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Thiageswaran S, Steele H, Voigt AL, Dobrinski I. A Role for Exchange of Extracellular Vesicles in Porcine Spermatogonial Co-Culture. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094535. [PMID: 35562927 PMCID: PMC9103065 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) provide the basis for lifelong male fertility through self-renewal and differentiation. Prepubertal male cancer patients may be rendered infertile by gonadotoxic chemotherapy and, unlike sexually mature men, cannot store sperm. Alternatively, testicular biopsies taken prior to treatment may be used to restore fertility in adulthood. Testicular SSC populations are limited, and in vitro culture systems are required to increase numbers of SSCs for treatment, demanding culture systems for SSC propagation. Using the pig as a non-rodent model, we developed culture systems to expand spermatogonia from immature testis tissue, comparing different feeders (Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cells (PMCs) and pig fetal fibroblasts (PFFs)). Spermatogonia co-cultured with Sertoli cells, PMCs and PFFs had comparable rates of proliferation and apoptosis. To elucidate the mechanism behind the beneficial nature of feeder layers, we investigated the role of extracellular vesicles in crosstalk between spermatogonia and feeder cells. Sertoli cell-released exosomes are incorporated by spermatogonia, and inhibition of exosomal release reduces spermatogonial proliferation. Together, these results show that PMCs, PFFs and Sertoli cells promote spermatogonial proliferation in co-culture, with exosomal exchange representing one possible mechanism. Further characterization of exosomal cargo may ultimately allow the development of feeder-free culture systems for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiama Thiageswaran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
| | - Heather Steele
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (H.S.); (A.L.V.)
| | - Anna Laura Voigt
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (H.S.); (A.L.V.)
| | - Ina Dobrinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (H.S.); (A.L.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-403-210-6532
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Viger RS, de Mattos K, Tremblay JJ. Insights Into the Roles of GATA Factors in Mammalian Testis Development and the Control of Fetal Testis Gene Expression. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:902198. [PMID: 35692407 PMCID: PMC9178088 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.902198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Defining how genes get turned on and off in a correct spatiotemporal manner is integral to our understanding of the development, differentiation, and function of different cell types in both health and disease. Testis development and subsequent male sex differentiation of the XY fetus are well-orchestrated processes that require an intricate network of cell-cell communication and hormonal signals that must be properly interpreted at the genomic level. Transcription factors are at the forefront for translating these signals into a coordinated genomic response. The GATA family of transcriptional regulators were first described as essential regulators of hematopoietic cell differentiation and heart morphogenesis but are now known to impact the development and function of a multitude of tissues and cell types. The mammalian testis is no exception where GATA factors play essential roles in directing the expression of genes crucial not only for testis differentiation but also testis function in the developing male fetus and later in adulthood. This minireview provides an overview of the current state of knowledge of GATA factors in the male gonad with a particular emphasis on their mechanisms of action in the control of testis development, gene expression in the fetal testis, testicular disease, and XY sex differentiation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S. Viger
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Robert S. Viger,
| | - Karine de Mattos
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jacques J. Tremblay
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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3
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Zomer HD, Reddi PP. Characterization of rodent Sertoli cell primary cultures. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:857-870. [PMID: 32743879 PMCID: PMC7685524 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells play a vital role in spermatogenesis by offering physical and nutritional support to the differentiating male germ cells. They form the blood-testis barrier and secrete growth factors essential for germ cell differentiation. Sertoli cell primary cultures are critical for understanding the regulation of spermatogenesis; however, obtaining pure cultures has been a challenge. Rodent Sertoli cell isolation protocols do not rule out contamination by the interstitial or connective tissue cells. Sertoli cell-specific markers could be helpful, but there is no consensus. Vimentin, the most commonly used marker, is not specific for Sertoli cells since its expression has been reported in peritubular myoid cells, mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, and endothelial cells, which contaminate Sertoli cell preparations. Markers based on transcription and growth factors also have limitations. Thus, the impediment to obtaining pure Sertoli cell cultures pertains to both the method of isolation and marker usage. The aim of this review is to discuss improvements to current methods of rodent Sertoli cell primary cultures, assess the properties of prepubertal versus mature Sertoli cell cultures, and propose steps to improve cellular characterization. Potential benefits of using contemporary approaches, including lineage tracing, specific cell ablation, and RNA-seq for obtaining Sertoli-specific transcript markers are discussed. Evaluating the specificity and applicability of these markers at the protein level to characterize Sertoli cells in culture would be critical. This review is expected to positively impact future work using primary cultures of rodent Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena D Zomer
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Prabhakara P Reddi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
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Wagner-Mahler K, Kurzenne JY, Gastaud F, Hoflack M, Panaia Ferrari P, Berard E, Giuliano F, Karmous-Benailly H, Moceri P, Jouannelle C, Bourcier M, Robart E, Morel Y. Is interstitial 8p23 microdeletion responsible of 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis? One case report from birth to puberty. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 7:e558. [PMID: 30690934 PMCID: PMC6418366 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromosome 8p deletions are associated with a variety of conditions, including cardiac abnormalities, mental, behavioral problems with variable morphotype and genitourinary anomalies in boys. METHODS We describe the follow-up over almost 15 years of a boy who initially presented with perineal hypospadias with a micropenis and cryptorchidism with 46,XY DSD. RESULTS Imaging, pathology, and hormonal exploration suggested gonadal dysgenesis. Further genetic studies were deemed necessary during follow-up. The child's further development recommended further genetic analyses. High-resolution analysis showed an interstitial deletion on the short arm of a chromosome 8: 46,XY,del(8)(p23.1p23.1). We reviewed the literature and found 102 cases including 54 boys: 62.7% had mental problems, 50.9% a dysmorphic disorder, 55.9% cardiac anomalies, and 46.3% of the boys had genitourinary anomalies. Our patient's genital abnormalities can be explained by the haploinsufficiency of the genes, such as GATA4 (OMIM 600576) that are included in the deleted area. CONCLUSION This case of severe 46,XY DSD raises the question of the role played by 8p23 microdeletion in gonadal dysgenesis. Clinicians are encouraged to look for this anomaly on chromosome 8 in cases of unexplained gonadal dysgenesis even when few signs suggestive of this anomaly are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Wagner-Mahler
- Département de Pédiatrie, Centre Hospitalier de Nice, Nice, France.,Hôpitaux Pédiatriques de Nice CHU Lenval, Nice, France
| | - Jean-Yves Kurzenne
- Département de Pédiatrie, Centre Hospitalier de Nice, Nice, France.,Hôpitaux Pédiatriques de Nice CHU Lenval, Nice, France
| | | | - Marie Hoflack
- Hôpitaux Pédiatriques de Nice CHU Lenval, Nice, France
| | | | - Etienne Berard
- Département de Pédiatrie, Centre Hospitalier de Nice, Nice, France
| | | | | | - Pamela Moceri
- Département de Cardiologie, Centre Hospitalier de Nice, Nice, France
| | | | | | - Elise Robart
- Hôpitaux Pédiatriques de Nice CHU Lenval, Nice, France
| | - Yves Morel
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lyon - HCL GH Est, Centre de Biologie et Pathologie Est, Bron, France
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Rodríguez Gutiérrez D, Eid W, Biason-Lauber A. A Human Gonadal Cell Model From Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Front Genet 2018; 9:498. [PMID: 30405703 PMCID: PMC6207579 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are main players in the male gonads development and their study may shed light on 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD). Mature primary Sertoli cells are incapable of proliferating in prolonged in vitro cultures and the available Sertoli cell models have several limitations since they derive from mouse or human cancer tissues. We differentiated human fibroblasts (HFs)-derived induced pluripotent stem cells into Sertoli-like cells (SLC) and, in order to characterize this new Sertoli cell model, we performed gene expression analyses by NextGeneration Sequencing techniques. This approach revealed that our putative SLC have reduced expression of pluripotency markers and expressed Sertoli cell markers such as SRY-Related HMG-Box 9 (SOX9), vimentin (VIM), and claudin-11 (CLDN-11). More in detail, the transcriptional profile analysis suggested that these cells are in an early stage of Sertoli cells maturation. Harnessing the power of induced pluripotent stem cells, we were able to generate SLC that show genetic and functional similarities to human Sertoli cells (HSerCs). SLC could become an excellent source of patient-specific Sertoli cells that could be of paramount benefit for both basic research and personalized medicine in sex development and reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wassim Eid
- Section of Medicine, Endocrinology Division, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Anna Biason-Lauber
- Section of Medicine, Endocrinology Division, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Pihlajoki M, Färkkilä A, Soini T, Heikinheimo M, Wilson DB. GATA factors in endocrine neoplasia. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 421:2-17. [PMID: 26027919 PMCID: PMC4662929 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Revised: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
GATA transcription factors are structurally-related zinc finger proteins that recognize the consensus DNA sequence WGATAA (the GATA motif), an essential cis-acting element in the promoters and enhancers of many genes. These transcription factors regulate cell fate specification and differentiation in a wide array of tissues. As demonstrated by genetic analyses of mice and humans, GATA factors play pivotal roles in the development, homeostasis, and function of several endocrine organs including the adrenal cortex, ovary, pancreas, parathyroid, pituitary, and testis. Additionally, GATA factors have been shown to be mutated, overexpressed, or underexpressed in a variety of endocrine tumors (e.g., adrenocortical neoplasms, parathyroid tumors, pituitary adenomas, and sex cord stromal tumors). Emerging evidence suggests that GATA factors play a direct role in the initiation, proliferation, or propagation of certain endocrine tumors via modulation of key developmental signaling pathways implicated in oncogenesis, such as the WNT/β-catenin and TGFβ pathways. Altered expression or function of GATA factors can also affect the metabolism, ploidy, and invasiveness of tumor cells. This article provides an overview of the role of GATA factors in endocrine neoplasms. Relevant animal models are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjut Pihlajoki
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anniina Färkkilä
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tea Soini
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markku Heikinheimo
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David B Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Choi YS, Song JE, Kong BS, Hong JW, Novelli S, Lee EJ. The Role of Foxo3 in Leydig Cells. Yonsei Med J 2015; 56:1590-6. [PMID: 26446641 PMCID: PMC4630047 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2015.56.6.1590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Revised: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Foxo3 in female reproduction has been reported to regulate proliferation of granulose cells that form follicles. There are no reports so far that discuss on the role of Foxo3 in males. This study was designed to outline the role of Foxo3 in the testes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Testes from mice at birth to postpartum week (PPW) 5 were isolated and examined for the expression of Foxo3 using immunostaining. To elucidate role of Foxo3 in Leydig cells, R2C cells were treated with luteinizing hormone (LH) and the phosphorylation of Foxo3. Testosterone and steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein levels were measured after constitutive active [triple mutant (TM)] human FOXO3 adenovirus was transduced and StAR promoter assay was performed. RESULTS Foxo3 expression in the testicles started from birth and lasted until PPW 3. After PPW 3, most Foxo3 expression occurred in the nuclei of Leydig cells; however, at PPW 5, Foxo3 was expressed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. When R2C cells were treated with luteinizing hormone, Foxo3 phosphorylation levels by AKT increased. After blocking the PI3K pathway, LH-induced phosphorylated Foxo3 levels decreased, indicating that LH signaling regulates Foxo3 localization. When active FOXO3-TM adenovirus was introduced into a Leydig tumor cell line, the concentrations of testosterone and StAR protein decreased. When FOXO3 and a StAR promoter vector were co-transfected into HEK293 cells for a reporter assay, FOXO3 inhibited the StAR promoter. CONCLUSION FOXO3 affects testosterone synthesis by inhibiting the formation of StAR protein. LH hormone, meanwhile, influences Foxo3 localization, mediating its function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Suk Choi
- Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine Research, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science and Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joo Eun Song
- Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine Research, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science and Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung Soo Kong
- Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine Research, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science and Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Won Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea
| | - Silvia Novelli
- Endocrinology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eun Jig Lee
- Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine Research, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science and Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Characterization of Nestin-positive stem Leydig cells as a potential source for the treatment of testicular Leydig cell dysfunction. Cell Res 2014; 24:1466-85. [PMID: 25418539 PMCID: PMC4260348 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2014.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2013] [Revised: 01/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to identify and isolate lineage-specific stem cells from adult tissues could facilitate cell replacement therapy. Leydig cells (LCs) are the primary source of androgen in the mammalian testis, and the prospective identification of stem Leydig cells (SLCs) may offer new opportunities for treating testosterone deficiency. Here, in a transgenic mouse model expressing GFP driven by the Nestin (Nes) promoter, we observed Nes-GFP+ cells located in the testicular interstitial compartment where SLCs normally reside. We showed that these Nes-GFP+ cells expressed LIFR and PDGFR-α, but not LC lineage markers. We further observed that these cells were capable of clonogenic self-renewal and extensive proliferation in vitro and could differentiate into neural or mesenchymal cell lineages, as well as LCs, with the ability to produce testosterone, under defined conditions. Moreover, when transplanted into the testes of LC-disrupted or aging models, the Nes-GFP+ cells colonized the interstitium and partially increased testosterone production, and then accelerated meiotic and post-meiotic germ cell recovery. In addition, we further demonstrated that CD51 might be a putative cell surface marker for SLCs, similar with Nestin. Taken together, these results suggest that Nes-GFP+ cells from the testis have the characteristics of SLCs, and our study would shed new light on developing stem cell replacement therapy for testosterone deficiency.
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Ou Y, Dores C, Rodriguez-Sosa JR, van der Hoorn FA, Dobrinski I. Primary cilia in the developing pig testis. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 358:597-605. [PMID: 25107611 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-1973-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In vertebrates, a variety of cell types generate a primary cilium. Cilia are implicated in determination and differentiation of a wide variety of organs and during embryonic development. However, there is little information on the presence or function of primary cilia in the mammalian testis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize expression of primary cilia in the developing pig testis. Testicular tissue from pigs at 2-10 weeks of age was analyzed for primary cilia by immunocytochemistry. Expression of primary cilia was also analyzed in testicular tissue formed de novo from a single cell suspension ectopically grafted into a mouse host. Functionality of primary cilia was monitored based on cilia elongation after exposure to lithium. Analysis showed that the primary cilium is present in testis cords as well as in the interstitium of the developing pig testis. Germ cells did not express primary cilia. However, we identified Sertoli cells as one of the somatic cell types that produce a primary cilium within the developing testis. Primary cilium expression was reduced from the second to the third week of pig testis development in situ and during de novo morphogenesis of testis tissue from a single cell suspension after xenotransplantation. In vitro, primary cilia were elongated in response to lithium treatment. These results indicate that primary cilia on Sertoli cells may function during testicular development. De novo morphogenesis of testis tissue from single cell suspensions may provide an accessible platform to study and manipulate expression and function of primary cilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Ou
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, 406 HMRB, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, AB, T2N 4N1, Calgary, Canada
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Kilcoyne KR, Smith LB, Atanassova N, Macpherson S, McKinnell C, van den Driesche S, Jobling MS, Chambers TJG, De Gendt K, Verhoeven G, O’Hara L, Platts S, Renato de Franca L, Lara NLM, Anderson RA, Sharpe RM. Fetal programming of adult Leydig cell function by androgenic effects on stem/progenitor cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:E1924-32. [PMID: 24753613 PMCID: PMC4020050 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1320735111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth plays a role in programming of adult cardiometabolic disorders, which in men, are associated with lowered testosterone levels. Fetal growth and fetal androgen exposure can also predetermine testosterone levels in men, although how is unknown, because the adult Leydig cells (ALCs) that produce testosterone do not differentiate until puberty. To explain this conundrum, we hypothesized that stem cells for ALCs must be present in the fetal testis and might be susceptible to programming by fetal androgen exposure during masculinization. To address this hypothesis, we used ALC ablation/regeneration to identify that, in rats, ALCs derive from stem/progenitor cells that express chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor II. These stem cells are abundant in the fetal testis of humans and rodents, and lineage tracing in mice shows that they develop into ALCs. The stem cells also express androgen receptors (ARs). Reduction in fetal androgen action through AR KO in mice or dibutyl phthalate (DBP) -induced reduction in intratesticular testosterone in rats reduced ALC stem cell number by ∼40% at birth to adulthood and induced compensated ALC failure (low/normal testosterone and elevated luteinizing hormone). In DBP-exposed males, this failure was probably explained by reduced testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression, which is associated with increased histone methylation (H3K27me3) in the proximal promoter. Accordingly, ALCs and ALC stem cells immunoexpressed increased H3K27me3, a change that was also evident in ALC stem cells in fetal testes. These studies highlight how a key component of male reproductive development can fundamentally reprogram adult hormone production (through an epigenetic change), which might affect lifetime disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen R. Kilcoyne
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Lee B. Smith
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Atanassova
- Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - Sheila Macpherson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Chris McKinnell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Sander van den Driesche
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew S. Jobling
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J. G. Chambers
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Karel De Gendt
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catholic University of Leuven, B-300 Leuven, Belgium; and
| | - Guido Verhoeven
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catholic University of Leuven, B-300 Leuven, Belgium; and
| | - Laura O’Hara
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Platts
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Luiz Renato de Franca
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, MG 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Nathália L. M. Lara
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, MG 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Richard A. Anderson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Richard M. Sharpe
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
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The transcription factor GATA4 is required for follicular development and normal ovarian function. Dev Biol 2013; 381:144-58. [PMID: 23769843 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sex determination in mammals requires interaction between the transcription factor GATA4 and its cofactor FOG2. We have recently described the function of both proteins in testis development beyond the sex determination stage; their roles in the postnatal ovary, however, remain to be defined. Here, we use gene targeting in mice to determine the requirement of GATA4 and FOG2 in ovarian development and folliculogenesis. The results from this study identify an essential role of the GATA4 protein in the ovarian morphogenetic program. We show that in contrast to the sex determination phase, which relies on the GATA4-FOG2 complex, the subsequent regulation of ovarian differentiation is dependent upon GATA4 but not FOG2. The loss of Gata4 expression within the ovary results in impaired granulosa cell proliferation and theca cell recruitment as well as fewer primordial follicles in the ovarian cortex, causing a failure in follicular development. Preantral follicular atresia is observed within the few follicles that develop despite Gata4 deficiency. The depletion of the follicular pool in GATA4 deficient ovary results in the formation of ovarian cysts and sterility.
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12
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Virgone C, Cecchetto G, Ferrari A, Bisogno G, Donofrio V, Boldrini R, Collini P, Dall'Igna P, Alaggio R. GATA-4 and FOG-2 expression in pediatric ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors replicates embryonal gonadal phenotype: results from the TREP project. PLoS One 2012; 7:e45914. [PMID: 23029311 PMCID: PMC3454334 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM GATA proteins are a family of zinc finger transcription factors regulating gene expression, differentiation and proliferation in various tissues. The expression of GATA-4 and FOG-2, one of its modulators, was studied in pediatric Sex Cord-Stromal tumors of the ovary, in order to evaluate their potential role as diagnostic markers and prognostic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Clinical and histological data of 15 patients, enrolled into the TREP Project since 2000 were evaluated. When available, immunostaines for FOG-2, GATA-4, α-Inhibin, Vimentin and Pancytokeratin were also analyzed. RESULTS In our series there were 6 Juvenile Granulosa Cell Tumors (JGCT), 6 Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumors (SLCT), 1 Cellular Fibroma, 1 Theca Cell Tumor and 1 Stromal Sclerosing Tumor (SST). Thirteen patients obtained a complete remission (CR), 1 reached a second CR after the removal of a metachronous tumor and 1 died of disease. Inhibin was detectable in 11/15, Vimentin in 13/15, Pancytokeratin in 6/15, GATA-4 in 5/13 and FOG-2 in 11/15. FOG-2 was highly expressed in 5/6 JGCT, while GATA-4 was weakly detectable only in 1 of the cases. SLCT expressed diffusely FOG-2 (4/6) and GATA-4 (3/5). GATA-4 and FOG-2 were detected in fibroma and thecoma but not in the SST. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric granulosa tumors appear to express a FOG-2/GATA-4 phenotype in keeping with primordial ovarian follicles. High expression of GATA-4 does not correlate with aggressive behaviour as seen in adults, but it is probably involved in cell proliferation its absence can be associated with the better outcome of JGCT. SLCTs replicate the phenotype of Sertoli cells during embryogenesis in normal testis. In this group, the lack of expression of FOG-2 in tumors in advanced stages might reveal a hypothetical role in inhibiting GATA-4 cell proliferation pathway. In fibroma/thecoma group GATA-4 and FOG-2 point out the abnormal activation of GATA pathway and might be involved in the onset of these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calogero Virgone
- Pediatric Surgery, Departments of Pediatrics and Gynaecology-Obstetrics, University Hospital, Padua, Italy.
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Rago V, Romeo F, Giordano F, Maggiolini M, Carpino A. Identification of the estrogen receptor GPER in neoplastic and non-neoplastic human testes. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2011; 9:135. [PMID: 21974818 PMCID: PMC3200171 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-9-135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen signaling is mediated by estrogen receptor beta isoforms in normal and neoplastic human testes. Recently, a G-protein-coupled-receptor (GPER) has been suggested as being involved in rapid responses to estrogens in different normal and tumor cells. METHODS This study investigated the GPER expression in paraffin-embedded samples from non neoplastic and neoplastic human testes (sex-cord stromal and germ cell tumors) by immunohistochemical and Western Blot analyses. RESULTS In control testes, a positive GPER immunoreactivity was detected in Leydig and in Sertoli cells while all germ cells were immunonegative. Furthermore, neoplastic cells of the Sertoli cell tumor, Leydig cell tumor, seminoma and embryonal carcinoma samples were all immunopositive. The immunoblots of testis extracts confirmed the results. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that GPER could mediate estrogen signaling in both normal and transformed somatic cells of human testis, but they reveal a differential expression of the novel estrogen receptor in non neoplastic and neoplastic germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Rago
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Calabria, Italy
| | - Francesco Romeo
- Pathologic Anatomy Unit, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Francesca Giordano
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Calabria, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmaco-Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Calabria, Italy
| | - Amalia Carpino
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Calabria, Italy
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Conditional ablation of Gata4 and Fog2 genes in mice reveals their distinct roles in mammalian sexual differentiation. Dev Biol 2011; 353:229-41. [PMID: 21385577 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2010] [Revised: 02/26/2011] [Accepted: 02/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Assembly of functioning testis and ovary requires a GATA4-FOG2 transcriptional complex. To define the separate roles for GATA4 and FOG2 proteins in sexual development of the testis we have ablated the corresponding genes in somatic gonadal cells. We have established that GATA4 is required for testis differentiation, for the expression of Dmrt1 gene, and for testis cord morphogenesis. While Sf1Cre-mediated excision of Gata4 permitted normal expression of most genes associated with embryonic testis development, gonadal loss of Fog2 resulted in an early partial block in male pathway and sex reversal. We have also determined that testis sexual differentiation is sensitive to the timing of GATA4 loss during embryogenesis. Our results now demonstrate that these two genes also have non-overlapping essential functions in testis development.
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McClusky LM, Patrick S, Barnhoorn IEJ, van Dyk JC, de Jager C, Bornman MS. Immunohistochemical study of nuclear changes associated with male germ cell death and spermiogenesis. J Mol Histol 2009; 40:287-99. [PMID: 19924546 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-009-9240-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2009] [Accepted: 11/05/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In a previous study on the effects of gestational and lactational exposure of para-nonylphenol on male rats, we noted in both induced and uninduced rats, that variations in cleaved caspase-3 immunostaining patterns were associated with distinct nuclear alterations in mainly basally located germ cells (spermatogonia and preleptotene spermatocytes). These were re-analysed and compared with cleaved caspase-3-labeled germ cells in the aging human and the spermatogenically active catfish testis. In the rat testes, cytoplasmic immunostaining was progressively associated with lateral compression of the nucleus, its break up into large pieces which can contain immunostained marginated chromatin masses. The pale remnants of the nucleus continued to shrink in size concomitant with the appearance of blue-purplish stained regions in the cytoplasm similar in color to the condensed chromatin in spermatids, a condition which was TUNEL-negative. These large clumps of chromatin also eventually disappeared, giving rise to cells resembling cytoplasmic ghosts, a condition which was TUNEL-positive. By contrast, the immunolabeled nuclei of human and catfish germ cells condensed into a single mass, after which they lost immunoreactivity. To exclude the possibility that these observations could reflect alterations in Sertoli nuclei, rat testicular sections were probed with a mouse anti-human GATA-4 monoclonal (MHM) antibody. The MHM was, however, the second of two GATA-4 antibodies tested, with a goat anti-mouse polyclonal (GMP) initially used to label the rat Sertoli nuclei. GMP unexpectedly, but distinctly labeled the complete development of the acrosome in the rat testis, a fortuitous finding with utility for staging of the seminiferous epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon M McClusky
- Department of Health and Nursing Science, Narvik University College, Narvik, Norway.
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Regulation of sperm gene expression by the GATA factor ELT-1. Dev Biol 2009; 333:397-408. [PMID: 19591818 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2009] [Revised: 05/14/2009] [Accepted: 06/30/2009] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cell fate specification is mediated primarily through the expression of cell-type-specific genes. The regulatory pathway that governs the sperm/egg decision in the hermaphrodite germ line of Caenorhabditis elegans has been well characterized, but the transcription factors that drive these developmental programs remain unknown. We report the identification of ELT-1, a GATA transcription factor that specifies hypodermal fate in the embryo, as a regulator of sperm-specific transcription in the germ line. Computational analysis identified a conserved bipartite sequence element that is found almost exclusively in the promoters of a number of sperm genes. ELT-1 was recovered in a yeast one-hybrid screen for factors that bind to that sperm consensus site. In vitro assays defined the sperm consensus sequence as an optimal binding site for ELT-1. We determined that expression of elt-1 is elevated in the sperm-producing germ line, and that ELT-1 is required for sperm function. Deletion of the ELT-1 binding site from a sperm promoter abrogates sperm-specific expression of a reporter transgene. This work demonstrates a role for the ELT-1 transcription factor in sperm, and provides a critical link between the germ line sex determination program and gamete-specific gene expression.
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A GATA4/WT1 cooperation regulates transcription of genes required for mammalian sex determination and differentiation. BMC Mol Biol 2008; 9:44. [PMID: 18445271 PMCID: PMC2387164 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2199-9-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2007] [Accepted: 04/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In mammals, sex determination is genetically controlled. The SRY gene, located on Y chromosome, functions as the dominant genetic switch for testis development. The SRY gene is specifically expressed in a subpopulation of somatic cells (pre-Sertoli cells) of the developing urogenital ridge for a brief period during gonadal differentiation. Despite this tight spatiotemporal expression pattern, the molecular mechanisms that regulate SRY transcription remain poorly understood. Sry expression has been shown to be markedly reduced in transgenic mice harboring a mutant GATA4 protein (a member of the GATA family of transcription factors) disrupted in its ability to interact with its transcriptional partner FOG2, suggesting that GATA4 is involved in SRY gene transcription. Results Although our results show that GATA4 directly targets the pig SRY promoter, we did not observe similar action on the mouse and human SRY promoters. In the mouse, Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) is an important regulator of both Sry and Müllerian inhibiting substance (Amh/Mis) expression and in humans, WT1 mutations are associated with abnormalities of sex differentiation. GATA4 transcriptionally cooperated with WT1 on the mouse, pig, and human SRY promoters. Maximal GATA4/WT1 synergism was dependent on WT1 but not GATA4 binding to their consensus regulatory elements in the SRY promoter and required both the zinc finger and C-terminal regions of the GATA4 protein. Although both isoforms of WT1 synergized with GATA4, synergism was stronger with the +KTS rather than the -KTS isoform. WT1/GATA4 synergism was also observed on the AMH promoter. In contrast to SRY, WT1/GATA4 action on the mouse Amh promoter was specific for the -KTS isoform and required both WT1 and GATA4 binding. Conclusion Our data therefore provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the tissue-specific expression of the SRY and AMH genes in both normal development and certain syndromes of abnormal sex differentiation.
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Abstract
The human adrenal reticularis produces the so-called adrenal androgens, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S). As opposed to the cortisol and aldosterone little is known regarding the mechanisms that regulate the production of the adrenal androgens. Several recent studies have shown that type II 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B2), cytochrome b5 (CYB5), and steroid sulfotransferase (SULT2A1) play an important role in the regulation of adrenal androgen production. Specifically, adrenal production of DHEA-S is correlated with reticularis expression of SULT2A1 and CYB5. In contrast, HSD3B2 has an inverse correlation with adrenal androgen production likely due to its unique ability to remove precursors from the pathway leading to DHEA. Therefore, its expression is limited to the adrenal glomerulosa/fasciculata but not in reticularis. The differential expression of these three proteins appears to be critical for reticularis function. In this review, we focus on studies that have begun to define the mechanisms regulating the transcription of these genes. Understanding the mechanisms controlling differential expression of these proteins should provide novel information about the human adrenal reticularis and its production of DHEA and DHEA-S.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Rainey
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
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GATA factors and androgen receptor collaborate to transcriptionally activate the Rhox5 homeobox gene in Sertoli cells. Mol Cell Biol 2008; 28:2138-53. [PMID: 18212046 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01170-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
How Sertoli-specific expression is initiated is poorly understood. Here, we address this issue using the proximal promoter (Pp) from the Rhox5 homeobox gene. Its Sertoli cell-specific expression is achieved, in part, through a negative regulatory element that inhibits Pp transcription in non-Sertoli cell lines. Complementing this negative regulation is positive regulation conferred by four androgen-response elements (AREs) that interact with the androgen receptor (AR), a nuclear hormone receptor expressed at high levels in Sertoli cells. A third control mechanism is provided by a consensus GATA-binding site that is crucial for Pp transcription both in vitro and in vivo. Several lines of evidence suggested that GATA factors and AR act cooperatively to activate Pp transcription: (i) the GATA-binding site crucial for Pp transcription is in close proximity to two of the AREs, (ii) GATA and AR form a complex with the Pp in vitro, (iii) overexpression of GATA factors rescued expression from mutant Pp constructs harboring defective AREs, and (iv) incubation of a Sertoli cell line with testosterone triggered corecruitment of AR and GATA4 to the Pp. Collectively, our results suggest that the Rhox5 gene achieves Sertoli cell-specific transcription using a combinatorial strategy involving negative and cooperative positive regulation.
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Viger RS, Guittot SM, Anttonen M, Wilson DB, Heikinheimo M. Role of the GATA family of transcription factors in endocrine development, function, and disease. Mol Endocrinol 2008; 22:781-98. [PMID: 18174356 DOI: 10.1210/me.2007-0513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The WGATAR motif is a common nucleotide sequence found in the transcriptional regulatory regions of numerous genes. In vertebrates, these motifs are bound by one of six factors (GATA1 to GATA6) that constitute the GATA family of transcriptional regulatory proteins. Although originally considered for their roles in hematopoietic cells and the heart, GATA factors are now known to be expressed in a wide variety of tissues where they act as critical regulators of cell-specific gene expression. This includes multiple endocrine organs such as the pituitary, pancreas, adrenals, and especially the gonads. Insights into the functional roles played by GATA factors in adult organ systems have been hampered by the early embryonic lethality associated with the different Gata-null mice. This is now being overcome with the generation of tissue-specific knockout models and other knockdown strategies. These approaches, together with the increasing number of human GATA-related pathologies have greatly broadened the scope of GATA-dependent genes and, importantly, have shown that GATA action is not necessarily limited to early development. This has been particularly evident in endocrine organs where GATA factors appear to contribute to the transcription of multiple hormone-encoding genes. This review provides an overview of the GATA family of transcription factors as they relate to endocrine function and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Viger
- Ontogeny-Reproduction Research Unit, Room T1-49, CHUQ Research Centre, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada G1V 4G2.
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Dumic M, Lin-Su K, Leibel NI, Ciglar S, Vinci G, Lasan R, Nimkarn S, Wilson JD, McElreavey K, New MI. Report of fertility in a woman with a predominantly 46,XY karyotype in a family with multiple disorders of sexual development. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008; 93:182-9. [PMID: 18000096 PMCID: PMC2190741 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2007-2155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT We report herein a remarkable family in which the mother of a woman with 46,XY complete gonadal dysgenesis was found to have a 46,XY karyotype in peripheral lymphocytes, mosaicism in cultured skin fibroblasts (80% 46,XY and 20% 45,X) and a predominantly 46,XY karyotype in the ovary (93% 46,XY and 6% 45,X). PATIENTS A 46,XY mother who developed as a normal woman underwent spontaneous puberty, reached menarche, menstruated regularly, experienced two unassisted pregnancies, and gave birth to a 46,XY daughter with complete gonadal dysgenesis. RESULTS Evaluation of the Y chromosome in the daughter and both parents revealed that the daughter inherited her Y chromosome from her father. Molecular analysis of the genes SOX9, SF1, DMRT1, DMRT3, TSPYL, BPESC1, DHH, WNT4, SRY, and DAX1 revealed normal male coding sequences in both the mother and daughter. An extensive family pedigree across four generations revealed multiple other family members with ambiguous genitalia and infertility in both phenotypic males and females, and the mode of inheritance of the phenotype was strongly suggestive of X-linkage. CONCLUSIONS The range of phenotypes observed in this unique family suggests that there may be transmission of a mutation in a novel sex-determining gene or in a gene that predisposes to chromosomal mosaicism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Dumic
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Rebro, Zagreb, Croatia 41000
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Ge RS, Dong Q, Sottas CM, Papadopoulos V, Zirkin BR, Hardy MP. In search of rat stem Leydig cells: identification, isolation, and lineage-specific development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:2719-24. [PMID: 16467141 PMCID: PMC1413776 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0507692103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2005] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells (LCs) are thought to differentiate from spindle-shaped precursor cells that exhibit some aspects of differentiated function, including 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD) activity. The precursor cells ultimately derive from undifferentiated stem LCs (SLCs), which are postulated to be present in testes before the onset of precursor cell differentiation. We searched for cells in the neonatal rat testis with the abilities to: (i) proliferate and expand indefinitely in vitro (self renew); (ii) differentiate (i.e., 3betaHSD and ultimately synthesize testosterone); and (iii) when transplanted into host rat testes, colonize the interstitium and subsequently differentiate in vivo. At 1 week postpartum, spindle-shaped cells were seen in the testicular interstitium that differed from the precursor cells in that they were 3betaHSD-negative, luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor (LHR)-negative, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR alpha)-positive. These cells were purified from the testes of 1-week-old rats. The cells contained proteins known to be involved in LC development, including GATA4, c-kit receptor, and leukemia inhibitory factor receptor. The putative SLCs expanded over the course of 6 months while remaining undifferentiated. When treated in media that contained thyroid hormone, insulin-like growth factor I, and LH, 40% of the putative SLCs came to express 3betaHSD and to synthesize testosterone. When transplanted into host rat testes from which LCs had been eliminated, the putative SLCs colonized the interstitium and subsequently expressed 3betaHSD, demonstrating their ability to differentiate in vivo. We conclude that these cells are likely to be the sought-after SLCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Shan Ge
- *Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Qiang Dong
- *Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | | | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057; and
| | - Barry R. Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Division of Reproductive Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205
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Barbosa AS, Giacaglia LR, Martin RM, Mendonca BB, Lin CJ. Assessment of the role of transcript for GATA-4 as a marker of unfavorable outcome in human adrenocortical neoplasms. BMC Endocr Disord 2004; 4:3. [PMID: 15239841 PMCID: PMC476742 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6823-4-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2003] [Accepted: 07/07/2004] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Malignant neoplasia of the adrenal cortex is usually associated with very poor prognosis. When adrenocortical neoplasms are diagnosed in the early stages, distinction between carcinoma and adenoma can be very difficult to accomplish, since there is yet no reliable marker to predict tumor recurrence or dissemination. GATA transcription factors play an essential role in the developmental control of cell fate, cell proliferation and differentiation, organ morphogenesis, and tissue-specific gene expression. Normal mouse adrenal cortex expresses GATA-6 while its malignant counterpart only expresses GATA-4. The goal of the present study was to assess whether this reciprocal change in the expression of GATA factors might be relevant for predicting the prognosis of human adrenocortical neoplasms. Since human adrenal cortices express luteinizing hormone (LH/hCG) receptor and the gonadotropins are known to up-regulate GATA-4 in gonadal tumor cell lines, we also studied the expression of LH/hCG receptor. METHODS: We conducted a study on 13 non-metastasizing (NM) and 10 metastasizing/recurrent (MR) tumors obtained from a group of twenty-two adult and pediatric patients. The expression of GATA-4, GATA-6, and LH/hCG receptor (LHR) in normal and tumoral human adrenal cortices was analysed using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) complemented by dot blot hybridization. RESULTS: Messenger RNA for GATA-6 was detected in normal adrenal tissue, as well as in the totality of NM and MR tumors. GATA-4, by its turn, was detected in normal adrenal tissue, in 11 out of 13 NM tumors, and in 9 of the 10 MR tumors, with larger amounts of mRNA found among those presenting aggressive clinical behavior. Transcripts for LH receptor were observed both in normal tissue and neoplasms. A more intense LHR transcript accumulation was observed on those tumors with better clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the expression of GATA-6 in human adrenal cortex is not affected by tumorigenesis. GATA-4 expression is more abundant in MR tumors, while NM tumors express more intensely LHR. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to test whether relative expression levels of LHR or GATA-4 might be used as prognosis predictors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela S Barbosa
- Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM-42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciano R Giacaglia
- Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM-42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Regina M Martin
- Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM-42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Divisão de Endocrinologia, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Berenice B Mendonca
- Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM-42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Divisão de Endocrinologia, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Chin J Lin
- Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM-42, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Gheorghisan-Galateanu A, Fica S, Terzea DC, Caragheorgheopol A, Horhoianu V. Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor - a rare androgen secreting ovarian tumor in postmenopausal women. Case report and review of literature. J Cell Mol Med 2004; 7:461-71. [PMID: 14754515 PMCID: PMC6740084 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2003.tb00249.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCT) constitute only 1-0.5% of all primary ovarian neoplasms. We report a SLCT in a postmenopausal woman aged 69 years. The physical examination revealed severe hirsutism. Basal hormonal evaluation showed high plasma testosterone and estradiol values, with suppressed plasma gonadotropins. Computer tomograph scan revealed a right ovarian tumor mass of 4,3/3 cm, confirming an androgen secreting ovarian tumor. The histopathological and immunocytochemical examination established the diagnosis of well differentiated Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor. The tumor was positive for cytokeratin KL 1 and S-100 protein and, in isolated tumor cells, positive for alpha-fetoprotein. Postsurgical evolution was favorable; controls after 6 months and 3,5 years showed marked reduction of hirsutism, normal plasma testosterone values and gonadotropins in normal postmenopausal range. We discuss the complex aspects of etiology and pathogenesis, the clinical and hormonal settings, the role of immunocytochemical markers in diagnosis, as well as the therapy and the prognostic features of this ovarian tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ancuta Gheorghisan-Galateanu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.
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