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Liu L, Li J, Zhao C, Qu X, Liu X, Wang D, Wei J. The cellular expression patterns of gdnfa and gdnfb in the gonads of Nile tilapia and their differential response to retinoic acid. Theriogenology 2024; 224:1-8. [PMID: 38714023 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.001] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
In mammals, glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) plays a critical role in the self-renewal and maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in testis and oogenesis in ovary, whilst retinoic acid (RA), the key factor of meiosis initiation, can downregulate its expression. Unlike mammals, two Gdnf replication genes are widely present in teleost fishes, however, our understanding of them is still poor. In the present study, two paralogous gdnf from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), namely as Ongdnfa and Ongdnfb, were characterized, and then their cellular expression profiles in testis and ovary and responsiveness to RA treatment at the tissue and cellular levels were investigated. In phylogenetic tree, the Gdnfa and Gdnfb from teleost fishes were clustered into two different subclasses, respectively, and then clustered with the homologs from cartilaginous fish and tetrapods, suggesting that OnGdnfa and OnGdnfb are orthologous to GDNF and paralogous to each other. Ongdnfa is expressed in Sertoli cells and Leydig cells in testis and oocytes in ovary. The expression pattern of Ongdnfb is similar to Ongdnfa. In the ex vivo testicular organ culture, RA down-regulated the expression of Ongdnfa, whereas up-regulated the expression of Ongdnfb (P < 0.05), suggesting that they have differential responsiveness to RA signaling. RA treatment of the cultured cells derived from adult Nile tilapia testis which have the expression of RA receptors (RAR), Ongdnfa and Ongdnfb further confirmed the above result. Collectively, our study suggests that Ongdnfa and Ongdnfb have non-germline expression patterns in testis and germline expression patterns in ovary; furthermore, they have differential responsiveness to RA signaling, implying that they might have differential biological functions. This study broadens and enriches our understanding of fish GDNF homologs and lays foundation for the study of their biological functions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jianeng Li
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Changle Zhao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ximei Qu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chengdu Kangnuoxing Biopharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Chengdu, 610219, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Jing Wei
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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Rahbar M, Asadpour R, Mazaheri Z. The effect of epididymosomes on the development of frozen-thawed mouse spermatogonial stem cells after culture in a decellularized testicular scaffold and transplantation into azoospermic mice. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024:10.1007/s10815-024-03157-y. [PMID: 38839698 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03157-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined SSC proliferation on an epididymosome-enriched decellularized testicular matrix (DTM) hydrogel and spermatogenesis induction in azoospermic mice. METHODS Epididymosomes were extracted and characterized using SEM and western blotting. After cryopreservation, thawed SSCs were cultured in a hydrogel-based three-dimensional (3D) culture containing 10 ng/mL GDNF or 20 µg/mL epididymosomes. SSCs were assessed using the MTT assay, flow cytometry, and qRT-PCR after two weeks of culture. The isolated SSCs were microinjected into the efferent ducts of busulfan-treated mice. DiI-labeled SSCs were followed, and cell homing was assessed after two weeks. After 8 weeks, the testes were evaluated using morphometric studies and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The expression of PLZF, TGF-β, and miR-10b did not increase statistically significantly in the 3D + GDNF and 3D + epididymosome groups compared to the 3D group. Among the groups, the GDNF-treated group exhibited the highest expression of miR-21 (*P < 0.05). Caspase-3 expression was lower in the epididymosome-treated group than in the other groups (***P < 0.001). Compared to the 3D and negative control groups, the 3D + epididymosomes and 3D + GDNF groups showed an increase in spermatogenic cells. Immunohistochemical results confirmed the growth and differentiation of spermatogonial cells into spermatids in the treatment groups. CONCLUSION The DTM hydrogel containing 20 µg/mL epididymosomes or 10 ng/mL GDNF is a novel and safe culture system that can support SSC proliferation in vitro to obtain adequate SSCs for transplantation success. It could be a novel therapeutic agent that could recover deregulated SSCs in azoospermic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rahbar
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Reza Asadpour
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Zohreh Mazaheri
- Basic Medical Science Research Center, Histogenotech Company, Tehran, Iran
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Ren QX, Zhuang QS, Shen GL. Expression and significance of pin1 in the wound healing. Arch Dermatol Res 2024; 316:235. [PMID: 38795154 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-03030-z] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to delineate the expression patterns of prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting protein 1 (Pin1), Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and Angiotensin II (ANG II) during the process of wound repair, and to ascertain the effects of Pin1, GDNF, and ANG II on the healing of wounds in a rat model. A total of 18 rats were allocated into three groups-sham (control), DMSO (vehicle control), and Pin1 inhibitor (treatment with juglone)-with six animals in each group. An animal model of wound healing was established, followed by the intraperitoneal administration of juglone. Tissue samples from the wounds were subsequently collected for histopathological evaluation. Expression levels of Pin1, GDNF, and Ang II were quantified. In addition, an in vitro model of wound healing was created using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), to assess cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation under conditions of juglone pre-treatment. The expression levels of Pin1, GDNF, and ANG II were notably elevated on 7-, and 10- days post-wound compared to those measured on 3-day. Contrastingly, pre-treatment with juglone significantly inhibited the expression of these molecules. Histological analyses, including HE (Hematoxylin and Eosin), Masson's trichrome, and EVG (Elastic van Gieson) staining, demonstrated that vascular angiogenesis, as well as collagen and elastin deposition, were substantially reduced in the juglone pre-treated group when compared to the normal group. Further, immunohistochemical analysis revealed a considerable decrease in CD31 expression in the juglone pre-treatment group relative to the normal control group. Pin1 serves as a pivotal facilitator of wound repair. The findings indicate that the modulation of Pin1, GDNF, and ANG II expression impacts the wound healing process in rats, suggesting potential targets for therapeutic intervention in human wound repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Xian Ren
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Qian-Shu Zhuang
- Department of Endocrinology, Tengzhou Central People's Hospital, 181 Xingyun Road, Tengzhou, China
| | - Guo-Liang Shen
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, 215006, China.
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Yang L, Liao J, Huang H, Lee TL, Qi H. Stage-specific regulation of undifferentiated spermatogonia by AKT1S1-mediated AKT-mTORC1 signaling during mouse spermatogenesis. Dev Biol 2024; 509:11-27. [PMID: 38311163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.02.002] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Undifferentiated spermatogonia are composed of a heterogeneous cell population including spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of various spermatogonial cohorts during their self-renewal and differentiation are largely unclear. Here we show that AKT1S1, an AKT substrate and inhibitor of mTORC1, regulates the homeostasis of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Although deletion of Akt1s1 in mouse appears not grossly affecting steady-state spermatogenesis and male mice are fertile, the subset of differentiation-primed OCT4+ spermatogonia decreased significantly, whereas self-renewing GFRα1+ and proliferating PLZF+ spermatogonia were sustained. Both neonatal prospermatogonia and the first wave spermatogenesis were greatly reduced in Akt1s1-/- mice. Further analyses suggest that OCT4+ spermatogonia in Akt1s1-/- mice possess altered PI3K/AKT-mTORC1 signaling, gene expression and carbohydrate metabolism, leading to their functionally compromised developmental potential. Collectively, these results revealed an important role of AKT1S1 in mediating the stage-specific signals that regulate the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonia during mouse spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Yang
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Jinyue Liao
- GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hongying Huang
- The Experimental Animal Center, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Tin Lap Lee
- GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Huayu Qi
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
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5
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Han C. Gene expression programs in mammalian spermatogenesis. Development 2024; 151:dev202033. [PMID: 38691389 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202033] [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] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis, probably the most complex of all cellular developmental processes, is an ideal model both for studying the specific mechanism of gametogenesis and for understanding the basic rules governing all developmental processes, as it entails both cell type-specific and housekeeping molecular processes. Spermatogenesis can be viewed as a mission with many tasks to accomplish, and its success is genetically programmed and ensured by the collaboration of a large number of genes. Here, I present an overview of mammalian spermatogenesis and the mechanisms underlying each step in the process, covering the cellular and molecular activities that occur at each developmental stage and emphasizing their gene regulation in light of recent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunsheng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, 100101 Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
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6
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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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Hu M, Yeh YH, Maezawa S, Nakagawa T, Yoshida S, Namekawa S. PRC1 directs PRC2-H3K27me3 deposition to shield adult spermatogonial stem cells from differentiation. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2306-2322. [PMID: 38142439 PMCID: PMC10954450 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1203] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells functionality reside in the slow-cycling and heterogeneous undifferentiated spermatogonia cell population. This pool of cells supports lifelong fertility in adult males by balancing self-renewal and differentiation to produce haploid gametes. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning long-term stemness of undifferentiated spermatogonia during adulthood remain unclear. Here, we discover that an epigenetic regulator, Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1), shields adult undifferentiated spermatogonia from differentiation, maintains slow cycling, and directs commitment to differentiation during steady-state spermatogenesis in adults. We show that PRC2-mediated H3K27me3 is an epigenetic hallmark of adult undifferentiated spermatogonia. Indeed, spermatogonial differentiation is accompanied by a global loss of H3K27me3. Disruption of PRC1 impairs global H3K27me3 deposition, leading to precocious spermatogonial differentiation. Therefore, PRC1 directs PRC2-H3K27me3 deposition to maintain the self-renewing state of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Importantly, in contrast to its role in other tissue stem cells, PRC1 negatively regulates the cell cycle to maintain slow cycling of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Our findings have implications for how epigenetic regulators can be tuned to regulate the stem cell potential, cell cycle and differentiation to ensure lifelong fertility in adult males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengwen Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Yu-Han Yeh
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - So Maezawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba 281-8510, Japan
| | - Toshinori Nakagawa
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Course for Basic Biology, The Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Course for Basic Biology, The Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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8
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Deng X, Liang S, Tang Y, Li Y, Xu R, Luo L, Wang Q, Zhang X, Liu Y. Adverse effects of bisphenol A and its analogues on male fertility: An epigenetic perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 345:123393. [PMID: 38266695 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the adverse effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on male fertility. Epigenetic modification is critical for male germline development, and has been suggested as a potential mechanism for impaired fertility induced by EDCs. Bisphenol A (BPA) has been recognized as a typical EDC. BPA and its analogues, which are still widely used in various consumer products, have garnered increasing attention due to their reproductive toxicity and the potential to induce epigenetic alteration. This literature review provides an overview of studies investigating the adverse effects of bisphenol exposures on epigenetic modifications and male fertility. Existing studies provide evidence that exposure to bisphenols can lead to adverse effects on male fertility, including declined semen quality, altered reproductive hormone levels, and adverse reproductive outcomes. Epigenetic patterns, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA expression, can be altered by bisphenol exposures. Transgenerational effects, which influence the fertility and epigenetic patterns of unexposed generations, have also been identified. However, the magnitude and direction of certain outcomes varied across different studies. Investigations into the dynamics of histopathological and epigenetic alterations associated with bisphenol exposures during developmental stages can enhance the understanding of the epigenetic effects of bisphenols, the implication of epigenetic alteration on male fertility, and the health of successive generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Deng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sihan Liang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuqian Tang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute, Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingxin Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruijun Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Luo
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiling Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute, Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinzong Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute, Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuewei Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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9
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Kumar L, Solanki S, Jain A, Botts M, Gupta R, Rajput S, Roti Roti E. MAPKs signaling is obligatory for male reproductive function in a development-specific manner. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 6:1330161. [PMID: 38406668 PMCID: PMC10885697 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1330161] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) represent widely expressed and evolutionarily conserved proteins crucial for governing signaling pathways and playing essential roles in mammalian male reproductive processes. These proteins facilitate the transmission of signals through phosphorylation cascades, regulating diverse intracellular functions encompassing germ cell development in testis, physiological maturation of spermatozoa within the epididymis, and motility regulation at ejaculation in the female reproductive tract. The conservation of these mechanisms appears prevalent across species, including humans, mice, and, to a limited extent, livestock species such as bovines. In Sertoli cells (SCs), MAPK signaling not only regulates the proliferation of immature SCs but also determines the appropriate number of SCs in the testes at puberty, thereby maintaining male fertility by ensuring the capacity for sperm cell production. In germ cells, MAPKs play a crucial role in dynamically regulating testicular cell-cell junctions, supporting germ cell proliferation and differentiation. Throughout spermatogenesis, MAPK signaling ensures the appropriate Sertoli-to-germ cell ratio by regulating apoptosis, controlling the metabolism of developing germ cells, and facilitating the maturation of spermatozoa within the cauda epididymis. During ejaculation in the female reproductive tract, MAPKs regulate two pivotal events-capacitation and the acrosome reaction essential for maintaining the fertility potential of sperm cells. Any disruptions in MAPK pathway signaling possibly may disturb the testicular microenvironment homeostasis, sperm physiology in the male body before ejaculation and in the female reproductive tract during fertilization, ultimately compromising male fertility. Despite decades of research, the physiological function of MAPK pathways in male reproductive health remains inadequately understood. The current review attempts to combine recent findings to elucidate the impact of MAPK signaling on male fertility and proposes future directions to enhance our understanding of male reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokesh Kumar
- Genus Breeding India Pvt Ltd., Pune, India
- GenusPlc, ABS Global, Windsor, WI, United States
| | - Subhash Solanki
- Genus Breeding India Pvt Ltd., Pune, India
- GenusPlc, ABS Global, Windsor, WI, United States
| | - Ashish Jain
- Department of Microbiology, Smt. CHM College, University of Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, India
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10
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Piechka A, Sparanese S, Witherspoon L, Hach F, Flannigan R. Molecular mechanisms of cellular dysfunction in testes from men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:67-90. [PMID: 38110528 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00837-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Male factor infertility affects 50% of infertile couples worldwide; the most severe form, non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), affects 10-15% of infertile males. Treatment for individuals with NOA is limited to microsurgical sperm extraction paired with in vitro fertilization intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Unfortunately, spermatozoa are only retrieved in ~50% of patients, resulting in live birth rates of 21-46%. Regenerative therapies could provide a solution; however, understanding the cell-type-specific mechanisms of cellular dysfunction is a fundamental necessity to develop precision medicine strategies that could overcome these abnormalities and promote regeneration of spermatogenesis. A number of mechanisms of cellular dysfunction have been elucidated in NOA testicular cells. These mechanisms include abnormalities in both somatic cells and germ cells in NOA testes, such as somatic cell immaturity, aberrant growth factor signalling, increased inflammation, increased apoptosis and abnormal extracellular matrix regulation. Future cell-type-specific investigations in identifying modulators of cellular transcription and translation will be key to understanding upstream dysregulation, and these studies will require development of in vitro models to functionally interrogate spermatogenic niche dysfunction in both somatic and germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arina Piechka
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sydney Sparanese
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Luke Witherspoon
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Faraz Hach
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ryan Flannigan
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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11
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van Maaren J, Alves LF, van Wely M, van Pelt AMM, Mulder CL. Favorable culture conditions for spermatogonial propagation in human and non-human primate primary testicular cell cultures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1330830. [PMID: 38259514 PMCID: PMC10800969 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1330830] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Autologous transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) isolated from cryopreserved testicular biopsies obtained before oncological treatment could restore fertility in male childhood cancer survivors. There is a clear necessity for in vitro propagation of the limited SSCs from the testicular biopsy prior to transplantation due to limited numbers of spermatogonia in a cryopreserved testicular biopsy. Still, there is no consensus regarding their optimal culture method. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting primary testicular cell cultures of human and non-human primate origin through use of Pubmed, EMBASE, and Web of Science core collection databases. Of 760 records, we included 42 articles for qualitative and quantitative analysis. To quantify in vitro spermatogonial propagation, spermatogonial colony doubling time (CDT) was calculated, which measures the increase in the number of spermatogonial colonies over time. A generalized linear mixed model analysis was used to assess the statistical effect of various culture conditions on CDT. Results: Our analysis indicates decreased CDTs, indicating faster spermatogonial propagation in cultures with a low culture temperature (32°C); with use of non-cellular matrices; use of StemPro-34 medium instead of DMEM; use of Knockout Serum Replacement; and when omitting additional growth factors in the culture medium. Discussion: The use of various methods and markers to detect the presence of spermatogonia within the reported cultures could result in detection bias, thereby potentially influencing comparability between studies. However, through use of CDT in the quantitative analysis this bias was reduced. Our results provide insight into critical culture conditions to further optimize human spermatogonial propagation in vitro, and effectively propagate and utilize these cells in a future fertility restoration therapy and restore hope of biological fatherhood for childhood cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillis van Maaren
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Luis F. Alves
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Madelon van Wely
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ans M. M. van Pelt
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Callista L. Mulder
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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12
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Zhang P, Jing K, Tian Y, Li Y, Chai Z, Cai X. Additional glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in vitro promotes the proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonia from sterile cattleyak. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 260:107385. [PMID: 38056175 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107385] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Cattleyak is a typically male sterile species. The meiosis process is blocked and the scarcity of spermatogenic stems cells are both contributing factors to the inability of male cattleyak to produce sperm. While Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is the first discovered growth factor known to promote the proliferation and self-renewal of spermatogenic stem cells, its relationship to the spermatogenesis arrest of cattleyak remains unclear. In this report, we studied the differential expression of GDNF in the testis of yak and cattleyak, and discussed the optimal concentration of GDNF in the culture medium of undifferentiated spermatogonia (UDSPG) of cattleyak in vitro and the effect of GDNF on the proliferation of cattleyak UDSPG. The results indicated that GDNF expression in the testicular tissue of cattleyak was inferior to that of yak. Moreover, the optimum value for the UDSPG in vitro culture was determined to be 20-30 ng/mL for cattleyak. In vitro, the proliferation activity of UDSPG was observed to increase with additional GDNF due to the up-regulation of proliferation-related genes and the down-regulation of differentiation-related genes. We hereby report that the scarcity of cattleyak UDSPG is due to insufficient expression of GDNF, and that the addition of GDNF in vitro can promote the proliferation of cattleyak UDSPG by regulating the expression of genes related to proliferation and differentiation. This work provides a new insight to solve the issue of spermatogenic arrest in cattleyak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kemin Jing
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuqian Li
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhixin Chai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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13
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Danga AK, Rath PC. Molecular cloning, expression and cellular localization of two long noncoding RNAs (mLINC-RBE and mLINC-RSAS) in the mouse testis. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 255:128106. [PMID: 37979740 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128106] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcribed in complex, overlapping, sense- and antisense orientations from intronic and intergenic regions of mammalian genomes. Transcription of genome in mammalian testis is more widespread compared to other organs. LncRNAs are involved in gene expression, chromatin regulation, mRNA stability and translation of proteins during diverse cellular functions. We report molecular cloning of two novel lncRNAs (mLINC-RBE and mLINC-RSAS) and their expression by RT-PCR as well as cellular localization by RNA in-situ hybridization in the mouse testes. mLINC-RBE is an intergenic lncRNA from chromosome 4, with 16.96 % repeat sequences, expressed as a sense transcript with piRNA sequences and its expression is localized into primary spermatocytes. mLINC-RSAS is an intergenic lncRNA from chromosome 2, with 49.7 % repeat sequences, expressed as both sense- and antisense transcripts with miRNA sequences and its expression is localized into different cell types, such as Sertoli cells, primary spermatocytes and round spermatids. The lncRNAs also contain sequences for some short peptides (micropeptides). This suggests that these two repeat sequence containing, intergenic genomic sense- and antisense transcripts expressed as lncRNAs with piRNAs, miRNAs, and showing cell-type specific, differential expression may regulate important functions in mammalian testes. Such functions may be regulated by RNA structures, RNA processing and RNA-protein complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar Danga
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Pramod C Rath
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.
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14
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Jokar J, Abdulabbas HT, Alipanah H, Ghasemian A, Ai J, Rahimian N, Mohammadisoleimani E, Najafipour S. Tissue engineering studies in male infertility disorder. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1617-1635. [PMID: 37791451 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2251678] [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: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is an important issue among couples worldwide which is caused by a variety of complex diseases. Male infertility is a problem in 7% of all men. In vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) is the experimental approach that has been developed for mimicking seminiferous tubules-like functional structures in vitro. Currently, various researchers are interested in finding and developing a microenvironmental condition or a bioartificial testis applied for fertility restoration via gamete production in vitro. The tissue engineering (TE) has developed new approaches to treat male fertility preservation through development of functional male germ cells. This makes TE a possible future strategy for restoration of male fertility. Although 3D culture systems supply the perception of the effect of cellular interactions in the process of spermatogenesis, formation of a native gradient of autocrine/paracrine factors in 3D culture systems have not been considered. These results collectively suggest that maintaining the microenvironment of testicular cells even in the form of a 3D-culture system is crucial in achieving spermatogenesis ex vivo. It is also possible to engineer the testicular structures using biomaterials to provide a supporting scaffold for somatic and stem cells. The insemination of these cells with GFs is possible for temporally and spatially adjusted release to mimic the microenvironment of the in situ seminiferous epithelium. This review focuses on recent studies and advances in the application of TE strategies to cell-tissue culture on synthetic or natural scaffolds supplemented with growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Jokar
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran
| | | | - Hiva Alipanah
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Jafar Ai
- Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloofar Rahimian
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Elham Mohammadisoleimani
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Sohrab Najafipour
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
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15
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Zhao C, Liu X, Liu L, Li J, Liu X, Tao W, Wang D, Wei J. Smoothened mediates medaka spermatogonia proliferation via Gli1-Rgcc-Cdk1 axis†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:772-784. [PMID: 37552059 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad090] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The proliferation of spermatogonia directly affects spermatogenesis and male fertility, but its underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, Smoothened (Smo), the central transducer of Hedgehog signaling pathway, was characterized in medaka (Oryzias latipes), and its role and underlying mechanisms in the proliferation of spermatogonia were investigated. Smo was highly expressed in spermatogonia. In ex vivo testicular organ culture and a spermatogonial cell line (SG3) derived from medaka mature testis, Smo activation promoted spermatogonia proliferation, while its inhibition induced apoptosis. The expression of glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (gli1) and regulator of cell cycle (rgcc) was significantly upregulated in SG3 after Smo activation. Furthermore, Gli1 transcriptionally upregulated the expression of rgcc, and Rgcc overexpression rescued cell apoptosis caused by Smo or Gli1 inhibition. Co-immunoprecipitation assay indicated that Rgcc could interact with cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) to regulate the cell cycle of spermatogonia. Collectively, our study firstly reveals that Smo mediates the proliferation of spermatogonia through Gli1-Rgcc-Cdk1 axis. In addition, Smo and Gli1 are necessary of the survival of spermatogonia. This study deepens our understanding of spermatogonia proliferation and survival at the molecular level, and provides insights into male fertility control and reproductive disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changle Zhao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianeng Li
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xingyong Liu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjing Tao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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16
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Luo Y, Yamada M, N’Tumba-Byn T, Asif H, Gao M, Hu Y, Marangoni P, Liu Y, Evans T, Rafii S, Klein OD, Voss HU, Hadjantonakis AK, Elemento O, Martin LA, Seandel M. SPRY4-dependent ERK negative feedback demarcates functional adult stem cells in the male mouse germline†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:533-551. [PMID: 37552049 PMCID: PMC10577279 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad089] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Niche-derived growth factors support self-renewal of mouse spermatogonial stem and progenitor cells through ERK MAPK signaling and other pathways. At the same time, dysregulated growth factor-dependent signaling has been associated with loss of stem cell activity and aberrant differentiation. We hypothesized that growth factor signaling through the ERK MAPK pathway in spermatogonial stem cells is tightly regulated within a narrow range through distinct intracellular negative feedback regulators. Evaluation of candidate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-responsive genes known to dampen downstream signaling revealed robust induction of specific negative feedback regulators, including Spry4, in cultured mouse spermatogonial stem cells in response to glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor or fibroblast growth factor 2. Undifferentiated spermatogonia in vivo exhibited high levels of Spry4 mRNA. Quantitative single-cell analysis of ERK MAPK signaling in spermatogonial stem cell cultures revealed both dynamic signaling patterns in response to growth factors and disruption of such effects when Spry4 was ablated, due to dysregulation of ERK MAPK downstream of RAS. Whereas negative feedback regulator expression decreased during differentiation, loss of Spry4 shifted cell fate toward early differentiation with concomitant loss of stem cell activity. Finally, a mouse Spry4 reporter line revealed that the adult spermatogonial stem cell population in vivo is demarcated by strong Spry4 promoter activity. Collectively, our data suggest that negative feedback-dependent regulation of ERK MAPK is critical for preservation of spermatogonial stem cell fate within the mammalian testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyun Luo
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Makiko Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Hana Asif
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meng Gao
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pauline Marangoni
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hartman Institute for Therapeutic Organ Regeneration, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Todd Evans
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hartman Institute for Therapeutic Organ Regeneration, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ophir D Klein
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Henning U Voss
- College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura A Martin
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marco Seandel
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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17
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Liao X, Tao B, Zhang X, Chen L, Chen J, Song Y, Hu W. Loss of gdnfa disrupts spermiogenesis and male courtship behavior in zebrafish. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 576:112010. [PMID: 37419437 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is essential for establishment and maintenance of reproduction in male vertebrates. Spermatogenesis, which is mainly regulated by the combined action of hormones, growth factors, and epigenetic factors, is highly conserved. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily. In this study, global gdnfa knockout and Tg (gdnfa: mcherry) transgenic zebrafish lines were generated. Loss of gdnfa resulted in disorganized testes, decreased gonadosomatic index, and low percentage of mature spermatozoa. In the Tg (gdnfa: mcherry) zebrafish line, we found that gdnfa was expressed in Leydig cells. The mutation in gdnfa significantly decreased Leydig cell marker gene expression and androgen secretion in Leydig cells. In addition, courtship behavior was disrupted in the male mutants. We present in vivo data showing that global knockout of gdnfa disrupts spermiogenesis and male courtship behavior in zebrafish. The first viable vertebrate model with a global gdnfa knockout may be valuable for studying the role of GDNF in animal reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianyao Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Binbin Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Xiya Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ji Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yanlong Song
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430072, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modem Agriculture, China; Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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18
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Salem M, Khadivi F, Javanbakht P, Mojaverrostami S, Abbasi M, Feizollahi N, Abbasi Y, Heidarian E, Rezaei Yazdi F. Advances of three-dimensional (3D) culture systems for in vitro spermatogenesis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:262. [PMID: 37735437 PMCID: PMC10512562 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03466-6] [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: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The loss of germ cells and spermatogenic failure in non-obstructive azoospermia are believed to be the main causes of male infertility. Laboratory studies have used in vitro testicular models and different 3-dimensional (3D) culture systems for preservation, proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in recent decades. The establishment of testis-like structures would facilitate the study of drug and toxicity screening, pathological mechanisms and in vitro differentiation of SSCs which resulted in possible treatment of male infertility. The different culture systems using cellular aggregation with self-assembling capability, the use of different natural and synthetic biomaterials and various methods for scaffold fabrication provided a suitable 3D niche for testicular cells development. Recently, 3D culture models have noticeably used in research for their architectural and functional similarities to native microenvironment. In this review article, we briefly investigated the recent 3D culture systems that provided a suitable platform for male fertility preservation through organ culture of testis fragments, proliferation and differentiation of SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Salem
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Khadivi
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Parinaz Javanbakht
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Mojaverrostami
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narjes Feizollahi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Abbasi
- School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Heidarian
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzane Rezaei Yazdi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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19
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Ibtisham F, Cham TC, Fayaz MA, Honaramooz A. Effects of Growth Factors on In Vitro Culture of Neonatal Piglet Testicular Tissue Fragments. Cells 2023; 12:2234. [PMID: 37759457 PMCID: PMC10526381 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) has important applications including fertility preservation of prepubertal cancer patients; however, thus far, IVS has only been achieved using mouse models. To study the effects of growth factors on the maintenance of testicular tissue integrity, germ cell numbers, and potential induction of IVS using a porcine model, we cultured small testicular fragments (~2 mg) from 1-wk-old piglets under six different media conditions (DMEM + 10%KSR alone or supplemented with GDNF, bFGF, SCF, EGF, or a combination of all) for 8 weeks. Overall, tissues supplemented with GDNF and bFGF had the greatest seminiferous tubule integrity and least number of apoptotic cells. GDNF-supplemented tissues had the greatest number of gonocytes per tubule, followed by bFGF-supplemented tissues. There was evidence of gradual Sertoli cell maturation in all groups. Moreover, histological examination and the expression of c-KIT (a marker of differentiating spermatogonia and spermatocytes) and STRA8 (a marker of the pre/meiotic stage germ cells) confirmed the induction of IVS in all groups. However, GDNF- and bFGF-supplemented tissue cultures had greater numbers of seminiferous tubules with spermatocytes compared to other groups. In conclusion, overall, GDNF and bFGF supplementation better maintained the tissue integrity and gonocyte numbers and induced IVS in cultured testicular tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ali Honaramooz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada; (F.I.); (T.-C.C.); (M.A.F.)
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20
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Liu SW, Luo JQ, Zhao LY, Ou NJ, Chao-Yang, Zhang YX, Bai HW, Sun HF, Zhang JX, Yao CC, Li P, Tian RH, Li Z, Zhu ZJ. scRNA-seq reveals that origin recognition complex subunit 6 regulates mouse spermatogonial cell proliferation and apoptosis via activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Asian J Androl 2023; 26:00129336-990000000-00123. [PMID: 37788012 PMCID: PMC10846824 DOI: 10.4103/aja202330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The regulation of spermatogonial proliferation and apoptosis is of great significance for maintaining spermatogenesis. The single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of the testis was performed to identify genes upregulated in spermatogonia. Using scRNA-seq analysis, we identified the spermatogonia upregulated gene origin recognition complex subunit 6 (Orc6), which is involved in DNA replication and cell cycle regulation; its protein expression in the human and mouse testis was detected by western blot and immunofluorescence. To explore the potential function of Orc6 in spermatogonia, the C18-4 cell line was transfected with control or Orc6 siRNA. Subsequently, 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays, flow cytometry, and western blot were used to evaluate its effects on proliferation and apoptosis. It was revealed that ORC6 could promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of C18-4 cells. Bulk RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis indicated that Orc6 was involved in the activation of wingless/integrated (Wnt)/ β-catenin signaling. Western blot revealed that the expression of β-catenin protein and its phosphorylation (Ser675) were significantly decreased when silencing the expression of ORC6. Our findings indicated that Orc6 was upregulated in spermatogonia, whereby it regulated proliferation and apoptosis by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Wei Liu
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men’s Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Jia-Qiang Luo
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men’s Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Liang-Yu Zhao
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Ning-Jing Ou
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men’s Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Chao-Yang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yu-Xiang Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men’s Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Hao-Wei Bai
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men’s Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Hong-Fang Sun
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men’s Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Jian-Xiong Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men’s Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Chen-Cheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men’s Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men’s Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Ru-Hui Tian
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men’s Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men’s Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Zi-Jue Zhu
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men’s Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
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21
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Mol P, Balaya RDA, Dagamajalu S, Babu S, Chandrasekaran P, Raghavan R, Suresh S, Ravishankara N, Raju AH, Nair B, Modi PK, Mahadevan A, Prasad TSK, Raju R. A network map of GDNF/RET signaling pathway in physiological and pathological conditions. J Cell Commun Signal 2023; 17:1089-1095. [PMID: 36715855 PMCID: PMC10409931 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-023-00726-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) signals through a multi-component receptor system predominantly consisting of glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-anchored GDNF family receptor alpha-1 (GFRα1) and the Rearranged during transfection (RET) receptor tyrosine kinase. GDNF/RET signaling is vital to the central and peripheral nervous system, kidney morphogenesis, and spermatogenesis. In addition, the dysregulation of the GDNF/RET signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancers. Despite the extensive research on GDNF/RET signaling, a molecular network of reactions induced by GDNF reported across the published literature. However, a comprehensive GDNF/RET pathway resource is currently unavailable. We describe an integrated signaling pathway reaction map of GDNF/RET consisting of 1151 molecular reactions. These include information pertaining to 52 molecular association events, 70 enzyme catalysis events, 36 activation/inhibition events, 22 translocation events, 856 gene regulation events, and 115 protein-level expression events induced by GDNF in diverse cell types. We developed a comprehensive GDNF/RET signaling network map based on these molecular reactions. The pathway map was made accessible through WikiPathways database ( https://www.wikipathways.org/index.php/Pathway:WP5143 ). Biocuration and development of gene regulatory network map of GDNF/RET signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praseeda Mol
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Whitefield, Bangalore, 560066 India
- Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam, 690525 India
| | | | - Shobha Dagamajalu
- Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018 India
| | - Sreeranjini Babu
- Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018 India
| | - Pavithra Chandrasekaran
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Whitefield, Bangalore, 560066 India
| | - Reshma Raghavan
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Whitefield, Bangalore, 560066 India
| | - Sneha Suresh
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Whitefield, Bangalore, 560066 India
| | - Namitha Ravishankara
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Whitefield, Bangalore, 560066 India
| | - Anu Hemalatha Raju
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Whitefield, Bangalore, 560066 India
| | - Bipin Nair
- Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam, 690525 India
| | - Prashant Kumar Modi
- Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018 India
| | - Anita Mahadevan
- Department of Neuropathology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560029 India
- Human Brain Tissue Repository, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560029 India
| | | | - Rajesh Raju
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018 India
- Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to Be University), Mangalore, 575018 India
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22
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Cao Y, Wang J, Li X, Liu B, Li C, Sun Y, Zou K. Gastrodin protects porcine sertoli cells from zearalenone-induced abnormal secretion of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor through the NOTCH signaling pathway. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100781. [PMID: 37285694 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100781] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEA) is a prevalent mycotoxin found in moldy diets and is associated with reproductive dysfunction. However, the molecular underpinning of ZEA in impairment of spermatogenesis remains largely unknown. To unveil the toxic mechanism of ZEA, we established a co-culture model using porcine Sertoli cells and porcine spermatogonial stem cells (pSSCs) to investigate the impact of ZEA on these cell types and their associated signaling pathways. Our findings showed that low concentration of ZEA inhibited cell apoptosis, while high concentration induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the expression levels of Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were significantly decreased in ZEA treatment group, while concurrently upregulating the transcriptional levels of the NOTCH signaling pathway target genes HES1 and HEY1. The addition of the NOTCH signaling pathway inhibitor DAPT (GSI-IX) alleviated the damage to porcine Sertoli cells caused by ZEA. Gastrodin (GAS) significantly increased the expression levels of WT1, PCNA and GDNF, and inhibited the transcription of HES1 and HEY1. GAS also efficiently restored the decreased expression levels of DDX4, PCNA and PGP9.5 in co-cultured pSSCs suggesting its potential in ameliorating the damage caused by ZEA to Sertoli cells and pSSCs. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that ZEA disrupts pSSCs self-renewal by affecting the function of porcine Sertoli cell, and highlights the protective mechanism of GAS through the regulation of the NOTCH signaling pathway. These findings may offer a novel strategy for alleviating ZEA-induced male reproductive dysfunction in animal production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulu Cao
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Biyun Liu
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chongjun Li
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yijin Sun
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Kang Zou
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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23
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Voigt AL, de Lima e Martins Lara N, Dobrinski I. Comparing the adult and pre-pubertal testis: Metabolic transitions and the change in the spermatogonial stem cell metabolic microenvironment. Andrology 2023; 11:1132-1146. [PMID: 36690000 PMCID: PMC10363251 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survivors of childhood cancer often suffer from infertility. While sperm cryopreservation is not feasible before puberty, the patient's own spermatogonial stem cells could serve as a germ cell reservoir, enabling these patients to father their own children in adulthood through the isolation, in vitro expansion, and subsequent transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells. However, this approach requires large numbers of stem cells, and methods for successfully propagating spermatogonial stem cells in the laboratory are yet to be established for higher mammals and humans. The improvement of spermatogonial stem cell culture requires deeper understanding of their metabolic requirements and the mechanisms that regulate metabolic homeostasis. AIM This review gives a summary on our knowledge of spermatogonial stem cell metabolism during maintenance and differentiation and highlights the potential influence of Sertoli cell and stem cell niche maturation on spermatogonial stem cell metabolic requirements during development. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Fetal human spermatogonial stem cell precursors, or gonocytes, migrate into the seminiferous cords and supposedly mature to adult stem cells within the first year of human development. However, the spermatogonial stem cell niche does not fully differentiate until puberty, when Sertoli cells dramatically rearrange the architecture and microenvironment within the seminiferous epithelium. Consequently, pre-pubertal and adult spermatogonial stem cells experience two distinct niche environments potentially affecting spermatogonial stem cell metabolism and maturation. Indeed, the metabolic requirements of mouse primordial germ cells and pig gonocytes are distinct from their adult counterparts, and novel single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of human and porcine spermatogonial stem cells during development confirms this metabolic transition. Knowledge of the metabolic requirements and their changes and regulation during spermatogonial stem cell maturation is necessary to implement laboratory-based techniques and enable clinical use of spermatogonial stem cells. Based on the advancement in our understanding of germline metabolism circuits and maturation events of niche cells within the testis, we propose a new definition of spermatogonial stem cell maturation and its amendment in the light of metabolic change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Laura Voigt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine; and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nathalia de Lima e Martins Lara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine; and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine; and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
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24
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Whiley PAF, Nathaniel B, Stanton PG, Hobbs RM, Loveland KL. Spermatogonial fate in mice with increased activin A bioactivity and testicular somatic cell tumours. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1237273. [PMID: 37564373 PMCID: PMC10409995 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1237273] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult male fertility depends on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) which undergo either self-renewal or differentiation in response to microenvironmental signals. Activin A acts on Sertoli and Leydig cells to regulate key aspects of testis development and function throughout life, including steroid production. Recognising that activin A levels are elevated in many pathophysiological conditions, this study investigates effects of this growth factor on the niche that determines spermatogonial fate. Although activin A can promote differentiation of isolated spermatogonia in vitro, its impacts on SSC and spermatogonial function in vivo are unknown. To assess this, we examined testes of Inha KO mice, which feature elevated activin A levels and bioactivity, and develop gonadal stromal cell tumours as adults. The GFRA1+ SSC-enriched population was more abundant and proliferative in Inha KO compared to wildtype controls, suggesting that chronic elevation of activin A promotes a niche which supports SSC self-renewal. Intriguingly, clusters of GFRA1+/EOMES+/LIN28A- cells, resembling a primitive SSC subset, were frequently observed in tubules adjacent to tumour regions. Transcriptional analyses of Inha KO tumours, tubules adjacent to tumours, and tubules distant from tumour regions revealed disrupted gene expression in each KO group increased in parallel with tumour proximity. Modest transcriptional changes were documented in Inha KO tubules with complete spermatogenesis. Importantly, tumours displaying upregulation of activin responsive genes were also enriched for factors that promote SSC self-renewal, including Gdnf, Igf1, and Fgf2, indicating the tumours generate a supportive microenvironment for SSCs. Tumour cells featured some characteristics of adult Sertoli cells but lacked consistent SOX9 expression and exhibited an enhanced steroidogenic phenotype, which could arise from maintenance or acquisition of a fetal cell identity or acquisition of another somatic phenotype. Tumour regions were also heavily infiltrated with endothelial, peritubular myoid and immune cells, which may contribute to adjacent SSC support. Our data show for the first time that chronically elevated activin A affects SSC fate in vivo. The discovery that testis stromal tumours in the Inha KO mouse create a microenvironment that supports SSC self-renewal but not differentiation offers a strategy for identifying pathways that improve spermatogonial propagation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny A. F. Whiley
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Benedict Nathaniel
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter G. Stanton
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin M. Hobbs
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate L. Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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25
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Rajachandran S, Zhang X, Cao Q, Caldeira-Brant AL, Zhang X, Song Y, Evans M, Bukulmez O, Grow EJ, Nagano M, Orwig KE, Chen H. Dissecting the spermatogonial stem cell niche using spatial transcriptomics. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112737. [PMID: 37393620 PMCID: PMC10530051 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in the testis support the lifelong production of sperm. SSCs reside within specialized microenvironments called "niches," which are essential for SSC self-renewal and differentiation. However, our understanding of the molecular and cellular interactions between SSCs and niches remains incomplete. Here, we combine spatial transcriptomics, computational analyses, and functional assays to systematically dissect the molecular, cellular, and spatial composition of SSC niches. This allows us to spatially map the ligand-receptor (LR) interaction landscape in both mouse and human testes. Our data demonstrate that pleiotrophin regulates mouse SSC functions through syndecan receptors. We also identify ephrin-A1 as a potential niche factor that influences human SSC functions. Furthermore, we show that the spatial re-distribution of inflammation-related LR interactions underlies diabetes-induced testicular injury. Together, our study demonstrates a systems approach to dissect the complex organization of the stem cell microenvironment in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Rajachandran
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xin Zhang
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Qiqi Cao
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Andre L Caldeira-Brant
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xiangfan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Youngmin Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Melanie Evans
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Orhan Bukulmez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Edward J Grow
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Makoto Nagano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Haiqi Chen
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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26
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Tao HP, Lu TF, Li S, Jia GX, Zhang XN, Yang QE, Hou YP. Pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 is selectively expressed by peritubular myoid cells in the murine testis and sustains long-term spermatogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:217. [PMID: 37468762 PMCID: PMC11072130 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04872-y] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complicated process of germ cell differentiation that occurs within the seminiferous tubule in the testis. Peritubular myoid cells (PTMCs) produce major components of the basement membrane that separates and ensures the structural integrity of seminiferous tubules. These cells secrete niche factors to promote spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) maintenance and mediate androgen signals to direct spermatid development. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the identity and function of PTMCs have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we showed that the expression of pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (Pnliprp2) was restricted in PTMCs in the testis and that its genetic ablation caused age-dependent defects in spermatogenesis. The fertility of Pnliprp2 knockout animals (Pnliprp2-/-) was normal at a young age but declined sharply beginning at 9 months. Pnliprp2 deletion impaired the homeostasis of undifferentiated spermatogonia and severely disrupted the development and function of spermatids. Integrated analyses of single-cell RNA-seq and metabolomics data revealed that glyceride metabolism was changed in PTMCs from Pnliprp2-/- mice. Further analysis found that 60 metabolites were altered in the sperm of the Pnliprp2-/- animals; notably, lipid metabolism was significantly dysregulated. Collectively, these results revealed that Pnliprp2 was exclusively expressed in PTMCs in the testis and played a novel role in supporting continual spermatogenesis in mice. The outcomes of these findings highlight the function of lipid metabolism in reproduction and provide new insights into the regulation of PTMCs in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Ping Tao
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China
| | - Teng-Fei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotechnology Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China
| | - Gong-Xue Jia
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China
| | - Xiao-Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China.
| | - Yun-Peng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotechnology Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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27
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Tan K, Wilkinson MF. Developmental regulators moonlighting as transposons defense factors. Andrology 2023; 11:891-903. [PMID: 36895139 PMCID: PMC11162177 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13427] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The germline perpetuates genetic information across generations. To maintain the integrity of the germline, transposable elements in the genome must be silenced, as these mobile elements would otherwise engender widespread mutations passed on to subsequent generations. There are several well-established mechanisms that are dedicated to providing defense against transposable elements, including DNA methylation, RNA interference, and the PIWI-interacting RNA pathway. OBJECTIVES Recently, several studies have provided evidence that transposon defense is not only provided by factors dedicated to this purpose but also factors with other roles, including in germline development. Many of these are transcription factors. Our objective is to summarize what is known about these "bi-functional" transcriptional regulators. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature search. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION We summarize the evidence that six transcriptional regulators-GLIS3, MYBL1, RB1, RHOX10, SETDB1, and ZBTB16-are both developmental regulators and transposable element-defense factors. These factors act at different stages of germ cell development, including in pro-spermatogonia, spermatogonial stem cells, and spermatocytes. Collectively, the data suggest a model in which specific key transcriptional regulators have acquired multiple functions over evolutionary time to influence developmental decisions and safeguard transgenerational genetic information. It remains to be determined whether their developmental roles were primordial and their transposon defense roles were co-opted, or vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Tan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Miles F. Wilkinson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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28
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Zhao X, Huang Z, Chen Y, Zhou Q, Zhu F, Zhang H, Zhou D. MAGEB2-Mediated Degradation of EGR1 Regulates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Human Spermatogonial Stem Cell Lines. Stem Cells Int 2023; 2023:3610466. [PMID: 37304127 PMCID: PMC10256451 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3610466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells are committed to initiating and maintaining male spermatogenesis, which is the foundation of male fertility. Understanding the mechanisms underlying SSC fate decisions is critical for controlling spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the key molecules and mechanisms responsible for regulating human SSC development are not clearly understood. Here, we analyzed normal human testis single-cell sequencing data from the GEO dataset (GSE149512 and GSE112013). Melanoma antigen gene B2 (MAGEB2) was found to be predominantly expressed in human SSCs and further validated by immunohistology. Overexpression of MAGEB2 in SSC lines severely weakened cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. Further, using protein interaction prediction, molecular docking, and immunoprecipitation, we found that MAGEB2 interacted with early growth response protein 1 (EGR1) in SSC lines. Reexpression of EGR1 in MAGEB2 overexpression cells partially rescued decreased cell proliferation. Furthermore, MAGEB2 was shown to be downregulated in specific NOA patients, implying that abnormal expression of MAGEB2 may impair spermatogenesis and male fertility. Our results offer new insights into the functional and regulatory mechanisms in MAGEB2-mediated human SSC line proliferation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueheng Zhao
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Zenghui Huang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Yongzhe Chen
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421000, China
| | - Qianyin Zhou
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Dai Zhou
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
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Wu SX, Wang GW, Fang YG, Chen YW, Jin YY, Liu XT, Jia GX, Yang QE. Transcriptome analysis reveals dysregulated gene expression networks in Sertoli cells of cattle-yak hybrids. Theriogenology 2023; 203:33-42. [PMID: 36966583 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Cattle-yak, the hybrid offspring of yak and taurine cattle, exhibits male sterility with normal female fertility. Spermatogenesis is arrested in adult cattle-yak, and apoptosis is elevated in spermatogenic cells. Currently, the mechanisms underlying these defects remain elusive. Sertoli cells are the only somatic cells that directly interact with spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules and play essential roles in spermatogenesis. The present study was designed to investigate gene expression signatures and potential roles of Sertoli cells in hybrid sterility in cattle-yak. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the 5 mC and 5hmC signals in Sertoli cells of cattle-yaks were significantly different from those of age-matched yaks (P < 0.05). Transcriptome profiling of isolated Sertoli cells identified 402 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between cattle-yaks and yaks. Notably, niche factor glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was upregulated, and genes involved in retinoic acid (RA) biogenesis were changed in Sertoli cells of cattle-yak, suggesting possible impairments of spermatogonial fate decisions. Further studies showed that the numbers of proliferative gonocytes and undifferentiated spermatogonia in cattle-yak were significantly higher than those in yak (P < 0.01). Exogenous GDNF significantly promoted the proliferation of UCHL1-positive spermatogonia in yaks. Therefore, we concluded that altered GDNF expression and RA signaling impacted the fate decisions of undifferentiated spermatogonia in cattle-yak. Together, these findings highlight the role of Sertoli cells and their derived factors in hybrid sterility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Xin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guo-Wen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - You-Gui Fang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; Agricultural Service Center of Maduo County, Qinghai, 813500, China
| | - Yong-Wei Chen
- Qinghai Headquarter of Animal Husbandry Extension Station, Xining, 810008, China
| | - Yan-Ying Jin
- Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention of Gangcha County, Qinghai, 812399, China
| | - Xue-Tong Liu
- Shaanxi General Animal Husbandry Station, Xian, Shaanxi, 710010, China
| | - Gong-Xue Jia
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810001, China
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810000, China; Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810001, China.
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30
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Ikami K, Shoffner-Beck S, Tyczynska Weh M, Schnell S, Yoshida S, Diaz Miranda EA, Ko S, Lei L. Branched germline cysts and female-specific cyst fragmentation facilitate oocyte determination in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2219683120. [PMID: 37155904 PMCID: PMC10194012 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2219683120] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
During mouse gametogenesis, germ cells derived from the same progenitor are connected via intercellular bridges forming germline cysts, within which asymmetrical or symmetrical cell fate occurs in female and male germ cells, respectively. Here, we have identified branched cyst structures in mice, and investigated their formation and function in oocyte determination. In fetal female cysts, 16.8% of the germ cells are connected by three or four bridges, namely branching germ cells. These germ cells are preferentially protected from cell death and cyst fragmentation and accumulate cytoplasm and organelles from sister germ cells to become primary oocytes. Changes in cyst structure and differential cell volumes among cyst germ cells suggest that cytoplasmic transport in germline cysts is conducted in a directional manner, in which cellular content is first transported locally between peripheral germ cells and further enriched in branching germ cells, a process causing selective germ cell loss in cysts. Cyst fragmentation occurs extensively in female cysts, but not in male cysts. Male cysts in fetal and adult testes have branched cyst structures, without differential cell fates between germ cells. During fetal cyst formation, E-cadherin (E-cad) junctions between germ cells position intercellular bridges to form branched cysts. Disrupted junction formation in E-cad-depleted cysts led to an altered ratio in branched cysts. Germ cell-specific E-cad knockout resulted in reductions in primary oocyte number and oocyte size. These findings shed light on how oocyte fate is determined within mouse germline cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanako Ikami
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA94945
| | - Suzanne Shoffner-Beck
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Malgorzata Tyczynska Weh
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Santiago Schnell
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi444-8585, Japan
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, Sokendai, Okazaki, Aichi444-8585, Japan
| | - Edgar Andres Diaz Miranda
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Sooah Ko
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Lei Lei
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO65211
- Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
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31
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Li C, Yao Z, Ma L, Song X, Wang W, Wan C, Ren S, Chen D, Zheng Y, Zhu YT, Chang G, Wu S, Miao K, Luo F, Zhao XY. Lovastatin promotes the self-renewal of murine and primate spermatogonial stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:969-984. [PMID: 37044069 PMCID: PMC10147841 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche is critical for SSC maintenance and subsequent spermatogenesis. Numerous reproductive hazards impair the SSC niche, thereby resulting in aberrant SSC self-renewal and male infertility. However, promising agents targeting the impaired SSC niche to promote SSC self-renewal are still limited. Here, we screen out and assess the effects of Lovastatin on the self-renewal of mouse SSCs (mSSCs). Mechanistically, Lovastatin promotes the self-renewal of mSSCs and inhibits its inflammation and apoptosis through the regulation of isoprenoid intermediates. Remarkably, treatment by Lovastatin could promote the proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonia in the male gonadotoxicity model generated by busulfan injection. Of note, we demonstrate that Lovastatin could enhance the proliferation of primate undifferentiated spermatogonia. Collectively, our findings uncover that lovastatin could promote the self-renewal of both murine and primate SSCs and have implications for the treatment of certain types of male infertility using small compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaohui Li
- Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shunde, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhaokai Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Linzi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuling Song
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Cong Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaofang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dingyao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong-Tong Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gang Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shihao Wu
- Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shunde, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Miao
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, SAR, China.
| | - Fang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiao-Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China; Sino-America Joint Research Center for Translational Medicine in Developmental Disabilities, Guangzhou, China; Department of Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; National Clinical Research Canter for Kidney Disease, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.
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Mao Y, Li D, Yang Q, Pei X, Duan Z, Ma M. Prenatal BPA exposure disrupts male reproductive functions by interfering with DNA methylation and GDNF expression in the testes of male offspring rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:53741-53753. [PMID: 36864339 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26154-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BPA is a ubiquitous environmental endocrine-disrupting chemical, and maternal exposure to BPA is associated with impaired male reproductive functions; however, the mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) plays an important role in maintaining normal spermatogenesis and fertility. However, the effect of prenatal BPA exposure on GDNF expression and its mechanism in the testis has not been reported. In this study, pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were respectively exposed to 0, 0.05, 0.5, 5, and 50 mg/kg/day BPA via oral gavage from gestational day (GD) 5 to GD 19, with 6 pregnant rats in each group. ELISA, histochemistry, real-time PCR, western blot, and methylation-specific PCR (MSP) were used to detect the sex hormone levels, testicular histopathology, mRNA and protein expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and GDNF, and the promoter methylation of Gdnf in the testes of male offspring at postnatal day (PND) 21 and PND 56. Prenatal BPA exposure increased body weight; decreased sperm counts and serum levels of testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH); and induced testicular histological damage, which indicated the damage of male reproductive function. Prenatal BPA exposure also upregulated Dnmt1 in 5 mg/kg group and Dnmt3b in 0.5 mg/kg group, but down-regulated Dnmt1 in 50 mg/kg group at PND 21. At PND 56, Dnmt1 was significantly increased in 0.05 mg/kg group but decreased in 0.5, 5, and 50 mg/kg groups, Dnmt3a was decreased, and Dnmt3b was markedly increased in 0.05 and 0.5 mg/kg groups but decreased in 5 and 50 mg/kg groups. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Gdnf were decreased markedly in 0.5 and 50 mg/kg groups at PND 21. And the methylation level of Gdnf promoter was significantly increased in 0.5 mg/kg group, but decreased in 5 and 50 mg/kg groups at PND 21. In conclusion, our study indicates that prenatal BPA exposure disrupts male reproductive functions, interferes with the expression of DNMTs, and decreases Gdnf expression in the testes of male offspring. Gdnf expression may be regulated by DNA methylation; however, the detailed mechanism needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Mao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Heath, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Heath, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Yang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Heath, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xiucong Pei
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Heath, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zhiwen Duan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Heath, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Mingyue Ma
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Heath, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, Liaoning Province, China.
- Department of Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Microecology, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, Liaoning Province, China.
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Peng YJ, Tang XT, Shu HS, Dong W, Shao H, Zhou BO. Sertoli cells are the source of stem cell factor for spermatogenesis. Development 2023; 150:297262. [PMID: 36861441 PMCID: PMC10112922 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Several cell types have been proposed to create the required microenvironment for spermatogenesis. However, expression patterns of the key growth factors produced by these somatic cells have not been systematically studied and no such factor has been conditionally deleted from its primary source(s), raising the question of which cell type(s) are the physiological sources of these growth factors. Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing and a series of fluorescent reporter mice, we found that stem cell factor (Scf), one of the essential growth factors for spermatogenesis, was broadly expressed in testicular stromal cells, including Sertoli, endothelial, Leydig, smooth muscle and Tcf21-CreER+ stromal cells. Both undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia were associated with Scf-expressing Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubule. Conditional deletion of Scf from Sertoli cells, but not any other Scf-expressing cells, blocked the differentiation of spermatogonia, leading to complete male infertility. Conditional overexpression of Scf in Sertoli cells, but not endothelial cells, significantly increased spermatogenesis. Our data reveal the importance of anatomical localization for Sertoli cells in regulating spermatogenesis and that SCF produced specifically by Sertoli cells is essential for spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jacky Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Thomas Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Sophie Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjie Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongfang Shao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine-Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo O Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, People's Republic of China
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Wu Y, Zeng S, Miao C, Wu H, Xu X, Chen L, Lu G, Lin G, Dai C. A 1-kb human CDCA8 promoter directs the spermatogonia-specific luciferase expression in adult testis. Gene 2023; 866:147350. [PMID: 36898512 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Cell division cycle associated 8 (CDCA8) is a component of the chromosomal passenger complex and plays an essential role in mitosis, meiosis, cancer growth, and undifferentiated state of embryonic stem cells. However, its expression and role in adult tissues remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we studied the CDCA8 transcription in adult tissues by generating a transgenic mouse model, in which the luciferase was driven by a 1-kb human CDCA8 promoter. Our previous study showed that this 1-kb promoter was active enough to dictate reporter expression faithfully reflecting endogenous CDCA8 expression. Two founder mice carrying the transgene were identified. In vivo imaging and luciferase assays in tissue lysates revealed that CDCA8 promoter was highly activated and drove robust luciferase expression in testes. Subsequently, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining showed that in adult transgenic testes, the expression of luciferase was restricted to a subset of spermatogonia that were located along the basement membrane and positive for the expression of GFRA1, a consensus marker for early undifferentiated spermatogonia. These findings for the first time indicate that the CDCA8 was transcriptionally activated in testis and thus may play a role in adult spermatogenesis. Moreover, the 1-kb CDCA8 promoter could be used for spermatogonia-specific gene expression in vivo and the transgenic lines constructed here could also be used for recovery of spermatogonia from adult testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueren Wu
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Sicong Zeng
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Congxiu Miao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Huixia Wu
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Xiaoming Xu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Liansheng Chen
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410078, China; National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha 410205, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410078, China; National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha 410205, China.
| | - Can Dai
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China.
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35
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Barchi M, Guida E, Dolci S, Rossi P, Grimaldi P. Endocannabinoid system and epigenetics in spermatogenesis and testicular cancer. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 122:75-106. [PMID: 36863802 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, male germ cell development starts during fetal life and is carried out in postnatal life with the formation of sperms. Spermatogenesis is the complex and highly orderly process during which a group of germ stem cells is set at birth, starts to differentiate at puberty. It proceeds through several stages: proliferation, differentiation, and morphogenesis and it is strictly regulated by a complex network of hormonal, autocrine and paracrine factors and it is associated with a unique epigenetic program. Altered epigenetic mechanisms or inability to respond to these factors can impair the correct process of germ development leading to reproductive disorders and/or testicular germ cell cancer. Among factors regulating spermatogenesis an emerging role is played by the endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS is a complex system comprising endogenous cannabinoids (eCBs), their synthetic and degrading enzymes, and cannabinoid receptors. Mammalian male germ cells have a complete and active ECS which is modulated during spermatogenesis and that crucially regulates processes such as germ cell differentiation and sperm functions. Recently, cannabinoid receptor signaling has been reported to induce epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and miRNA expression. Epigenetic modifications may also affect the expression and function of ECS elements, highlighting the establishment of a complex mutual interaction. Here, we describe the developmental origin and differentiation of male germ cells and testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) focusing on the interplay between ECS and epigenetic mechanisms involved in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Barchi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenia Guida
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Dolci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Pellegrino Rossi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Grimaldi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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Liu YR, Li WC, Hu JH, Li QQ, Zhang YP, Lu KH, Xu HY, Liang XW, Lu YQ, Yang XG. Comparison of the effects of buffalo LIF and mouse LIF on the in vitro culture of buffalo spermatogonia. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:981-989. [PMID: 36691872 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is an important growth factor that supports the culture and maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) by suppressing spontaneous differentiation. Different LIF sequences may lead to differences in function. The protein sequences of buffalo LIF and mouse LIF differed by 65.5% according to MEGA software analysis. The PB-LIF-GFP-Puro vector was constructed, and the CHO-K1 cell line was established. The final LIF protein concentration in the CHO-K1 cell culture medium was approximately 4.268 ng/mL. Here, we report that buffalo LIF effectively maintains the self-renewal of buffalo spermatogonia during culture. Buffalo spermatogonia were cultured in conditioned medium containing no LIF (0 ng/mL), mouse LIF (1 ng/mL), mouse LIF (10 ng/mL), or buffalo LIF (1 ng/mL). Furthermore, the effects of mouse LIF and buffalo LIF culture on the maintenance of buffalo spermatogonia were determined by analyzing cell colony formation, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, cell immunofluorescence, and cell counting. The buffalo LIF (1 ng/mL) group showed similar maintenance of the proliferation of buffalo spermatogonia to that in the mouse LIF (10 ng/mL) group. These results demonstrated that the proliferation of buffalo spermatogonia can be maintained in vitro by adding a low dose of buffalo LIF. This study provides a foundation for the further optimization of in vitro buffalo SSC culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Ru Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wang Chang Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jia Hao Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qi Qi Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ya Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ke Huan Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hui Yan Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xing Wei Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yang Qing Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiao Gan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilisation of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Li N, Zhou Q, Yi Z, Zhang H, Zhou D. Ubiquitin protein E3 ligase ASB9 suppresses proliferation and promotes apoptosis in human spermatogonial stem cell line by inducing HIF1AN degradation. Biol Res 2023; 56:4. [PMID: 36683111 PMCID: PMC9869568 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00413-w] [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: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are critical for sustaining spermatogenesis. Even though several regulators of SSC have been identified in rodents, the regulatory mechanism of SSC in humans has yet to be discovered. METHODS To explore the regulatory mechanisms of human SSCs, we analyzed publicly available human testicular single-cell sequencing data and found that Ankyrin repeat and SOCS box protein 9 (ASB9) is highly expressed in SSCs. We examined the expression localization of ASB9 using immunohistochemistry and overexpressed ASB9 in human SSC lines to explore its role in SSC proliferation and apoptosis. Meanwhile, we used immunoprecipitation to find the target protein of ASB9 and verified its functions. In addition, we examined the changes in the distribution of ASB9 in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients using Western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS The results of uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) clustering and pseudotime analysis showed that ASB9 was highly expressed in SSCs, and its expression gradually increased during development. The immunohistochemical and dual-color immunofluorescence results displayed that ASB9 was mainly expressed in nonproliferating SSCs. Overexpression of ASB9 in the SSC line revealed significant inhibition of cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. We predicted the target proteins of ASB9 and verified that hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha inhibitor (HIF1AN), but not creatine kinase B-type (CKB), has a direct interaction with ASB9 in human SSC line using protein immunoprecipitation experiments. Subsequently, we re-expressed HIF1AN in ASB9 overexpressing cells and found that HIF1AN reversed the proliferative and apoptotic changes induced by ASB9 overexpression. In addition, we found that ABS9 was significantly downregulated in some NOA patients, implying a correlation between ASB9 dysregulation and impaired spermatogenesis. CONCLUSION ASB9 is predominantly expressed in human SSCs, it affects the proliferation and apoptotic process of the SSC line through HIF1AN, and its abnormal expression may be associated with NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Operating Department of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008 Hunan China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan China
| | - Qianyin Zhou
- grid.477823.d0000 0004 1756 593XReproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410021 Hunan China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan China
| | - Zhang Yi
- grid.477823.d0000 0004 1756 593XReproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410021 Hunan China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan China
| | - Huan Zhang
- grid.477823.d0000 0004 1756 593XReproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410021 Hunan China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan China
| | - Dai Zhou
- grid.477823.d0000 0004 1756 593XReproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410021 Hunan China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan China ,grid.411427.50000 0001 0089 3695College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081 Hunan China ,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, 410021 Hunan China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 Hunan China
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Shamhari A‘A, Jefferi NES, Abd Hamid Z, Budin SB, Idris MHM, Taib IS. The Role of Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger (PLZF) and Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Family Receptor Alpha 1 (GFRα1) in the Cryopreservation of Spermatogonia Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031945. [PMID: 36768269 PMCID: PMC9915902 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The cryopreservation of spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) has been widely used as an alternative treatment for infertility. However, cryopreservation itself induces cryoinjury due to oxidative and osmotic stress, leading to reduction in the survival rate and functionality of SSCs. Glial-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha 1 (GFRα1) and promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) are expressed during the self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs, making them key tools for identifying the functionality of SSCs. To the best of our knowledge, the involvement of GFRα1 and PLZF in determining the functionality of SSCs after cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to determine the role of GFRα1 and PLZF as biomarkers for evaluating the functionality of SSCs in cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention. Therapeutic intervention, such as the use of antioxidants, and enhancement in cryopreservation protocols, such as cell encapsulation, cryoprotectant agents (CPA), and equilibrium of time and temperature increase the expression of GFRα1 and PLZF, resulting in maintaining the functionality of SSCs. In conclusion, GFRα1 and PLZF have the potential as biomarkers in cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention of SSCs to ensure the functionality of the stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma’ ‘Afifah Shamhari
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Nur Erysha Sabrina Jefferi
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Zariyantey Abd Hamid
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Siti Balkis Budin
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Muhd Hanis Md Idris
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute (iPROMISE), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Izatus Shima Taib
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +603-928-97608
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Munyoki SK, Orwig KE. Perspectives: Methods for Evaluating Primate Spermatogonial Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:341-364. [PMID: 37249880 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_18] [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] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex, highly productive process generating millions of sperm per day. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are at the foundation of spermatogenesis and can either self-renew, producing more SSCs, or differentiate to initiate spermatogenesis and produce sperm. The biological potential of SSCs to produce and maintain spermatogenesis makes them a promising tool for the treatment of male infertility. However, translating knowledge from rodents to higher primates (monkeys and humans) is challenged by different vocabularies that are used to describe stem cells and spermatogenic lineage development in those species. Furthermore, while rodent SSCs are defined by their biological potential to produce and maintain spermatogenesis in a transplant assay, there is no equivalent routine and accessible bioassay to test monkey and human SSCs or replicate their functions in vitro. This chapter describes progress characterizing, isolating, culturing, and transplanting SSCs in higher primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Munyoki
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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40
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Yang F, Sun J, Wu X. Primary Cultures of Spermatogonia and Testis Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:127-143. [PMID: 37249869 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) maintain adult spermatogenesis in mammals by undergoing self-renewal and differentiation into spermatozoa. In order to study the biology of SSCs as related to spermatogenesis, an in vitro, long-term expansion system of SSCs constitutes an ideal tool. In this chapter, we describe a robust culture system for mouse and rat SSCs in vitro. In the presence of GDNF, GFRα1, and bFGF, SSCs maintained on STO feeder layers with serum-free medium continuously proliferate for over 6 months. Complete spermatogenesis in infertile recipient mice can be attained following transplantation of the cultured mouse and rat SSCs. Using the in vitro SSC culture systems, elucidation of stem cell biology can be advanced that significantly advances our understanding of spermatogenesis and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiachen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Zhou D, Zhu F, Huang ZH, Zhang H, Fan LQ, Fan JY. SPOC domain-containing protein 1 regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of human spermatogonial stem cells through adenylate kinase 4. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:822-838. [PMID: 36619695 PMCID: PMC9813840 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i12.822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the origin of male spermatogenesis, which can reconstruct germ cell lineage in mice. However, the application of SSCs for male fertility restoration is hindered due to the unclear mechanisms of proliferation and self-renewal in humans.
AIM To investigate the role and mechanism of SPOC domain-containing protein 1 (SPOCD1) in human SSC proliferation.
METHODS We analyzed publicly available human testis single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data and found that SPOCD1 is predominantly expressed in SSCs in the early developmental stages. Small interfering RNA was applied to suppress SPOCD1 expression to detect the impacts of SPOCD1 inhibition on SSC proliferation and apoptosis. Subsequently, we explored the target genes of SPOCD1 using RNA-seq and confirmed their role by restoring the expression of the target genes. In addition, we examined SPOCD1 expression in some non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients to explore the correlation between SPOCD1 and NOA.
RESULTS The uniform manifold approximation and projection clustering and pseudotime analysis showed that SPOCD1 was highly expressed in the early stages of SSC, and immunohistological results showed that SPOCD1 was mainly localized in glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha-1 positive SSCs. SPOCD1 knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. RNA-seq results showed that SPOCD1 knockdown significantly downregulated genes such as adenylate kinase 4 (AK4). Overexpression of AK4 in SPOCD1 knockdown cells partially reversed the phenotypic changes, indicating that AK4 is a functional target gene of SPOCD1. In addition, we found a significant downregulation of SPOCD1 expression in some NOA patients, suggesting that the downregulation of SPOCD1 may be relevant for NOA.
CONCLUSION Our study broadens the understanding of human SSC fate determination and may offer new theories on the etiology of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Zhou
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zeng-Hui Huang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
| | - Li-Qing Fan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jing-Yu Fan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, United States
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Uchida A, Imaimatsu K, Suzuki H, Han X, Ushioda H, Uemura M, Imura-Kishi K, Hiramatsu R, Takase HM, Hirate Y, Ogura A, Kanai-Azuma M, Kudo A, Kanai Y. SOX17-positive rete testis epithelium is required for Sertoli valve formation and normal spermiogenesis in the male mouse. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7860. [PMID: 36543770 PMCID: PMC9772346 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35465-1] [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: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminiferous tubules (STs) in the mammalian testes are connected to the rete testis (RT) via a Sertoli valve (SV). Spermatozoa produced in the STs are released into the tubular luminal fluid and passively transported through the SV into the RT. However, the physiological functions of the RT and SV remain unclear. Here, we identified the expression of Sox17 in RT epithelia. The SV valve was disrupted before puberty in RT-specific Sox17 conditional knockout (Sox17-cKO) male mice. This induced a backflow of RT fluid into the STs, which caused aberrant detachment of immature spermatids. RT of Sox17-cKO mice had reduced expression levels of various growth factor genes, which presumably support SV formation. When transplanted next to the Sox17+ RT, Sertoli cells of Sox17-cKO mice reconstructed the SV and supported proper spermiogenesis in the STs. This study highlights the novel and unexpected modulatory roles of the RT in SV valve formation and spermatogenesis in mouse testes, as a downstream action of Sox17.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Uchida
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan ,grid.7597.c0000000094465255Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResouce Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki Japan
| | - Kenya Imaimatsu
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Honoka Suzuki
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Xiao Han
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Hiroki Ushioda
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Mami Uemura
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Kasane Imura-Kishi
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Ryuji Hiramatsu
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Hinako M. Takase
- grid.265073.50000 0001 1014 9130Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Hirate
- grid.265073.50000 0001 1014 9130Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- grid.7597.c0000000094465255Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResouce Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki Japan
| | - Masami Kanai-Azuma
- grid.265073.50000 0001 1014 9130Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Akihiko Kudo
- grid.411205.30000 0000 9340 2869Department of Microscopic Anatomy, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo Japan
| | - Yoshiakira Kanai
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Japan
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Huang L, Zhang J, Zhang P, Huang X, Yang W, Liu R, Sun Q, Lu Y, Zhang M, Fu Q. Single-cell RNA sequencing uncovers dynamic roadmap and cell-cell communication during buffalo spermatogenesis. iScience 2022; 26:105733. [PMID: 36582818 PMCID: PMC9793287 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis carries the task of precise intergenerational transmission of genetic information from the paternal genome and involves complex developmental processes regulated by the testicular microenvironment. Studies performed mainly in mouse models have established the theoretical basis for spermatogenesis, yet the wide interspecies differences preclude direct translation of the findings, and farm animal studies are progressing slowly. More than 32,000 cells from prepubertal (3-month-old) and pubertal (24-month-old) buffalo testes were analyzed by using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and dynamic gene expression roadmaps of germ and somatic cell development were generated. In addition to identifying the dynamic processes of sequential cell fate transitions, the global cell-cell communication essential to maintain regular spermatogenesis in the buffalo testicular microenvironment was uncovered. The findings provide the theoretical basis for establishing buffalo germline stem cells in vitro or culturing organoids and facilitating the expansion of superior livestock breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangfeng Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Junjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Institute of Medical and Health, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Xingchen Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Weihan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Runfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Qinqiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yangqing Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China,Corresponding author
| | - Ming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China,Corresponding author
| | - Qiang Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China,Corresponding author
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Zhang P, Wang M, Chen X, Jing K, Li Y, Liu X, Ran H, Qin J, Zhong J, Cai X. Dysregulated genes in undifferentiated spermatogonia and Sertoli cells are associated with the spermatogenic arrest in cattleyak. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:632-645. [PMID: 36409004 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hybrid male sterility (HMS) is a reproductive isolation mechanism limiting the formation of fertile offspring through interspecific fertilization. Cattleyak is the interspecific hybrid presenting significant heterosis in several economic traits, but HMS restricted its wide reproduction in cettleyak breeding. In this study, we detected the specifically expressed genes of a variety of cells (undifferentiated spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, haploid spermatids, sperm, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and macrophages) in the testis of yak and cattleyak, and found that the spermatogenesis of cattleyak might be blocked at meiosis I, and the expression of niche factors (NR5A1, GATA4, STAR, CYP11A1, CD68, TNF, and CX3CR1) in undifferentiated spermatogonia niche was abnormal. Then we isolated the undifferentiated spermatogonia and Sertoli cells from yak and cattleyak by enzyme digestion, and detected the specific genes in the two bovid testicular cells as well as the proliferation capacity of the undifferentiated spermatogonia. These results indicated that weak proliferation ability and scarce number of undifferentiated spermatogonia and abnormal gene expressions in Sertoli cells may contribute to male sterility of cattleyak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingxiu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kemin Jing
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuqian Li
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinrui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongbiao Ran
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Qin
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jincheng Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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MAP4K4/JNK Signaling Pathway Stimulates Proliferation and Suppresses Apoptosis of Human Spermatogonial Stem Cells and Lower Level of MAP4K4 Is Associated with Male Infertility. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233807. [PMID: 36497065 PMCID: PMC9739186 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233807] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) serve as a foundation for spermatogenesis and they are essential for male fertility. The fate of SSC is determined by genetic and epigenetic regulatory networks. Many molecules that regulate SSC fate determinations have been identified in mice. However, the molecules and signaling pathways underlying human SSCs remain largely unclear. In this study, we have demonstrated that MAP4K4 was predominantly expressed in human UCHL1-positive spermatogonia by double immunocytochemical staining. MAP4K4 knockdown inhibited proliferation of human SSCs and induced their apoptosis. Moreover, MAP4K4 silencing led to inhibition of JNK phosphorylation and MAP4K4 phosphorylation at Ser801. RNA sequencing indicated that MAP4K4 affected the transcription of SPARC, ADAM19, GPX7, GNG2, and COLA1. Interestingly, the phenotype of inhibiting JNK phosphorylation by SP600125 was similar to MAP4K4 knockdown. Notably, MAP4K4 protein was lower in the testes of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia than those with normal spermatogenesis as shown by Western blots and immunohistochemistry. Considered together, our data implicate that MAP4K4/JNK signaling pathway mediates proliferation and apoptosis of human SSCs, which provides a novel insight into molecular mechanisms governing human spermatogenesis and might offer new targets for gene therapy of male infertility.
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Sun W, Tian F, Pan H, Chang X, Xia M, Hu J, Wang Y, Li R, Li W, Yang M, Zhou Z. Flurochloridone induced abnormal spermatogenesis by damaging testicular Sertoli cells in mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 246:114163. [PMID: 36240522 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Flurochloridone (FLC), a selective herbicide used on a global scale, has been reported to have male reproductive toxicity whose evidence is limited, but its mechanism remains unclear. The present study was conducted to systematically explore the male reproductive toxicity of FLC, including sperm quality, spermatogenesis, toxicity targets, and potential mechanisms. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice aged 6-7 weeks received gavage administration of FLC (365/730 mg/kg/day) for 28 consecutive days. Then, the tissue and sperm of mice were collected for analysis. We measured the gonadosomatic index and analyzed sperm concentration, motility, malformation rate, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Spermatocyte immunofluorescence staining was performed to analyze meiosis. We also performed pathological staining on the testis and epididymis tissue and TUNEL staining, immunohistochemical analysis, and ultrastructural observation on the testicular tissue. RESULTS Results showed that FLC caused testicular weight reduction, dysfunction, and architectural damage in mice, but no significant adverse effect was found in the epididymis. The exposure interfered with spermatogonial proliferation and meiosis, affecting sperm concentration, motility, kinematic parameters, morphology, and MMP, decreasing sperm quality. Furthermore, mitochondrial damage and apoptosis of testicular Sertoli cells were observed in mice treated with FLC. CONCLUSION We found that FLC has significant adverse effects on spermatogonial proliferation and meiosis. Meanwhile, apoptosis and mitochondrial damage may be the potential mechanism of Sertoli cell damage. Our study demonstrated that FLC could induce testicular Sertoli cell damage, leading to abnormal spermatogenesis, which decreased sperm quality. The data provided references for the toxicity risk and research methods of FLC application in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqi Sun
- School of Public Health/MOE Key Laboratory for Public Health Safety/ Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Fang Tian
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Health Commission (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hongjie Pan
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Health Commission (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiuli Chang
- School of Public Health/MOE Key Laboratory for Public Health Safety/ Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Minjie Xia
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Health Commission (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jingying Hu
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Health Commission (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuzhu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Health Commission (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Runsheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Health Commission (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Weihua Li
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Health Commission (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mingjun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Health Commission (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Zhijun Zhou
- School of Public Health/MOE Key Laboratory for Public Health Safety/ Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Abofoul‐Azab M, Lunenfeld E, Kleiman S, Barda S, Hauser R, Huleihel M. Determining the expression levels of CSF-1 and OCT4, CREM-1, and protamine in testicular biopsies of adult Klinefelter patients: Their possible correlation with spermatogenesis. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14558. [PMID: 36177809 PMCID: PMC9786270 DOI: 10.1111/and.14558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most prevalent genetic disorder of infertile males. This study aimed to determine in Klinefelter patients (KS) the expression levels of spermatogenic markers and testicular growth factors that might predict spermatogenesis based on conventional testicular sperm extraction (TESE). The expression levels of the pre-meiotic (OCT4, CD9, GFR-α1, α-6-INTEGRIN, SALL4, C-KIT), meiotic (CREM-1), and post-meiotic (protamine) markers, as well as the colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) were examined in testicular biopsies with and without mature sperm of KS and normal karyotype of azoospermic patients (AZO) with complete spermatogenesis. In the biopsies of AZO, the expression levels (fold of expression compared to the PPI of the same sample) of OCT4 were 9.68± 7.93, CREM 42.78± 28.22, CSF-1 3.07 ± 3.19, and protamine 78498.12 ± 73214.40. Biopsies from KS included 7 with sperm and 17 without sperm. Among the biopsies with sperm, the expression levels of OCT4 were 7.27± 9.29, CREM 3.13± 7.89, CSF-1 35.5 ± 48.01, and protamine 902.97 ± 2365.92. In 14 biopsies without sperm, we found low expression levels of OCT4, CREM and CSF-1, and no expression of protamine. However, in three of the biopsies without sperm that highly expressed OCT4 and CSF-1, the expression levels of CREM-1 and protamine were high. These results may be used for further consulting with patients considering repeating conventional TESE or micro TESE and cryopreservation for possible future in-vitro spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maram Abofoul‐Azab
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and GeneticsBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael,The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health SciencesBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael,Faculty of Health SciencesBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael
| | | | - Sandra Kleiman
- Male Fertility Clinic and Sperm BankLis Maternity HospitalTel AvivIsrael,Sourasky Medical CenterTel‐AvivIsrael,Sackler School of Medicine Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Shimi Barda
- Male Fertility Clinic and Sperm BankLis Maternity HospitalTel AvivIsrael
| | - Ron Hauser
- Male Fertility Clinic and Sperm BankLis Maternity HospitalTel AvivIsrael,Sourasky Medical CenterTel‐AvivIsrael,Sackler School of Medicine Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Mahmoud Huleihel
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and GeneticsBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael,The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health SciencesBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael,Faculty of Health SciencesBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael
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Xie X, Franěk R, Pšenička M, Chen F, Kašpar V. Optimization of in vitro culture conditions of common carp germ cells for purpose of surrogate production. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1036495. [PMID: 36311648 PMCID: PMC9614374 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1036495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is the fourth most-produced fish species in aquaculture and frequently used model species with significant effort invested in development of biotechnological applications. In present study, we attempted to establish an in vitro germ cell culture condition for short term cell culture, which could facilitate further applications such as surrogacy or gene manipulation. Basal media and different types of feeder cells were investigated to optimize carp germ cell culture condition to favor maintenance of mitotic proliferation. Results indicated that germ cells cultured with hESC media and RTG2 cell line as feeder possessed significantly higher proliferation and survival rate compared to that cultured with StemPro media and Sertoli cell line as feeder. In addition, we compared two dissection strategies to compare risk of cell culture contamination and body cavity was open from dorsal part or from ventral part. As a result, carp open from the dorsal side can minimize the risk of contamination. In summary, this is the first study to optimize the cultivation of germ cells in common carp. This opens up new opportunities for the application of specific techniques in the breeding of those species with high commercial value and frequent use as a model fish. Results obtained in this study are important for implementation of new strategies in common carp breeding, conservation of genetic resources, restoration of lines or development of clonal and isogenic carp lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Xie
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Xijing Hospital of Airforce Military Medical University, Xi'an, China,Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceské Budějovice, Ceské Budějovice, Czechia,*Correspondence: Xuan Xie
| | - Roman Franěk
- Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceské Budějovice, Ceské Budějovice, Czechia,Department of Genetics, The Silberman Institute, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Martin Pšenička
- Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceské Budějovice, Ceské Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Fan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital of Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Vojtech Kašpar
- Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceské Budějovice, Ceské Budějovice, Czechia
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Qiu Y, Zhang Y, Ren H, Zhang Y, Liu X, Pu J, Yu J, Yu X, Pei X. Cistanche deserticola polysaccharides extracted from Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma promote the differentiation of mouse female germline stem cells in vitro. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 296:115495. [PMID: 35753607 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional Chinese herbal medicine Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma has been recorded and treatment for infertility and impotence since ancient times, which is widely distributed in northwest China, and is mainly composed of phenylethanol glycosides, iridoids, lignans, polysaccharides, alkaloids, etc. C. deserticola polysaccharides (CDPs) is one of its main active ingredients, studies of its effect on germline stem cells are limited so far. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to clarify that CDPs promoted the differentiation of FGSCs in vitro, and to initially clarify its possible cell signaling pathways. MATERIAL AND METHODS The cells were randomly divided into two groups. Normal FGSCs culture medium and the optimal concentration of CDPs (0.5 μg/mL) were added for culture, which was the selected treatment concentration that could promote cell differentiation on the basis of maintaining cell viability. After treatment for different time periods (12 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h), the cell proliferation and differentiation were evaluated by CCK-8, real-time PCR (qPCR), cell immunofluorescence and Western blot. Subsequently, RNA-Seq and data analysis were used to preliminarily analyze and verify the different genes and possible signal pathways. RESULTS Under the treatment of CDPs, cell viability was relatively better, and the expression of meiotic markers stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 protein (Stra8) and synaptonemal complex protein 3 (Sycp3) significantly increased. In addition, their cell morphology was more similar to oocytes. Comparison of gene expression in FGSCs identified key differential expression genes (DEGs) by RNA-Seq that consisted of 549 upregulated and 465 downregulated genes. The DEGs enriched in the functional categories of germline cell development and relevant signaling pathways, which jointly regulate self-renewal and differentiation of FGSCs. The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway might be activated to synergistically influence cell differentiation during the CDPs treatment of FGSCs. CONCLUSION These findings indicated that CDPs could promote the differentiation of FGSCs in vitro and could be regulated by different DEGs and signal transduction. Preliminary mechanism studies have shown that CDPs can exert their biological activities by regulating the TGF-β and BMP signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikai Qiu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yanping Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Hehe Ren
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yingxin Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xinrui Liu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jing Pu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jianqiang Yu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xiaoli Yu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
| | - Xiuying Pei
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
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Cheng H, Shang D, Zhou R. Germline stem cells in human. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:345. [PMID: 36184610 PMCID: PMC9527259 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01197-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The germline cells are essential for the propagation of human beings, thus essential for the survival of mankind. The germline stem cells, as a unique cell type, generate various states of germ stem cells and then differentiate into specialized cells, spermatozoa and ova, for producing offspring, while self-renew to generate more stem cells. Abnormal development of germline stem cells often causes severe diseases in humans, including infertility and cancer. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) first emerge during early embryonic development, migrate into the gentile ridge, and then join in the formation of gonads. In males, they differentiate into spermatogonial stem cells, which give rise to spermatozoa via meiosis from the onset of puberty, while in females, the female germline stem cells (FGSCs) retain stemness in the ovary and initiate meiosis to generate oocytes. Primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) can be induced in vitro from embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells. In this review, we focus on current advances in these embryonic and adult germline stem cells, and the induced PGCLCs in humans, provide an overview of molecular mechanisms underlying the development and differentiation of the germline stem cells and outline their physiological functions, pathological implications, and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhua Cheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China.
| | - Dantong Shang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China
| | - Rongjia Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China.
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