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Qi HY, Li ZF, Wang LM, Zhao Z, Wang JM, Tan FQ, Yang WX. Myosin VI stabilizes intercellular junctions in the testis through the LHR and MAPK signalling pathway during spermatogenesis in Eriocheir sinensis. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 248:125842. [PMID: 37454996 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125842] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The myosin motor protein myosin VI plays an essential role in mammalian spermatogenesis, however, the effects of myosin VI on male reproduction in Crustacea remain obscure. We identified the macromolecule es-Myosin VI in Eriocheir sinensis, and studied it by multiple methods. It co-localized with F-actin and was highly expressed in the testis. We interfered es-Myosin VI using dsRNA in vivo, an apparent decrease in spermatozoa count was detected. We also found that the MAPK signalling pathway was changed, subsequently causing disruption of intercellular junctions and damage to the functional hemolymph-testis barrier. We observed that luteinizing hormone receptor es-LHR was located within seminiferous tubules, which was different from the expression in mammals. Es-LHR could bind with es-Myosin VI in testis of E. sinensis, its localization was significantly altered when es-Myosin VI was deleted. Moreover, we obtained consistent results for the MAPK signalling pathway and spermatogenesis defects between the es-LHR and es-Myosin VI knockdown groups. In summary, our research demonstrated that knockdown of es-Myosin VI disturbed the intercellular junction and HTB function via the MAPK signalling pathway by changing the localization of es-LHR in the testis of E. sinensis, which was the potential reason for its negative impact on spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yu Qi
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhen-Fang Li
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lan-Min Wang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhan Zhao
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jia-Ming Wang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fu-Qing Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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2
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Yao B, An K, Kang Y, Tan Y, Zhang D, Su J. Reproductive Suppression Caused by Spermatogenic Arrest: Transcriptomic Evidence from a Non-Social Animal. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054611. [PMID: 36902039 PMCID: PMC10003443 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive suppression is an adaptive strategy in animal reproduction. The mechanism of reproductive suppression has been studied in social animals, providing an essential basis for understanding the maintenance and development of population stability. However, little is known about it in solitary animals. The plateau zokor is a dominant, subterranean, solitary rodent in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. However, the mechanism of reproductive suppression in this animal is unknown. We perform morphological, hormonal, and transcriptomic assays on the testes of male plateau zokors in breeders, in non-breeders, and in the non-breeding season. We found that the testes of non-breeders are smaller in weight and have lower serum testosterone levels than those of breeders, and the mRNA expression levels of the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and its transcription factors are significantly higher in non-breeder testes. Genes related to spermatogenesis are significantly downregulated in both meiotic and post-meiotic stages in non-breeders. Genes related to the meiotic cell cycle, spermatogenesis, flagellated sperm motility, fertilization, and sperm capacitation are significantly downregulated in non-breeders. Our data suggest that high levels of AMH may lead to low levels of testosterone, resulting in delayed testicular development, and physiological reproductive suppression in plateau zokor. This study enriches our understanding of reproductive suppression in solitary mammals and provides a basis for the optimization of managing this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohui Yao
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Kang An
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yukun Kang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yuchen Tan
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Degang Zhang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Junhu Su
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Correspondence:
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3
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Wu X, Yun D, Sang M, Liu J, Zhou L, Shi J, Wang L, Bu T, Li L, Huang Y, Lin D, Sun F, Cheng CY. Defects of microtubule cytoskeletal organization in NOA human testes. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:154. [PMID: 36329464 PMCID: PMC9632130 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-01026-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of actin and microtubule (MT) cytoskeletons in testis function in rodents is known to some extent, but its role in the etiology of azoospermia in humans remains unexplored. Here, we examined if MT cytoskeleton was defective in NOA (non-obstructive azoospermia) testes versus normal human testes based on histopathological, immunofluorescence (IF), and scRNA-Seq transcriptome profiling. Testis biopsy samples from n = 6 normal men versus n = 3 Sertoli cell only (SCO) and n = 3 MA (meiotic arrest) of NOA patients were used for histopathological analysis. IF analysis was also used to examine MT organization across the seminiferous epithelium, investigating the likely involvement of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). scRNA-Seq transcriptome profiling datasets from testes of 3 SCO patients versus 3 normal men in public domain in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) Sample (GSM) with identifiers were analyzed to examine relevant genes that regulate MT dynamics. NOA testes of MA and SCO patients displayed notable defects in MT organization across the epithelium with extensive truncation, mis-alignments and appeared as collapsed structures near the base of the tubules. These changes are in contrast to MTs in testes of normal men. scRNA-Seq analyses revealed considerable loss of spermatogenesis capacity in SCO testes of NOA patients versus normal men. An array of genes that support MT dynamics displayed considerable changes in expression and in spatial distribution. In summary, defects in MT cytoskeleton were noted in testes of NOA (SCO) patients, possibly mediated by defective spatial expression and/or distribution of MAPs. These changes, in turn, may impede spermatogenesis in SCO testes of NOA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Damin Yun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengmeng Sang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianpeng Liu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liwei Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Shi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tiao Bu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - YingYing Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dengfeng Lin
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China.
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China.
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
- Center for Biomedical Research, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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4
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Luo H, Mipam T, Wu S, Xu C, Yi C, Zhao W, Chai Z, Chen X, Wu Z, Wang J, Wang J, Wang H, Zhong J, Cai X. DNA methylome of primary spermatocyte reveals epigenetic dysregulation associated with male sterility of cattleyak. Theriogenology 2022; 191:153-167. [PMID: 35988507 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.08.016] [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: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA cytosine methylation modification in the germline is of particular importance since it is a highly heritable epigenetic mark. Although cytosine methylation has been analyzed at the genome-scale for several mammalian species, our knowledge of DNA methylation patterns and the mechanisms underlying male hybrid sterility is still limited in domestic animals such as cattleyak. Here we for the first time show the genome-wide and single-base resolution landscape of methylcytosines (mC) in the primary spermatocyte (PSC) genome of yak with normal spermatogenesis and the inter-specific hybrid cattleyak with male infertility. A comparative investigation revealed that widespread differences are observed in the composition and patterning of DNA cytosine methylation between the two methylomes. Global CG or non-CG DNA methylation levels, as well as the number of mC sites, are increased in cattleyak compared to yak. Notably, the DNA methylome in cattleyak PSC exhibits promoter hypermethylation of meiosis-specific genes and piRNA pathway genes with respect to yak. Furthermore, major retrotransposonson classes are predominantly hypermethylated in cattleyak while those are fully hypomethylated in yak. KEGG pathway enrichment indicates Rap1 signaling and MAPK pathways may play potential roles in the spermatogenic arrest of cattleyak. Our present study not only provides valuable insights into distinct features of the cattleyak PSC methylome but also paves the way toward elucidating the complex, yet highly coordinated epigenetic modification during male germline development for inter-specific hybrid animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Luo
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - TserangDonko Mipam
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shixin Wu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuanfei Xu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuanping Yi
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhixin Chai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhijuan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jikun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiabo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jincheng Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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5
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Wu S, Li L, Wu X, Wong CKC, Sun F, Cheng CY. AKAP9 supports spermatogenesis through its effects on microtubule and actin cytoskeletons in the rat testis. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21925. [PMID: 34569663 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100960r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian testes, extensive remodeling of the microtubule (MT) and actin cytoskeletons takes place in Sertoli cells across the seminiferous epithelium to support spermatogenesis. However, the mechanism(s) involving regulatory and signaling proteins remains poorly understood. Herein, A-kinase anchoring protein 9 (AKAP9, a member of the AKAP multivalent scaffold protein family) was shown to be one of these crucial regulatory proteins in the rat testis. Earlier studies have shown that AKAP9 serves as a signaling platform by recruiting multiple signaling and regulatory proteins to create a large protein complex that binds to the Golgi and centrosome to facilitate the assembly of the MT-nucleating γ-tubulin ring complex to initiate MT polymerization. We further expanded our earlier studies based on a Sertoli cell-specific AKAP9 knockout mouse model to probe the function of AKAP9 by using the techniques of immunofluorescence analysis, RNA interference (RNAi), and biochemical assays on an in vitro primary Sertoli cell culture model, and an adjudin-based animal model. AKAP9 robustly expressed across the seminiferous epithelium in adult rat testes, colocalizing with MT-based tracks, and laid perpendicular across the seminiferous epithelium, and prominently expressed at the Sertoli-spermatid cell-cell anchoring junction (called apical ectoplasmic specialization [ES]) and at the Sertoli cell-cell interface (called basal ES, which together with tight junction [TJ] created the blood-testis barrier [BTB]) stage specifically. AKAP9 knockdown in Sertoli cells by RNAi was found to perturb the TJ-permeability barrier through disruptive changes in the distribution of BTB-associated proteins at the Sertoli cell cortical zone, mediated by a considerable loss of ability to induce both MT polymerization and actin filament bundling. A considerable decline in AKAP9 expression and a disruptive distribution of AKAP9 across the seminiferous tubules was also noted during adjudin-induced germ cell (GC) exfoliation in this animal model, illustrating AKAP9 is essential to maintain the homeostasis of cytoskeletons to maintain Sertoli and GC adhesion in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
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6
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Zakrzewski P, Suwińska A, Lenartowski R, Rędowicz MJ, Buss F, Lenartowska M. Myosin VI maintains the actin-dependent organization of the tubulobulbar complexes required for endocytosis during mouse spermiogenesis†‡. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:863-875. [PMID: 31901088 PMCID: PMC7124960 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Myosin VI (MYO6) is an actin-based motor that has been implicated in a wide range of cellular processes, including endocytosis and the regulation of actin dynamics. MYO6 is crucial for actin/membrane remodeling during the final step of Drosophila spermatogenesis, and MYO6-deficient males are sterile. This protein also localizes to actin-rich structures involved in mouse spermiogenesis. Although loss of MYO6 in Snell's waltzer knock-out (KO) mice causes several defects and shows reduced male fertility, no studies have been published to address the role of MYO6 in sperm development in mouse. Here we demonstrate that MYO6 and some of its binding partners are present at highly specialized actin-based structures, the apical tubulobulbar complexes (TBCs), which mediate endocytosis of the intercellular junctions at the Sertoli cell-spermatid interface, an essential process for sperm release. Using electron and light microscopy and biochemical approaches, we show that MYO6, GIPC1 and TOM1/L2 form a complex in testis and localize predominantly to an early endocytic APPL1-positive compartment of the TBCs that is distinct from EEA1-positive early endosomes. These proteins also associate with the TBC actin-free bulbular region. Finally, our studies using testis from Snell's waltzer males show that loss of MYO6 causes disruption of the actin cytoskeleton and disorganization of the TBCs and leads to defects in the distribution of the MYO6-positive early APPL1-endosomes. Taken together, we report here for the first time that lack of MYO6 in mouse testis reduces male fertility and disrupts spatial organization of the TBC-related endocytic compartment during the late phase of spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Zakrzewski
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland.,Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Anna Suwińska
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland.,Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Robert Lenartowski
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland.,Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Maria Jolanta Rędowicz
- Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Cell Motility, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Folma Buss
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Lenartowska
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland.,Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
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7
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Wu S, Lv L, Li L, Wang L, Mao B, Li J, Shen X, Ge R, Wong CKC, Sun F, Cheng CY. KIF15 supports spermatogenesis via its effects on Sertoli cell microtubule, actin, vimentin, and septin cytoskeletons. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6102572. [PMID: 33453102 PMCID: PMC7883770 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Throughout spermatogenesis, cellular cargoes including haploid spermatids are required to be transported across the seminiferous epithelium, either toward the microtubule (MT) plus (+) end near the basement membrane at stage V, or to the MT minus (-) end near the tubule lumen at stages VI to VIII of the epithelial cycle. Furthermore, preleptotene spermatocytes, differentiated from type B spermatogonia, are transported across the Sertoli cell blood-testis barrier (BTB) to enter the adluminal compartment. Few studies, however, have been conducted to explore the function of MT-dependent motor proteins to support spermatid transport during spermiogenesis. Herein, we examined the role of MT-dependent and microtubule plus (+) end-directed motor protein kinesin 15 (KIF15) in the testis. KIF15 displayed a stage-specific expression across the seminiferous epithelium, associated with MTs, and appeared as aggregates on the MT tracks that aligned perpendicular to the basement membrane and laid across the entire epithelium. KIF15 also tightly associated with apical ectoplasmic specialization, displaying strict stage-specific distribution, apparently to support spermatid transport across the epithelium. We used a loss-of-function approach by RNAi to examine the role of KIF15 in Sertoli cell epithelium in vitro to examine its role in cytoskeletal-dependent Sertoli cell function. It was noted that KIF15 knockdown by RNAi that reduced KIF15 expression by ~70% in Sertoli cells with an established functional tight junction barrier impeded the barrier function. This effect was mediated through remarkable changes in the cytoskeletal organization of MTs, but also actin-, vimentin-, and septin-based cytoskeletons, illustrating that KIF15 exerts its regulatory effects well beyond microtubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lixiu Lv
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Baiping Mao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xian Shen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Correspondence: C. Yan Cheng, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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8
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Zakrzewski P, Lenartowska M, Buss F. Diverse functions of myosin VI in spermiogenesis. Histochem Cell Biol 2021; 155:323-340. [PMID: 33386429 PMCID: PMC8021524 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-020-01954-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is the final stage of spermatogenesis, a differentiation process during which unpolarized spermatids undergo excessive remodeling that results in the formation of sperm. The actin cytoskeleton and associated actin-binding proteins play crucial roles during this process regulating organelle or vesicle delivery/segregation and forming unique testicular structures involved in spermatid remodeling. In addition, several myosin motor proteins including MYO6 generate force and movement during sperm differentiation. MYO6 is highly unusual as it moves towards the minus end of actin filaments in the opposite direction to other myosin motors. This specialized feature of MYO6 may explain the many proposed functions of this myosin in a wide array of cellular processes in animal cells, including endocytosis, secretion, stabilization of the Golgi complex, and regulation of actin dynamics. These diverse roles of MYO6 are mediated by a range of specialized cargo-adaptor proteins that link this myosin to distinct cellular compartments and processes. During sperm development in a number of different organisms, MYO6 carries out pivotal functions. In Drosophila, the MYO6 ortholog regulates actin reorganization during spermatid individualization and male KO flies are sterile. In C. elegans, the MYO6 ortholog mediates asymmetric segregation of cytosolic material and spermatid budding through cytokinesis, whereas in mice, this myosin regulates assembly of highly specialized actin-rich structures and formation of membrane compartments to allow the formation of fully differentiated sperm. In this review, we will present an overview and compare the diverse function of MYO6 in the specialized adaptations of spermiogenesis in flies, worms, and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Zakrzewski
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Torun, Poland.,Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Marta Lenartowska
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Torun, Poland.,Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Torun, Poland
| | - Folma Buss
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK.
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Wu S, Li H, Wang L, Mak N, Wu X, Ge R, Sun F, Cheng CY. Motor Proteins and Spermatogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:131-159. [PMID: 34453735 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Unlike the intermediate filament- and septin-based cytoskeletons which are apolar structures, the microtubule (MT) and actin cytoskeletons are polarized structures in mammalian cells and tissues including the testis, most notable in Sertoli cells. In the testis, these cytoskeletons that stretch across the epithelium of seminiferous tubules and lay perpendicular to the basement membrane of tunica propria serve as tracks for corresponding motor proteins to support cellular cargo transport. These cargoes include residual bodies, phagosomes, endocytic vesicles and most notably developing spermatocytes and haploid spermatids which lack the ultrastructures of motile cells (e.g., lamellipodia, filopodia). As such, these developing germ cells require the corresponding motor proteins to facilitate their transport across the seminiferous epithelium during the epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis. Due to the polarized natures of these cytoskeletons with distinctive plus (+) and minus (-) end, directional cargo transport can take place based on the use of corresponding actin- or MT-based motor proteins. These include the MT-based minus (-) end directed motor proteins: dyneins, and the plus (+) end directed motor proteins: kinesins, as well as the actin-based motor proteins: myosins, many of which are plus (+) end directed but a few are also minus (-) end directed motor proteins. Recent studies have shown that these motor proteins are essential to support spermatogenesis. In this review, we briefly summarize and evaluate these recent findings so that this information will serve as a helpful guide for future studies and for planning functional experiments to better understand their role mechanistically in supporting spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Huitao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lingling Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nathan Mak
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Li H, Liu S, Wu S, Ge R, Cheng CY. NC1-Peptide From Collagen α3 (IV) Chains in the Basement Membrane of Testes Regulates Spermatogenesis via p-FAK-Y407. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5881724. [PMID: 32761085 PMCID: PMC7478323 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) in the testis is an important ultrastructure to support spermatogenesis. This blood-tissue barrier undergoes remodeling at late stage VII to early stage IX of the epithelial cycle to support the transport of preleptotene spermatocytes across the BTB to prepare for meiosis I/II at the apical compartment through a mechanism that remains to be delineated. Studies have shown that NC1-peptide-derived collagen α3 (IV) chain in the basement membrane is a bioactive peptide that induces BTB remodeling. It also promotes the release of fully developed spermatids into the tubule lumen. Thus, this endogenously produced peptide coordinates these 2 cellular events across the seminiferous epithelium. Using an NC1-peptide complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) construct to transfect adult rat testes for overexpression, NC1-peptide was found to effectively induce germ cell exfoliation and BTB remodeling, which was associated with a surge and activation of p-rpS6, the downstream signaling protein of mTORC1 and the concomitant downregulation of p-FAK-Y407 in the testis. In order to define the functional relationship between p-rpS6 and p-FAK-Y407 signaling to confer the ability of NC1-peptide to regulate testis function, a phosphomimetic (and thus constitutively active) mutant of p-FAK-Y407 (p-FAK-Y407E-MT) was used for its co-transfection, utilizing Sertoli cells cultured in vitro with a functional tight junction (TJ) barrier that mimicked the BTB in vivo. Overexpression of p-FAK-Y407E-MT blocked the effects of NC1-peptide to perturb Sertoli cell BTB function by promoting F-actin and microtubule cytoskeleton function, and downregulated the NC1-peptide-mediated induction of p-rpS6 activation. In brief, NC1-peptide is an important endogenously produced biomolecule that regulates BTB dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huitao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Mary Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
| | - Shiwen Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Mary Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
| | - Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Mary Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Mary Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
- Correspondence: C. Yan Cheng, PhD, Senior Scientist, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York 10065. E-mail:
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11
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Wang L, Yan M, Wu S, Wu X, Bu T, Wong CK, Ge R, Sun F, Cheng CY. Actin binding proteins, actin cytoskeleton and spermatogenesis – Lesson from toxicant models. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 96:76-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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12
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Zakrzewski P, Rędowicz MJ, Buss F, Lenartowska M. Loss of myosin VI expression affects acrosome/acroplaxome complex morphology during mouse spermiogenesis†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:521-533. [PMID: 32412041 PMCID: PMC7442776 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
During spermiogenesis in mammals, actin filaments and a variety of actin-binding proteins are involved in the formation and function of highly specialized testis-specific structures. Actin-based motor proteins, such as myosin Va and VIIa, play a key role in this complex process of spermatid transformation into mature sperm. We have previously demonstrated that myosin VI (MYO6) is also expressed in mouse testes. It is present in actin-rich structures important for spermatid development, including one of the earliest events in spermiogenesis—acrosome formation. Here, we demonstrate using immunofluorescence, cytochemical, and ultrastructural approaches that MYO6 is involved in maintaining the structural integrity of these specialized actin-rich structures during acrosome biogenesis in mouse. We show that MYO6 together with its binding partner TOM1/L2 is present at/around the spermatid Golgi complex and the nascent acrosome. Depletion of MYO6 in Snell’s waltzer mice causes structural disruptions of the Golgi complex and affects the acrosomal granule positioning within the developing acrosome. In summary, our results suggest that MYO6 plays an anchoring role during the acrosome biogenesis mainly by tethering of different cargo/membranes to highly specialized actin-related structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Zakrzewski
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Torun, Poland
| | - Maria Jolanta Rędowicz
- Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Cell Motility, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Folma Buss
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marta Lenartowska
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Torun, Poland.,Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Torun, Poland
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13
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Yang T, Yang WX. The dynamics and regulation of microfilament during spermatogenesis. Gene 2020; 744:144635. [PMID: 32244053 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a highly complex physiological process which contains spermatogonia proliferation, spermatocyte meiosis and spermatid morphogenesis. In the past decade, actin binding proteins and signaling pathways which are critical for regulating the actin cytoskeleton in testis had been found. In this review, we summarized 5 actin-binding proteins that have been proven to play important roles in the seminiferous epithelium. Lack of them perturbs spermatids polarity and the transport of spermatids. The loss of Arp2/3 complex, Formin1, Eps8, Palladin and Plastin3 cause sperm release failure suggesting their irreplaceable role in spermatogenesis. Actin regulation relies on multiple signal pathways. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway positively regulate the mTOR pathway to promote actin reorganization in seminiferous epithelium. Conversely, TSC1/TSC2 complex, the upstream of mTOR, is activated by the LKB1/AMPK pathway to inhibit cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. The increasing researches focus on the function of actin binding proteins (ABPs), however, their collaborative regulation of actin patterns and potential regulatory signaling networks remains unclear. We reviewed ABPs that play important roles in mammalian spermatogenesis and signal pathways involved in the regulation of microfilaments. We suggest that more relevant studies should be performed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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14
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Mao BP, Ge R, Cheng CY. Role of microtubule +TIPs and -TIPs in spermatogenesis – Insights from studies of toxicant models. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 91:43-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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15
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Mao B, Li L, Yan M, Wong CKC, Silvestrini B, Li C, Ge R, Lian Q, Cheng CY. F5-Peptide and mTORC1/rpS6 Effectively Enhance BTB Transport Function in the Testis-Lesson From the Adjudin Model. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1832-1853. [PMID: 31157869 PMCID: PMC6637795 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
During spermatogenesis, the blood-testis barrier (BTB) undergoes cyclic remodeling that is crucial to support the transport of preleptotene spermatocytes across the immunological barrier at stage VIII to IX of the epithelial cycle. Studies have shown that this timely remodeling of the BTB is supported by several endogenously produced barrier modifiers across the seminiferous epithelium, which include the F5-peptide and the ribosomal protein S6 [rpS6; a downstream signaling molecule of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)] signaling protein. Herein, F5-peptide and a quadruple phosphomimetic (and constitutively active) mutant of rpS6 [i.e., phosphorylated (p-)rpS6-MT] that are capable of inducing reversible immunological barrier remodeling, by making the barrier "leaky" transiently, were used for their overexpression in the testis to induce BTB opening. We sought to examine whether this facilitated the crossing of the nonhormonal male contraceptive adjudin at the BTB when administered by oral gavage, thereby effectively improving its BTB transport to induce germ cell adhesion and aspermatogenesis. Indeed, it was shown that combined overexpression of F5-peptide and p-rpS6-MT and a low dose of adjudin, which by itself had no noticeable effects on spermatogenesis, was capable of perturbing the organization of actin- and microtubule (MT)-based cytoskeletons through changes in the spatial expression of actin- and MT-binding/regulatory proteins to the corresponding cytoskeleton. These findings thus illustrate the possibility of delivering drugs to any target organ behind a blood-tissue barrier by modifying the tight junction permeability barrier using endogenously produced barrier modifiers based on findings from this adjudin animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiping Mao
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ming Yan
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Chao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingquan Lian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Correspondence: C. Yan Cheng, PhD, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065. E-mail:
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16
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Yan M, Li L, Mao B, Li H, Li SYT, Mruk D, Silvestrini B, Lian Q, Ge R, Cheng CY. mTORC1/rpS6 signaling complex modifies BTB transport function: an in vivo study using the adjudin model. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2019; 317:E121-E138. [PMID: 31112404 PMCID: PMC6689739 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00553.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Studies have shown that the mTORC1/rpS6 signaling cascade regulates Sertoli cell blood-testis barrier (BTB) dynamics. For instance, specific inhibition of mTORC1 by treating Sertoli cells with rapamycin promotes the Sertoli cell barrier, making it "tighter." However, activation of mTORC1 by overexpressing a full-length rpS6 cDNA clone (i.e., rpS6-WT, wild type) in Sertoli cells promotes BTB remodeling, making the barrier "leaky." Also, there is an increase in rpS6 and p-rpS6 (phosphorylated and activated rpS6) expression at the BTB in testes at stages VIII-IX of the epithelial cycle, and it coincides with BTB remodeling to support the transport of preleptotene spermatocytes across the barrier, illustrating that rpS6 is a BTB-modifying signaling protein. Herein, we used a constitutively active, quadruple phosphomimetic mutant of rpS6, namely p-rpS6-MT of p-rpS6-S235E/S236E/S240E/S244E, wherein Ser (S) was converted to Glu (E) at amino acid residues 235, 236, 240, and 244 from the NH2 terminus by site-directed mutagenesis, for its overexpression in rat testes in vivo using the Polyplus in vivo jet-PEI transfection reagent with high transfection efficiency. Overexpression of this p-rpS6-MT was capable of inducing BTB remodeling, making the barrier "leaky." This thus promoted the entry of the nonhormonal male contraceptive adjudin into the adluminal compartment in the seminiferous epithelium to induce germ cell exfoliation. Combined overexpression of p-rpS6-MT with a male contraceptive (e.g., adjudin) potentiated the drug bioavailability by modifying the BTB. This approach thus lowers intrinsic drug toxicity due to a reduced drug dose, further characterizing the biology of BTB transport function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yan
- Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
| | - Linxi Li
- Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
- Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou, Zhejiang , China
| | - Baiping Mao
- Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
- Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou, Zhejiang , China
| | - Huitao Li
- Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
- Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou, Zhejiang , China
| | - Stephen Y T Li
- Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
| | - Dolores Mruk
- Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
| | | | - Qingquan Lian
- Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou, Zhejiang , China
| | - Renshan Ge
- Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou, Zhejiang , China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council , New York, New York
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