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Alexander AK, Rodriguez KF, Chen YY, Amato C, Estermann MA, Nicol B, Xu X, Yao HHC. Single-nucleus multiomics reveals the gene regulatory networks underlying sex determination of murine primordial germ cells. eLife 2025; 13:RP96591. [PMID: 40063068 PMCID: PMC11893106 DOI: 10.7554/elife.96591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2025] Open
Abstract
Accurate specification of female and male germ cells during embryonic development is critical for sexual reproduction. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the bipotential precursors of mature gametes that commit to an oogenic or spermatogenic fate in response to sex-determining cues from the fetal gonad. The critical processes required for PGCs to integrate and respond to signals from the somatic environment in gonads are not well understood. In this study, we developed the first single-nucleus multiomics map of chromatin accessibility and gene expression during murine PGC development in both XX and XY embryos. Profiling of cell-type-specific transcriptomes and regions of open chromatin from the same cell captured the molecular signatures and gene networks underlying PGC sex determination. Joint RNA and ATAC data for single PGCs resolved previously unreported PGC subpopulations and cataloged a multimodal reference atlas of differentiating PGC clusters. We discovered that regulatory element accessibility precedes gene expression during PGC development, suggesting that changes in chromatin accessibility may prime PGC lineage commitment prior to differentiation. Similarly, we found that sexual dimorphism in chromatin accessibility and gene expression increased temporally in PGCs. Combining single-nucleus sequencing data, we computationally mapped the cohort of transcription factors that regulate the expression of sexually dimorphic genes in PGCs. For example, the gene regulatory networks of XX PGCs are enriched for the transcription factors, TFAP2c, TCFL5, GATA2, MGA, NR6A1, TBX4, and ZFX. Sex-specific enrichment of the forkhead-box and POU6 families of transcription factors was also observed in XY PGCs. Finally, we determined the temporal expression patterns of WNT, BMP, and RA signaling during PGC sex determination, and our discovery analyses identified potentially new cell communication pathways between supporting cells and PGCs. Our results illustrate the diversity of factors involved in programming PGCs toward a sex-specific fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana K Alexander
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle ParkDurhamUnited States
| | - Karina F Rodriguez
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle ParkDurhamUnited States
| | - Yu-Ying Chen
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle ParkDurhamUnited States
| | - Ciro Amato
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle ParkDurhamUnited States
| | - Martin A Estermann
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle ParkDurhamUnited States
| | - Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle ParkDurhamUnited States
| | - Xin Xu
- Epigenetics & Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle ParkDurhamUnited States
| | - Humphrey HC Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle ParkDurhamUnited States
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Alexander AK, Rodriguez KF, Chen YY, Amato CM, Estermann MA, Nicol B, Xu X, Hung-Chang Yao H. Single-nucleus multiomics reveals the gene-regulatory networks underlying sex determination of murine primordial germ cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.19.581036. [PMID: 39386556 PMCID: PMC11463670 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.19.581036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
Accurate specification of female and male germ cells during embryonic development is critical for sexual reproduction. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the bipotential precursors of mature gametes that commit to an oogenic or spermatogenic fate in response to sex-determining cues from the fetal gonad. The critical processes required for PGCs to integrate and respond to signals from the somatic environment in gonads are not understood. In this study, we developed the first single-nucleus multiomics map of chromatin accessibility and gene expression during murine PGC development in both XX and XY embryos. Profiling of cell-type specific transcriptomes and regions of open chromatin from the same cell captured the molecular signatures and gene networks underlying PGC sex determination. Joint RNA and ATAC data for single PGCs resolved previously unreported PGC subpopulations and cataloged a multimodal reference atlas of differentiating PGC clusters. We discovered that regulatory element accessibility precedes gene expression during PGC development, suggesting that changes in chromatin accessibility may prime PGC lineage commitment prior to differentiation. Similarly, we found that sexual dimorphism in chromatin accessibility and gene expression increased temporally in PGCs. Combining single-nucleus sequencing data, we computationally mapped the cohort of transcription factors that regulate the expression of sexually dimorphic genes in PGCs. For example, the gene regulatory networks of XX PGCs are enriched for the transcription factors, TFAP2c, TCFL5, GATA2, MGA, NR6A1, TBX4, and ZFX. Sex-specific enrichment of the forkhead-box and POU6 families of transcription factors was also observed in XY PGCs. Finally, we determined the temporal expression patterns of WNT, BMP, and RA signaling during PGC sex determination, and our discovery analyses identified potentially new cell communication pathways between supporting cells and PGCs. Our results illustrate the diversity of factors involved in programming PGCs towards a sex-specific fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana K. Alexander
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Karina F. Rodriguez
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Yu-Ying Chen
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Ciro M. Amato
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Martin A. Estermann
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Xin Xu
- Epigenetics & Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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Ghieh F, Passet B, Poumerol E, Castille J, Calvel P, Vilotte JL, Sellem E, Jouneau L, Mambu-Mambueni H, Garchon HJ, Pailhoux E, Vialard F, Mandon-Pépin B. A partial deletion within the meiosis-specific sporulation domain SPO22 of Tex11 is not associated with infertility in mice. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0309974. [PMID: 39231187 PMCID: PMC11373865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Azoospermia (the complete absence of spermatozoa in the semen) is a common cause of male infertility. The etiology of azoospermia is poorly understood. Whole-genome analysis of azoospermic men has identified a number of candidate genes, such as the X-linked testis-expressed 11 (TEX11) gene. Using a comparative genomic hybridization array, an exonic deletion (exons 10-12) of TEX11 had previously been identified in two non-apparent azoospermic patients. However, the putative impact of this genetic alteration on spermatogenesis and the azoospermia phenotype had not been validated functionally. We therefore used a CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate a mouse model (Tex11Ex9-11del/Y) with a partial TEX11 deletion that mimicked the human mutation. Surprisingly, the mutant male Tex11Ex9-11del/Y mice were fertile. The sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were normal. Similarly, the mutant mouse line's testis transcriptome was normal, and the expression of spermatogenesis genes was not altered. These results suggest that the mouse equivalent of the partial deletion observed in two infertile male with azoospermia has no impact on spermatogenesis or fertility in mice, at least of a FVB/N genetic background and until 10 months of age. Mimicking a human mutation does not necessarily lead to the same human phenotype in mice, highlighting significant differences species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Ghieh
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- öcole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Bruno Passet
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Elodie Poumerol
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- öcole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Johan Castille
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Pierre Calvel
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Jean-Luc Vilotte
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Eli Sellem
- R&D Department, ALLICE/Eliance, Paris, France
| | - Luc Jouneau
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- öcole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | | | - Eric Pailhoux
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- öcole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - François Vialard
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- öcole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
- Département de Génétique, Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale, CHI de Poissy/Saint- Germain-en-Laye, Poissy, France
| | - Béatrice Mandon-Pépin
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- öcole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Chen Q, Malki S, Xu X, Bennett B, Lackford BL, Kirsanov O, Geyer CB, Hu G. Cnot3 is required for male germ cell development and spermatogonial stem cell maintenance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.13.562256. [PMID: 37873304 PMCID: PMC10592795 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.13.562256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The foundation of spermatogenesis and lifelong fertility is provided by spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). SSCs divide asymmetrically to either replenish their numbers (self-renewal) or produce undifferentiated progenitors that proliferate before committing to differentiation. However, regulatory mechanisms governing SSC maintenance are poorly understood. Here, we show that the CCR4-NOT mRNA deadenylase complex subunit CNOT3 plays a critical role in maintaining spermatogonial populations in mice. Cnot3 is highly expressed in undifferentiated spermatogonia, and its deletion in spermatogonia resulted in germ cell loss and infertility. Single cell analyses revealed that Cnot3 deletion led to the de-repression of transcripts encoding factors involved in spermatogonial differentiation, including those in the glutathione redox pathway that are critical for SSC maintenance. Together, our study reveals that CNOT3 - likely via the CCR4-NOT complex - actively degrades transcripts encoding differentiation factors to sustain the spermatogonial pool and ensure the progression of spermatogenesis, highlighting the importance of CCR4-NOT-mediated post-transcriptional gene regulation during male germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Chen
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
- Present address: Clinical Microbiome Unit (CMU), Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome (LHIM), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Safia Malki
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Xiaojiang Xu
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
- Present address: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112
| | - Brian Bennett
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Brad L. Lackford
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Oleksandr Kirsanov
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Christopher B. Geyer
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Guang Hu
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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Gura MA, Bartholomew MA, Abt KM, Relovská S, Seymour KA, Freiman RN. Transcription and chromatin regulation by TAF4b during cellular quiescence of developing prospermatogonia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1270408. [PMID: 37900284 PMCID: PMC10600471 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1270408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Prospermatogonia (ProSpg) link the embryonic development of male primordial germ cells to the healthy establishment of postnatal spermatogonia and spermatogonial stem cells. While these spermatogenic precursor cells undergo the characteristic transitions of cycling and quiescence, the transcriptional events underlying these developmental hallmarks remain unknown. Here, we investigated the expression and function of TBP-associated factor 4b (Taf4b) in the timely development of quiescent mouse ProSpg using an integration of gene expression profiling and chromatin mapping. We find that Taf4b mRNA expression is elevated during the transition of mitotic-to-quiescent ProSpg and Taf4b-deficient ProSpg are delayed in their entry into quiescence. Gene ontology, protein network analysis, and chromatin mapping demonstrate that TAF4b is a direct and indirect regulator of chromatin and cell cycle-related gene expression programs during ProSpg quiescence. Further validation of these cell cycle mRNA changes due to the loss of TAF4b was accomplished via immunostaining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Together, these data indicate that TAF4b is a key transcriptional regulator of the chromatin and quiescent state of the developing mammalian spermatogenic precursor lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Soňa Relovská
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Kimberly A. Seymour
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Richard N. Freiman
- MCB Graduate Program, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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6
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Bustamante-Marin XM, Capel B. Oxygen availability influences the incidence of testicular teratoma in Dnd1Ter/+ mice. Front Genet 2023; 14:1179256. [PMID: 37180974 PMCID: PMC10169730 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1179256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular teratomas and teratocarcinomas are the most common testicular germ cell tumors in early childhood and young men, and they are frequently found unilaterally in the left testis. In 129/SvJ mice carrying a heterozygous copy of the potent modifier of tumor incidence Ter, a point mutation in the dead-end homolog one gene (Dnd1 Ter/+), ∼70% of the unilateral teratomas arise in the left testis. We previously showed that in mice, left/right differences in vascular architecture are associated with reduced hemoglobin saturation and increased levels of the hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) in the left compared to the right testis. To test the hypothesis that systemic reduction of oxygen availability in Dnd1 Ter/+ mice would lead to an increased incidence of bilateral tumors, we placed pregnant females from 129/SvJ Dnd1 Ter/+ intercross matings in a hypobaric chamber for 12-h intervals. Our results show that in 129/SvJ Dnd1 Ter/+ male gonads, the incidence of bilateral teratoma increased from 3.3% to 64% when fetuses were exposed to acute low oxygen conditions for 12-h between E13.8 and E14.3. The increase in tumor incidence correlated with the maintenance of high expression of pluripotency genes Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog, elevated activity of the Nodal signaling pathway, and suppression of germ cell mitotic arrest. We propose that the combination of heterozygosity for the Ter mutation and hypoxia causes a delay in male germ cell differentiation that promotes teratoma initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena M. Bustamante-Marin
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Departamento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias De La Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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Gu X, Heinrich A, Li SY, DeFalco T. Testicular macrophages are recruited during a narrow fetal time window and promote organ-specific developmental functions. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1439. [PMID: 36922518 PMCID: PMC10017703 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37199-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence demonstrates that fetal-derived tissue-resident macrophages have developmental functions. It has been proposed that macrophages promote testicular functions, but which macrophage populations are involved is unclear. Previous studies showed that macrophages play critical roles in fetal testis morphogenesis and described two adult testicular macrophage populations, interstitial and peritubular. There has been debate regarding the hematopoietic origins of testicular macrophages and whether distinct macrophage populations promote specific testicular functions. Here our hematopoietic lineage-tracing studies in mice show that yolk-sac-derived macrophages comprise the earliest testicular macrophages, while fetal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) generate monocytes that colonize the gonad during a narrow time window in a Sertoli-cell-dependent manner and differentiate into adult testicular macrophages. Finally, we show that yolk-sac-derived versus HSC-derived macrophages have distinct functions during testis morphogenesis, while interstitial macrophages specifically promote adult Leydig cell steroidogenesis. Our findings provide insight into testicular macrophage origins and their tissue-specific roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Gu
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Anna Heinrich
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Shu-Yun Li
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Tony DeFalco
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
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Ruthig VA, Hatkevich T, Hardy J, Friedersdorf MB, Mayère C, Nef S, Keene JD, Capel B. The RNA binding protein DND1 is elevated in a subpopulation of pro-spermatogonia and targets chromatin modifiers and translational machinery during late gestation. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010656. [PMID: 36857387 PMCID: PMC10010562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
DND1 is essential to maintain germ cell identity. Loss of Dnd1 function results in germ cell differentiation to teratomas in some inbred strains of mice or to somatic fates in zebrafish. Using our knock-in mouse line in which a functional fusion protein between DND1 and GFP is expressed from the endogenous locus (Dnd1GFP), we distinguished two male germ cell (MGC) populations during late gestation cell cycle arrest (G0), consistent with recent reports of heterogeneity among MGCs. Most MGCs express lower levels of DND1-GFP (DND1-GFP-lo), but some MGCs express elevated levels of DND1-GFP (DND1-GFP-hi). A RNA-seq time course confirmed high Dnd1 transcript levels in DND1-GFP-hi cells along with 5-10-fold higher levels for multiple epigenetic regulators. Using antibodies against DND1-GFP for RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)-sequencing, we identified multiple epigenetic and translational regulators that are binding targets of DND1 during G0 including DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts), histone deacetylases (Hdacs), Tudor domain proteins (Tdrds), actin dependent regulators (Smarcs), and a group of ribosomal and Golgi proteins. These data suggest that in DND1-GFP-hi cells, DND1 hosts coordinating mRNA regulons that consist of functionally related and localized groups of epigenetic enzymes and translational components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A. Ruthig
- Sexual Medicine Lab, Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Talia Hatkevich
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Josiah Hardy
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Matthew B. Friedersdorf
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Chloé Mayère
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jack D. Keene
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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Burnham EL, Tomita T. Histogenesis of intracranial germ cell tumors: primordial germ cell vs. embryonic stem cell. Childs Nerv Syst 2023; 39:359-368. [PMID: 36595083 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-022-05808-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intracranial germ cell tumor (iGCT) is a rare disorder and often occurs during childhood and adolescence. iGCTs are frequently localized in pineal region and hypothalamic-neurohypophyseal axis (HNA). In spite of well-established clinical and pathological entity, histogenesis of iGCTs remains unsettled. Current theories of histogenesis of iGCTs include germ cell theory (from primordial germ cells (PGCs) of aberrant migration) and stem cell theory (transformed embryonic stem (ES) cells). In order to comprehend the histogenesis, we revisit the origin, migration, and fate of the human PGCs, and their transformation processes to iGCT. DISCUSSION In "germ cell theory," transformation of ectopic PGCs to iGCT is complex and involves multiple transcription factors. Germinoma is derived from ectopic PGCs and is considered a prototype of all GCTs. Non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs) develop from more differentiated counterparts of embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. However, there is a distinct genomic/epigenomic landscape between germinoma and NGGCT. ES cells transformed from ectopic PGCs through molecular dysregulation or de-differentiation may become the source of iGCT. "Stem cell theory" is transformation of endogenous ES cells or primitive neural stem cell to iGCTs. It supports histological diversity of NGGCTs because of ES cell's pluripotency. However, neural stem cells are abundantly present along the subependymal zone; therefore, it does not explain why iGCTs almost exclusively occur in pineal and HNA locations. Also, the vast difference of methylation status between germinoma and NGGCT makes it difficult to theorize all iGCTs derive from the common cellular linage. CONCLUSION Transformation of PGCs to ES cells is the most logical mechanism for histogenesis of iGCT. However, its detail remains an enigma and needs further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Burnham
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tadanori Tomita
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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10
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Hirano T, Wright D, Suzuki A, Saga Y. A cooperative mechanism of target RNA selection via germ-cell-specific RNA-binding proteins NANOS2 and DND1. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110894. [PMID: 35705038 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110894] [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: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The germ-cell-specific RNA-binding protein (RBP) NANOS2 plays a pivotal role in male gonocyte differentiation and spermatogonial stem cell maintenance. Although NANOS2 interacts with the CNOT deadenylation complex and Dead end 1 (DND1) to repress target RNAs, the molecular mechanisms underlying target mRNA selection remain unclear because of the limited cell resource in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that exogenous NANOS2-DND1 suppresses target mRNAs in somatic cells. Using this somatic cell system, we find that NANOS2 interacts with RNA-bound DND1 and recruits the CNOT complex to the mRNAs. However, a fusion construct composed of the CNOT1-binding site of NANOS2 (NIM) and DND1 fails to repress the target gene expression. Therefore, NANOS2 is required not only for recruitment of the CNOT complex but also for selecting the target mRNA with DND1. This study reveals that NANOS2 functions as a second-layer RBP for the target recognition and functional adaptation of DND1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takamasa Hirano
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8582, Japan
| | - Danelle Wright
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8582, Japan; Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, 1111 Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8582, Japan
| | - Atsushi Suzuki
- Division of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501 Japan
| | - Yumiko Saga
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8582, Japan; Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, 1111 Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8582, Japan; Division for Development of Genetic-Engineered Mouse Resource, Genetic Resource Center, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8582, Japan; Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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11
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Choi HJ, Jung KM, Rengaraj D, Lee KY, Yoo E, Kim TH, Han JY. Single-cell RNA sequencing of mitotic-arrested prospermatogonia with DAZL::GFP chickens and revealing unique epigenetic reprogramming of chickens. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:64. [PMID: 35659766 PMCID: PMC9169296 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00712-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Germ cell mitotic arrest is conserved in many vertebrates, including birds, although the time of entry or exit into quiescence phase differs. Mitotic arrest is essential for the normal differentiation of male germ cells into spermatogonia and accompanies epigenetic reprogramming and meiosis inhibition from embryonic development to post-hatch. However, mitotic arrest was not well studied in chickens because of the difficulty in obtaining pure germ cells from relevant developmental stage. Results We performed single-cell RNA sequencing to investigate transcriptional dynamics of male germ cells during mitotic arrest in DAZL::GFP chickens. Using differentially expressed gene analysis and K-means clustering to analyze cells at different developmental stages (E12, E16, and hatch), we found that metabolic and signaling pathways were regulated, and that the epigenome was reprogrammed during mitotic arrest. In particular, we found that histone H3K9 and H3K14 acetylation (by HDAC2) and DNA demethylation (by DNMT3B and HELLS) led to a transcriptionally permissive chromatin state. Furthermore, we found that global DNA demethylation occurred gradually after the onset of mitotic arrest, indicating that the epigenetic-reprogramming schedule of the chicken genome differs from that of the mammalian genome. DNA hypomethylation persisted after hatching, and methylation was slowly re-established 3 weeks later. Conclusions We found a unique epigenetic-reprogramming schedule of mitotic-arrested chicken prospermatogonia and prolonged hypomethylation after hatching. This will provide a foundation for understanding the process of germ-cell epigenetic regulation in several species for which this process is not clearly described. Our findings on the biological processes related to sex-specific differentiation of prospermatogonia could help studying germline development in vitro more elaborately. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-022-00712-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Jeong Choi
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Kyung Min Jung
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Deivendran Rengaraj
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Kyung Youn Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Eunhui Yoo
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Tae Hyun Kim
- Department of Animal Science, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, 16801, USA
| | - Jae Yong Han
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea.
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12
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Cdc42 activity in Sertoli cells is essential for maintenance of spermatogenesis. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109885. [PMID: 34706238 PMCID: PMC8604081 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are highly polarized testicular supporting cells that simultaneously nurture multiple stages of germ cells during spermatogenesis. Proper localization of polarity protein complexes within Sertoli cells, including those responsible for blood-testis barrier formation, is vital for spermatogenesis. However, the mechanisms and developmental timing that underlie Sertoli cell polarity are poorly understood. We investigate this aspect of testicular function by conditionally deleting Cdc42, encoding a Rho GTPase involved in regulating cell polarity, specifically in Sertoli cells. Sertoli Cdc42 deletion leads to increased apoptosis and disrupted polarity of juvenile and adult testes but does not affect fetal and postnatal testicular development. The onset of the first wave of spermatogenesis occurs normally, but it fails to progress past round spermatid stages, and by young adulthood, conditional knockout males exhibit a complete loss of spermatogenic cells. These findings demonstrate that Cdc42 is essential for Sertoli cell polarity and for maintaining steady-state sperm production. Sertoli cells of the testicular seminiferous tubule must be highly polarized to simultaneously sustain multiple stages of germ cells during spermatogenesis. Heinrich et al. use a Sertoli-specific conditional deletion mouse model to address the roles of CDC42-mediated apicobasal cell polarity in promoting testis development and spermatogenesis.
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13
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Mall EM, Lecanda A, Drexler HCA, Raz E, Schöler HR, Schlatt S. Heading towards a dead end: The role of DND1 in germ line differentiation of human iPSCs. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258427. [PMID: 34653201 PMCID: PMC8519482 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The DND microRNA-mediated repression inhibitor 1 (DND1) is a conserved RNA binding protein (RBP) that plays important roles in survival and fate maintenance of primordial germ cells (PGCs) and in the development of the male germline in zebrafish and mice. Dead end was shown to be expressed in human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), PGCs and spermatogonia, but little is known about its specific role concerning pluripotency and human germline development. Here we use CRISPR/Cas mediated knockout and PGC-like cell (PGCLC) differentiation in human iPSCs to determine if DND1 (1) plays a role in maintaining pluripotency and (2) in specification of PGCLCs. We generated several clonal lines carrying biallelic loss of function mutations and analysed their differentiation potential towards PGCLCs and their gene expression on RNA and protein levels via RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry. The generated knockout iPSCs showed no differences in pluripotency gene expression, proliferation, or trilineage differentiation potential, but yielded reduced numbers of PGCLCs as compared with their parental iPSCs. RNAseq analysis of mutated PGCLCs revealed that the overall gene expression remains like non-mutated PGCLCs. However, reduced expression of genes associated with PGC differentiation and maintenance (e.g., NANOS3, PRDM1) was observed. Together, we show that DND1 iPSCs maintain their pluripotency but exhibit a reduced differentiation to PGCLCs. This versatile model will allow further analysis of the specific mechanisms by which DND1 influences PGC differentiation and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M. Mall
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Münster, Germany
| | - Aaron Lecanda
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Erez Raz
- Institute of Cell Biology, ZMBE, Münster, Germany
| | - Hans R. Schöler
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Münster, Germany
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14
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Zhang Y, Godavarthi JD, Williams-Villalobo A, Polk S, Matin A. The Role of DND1 in Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153679. [PMID: 34359581 PMCID: PMC8345090 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ter mutation in Dead-End 1 (Dnd1), Dnd1Ter, which leads to a premature stop codon, has been determined to be the cause for primordial germ cell deficiency, accompanied with a high incidence of congenital testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) or teratomas in the 129/Sv-Ter mice. As an RNA-binding protein, DND1 can bind the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of mRNAs and function in translational regulation. DND1 can block microRNA (miRNA) access to the 3'-UTR of target mRNAs, thus inhibiting miRNA-mediated mRNA degradation and up-regulating translation or can also function to degrade or repress mRNAs. Other mechanisms of DND1 activity include promoting translation initiation and modifying target protein activity. Although Dnd1Ter mutation causes spontaneous TGCT only in male 129 mice, it can also cause ovarian teratomas in mice when combined with other genetic defects or cause germ cell teratomas in both genders in the WKY/Ztm rat strain. Furthermore, studies on human cell lines, patient cancer tissues, and the use of human cancer genome analysis indicate that DND1 may possess either tumor-suppressive or -promoting functions in a variety of somatic cancers. Here we review the involvement of DND1 in cancers, including what appears to be its emerging role in somatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (A.M.); Tel.: +1-713-313-7557 (Y.Z.); +1-713-313-7160 (A.M.)
| | | | | | | | - Angabin Matin
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (A.M.); Tel.: +1-713-313-7557 (Y.Z.); +1-713-313-7160 (A.M.)
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15
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To Be or Not to Be a Germ Cell: The Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumor Paradigm. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115982. [PMID: 34205983 PMCID: PMC8199495 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the human embryo, the genetic program that orchestrates germ cell specification involves the activation of epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms that make the germline a unique cell population continuously poised between germness and pluripotency. Germ cell tumors, neoplasias originating from fetal or neonatal germ cells, maintain such dichotomy and can adopt either pluripotent features (embryonal carcinomas) or germness features (seminomas) with a wide range of phenotypes in between these histotypes. Here, we review the basic concepts of cell specification, migration and gonadal colonization of human primordial germ cells (hPGCs) highlighting the analogies of transcriptional/epigenetic programs between these two cell types.
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16
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Heinrich A, Potter SJ, Guo L, Ratner N, DeFalco T. Distinct Roles for Rac1 in Sertoli Cell Function during Testicular Development and Spermatogenesis. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107513. [PMID: 32294451 PMCID: PMC7213061 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.03.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are supporting cells of the testicular seminiferous tubules, which provide a nurturing environment for spermatogenesis. Adult Sertoli cells are polarized so that they can simultaneously support earlier-stage spermatogenic cells (e.g., spermatogonia) basally and later-stage cells (e.g., spermatids) apically. To test the consequences of disrupting cell polarity in Sertoli cells, we perform a Sertoli-specific conditional deletion of Rac1, which encodes a Rho GTPase required for apicobasal cell polarity. Rac1 conditional knockout adults exhibit spermatogenic arrest at the round spermatid stage, with severe disruption of Sertoli cell polarity, and show increased germline and Sertoli cell apoptosis. Thus, Sertoli Rac1 function is critical for the progression of spermatogenesis but, surprisingly, is dispensable for fetal testicular development, adult maintenance of undifferentiated spermatogonia, and meiotic entry. Our data indicate that Sertoli Rac1 function is required only for certain aspects of spermatogenesis and reveal that there are distinct requirements for cell polarity during cellular differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Heinrich
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Sarah J Potter
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Li Guo
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Tony DeFalco
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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17
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Frost ER, Taylor G, Baker MA, Lovell-Badge R, Sutherland JM. Establishing and maintaining fertility: the importance of cell cycle arrest. Genes Dev 2021; 35:619-634. [PMID: 33888561 PMCID: PMC8091977 DOI: 10.1101/gad.348151.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In this review, Frost et al. summarize the current knowledge on the Cip/Kip family of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors in mouse gonad development and highlight new roles for cell cycle inhibitors in controlling and maintaining female fertility. Development of the ovary or testis is required to establish reproductive competence. Gonad development relies on key cell fate decisions that occur early in embryonic development and are actively maintained. During gonad development, both germ cells and somatic cells proliferate extensively, a process facilitated by cell cycle regulation. This review focuses on the Cip/Kip family of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) in mouse gonad development. We particularly highlight recent single-cell RNA sequencing studies that show the heterogeneity of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. This diversity highlights new roles for cell cycle inhibitors in controlling and maintaining female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Frost
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia.,Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Güneş Taylor
- Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Mark A Baker
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia
| | - Robin Lovell-Badge
- Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Jessie M Sutherland
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia
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18
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Nicholls PK, Page DC. Germ cell determination and the developmental origin of germ cell tumors. Development 2021; 148:239824. [PMID: 33913479 DOI: 10.1242/dev.198150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In each generation, the germline is tasked with producing somatic lineages that form the body, and segregating a population of cells for gametogenesis. During animal development, when do cells of the germline irreversibly commit to producing gametes? Integrating findings from diverse species, we conclude that the final commitment of the germline to gametogenesis - the process of germ cell determination - occurs after primordial germ cells (PGCs) colonize the gonads. Combining this understanding with medical findings, we present a model whereby germ cell tumors arise from cells that failed to undertake germ cell determination, regardless of their having colonized the gonads. We propose that the diversity of cell types present in these tumors reflects the broad developmental potential of migratory PGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter K Nicholls
- Whitehead Institute, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
| | - David C Page
- Whitehead Institute, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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19
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Ruthig VA, Yokonishi T, Friedersdorf MB, Batchvarova S, Hardy J, Garness JA, Keene JD, Capel B. A transgenic DND1GFP fusion allele reports in vivo expression and RNA-binding targets in undifferentiated mouse germ cells†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:861-874. [PMID: 33394034 PMCID: PMC8324984 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, the RNA-binding protein (RBP) dead end 1 (DND1) is essential for primordial germ cell (PGC) survival and maintenance of cell identity. In multiple species, Dnd1 loss or mutation leads to severe PGC loss soon after specification or, in some species, germ cell transformation to somatic lineages. Our investigations into the role of DND1 in PGC specification and differentiation have been limited by the absence of an available antibody. To address this problem, we used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to establish a transgenic mouse line carrying a DND1GFP fusion allele. We present imaging analysis of DND1GFP expression showing that DND1GFP expression is heterogeneous among male germ cells (MGCs) and female germ cells (FGCs). DND1GFP was detected in MGCs throughout fetal life but lost from FGCs at meiotic entry. In postnatal and adult testes, DND1GFP expression correlated with classic markers for the premeiotic spermatogonial population. Utilizing the GFP tag for RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) analysis in MGCs validated this transgenic as a tool for identifying in vivo transcript targets of DND1. The DND1GFP mouse line is a novel tool for isolation and analysis of embryonic and fetal germ cells, and the spermatogonial population of the postnatal and adult testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A Ruthig
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Matthew B Friedersdorf
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sofia Batchvarova
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Josiah Hardy
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jason A Garness
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jack D Keene
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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20
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Jorgez CJ, Seth A, Wilken N, Bournat JC, Chen CH, Lamb DJ. E2F1 regulates testicular descent and controls spermatogenesis by influencing WNT4 signaling. Development 2021; 148:dev191189. [PMID: 33441379 PMCID: PMC7823160 DOI: 10.1242/dev.191189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism is the most common urologic birth defect in men and is a predisposing factor of male infertility and testicular cancer, yet the etiology remains largely unknown. E2F1 microdeletions and microduplications contribute to cryptorchidism, infertility and testicular tumors. Although E2f1 deletion or overexpression in mice causes spermatogenic failure, the mechanism by which E2f1 influences testicular function is unknown. This investigation revealed that E2f1-null mice develop cryptorchidism with severe gubernacular defects and progressive loss of germ cells resulting in infertility and, in rare cases, testicular tumors. It was hypothesized that germ cell depletion resulted from an increase in WNT4 levels. To test this hypothesis, the phenotype of a double-null mouse model lacking both Wnt4 and E2f1 in germ cells was analyzed. Double-null mice are fertile. This finding indicates that germ cell maintenance is dependent on E2f1 repression of Wnt4, supporting a role for Wnt4 in germ cell survival. In the future, modulation of WNT4 expression in men with cryptorchidism and spermatogenic failure due to E2F1 copy number variations may provide a novel approach to improve their spermatogenesis and perhaps their fertility potential after orchidopexy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina J Jorgez
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Abhishek Seth
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nathan Wilken
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Juan C Bournat
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ching H Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dolores J Lamb
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Brady Urology Department, Center for Reproductive Genomics and Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
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21
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Apoptosis in the fetal testis eliminates developmentally defective germ cell clones. Nat Cell Biol 2020; 22:1423-1435. [DOI: 10.1038/s41556-020-00603-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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22
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Gross-Thebing T, Raz E. Dead end and Detour: The function of the RNA-binding protein Dnd in posttranscriptional regulation in the germline. Curr Top Dev Biol 2020; 140:181-208. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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23
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Capel B. WOMEN IN REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCE: To be or not to be a testis. Reproduction 2019; 158:F101-F111. [PMID: 31265995 PMCID: PMC9945370 DOI: 10.1530/rep-19-0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Work that established the testis as the driver of male development, and the Y chromosome as the bearer of the male-determining gene, established a working model, and set the stage for the molecular age of mammalian sex determination. The discovery and characterization of Sry/SRY at the top of the hierarchy in mammals launched the field in two major directions. The first was to identify the downstream transcription factors and other molecular players that drive the bifurcation of Sertoli and granulosa cell differentiation. The second major direction was to understand organogenesis of the early bipotential gonad, and how divergence of its two distinct morphogenetic pathways (testis and ovary) is regulated at the cellular level. This review will summarize the early discoveries soon after Sry was identified and focus on my study of the gonad as a model of organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanche Capel
- 1Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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24
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Nunez L, Mokkapati S, Yu C, Deng JM, Behringer RR, Matin A. Generation of a novel mouse strain with conditional, cell-type specific, expression of DND1. Genesis 2019; 57:e23335. [PMID: 31513344 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Dead-End 1 (DND1) encodes an RNA binding protein critical for viable primordial germ cells in vertebrates. When introduced into cancer cell lines, DND1 suppresses cell proliferation and enhances apoptosis. However, the molecular function of mammalian wild-type DND1 has mostly been studied in cell lines and not verified in the organism. To facilitate study of wild-type DND1 function in mammalian systems, we generated a novel transgenic mouse line, LSL-FM-DND1 flox/+ , which conditionally expresses genetically engineered, FLAG-tagged and myc-tagged DND1 in a cell type-specific manner. We report that FLAG-myc-DND1 is indeed expressed in specific tissues of the mouse when LSL-FM-DND1 flox/+ is combined with mouse strains expressing Cre-recombinase. LSL-FM-DND1 flox/+ mice are fertile with no overt health effects. We expressed FLAG-myc-DND1 in the pancreas and found that chronic, ectopic expression of FLAG-myc-DND1 led to increase in fasting glucose levels in older mice. Thus, this novel LSL-FM-DND1 flox/+ mouse strain will facilitate studies on the biological and molecular function of wild-type DND1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Nunez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas
| | - Sharada Mokkapati
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Chengtai Yu
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Jian M Deng
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Richard R Behringer
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Angabin Matin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas
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25
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Mäkelä JA, Koskenniemi JJ, Virtanen HE, Toppari J. Testis Development. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:857-905. [PMID: 30590466 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Production of sperm and androgens is the main function of the testis. This depends on normal development of both testicular somatic cells and germ cells. A genetic program initiated from the Y chromosome gene sex-determining region Y (SRY) directs somatic cell specification to Sertoli cells that orchestrate further development. They first guide fetal germ cell differentiation toward spermatogenic destiny and then take care of the full service to spermatogenic cells during spermatogenesis. The number of Sertoli cells sets the limits of sperm production. Leydig cells secrete androgens that determine masculine development. Testis development does not depend on germ cells; that is, testicular somatic cells also develop in the absence of germ cells, and the testis can produce testosterone normally to induce full masculinization in these men. In contrast, spermatogenic cell development is totally dependent on somatic cells. We herein review germ cell differentiation from primordial germ cells to spermatogonia and development of the supporting somatic cells. Testicular descent to scrota is necessary for normal spermatogenesis, and cryptorchidism is the most common male birth defect. This is a mild form of a disorder of sex differentiation. Multiple genetic reasons for more severe forms of disorders of sex differentiation have been revealed during the last decades, and these are described along with the description of molecular regulation of testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jaakko J Koskenniemi
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Helena E Virtanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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26
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Ruthig VA, Friedersdorf MB, Garness JA, Munger SC, Bunce C, Keene JD, Capel B. The RNA-binding protein DND1 acts sequentially as a negative regulator of pluripotency and a positive regulator of epigenetic modifiers required for germ cell reprogramming. Development 2019; 146:dev175950. [PMID: 31253634 PMCID: PMC6803376 DOI: 10.1242/dev.175950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The adult spermatogonial stem cell population arises from pluripotent primordial germ cells (PGCs) that enter the fetal testis around embryonic day (E)10.5. PGCs undergo rapid mitotic proliferation, then enter prolonged cell cycle arrest (G1/G0), during which they transition to pro-spermatogonia. In mice homozygous for the Ter mutation in the RNA-binding protein Dnd1 (Dnd1Ter/Ter ), many male germ cells (MGCs) fail to enter G1/G0 and instead form teratomas: tumors containing many embryonic cell types. To investigate the origin of these tumors, we sequenced the MGC transcriptome in Dnd1Ter/Ter mutants at E12.5, E13.5 and E14.5, immediately prior to teratoma formation, and correlated this information with DO-RIP-Seq-identified DND1 direct targets. Consistent with previous results, we found DND1 controls downregulation of many genes associated with pluripotency and active cell cycle, including mTor, Hippo and Bmp/Nodal signaling pathway elements. However, DND1 targets also include genes associated with male differentiation, including a large group of chromatin regulators activated in wild-type but not mutant MGCs during the E13.5 and E14.5 transition. Results suggest multiple DND1 functions and link DND1 to initiation of epigenetic modifications in MGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A Ruthig
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Matthew B Friedersdorf
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jason A Garness
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - Corey Bunce
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jack D Keene
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Takehara A, Matsui Y. Shortened G1 phase of cell cycle and decreased histone H3K27 methylation are associated with AKT-induced enhancement of primordial germ cell reprogramming. Dev Growth Differ 2019; 61:357-364. [PMID: 31199000 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are reprogrammed into pluripotent embryonic germ cells (EGCs) under specific culture conditions, but the detailed mechanisms of PGC reprogramming have not yet been fully clarified. Previous studies have demonstrated that AKT, an important intracellular signaling molecule, promotes reprogramming of PGCs into EGCs. Because AKT likely inhibits p53 functions to enhance PGC reprogramming, and p53 negatively regulates cell cycle progression, we analyzed cell cycle changes in PGCs following AKT activation and found that the ratio of PGCs in the G1/G0 phase was decreased while that of PGCs in the G2/M phase was increased after AKT activation.
We also showed that the expression of the CDK inhibitor p27kip1, which prevents the G1‐S transition and is transcriptionally activated by p53, was significantly downregulated by AKT activation. The results suggested that the characteristic cell cycle changes of PGCs by AKT activation are, at least in part, due to decreased expression of p27kip1 . We also investigated changes in histone H3K27 tri-methylation (H3K27me3) by AKT activation in PGCs, because we previously found that decreased H3K27me3 was involved in PGC reprogramming via upregulation of cyclin D1. We observed that AKT activation in PGCs resulted in H3K27 hypomethylation. In addition, DZNeP, an inhibitor of the H3K27 trimethyl transferase Ezh2, stimulated EGC formation. These results together suggested that AKT activation promotes G1-S transition and downregulates H3K27me3 to enhance PGC reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asuka Takehara
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Matsui
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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28
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Wang JH, Li Y, Deng SL, Liu YX, Lian ZX, Yu K. Recent Research Advances in Mitosis during Mammalian Gametogenesis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8060567. [PMID: 31185583 PMCID: PMC6628140 DOI: 10.3390/cells8060567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitosis is a highly sophisticated and well-regulated process during the development and differentiation of mammalian gametogenesis. The regulation of mitosis plays an essential role in keeping the formulation in oogenesis and gametogenesis. In the past few years, substantial research progress has been made by showing that cyclins/cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) have roles in the regulation of meiosis. In addition, more functional signaling molecules have been discovered in mitosis. Growing evidence has also indicated that miRNAs influence cell cycling. In this review, we focus on specific genes, cyclins/Cdk, signaling pathways/molecules, and miRNAs to discuss the latest achievements in understanding their roles in mitosis during gametogenesis. Further elucidation of mitosis during gametogenesis may facilitate delineating all processes of mammalian reproduction and the development of disease treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Hao Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Shou-Long Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Zheng-Xing Lian
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Kun Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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Abstract
Germ cells are the stem cells of the species. Thus, it is critical that we have a good understanding of how they are specified, how the somatic cells instruct and support them, how they commit to one or other sex, and how they ultimately develop into functional gametes. Here, we focus on specifics of how sexual fate is determined during fetal life. Because the majority of relevant experimental work has been done using the mouse model, we focus on that species. We review evidence regarding the identity of instructive signals from the somatic cells, and the molecular responses that occur in germ cells in response to those extrinsic signals. In this way we aim to clarify progress to date regarding the mechanisms underlying the mitotic to meiosis switch in germ cells of the fetal ovary, and those involved in adopting and securing male fate in germ cells of the fetal testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassy Spiller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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30
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An Y, Sekinaka T, Tando Y, Okamura D, Tanaka K, Ito-Matsuoka Y, Takehara A, Yaegashi N, Matsui Y. Derivation of pluripotent stem cells from nascent undifferentiated teratoma. Dev Biol 2018; 446:43-55. [PMID: 30529251 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Teratomas are tumors consisting of components of the three germ layers that differentiate from pluripotent stem cells derived from germ cells. In the normal mouse testis, teratomas rarely form, but a deficiency in Dead-end1 (Dnd1) in mice with a 129/Sv genetic background greatly enhances teratoma formation. Thus, DND1 is crucial for suppression of teratoma development from germ cells. In the Dnd1 mutant testis, nascent teratoma cells emerge at E15.5. To understand the nature of early teratoma cells, we established cell lines in the presence of serum and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) from teratoma-forming cells in neonatal Dnd1 mutant testis. These cells, which we designated cultured Dnd1 mutant germ cells (CDGCs), were morphologically similar to embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and could be maintained in the naïve pluripotent condition. In addition, the cells expressed pluripotency genes including Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2; differentiated into cells of the three germ layers in culture; and contributed to chimeric mice. The expression levels of pluripotency genes and global transcriptomes in CDGCs as well as these cells' adaption to culture conditions for primed pluripotency suggested that their pluripotent status is intermediate between naïve and primed pluripotency. In addition, the teratoma-forming cells in the neonatal testis from which CDGCs were derived also showed gene expression profiles intermediate between naïve and primed pluripotency. The results suggested that germ cells in embryonic testes of Dnd1 mutants acquire the intermediate pluripotent status during the course of conversion into teratoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri An
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan; Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Sekinaka
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yukiko Tando
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Daiji Okamura
- Department of Advanced Bioscience, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi, Nara, Japan
| | - Keiko Tanaka
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yumi Ito-Matsuoka
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Asuka Takehara
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Nobuo Yaegashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Matsui
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan; Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan; The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Center for Regulatory Epigenome and Diseases, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.
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31
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Identification of KLF9 and BCL3 as transcription factors that enhance reprogramming of primordial germ cells. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205004. [PMID: 30286177 PMCID: PMC6171932 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are precursors of eggs and sperm. Although PGCs are unipotent cells in vivo, they are reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), also known as embryonic germ cells (EGCs), in the presence of leukemia inhibitory factor and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in vitro. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for their reprogramming are not fully understood. Here we show identification of transcription factors that mediate PGC reprogramming. We selected genes encoding transcription factors or epigenetic regulatory factors whose expression was significantly different between PGCs and PSCs with in silico analysis and RT-qPCR. Among the candidate genes, over-expression (OE) of Bcl3 or Klf9 significantly enhanced PGC reprogramming. Notably, EGC formation was stimulated by Klf9-OE even without bFGF. G-protein-coupled receptor signaling-related pathways, which are involved in PGC reprogramming, were enriched among genes down-regulated by Klf9-OE, and forskolin which activate adenylate cyclase, rescued repressed EGC formation by knock-down of Klf9, suggesting a molecular linkage between KLF9 and such signaling.
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32
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RNA processing in the male germline: Mechanisms and implications for fertility. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 79:80-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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33
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Chemotherapy-Induced Depletion of OCT4-Positive Cancer Stem Cells in a Mouse Model of Malignant Testicular Cancer. Cell Rep 2018; 21:1896-1909. [PMID: 29141221 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.10.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are among the most responsive solid cancers to conventional chemotherapy. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we developed a mouse TGCT model featuring germ cell-specific Kras activation and Pten inactivation. The resulting mice developed malignant, metastatic TGCTs composed of teratoma and embryonal carcinoma, the latter of which exhibited stem cell characteristics, including expression of the pluripotency factor OCT4. Consistent with epidemiological data linking human testicular cancer risk to in utero exposures, embryonic germ cells were susceptible to malignant transformation, whereas adult germ cells underwent apoptosis in response to the same oncogenic events. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with genotoxic chemotherapy not only prolonged survival and reduced tumor size but also selectively eliminated the OCT4-positive cancer stem cells. We conclude that the chemosensitivity of TGCTs derives from the sensitivity of their cancer stem cells to DNA-damaging chemotherapy.
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34
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Dawson EP, Lanza DG, Webster NJ, Benton SM, Suetake I, Heaney JD. Delayed male germ cell sex-specification permits transition into embryonal carcinoma cells with features of primed pluripotency. Development 2018; 145:dev156612. [PMID: 29545285 PMCID: PMC6514421 DOI: 10.1242/dev.156612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Testicular teratomas result from anomalies in embryonic germ cell development. In 129 inbred mice, teratoma initiation coincides with germ cell sex-specific differentiation and the mitotic-meiotic switch: XX and XY germ cells repress pluripotency, XX germ cells initiate meiosis, and XY germ cells activate male-specific differentiation and mitotic arrest. Here, we report that expression of Nanos2, a gene that is crucial to male sex specification, is delayed in teratoma-susceptible germ cells. Decreased expression of Nanos2 was found to be due, in part, to the Nanos2 allele present in 129 mice. In teratoma-susceptible germ cells, diminished expression of genes downstream of Nanos2 disrupted processes that were crucial to male germ cell differentiation. Deficiency for Nanos2 increased teratoma incidence in 129 mice and induced developmental abnormalities associated with tumor initiation in teratoma-resistant germ cells. Finally, in the absence of commitment to the male germ cell fate, we discovered that a subpopulation of teratoma-susceptible germ cells transition into embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells with primed pluripotent features. We conclude that delayed male germ cell sex-specification facilitates the transformation of germ cells with naïve pluripotent features into primed pluripotent EC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily P Dawson
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Denise G Lanza
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nicholas J Webster
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Susan M Benton
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Isao Suetake
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Jason D Heaney
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Dan L Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center For Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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35
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Gu W, Mochizuki K, Otsuka K, Hamada R, Takehara A, Matsui Y. Dnd1-mediated epigenetic control of teratoma formation in mouse. Biol Open 2018; 7:bio032318. [PMID: 29378702 PMCID: PMC5829515 DOI: 10.1242/bio.032318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous testicular teratoma develops from primordial germ cells (PGCs) in embryos; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying teratoma formation are not fully understood. Mutation of the dead-end 1 (Dnd1) gene, which encodes an RNA-binding protein, drastically enhances teratoma formation in the 129/Sv mouse strain. To elucidate the mechanism of Dnd1 mutation-induced teratoma formation, we focused on histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) trimethylation (me3), and found that the levels of H3K27me3 and its responsible methyltransferase, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2), were decreased in the teratoma-forming cells of Dnd1 mutant embryos. We also showed that Dnd1 suppressed miR-26a-mediated inhibition of Ezh2 expression, and that Dnd1 deficiency resulted in decreased H3K27me3 of a cell-cycle regulator gene, Ccnd1 In addition, Ezh2 expression or Ccnd1 deficiency repressed the reprogramming of PGCs into pluripotent stem cells, which mimicked the conversion of embryonic germ cells into teratoma-forming cells. These results revealed an epigenetic molecular linkage between Dnd1 and the suppression of testicular teratoma formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Gu
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
- Laboratory of Germ Cell Development, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Kentaro Mochizuki
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
- Laboratory of Germ Cell Development, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
- The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Kei Otsuka
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Ryohei Hamada
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Asuka Takehara
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
- The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Matsui
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
- Laboratory of Germ Cell Development, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
- The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
- Center for Regulatory Epigenome and Diseases, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
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36
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Salz HK, Dawson EP, Heaney JD. Germ cell tumors: Insights from the Drosophila ovary and the mouse testis. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:200-211. [PMID: 28079292 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian and testicular germ cell tumors of young adults are thought to arise from defects in germ cell development, but the molecular mechanisms underlying malignant transformation are poorly understood. In this review, we focus on the biology of germ cell tumor formation in the Drosophila ovary and the mouse testis, for which evidence supports common underlying mechanisms, such as blocking initiation into the differentiation pathway, impaired lineage progression, and sexual identity instability. We then discuss how these concepts inform our understanding of the disease in humans. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 84: 200-211, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen K Salz
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Emily P Dawson
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jason D Heaney
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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37
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Embryonic lethality and defective male germ cell development in mice lacking UTF1. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17259. [PMID: 29222434 PMCID: PMC5722945 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17482-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The germ cell lineage is specified early in embryogenesis and undergoes complex developmental programs to generate gametes. Here, we conducted genetic studies to investigate the role of Utf1 (Undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1) in mouse germ cell development. Utf1 is expressed in pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells and regulates ES cell differentiation. In a proteomics screen, we identified UTF1 among 38 proteins including DNMT3L and DND1 that associate with chromatin in embryonic testes. We find that UTF1 is expressed in embryonic and newborn gonocytes and in a subset of early spermatogonia. Ubiquitous inactivation of Utf1 causes embryonic lethality in mice with a hybrid genetic background. Male mice with a germline-specific deletion of Utf1 resulting from Prdm1-Cre mediated recombination are born with significantly fewer gonocytes and exhibit defective spermatogenesis and reduced sperm count as young adults. These defects are ameliorated in older animals. These results demonstrate that UTF1 is required for embryonic development and regulates male germ cell development.
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38
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Cell Fate Maintenance and Reprogramming During the Oocyte-to-Embryo Transition. Results Probl Cell Differ 2017; 59:269-286. [PMID: 28247053 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-44820-6_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This chapter reviews our current understanding of the mechanisms that regulate reprogramming during the oocyte-to-embryo transition (OET). There are two major events reshaping the transcriptome during OET. One is the clearance of maternal transcripts in the early embryo, extensively reviewed by others. The other event, which is the focus of this chapter, is the embryonic (or zygotic) genome activation (EGA). The mechanisms controlling EGA can be broadly divided into transcriptional and posttranscriptional. The former includes the regulation of the basal transcription machinery, the regulation by specific transcription factors and chromatin modifications. The latter is performed mostly via specific RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Different animal models have been used to decipher the regulation of EGA. These models are often biased for the specific type of regulation, which is why we discuss the models ranging from invertebrates to mammals. Whether these biases stem from incomplete understanding of EGA in these models, or reflect evolutionarily distinct solutions to EGA regulation, is a key unresolved problem in developmental biology. As the mechanisms controlling developmental reprogramming can, and in some cases have been shown to, function in differentiated cells subjected to induced reprogramming, our understanding of EGA regulation may have implications for the efficiency of induced reprogramming and, thus, for regenerative medicine.
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39
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Sekita Y, Nakamura T, Kimura T. Reprogramming of germ cells into pluripotency. World J Stem Cells 2016; 8:251-259. [PMID: 27621759 PMCID: PMC4999652 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v8.i8.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are precursors of all gametes, and represent the founder cells of the germline. Although developmental potency is restricted to germ-lineage cells, PGCs can be reprogrammed into a pluripotent state. Specifically, PGCs give rise to germ cell tumors, such as testicular teratomas, in vivo, and to pluripotent stem cells known as embryonic germ cells in vitro. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge on signaling pathways, transcriptional controls, and post-transcriptional controls that govern germ cell differentiation and de-differentiation. These regulatory processes are common in the reprogramming of germ cells and somatic cells, and play a role in the pathogenesis of human germ cell tumors.
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40
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A gonogenic stimulated transition of mouse embryonic stem cells with enhanced control of diverse differentiation pathways. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25104. [PMID: 27157261 PMCID: PMC4860597 DOI: 10.1038/srep25104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells share markers with undifferentiated primordial germ cells (PGCs). Here, we discovered that a cellular state with some molecular markers of male gonocyte induction, including a G1/S phase arrest and upregulation of specific genes such as Nanos2, Tdrd1, Ddx4, Zbtb16 and Plk1s1, can be chemically induced in male mouse ES cells in vitro, which we termed gonogenic stimulated transition (GoST). After longer culture of the resulting GoST cells without chemical stimulation, several molecular markers typical for early gonocytes were detected including the early gonocyte marker Tex101. Motivated by previous studies that found multipotency in cell lines derived from neonatal male germ cells in vitro, we then compared the differentiation potential of GoST cells to that of ES cells in vitro. Interestingly, GoST cells showed equal neurogenic, but enhanced cardiogenic and hepatogenic differentiation compared to ES cells in vitro. This work shows for the first time that some important molecular markers of the first developmental sexual differentiation program can be induced in male mouse ES cells in vitro and defines a novel concept to generate cells with enhanced multipotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen K Salz
- a Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences ; Case Western Reserve University ; Cleveland , Ohio 44106-4955
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Lanza DG, Dawson EP, Rao P, Heaney JD. Misexpression of cyclin D1 in embryonic germ cells promotes testicular teratoma initiation. Cell Cycle 2016; 15:919-30. [PMID: 26901436 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2016.1149272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular teratomas result from anomalies in embryonic germ cell development. In the 129 family of inbred mouse strains, teratomas arise during the same developmental period that male germ cells normally enter G1/G0 mitotic arrest and female germ cells initiate meiosis (the mitotic:meiotic switch). Dysregulation of this switch associates with teratoma susceptibility and involves three germ cell developmental abnormalities seemingly critical for tumor initiation: delayed G1/G0 mitotic arrest, retention of pluripotency, and misexpression of genes normally restricted to embryonic female and adult male germ cells. One misexpressed gene, cyclin D1 (Ccnd1), is a known regulator of cell cycle progression and an oncogene in many tissues. Here, we investigated whether Ccnd1 misexpression in embryonic germ cells is a determinant of teratoma susceptibility in mice. We found that CCND1 localizes to teratoma-susceptible germ cells that fail to enter G1/G0 arrest during the mitotic:meiotic switch and is the only D-type cyclin misexpressed during this critical developmental time frame. We discovered that Ccnd1 deficiency in teratoma-susceptible mice significantly reduced teratoma incidence and suppressed the germ cell proliferation and pluripotency abnormalities associated with tumor initiation. Importantly, Ccnd1 expression was dispensable for somatic cell development and male germ cell specification and maturation in tumor-susceptible mice, implying that the mechanisms by which Ccnd1 deficiency reduced teratoma incidence were germ cell autonomous and specific to tumorigenesis. We conclude that misexpression of Ccnd1 in male germ cells is a key component of a larger pro-proliferative program that disrupts the mitotic:meiotic switch and predisposes 129 inbred mice to testicular teratocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise G Lanza
- a Department of Molecular and Human Genetics , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Emily P Dawson
- a Department of Molecular and Human Genetics , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Priya Rao
- b Department of Pathology , MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Jason D Heaney
- a Department of Molecular and Human Genetics , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA.,c Dan L Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA.,d Center For Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA
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Wampfler J, Federzoni EA, Torbett BE, Fey MF, Tschan MP. The RNA binding proteins RBM38 and DND1 are repressed in AML and have a novel function in APL differentiation. Leuk Res 2015; 41:96-102. [PMID: 26740055 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The RNA binding proteins RBM binding motif protein 38 (RBM38) and DEAD END 1 (DND1) selectively stabilize mRNAs by attenuating RNAse activity or protecting them from micro(mi)RNA-mediated cleavage. Furthermore, both proteins can efficiently stabilize the mRNA of the cell cycle inhibitor p21(CIP1). Since acute myeloid leukemia (AML) differentiation requires cell cycle arrest and RBM38 as well as DND1 have antiproliferative functions, we hypothesized that decreased RBM38 and DND1 expression may contribute to the differentiation block seen in this disease. We first quantified RBM38 and DND1 mRNA expression in clinical AML patient samples and CD34(+) progenitor cells and mature granulocytes from healthy donors. We found significantly lower RBM38 and DND1 mRNA levels in AML blasts and CD34(+) progenitor cells as compared to mature neutrophils from healthy donors. Furthermore, the lowest expression of both RBM38 and DND1 mRNA correlated with t(8;21). In addition, neutrophil differentiation of CD34(+) cells in vitro with G-CSF (granulocyte colony stimulating factor) resulted in a significant increase of RBM38 and DND1 mRNA levels. Similarly, neutrophil differentiation of NB4 acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells was associated with a significant induction of RBM38 and DND1 expression. To address the function of RBM38 and DND1 in neutrophil differentiation, we generated two independent NB4RBM38 as well as DND1 knockdown cell lines. Inhibition of both RBM38 and DND1 mRNA significantly attenuated NB4 differentiation and resulted in decreased p21(CIP1) mRNA expression. Our results clearly indicate that expression of the RNA binding proteins RBM38 and DND1 is repressed in primary AML patients, that neutrophil differentiation is dependent on increased expression of both proteins, and that these proteins have a critical role in regulating p21(CIP1) expression during APL differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wampfler
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Elena A Federzoni
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States.
| | - Bruce E Torbett
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States.
| | - Martin F Fey
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Mario P Tschan
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Rossitto M, Philibert P, Poulat F, Boizet-Bonhoure B. Molecular events and signalling pathways of male germ cell differentiation in mouse. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 45:84-93. [PMID: 26454096 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Germ cells, the precursors of gametes, represent a unique cell lineage that is able to differentiate into spermatozoa or oocytes depending on the chromosomal sex of the organism. In the mammalian embryonic gonad, commitment to oogenesis involves pre-meiotic DNA replication and entry into the first meiotic division; whereas, commitment to spermatogenesis involves inhibition of meiotic initiation, suppression of pluripotency, mitotic arrest and expression of specific markers that will control the development of the male germ cells. The crucial decision made by the germ line to commit to either a male or a female fate has been partially explained by genetic and ex vivo studies in mice which have implicated a complex network of regulatory genes, numerous factors and pathways. Besides the reproductive failure that may follow a deregulation of this complex network, the germ cells may, in view of their proliferative and pluripotent nature, act as precursors of potential malignant transformation and as putative targets for exogenous environmental compounds. Our review summarizes and discusses recent developments that have improved our understanding on how germ cell precursors are committed to a male or a female cell fate in the mouse gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moïra Rossitto
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
| | - Pascal Philibert
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
| | - Francis Poulat
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
| | - Brigitte Boizet-Bonhoure
- Genetic and Development Department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
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45
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Robert VJ, Garvis S, Palladino F. Repression of somatic cell fate in the germline. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:3599-620. [PMID: 26043973 PMCID: PMC11113910 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1942-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Germ cells must transmit genetic information across generations, and produce gametes while also maintaining the potential to form all cell types after fertilization. Preventing the activation of somatic programs is, therefore, crucial to the maintenance of germ cell identity. Studies in Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and mouse have revealed both similarities and differences in how somatic gene expression is repressed in germ cells, thereby preventing their conversion into somatic tissues. This review will focus on recent developments in our understanding of how global or gene-specific transcriptional repression, chromatin regulation, and translational repression operate in the germline to maintain germ cell identity and repress somatic differentiation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie J Robert
- Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, 46 allée d'Italie, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Steve Garvis
- Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, 46 allée d'Italie, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Francesca Palladino
- Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, 46 allée d'Italie, 69007, Lyon, France.
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Bustamante-Marin XM, Cook MS, Gooding J, Newgard C, Capel B. Left-Biased Spermatogenic Failure in 129/SvJ Dnd1Ter/+ Mice Correlates with Differences in Vascular Architecture, Oxygen Availability, and Metabolites. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:78. [PMID: 26224005 PMCID: PMC6322448 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.128850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Homozygosity for the Ter mutation in the RNA-binding protein Dead end 1 (Dnd1(Ter/Ter)) sensitizes germ cells to degeneration in all mouse strains. In 129/SvJ mice, approximately 10% of Dnd1(Ter/+) heterozygotes develop spermatogenic failure, and 95% of unilateral cases occur in the left testis. The first differences between right and left testes were detected at Postnatal Day 15 when many more spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) were undergoing apoptosis in the left testis compared to the right. As we detected no significant left/right differences in the molecular pathway associated with body axis asymmetry or in the expression of signals known to promote proliferation, differentiation, and survival of germ cells, we investigated whether physiological differences might account for asymmetry of the degeneration phenotype. We show that left/right differences in vascular architecture are associated with a decrease in hemoglobin saturation and increased levels of HIF-1alpha in the left testis compared to the right. In Dnd1 heterozygotes, lower oxygen availability was associated with metabolic differences, including lower levels of ATP and NADH in the left testis. These experiments suggest a dependence on oxygen availability and metabolic substrates for SSC survival and suggest that Dnd1(Ter/+) SSCs may act as efficient sensors to detect subtle environmental changes that alter SSC fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena M Bustamante-Marin
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina Departmento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Matthew S Cook
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Jessica Gooding
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center & Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Departments of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology & Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Christopher Newgard
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center & Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Departments of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology & Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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Lin YT, Capel B. Cell fate commitment during mammalian sex determination. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2015; 32:144-52. [PMID: 25841206 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The gonads form bilaterally as bipotential organs that can develop as testes or ovaries. All secondary sex characteristics that we associate with 'maleness' or 'femaleness' depend on whether testes or ovaries form. The fate of the gonads depends on a cell fate decision that occurs in a somatic cell referred to as the 'supporting cell lineage'. Once supporting cell progenitors commit to Sertoli (male) or granulosa (female) fate, they propagate this decision to the other cells within the organ. In this review, we will describe what is known about the bipotential state of somatic and germ cell lineages in the gonad and the transcriptional and antagonistic signaling networks that lead to commitment, propagation, and maintenance of testis or ovary fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Tzu Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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ZHANG YONG, SU YANLIN, LI LESAI, YANG ZHI, CHEN SI, XIONG JIE, FU XIAOHUA, PENG XIAONING. Mouse dead end 1-β interacts with c-Jun and stimulates activator protein 1 transactivation. Mol Med Rep 2015; 11:1701-7. [PMID: 25405725 PMCID: PMC4270339 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Dead end 1 (DND1), important for maintaining the viability of primordial germ cells, is the first protein containing an RNA recognition motif that has been directly implicated as a heritable cause of spontaneous tumorigenesis. In the present study, c-Jun was identified through yeast two-hybrid screening of a 10.5-day old mouse embryo cDNA library as one of the proteins which interact with DND1-β. The interaction between DND1-β and c-Jun was demonstrated to occur by glutathione S‑transferase pull‑down and co-immunoprecipitation. Using confocal microscopy, DND1-β was found to be specifically expressed in GC-1 spermatogonia cells, mainly in the nuclei. When transfected into GC-1 cells, DND1-β and c-Jun were demonstrated to be co-localized principally in the nuclei. Furthermore, in a dual luciferase reporter assay, the transcriptional activity of activator protein 1 was demonstrated to be significantly increased by co-transfection with DND1-β and c-Jun plasmids in GC-1 cells. The identification and confirmation of an additional protein interacting with DND1-β facilitates the investigation of the functions and molecular mechanisms of DND1.
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Affiliation(s)
- YONG ZHANG
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - YAN-LIN SU
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - LE-SAI LI
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - ZHI YANG
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - SI CHEN
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - JIE XIONG
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - XIAO-HUA FU
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - XIAO-NING PENG
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
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49
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Blackinton JG, Keene JD. Post-transcriptional RNA regulons affecting cell cycle and proliferation. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 34:44-54. [PMID: 24882724 PMCID: PMC4163074 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The cellular growth cycle is initiated and maintained by punctual, yet agile, regulatory events involving modifications of cell cycle proteins as well as coordinated gene expression to support cyclic checkpoint decisions. Recent evidence indicates that post-transcriptional partitioning of messenger RNA subsets by RNA-binding proteins help physically localize, temporally coordinate, and efficiently translate cell cycle proteins. This dynamic organization of mRNAs encoding cell cycle components contributes to the overall economy of the cell cycle consistent with the post-transcriptional RNA regulon model of gene expression. This review examines several recent studies demonstrating the coordination of mRNA subsets encoding cell cycle proteins during nuclear export and subsequent coupling to protein synthesis, and discusses evidence for mRNA coordination of p53 targets and the DNA damage response pathway. We consider how these observations may connect to upstream and downstream post-transcriptional coordination and coupling of splicing, export, localization, and translation. Published examples from yeast, nematode, insect, and mammalian systems are discussed, and we consider genetic evidence supporting the conclusion that dysregulation of RNA regulons may promote pathogenic states of growth such as carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff G Blackinton
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3020, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jack D Keene
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3020, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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50
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Moniot B, Ujjan S, Champagne J, Hirai H, Aritake K, Nagata K, Dubois E, Nidelet S, Nakamura M, Urade Y, Poulat F, Boizet-Bonhoure B. Prostaglandin D2 acts through the Dp2 receptor to influence male germ cell differentiation in the foetal mouse testis. Development 2014; 141:3561-71. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.103408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Through intercellular signalling, the somatic compartment of the foetal testis is able to program primordial germ cells to undergo spermatogenesis. Fibroblast growth factor 9 and several members of the transforming growth factor β superfamily are involved in this process in the foetal testis, counteracting the induction of meiosis by retinoic acid and activating germinal mitotic arrest. Here, using in vitro and in vivo approaches, we show that prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), which is produced through both L-Pgds and H-Pgds enzymatic activities in the somatic and germ cell compartments of the foetal testis, plays a role in mitotic arrest in male germ cells by activating the expression and nuclear localization of the CDK inhibitor p21Cip1 and by repressing pluripotency markers. We show that PGD2 acts through its Dp2 receptor, at least in part through direct effects in germ cells, and contributes to the proper differentiation of male germ cells through the upregulation of the master gene Nanos2. Our data identify PGD2 signalling as an early pathway that acts in both paracrine and autocrine manners, and contributes to the differentiation of germ cells in the foetal testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Moniot
- Genetic and Development department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier 34094, Cedex 05, France
| | - Safdar Ujjan
- Genetic and Development department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier 34094, Cedex 05, France
| | - Julien Champagne
- Genetic and Development department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier 34094, Cedex 05, France
| | - Hiroyuki Hirai
- Department of Advanced Technology and Development, BML, Matoba, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-1101, Japan
| | - Kosuke Aritake
- Department of Molecular Behavioral Biology, Osaka Bioscience Institute, Osaka 565-0874, Japan
| | - Kinya Nagata
- Department of Advanced Technology and Development, BML, Matoba, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-1101, Japan
| | - Emeric Dubois
- Plateforme MGX, Functional Genomic Institute, CNRS UMR 5203 – INSERM U 661, Montpellier 34094, Cedex 05, France
| | - Sabine Nidelet
- Plateforme MGX, Functional Genomic Institute, CNRS UMR 5203 – INSERM U 661, Montpellier 34094, Cedex 05, France
| | - Masataka Nakamura
- Human Gene Sciences Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Urade
- Department of Molecular Behavioral Biology, Osaka Bioscience Institute, Osaka 565-0874, Japan
| | - Francis Poulat
- Genetic and Development department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier 34094, Cedex 05, France
| | - Brigitte Boizet-Bonhoure
- Genetic and Development department, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier 34094, Cedex 05, France
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