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Alavattam KG, Maezawa S, Andreassen PR, Namekawa SH. Meiotic sex chromosome inactivation and the XY body: a phase separation hypothesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:18. [PMID: 34971404 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04075-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian male meiosis, the heterologous X and Y chromosomes remain unsynapsed and, as a result, are subject to meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). MSCI is required for the successful completion of spermatogenesis. Following the initiation of MSCI, the X and Y chromosomes undergo various epigenetic modifications and are transformed into a nuclear body termed the XY body. Here, we review the mechanisms underlying the initiation of two essential, sequential processes in meiotic prophase I: MSCI and XY-body formation. The initiation of MSCI is directed by the action of DNA damage response (DDR) pathways; downstream of the DDR, unique epigenetic states are established, leading to the formation of the XY body. Accumulating evidence suggests that MSCI and subsequent XY-body formation may be driven by phase separation, a physical process that governs the formation of membraneless organelles and other biomolecular condensates. Thus, here we gather literature-based evidence to explore a phase separation hypothesis for the initiation of MSCI and the formation of the XY body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris G Alavattam
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.,Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.,Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - So Maezawa
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
| | - Paul R Andreassen
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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2
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Sharma V, Verma AK, Sharma P, Pandey D, Sharma M. Differential proteomic profile of X- and Y- sorted Sahiwal bull semen. Res Vet Sci 2021; 144:181-189. [PMID: 34823871 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The identification of differential proteins between X- and Y-sperm may be useful for immunological sexing of sperm. Hence, the present study was aimed to compare the protein profile of X- and Y-sorted Sahiwal bull semen using SDS-PAGE and Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (Nano LC-MS). Semen sample (n = 6) were categorized into three groups i.e., group I (X-sorted), group II (Y-sorted) and control group (both X- and Y- sperms). SDS PAGE revealed specific proteins of molecular weight between 18 and 24 kDa and between 30 and 37 kDa were present in X-sorted sperms. Also, band corresponding to 25 kDa was specific to Y-sorted sperms. Data obtained from Nano LC/MS is analysed by search engine database i.e., MASCOT and SEQUEST HT. Total, 241 proteins were identified, out of which 113 were differentially expressed between X- and Y-sorted sperms, in which 54 proteins showed at least two unique peptides. Out of 54 proteins, 27 were upregulated in X-sorted sample, 3 were upregulated in Y-sorted sample and 24 were differentially downregulated. Highly upregulated protein in X-sperm viz. Armadillo repeat containing 12 protein, NDC1 transmembrane nucleoporin, β-nerve growth factor, C-type natriuretic peptide, Nucleobindin-2, Phosphoglycerate mutase 2, Calmodulin along with one uncharacterised protein having accession number F1MN9 may have potential to be used as biomarker for separating X and Y sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishaka Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, G B Pant University of Agri. & Tech., Pantnagar 263145, Uttarakhand, India
| | - A K Verma
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, G B Pant University of Agri. & Tech., Pantnagar 263145, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Prachi Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, G B Pant University of Agri. & Tech., Pantnagar 263145, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Dinesh Pandey
- MBGE, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, G B Pant University of Agri. & Tech., Pantnagar 263145, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Mridula Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, G B Pant University of Agri. & Tech., Pantnagar 263145, Uttarakhand, India.
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3
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Distinct roles of haspin in stem cell division and male gametogenesis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19901. [PMID: 34615946 PMCID: PMC8494884 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99307-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The kinase haspin phosphorylates histone H3 at threonine-3 (H3T3ph) during mitosis. H3T3ph provides a docking site for the Chromosomal Passenger Complex at the centromere, enabling correction of erratic microtubule-chromosome contacts. Although this mechanism is operational in all dividing cells, haspin-null mice do not exhibit developmental anomalies, apart from aberrant testis architecture. Investigating this problem, we show here that mouse embryonic stem cells that lack or overexpress haspin, albeit prone to chromosome misalignment during metaphase, can still divide, expand and differentiate. RNA sequencing reveals that haspin dosage affects severely the expression levels of several genes that are involved in male gametogenesis. Consistent with a role in testis-specific expression, H3T3ph is detected not only in mitotic spermatogonia and meiotic spermatocytes, but also in non-dividing cells, such as haploid spermatids. Similarly to somatic cells, the mark is erased in the end of meiotic divisions, but re-installed during spermatid maturation, subsequent to methylation of histone H3 at lysine-4 (H3K4me3) and arginine-8 (H3R8me2). These serial modifications are particularly enriched in chromatin domains containing histone H3 trimethylated at lysine-27 (H3K27me3), but devoid of histone H3 trimethylated at lysine-9 (H3K9me3). The unique spatio-temporal pattern of histone H3 modifications implicates haspin in the epigenetic control of spermiogenesis.
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Handel MA. The XY body: an attractive chromatin domain. Biol Reprod 2020; 102:985-987. [PMID: 32055839 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Rahman MS, Pang MG. New Biological Insights on X and Y Chromosome-Bearing Spermatozoa. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 7:388. [PMID: 32039204 PMCID: PMC6985208 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A spermatozoon is a male germ cell capable of fertilizing an oocyte and carries genetic information for determining the sex of the offspring. It comprises autosomes and an X (X spermatozoa) or a Y chromosome (Y spermatozoa). The origin and maturation of both X and Y spermatozoa are the same, however, certain differences may exist. Previous studies proposed a substantial difference between X and Y spermatozoa, however, recent studies suggest negligible or no differences between these spermatozoa with respect to ratio, shape and size, motility and swimming pattern, strength, electric charge, pH, stress response, and aneuploidy. The only difference between X and Y spermatozoa lies in their DNA content. Moreover, recent proteomic and genomic studies have identified a set of proteins and genes that are differentially expressed between X and Y spermatozoa. Therefore, the difference in DNA content might be responsible for the differential expression of certain genes and proteins between these cells. In this review, we have compiled our present knowledge to compare X and Y spermatozoa with respect to their structural, functional, and molecular features. In addition, we have highlighted several areas that could be explored in future studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, South Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, South Korea
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Bolcun-Filas E, Handel MA. Meiosis: the chromosomal foundation of reproduction. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:112-126. [PMID: 29385397 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is the chromosomal foundation of reproduction, with errors in this important process leading to aneuploidy and/or infertility. In this review celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, the important chromosomal structures and dynamics contributing to genomic integrity across generations are highlighted. Critical unsolved biological problems are identified, and the advances that will lead to their ultimate resolution are predicted.
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Scott C, de Souza FF, Aristizabal VHV, Hethrington L, Krisp C, Molloy M, Baker MA, Dell'Aqua JA. Proteomic profile of sex-sorted bull sperm evaluated by SWATH-MS analysis. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 198:121-128. [PMID: 30274742 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The identification of distinct proteins present on the membrane of spermatozoa with X and Y chromosomes allows the development of immuno-sexing techniques. The aim of this study, therefore, was to use mass spectrometry to analyze the protein profile of sperm previously categorized using flow cytometry into X or Y-bearing semen pools. Sex-sorted sperm samples (n = 6 X and n = 6 Y) were used. Proteins were extracted and analyzed by mass spectrometry using data independent acquisition (DIA). The data were searched against taxonomy Bos taurus in the Swiss Prot database. In total, 459 protein groups were identified. Of these, eight proteins were in differential abundances between the X- and Y-bearing sperm population. Among the major proteinsdetected, EF-hand domain-containing protein 1, a protein involved in embryonic development, is more abundant in Y-bearing spermatozoa. In addition, proteins FUN14, domain-containing protein 2, NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] iron-sulfur protein 7 mitochondrial, cytochrome C oxidase subunit 2, acetyl -CoA carboxylase type beta were more abundant in X-bearing sperm. In conclusion, there were differences in abundance of proteins between X- and Y-bearing bull spermatozoa. This fact, may contribute to future studies related to sperm physiology and possibility development of immuno-sexing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Scott
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Fabiana F de Souza
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Viviana H V Aristizabal
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Louise Hethrington
- Reproductive Science Group, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Christoph Krisp
- Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF), Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Molloy
- Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF), Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark A Baker
- Reproductive Science Group, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - José Antônio Dell'Aqua
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, Botucatu, Brazil.
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Adams SR, Maezawa S, Alavattam KG, Abe H, Sakashita A, Shroder M, Broering TJ, Sroga Rios J, Thomas MA, Lin X, Price CM, Barski A, Andreassen PR, Namekawa SH. RNF8 and SCML2 cooperate to regulate ubiquitination and H3K27 acetylation for escape gene activation on the sex chromosomes. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007233. [PMID: 29462142 PMCID: PMC5834201 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The sex chromosomes are enriched with germline genes that are activated during the late stages of spermatogenesis. Due to meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI), these sex chromosome-linked genes must escape silencing for activation in spermatids, thereby ensuring their functions for male reproduction. RNF8, a DNA damage response protein, and SCML2, a germline-specific Polycomb protein, are two major, known regulators of this process. Here, we show that RNF8 and SCML2 cooperate to regulate ubiquitination during meiosis, an early step to establish active histone modifications for subsequent gene activation. Double mutants of Rnf8 and Scml2 revealed that RNF8-dependent monoubiquitination of histone H2A at Lysine 119 (H2AK119ub) is deubiquitinated by SCML2, demonstrating interplay between RNF8 and SCML2 in ubiquitin regulation. Additionally, we identify distinct functions of RNF8 and SCML2 in the regulation of ubiquitination: SCML2 deubiquitinates RNF8-independent H2AK119ub but does not deubiquitinate RNF8-dependent polyubiquitination. RNF8-dependent polyubiquitination is required for the establishment of H3K27 acetylation, a marker of active enhancers, while persistent H2AK119ub inhibits establishment of H3K27 acetylation. Following the deposition of H3K27 acetylation, H3K4 dimethylation is established as an active mark on poised promoters. Together, we propose a model whereby regulation of ubiquitin leads to the organization of poised enhancers and promoters during meiosis, which induce subsequent gene activation from the otherwise silent sex chromosomes in postmeiotic spermatids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannel R. Adams
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - So Maezawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Kris G. Alavattam
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Hironori Abe
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Akihiko Sakashita
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Megan Shroder
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Tyler J. Broering
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Julie Sroga Rios
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Thomas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Xinhua Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Carolyn M. Price
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Artem Barski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Paul R. Andreassen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Satoshi H. Namekawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Shen Y, Xu J, Yang X, Liu Y, Ma Y, Yang D, Dong Q, Yang Y. Evidence for the involvement of the proximal copy of the MAGEA9 gene in Xq28-linked CNV67 specific to spermatogenic failure. Biol Reprod 2017; 96:610-616. [PMID: 28339631 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenic failure characterized by impaired sperm production is a common multifactorial disease with molecular and cytogenetic causes for its extreme phenotype that include azoospermia and severe oliogzoospermia. Recently, a high-resolution array-comparative genomic hybridization analysis of the X chromosome and a subsequent cohort study revealed three X-linked microdeletions (CNV64, CNV67, and CNV69) that were associated with decreased sperm production in a mixed group that included Spanish and Italian males. To confirm their spermatogenic effect, we examined the hemizygous deletions and copy dosage of the MAGE family member A9 (MAGEA9) gene, which is a potential X-linked candidate for the CNV67-related spermatogenic phenotype, to investigate their association with spermatogenic failure in 1722 Han males from southwest China. The individuals in this group consisted of 884 patients with idiopathic azoospermia/oliogzoospermia and 838 controls with normozoospermia. Our results showed that both CNV64 and CNV69 were more common in patients than in controls. Similar to that reported previously, the CNV67 was also identified as being specific to spermatogenic failure in our population, although it was rare. More importantly, the paralog ratio tests and sequence family variant analyses provided evidence that the CNV67 might cause a partial deletion of the proximal copy of the MAGEA9 and suggests that CNV67-related spermatogenic failure may be attributed to the functional defect of the Cancer/Testis gene. Our findings highlight the potential of the Xq-linked CNV67 to serve as a novel detection target in the etiological diagnosis of spermatogenic failure and male infertility, although its pathogenic mechanism remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shen
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinyan Xu
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiling Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunqiang Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongyi Ma
- Department of Jinxin Genetic Research, Jinjiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Chengdu Reproductive Medicine Institute, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Moretti C, Vaiman D, Tores F, Cocquet J. Expression and epigenomic landscape of the sex chromosomes in mouse post-meiotic male germ cells. Epigenetics Chromatin 2016; 9:47. [PMID: 27795737 PMCID: PMC5081929 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-016-0099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During meiosis, the X and Y chromosomes are transcriptionally silenced. The persistence of repressive chromatin marks on the sex chromatin after meiosis initially led to the assumption that XY gene silencing persists to some extent in spermatids. Considering the many reports of XY-linked genes expressed and needed in the post-meiotic phase of mouse spermatogenesis, it is still unclear whether or not the mouse sex chromatin is a repressive or permissive environment, after meiosis. RESULTS To determine the transcriptional and chromatin state of the sex chromosomes after meiosis, we re-analyzed ten ChIP-Seq datasets performed on mouse round spermatids and four RNA-seq datasets from male germ cells purified at different stages of spermatogenesis. For this, we used the last version of the genome (mm10/GRCm38) and included reads that map to several genomic locations in order to properly interpret the high proportion of sex chromosome-encoded multicopy genes. Our study shows that coverage of active epigenetic marks H3K4me3 and Kcr is similar on the sex chromosomes and on autosomes. The post-meiotic sex chromatin nevertheless differs from autosomal chromatin in its enrichment in H3K9me3 and its depletion in H3K27me3 and H4 acetylation. We also identified a posttranslational modification, H3K27ac, which specifically accumulates on the Y chromosome. In parallel, we found that the X and Y chromosomes are enriched in genes expressed post-meiotically and display a higher proportion of spermatid-specific genes compared to autosomes. Finally, we observed that portions of chromosome 14 and of the sex chromosomes share specific features, such as enrichment in H3K9me3 and the presence of multicopy genes that are specifically expressed in round spermatids, suggesting that parts of chromosome 14 are under the same evolutionary constraints than the sex chromosomes. CONCLUSIONS Based on our expression and epigenomic studies, we conclude that, after meiosis, the mouse sex chromosomes are no longer silenced but are nevertheless regulated differently than autosomes and accumulate different chromatin marks. We propose that post-meiotic selective constraints are at the basis of the enrichment of spermatid-specific genes and of the peculiar chromatin composition of the sex chromosomes and of parts of chromosome 14.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Moretti
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM) U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France ; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR8104, Paris, France ; Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Daniel Vaiman
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM) U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France ; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR8104, Paris, France ; Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Frederic Tores
- INSERM U1163, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Institut Imagine, 24 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Julie Cocquet
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM) U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France ; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR8104, Paris, France ; Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
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11
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Inoue H, Ogonuki N, Hirose M, Hatanaka Y, Matoba S, Chuma S, Kobayashi K, Wakana S, Noguchi J, Inoue K, Tanemura K, Ogura A. Mouse D1Pas1, a DEAD-box RNA helicase, is required for the completion of first meiotic prophase in male germ cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 478:592-8. [PMID: 27473657 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.07.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
D1Pas1 is a mouse autosomal DEAD-box RNA helicase expressed predominantly in the testis. To assess its possible function, we generated D1Pas1-deficient mice using embryonic stem cells with a targeted D1Pas1 allele. Deletion of D1Pas1 did not cause noticeable embryonic defects or death, indicating that D1Pas1 is not essential for embryogenesis. Whereas homozygous knockout female mice showed normal reproductive performance, homozygous knockout male mice were completely sterile. The seminiferous epithelium of D1Pas1-deficient males contained no spermatids or spermatozoa because of spermatogenic arrest at the late pachytene stage. Upregulation of retrotransposons such as LINE-1 was not found in D1Pas1-deficient males, unlike males lacking Mvh, another testicular DEAD-box RNA helicase. Meiotic chromosome behavior in developing spermatocytes of D1Pas1-deficient males was indistinguishable from that in wild-type males, at least until synaptonemal complex formation. Thus, mouse D1Pas1 is the first-identified DEAD-box RNA helicase that plays critical roles in the final step of the first meiotic prophase in male germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Inoue
- RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan; Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 981-8555, Japan
| | - Narumi Ogonuki
- RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Michiko Hirose
- RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Yuki Hatanaka
- RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Shogo Matoba
- RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Chuma
- Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | | | | | - Junko Noguchi
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8602, Japan
| | - Kimiko Inoue
- RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Kentaro Tanemura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 981-8555, Japan.
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan; The Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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12
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Chalmel F, Rolland AD. Linking transcriptomics and proteomics in spermatogenesis. Reproduction 2016; 150:R149-57. [PMID: 26416010 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex and tightly regulated process leading to the continuous production of male gametes, the spermatozoa. This developmental process requires the sequential and coordinated expression of thousands of genes, including many that are testis-specific. The molecular networks underlying normal and pathological spermatogenesis have been widely investigated in recent decades, and many high-throughput expression studies have studied genes and proteins involved in male fertility. In this review, we focus on studies that have attempted to correlate transcription and translation during spermatogenesis by comparing the testicular transcriptome and proteome. We also discuss the recent development and use of new transcriptomic approaches that provide a better proxy for the proteome, from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. Finally, we provide illustrations of how testis-derived transcriptomic and proteomic data can be integrated to address new questions and how the 'proteomics informed by transcriptomics' technique, by combining RNA-seq and MS-based proteomics, can contribute significantly to the discovery of new protein-coding genes or new protein isoforms expressed during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Chalmel
- Inserm U1085-IrsetUniversité de Rennes 1, F-35042 Rennes, France
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13
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Contrasting Levels of Molecular Evolution on the Mouse X Chromosome. Genetics 2016; 203:1841-57. [PMID: 27317678 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.116.186825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian X chromosome has unusual evolutionary dynamics compared to autosomes. Faster-X evolution of spermatogenic protein-coding genes is known to be most pronounced for genes expressed late in spermatogenesis, but it is unclear if these patterns extend to other forms of molecular divergence. We tested for faster-X evolution in mice spanning three different forms of molecular evolution-divergence in protein sequence, gene expression, and DNA methylation-across different developmental stages of spermatogenesis. We used FACS to isolate individual cell populations and then generated cell-specific transcriptome profiles across different stages of spermatogenesis in two subspecies of house mice (Mus musculus), thereby overcoming a fundamental limitation of previous studies on whole tissues. We found faster-X protein evolution at all stages of spermatogenesis and faster-late protein evolution for both X-linked and autosomal genes. In contrast, there was less expression divergence late in spermatogenesis (slower late) on the X chromosome and for autosomal genes expressed primarily in testis (testis-biased). We argue that slower-late expression divergence reflects strong regulatory constraints imposed during this critical stage of sperm development and that these constraints are particularly acute on the tightly regulated sex chromosomes. We also found slower-X DNA methylation divergence based on genome-wide bisulfite sequencing of sperm from two species of mice (M. musculus and M. spretus), although it is unclear whether slower-X DNA methylation reflects development constraints in sperm or other X-linked phenomena. Our study clarifies key differences in patterns of regulatory and protein evolution across spermatogenesis that are likely to have important consequences for mammalian sex chromosome evolution, male fertility, and speciation.
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Piña-Aguilar RE, Regalado-Hernández MÁ, Moreno-García JD, Buentello-Volante B, Chacón-Camacho OF, Gallegos-Rivas MC, Kazakova E, Santillán-Hernández Y, Zenteno JC. A rapidly progressive defective spermatogenesis in a Mexican family affected by spino-bulbar muscular atrophy. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2016; 62:146-51. [PMID: 26901084 DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2015.1132794] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Spino-bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is an X-linked recessive adult progressive disorder affecting motor neurons. It is caused by a poly-glutamine tract expansion in the androgen receptor (AR) which generates protein aggregates that cannot be processed by proteasomes. A secondary mild androgen resistance is developed by AR dysfunction and patients present endocrine abnormalities including gynecomastia and poor function of testosterone in tissues; however, normally they are fertile. In this report we describe a Mexican family with three affected brothers with primary infertility caused by a progressive impairment of spermatogenesis leading to azoospermia before 40 years of age. They presented common features associated to patients affected by SMBA, such as gynecomastia, high level of CPK, muscle cramps, fasciculations, muscle wastage, and impaired swallowing. Two intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles were performed in one of the patients resulting in fertilization failure. Molecular analysis of AR gene exon 1 revealed 54 CAG repeats in DNA extracted from leukocytes in affected patients and 22 repeats in the fertile non-affected brother. Severe impaired spermatogenesis of rapid progression has not been associated before to SBMA. This is the first report of assisted reproduction techniques indicated by male infertility in patients with this rare disorder. Further studies are required to confirm the unusual result of intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. We discuss the implications and possible pathogenesis of these unique features of SBMA in this family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Eduardo Piña-Aguilar
- a Medical Genomics Division , Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre" ISSSTE , México City , México
| | | | - Jesús Daniel Moreno-García
- b Department of Human Reproduction , Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre" ISSSTE , Mexico City , México
| | - Beatriz Buentello-Volante
- c Department of Genetics-Research Unit , Instituto de Oftalmología "Conde de Valenciana" , Mexico City , México
| | | | | | - Ekaterina Kazakova
- e Medical Genetics Department , Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre", ISSSTE , Mexico City , México
| | - Yuritzi Santillán-Hernández
- f Department of Biochemistry, Facultad de Medicina , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) , Mexico City , México
| | - Juan Carlos Zenteno
- c Department of Genetics-Research Unit , Instituto de Oftalmología "Conde de Valenciana" , Mexico City , México.,f Department of Biochemistry, Facultad de Medicina , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) , Mexico City , México
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15
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Kato Y, Alavattam KG, Sin HS, Meetei AR, Pang Q, Andreassen PR, Namekawa SH. FANCB is essential in the male germline and regulates H3K9 methylation on the sex chromosomes during meiosis. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:5234-49. [PMID: 26123487 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fanconi anemia (FA) is a recessive X-linked and autosomal genetic disease associated with bone marrow failure and increased cancer, as well as severe germline defects such as hypogonadism and germ cell depletion. Although deficiencies in FA factors are commonly associated with germ cell defects, it remains unknown whether the FA pathway is involved in unique epigenetic events in germ cells. In this study, we generated Fancb mutant mice, the first mouse model of X-linked FA, and identified a novel function of the FA pathway in epigenetic regulation during mammalian gametogenesis. Fancb mutant mice were infertile and exhibited primordial germ cell (PGC) defects during embryogenesis. Further, Fancb mutation resulted in the reduction of undifferentiated spermatogonia in spermatogenesis, suggesting that FANCB regulates the maintenance of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Additionally, based on functional studies, we dissected the pathway in which FANCB functions during meiosis. The localization of FANCB on sex chromosomes is dependent on MDC1, a binding partner of H2AX phosphorylated at serine 139 (γH2AX), which initiates chromosome-wide silencing. Also, FANCB is required for FANCD2 localization during meiosis, suggesting that the role of FANCB in the activation of the FA pathway is common to both meiosis and somatic DNA damage responses. H3K9me2, a silent epigenetic mark, was decreased on sex chromosomes, whereas H3K9me3 was increased on sex chromosomes in Fancb mutant spermatocytes. Taken together, these results indicate that FANCB functions at critical stages of germ cell development and reveal a novel function of the FA pathway in the regulation of H3K9 methylation in the germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuko Kato
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 4929, USA
| | - Kris G Alavattam
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 4929, USA
| | - Ho-Su Sin
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 4929, USA
| | - Amom Ruhikanta Meetei
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 4929, USA
| | - Qishen Pang
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 4929, USA
| | - Paul R Andreassen
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 4929, USA
| | - Satoshi H Namekawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 4929, USA
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