T, Hekim N, Kocamanoglu F, Beyaz C, Gunes S, Asci R. Methylation patterns of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene promoter in infertile males. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13942. [PMID: 33372270 DOI: 10.1111/and.13942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Errors of folate/homocysteine pathways which are critical for transferring methyl groups have been suggested to affect male fertility. We aimed to evaluate the methylation patterns of the promoter of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in infertile males and to investigate the association between MTHFR promoter methylation and success of sperm retrieval. Thirty-five nonobstructive azoospermic and 46 severe oligozoospermic patients constituted the study group and were compared with 49 fertile and/or normozoospermic men. The methylation status was analysed by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. MTHFR promoter methylation was detected in infertile men with NOA and SO in the ratio of 48.6% and 58.7%, respectively. Methylation was also observed in 51% of controls. MTHFR promoter was methylated in 65% of men with viable spermatozoon during TESE. No association was found regarding to the profile of MTHFR promoter methylation between both NOA and SO patients and controls (p = .621). There was no relation between the methylation status of MTHFR promoter and low motility and poor morphology (p = .682 and p = .413, respectively). No association was found between MTHFR promoter methylation and presence of viable spermatozoa (p = .382). Our data indicate that the promoter methylation of MTHFR gene may not be associated with male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuba Kulac
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Neslihan Hekim
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Fatih Kocamanoglu
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Cengiz Beyaz
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Sezgin Gunes
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.,Department of Multidisciplinary Molecular Medicine, Health Sciences Institute, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Asci
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.,Department of Multidisciplinary Molecular Medicine, Health Sciences Institute, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
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Hu M, Li L, Liu S, Lou Y, Wang L, Le F, Li H, Wang Q, Lou H, Wang N, Jin F. Decreased expression of MRE11 and RAD50 in testes from humans with spermatogenic failure. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:331-340. [PMID: 31983050 PMCID: PMC7056783 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01686-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess testicular mRNA and protein expression levels of MRE11 and RAD50 in human azoospermia patients. METHODS Patients diagnosed with maturation arrest at the spermatocyte stage (MA) and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) were recruited through diagnostic testicular biopsy. Patients with normal spermatogenesis were studied as controls. In addition, knockdown of MRE11 and RAD50 was performed in GC-2spd(ts) cells to investigate their roles in cellular proliferation and apoptosis. RESULTS mRNA and protein expression levels of MRE11 and RAD50 were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Knockdown of both MRE11 and RAD50 utilized transfection with small interfering RNAs. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated altered expression levels of MRE11 and RAD50 in human testes with MA and SCOS, and showed that these alterations might be associated with impaired spermatogenesis. These results offer valuable new perspectives into the molecular mechanisms of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhao Hu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lejun Li
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuyuan Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Weifang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Weifang, 261000, China
| | - Yiyun Lou
- Department of Gynecology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Liya Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fang Le
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongping Li
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qijing Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hangying Lou
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fan Jin
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China.
- Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
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Cerván-Martín M, Castilla JA, Palomino-Morales RJ, Carmona FD. Genetic Landscape of Nonobstructive Azoospermia and New Perspectives for the Clinic. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020300. [PMID: 31973052 PMCID: PMC7074441 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents the most severe expression of male infertility, involving around 1% of the male population and 10% of infertile men. This condition is characterised by the inability of the testis to produce sperm cells, and it is considered to have an important genetic component. During the last two decades, different genetic anomalies, including microdeletions of the Y chromosome, karyotype defects, and missense mutations in genes involved in the reproductive function, have been described as the primary cause of NOA in many infertile men. However, these alterations only explain around 25% of azoospermic cases, with the remaining patients showing an idiopathic origin. Recent studies clearly suggest that the so-called idiopathic NOA has a complex aetiology with a polygenic inheritance, which may alter the spermatogenic process. Although we are far from a complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying NOA, the use of the new technologies for genetic analysis has enabled a considerable increase in knowledge during the last years. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the genetic basis of NOA, with a special focus on the possible application of the recent insights in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Cerván-Martín
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Av. del Conocimiento, s/n, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
| | - José A. Castilla
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
- Unidad de Reproducción, UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología, HU Virgen de las Nieves, Av. de las Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
- CEIFER Biobanco—NextClinics, Calle Maestro Bretón 1, 18004 Granada, Spain
| | - Rogelio J. Palomino-Morales
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I, Universidad de Granada, Facultad de Ciencias, Av. de Fuente Nueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - F. David Carmona
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Av. del Conocimiento, s/n, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-958-241-000 (ext 20170)
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Agarwal A, Panner Selvam MK, Baskaran S, Cho CL. Sperm DNA damage and its impact on male reproductive health: a critical review for clinicians, reproductive professionals and researchers. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2019; 19:443-457. [DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2019.1614916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Saradha Baskaran
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Chak-Lam Cho
- Department of Surgery, Union Hospital, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
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Ghieh F, Mitchell V, Mandon-Pepin B, Vialard F. Genetic defects in human azoospermia. Basic Clin Androl 2019; 29:4. [PMID: 31024732 PMCID: PMC6477738 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-019-0086-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As with many other diseases, genetic testing in human azoospermia was initially restricted to karyotype analyses (leading to diagnostic chromosome rearrangement tests for Klinefelter and other syndromes). With the advent of molecular biology in the 1980s, genetic screening was broadened to analyses of Y chromosome microdeletions and the gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Decades later, the emergence of whole-genome techniques has led to the identification of other genetic defects associated with human azoospermia. Although TEX11 and ADGRG2 defects are frequently described in men with azoospermia, most of the causal gene defects found to date are private (i.e. identified in a small number of consanguineous families). Here, we provide an up-to-date overview of all the types of genetic defects known to be linked to human azoospermia and try to give clinical practice guidelines according to azoospermia phenotype. Along with homozygous mutations, polymorphisms and epigenetic defects are also briefly discussed. However, as these variations predispose to azoospermia, a specific review will be needed to compile data on all the particular genetic variations reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Ghieh
- 1EA7404-GIG, UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, UVSQ, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Valérie Mitchell
- 2CHU Lille, Reproductive Biology Institute-Spermiologie-CECOS, Jeanne de Flandre Hospital, Lille, France.,3EA4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", University of Lille, Lille, France
| | | | - François Vialard
- 1EA7404-GIG, UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, UVSQ, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.,Genetics Division, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, Poissy, France
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9
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Cheng YS, Wee SK, Lin TY, Lin YM. MAEL promoter hypermethylation is associated with de-repression of LINE-1 in human hypospermatogenesis. Hum Reprod 2018; 32:2373-2381. [PMID: 29095993 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does the hypermethylation of the maelstrom spermatogenic transposon silencer (MAEL) promoter and subsequent de-repression of transposable elements represent one of the causes of spermatogenic failure in infertile men? SUMMARY ANSWER Experimental hypermethylation of a specific region (-131 to +177) of the MAEL promoter leads to decreased expression of MAEL with increased expression of the transposable element LINE-1 (L1) and in infertile men methylation of the MAEL promoter is associated with the severity of spermatogenic failure. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY MAEL induces transposon repression in the male germline and is required for mammalian meiotic progression and post-meiotic spermiogenesis. Patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), defined as no sperm in the ejaculate due to spermatogenic failure, and histopathologically proven hypospermatogenesis (HS) is not uncommon and its etiology is largely unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Luciferase reporter assay and a targeted DNA methylation model were used to explore the effects of hypermethylation of MAEL promoter on gene expression. Germ cell-enriched testicular cells from infertile patients were used to determine the methylation levels of MAEL and expressions of MAEL and L1. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Twenty-six patients with histopathologically proven NOA and HS and 12 patients with obstructive azoospermia and normal spermatogenesis (NS) were enrolled in this study. Demographic and clinical information were obtained. The severity of HS was determined by a spermatogenic scoring system. The methylation levels of 26 CpGs in the MAEL promoter was measured, and quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to determine the expressional levels of MAEL and L1. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Targeted DNA methylation of MAEL promoter suppressed MAEL expression and de-repressed L1 activity in vitro. Patients with HS had significantly higher mean methylation levels of 26 consecutive CpGs in the MAEL promoter, compared to patients with NS. The MAEL methylation levels were negatively correlated with MAEL transcript levels and higher methylation level of MAEL was associated with severe spermatogenic defect. L1 transcript level was significantly higher in patients with HS. No differences in age, frequency of testicular insults and genetic anomalies was noted between patients with high or low MAEL methylation levels. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Because of the difficulty in the use of human germ cells for study, the in vitro targeted DNA methylation model was performed by using human NCI-H358 cells to explore the effects of MAEL methylation on transposable elements activity. Because the germ cell-enriched testicular cells isolated from a testicular sample were relatively few, the purity of cell populations was not determined. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Measurement of the methylation level of MAEL gene may be feasible to predict the severity of spermatogenic failure or the outcome of testicular sperm retrieval. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported through grants from the Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan (100-2314-B-006-017) and National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan (NCKUH 20120266). The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Sheng Cheng
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shi-Kae Wee
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Yen Lin
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Ming Lin
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Novel biomarker ZCCHC13 revealed by integrating DNA methylation and mRNA expression data in non-obstructive azoospermia. Cell Death Discov 2018. [PMID: 29531833 PMCID: PMC5841273 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-018-0033-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify genes regulated by methylation that were involved in spermatogenesis failure in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Testis biopsies of patients with NOA and OA (with normal spermatogenesis) were evaluated by microarray analysis to examine DNA methylation and mRNA expression using our established integrative approach. Of the coordinately hypermethylated and down-regulated gene list, zinc-finger CCHC-type containing 13 (ZCCHC13) was present within the nuclei of germ cells of testicular tissues according immunohistochemistry, and there was decreased protein expression in men with NOA compared with OA controls. Mechanistic analyses indicated that ZCCHC13 increased c-MYC expression through the p-AKT and p-ERK pathways. To confirm the changes in ZCCHC13 expression in response to methylation, 5-aza-2′-deoxycitidine (5-Aza), a hypomethylating agent, was administered to mouse spermatogonia GC-1 cells. We demonstrated that 5-Aza enhanced protein and mRNA expression of ZCCHC13 epigenetically, which was accompanied by activation of p-AKT and p-ERK signaling. Our data, for the first time, demonstrate that ZCCHC13 is an important signaling molecule that positively regulates the AKT/MAPK/c-MYC pathway and that methylation aberrations of ZCCHC13 may cause defects in testis development in human disease, such as NOA.
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11
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Laqqan M, Hammadeh ME. Aberrations in sperm DNA methylation patterns of males suffering from reduced fecundity. Andrologia 2017; 50. [PMID: 29072328 DOI: 10.1111/and.12913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the aberrations in sperm DNA methylation patterns of males suffering from reduced fecundity. A total of 108 males (65 males suffering from reduced fecundity as cases and 43 proven fertile males as a control) were included in the study. Thirty samples were subjected to 450K arrays as a screening phase, and then, three CpG sites located in the following genes: TYRO3, CGβ and FAM189A1 were selected to validate on 78 samples using deep bisulphite sequencing. A significant difference in the methylation level was found between cases and controls at all CpGs in TYRO3 gene-related amplicon (CpG1, p ≤ .003, CpG2, p ≤ .0001, CpG3, p ≤ .003 and CpG4, p ≤ .030) and CpG1 in CGβ gene-related amplicon (p ≤ .0001). Besides, a significant difference was found at two CpGs (CpG1, p ≤ .004 and CpG2, p ≤ .002) tested in the FAM189A1 gene-related amplicon. A significant correlation was found between the methylation level at CpG1 in the FAM189A1 gene and the different types of sperm motility. In conclusion, an alteration in the methylation levels of sperm DNA from males with reduced fecundity was showed. In addition, a relationship between variations in the methylation level of these CpGs and sperm motility has been observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Laqqan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Assisted Reproduction Laboratory, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - M E Hammadeh
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Assisted Reproduction Laboratory, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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12
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Laqqan M, Solomayer EF, Hammadeh M. Aberrations in sperm DNA methylation patterns are associated with abnormalities in semen parameters of subfertile males. Reprod Biol 2017; 17:246-251. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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13
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Cheng YS, Lu CW, Lin TY, Lin PY, Lin YM. Causes and Clinical Features of Infertile Men With Nonobstructive Azoospermia and Histopathologic Diagnosis of Hypospermatogenesis. Urology 2017; 105:62-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2017.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Laqqan M, Tierling S, Alkhaled Y, Lo Porto C, Solomayer EF, Hammadeh M. Spermatozoa from males with reduced fecundity exhibit differential DNA methylation patterns. Andrology 2017; 5:971-978. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Laqqan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Assisted Reproduction Laboratory; Saarland University; Homburg/Saar Germany
| | - S. Tierling
- Life Science; Department of Genetics & Epigenetics; Saarland University; Saarbrücken Germany
| | - Y. Alkhaled
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Assisted Reproduction Laboratory; Saarland University; Homburg/Saar Germany
| | - C. Lo Porto
- Life Science; Department of Genetics & Epigenetics; Saarland University; Saarbrücken Germany
| | - E. F. Solomayer
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Assisted Reproduction Laboratory; Saarland University; Homburg/Saar Germany
| | - M. Hammadeh
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Assisted Reproduction Laboratory; Saarland University; Homburg/Saar Germany
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15
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Li Z, Zhuang X, Zeng J, Tzeng CM. Integrated Analysis of DNA Methylation and mRNA Expression Profiles to Identify Key Genes in Severe Oligozoospermia. Front Physiol 2017; 8:261. [PMID: 28553232 PMCID: PMC5427114 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe oligozoospermia (SO) is a complex disorder, whose etiology is the combined effect of genetic factors and epigenetic conditions. In this study, we examined DNA methylation and mRNA expression status in a set of testicular tissues of SO patients (n = 3), and compared methylated data with those derived from obstructive azoospermia (OA) patients (n = 3) with normal spermatogenesis phenotype. We identified 1,960 differentially methylated CpG sites showing significant alterations in SO vs. OA using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 bead array. By integrating above DNA methylation data and mRNA expression results, we totally identified 72 methylated CpG sites located in 65 genes with anti-correlation between DNA methylation and mRNA expression. Integrated pathways analysis indicates that these genes are involved in response to hormone stimulus, activation of protein kinase activity, and apoptotic process, among others. We also observed some genes with inversely correlated difference is novel in male infertility field, including PTPRN2, EPHX1, SERPINB9, SLIT3, etc. Our results lay a groundwork for further biological study of SO. Moreover, we generated a workflow for integrated analysis of DNA methylation and mRNA expression, which is expandable to other study types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Li
- Translational Medicine Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen UniversityXiamen China.,Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of MedicineWinston-Salem, NC, USA.,Key Laboratory for Cancer T-Cell Theranostics and Clinical TranslationXiamen, China
| | - Xuan Zhuang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamen, China
| | - Jinxiong Zeng
- ChinaCredit Andrology Medical Co., Ltd.Shenzhen, China
| | - Chi-Meng Tzeng
- Translational Medicine Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen UniversityXiamen China.,Key Laboratory for Cancer T-Cell Theranostics and Clinical TranslationXiamen, China.,INNOVA Cell Theranostics/Clinics and TRANSLA Health GroupYangzhou, China
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16
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Youngson NA, Lecomte V, Maloney CA, Leung P, Liu J, Hesson LB, Luciani F, Krause L, Morris MJ. Obesity-induced sperm DNA methylation changes at satellite repeats are reprogrammed in rat offspring. Asian J Androl 2016; 18:930-936. [PMID: 26608942 PMCID: PMC5109891 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.163190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
There is now strong evidence that the paternal contribution to offspring phenotype at fertilisation is more than just DNA. However, the identity and mechanisms of this nongenetic inheritance are poorly understood. One of the more important questions in this research area is: do changes in sperm DNA methylation have phenotypic consequences for offspring? We have previously reported that offspring of obese male rats have altered glucose metabolism compared with controls and that this effect was inherited through nongenetic means. Here, we describe investigations into sperm DNA methylation in a new cohort using the same protocol. Male rats on a high-fat diet were 30% heavier than control-fed males at the time of mating (16-19 weeks old, n = 14/14). A small (0.25%) increase in total 5-methyl-2Ͳ-deoxycytidine was detected in obese rat spermatozoa by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Examination of the repetitive fraction of the genome with methyl-CpG binding domain protein-enriched genome sequencing (MBD-Seq) and pyrosequencing revealed that retrotransposon DNA methylation states in spermatozoa were not affected by obesity, but methylation at satellite repeats throughout the genome was increased. However, examination of muscle, liver, and spermatozoa from male 27-week-old offspring from obese and control fathers (both groups from n = 8 fathers) revealed that normal DNA methylation levels were restored during offspring development. Furthermore, no changes were found in three genomic imprints in obese rat spermatozoa. Our findings have implications for transgenerational epigenetic reprogramming. They suggest that postfertilization mechanisms exist for normalising some environmentally-induced DNA methylation changes in sperm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil A Youngson
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Virginie Lecomte
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Christopher A Maloney
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Preston Leung
- Inflammation and Infection Research, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jia Liu
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Luke B Hesson
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Fabio Luciani
- Inflammation and Infection Research, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Lutz Krause
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, 37 Kent Street Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Margaret J Morris
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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17
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Wu C, Ding X, Tan H, Li H, Xiong C. Alterations of testis-specific promoter methylation in cell-free seminal deoxyribonucleic acid of idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermic men with different testicular phenotypes. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:1331-1337. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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18
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Uysal F, Akkoyunlu G, Ozturk S. DNA methyltransferases exhibit dynamic expression during spermatogenesis. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 33:690-702. [PMID: 27687053 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is one of the epigenetic marks and plays critically important functions during spermatogenesis in mammals. DNA methylation is catalysed by DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) enzymes, which are responsible for the addition of a methyl group to the fifth carbon atom of the cytosine residues within cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) and non-CpG dinucleotide sites. Structurally and functionally five different DNMT enzymes have been identified in mammals, including DNMT1, DNMT2, DNMT3A, DNMT3B and DNMT3L. These enzymes mainly play roles in two DNA methylation processes: maintenance and de novo. While DNMT1 is primarily responsible for maintenance methylation via transferring methyl groups to the hemi-methylated DNA strands following DNA replication, both DNMT3A and DNMT3B are capable of methylating unmodified cytosine residues, known as de novo methylation. However, DNMT3L indirectly participates in de novo methylation, and DNMT2 carries out methylation of the cytosine 38 in the anticodon loop of aspartic acid transfer RNA. To date, many studies have been performed to determine spatial and temporal expression levels and functional features of the DNMT in the male germ cells. This review article comprehensively discusses dynamic expression of the DNMT during spermatogenesis and their relationship with male infertility development in the light of existing investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Uysal
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University, School of Medicine, Campus 07070, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gokhan Akkoyunlu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University, School of Medicine, Campus 07070, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University, School of Medicine, Campus 07070, Antalya, Turkey.
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Slade E, Kraft P. Leveraging Methylome-Environment Interaction to Detect Genetic Determinants of Disease. Hum Hered 2016; 81:26-34. [PMID: 27490128 PMCID: PMC5621601 DOI: 10.1159/000447357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The association between DNA methylation and a trait of interest may depend on an environmental exposure, and incorrectly accounting for this dependence can lead to a reduction in power of the standard tests used in epigenome-wide association studies. We present the M-ME test to jointly test for the main effect of DNA methylation and methylation-environment interaction. METHODS Through simulation, we compare the power and type 1 error of the M-ME test to a standard marginal test (M test) and a standard interaction test (ME test) under 1,800 different underlying models. These models allow for methylation-environment correlation and measurement error in the exposure. RESULTS In many true underlying models, either the M test or the ME test has very low power, but the M-ME test has optimal or nearly optimal power to detect a DNA methylation effect in all models considered, including those with methylation- environment dependence and measurement error in the exposure. Type 1 error inflation occurs in the tests when the exposure is measured with error and correlated with DNA methylation. CONCLUSION The M-ME test is an attractive choice for studies aiming to detect any DNA methylation association when little is known about the epigenetic associations a priori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Slade
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Mass., USA
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20
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Ren H, Ferguson K, Kirkpatrick G, Vinning T, Chow V, Ma S. Altered Crossover Distribution and Frequency in Spermatocytes of Infertile Men with Azoospermia. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156817. [PMID: 27273078 PMCID: PMC4894629 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair to facilitate the exchange of DNA at crossover sites along the chromosomes. The frequency and distribution of crossover formation are tightly regulated to ensure the proper progression of meiosis. Using immunofluorescence techniques, our group and others have studied the meiotic proteins in spermatocytes of infertile men, showing that this population displays a reduced frequency of crossovers compared to fertile men. An insufficient number of crossovers is thought to promote chromosome missegregation, in which case the faulty cell may face meiotic arrest or contribute to the production of aneuploid sperm. Increasing evidence in model organisms has suggested that the distribution of crossovers may also be important for proper chromosome segregation. In normal males, crossovers are shown to be rare near centromeres and telomeres, while frequent in subtelomeric regions. Our study aims to characterize the crossover distribution in infertile men with non-obstructive (NOA) and obstructive azoospermia (OA) along chromosomes 13, 18 and 21. Eight of the 16 NOA men and five of the 21 OA men in our study displayed reduced crossover frequency compared to control fertile men. Seven NOA men and nine OA men showed altered crossover distributions on at least one of the chromosome arms studied compared to controls. We found that although both NOA and OA men displayed altered crossover distributions, NOA men may be at a higher risk of suffering both altered crossover frequencies and distributions compared to OA men. Our data also suggests that infertile men display an increase in crossover formation in regions where they are normally inhibited, specifically near centromeres and telomeres. Finally, we demonstrated a decrease in crossovers near subtelomeres, as well as increased average crossover distance to telomeres in infertile men. As telomere-guided mechanisms are speculated to play a role in crossover formation in subtelomeres, future studies linking crossover distribution with telomere integrity and sperm aneuploidy may provide new insight into the mechanisms underlying male infertility.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aneuploidy
- Azoospermia/epidemiology
- Azoospermia/genetics
- Case-Control Studies
- Chromosome Segregation
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 13
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21
- Crossing Over, Genetic
- Humans
- Incidence
- Infertility, Male/epidemiology
- Infertility, Male/genetics
- Male
- Meiosis/genetics
- Middle Aged
- Recombination, Genetic
- Semen Analysis/statistics & numerical data
- Spermatocytes/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- He Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
| | - Kyle Ferguson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
| | - Gordon Kirkpatrick
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
| | - Tanya Vinning
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
| | - Victor Chow
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
| | - Sai Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
- * E-mail:
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21
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Mulder CL, Zheng Y, Jan SZ, Struijk RB, Repping S, Hamer G, van Pelt AMM. Spermatogonial stem cell autotransplantation and germline genomic editing: a future cure for spermatogenic failure and prevention of transmission of genomic diseases. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:561-73. [PMID: 27240817 PMCID: PMC5001497 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subfertility affects approximately 15% of all couples, and a severe male factor is identified in 17% of these couples. While the etiology of a severe male factor remains largely unknown, prior gonadotoxic treatment and genomic aberrations have been associated with this type of subfertility. Couples with a severe male factor can resort to ICSI, with either ejaculated spermatozoa (in case of oligozoospermia) or surgically retrieved testicular spermatozoa (in case of azoospermia) to generate their own biological children. Currently there is no direct treatment for azoospermia or oligozoospermia. Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) autotransplantation (SSCT) is a promising novel clinical application currently under development to restore fertility in sterile childhood cancer survivors. Meanwhile, recent advances in genomic editing, especially the clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) system, are likely to enable genomic rectification of human SSCs in the near future. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objective of this review is to provide insights into the prospects of the potential clinical application of SSCT with or without genomic editing to cure spermatogenic failure and to prevent transmission of genetic diseases. SEARCH METHODS We performed a narrative review using the literature available on PubMed not restricted to any publishing year on topics of subfertility, fertility treatments, (molecular regulation of) spermatogenesis and SSCT, inherited (genetic) disorders, prenatal screening methods, genomic editing and germline editing. For germline editing, we focussed on the novel CRISPR-Cas9 system. We included papers written in English only. OUTCOMES Current techniques allow propagation of human SSCs in vitro, which is indispensable to successful transplantation. This technique is currently being developed in a preclinical setting for childhood cancer survivors who have stored a testis biopsy prior to cancer treatment. Similarly, SSCT could be used to restore fertility in sterile adult cancer survivors. In vitro propagation of SSCs might also be employed to enhance spermatogenesis in oligozoospermic men and in azoospermic men who still have functional SSCs albeit in insufficient numbers. The combination of SSCT with genomic editing techniques could potentially rectify defects in spermatogenesis caused by genomic mutations or, more broadly, prevent transmission of genomic diseases to the offspring. In spite of the promising prospects, SSCT and germline genomic editing are not yet clinically applicable and both techniques require optimization at various levels. WIDER IMPLICATIONS SSCT with or without genomic editing could potentially be used to restore fertility in cancer survivors to treat couples with a severe male factor and to prevent the paternal transmission of diseases. This will potentially allow these couples to have their own biological children. Technical development is progressing rapidly, and ethical reflection and societal debate on the use of SSCT with or without genomic editing is pressing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callista L Mulder
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yi Zheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sabrina Z Jan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert B Struijk
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Gunes S, Arslan MA, Hekim GNT, Asci R. The role of epigenetics in idiopathic male infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:553-569. [PMID: 26941097 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0682-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a complex disorder with multiple genetic and environmental causes. Although some specific mutations have been identified, other factors responsible for sperm defects remain largely unknown. Despite considerable efforts to identify the pathophysiology of the disease, we cannot explain the underlying mechanisms of approximately half of infertility cases. This study reviews current data on epigenetic regulation and idiopathic male infertility. Recent data have shown an association between epigenetic modifications and idiopathic infertility. In this regard, epigenetics has emerged as one of the promising research areas in understanding male infertility. Many studies have indicated that epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation in imprinted and developmental genes, histone tail modifications and short non-coding RNAs in spermatozoa may have a role in idiopathic male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sezgin Gunes
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55139, Samsun, Turkey.
- Health Sciences Institute, Department of Multidisciplinary Molecular Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55139, Samsun, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Alper Arslan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55139, Samsun, Turkey.
- Health Sciences Institute, Department of Multidisciplinary Molecular Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55139, Samsun, Turkey.
| | | | - Ramazan Asci
- Health Sciences Institute, Department of Multidisciplinary Molecular Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55139, Samsun, Turkey
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Urology, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55139, Samsun, Turkey
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Abstract
Men with severe oligospermia (<5 million sperm/mL ejaculate fluid) or azoospermia should receive genetic testing to clarify etiology of male infertility prior to treatment. Categorization by obstructive azoospermia (OA) or non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is critical since genetic testing differs for the former with normal testicular function, testicular volume (~20 mL), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (1-8 IU/mL) when compared to the latter with small, soft testes and increased FSH. History and physician examination along with laboratory testing (following appropriate genetic counseling) is critical to accurate selection of genetic testing appropriate for azoospermia due to primary testicular failure as compared with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). Genetic testing options include cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) testing for men with congenital absence of the vas, while karyotype, Y chromosome microdeletions (YCMD), and other specific genetic tests may be warranted depending on the clinical context of severe oligospermia or NOA. The results of genetic testing guide management options. The most recent techniques for genetic analysis, including sperm microRNA (miRNA) and epigenetics, are forming the foundation for future genetic diagnosis and therapeutic targets in male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Wosnitzer
- Male Reproductive Medicine and Microsurgery, Instructor and Fellow. Department of Urology and Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, 525 East 68 Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
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24
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Du Y, Li M, Chen J, Duan Y, Wang X, Qiu Y, Cai Z, Gui Y, Jiang H. Promoter targeted bisulfite sequencing reveals DNA methylation profiles associated with low sperm motility in asthenozoospermia. Hum Reprod 2015; 31:24-33. [PMID: 26628640 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there an association between sperm DNA methylation profiles and asthenozoospermia? SUMMARY ANSWER DNA methylation, at specific CpGs but not at the global level, was significantly different between low motile sperm cells of asthenozoospermic individuals and high motile sperm cells of normozoospermic controls. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Aberrant DNA methylation, both globally and restricted to a specific gene locus, has been associated with male infertility and abnormal semen parameters. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a case-control study investigating the differences in DNA methylation at CpGs in promoter regions between high and low motile sperm cells from eight normozoospermic controls and seven asthenozoospermic patients. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The liquid hybridization capture-based bisulfite sequencing method was used to determine DNA methylation at CpGs in promoter regions. The global inter-individual and intra-individual methylation variability were estimated by evaluating the methylation variance between and within different motile sperm fractions from the same or different individuals. Asthenozoospermia-associated differentially methylated or variable CpGs and differentially methylated regions were identified by comparing the DNA methylation of high motile sperm cells from normozoospermic controls with that of low motile sperm cells from asthenozoospermic patients. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In this study, we determined the global DNA methylation level (24.7%), inter-individual variance (14.4%) and intra-individual differences between high and low motile sperm fractions (3.9%). We demonstrated that there were no statistically significant differences in either the global DNA methylation level or global methylation variability between sperm from men with normozoospermia or asthenozoospermia. Between high motile sperm from men with normozoospermia and low motile sperm from men with asthenozoospermia, we identified 134 differentially methylated CpGs, 41 differentially methylated regions and 134 differentially variable CpGs. The genomic distribution patterns of the differential methylation spectrum suggested that gene expression may be affected in low motile sperm cells of asthenozoospermic patients. Finally, through a functional analysis, we detected 16 differentially methylated or variable genes that are required for spermatogenesis and sperm motility or dominantly expressed in testis. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The sample size in this study was limited, although the participants in the two groups were carefully selected and well matched. Our results must be verified in larger cohorts with the use of different techniques. Furthermore, our results were descriptive, and follow-up studies will be needed to elucidate the effect of differential methylation profiles on asthenozoospermia. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study identified asthenozoospermia-associated DNA methylation profiles and proposed a list of genes, which were suggested to be involved in the regulation of sperm motility through an alteration of DNA methylation. These results will provide promising clues for understanding the effect of DNA methylation on sperm motility and asthenozoospermia. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was funded primarily by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Shenzhen Project of Science and Technology and the National Basic Research Program of China. The authors have no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Du
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, FuTian District, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Meiyan Li
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, FuTian District, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Yonggang Duan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, FuTian District, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | | | - Yong Qiu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Zhiming Cai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, FuTian District, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Yaoting Gui
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, FuTian District, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
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25
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Butler MG, Rafi SK, McGuire A, Manzardo AM. Currently recognized clinically relevant and known genes for human reproduction and related infertility with representation on high-resolution chromosome ideograms. Gene 2015; 575:149-59. [PMID: 26341055 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.08.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide an update of currently recognized clinically relevant candidate and known genes for human reproduction and related infertility plotted on high resolution chromosome ideograms (850 band level) and represented alphabetically in tabular form. METHOD Descriptive authoritative computer-based website and peer-reviewed medical literature searches used pertinent keywords representing human reproduction and related infertility along with genetics and gene mutations. A master list of genes associated with human reproduction and related infertility was generated with a visual representation of gene locations on high resolution chromosome ideograms. GeneAnalytics pathway analysis was carried out on the resulting list of genes to assess underlying genetic architecture for infertility. RESULTS Advances in genetic technology have led to the discovery of genes responsible for reproduction and related infertility. Genes identified (N=371) in our search primarily impact ovarian steroidogenesis through sex hormone biology, germ cell production, genito-urinary or gonadal development and function, and related peptide production, receptors and regulatory factors. CONCLUSIONS The location of gene symbols plotted on high resolution chromosome ideograms forms a conceptualized image of the distribution of human reproduction genes. The updated master list can be used to promote better awareness of genetics of reproduction and related infertility and advance discoveries on genetic causes and disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merlin G Butler
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, MS 4015, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, MS 4015, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
| | - Syed K Rafi
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, MS 4015, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, MS 4015, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Austen McGuire
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, MS 4015, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, MS 4015, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Ann M Manzardo
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, MS 4015, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, MS 4015, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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Butler MG, McGuire A, Manzardo AM. Clinically relevant known and candidate genes for obesity and their overlap with human infertility and reproduction. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:495-508. [PMID: 25631154 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0411-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Obesity is a growing public health concern now reaching epidemic status worldwide for children and adults due to multiple problems impacting on energy intake and expenditure with influences on human reproduction and infertility. A positive family history and genetic factors are known to play a role in obesity by influencing eating behavior, weight and level of physical activity and also contributing to human reproduction and infertility. Recent advances in genetic technology have led to discoveries of new susceptibility genes for obesity and causation of infertility. The goal of our study was to provide an update of clinically relevant candidate and known genes for obesity and infertility using high resolution chromosome ideograms with gene symbols and tabular form. METHODS We used computer-based internet websites including PubMed to search for combinations of key words such as obesity, body mass index, infertility, reproduction, azoospermia, endometriosis, diminished ovarian reserve, estrogen along with genetics, gene mutations or variants to identify evidence for development of a master list of recognized obesity genes in humans and those involved with infertility and reproduction. Gene symbols for known and candidate genes for obesity were plotted on high resolution chromosome ideograms at the 850 band level. Both infertility and obesity genes were listed separately in alphabetical order in tabular form and those highlighted when involved with both conditions. RESULTS By searching the medical literature and computer generated websites for key words, we found documented evidence for 370 genes playing a role in obesity and 153 genes for human reproduction or infertility. The obesity genes primarily affected common pathways in lipid metabolism, deposition or transport, eating behavior and food selection, physical activity or energy expenditure. Twenty-one of the obesity genes were also associated with human infertility and reproduction. Gene symbols were plotted on high resolution ideograms and their name, precise chromosome band location and description were summarized in tabular form. CONCLUSIONS Meaningful correlations in the obesity phenotype and associated human infertility and reproduction are represented with the location of genes on chromosome ideograms along with description of the gene and position in tabular form. These high resolution chromosome ideograms and tables will be useful in genetic awareness and counseling, diagnosis and treatment to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merlin G Butler
- Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, MS 4015, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA,
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Friemel C, Ammerpohl O, Gutwein J, Schmutzler AG, Caliebe A, Kautza M, von Otte S, Siebert R, Bens S. Array-based DNA methylation profiling in male infertility reveals allele-specific DNA methylation in PIWIL1 and PIWIL2. Fertil Steril 2014; 101:1097-1103.e1. [PMID: 24524831 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.12.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify CpG sites differentially methylated in peripheral blood of men with idiopathic infertility due to impaired spermatogenesis as compared with fertile controls. DESIGN DNA methylation profiling on peripheral blood samples using the HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (Illumina) in patients and controls, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing by Sanger sequencing. SETTING University institute in cooperation with genetic and infertility clinics. PATIENT(S) 30 infertile men with normal CFTR and AZF tests and karyotype, and 10 fertile male controls. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) DNA methylation levels at CpG sites. RESULT(S) We identified 471 CpGs (287 genes) as differentially methylated between patients and controls. These were significantly enriched for the gene ontology functions MHC class II receptor activity and piwi-interacting (piRNA) binding. The latter was associated with two methylation-sensitive SNPs in the genes PIWIL1 and PIWIL2, respectively, which showed significant allele distribution skewing in the infertile cohort. We found that 445 (94.5%) of 471 differentially methylated CpGs were associated with SNPs, but 26 (15 genes) were not genomically templated, including the ENO1, MTA2, BRSK2, and LBX2 genes previously associated with fertility and spermatogenesis. CONCLUSION(S) Our study identifies surrogate DNA methylation markers for idiopathic infertility in peripheral blood and suggests that allele-specific DNA methylation differences at regulatory sites of genes involved in piRNA regulation are associated with disturbed spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Friemel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ole Ammerpohl
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jana Gutwein
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Andreas G Schmutzler
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Almuth Caliebe
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Monika Kautza
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sören von Otte
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Reiner Siebert
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Susanne Bens
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
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