1
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Blücher RO, Lim RS, Jarred EG, Ritchie ME, Western PS. FGF-independent MEK1/2 signalling in the developing foetal testis is essential for male germline differentiation in mice. BMC Biol 2023; 21:281. [PMID: 38053127 PMCID: PMC10696798 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01777-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disrupted germline differentiation or compromised testis development can lead to subfertility or infertility and are strongly associated with testis cancer in humans. In mice, SRY and SOX9 induce expression of Fgf9, which promotes Sertoli cell differentiation and testis development. FGF9 is also thought to promote male germline differentiation but the mechanism is unknown. FGFs typically signal through mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) to phosphorylate ERK1/2 (pERK1/2). We explored whether FGF9 regulates male germline development through MAPK by inhibiting either FGF or MEK1/2 signalling in the foetal testis immediately after gonadal sex determination and testis cord formation, but prior to male germline commitment. RESULTS pERK1/2 was detected in Sertoli cells and inhibition of MEK1/2 reduced Sertoli cell proliferation and organisation and resulted in some germ cells localised outside of the testis cords. While pERK1/2 was not detected in germ cells, inhibition of MEK1/2 after somatic sex determination profoundly disrupted germ cell mitotic arrest, dysregulated a broad range of male germline development genes and prevented the upregulation of key male germline markers, DPPA4 and DNMT3L. In contrast, while FGF inhibition reduced Sertoli cell proliferation, expression of male germline markers was unaffected and germ cells entered mitotic arrest normally. While male germline differentiation was not disrupted by FGF inhibition, a range of stem cell and cancer-associated genes were commonly altered after 24 h of FGF or MEK1/2 inhibition, including genes involved in the maintenance of germline stem cells, Nodal signalling, proliferation, and germline cancer. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data demonstrate a novel role for MEK1/2 signalling during testis development that is essential for male germline differentiation, but indicate a more limited role for FGF signalling. Our data indicate that additional ligands are likely to act through MEK1/2 to promote male germline differentiation and highlight a need for further mechanistic understanding of male germline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rheannon O Blücher
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Rachel S Lim
- Epigenetics and Development Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Ellen G Jarred
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Matthew E Ritchie
- Epigenetics and Development Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Patrick S Western
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
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2
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Bunce C, Barske L, Zhang G, Capel B. Biased precursor ingression underlies the center-to-pole pattern of male sex determination in mouse. Development 2023; 150:297121. [PMID: 36912416 PMCID: PMC10112898 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
During mammalian development, gonadal sex determination results from the commitment of bipotential supporting cells to Sertoli or granulosa cell fates. Typically, this decision is coordinated across the gonad to ensure commitment to a single organ fate. When unified commitment fails in an XY mouse, an ovotestis forms in which supporting cells in the center of the gonad typically develop as Sertoli cells, while supporting cells in the poles develop as granulosa cells. This central bias for Sertoli cell fate was thought to result from the initial expression of the drivers of Sertoli cell fate, SRY and/or SOX9, in the central domain, followed by paracrine expansion to the poles. However, we show here that the earliest cells expressing SRY and SOX9 are widely distributed across the gonad. In addition, Sertoli cell fate does not spread among supporting cells through paracrine relay. Instead, we uncover a center-biased pattern of supporting cell precursor ingression that occurs in both sexes and results in increased supporting cell density in the central domain. Our findings prompt a new model of gonad patterning in which a density-dependent organizing principle dominates Sertoli cell fate stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey Bunce
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Lindsey Barske
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Gloria Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, 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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3
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Moody SC, Whiley PAF, Western PS, Loveland KL. The Impact of Activin A on Fetal Gonocytes: Chronic Versus Acute Exposure Outcomes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:896747. [PMID: 35721752 PMCID: PMC9205402 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.896747] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A, a TGFβ superfamily member, is important for normal testis development through its actions on Sertoli cell development. Our analyses of altered activin A mouse models indicated gonocyte abnormalities, implicating activin A as a key determinant of early germline formation. Whether it acts directly or indirectly on germ cells is not understood. In humans, the fetal testis may be exposed to abnormally elevated activin A levels during preeclampsia, maternal infections, or following ingestion of certain medications. We hypothesized that this may impact fetal testis development and ultimately affect adult fertility. Germ cells from two mouse models of altered activin bioactivity were analysed. RNA-Seq of gonocytes purified from E13.5 and E15.5 Inhba KO mice (activin A subunit knockout) identified 46 and 44 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) respectively, and 45 in the E13.5 Inha KO (inhibin alpha subunit knockout; increased activin A) gonocytes. To discern direct effects of altered activin bioactivity on germline transcripts, isolated E13.5 gonocytes were cultured for 24h with activin A or with the activin/Nodal/TGFβ inhibitor, SB431542. Gonocytes responded directly to altered signalling, with activin A promoting a more differentiated transcript profile (increased differentiation markers Dnmt3l, Nanos2 and Piwil4; decreased early germ cell markers Kit and Tdgf1), while SB431542 had a reciprocal effect (decreased Nanos2 and Piwil4; increased Kit). To delineate direct and indirect effects of activin A exposure on gonocytes, whole testes were cultured 48h with activin A or SB431542 and collected for histological and transcript analyses, or EdU added at the end of culture to measure germ and Sertoli cell proliferation using flow cytometry. Activin increased, and SB431542 decreased, Sertoli cell proliferation. SB431542-exposure resulted in germ cells escaping mitotic arrest. Analysis of FACS-isolated gonocytes following whole testis culture showed SB431542 increased the early germ cell marker Kit, however there was a general reduction in the impact of altered activin A bioavailability in the normal somatic cell environment. This multifaceted approach identifies a capacity for activin A to directly influence fetal germ cell development, highlighting the potential for altered activin A levels in utero to increase the risk of testicular pathologies that arise from impaired germline maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Moody
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Penny A. F. Whiley
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Patrick S. Western
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate L. Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Kate L. Loveland,
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4
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Bird AD, Croft BM, Harada M, Tang L, Zhao L, Ming Z, Bagheri-Fam S, Koopman P, Wang Z, Akita K, Harley VR. Ovotesticular disorders of sex development in FGF9 mouse models of human synostosis syndromes. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:2148-2161. [PMID: 32452519 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In mice, male sex determination depends on FGF9 signalling via FGFR2c in the bipotential gonads to maintain the expression of the key testis gene SOX9. In humans, however, while FGFR2 mutations have been linked to 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD), the role of FGF9 is unresolved. The only reported pathogenic mutations in human FGF9, FGF9S99N and FGF9R62G, are dominant and result in craniosynostosis (fusion of cranial sutures) or multiple synostoses (fusion of limb joints). Whether these synostosis-causing FGF9 mutations impact upon gonadal development and DSD etiology has not been explored. We therefore examined embryonic gonads in the well-characterized Fgf9 missense mouse mutants, Fgf9S99N and Fgf9N143T, which phenocopy the skeletal defects of FGF9S99N and FGF9R62G variants, respectively. XY Fgf9S99N/S99N and XY Fgf9N143T/N143T fetal mouse gonads showed severely disorganized testis cords and partial XY sex reversal at 12.5 days post coitum (dpc), suggesting loss of FGF9 function. By 15.5 dpc, testis development in both mutants had partly recovered. Mitotic analysis in vivo and in vitro suggested that the testicular phenotypes in these mutants arise in part through reduced proliferation of the gonadal supporting cells. These data raise the possibility that human FGF9 mutations causative for dominant skeletal conditions can also lead to loss of FGF9 function in the developing testis, at least in mice. Our data suggest that, in humans, testis development is largely tolerant of deleterious FGF9 mutations which lead to skeletal defects, thus offering an explanation as to why XY DSDs are rare in patients with pathogenic FGF9 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D Bird
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Brittany M Croft
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Masayo Harada
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Lingyun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Zhenhua Ming
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Zhugang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Keiichi Akita
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Vincent R Harley
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
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5
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Estermann MA, Hirst CE, Major AT, Smith CA. The homeobox gene TGIF1 is required for chicken ovarian cortical development and generation of the juxtacortical medulla. Development 2021; 148:dev199646. [PMID: 34387307 PMCID: PMC8406534 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During early embryogenesis in amniotic vertebrates, the gonads differentiate into either ovaries or testes. The first cell lineage to differentiate gives rise to the supporting cells: Sertoli cells in males and pre-granulosa cells in females. These key cell types direct the differentiation of the other cell types in the gonad, including steroidogenic cells. The gonadal surface epithelium and the interstitial cell populations are less well studied, and little is known about their sexual differentiation programs. Here, we show the requirement of the homeobox transcription factor gene TGIF1 for ovarian development in the chicken embryo. TGIF1 is expressed in the two principal ovarian somatic cell populations: the cortex and the pre-granulosa cells of the medulla. TGIF1 expression is associated with an ovarian phenotype in estrogen-mediated sex reversal experiments. Targeted misexpression and gene knockdown indicate that TGIF1 is required, but not sufficient, for proper ovarian cortex formation. In addition, TGIF1 is identified as the first known regulator of juxtacortical medulla development. These findings provide new insights into chicken ovarian differentiation and development, specifically cortical and juxtacortical medulla formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Craig Allen Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
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6
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Mast4 knockout shows the regulation of spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal via the FGF2/ERM pathway. Cell Death Differ 2020; 28:1441-1454. [PMID: 33219327 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00670-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is an important cellular differentiation process that produces the male gametes and remains active throughout the individual's lifespan. Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO) refers to the dysfunction of the male reproductive system, including infertility. Accurate self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is essential to prevent SCO syndrome. This study investigated the role of microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase family member 4 (MAST4) in spermatogenesis in mice. MAST4 was localized in Sertoli cells before puberty, providing a somatic niche for spermatogenesis in mice and MAST4 expression shifted to Leydig cells and spermatids throughout puberty. Mast4 knockout (KO) testes were reduced in size compared to wild-type testes, and germ cell depletion associated with an increase in apoptosis and subsequent loss of tubular structure were similar to the SCO phenotype. In addition, MAST4 phosphorylated the Ets-related molecule (ERM), specifically the serine 367 residue. The phosphorylation of ERM ultimately controls the transcription of ERM target genes related to SSC self-renewal. The expression of spermatogenesis-associated proteins was significantly decreased whereas Sertoli cell markers were increased in Mast4 KO testes, which was well-founded by RNA-sequencing analysis. Therefore, MAST4 is associated with the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2)/ERM pathway and this association helps us explore the capacity of SSCs to maintain a vertebrate stem cell niche.
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7
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An In Vitro Differentiation Protocol for Human Embryonic Bipotential Gonad and Testis Cell Development. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 15:1377-1391. [PMID: 33217324 PMCID: PMC7724470 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently an in vitro model that fully recapitulates the human embryonic gonad is lacking. Here we describe a fully defined feeder-free protocol to generate early testis-like cells with the ability to be cultured as an organoid, from human induced pluripotent stem cells. This stepwise approach uses small molecules to mimic embryonic development, with upregulation of bipotential gonad markers (LHX9, EMX2, GATA4, and WT1) at day 10 of culture, followed by induction of testis Sertoli cell markers (SOX9, WT1, and AMH) by day 15. Aggregation into 3D structures and extended culture on Transwell filters yielded organoids with defined tissue structures and distinct Sertoli cell marker expression. These studies provide insight into human gonadal development, suggesting that a population of precursor cells may originate from a more lateral region of the mesoderm. Our protocol represents a significant advance toward generating a much-needed human gonad organoid for studying disorders/differences of sex development.
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8
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Harpelunde Poulsen K, Nielsen JE, Frederiksen H, Melau C, Juul Hare K, Langhoff Thuesen L, Perlman S, Lundvall L, Mitchell RT, Juul A, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Jørgensen A. Dysregulation of FGFR signalling by a selective inhibitor reduces germ cell survival in human fetal gonads of both sexes and alters the somatic niche in fetal testes. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:2228-2243. [PMID: 31734698 PMCID: PMC6994936 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does experimental manipulation of fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9)-signalling in human fetal gonads alter sex-specific gonadal differentiation? SUMMARY ANSWER Inhibition of FGFR signalling following SU5402 treatment impaired germ cell survival in both sexes and severely altered the developing somatic niche in testes, while stimulation of FGF9 signalling promoted Sertoli cell proliferation in testes and inhibited meiotic entry of germ cells in ovaries. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sex-specific differentiation of bipotential gonads involves a complex signalling cascade that includes a combination of factors promoting either testicular or ovarian differentiation and inhibition of the opposing pathway. In mice, FGF9/FGFR2 signalling has been shown to promote testicular differentiation and antagonize the female developmental pathway through inhibition of WNT4. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION FGF signalling was manipulated in human fetal gonads in an established ex vivo culture model by treatments with recombinant FGF9 (25 ng/ml) and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor SU5402 (10 μM) that was used to inhibit FGFR signalling. Human fetal testis and ovary tissues were cultured for 14 days and effects on gonadal development and expression of cell lineage markers were determined. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Gonadal tissues from 44 male and 33 female embryos/fetuses from first trimester were used for ex vivo culture experiments. Tissues were analyzed by evaluation of histology and immunohistochemical analysis of markers for germ cells, somatic cells, proliferation and apoptosis. Culture media were collected throughout the experimental period and production of steroid hormone metabolites was analyzed in media from fetal testis cultures by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Treatment with SU5402 resulted in near complete loss of gonocytes (224 vs. 14 OCT4+ cells per mm2, P < 0.05) and oogonia (1456 vs. 28 OCT4+ cells per mm2, P < 0.001) in human fetal testes and ovaries, respectively. This was a result of both increased apoptosis and reduced proliferation in the germ cells. Addition of exogenous FGF9 to the culture media resulted in a reduced number of germ cells entering meiosis in fetal ovaries (102 vs. 60 γH2AX+ germ cells per mm2, P < 0.05), while in fetal testes FGF9 stimulation resulted in an increased number of Sertoli cells (2503 vs. 3872 SOX9+ cells per mm2, P < 0.05). In fetal testes, inhibition of FGFR signalling by SU5402 treatment altered seminiferous cord morphology and reduced the AMH expression as well as the number of SOX9-positive Sertoli cells (2503 vs. 1561 SOX9+ cells per mm2, P < 0.05). In interstitial cells, reduced expression of COUP-TFII and increased expression of CYP11A1 and CYP17A1 in fetal Leydig cells was observed, although there were no subsequent changes in steroidogenesis. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Ex vivo culture may not replicate all aspects of fetal gonadal development and function in vivo. Although the effects of FGF9 were studied in ex vivo culture experiments, there is no direct evidence that FGF9 acts in vivo during human fetal gonadogenesis. The FGFR inhibitor (SU5402) used in this study is not specific to FGFR2 but inhibits all FGF receptors and off-target effects on unrelated tyrosine kinases should be considered. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings of this study suggest that dysregulation of FGFR-mediated signalling may affect both testicular and ovarian development, in particular impacting the fetal germ cell populations in both sexes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported in part by an ESPE Research Fellowship, sponsored by Novo Nordisk A/S to A.JØ. Additional funding was obtained from the Erichsen Family Fund (A.JØ.), the Aase and Ejnar Danielsens Fund (A.JØ.), the Danish Government's support for the EDMaRC programme (A.JU.) and a Wellcome Trust Intermediate Clinical Fellowship (R.T.M., Grant no. 098522). The Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health (R.T.M.) is supported by an MRC Centre Grant (MR/N022556/1). The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Harpelunde Poulsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J E Nielsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - H Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Melau
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - K Juul Hare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - L Langhoff Thuesen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - S Perlman
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - L Lundvall
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - R T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - A Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - E Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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9
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Li YH, Chen TM, Huang BM, Yang SH, Wu CC, Lin YM, Chuang JI, Tsai SJ, Sun HS. FGF9 is a downstream target of SRY and sufficient to determine male sex fate in ex vivo XX gonad culture. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:1300-1313. [PMID: 32886743 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) is an autocrine/paracrine growth factor that plays critical roles in embryonic and organ developments and is involved in diverse physiological events. Loss of function of FGF9 exhibits male-to-female sex reversal in the transgenic mouse model and gain of FGF9 copy number was found in human 46, XX sex reversal patient with disorders of sex development. These results suggested that FGF9 plays a vital role in male sex development. Nevertheless, how FGF9/Fgf9 expression is regulated during testis determination remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that human and mouse SRY bind to -833 to -821 of human FGF9 and -1010 to -998 of mouse Fgf9, respectively, and control FGF9/Fgf9 mRNA expression. Interestingly, we showed that mouse SRY cooperates with SF1 to regulate Fgf9 expression, whereas human SRY-mediated FGF9 expression is SF1 independent. Furthermore, using an ex vivo gonadal culture system, we showed that FGF9 expression is sufficient to switch cell fate from female to male sex development in 12-16 tail somite XX mouse gonads. Taken together, our findings provide evidence to support the SRY-dependent, fate-determining role of FGF9 in male sex development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Han Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Ming Chen
- Department and Graduate Institute of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Bu-Miin Huang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Hsun Yang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ching Wu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Ming Lin
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jih-Ing Chuang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shaw-Jenq Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - H Sunny Sun
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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10
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Whiley PAF, O'Donnell L, Moody SC, Handelsman DJ, Young JC, Richards EA, Almstrup K, Western PS, Loveland KL. Activin A Determines Steroid Levels and Composition in the Fetal Testis. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5818588. [PMID: 32274496 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Activin A promotes fetal mouse testis development, including driving Sertoli cell proliferation and cord morphogenesis, but its mechanisms of action are undefined. We performed ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-seq) on testicular somatic cells from fetal activin A-deficient mice (Inhba KO) and wildtype littermates at embryonic day (E) E13.5 and E15.5. Analysis of whole gonads provided validation, and cultures with a pathway inhibitor discerned acute from chronic effects of altered activin A bioactivity. Activin A deficiency predominantly affects the Sertoli cell transcriptome. New candidate targets include Minar1, Sel1l3, Vnn1, Sfrp4, Masp1, Nell1, Tthy1 and Prss12. Importantly, the testosterone (T) biosynthetic enzymes present in fetal Sertoli cells, Hsd17b1 and Hsd17b3, were identified as activin-responsive. Activin-deficient testes contained elevated androstenedione (A4), displayed an Inhba gene dose-dependent A4/T ratio, and contained 11-keto androgens. The remarkable accumulation of lipid droplets in both Sertoli and germ cells at E15.5 indicated impaired lipid metabolism in the absence of activin A. This demonstrated for the first time that activin A acts on Sertoli cells to determine local steroid production during fetal testis development. These outcomes reveal how compounds that perturb fetal steroidogenesis can function through cell-specific mechanisms and can indicate how altered activin levels in utero may impact testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny A F Whiley
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liza O'Donnell
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah C Moody
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Julia C Young
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Richards
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Patrick S Western
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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11
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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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12
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Sánchez N, Inostroza V, Pérez MC, Moya P, Ubilla A, Besa J, Llaguno E, Vera P-G C, Inzunza O, Gaete M. Tracking morphological complexities of organ development in culture. Mech Dev 2018; 154:179-192. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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13
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Stringer JM, Forster SC, Qu Z, Prokopuk L, O'Bryan MK, Gardner DK, White SJ, Adelson D, Western PS. Reduced PRC2 function alters male germline epigenetic programming and paternal inheritance. BMC Biol 2018; 16:104. [PMID: 30236109 PMCID: PMC6149058 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-018-0569-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Defining the mechanisms that establish and regulate the transmission of epigenetic information from parent to offspring is critical for understanding disease heredity. Currently, the molecular pathways that regulate epigenetic information in the germline and its transmission to offspring are poorly understood. RESULTS Here we provide evidence that Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) regulates paternal inheritance. Reduced PRC2 function in mice resulted in male sub-fertility and altered epigenetic and transcriptional control of retrotransposed elements in foetal male germ cells. Males with reduced PRC2 function produced offspring that over-expressed retrotransposed pseudogenes and had altered preimplantation embryo cleavage rates and cell cycle control. CONCLUSION This study reveals a novel role for the histone-modifying complex, PRC2, in paternal intergenerational transmission of epigenetic effects on offspring, with important implications for understanding disease inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Stringer
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Ovarian Biology Laboratory, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, 3168, Australia
| | - Samuel C Forster
- Host-Microbiota Interactions Laboratory, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
- Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Zhipeng Qu
- Bioinformatics and Computational Genetics, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Lexie Prokopuk
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
- Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Stefan J White
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden Genome Technology Centre, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - David Adelson
- Bioinformatics and Computational Genetics, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Patrick S Western
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.
- Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.
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14
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Ürel Demir G, Doğan ÖA, Şimşek Kiper PÖ, Utine GE, Boduroğlu K, Gucer S, Alikaşifoğlu M. Coexistence of Trisomy 13 and SRY (-) XX Ovotesticular Disorder of Sex Development. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2017; 36:445-451. [PMID: 29220612 DOI: 10.1080/15513815.2017.1379039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ovotesticular disorder of sex development (OT-DSD) is a rare disorder of sexual differentiation characterized by the presence of both testicular and ovarian tissue in an individual and the majority of cases have been reported with 46,XX karyotype. In 46,XX cases, testicular differentiation may occur due to the translocation of SRY to the X chromosome or to an autosome. CASE REPORT Herein, we present a female newborn with a combination of trisomy 13 and SRY (-) XX OT-DSD. CONCLUSION Trisomy 13 is a relatively common and well-known chromosomal disorder in which disorders of sexual differentiation are not frequent. In the absence of SRY, overexpression of pro-testis genes, or decreased expression of pro-ovarian/anti-testis genes have been suggested as underlying mechanisms of testicular formation. The findings in this patient were suggestive of an underlying genomic disorder associated with FGF9 and/or SPRY2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Safak Gucer
- a Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakultesi , Ankara , Turkey
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15
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Bagheri-Fam S, Bird AD, Zhao L, Ryan JM, Yong M, Wilhelm D, Koopman P, Eswarakumar VP, Harley VR. Testis Determination Requires a Specific FGFR2 Isoform to Repress FOXL2. Endocrinology 2017; 158:3832-3843. [PMID: 28938467 PMCID: PMC5695826 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Male sex determination in mammals relies on sex determining region Y-mediated upregulation of sex determining region-box 9 (SOX9) expression in XY gonads, whereas Wnt family member (WNT)/R-spondin 1 signaling and forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) drive female sex determination in XX gonads. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 9 signaling ensures sustained SOX9 expression through repression of one of the ovarian pathways (WNT signaling), whereas the significance of FGF-mediated repression of the FOXL2 pathway has not been studied. Previously, we demonstrated that FGFR2 is the receptor for FGF9 in the XY gonad. Whether a specific isoform (FGFR2b or FGFR2c) is required was puzzling. Here, we show that FGFR2c is required for male sex determination. Initially, in developing mouse embryos at 12.5 to 13.5 days postcoitum (dpc), XY Fgfr2c-/- gonads appear as ovotestes, with SOX9 and FOXL2 expression predominantly localized to the posterior and anterior gonadal poles, respectively. However, by 15.5 dpc, XY Fgfr2c-/- gonads show complete male-to-female sex reversal, evident by the lack of SOX9 and ectopic expression of FOXL2 throughout the gonads. Furthermore, ablation of the Foxl2 gene leads to partial or complete rescue of gonadal sex reversal in XY Fgfr2c-/- mice. Together with previous findings, our data suggest that testis determination involves FGFR2c-mediated repression of both the WNT4- and FOXL2-driven ovarian-determining pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bagheri-Fam
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Anthony D. Bird
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Liang Zhao
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Janelle M. Ryan
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Meiyun Yong
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Dagmar Wilhelm
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Veraragavan P. Eswarakumar
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
| | - Vincent R. Harley
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia
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16
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Abstract
Sexual reproduction crucially depends on the production of sperm in males and oocytes in females. Both types of gamete arise from the same precursor, the germ cells. We review the events that characterize the development of germ cells during fetal life as they commit to, and prepare for, oogenesis or spermatogenesis. In females, fetal germ cells enter meiosis, whereas in males they delay meiosis and instead lose pluripotency, activate an irreversible program of prospermatogonial differentiation, and temporarily cease dividing. Both pathways involve sex-specific molecular signals from the somatic cells of the developing gonads and a suite of intrinsic receptors, signal transducers, transcription factors, RNA stability factors, and epigenetic modulators that act in complex, interconnected positive and negative regulatory networks. Understanding these networks is important in the contexts of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility and gonadal cancers, and in efforts to augment human and animal fertility using stem cell approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassy Spiller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
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