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Buranaamnuay K. Male reproductive phenotypes of genetically altered laboratory mice ( Mus musculus): a review based on pertinent literature from the last three decades. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1272757. [PMID: 38500604 PMCID: PMC10944935 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1272757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Laboratory mice (Mus musculus) are preferred animals for biomedical research due to the close relationship with humans in several aspects. Therefore, mice with diverse genetic traits have been generated to mimic human characteristics of interest. Some genetically altered mouse strains, on purpose or by accident, have reproductive phenotypes and/or fertility deviating from wild-type mice. The distinct reproductive phenotypes of genetically altered male mice mentioned in this paper are grouped based on reproductive organs, beginning with the brain (i.e., the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary) that regulates sexual maturity and development, the testis where male gametes and sex steroid hormones are produced, the epididymis, the accessory sex glands, and the penis which involve in sperm maturation, storage, and ejaculation. Also, distinct characteristics of mature sperm from genetically altered mice are described here. This repository will hopefully be a valuable resource for both humans, in terms of future biomedical research, and mice, in the aspect of the establishment of optimal sperm preservation protocols for individual mouse strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kakanang Buranaamnuay
- Molecular Agricultural Biosciences Cluster, Institute of Molecular Biosciences (MB), Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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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 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Wang H, Yuan Q, Niu M, Zhang W, Wen L, Fu H, Zhou F, He Z. Transcriptional regulation of P63 on the apoptosis of male germ cells and three stages of spermatogenesis in mice. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:76. [PMID: 29362488 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-017-0046-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Infertility affects 10-15% of couples worldwide, and male factors account for 50%. Spermatogenesis is precisely regulated by genetic factors, and the mutations of genes result in abnormal spermatogenesis and eventual male infertility. The aim of this study was to explore the role and transcriptional regulation of P63 in the apoptosis and mouse spermatogenesis. P63 protein was decreased in male germ cells of P63(+/-) mice compared with wild-type mice. There was no obvious difference in testis weight, sperm motility, and fecundity between P63(+/-) and wild-type mice. However, abnormal germ cells were frequently observed in P63(+/-) mice at 2 months old. Notably, apoptotic male germ cells and the percentage of abnormal sperm were significantly enhanced in P63(+/-) mice compared to wild-type mice. Spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids were isolated from P63(+/-) and wild-type mice using STA-PUT velocity sedimentation, and they were identified phenotypically with high purities. RNA sequencing demonstrated distinct transcription profiles in spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocytes, and round spermatids between P63(+/-) mice and wild-type mice. In total, there were 645 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in spermatogonia, 106 DEGs in pachytene spermatocytes, and 1152 in round spermatids between P63(+/-) mice and wild-type mice. Real time PCR verified a number of DEGs identified by RNA sequencing. Gene ontology annotation and pathway analyzes further indicated that certain key genes, e.g., Ccnd2, Tgfa, Hes5, Insl3, Kit, Lef1, and Jun were involved in apoptosis, while Dazl, Kit, Pld6, Cdkn2d, Stra8, and Ubr2 were associated with regulating spermatogenesis. Collectively, these results implicate that P63 mediates the apoptosis of male germ cells and regulates three stages of spermatogenesis transcriptionally. This study could provide novel targets for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Abstract
DNA damage response is required for male fertility. DNA damage repair mediates recombination between homologous chromosomes in meiotic prophase, which is essential for proper chromosome segregation during meiotic division. Interestingly, some DNA damage response proteins are also required for the survival of premeiotic germ cells, but their roles in these cells are still unclear. CHFR was recently shown to participate in DNA damage response, but it remains to be established if CHFR is required for male fertility. In this study, we characterized Chfr knockout male mice and found that around 30% of them were infertile. The onset of spermatogenesis was delayed and there was significant increase in apoptosis in premeiotic germ cells. This resulted in complete loss of germ cells in testes in 3 months and azoospermia in these mice. We further demonstrated that ATM activation was compromised in the testes of these mice. Therefore, CHFR is important for the survival of male premeiotic germ cells, which is likely through maintaining genomic stability in spermatogonial stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Yu Lu
- a Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics; Ministry of Education and Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province; Women's Hospital; School of Medicine; Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China.,b Institute of Translational Medicine; Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China
| | - Xiaochun Yu
- c Department of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics ; Beckman Research Institute; City of Hope ; Duarte , CA USA
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Godschalk RWL, Vanhees K, Maas L, Drittij MJ, Pachen D, van Doorn-Khosrovani SVW, van Schooten FJ, Haenen GRMM. Does Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) protect testicular and germ cell DNA integrity by regulating the redox status? Reprod Toxicol 2016; 63:169-73. [PMID: 27318254 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A balanced redox homeostasis in the testis is essential for genetic integrity of sperm. Reactive oxygen species can disturb this balance by oxidation of glutathione, which is regenerated using NADPH, formed by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH). G6PDH is regulated by the Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (Atm) protein. Therefore, we studied the redox status and DNA damage in testes and sperm of mice that carried a deletion in Atm. The redox status in heterozygote mice, reflected by glutathione levels and antioxidant capacity, was lower than in wild type mice, and in homozygotes the redox status was even lower. The redox status correlated with oxidative DNA damage that was highest in mice that carried Atm deletions. Surprisingly, G6PDH activity was highest in homozygotes carrying the deletion. These data indicate that defective Atm reduces the redox homeostasis of the testis and genetic integrity of sperm by regulating glutathione levels independently from G6PDH activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger W L Godschalk
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
| | - Kimberly Vanhees
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Lou Maas
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Marie-Jose Drittij
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Daniëlle Pachen
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | | | - Frederik J van Schooten
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Guido R M M Haenen
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, The Netherlands
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Meng X, Yang S, Zhang Y, Wang X, Goodfellow RX, Jia Y, Thiel KW, Reyes HD, Yang B, Leslie KK. Genetic Deficiency of Mtdh Gene in Mice Causes Male Infertility via Impaired Spermatogenesis and Alterations in the Expression of Small Non-coding RNAs. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:11853-64. [PMID: 25787082 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.627653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased expression of metadherin (MTDH, also known as AEG-1 and 3D3/LYRIC) has been associated with drug resistance, metastasis, and angiogenesis in a variety of cancers. However, the specific mechanisms through which MTDH is involved in these processes remain unclear. To uncover these mechanisms, we generated Mtdh knock-out mice via a targeted disruption of exon 3. Homozygous Mtdh knock-out mice are viable, but males are infertile. The homozygous male mice present with massive loss of spermatozoa as a consequence of meiotic failure. Accumulation of γ-H2AX in spermatocytes of homozygous Mtdh knock-out mice confirms an increase in unrepaired DNA breaks. We also examined expression of the DNA repair protein Rad18, which is regulated by MTDH at the post-transcriptional level. In testes from Mtdh exon 3-deficient mice, Rad18 foci were increased in the lumina of the seminiferous tubules. The Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA)-interacting protein Mili was expressed at high levels in testes from Mtdh knock-out mice. Accordingly, genome-wide small RNA deep sequencing demonstrated altered expression of piRNAs in the testes of Mtdh knock-out mice as compared with wild type mice. In addition, we observed significantly reduced expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) including miR-16 and miR-19b, which are known to be significantly reduced in the semen of infertile men. In sum, our observations indicate a crucial role for MTDH in male fertility and the DNA repair mechanisms required for normal spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangbing Meng
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | - Shujie Yang
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | - Yuping Zhang
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and
| | - Xinjun Wang
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and
| | | | - Yichen Jia
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and
| | | | - Henry D Reyes
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and
| | - Baoli Yang
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and
| | - Kimberly K Leslie
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
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Luo Y, Hartford SA, Zeng R, Southard TL, Shima N, Schimenti JC. Hypersensitivity of primordial germ cells to compromised replication-associated DNA repair involves ATM-p53-p21 signaling. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004471. [PMID: 25010009 PMCID: PMC4091704 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome maintenance in germ cells is critical for fertility and the stable propagation of species. While mechanisms of meiotic DNA repair and chromosome behavior are well-characterized, the same is not true for primordial germ cells (PGCs), which arise and propagate during very early stages of mammalian development. Fanconi anemia (FA), a genomic instability syndrome that includes hypogonadism and testicular failure phenotypes, is caused by mutations in genes encoding a complex of proteins involved in repair of DNA lesions associated with DNA replication. The signaling mechanisms underlying hypogonadism and testicular failure in FA patients or mouse models are unknown. We conducted genetic studies to show that hypogonadism of Fancm mutant mice is a result of reduced proliferation, but not apoptosis, of PGCs, resulting in reduced germ cells in neonates of both sexes. Progressive loss of germ cells in adult males also occurs, overlaid with an elevated level of meiotic DNA damage. Genetic studies indicated that ATM-p53-p21 signaling is partially responsible for the germ cell deficiency. The precursors to sperm and eggs begin are a group of <100 cells in the embryo, called primordial germ cells (PGCs). They migrate in the primitive embryo to the location of the future gonads, then undergo a rapid proliferation over the next few days to a population of many thousands. Because these cells contain the precious genetic information for our offspring, and the DNA replication associated with rapid PGC proliferation is subject to spontaneous errors, mechanisms exist to avoid propagation of mutations. A manifestation of this is the high sensitivity of PGCs to genetic perturbations affecting DNA repair. We studied mice defective for a gene called Fanconi anemia M (Fancm) that is important for repair of DNA damage that occurs during replication. Although it is expressed in all tissues, only the PGCs are affected in mutants, and are reduced in number. We find that PGCs lacking Fancm respond by slowing cell division, and identified the genetic pathway responsible for this protective response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhai Luo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Suzanne A Hartford
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Ruizhu Zeng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Teresa L Southard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Naoko Shima
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - John C Schimenti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
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Morimoto H, Iwata K, Ogonuki N, Inoue K, Atsuo O, Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Morimoto T, Yabe-Nishimura C, Shinohara T. ROS Are Required for Mouse Spermatogonial Stem Cell Self-Renewal. Cell Stem Cell 2013; 12:774-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Revised: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Lutzmann M, Grey C, Traver S, Ganier O, Maya-Mendoza A, Ranisavljevic N, Bernex F, Nishiyama A, Montel N, Gavois E, Forichon L, de Massy B, Méchali M. MCM8- and MCM9-deficient mice reveal gametogenesis defects and genome instability due to impaired homologous recombination. Mol Cell 2012; 47:523-34. [PMID: 22771120 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2012.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Revised: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
We generated knockout mice for MCM8 and MCM9 and show that deficiency for these genes impairs homologous recombination (HR)-mediated DNA repair during gametogenesis and somatic cells cycles. MCM8(-/-) mice are sterile because spermatocytes are blocked in meiotic prophase I, and females have only arrested primary follicles and frequently develop ovarian tumors. MCM9(-/-) females also are sterile as ovaries are completely devoid of oocytes. In contrast, MCM9(-/-) testes produce spermatozoa, albeit in much reduced quantity. Mcm8(-/-) and Mcm9(-/-) embryonic fibroblasts show growth defects and chromosomal damage and cannot overcome a transient inhibition of replication fork progression. In these cells, chromatin recruitment of HR factors like Rad51 and RPA is impaired and HR strongly reduced. We further demonstrate that MCM8 and MCM9 form a complex and that they coregulate their stability. Our work uncovers essential functions of MCM8 and MCM9 in HR-mediated DSB repair during gametogenesis, replication fork maintenance, and DNA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Lutzmann
- DNA Replication and Genome Dynamics, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, 141 Rue de la Cardonille, 34396 Montpellier, Cedex 5, France
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Abstract
Stem cells are defined by their ability to self-renew and their multi-potent differentiation capacity. As such, stem cells maintain tissue homeostasis throughout the life of a multicellular organism. Aerobic metabolism, while enabling efficient energy production, also generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage cellular components. Until recently, the focus in stem cell biology has been on the adverse effects of ROS, particularly the damaging effects of ROS accumulation on tissue aging and the development of cancer, and various anti-oxidative and anti-stress mechanisms of stem cells have been characterized. However, it has become increasingly clear that, in some cases, redox status plays an important role in stem cell maintenance, i.e., regulation of the cell cycle. An active area of current research is redox regulation in various cancer stem cells, the malignant counterparts of normal stem cells that are viewed as good targets of cancer therapy. In contrast to cancer cells, in which ROS levels are increased, some cancer stem cells maintain low ROS levels, exhibiting redox patterns that are similar to the corresponding normal stem cell. To fully elucidate the mechanisms involved in stem cell maintenance and to effectively target cancer stem cells, it is essential to understand ROS regulatory mechanisms in these different cell types. Here, the mechanisms of redox regulation in normal stem cells, cancer cells, and cancer stem cells are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiharu I Kobayashi
- Department of Cell Differentiation, The Sakaguchi Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Holloway JK, Mohan S, Balmus G, Sun X, Modzelewski A, Borst PL, Freire R, Weiss RS, Cohen PE. Mammalian BTBD12 (SLX4) protects against genomic instability during mammalian spermatogenesis. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1002094. [PMID: 21655083 PMCID: PMC3107204 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Accepted: 04/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian ortholog of yeast Slx4, BTBD12, is an ATM substrate that functions as a scaffold for various DNA repair activities. Mutations of human BTBD12 have been reported in a new sub-type of Fanconi anemia patients. Recent studies have implicated the fly and worm orthologs, MUS312 and HIM-18, in the regulation of meiotic crossovers arising from double-strand break (DSB) initiating events and also in genome stability prior to meiosis. Using a Btbd12 mutant mouse, we analyzed the role of BTBD12 in mammalian gametogenesis. BTBD12 localizes to pre-meiotic spermatogonia and to meiotic spermatocytes in wildtype males. Btbd12 mutant mice have less than 15% normal spermatozoa and are subfertile. Loss of BTBD12 during embryogenesis results in impaired primordial germ cell proliferation and increased apoptosis, which reduces the spermatogonial pool in the early postnatal testis. During prophase I, DSBs initiate normally in Btbd12 mutant animals. However, DSB repair is delayed or impeded, resulting in persistent γH2AX and RAD51, and the choice of repair pathway may be altered, resulting in elevated MLH1/MLH3 focus numbers at pachynema. The result is an increase in apoptosis through prophase I and beyond. Unlike yeast Slx4, therefore, BTBD12 appears to function in meiotic prophase I, possibly during the recombination events that lead to the production of crossovers. In line with its expected regulation by ATM kinase, BTBD12 protein is reduced in the testis of Atm−/− males, and Btbd12 mutant mice exhibit increased genomic instability in the form of elevated blood cell micronucleus formation similar to that seen in Atm−/− males. Taken together, these data indicate that BTBD12 functions throughout gametogenesis to maintain genome stability, possibly by co-ordinating repair processes and/or by linking DNA repair events to the cell cycle via ATM. Mutations in genes essential for genome maintenance during meiosis can result in severe disruptions to spermatogenesis and subsequent low fertility and/or birth defects in mammals. The mammalian homolog of yeast Slx4, BTBD12, plays a critical role in somatic cell repair in mice. Here, we show that this critical function extends to mammalian germ cells, by examining the effects of a Btbd12 gene disruption in mice. Btbd12 mutant mice show severely reduced fertility, as a result of both pre-meiotic spermatogonial proliferation defects and impairment of proper meiotic progression. BTBD12 appears to be required for normal progression of double-strand break repair events that result in the formation of crossovers between maternal and paternal homologous chromosomes, with Btbd12 mutants displaying an increase in unrepaired breaks, impaired homologous chromosome interactions, and a slight increase in the number of crossover intermediates. BTBD12 protein is also down-regulated in the testes of Atm null mice, supporting previous studies showing that BTBD12 is a target of ATM kinase. These data provide new evidence about the role of BTBD12 in mammalian gametogenesis and are critical to furthering the understanding of the molecular processes involved in meiotic DNA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Kim Holloway
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Swapna Mohan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Gabriel Balmus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Xianfei Sun
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Andrew Modzelewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Peter L. Borst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Raimundo Freire
- Unidad de Investigacion, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Robert S. Weiss
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Paula E. Cohen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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12
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Abstract
Cellular apoptosis appears to be a constant feature in the adult testis and during early development. This is essential because mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex process that requires precise homeostasis of different cell types. This review discusses the latest information available on male germ cell apoptosis induced by hormones, toxins and temperature in the context of the type of apoptotic pathway either the intrinsic or the extrinsic that may be used under a variety of stimuli. The review also discusses the importance of mechanisms pertaining to cellular apoptosis during testicular development, which is independent of exogenous stimuli. Since instances of germ cell carcinoma have increased over the past few decades, the current status of research on apoptotic pathways in teratocarcinoma cells is included. One other important aspect that is covered in this review is microRNA-mediated control of germ cell apoptosis, a field of research that is going to see intense activity in near future. Since knockout models of various kinds have been used to study many aspects of germ cell development, a comprehensive summary of literature on knockout mice used in reproduction studies is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrima Shaha
- Cell Death and Differentiation Research Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi 110067, India.
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13
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Hermo L, Pelletier RM, Cyr DG, Smith CE. Surfing the wave, cycle, life history, and genes/proteins expressed by testicular germ cells. Part 1: Background to spermatogenesis, spermatogonia, and spermatocytes. Microsc Res Tech 2009; 73:241-78. [DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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14
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Hong Z, Hailing L, Hui M, Guijie Z. Effect of vitamin E supplementation on development of reproductive organs in Boer goat. Anim Reprod Sci 2009; 113:93-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.05.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2007] [Revised: 05/21/2008] [Accepted: 05/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Forand A, Fouchet P, Lahaye JB, Chicheportiche A, Habert R, Bernardino-Sgherri J. Similarities and Differences in the In Vivo Response of Mouse Neonatal Gonocytes and Spermatogonia to Genotoxic Stress1. Biol Reprod 2009; 80:860-73. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.072884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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16
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Sun J, Yomogida K, Sakao S, Yamamoto H, Yoshida K, Watanabe K, Morita T, Araki K, Yamamura KI, Tateishi S. Rad18 is required for long-term maintenance of spermatogenesis in mouse testes. Mech Dev 2008; 126:173-83. [PMID: 19068231 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2008.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2008] [Revised: 11/17/2008] [Accepted: 11/19/2008] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Maintaining the integrity of spermatogenic stem cells is essential to transfer genetic information to a descendant. However, knowledge of maintenance of genetic stability in stem cells is still limited. RAD18 is critical for postreplication repair through mono- and multi-ubiquitination of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) to maintain genomic stability. Mammalian RAD18 is highly expressed in the spermatocytes and the nuclei of a few spermatogonia in adult mice. To elucidate the physiological function of RAD18, we analyzed a phenotype of Rad18-/- mice. The mice were born and appeared to grow normally. Although the mice were fertile, fertility and testis weight decreased with age. Histological examination revealed normal spermatogenesis in almost all seminiferous tubules in Rad18-/- testes at 2 months old, and abnormal sperm could not be detected in the epididymis. However, 25% of the tubules lost almost all germ cells at 12 months. The seminiferous tubules frequently retained only late differentiated phase germ cells, suggesting that the exhaustion of spermatogonial stem cells leads to the loss of all germ cells in the seminiferous tubules. Wild-type germ cells were successfully transplanted into and colonized in the seminiferous tubules of aged Rad18-/- mice, indicating that Sertoli cells have a normal supportive function even in aged testes. We conclude that RAD18 is intrinsically required for the long-term maintenance of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Sun
- Cell Genetics, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Honjo2-2-1, 860-0811 Kumamoto, Japan
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Barroca V, Fouchet P. Germline stem cells: the first guards of heredity. Cell Stem Cell 2008; 2:108-10. [PMID: 18371429 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2008.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The genes involved in the cellular response to DNA damage are crucial for ensuring DNA integrity during spermatogenesis. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Takubo et al. (2008) show that ATM, a key kinase of the DNA damage response, is also involved in maintaining the stem cell potential of undifferentiated spermatogonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vilma Barroca
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, Laboratoire Gamétogenèse, Apoptose, Genotoxicité and INSERM, Unité 566, F-92265, Fontenay aux Roses, France
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Takubo K, Ohmura M, Azuma M, Nagamatsu G, Yamada W, Arai F, Hirao A, Suda T. Stem Cell Defects in ATM-Deficient Undifferentiated Spermatogonia through DNA Damage-Induced Cell-Cycle Arrest. Cell Stem Cell 2008; 2:170-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2007.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2007] [Revised: 09/08/2007] [Accepted: 10/31/2007] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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