1
|
Zoch A, Konieczny G, Auchynnikava T, Stallmeyer B, Rotte N, Heep M, Berrens RV, Schito M, Kabayama Y, Schöpp T, Kliesch S, Houston B, Nagirnaja L, O'Bryan MK, Aston KI, Conrad DF, Rappsilber J, Allshire RC, Cook AG, Tüttelmann F, O'Carroll D. C19ORF84 connects piRNA and DNA methylation machineries to defend the mammalian germ line. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1021-1035.e11. [PMID: 38359823 PMCID: PMC10960678 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.01.014] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
In the male mouse germ line, PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), bound by the PIWI protein MIWI2 (PIWIL4), guide DNA methylation of young active transposons through SPOCD1. However, the underlying mechanisms of SPOCD1-mediated piRNA-directed transposon methylation and whether this pathway functions to protect the human germ line remain unknown. We identified loss-of-function variants in human SPOCD1 that cause defective transposon silencing and male infertility. Through the analysis of these pathogenic alleles, we discovered that the uncharacterized protein C19ORF84 interacts with SPOCD1. DNMT3C, the DNA methyltransferase responsible for transposon methylation, associates with SPOCD1 and C19ORF84 in fetal gonocytes. Furthermore, C19ORF84 is essential for piRNA-directed DNA methylation and male mouse fertility. Finally, C19ORF84 mediates the in vivo association of SPOCD1 with the de novo methylation machinery. In summary, we have discovered a conserved role for the human piRNA pathway in transposon silencing and C19ORF84, an uncharacterized protein essential for orchestrating piRNA-directed DNA methylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ansgar Zoch
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
| | - Gabriela Konieczny
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Tania Auchynnikava
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Birgit Stallmeyer
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nadja Rotte
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Madeleine Heep
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Rebecca V Berrens
- Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX37TY, UK
| | - Martina Schito
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Yuka Kabayama
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Theresa Schöpp
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Brendan Houston
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Liina Nagirnaja
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Donald F Conrad
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA; Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK; Bioanalytics, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355 Berlin, Germany
| | - Robin C Allshire
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Atlanta G Cook
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dónal O'Carroll
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Naik A, Lattab B, Qasem H, Decock J. Cancer testis antigens: Emerging therapeutic targets leveraging genomic instability in cancer. Mol Ther Oncol 2024; 32:200768. [PMID: 38596293 PMCID: PMC10876628 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200768] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Cancer care has witnessed remarkable progress in recent decades, with a wide array of targeted therapies and immune-based interventions being added to the traditional treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, despite these advancements, the challenge of achieving high tumor specificity while minimizing adverse side effects continues to dictate the benefit-risk balance of cancer therapy, guiding clinical decision making. As such, the targeting of cancer testis antigens (CTAs) offers exciting new opportunities for therapeutic intervention of cancer since they display highly tumor specific expression patterns, natural immunogenicity and play pivotal roles in various biological processes that are critical for tumor cellular fitness. In this review, we delve deeper into how CTAs contribute to the regulation and maintenance of genomic integrity in cancer, and how these mechanisms can be exploited to specifically target and eradicate tumor cells. We review the current clinical trials targeting aforementioned CTAs, highlight promising pre-clinical data and discuss current challenges and future perspectives for future development of CTA-based strategies that exploit tumor genomic instability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adviti Naik
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Boucif Lattab
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hanan Qasem
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
| | - Julie Decock
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Verpoest W, Okutman Ö, Van Der Kelen A, Sermon K, Viville S. Genetics of infertility: a paradigm shift for medically assisted reproduction. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2289-2295. [PMID: 37801292 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead199] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of reproductive genetics has undergone significant advancements with the completion of the Human Genome Project and the development of high-throughput sequencing techniques. This has led to the identification of numerous genes involved in both male and female infertility, revolutionizing the diagnosis and management of infertility patients. Genetic investigations, including karyotyping, specific genetic tests, and high-throughput sequencing, have become essential in determining the genetic causes of infertility. Moreover, the integration of genetics into reproductive medicine has expanded the scope of care to include not only affected individuals or couples but also their family members. Genetic consultations and counselling play a crucial role in identifying potentially affected relatives and offering tailored therapy and the possibility of fertility preservation. Despite the current limited therapeutic options, an increasing understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations in infertility genes holds promise for improved treatment outcomes. The availability of genetic diagnostic tools has reduced the number of idiopathic infertility cases by providing accurate aetiological diagnoses. The transition from research to clinical practice in reproductive genetics requires the establishment of genetic consultations and data warehousing systems to provide up-to-date information on gene-disease relationships. Overall, the integration of genetics into reproductive medicine has brought about a paradigm shift, emphasizing the familial dimension of infertility and offering new possibilities for personalized care and family planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Willem Verpoest
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Clinical Sciences, Research Group Genetics of Reproduction and Development, Brussels IVF Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Özlem Okutman
- Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), Hôpital Erasme, Service de Gynécologie-Obstetrique, Clinique de Fertilité, Route de Lennik, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Annelore Van Der Kelen
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Clinical Sciences, Research Group Genetics of Reproduction and Development, Centre for Medical Genetics, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karen Sermon
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Research Group Genetics of Reproduction and Development, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stéphane Viville
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale LGM, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace IGMA, INSERM UMR 1112, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, Unité de Génétique de l'infertilité (UF3472), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Schöpp T, Prigozhin DM, Douse C, Kaji K, Cook AG, O'Carroll D. The DUF3715 domain has a conserved role in RNA-directed transposon silencing. RNA 2023; 29:1471-1480. [PMID: 37433650 PMCID: PMC10578480 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079693.123] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
RNA-directed transposon silencing operates in the mammalian soma and germline to safeguard genomic integrity. The piRNA pathway and the HUSH complex identify active transposons through recognition of their nascent transcripts, but mechanistic understanding of how these distinct pathways evolved is lacking. TASOR is an essential component of the HUSH complex. TASOR's DUF3715 domain adopts a pseudo-PARP structure and is required for transposon silencing in a manner independent of complex assembly. TEX15, an essential piRNA pathway factor, also contains the DUF3715 domain. Here, we show that TASOR's and TEX15's DUF3715 domain share extensive structural homology. We found that the DUF3715 domain arose in early eukaryotes and that in vertebrates it is restricted to TEX15, TASOR, and TASORB orthologs. While TASOR-like proteins are found throughout metazoa, TEX15 is vertebrate-specific. The branching of TEX15 and the TASOR-like DUF3715 domain likely occurred in early metazoan evolution. Remarkably, despite this vast evolutionary distance, the DUF3715 domain from divergent TEX15 sequences can functionally substitute the DUF3715 domain of TASOR and mediates transposon silencing. We have thus termed this domain of unknown function as the RNA-directed pseudo-PARP transposon silencing (RDTS) domain. In summary, we show an unexpected functional link between these critical transposon silencing pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Schöpp
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Daniil M Prigozhin
- Berkeley Center for Structural Biology, Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Christopher Douse
- Lab of Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics, Department of Experimental Medical Science and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Keisuke Kaji
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
| | - Atlanta G Cook
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Dónal O'Carroll
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Qureshi S, Hardy JJ, Pombar C, Berman AJ, Malcher A, Gingrich T, Hvasta R, Kuong J, Munyoki S, Hwang K, Orwig KE, Ahmed J, Olszewska M, Kurpisz M, Conrad DF, Jaseem Khan M, Yatsenko AN. Genomic study of TEX15 variants: prevalence and allelic heterogeneity in men with spermatogenic failure. Front Genet 2023; 14:1134849. [PMID: 37234866 PMCID: PMC10206016 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1134849] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Human spermatogenesis is a highly intricate process that requires the input of thousands of testis-specific genes. Defects in any of them at any stage of the process can have detrimental effects on sperm production and/or viability. In particular, the function of many meiotic proteins encoded by germ cell specific genes is critical for maturation of haploid spermatids and viable spermatozoa, necessary for fertilization, and is also extremely sensitive to even the slightest change in coding DNA. Methods: Here, using whole exome and genome approaches, we identified and reported novel, clinically significant variants in testis-expressed gene 15 (TEX15), in unrelated men with spermatogenic failure (SPGF). Results: TEX15 mediates double strand break repair during meiosis. Recessive loss-of-function (LOF) TEX15 mutations are associated with SPGF in humans and knockout male mice are infertile. We expand earlier reports documenting heterogeneous allelic pathogenic TEX15 variants that cause a range of SPGF phenotypes from oligozoospermia (low sperm) to nonobstructive azoospermia (no sperm) with meiotic arrest and report the prevalence of 0.6% of TEX15 variants in our patient cohort. Among identified possible LOF variants, one homozygous missense substitution c.6835G>A (p.Ala2279Thr) co-segregated with cryptozoospermia in a family with SPGF. Additionally, we observed numerous cases of inferred in trans compound heterozygous variants in TEX15 among unrelated individuals with varying degrees of SPGF. Variants included splice site, insertions/deletions (indels), and missense substitutions, many of which resulted in LOF effects (i.e., frameshift, premature stop, alternative splicing, or potentially altered posttranslational modification sites). Conclusion: In conclusion, we performed an extensive genomic study of familial and sporadic SPGF and identified potentially damaging TEX15 variants in 7 of 1097 individuals of our combined cohorts. We hypothesize that SPGF phenotype severity is dictated by individual TEX15 variant's impact on structure and function. Resultant LOFs likely have deleterious effects on crossover/recombination in meiosis. Our findings support the notion of increased gene variant frequency in SPGF and its genetic and allelic heterogeneity as it relates to complex disease such as male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sidra Qureshi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Jimmaline J. Hardy
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Christopher Pombar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Andrea J. Berman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Agnieszka Malcher
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tara Gingrich
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Rachel Hvasta
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jannah Kuong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sarah Munyoki
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kathleen Hwang
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kyle E. Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jawad Ahmed
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Donald F. Conrad
- Department of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, United States
| | - Muhammad Jaseem Khan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Alexander N. Yatsenko
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Díez-Del-Molino D, Dehasque M, Chacón-Duque JC, Pečnerová P, Tikhonov A, Protopopov A, Plotnikov V, Kanellidou F, Nikolskiy P, Mortensen P, Danilov GK, Vartanyan S, Gilbert MTP, Lister AM, Heintzman PD, van der Valk T, Dalén L. Genomics of adaptive evolution in the woolly mammoth. Curr Biol 2023; 33:1753-1764.e4. [PMID: 37030294 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.03.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
Ancient genomes provide a tool to investigate the genetic basis of adaptations in extinct organisms. However, the identification of species-specific fixed genetic variants requires the analysis of genomes from multiple individuals. Moreover, the long-term scale of adaptive evolution coupled with the short-term nature of traditional time series data has made it difficult to assess when different adaptations evolved. Here, we analyze 23 woolly mammoth genomes, including one of the oldest known specimens at 700,000 years old, to identify fixed derived non-synonymous mutations unique to the species and to obtain estimates of when these mutations evolved. We find that at the time of its origin, the woolly mammoth had already acquired a broad spectrum of positively selected genes, including ones associated with hair and skin development, fat storage and metabolism, and immune system function. Our results also suggest that these phenotypes continued to evolve during the last 700,000 years, but through positive selection on different sets of genes. Finally, we also identify additional genes that underwent comparatively recent positive selection, including multiple genes related to skeletal morphology and body size, as well as one gene that may have contributed to the small ear size in Late Quaternary woolly mammoths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Díez-Del-Molino
- Centre for Palaeogenetics, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, 10405 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Marianne Dehasque
- Centre for Palaeogenetics, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, 10405 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Camilo Chacón-Duque
- Centre for Palaeogenetics, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Patrícia Pečnerová
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, 10405 Stockholm, Sweden; Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexei Tikhonov
- Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 190121 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | | | - Foteini Kanellidou
- Centre for Palaeogenetics, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Clinical Genomics Facility, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pavel Nikolskiy
- Geological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119017 Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter Mortensen
- Department of Zoology, Swedish Museum of Natural History, 10405 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gleb K Danilov
- Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography, Kunstkamera, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Sergey Vartanyan
- North-East Interdisciplinary Scientific Research Institute N.A. Shilo, Far East Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences (NEISRI FEB RAS), 685000 Magadan, Russia
| | - M Thomas P Gilbert
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, GLOBE Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark; University Museum NTNU, 7012 Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Peter D Heintzman
- Centre for Palaeogenetics, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Geological Sciences, Stockholm University, 11418 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tom van der Valk
- Centre for Palaeogenetics, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, 10405 Stockholm, Sweden; Science for Life Laboratory, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Love Dalén
- Centre for Palaeogenetics, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, 10405 Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ozturk S. Genetic variants underlying spermatogenic arrests in men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:1021-1061. [PMID: 36740861 PMCID: PMC10081088 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2171544] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenic arrest is a severe form of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), which occurs in 10-15% of infertile men. Interruption in spermatogenic progression at premeiotic, meiotic, or postmeiotic stage can lead to arrest in men with NOA. Recent studies have intensively focused on defining genetic variants underlying these spermatogenic arrests by making genome/exome sequencing. A number of variants were discovered in the genes involving in mitosis, meiosis, germline differentiation and other basic cellular events. Herein, defined variants in NOA cases with spermatogenic arrests and created knockout mouse models for the related genes are comprehensively reviewed. Also, importance of gene panel-based screening for NOA cases was discussed. Screening common variants in these infertile men with spermatogenic arrests may contribute to elucidating the molecular background and designing novel treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang X, Liu X, Qu M, Li H. Sertoli cell-only syndrome: advances, challenges, and perspectives in genetics and mechanisms. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:67. [PMID: 36814036 PMCID: PMC11072804 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04723-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility can be caused by quantitative and/or qualitative abnormalities in spermatogenesis, which affects men's physical and mental health. Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) is the most severe histological phenotype of male infertility characterized by the depletion of germ cells with only Sertoli cells remaining in the seminiferous tubules. Most SCOS cases cannot be explained by the already known genetic causes including karyotype abnormalities and microdeletions of the Y chromosome. With the development of sequencing technology, studies on screening new genetic causes for SCOS are growing in recent years. Directly sequencing of target genes in sporadic cases and whole-exome sequencing applied in familial cases have identified several genes associated with SCOS. Analyses of the testicular transcriptome, proteome, and epigenetics in SCOS patients provide explanations regarding the molecular mechanisms of SCOS. In this review, we discuss the possible relationship between defective germline development and SCOS based on mouse models with SCO phenotype. We also summarize the advances and challenges in the exploration of genetic causes and mechanisms of SCOS. Knowing the genetic factors of SCOS offers a better understanding of SCO and human spermatogenesis, and it also has practical significance for improving diagnosis, making appropriate medical decisions, and genetic counseling. For therapeutic implications, SCOS research, along with the achievements in stem cell technologies and gene therapy, build the foundation to develop novel therapies for SCOS patients to produce functional spermatozoa, giving them hope to father children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Mengyuan Qu
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China.
- Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, 430000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that associate with proteins of the PIWI clade of the Argonaute family. First identified in animal germ line cells, piRNAs have essential roles in germ line development. The first function of PIWI-piRNA complexes to be described was the silencing of transposable elements, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the germ line genome. Later studies provided new insights into the functions of PIWI-piRNA complexes by demonstrating that they regulate protein-coding genes. Recent studies of piRNA biology, including in new model organisms such as golden hamsters, have deepened our understanding of both piRNA biogenesis and piRNA function. In this Review, we discuss the most recent advances in our understanding of piRNA biogenesis, the molecular mechanisms of piRNA function and the emerging roles of piRNAs in germ line development mainly in flies and mice, and in infertility, cancer and neurological diseases in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Anne Ramat
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Martine Simonelig
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. .,Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Okutman O, Boivin M, Muller J, Charlet-Berguerand N, Viville S. A biallelic loss of function variant in HORMAD1 within a large consanguineous Turkish family is associated with spermatogenic arrest. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:306-314. [PMID: 36524333 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac259] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can the analysis of a large Turkish consanguineous family via whole exome sequencing (WES) identify novel causative genetic variation responsible for nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) characterized by arrest at primary spermatocyte stage? SUMMARY ANSWER WES analysis revealed a homozygous nonsense variant in HORMAD1 in three affected brothers of a Turkish family. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Studying patient cohorts in small or large consanguineous families using high-throughput sequencing allows the identification of genetic causes of different pathologies, including infertility. Over the last two decades, a number of genes involved in human male infertility have been discovered, but only 14 genes have been identified as being at least moderately linked to isolated NOA or oligozoospermia in men. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study included a Turkish family comprising three brothers with NOA. Two brothers had a normal karyotype, normal hormonal levels and no Yq microdeletion. The testicular histopathology analysis revealed the complete arrest of spermatogenesis at the primary spermatocyte stage. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We recruited a consanguineous Turkish family where parents were first-degree cousins and had seven children; three sons who had NOA, two sons who were fertile and two daughters for whom no information was available. Saliva samples from the index patient, his two affected brothers, parents and two nonaffected brothers (seven samples in total) were collected. Prior to WES, the index patient underwent targeted genetic testing using an infertility panel, which includes 133 infertility genes. No pathogenic variations were identified. WES was then performed on the DNA of the seven family members available. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using an in-house pipeline. Detected variants were scored and ranked, and copy number variants were called and annotated.The consequences of mutation on protein expression and localization were investigated by cell transfection followed by immunofluorescence or immunoblotting. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE WES revealed a homozygous nonsense variant chr1:150675797G>A; HORMAD1 (NM_032132.5): c.1021C>T, p.Gln341* in exon 13, which was confirmed in all three affected brothers. HORMAD1 encodes the HORMA domain-containing protein 1. The parents as well as the two fertile brothers were carriers of this variant. This variant may lead to the production of a truncated protein lacking the nuclear localization signal; therefore, human cells were transfected with the wild-type and mutated form, in fusion with green fluorescent protein. Immunoblotting experiments confirmed the production of a truncated HORMAD1 protein, and immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that the mutated protein displayed cytoplasmic localization while the wild type protein located to the nucleus. Altogether, our findings validate HORMAD1 as an essential genetic factor in the meiotic process in human. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION According to one scoring system used to evaluate the clinical validity of male infertility genes, this study would classify HORMAD1 as displaying limited clinical evidence of being involved in male infertility. However, such a score is the maximum possible when only one family is analyzed and the addition of one patient showing a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant would immediately change this classification to 'moderate'. Thus, this report should prompt other researchers to screen patients with NOA for this genetic variant. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Identification of new genetic factors involved in the human meiosis process will contribute to an improvement of our knowledge at the basic level, which in turn will allow the management of better care for infertile patients. Since Hormad1-/- knock-out female mice are also infertile, HORMAD1 could also be involved in human female infertility. Our findings have direct implications for the genetic counseling of patients and their family members. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was funded by Fondation Maladies Rares (High Throughput Sequencing and Rare Diseases-2018, 'GenOmics of rare diseases'). The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Okutman
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale LGM, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace IGMA, INSERM UMR 1112, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, Unité de Génétique de l'infertilité (UF3472), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Manon Boivin
- Médecine Translationnelle et Neurogénétique, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Institut National de Santé et de Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U964/Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Jean Muller
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale LGM, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace IGMA, INSERM UMR 1112, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoires de Diagnostic Génétique, IGMA, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Unité Fonctionnelle de Bioinformatique Médicale appliquée au diagnostic (UF7363), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Nicolas Charlet-Berguerand
- Médecine Translationnelle et Neurogénétique, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Institut National de Santé et de Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U964/Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Stéphane Viville
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale LGM, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace IGMA, INSERM UMR 1112, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, Unité de Génétique de l'infertilité (UF3472), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Greither T, Behre HM, Herlyn H. Genome-Wide Association Screening Determines Peripheral Players in Male Fertility Maintenance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24. [PMID: 36613967 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Deciphering the functional relationships of genes resulting from genome-wide screens for polymorphisms that are associated with phenotypic variations can be challenging. However, given the common association with certain phenotypes, a functional link should exist. We have tested this prediction in newly sequenced exomes of altogether 100 men representing different states of fertility. Fertile subjects presented with normal semen parameters and had naturally fathered offspring. In contrast, infertile probands were involuntarily childless and had reduced sperm quantity and quality. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) linked twelve non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to fertility variation between both cohorts. The SNPs localized to nine genes for which previous evidence is in line with a role in male fertility maintenance: ANAPC1, CES1, FAM131C, HLA-DRB1, KMT2C, NOMO1, SAA1, SRGAP2, and SUSD2. Most of the SNPs residing in these genes imply amino acid exchanges that should only moderately affect protein functionality. In addition, proteins encoded by genes from present GWAS occupied peripheral positions in a protein-protein interaction network, the backbone of which consisted of genes listed in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database for their implication in male infertility. Suggestive of an indirect impact on male fertility, the genes focused were indeed linked to each other, albeit mediated by other interactants. Thus, the chances of identifying a central player in male infertility by GWAS could be limited in general. Furthermore, the SNPs determined and the genes containing these might prove to have potential as biomarkers in the diagnosis of male fertility.
Collapse
|
12
|
Guzmán-Jiménez A, González-Muñoz S, Cerván-Martín M, Rivera-Egea R, Garrido N, Luján S, Santos-Ribeiro S, Castilla JA, Gonzalvo MC, Clavero A, Vicente FJ, Maldonado V, Villegas-Salmerón J, Burgos M, Jiménez R, Pinto MG, Pereira I, Nunes J, Sánchez-Curbelo J, López-Rodrigo O, Pereira-Caetano I, Marques PI, Carvalho F, Barros A, Bassas L, Seixas S, Gonçalves J, Lopes AM, Larriba S, Palomino-Morales RJ, Carmona FD, Bossini-Castillo L. Contribution of TEX15 genetic variants to the risk of developing severe non-obstructive oligozoospermia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1089782. [PMID: 36589743 PMCID: PMC9797780 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1089782] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Severe spermatogenic failure (SPGF) represents one of the most relevant causes of male infertility. This pathological condition can lead to extreme abnormalities in the seminal sperm count, such as severe oligozoospermia (SO) or non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Most cases of SPGF have an unknown aetiology, and it is known that this idiopathic form of male infertility represents a complex condition. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether common genetic variation in TEX15, which encodes a key player in spermatogenesis, is involved in the susceptibility to idiopathic SPGF. Materials and Methods: We designed a genetic association study comprising a total of 727 SPGF cases (including 527 NOA and 200 SO) and 1,058 unaffected men from the Iberian Peninsula. Following a tagging strategy, three tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TEX15 (rs1362912, rs323342, and rs323346) were selected for genotyping using TaqMan probes. Case-control association tests were then performed by logistic regression models. In silico analyses were also carried out to shed light into the putative functional implications of the studied variants. Results: A significant increase in TEX15-rs1362912 minor allele frequency (MAF) was observed in the group of SO patients (MAF = 0.0842) compared to either the control cohort (MAF = 0.0468, OR = 1.90, p = 7.47E-03) or the NOA group (MAF = 0.0472, OR = 1.83, p = 1.23E-02). The genotype distribution of the SO population was also different from those of both control (p = 1.14E-02) and NOA groups (p = 4.33-02). The analysis of functional annotations of the human genome suggested that the effect of the SO-associated TEX15 variants is likely exerted by alteration of the binding affinity of crucial transcription factors for spermatogenesis. Conclusion: Our results suggest that common variation in TEX15 is involved in the genetic predisposition to SO, thus supporting the notion of idiopathic SPGF as a complex trait.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Guzmán-Jiménez
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Sara González-Muñoz
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Miriam Cerván-Martín
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Rocío Rivera-Egea
- Andrology Laboratory and Sperm Bank, IVIRMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain,IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nicolás Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain,Servicio de Urología. Hospital Universitari i Politecnic La Fe e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Saturnino Luján
- Servicio de Urología. Hospital Universitari i Politecnic La Fe e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Samuel Santos-Ribeiro
- IVI-RMA Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José A. Castilla
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain,Unidad de Reproducción, UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología, HU Virgen de Las Nieves, Granada, Spain,CEIFER Biobanco—GAMETIA, Granada, Spain
| | - M. Carmen Gonzalvo
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain,Unidad de Reproducción, UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología, HU Virgen de Las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Clavero
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain,Unidad de Reproducción, UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología, HU Virgen de Las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - F. Javier Vicente
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain,UGC de Urología, HU Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Vicente Maldonado
- UGC de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Complejo Hospitalario de Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Javier Villegas-Salmerón
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Burgos
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Rafael Jiménez
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Maria Graça Pinto
- Centro de Medicina Reprodutiva, Maternidade Alfredo da Costa, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira
- Departamento de Obstetrícia, Ginecologia e Medicina da Reprodução, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joaquim Nunes
- Departamento de Obstetrícia, Ginecologia e Medicina da Reprodução, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Josvany Sánchez-Curbelo
- Laboratory of Seminology and Embryology, Andrology Service-Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga López-Rodrigo
- Laboratory of Seminology and Embryology, Andrology Service-Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iris Pereira-Caetano
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patricia Isabel Marques
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipa Carvalho
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Barros
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lluís Bassas
- Laboratory of Seminology and Embryology, Andrology Service-Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Seixas
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - João Gonçalves
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,ToxOmics—Centro de Toxicogenómica e Saúde Humana, Nova Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandra M. Lopes
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,CGPP-IBMC—Centro de Genética Preditiva e Preventiva, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Larriba
- Human Molecular Genetics Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rogelio J. Palomino-Morales
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain,Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - F. David Carmona
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain,*Correspondence: F. David Carmona, ; Lara Bossini-Castillo,
| | - Lara Bossini-Castillo
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain,*Correspondence: F. David Carmona, ; Lara Bossini-Castillo,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gupta N, Sarkar S, Mehta P, Sankhwar SN, Rajender S. Polymorphisms in the HSF2, LRRC6, MEIG1 and PTIP genes correlate with sperm motility in idiopathic infertility. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14517. [PMID: 35768906 DOI: 10.1111/and.14517] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the association of 24 functionally important single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with male infertility. In this cross-sectional study, we genotyped 24 functionally important single nucleotide polymorphisms in 24 infertility candidate genes in 500 oligo-/astheno-/oligoastheno-/normo-zoospermic infertile men with idiopathic infertility. Sequenom iPlex gold assay was used for genotyping. Sperm count and motility were compared between prevalent genotypes at each test locus. We did not observe any significant difference in the average sperm count between the alternate genotypes for the loci in the KLK3, LRRC6, MEIG1, HSF2, ESR2 and PTIP genes. However, we observed a significant difference in sperm motility between the alternate genotypes for the loci in the LRRC6, MEIG1, HSF2 and PTIP genes. Polymorphisms in the LRRC6 (rs200321595), MEIG1 (rs150031795), HSF2 (rs143986686) and PTIP (rs61752013) genes show association with sperm motility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nishi Gupta
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Saumya Sarkar
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Poonam Mehta
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | | | - Singh Rajender
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Huang Y, Tian R, Xu J, Ji Z, Zhang Y, Zhao L, Yang C, Li P, Zhi E, Bai H, Han S, Luo J, Zhao J, Zhang J, Zhou Z, Li Z, Yao C. Novel copy number variations within SYCE1 caused meiotic arrest and non-obstructive azoospermia. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:137. [PMID: 35718780 PMCID: PMC9208180 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01288-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe disease in male infertility, but the genetic causes for majority of NOA remain unknown. Methods Two Chinese NOA-affected patients were recruited to identify the genetic causal factor of infertility. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was conducted in the two patients with NOA. Sanger sequencing and CNV array were used to ascertain the WES results. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunofluorescence (IF) were carried out to evaluate the stage of spermatogenesis arrested in the affected cases. Results Novel heterozygous deletion (LOH) within SYCE1 (seq[GRCh37] del(10)(10q26.3)chr10:g.135111754_135427143del) and heterozygous loss of function (LoF) variant in SYCE1 (NM_001143763: c.689_690 del:p.F230fs) were identified in one NOA-affected patient. While homozygous deletion within SYCE1 (seq[GRCh37] del(10)(10q26.3)chr10:g.135340247_135379115del) was detected in the other patient with meiotic arrest. H&E and IF staining demonstrated that the spermatogenesis was arrested at pachytene stage in the two patients with NOA, suggesting these two novel CNVs within SYCE1 could lead to meiotic defect and NOA. Conclusions We identified that two novel CNVs within SYCE1 are associated with meiotic arrest and male infertility. Thus, our study expands the knowledge of variants in SYCE1 and provides a new insight to understand the genetic etiologies of NOA. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-022-01288-8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Huang
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Junwei Xu
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Zhiyong Ji
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yuxiang Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Haowei Bai
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Sha Han
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jiaqiang Luo
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jingpeng Zhao
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510620, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China. .,State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wu X, Zhou L, Shi J, Cheng CY, Sun F. Multiomics analysis of male infertility. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:118-134. [PMID: 35639635 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects 8-12% of couples globally, and the male factor is a primary cause in approximately 50% of couples. Male infertility is a multifactorial reproductive disorder, which can be caused by paracrine and autocrine factors, hormones, genes, and epigenetic changes. Recent studies in rodents and most notably in humans using multiomics approach have yielded important insights into understanding the biology of spermatogenesis. Nonetheless, the etiology and pathogenesis of male infertility are still largely unknown. In this review, we summarized and critically evaluated findings based on the use of advanced technologies to compare normal and obstructive azoospermia (OA) versus non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) men, including whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), whole exome sequencing (WES), and ATAC-seq. It is obvious that the multiomics approach is the method of choice for basic research and clinical studies including clinical diagnosis of male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Liwei Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Jie Shi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang W, Meng L, He J, Su L, Li Y, Tan C, Xu X, Nie H, Zhang H, Du J, Lu G, Luo M, Lin G, Tu C, Tan YQ. Bi-allelic variants in SHOC1 cause non-obstructive azoospermia with meiosis arrest in humans and mice. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6575911. [PMID: 35485979 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac015] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is pivotal to gametogenesis and fertility. Meiotic recombination is a mandatory process that ensures faithful chromosome segregation and generates genetic diversity in gametes. Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) caused by meiotic arrest is a common cause of male infertility and has many genetic origins, including chromosome abnormalities, Y chromosome microdeletion and monogenic mutations. However, the genetic causes of the majority of NOA cases remain to be elucidated. Here, we report our findings of three Shortage in chiasmata 1 (SHOC1) bi-allelic variants in three NOA patients, of which two are homozygous for the same loss-of-function variant (c.231_232del: p. L78Sfs*9), and one is heterozygous for two different missense variants (c.1978G>A: p.A660T; c.4274G>A: p.R1425H). Testicular biopsy of one patient revealed impairment of spermatocyte maturation. Both germ-cell-specific and general Shoc1-knockout mice exhibited similar male infertility phenotypes. Subsequent analysis revealed comprehensive defects in homologous pairing and synapsis along with abnormal expression of DMC1, RAD51 and RPA2 in Shoc1-defective spermatocyte spreads. These findings imply that SHOC1 may have a presynaptic function during meiotic recombination apart from its previously identified role in crossover formation. Overall, our results provide strong evidence for the clinical relevance of SHOC1 mutations in patients with NOA and contribute to a deeper mechanistic understanding of the role of SHOC1 during meiotic recombination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain
| | - Jiaxin He
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lilan Su
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chen Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xilin Xu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain
| | - Huan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain.,NHC Key Laboratory of human stem cell and reproductive engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Mengcheng Luo
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain.,NHC Key Laboratory of human stem cell and reproductive engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Chinain.,College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of human stem cell and reproductive engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang H, Li W, Jiang Y, Li J, Chen M, Wang R, Zhao J, Peng Z, Huang H, Liu R. Whole Exome Sequencing Identifies Genes Associated With Non-Obstructive Azoospermia. Front Genet 2022; 13:872179. [PMID: 35495142 PMCID: PMC9043847 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.872179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) affects nearly 1% of men; however, the landscape of the causative genes is largely unknown. Objective: To explore the genetic etiology which is the fundamental cause of NOA, a prospective case-control study and parental–proband trio linkage analysis were performed. Materials: A total of 133 patients with clinicopathological NOA and 343 fertile controls were recruited from a single large academic fertility center located in Northeast China; in addition, eleven trio families were available and enrolled. Results: Whole exome sequencing-based rare variant association study between the cases and controls was performed using the gene burden association testing. Linkage analysis on the trio families was also interrogated. In total, 648 genes were identified to be associated with NOA (three of which were previously reported), out of which six novel genes were found further associated based on the linkage analysis in the trio families, and involved in the meiosis-related network. Discussion and Conclusion: The six currently identified genes potentially account for a fraction (3.76%, 5 out of 133 patients) of the heritability of unidentified NOA, and combining the six novel genes and the three previously reported genes together would potentially account for an overall 6.77% (9 out of 133 patients) heritability of unidentified NOA in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Li
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuting Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jia Li
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Ruixue Wang
- Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiyu Peng
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Huang
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Huang, ; Ruizhi Liu,
| | - Ruizhi Liu
- Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Huang, ; Ruizhi Liu,
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hou D, Yao C, Xu B, Luo W, Ke H, Li Z, Qin Y, Guo T. Variations of C14ORF39 and SYCE1 Identified in Idiopathic Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and Nonobstructive Azoospermia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:724-734. [PMID: 34718620 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) are the most severe diseases causing irreversible infertility in females and males, respectively. The contribution of synaptonemal complex (SC) gene variations in the pathogenesis of sporadic patients with POI and NOA has not been systematically illustrated. OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of SC genes in the pathogenesis of sporadic POI and NOA. DESIGN Genetic and functional study. SETTING University-based reproductive medicine center. PATIENT(S) A total of 1030 patients with sporadic POI and 400 patients with sporadic NOA. INTERVENTION(S) The variations of SC genes were filtered in the in-house database of whole exome sequencing performed in 1030 patients with sporadic POI and 400 patients with sporadic NOA. The pathogenic or likely pathogenic variations following recessive inheritance mode were selected according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The pathogenic effects of the variations were verified by functional studies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) ACMG classification and functional characteristics. RESULT(S) Two homozygous variations of C14ORF39 and 2 recessive variations of SYCE1 were first identified in sporadic patients with POI and NOA, respectively. Functional studies showed the C14ORF39 variations significantly accelerated the protein degradation and the variations in SYCE1 disrupted its interaction with SYCP1 or C14ORF39, both of which affected SC assembly and meiosis. CONCLUSION(S) Our study identified novel pathogenic variations of C14ORF39 and SYCE1 in sporadic patients with POI or NOA, highlighting the essential role of SC genes in the maintenance of ovarian and testicular function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Shanghai General Hospital; Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital; Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Bingying Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Hanni Ke
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Shanghai General Hospital; Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital; Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhang Y, Li P, Liu N, Jing T, Ji Z, Yang C, Zhao L, Tian R, Chen H, Huang Y, Zhi E, Ou N, Bai H, Zhou Y, Li Z, Yao C. Novel Bi-Allelic Variants of FANCM Cause Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome and Non-Obstructive Azoospermia. Front Genet 2022; 12:799886. [PMID: 34976027 PMCID: PMC8714797 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.799886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe disease in male infertility, but the genetic causes for the majority of NOA remain unknown. FANCM is a member of Fanconi Anemia (FA) core complex, whose defects are associated with cell hypersensitivity to DNA interstrand crosslink (ICL)-inducing agents. It was reported that variants in FANCM (MIM: 609644) might cause azoospermia or oligospermia. However, there is still a lack of evidence to explain the association between different FANCM variants and male infertility phenotypes. Herein, we identified compound heterozygous variants in FANCM in two NOA-affected brothers (c. 1778delG:p. R593Qfs*76 and c. 1663G > T:p. V555F), and a homozygous variant in FANCM (c. 1972C > T:p. R658X) in a sporadic case with NOA, respectively. H&E staining and immunohistochemistry showed Sertoli cell-only Syndrome (SCOS) in the three patients with NOA. Collectively, our study expands the knowledge of variants in FANCM, and provides a new insight to understand the genetic etiology of NOA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Zhang
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Li
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Nachuan Liu
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Jing
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyong Ji
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huixing Chen
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ningjing Ou
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haowei Bai
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchuan Zhou
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Depart. of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Affiliation(s)
- Chunbo Xie
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin-Yu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Krausz C, Cioppi F. Genetic Factors of Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: Consequences on Patients' and Offspring Health. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10174009. [PMID: 34501457 PMCID: PMC8432470 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10174009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) affects about 1% of men in the general population and is characterized by clinical heterogeneity implying the involvement of several different acquired and genetic factors. NOA men are at higher risk to be carriers of known genetic anomalies such as karyotype abnormalities and Y-chromosome microdeletions in respect to oligo-normozoospermic men. In recent years, a growing number of novel monogenic causes have been identified through Whole Exome Sequencing (WES). Genetic testing is useful for diagnostic and pre-TESE prognostic purposes as well as for its potential relevance for general health. Several epidemiological observations show a link between azoospermia and higher morbidity and mortality rate, suggesting a common etiology for NOA and some chronic diseases, including cancer. Since on average 50% of NOA patients has a positive TESE outcome, the identification of genetic factors in NOA patients has relevance also to the offspring's health. Although still debated, the observed increased risk of certain neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as impaired cardiometabolic and reproductive health profile in children conceived with ICSI from NOA fathers may indicate the involvement of transmissible genetic factors. This review provides an update on the reproductive and general health consequences of known genetic factors causing NOA, including offspring's health.
Collapse
|
22
|
Cao D, Shi F, Guo C, Liu Y, Lin Z, Zhang J, Li RHW, Yao Y, Liu K, Ng EHY, Yeung WSB, Wang T. A pathogenic DMC1 frameshift mutation causes nonobstructive azoospermia but not primary ovarian insufficiency in humans. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6369522. [PMID: 34515795 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) are two disorders that can lead to infertility in males and females. Genetic factors have been identified to contribute to NOA and DOR. However, the same genetic factor that can cause both NOA and DOR remains largely unknown. To explore the candidate pathogenic gene that causes both NOA and DOR, we conducted whole-exome sequencing (WES) in a non-consanguineous family with two daughters with DOR and a son with NOA. We detected one pathogenic frameshift variant (NM_007068:c.28delG, p. Glu10Asnfs*31) following a recessive inheritance mode in a meiosis gene DMC1 (DNA meiotic recombinase 1). Clinical analysis showed reduced antral follicle number in both daughters with DOR, but metaphase II oocytes could be retrieved from one of them. For the son with NOA, no spermatozoa were found after microsurgical testicular sperm extraction. A further homozygous Dmc1 knockout mice study demonstrated total failure of follicle development and spermatogenesis. These results revealed a discrepancy of DMC1 action between mice and humans. In humans, DMC1 is required for spermatogenesis but is dispensable for oogenesis, although the loss of function of this gene may lead to DOR. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the homozygous frameshift mutation as causative for both NOA and DOR and demonstrating that DMC1 is dispensable in human oogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fu Shi
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chenxi Guo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zexiong Lin
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Juanhui Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Raymond Hang Wun Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuanqing Yao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kui Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ernest Hung Yu Ng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - William Shu Biu Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tianren Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Saebnia N, Neshati Z, Bahrami AR. Role of microRNAs in etiology of azoospermia and their application as non-invasive biomarkers in diagnosis of azoospermic patients. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2021; 50:102207. [PMID: 34407467 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2021.102207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Azoospermia is a common cause of male infertility without any sperm in the semen and consists of ∼1% of all males and ∼15% of infertile ones. Currently, no accurate non-invasive diagnostic method exists for patients with azoospermia and testis biopsy is mandatory to determine if any spermatozoa exist in the testes. Studies have clarified that the expression of some distinct microRNAs shows alterations in azoospermic patients. MicroRNAs play critical roles during spermatogenesis and their dysregulation can defect this process. Here, we review studied microRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of azoospermia and their target genes. Moreover, we will imply the utility of seminal plasma microRNAs as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for azoospermia. We hope such studies could help patients with azoospermia in both diagnosis and treatment, in order that they could father their own biological children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neda Saebnia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zeinab Neshati
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Reza Bahrami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Industrial Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
An M, Liu Y, Zhang M, Hu K, Jin Y, Xu S, Wang H, Lu M. Targeted next-generation sequencing panel screening of 668 Chinese patients with non-obstructive azoospermia. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1997-2005. [PMID: 33728612 PMCID: PMC8417191 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02154-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed (1) to determine the molecular diagnosis rate and the recurrent causative genes of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel screening and (2) to discuss whether these genes help in the prognosis for microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). METHODS We used NGS panels to screen 668 Chinese men with NOA. Micro-TESE outcomes for six patients with pathogenic mutations were followed up. Functional assays were performed for two NR5A1 variants identified: p.I224V and p.R281C. RESULTS Targeted NGS panel sequencing could explain 4/189 (2.1% by panel 1) or 10/479 (2.1% by panel 2) of the patients with NOA after exclusion of karyotype abnormalities and Y chromosome microdeletions. Almost all mutations detected were newly described except for NR5A1 p.R281C and TEX11 p.M156V. Two missense NR5A1 mutations-p.R281C and p.I244V-were proved to be deleterious by in vitro functional assays. Mutations in TEX11, TEX14, and NR5A1 genes are recurrent causes of NOA, but each gene explains only a very small percentage (less than 4/668; 0.6%). Only the patient with NR5A1 mutations produced viable spermatozoa through micro-TESE, but other patients with TEX11 and TEX14 had poor micro-TESE prognoses. CONCLUSIONS A targeted NGS panel is a feasible diagnostic method for patients with NOA. Because each gene implicated explains only a small proportion of such cases, more genes should be included to further increase the diagnostic rate. Considering previous reports, we suggest that only a few genes that are directly linked to meiosis can indicate poor micro-TESE prognosis, such as TEX11, TEX14, and SYCE1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao An
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yidong Liu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Hu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiran Xu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongxiang Wang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Mujun Lu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bellil H, Ghieh F, Hermel E, Mandon-Pepin B, Vialard F. Human testis-expressed (TEX) genes: a review focused on spermatogenesis and male fertility. Basic Clin Androl 2021; 31:9. [PMID: 33882832 PMCID: PMC8061069 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-021-00127-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process regulated by a multitude of genes. The identification and characterization of male-germ-cell-specific genes is crucial to understanding the mechanisms through which the cells develop. The term “TEX gene” was coined by Wang et al. (Nat Genet. 2001; 27: 422–6) after they used cDNA suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) to identify new transcripts that were present only in purified mouse spermatogonia. TEX (Testis expressed) orthologues have been found in other vertebrates (mammals, birds, and reptiles), invertebrates, and yeasts. To date, 69 TEX genes have been described in different species and different tissues. To evaluate the expression of each TEX/tex gene, we compiled data from 7 different RNA-Seq mRNA databases in humans, and 4 in the mouse according to the expression atlas database. Various studies have highlighted a role for many of these genes in spermatogenesis. Here, we review current knowledge on the TEX genes and their roles in spermatogenesis and fertilization in humans and, comparatively, in other species (notably the mouse). As expected, TEX genes appear to have a major role in reproduction in general and in spermatogenesis in humans but also in all mammals such as the mouse. Most of them are expressed specifically or predominantly in the testis. As most of the TEX genes are highly conserved in mammals, defects in the male (gene mutations in humans and gene-null mice) lead to infertility. In the future, cumulative data on the human TEX genes’ physiological functions and pathophysiological dysfunctions should become available and is likely to confirm the essential role of this family in the reproductive process. Thirteen TEX genes are now referenced in the OMIM database, and 3 have been linked to a specific phenotype. TEX11 (on Xq13.1) is currently the gene most frequently reported as being associated with azoospermia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hela Bellil
- Département de Génétique, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, Poissy, France
| | - Farah Ghieh
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Emeline Hermel
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Béatrice Mandon-Pepin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - François Vialard
- Département de Génétique, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, Poissy, France. .,Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France. .,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Azoospermia affects 1% of men, and it can be due to: (i) hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, (ii) primary quantitative spermatogenic disturbances, (iii) urogenital duct obstruction. Known genetic factors contribute to all these categories, and genetic testing is part of the routine diagnostic workup of azoospermic men. The diagnostic yield of genetic tests in azoospermia is different in the different etiological categories, with the highest in Congenital Bilateral Absence of Vas Deferens (90%) and the lowest in Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) due to primary testicular failure (~30%). Whole-Exome Sequencing allowed the discovery of an increasing number of monogenic defects of NOA with a current list of 38 candidate genes. These genes are of potential clinical relevance for future gene panel-based screening. We classified these genes according to the associated-testicular histology underlying the NOA phenotype. The validation and the discovery of novel NOA genes will radically improve patient management. Interestingly, approximately 37% of candidate genes are shared in human male and female gonadal failure, implying that genetic counselling should be extended also to female family members of NOA patients.
Collapse
|
27
|
Okutman O, Tarabeux J, Muller J, Viville S. Evaluation of a Custom Design Gene Panel as a Diagnostic Tool for Human Non-Syndromic Infertility. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12030410. [PMID: 33809228 PMCID: PMC7999157 DOI: 10.3390/genes12030410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a global healthcare problem, which affects men and women equally. With the advance of genome-wide analysis, an increasing list of human genes involved in infertility is now available. In order to evaluate the diagnostic interest to analyze these genes, we have designed a gene panel allowing the analysis of 51 genes involved in non-syndromic human infertility. In this initial evaluation study, a cohort of 94 non-syndromic infertility cases with a well-defined infertility phenotype was examined. Five patients with previously known mutations were used as positive controls. With a mean coverage of 457×, and 99.8% of target bases successfully sequenced with a depth coverage over 30×, we prove the robustness and the quality of our panel. In total, we identified pathogenic or likely pathogenic variations in eight patients (five male and three female). With a diagnostic yield of 8.5% and the identification of a variety of variants including substitution, insertion, deletion, and copy number variations, our results demonstrate the usefulness of such a strategy, as well as the efficiency and the quality of this diagnostic gene panel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Okutman
- IPPTS, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
- Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique UF de génétique de l’infertilité, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Julien Tarabeux
- Laboratoires de Diagnostic Génétique, UF de Génétique Moléculaire, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (J.T.); (J.M.)
| | - Jean Muller
- Laboratoires de Diagnostic Génétique, UF de Génétique Moléculaire, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (J.T.); (J.M.)
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale, INSERM, UMRS_1112, Institut de Génétique Médicale d’Alsace (IGMA), Université de Strasbourg Faculté de Médecine de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Unité Fonctionnelle de Bioinformatique Médicale Appliquée au Diagnostic (UF7363), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Stéphane Viville
- IPPTS, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
- Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique UF de génétique de l’infertilité, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
Male infertility is a common and complex disease, manifesting as a wide range of phenotypes, ranging from apparently normal semen parameters with an inexplicable inability to conceive, to the complete absence of sperm production. The diversity of male infertility phenotypes, coupled with the extreme complexity of spermatogenesis has significantly confounded the identification of the underlying genetic causes for these conditions, though incremental progress has been made, particularly in the past decade. In this review, we discuss the progress that has been made to date, tools and resources that have proven effective in accelerating discovery of novel genetic markers for male infertility, and areas in which we see the greatest potential for advancing the field in the coming years. These include the development and use of robust phenotyping tools, the continued development of in vitro and animal models for variant validation, increased utilization and refinement of whole genome approaches for discovery, and further expansion of consortia that assemble groups of clinicians and basic researchers with the unified goal of disentangling the complex genetic architecture of male infertility. As these resources mature, and funding agencies increasingly recognize the importance of these efforts for improving human health, the discovery of novel genetic markers for male infertility will certainly continue to accelerate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Salas-Huetos
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wu X, Lin D, Sun F, Cheng CY. Male Infertility in Humans: An Update on Non-obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) and Obstructive Azoospermia (OA). Adv Exp Med Biol 2021; 1288:161-173. [PMID: 34453736 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and obstructive azoospermia (OA) are two common causes of infertility that affect a considerable number of men. However, few studies were performed to understand the molecular etiology of these disorders. Studies based on bioinformatics and genetic analyses in recent years, however, have yielded insightful information and have identified a number of genes that are involved in these disorders. In this review, we briefly summarize and evaluate these findings. We also discuss findings based on epigenetic modifications of sperm DNAs that affect a number of genes pertinent to NOA and OA. The information summarized in this Chapter should be helpful to investigators in future functional studies of NOA and OA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dengfeng Lin
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cannarella R, Condorelli RA, Paolacci S, Barbagallo F, Guerri G, Bertelli M, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Next-generation sequencing: toward an increase in the diagnostic yield in patients with apparently idiopathic spermatogenic failure. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:24-29. [PMID: 32655042 PMCID: PMC7831827 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_25_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A large proportion of patients with idiopathic spermatogenic failure (SPGF; oligozoospermia or nonobstructive azoospermia [NOA]) do not receive a diagnosis despite an extensive diagnostic workup. Recent evidence has shown that the etiology remains undefined in up to 75% of these patients. A number of genes involved in germ-cell proliferation, spermatocyte meiotic divisions, and spermatid development have been called into play in the pathogenesis of idiopathic oligozoospermia or NOA. However, this evidence mainly comes from case reports. Therefore, this study was undertaken to identify the molecular causes of SPGF. To accomplish this, 15 genes (USP9Y, NR5A1, KLHL10, ZMYND15, PLK4, TEX15, TEX11, MEIOB, SOHLH1, HSF2, SYCP3, TAF4B, NANOS1, SYCE1, and RHOXF2) involved in idiopathic SPGF were simultaneously analyzed in a cohort of 25 patients with idiopathic oligozoospermia or NOA, accurately selected after a thorough diagnostic workup. After next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis, we identified the presence of rare variants in the NR5A1 and TEX11 genes with a pathogenic role in 3/25 (12.0%) patients. Seventeen other different variants were identified, and among them, 13 have never been reported before. Eleven out of 17 variants were likely pathogenic and deserve functional or segregation studies. The genes most frequently mutated were MEIOB, followed by USP9Y, KLHL10, NR5A1, and SOHLH1. No alterations were found in the SYCP3, TAF4B, NANOS1, SYCE1, or RHOXF2 genes. In conclusion, NGS technology, by screening a specific custom-made panel of genes, could help increase the diagnostic rate in patients with idiopathic oligozoospermia or NOA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | | | - Federica Barbagallo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | | | | | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Identifying the genes causing male infertility is important to increase our biological understanding as well as the diagnostic yield and clinical relevance of genetic testing in this disorder. While significant progress has been made in some areas, mainly in our knowledge of the genes underlying rare qualitative sperm defects, the same cannot be said for the genetics of quantitative sperm defects. Technological advances and approaches in genomics are critical for the process of disease gene identification. In this review we highlight the impact of various technological developments on male infertility gene discovery as well as functional validation, going from the past to the present and the future. In particular, we draw attention to the use of unbiased genomics approaches, the development of increasingly relevant functional assays and the importance of large-scale international collaboration to advance disease gene identification in male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Xavier
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - A Salas-Huetos
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - M S Oud
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - K I Aston
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
| | - J A Veltman
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Li L, Yang R, Yin C, Kee K. Studying human reproductive biology through single-cell analysis and in vitro differentiation of stem cells into germ cell-like cells. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:670-688. [PMID: 32464645 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of human reproductive development has been limited by the scarcity of human samples and ethical constraints. Recently, in vitro differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into germ cells and single-cell analyses have opened new avenues to directly study human germ cells and identify unique mechanisms in human reproductive development. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The goal of this review is to collate novel findings and insightful discoveries with these new methodologies, aiming at introducing researchers and clinicians to the use of these tools to study human reproductive biology and develop treatments for infertility. SEARCH METHODS PubMed was used to search articles and reviews with the following main keywords: in vitro differentiation, human stem cells, single-cell analysis, spermatogenesis, oogenesis, germ cells and other key terms related to these subjects. The search period included all publications from 2000 until now. OUTCOMES Single-cell analyses of human gonads have identified many important gene markers at different developmental stages and in subpopulations of cells. To validate the functional roles of these gene markers, researchers have used the in vitro differentiation of human pluripotent cells into germ cells and confirmed that some genetic requirements are unique in human germ cells and are not conserved in mouse models. Moreover, transcriptional regulatory networks and the interaction of germ and somatic cells in gonads were elucidated in these studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Single-cell analyses allow researchers to identify gene markers and potential regulatory networks using limited clinical samples. On the other hand, in vitro differentiation methods provide clinical researchers with tools to examine these newly identify gene markers and study the causative effects of mutations previously associated with infertility. Combining these two methodologies, researchers can identify gene markers and networks which are essential and unique in human reproductive development, thereby producing more accurate diagnostic tools for assessing reproductive disorders and developing treatments for infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chaoyang, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Risako Yang
- Department of Biology, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY 13346, USA
| | - Chenghong Yin
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chaoyang, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Kehkooi Kee
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Özman O, Bakırcıoğlu ME. Clinical impact of parental consanguineous marriage in idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia. F S Rep 2020; 1:209-212. [PMID: 34223246 PMCID: PMC8244382 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2020.07.002] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of parental consanguineous marriages (PCMs) in men with diagnosed idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia (INOA) and to compare clinical and pathological parameters between azoospermic men with and without PCM. DESIGN Retrospective. SETTING A private clinic. PATIENTS Two hundred forty-six men with INOA. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 with PCM and group 2 without PCM. Clinical parameters, surgical sperm retrieval rates, and pathological findings were compared between the groups. INTERVENTIONS Surgical sperm retrieval. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES PCM and clinical parameters. RESULTS Among the 246 patients with INOA, 81 had PCM. Men with PCM had lower follicle-stimulating hormone (13.7 vs. 21.9 mIU/mL), higher testosterone (3.8 vs. 3.4 ng/mL), and larger testes (14.1 vs. 11.8 mL). In parallel with the clinical findings, the most common pathological pattern in men with PCM was maturation arrest. However, there was no difference in surgical sperm retrieval rate between men with (23.4%) and without (32.1%) PCM. CONCLUSIONS Our data showed that PCM was present for 33% of men with INOA. The clinical parameters of men with PCM and INOA were significantly different than those without PCM, primarily demonstrating maturation arrest in testicular pathology. Further genetic research in families who have infertile male siblings may elucidate underlying rare genetic abnormalities in spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oktay Özman
- Health Sciences University, Gaziosmanpaşa Education and Research Hospital, Urology Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Nam Y, Kang KM, Sung SR, Park JE, Shin YJ, Song SH, Seo JT, Yoon TK, Shim SH. The association of stromal antigen 3 (STAG3) sequence variations with spermatogenic impairment in the male Korean population. Asian J Androl 2020; 22:106-111. [PMID: 31115363 PMCID: PMC6958972 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_28_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The stromal antigen 3 (STAG3) gene, encoding a meiosis-specific cohesin component, is a strong candidate for causing male infertility, but little is known about this gene so far. We identified STAG3 in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) and normozoospermia in the Korean population. The coding regions and their intron boundaries of STAG3 were identified in 120 Korean men with spermatogenic impairments and 245 normal controls by using direct sequencing and haplotype analysis. A total of 30 sequence variations were identified in this study. Of the total, seven were exonic variants, 18 were intronic variants, one was in the 5’-UTR, and four were in the 3’-UTR. Pathogenic variations that directly caused NOA were not identified. However, two variants, c.3669+35C>G (rs1727130) and +198A>T (rs1052482), showed significant differences in the frequency between the patient and control groups (P = 0.021, odds ratio [OR]: 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.098–2.918) and were tightly linked in the linkage disequilibrium (LD) block. When pmir-rs1052482A was cotransfected with miR-3162-5p, there was a substantial decrease in luciferase activity, compared with pmir-rs1052482T. This result suggests that rs1052482 was located within a binding site of miR-3162-5p in the STAG3 3’-UTR, and the minor allele, the rs1052482T polymorphism, might offset inhibition by miR-3162-5p. We are the first to identify a total of 30 single-nucleotide variations (SNVs) of STAG3 gene in the Korean population. We found that two SNVs (rs1727130 and rs1052482) located in the 3’-UTR region may be associated with the NOA phenotype. Our findings contribute to understanding male infertility with spermatogenic impairment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeojung Nam
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea
| | - Kyung Min Kang
- Genetics Laboratory, Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul 06135, Korea
| | - Se Ra Sung
- Genetics Laboratory, Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul 06135, Korea
| | - Ji Eun Park
- Genetics Laboratory, Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul 06135, Korea
| | - Yun-Jeong Shin
- Genetics Laboratory, Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul 06135, Korea
| | - Seung Hun Song
- Department of Urology, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul 06135, Korea
| | - Ju Tae Seo
- Department of Urology, Cheil General Hospital, Seoul 04619, Korea
| | - Tae Ki Yoon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, Seoul 04637, Korea
| | - Sung Han Shim
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea.,Genetics Laboratory, Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul 06135, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Salas-Huetos A, Tüttelmann F, Wyrwoll MJ, Kliesch S, Lopes AM, Goncalves J, Boyden SE, Wöste M, Hotaling JM, Nagirnaja L, Conrad DF, Carrell DT, Aston KI. Disruption of human meiotic telomere complex genes TERB1, TERB2 and MAJIN in men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Hum Genet 2020; 140:217-227. [PMID: 33211200 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02236-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), the lack of spermatozoa in semen due to impaired spermatogenesis affects nearly 1% of men. In about half of cases, an underlying cause for NOA cannot be identified. This study aimed to identify novel variants associated with idiopathic NOA. We identified a nonconsanguineous family in which multiple sons displayed the NOA phenotype. We performed whole-exome sequencing in three affected brothers with NOA, their two unaffected brothers and their father, and identified compound heterozygous frameshift variants (one novel and one extremely rare) in Telomere Repeat Binding Bouquet Formation Protein 2 (TERB2) that segregated perfectly with NOA. TERB2 interacts with TERB1 and Membrane Anchored Junction Protein (MAJIN) to form the tripartite meiotic telomere complex (MTC), which has been shown in mouse models to be necessary for the completion of meiosis and both male and female fertility. Given our novel findings of TERB2 variants in NOA men, along with the integral role of the three MTC proteins in spermatogenesis, we subsequently explored exome sequence data from 1495 NOA men to investigate the role of MTC gene variants in spermatogenic impairment. Remarkably, we identified two NOA patients with likely damaging rare homozygous stop and missense variants in TERB1 and one NOA patient with a rare homozygous missense variant in MAJIN. Available testis histology data from three of the NOA patients indicate germ cell maturation arrest, consistent with mouse phenotypes. These findings suggest that variants in MTC genes may be an important cause of NOA in both consanguineous and outbred populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Salas-Huetos
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Margot J Wyrwoll
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany.,Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexandra M Lopes
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IPATIMUP-Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Goncalves
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016, Lisbon, Portugal.,ToxOmics-Centro de Toxicogenómica e Saúde Humana, Nova Medical School, 1169-056, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Steven E Boyden
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.,Utah Center for Genetic Discovery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Marius Wöste
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, 48149, Munster, Germany
| | - James M Hotaling
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | | | - Liina Nagirnaja
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Donald F Conrad
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA.,Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Douglas T Carrell
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Capalbo A, Poli M, Riera-Escamilla A, Shukla V, Kudo Høffding M, Krausz C, Hoffmann ER, Simon C. Preconception genome medicine: current state and future perspectives to improve infertility diagnosis and reproductive and health outcomes based on individual genomic data. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:254-279. [PMID: 33197264 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our genetic code is now readable, writable and hackable. The recent escalation of genome-wide sequencing (GS) applications in population diagnostics will not only enable the assessment of risks of transmitting well-defined monogenic disorders at preconceptional stages (i.e. carrier screening), but also facilitate identification of multifactorial genetic predispositions to sub-lethal pathologies, including those affecting reproductive fitness. Through GS, the acquisition and curation of reproductive-related findings will warrant the expansion of genetic assessment to new areas of genomic prediction of reproductive phenotypes, pharmacogenomics and molecular embryology, further boosting our knowledge and therapeutic tools for treating infertility and improving women's health. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In this article, we review current knowledge and potential development of preconception genome analysis aimed at detecting reproductive and individual health risks (recessive genetic disease and medically actionable secondary findings) as well as anticipating specific reproductive outcomes, particularly in the context of IVF. The extension of reproductive genetic risk assessment to the general population and IVF couples will lead to the identification of couples who carry recessive mutations, as well as sub-lethal conditions prior to conception. This approach will provide increased reproductive autonomy to couples, particularly in those cases where preimplantation genetic testing is an available option to avoid the transmission of undesirable conditions. In addition, GS on prospective infertility patients will enable genome-wide association studies specific for infertility phenotypes such as predisposition to premature ovarian failure, increased risk of aneuploidies, complete oocyte immaturity or blastocyst development failure, thus empowering the development of true reproductive precision medicine. SEARCH METHODS Searches of the literature on PubMed Central included combinations of the following MeSH terms: human, genetics, genomics, variants, male, female, fertility, next generation sequencing, genome exome sequencing, expanded carrier screening, secondary findings, pharmacogenomics, controlled ovarian stimulation, preconception, genetics, genome-wide association studies, GWAS. OUTCOMES Through PubMed Central queries, we identified a total of 1409 articles. The full list of articles was assessed for date of publication, limiting the search to studies published within the last 15 years (2004 onwards due to escalating research output of next-generation sequencing studies from that date). The remaining articles' titles were assessed for pertinence to the topic, leaving a total of 644 articles. The use of preconception GS has the potential to identify inheritable genetic conditions concealed in the genome of around 4% of couples looking to conceive. Genomic information during reproductive age will also be useful to anticipate late-onset medically actionable conditions with strong genetic background in around 2-4% of all individuals. Genetic variants correlated with differential response to pharmaceutical treatment in IVF, and clear genotype-phenotype associations are found for aberrant sperm types, oocyte maturation, fertilization or pre- and post-implantation embryonic development. All currently known capabilities of GS at the preconception stage are reviewed along with persisting and forthcoming barriers for the implementation of precise reproductive medicine. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The expansion of sequencing analysis to additional monogenic and polygenic traits may enable the development of cost-effective preconception tests capable of identifying underlying genetic causes of infertility, which have been defined as 'unexplained' until now, thus leading to the development of a true personalized genomic medicine framework in reproductive health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Capalbo
- Igenomix Italy, Marostica, Italy.,Igenomix Foundation, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Antoni Riera-Escamilla
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vallari Shukla
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DRNF Center for Chromosome Stability, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miya Kudo Høffding
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DRNF Center for Chromosome Stability, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Centre of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eva R Hoffmann
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DRNF Center for Chromosome Stability, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carlos Simon
- Igenomix Foundation, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology BIDMC, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Jiao SY, Yang YH, Chen SR. Molecular genetics of infertility: loss-of-function mutations in humans and corresponding knockout/mutated mice. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:154-189. [PMID: 33118031 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [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: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a major issue in human reproductive health, affecting an estimated 15% of couples worldwide. Infertility can result from disorders of sex development (DSD) or from reproductive endocrine disorders (REDs) with onset in infancy, early childhood or adolescence. Male infertility, accounting for roughly half of all infertility cases, generally manifests as decreased sperm count (azoospermia or oligozoospermia), attenuated sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) or a higher proportion of morphologically abnormal sperm (teratozoospermia). Female infertility can be divided into several classical types, including, but not limited to, oocyte maturation arrest, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest. An estimated one half of infertility cases have a genetic component; however, most genetic causes of human infertility are currently uncharacterized. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has greatly facilitated the identification of infertility-associated gene mutations in patients over the past 20 years. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to conduct a narrative review of the genetic causes of human infertility. Loss-of-function mutation discoveries related to human infertility are summarized and further illustrated in tables. Corresponding knockout/mutated animal models of causative genes for infertility are also introduced. SEARCH METHODS A search of the PubMed database was performed to identify relevant studies published in English. The term 'mutation' was combined with a range of search terms related to the core focus of the review: infertility, DSD, REDs, azoospermia or oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF), primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS), globozoospermia, teratozoospermia, acrosome, oocyte maturation arrest, POI, zona pellucida, fertilization defects and early embryonic arrest. OUTCOMES Our search generated ∼2000 records. Overall, 350 articles were included in the final review. For genetic investigation of human infertility, the traditional candidate gene approach is proceeding slowly, whereas high-throughput sequencing technologies in larger cohorts of individuals is identifying an increasing number of causative genes linked to human infertility. This review provides a wide panel of gene mutations in several typical forms of human infertility, including DSD, REDs, male infertility (oligozoospermia, MMAF, PCD, ASS and globozoospermia) and female infertility (oocyte maturation arrest, POI, fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest). The causative genes, their identified mutations, mutation rate, studied population and their corresponding knockout/mutated mice of non-obstructive azoospermia, MMAF, ASS, globozoospermia, oocyte maturation arrest, POI, fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest are further illustrated by tables. In this review, we suggest that (i) our current knowledge of infertility is largely obtained from knockout mouse models; (ii) larger cohorts of clinical cases with distinct clinical characteristics need to be recruited in future studies; (iii) the whole picture of genetic causes of human infertility relies on both the identification of more mutations for distinct types of infertility and the integration of known mutation information; (iv) knockout/mutated animal models are needed to show whether the phenotypes of genetically altered animals are consistent with findings in human infertile patients carrying a deleterious mutation of the homologous gene; and (v) the molecular mechanisms underlying human infertility caused by pathogenic mutations are largely unclear in most current studies. WILDER IMPLICATIONS It is important to use our current understanding to identify avenues and priorities for future research in the field of genetic causes of infertility as well as to apply mutation knowledge to risk prediction, genetic diagnosis and potential treatment for human infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ya Jiao
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Hong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Yao C, Yang C, Zhao L, Li P, Tian R, Chen H, Guo Y, Huang Y, Zhi E, Zhai J, Sun H, Zhang J, Hong Y, Zhang L, Ji Z, Zhang F, Zhou Z, Li Z. Bi-allelic SHOC1 loss-of-function mutations cause meiotic arrest and non-obstructive azoospermia. J Med Genet 2020; 58:679-686. [PMID: 32900840 PMCID: PMC8479749 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2020-107042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Background The genetic causes of human idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) with meiotic arrest remain unclear. Methods Two Chinese families with infertility participated in the study. In family 1, two brothers were affected by idiopathic NOA. In family 2, the proband was diagnosed with idiopathic NOA, and his elder sister suffered from infertility. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was conducted in the two patients in family 1, the proband in family 2 and 362 additional sporadic patients with idiopathic NOA. Sanger sequencing was used to verify the WES results. Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and meiotic chromosomal spread analyses were carried out to evaluate the stage of spermatogenesis arrested in the affected cases. Results We identified compound heterozygous loss of function (LoF) variants of SHOC1 (c.C1582T:p.R528X and c.231_232del:p.L78Sfs*9, respectively) in both affected cases with NOA from family 1. In family 2, homozygous LoF variant in SHOC1 (c.1194delA:p.L400Cfs*7) was identified in the siblings with infertility. PAS, IHC and meiotic chromosomal spread analyses demonstrated that the spermatogenesis was arrested at zygotene stage in the three patients with NOA. Consistent with the autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, all of these SHOC1 variants were inherited from heterozygous parental carriers. Intriguingly, WES of 362 sporadic NOA cases revealed one additional NOA case with a bi-allelic SHOC1 LoF variant (c.1464delT:p.D489Tfs*13). Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report identifying SHOC1 as the causative gene for human NOA. Furthermore, our study showed an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance in the NOA caused by SHOC1 deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruhui Tian
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huixing Chen
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Guo
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhai
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongfang Sun
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianxiong Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Hong
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyong Ji
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China .,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Department of ART, Institute of Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Schöpp T, Zoch A, Berrens RV, Auchynnikava T, Kabayama Y, Vasiliauskaitė L, Rappsilber J, Allshire RC, O’Carroll D. TEX15 is an essential executor of MIWI2-directed transposon DNA methylation and silencing. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3739. [PMID: 32719317 PMCID: PMC7385494 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17372-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The PIWI protein MIWI2 and its associated PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) instruct DNA methylation of young active transposable elements (TEs) in the male germline. piRNAs are proposed to recruit MIWI2 to the transcriptionally active TE loci by base pairing to nascent transcripts, however the downstream mechanisms and effector proteins utilized by MIWI2 in directing de novo TE methylation remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that MIWI2 associates with TEX15 in foetal gonocytes. TEX15 is predominantly a nuclear protein that is not required for piRNA biogenesis but is essential for piRNA-directed TE de novo methylation and silencing. In summary, TEX15 is an essential executor of mammalian piRNA-directed DNA methylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Schöpp
- 0000 0004 1936 7988grid.4305.2Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU UK ,0000 0004 1936 7988grid.4305.2Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK
| | - Ansgar Zoch
- 0000 0004 1936 7988grid.4305.2Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU UK ,0000 0004 1936 7988grid.4305.2Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK
| | - Rebecca V. Berrens
- 0000000121885934grid.5335.0Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE UK
| | - Tania Auchynnikava
- 0000 0004 1936 7988grid.4305.2Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK
| | - Yuka Kabayama
- 0000 0004 1936 7988grid.4305.2Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU UK ,0000 0004 1936 7988grid.4305.2Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK
| | - Lina Vasiliauskaitė
- 0000 0004 1936 7988grid.4305.2Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU UK
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- 0000 0004 1936 7988grid.4305.2Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK ,0000 0001 2292 8254grid.6734.6Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robin C. Allshire
- 0000 0004 1936 7988grid.4305.2Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK
| | - Dónal O’Carroll
- 0000 0004 1936 7988grid.4305.2Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU UK ,0000 0004 1936 7988grid.4305.2Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kuroda S, Usui K, Sanjo H, Takeshima T, Kawahara T, Uemura H, Yumura Y. Genetic disorders and male infertility. Reprod Med Biol 2020; 19:314-322. [PMID: 33071633 PMCID: PMC7542010 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background At present, one out of six couples is infertile, and in 50% of cases, infertility is attributed to male infertility factors. Genetic abnormalities are found in 10%-20% of patients showing severe spermatogenesis disorders, including non-obstructive azoospermia. Methods Literatures covering the relationship between male infertility and genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities were studied and summarized. Main findings Results Genetic disorders, including Klinefelter syndrome, balanced reciprocal translocation, Robertsonian translocation, structural abnormalities in Y chromosome, XX male, azoospermic factor (AZF) deletions, and congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens were summarized and discussed from a practical point of view. Among them, understanding on AZF deletions significantly changed owing to advanced elucidation of their pathogenesis. Due to its technical progress, AZF deletion test can reveal their delicate variations and predict the condition of spermatogenesis. Thirty-nine candidate genes possibly responsible for azoospermia have been identified in the last 10 years owing to the advances in genome sequencing technologies. Conclusion Genetic testing for chromosomes and AZF deletions should be examined in cases of severe oligozoospermia and azoospermia. Genetic counseling should be offered before and after genetic testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shinnosuke Kuroda
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Centre Yokohama City University Medical Centre Kanagawa Japan.,Department of Medical Genetics Yokohama City University Medical Centre Kanagawa Japan
| | - Kimitsugu Usui
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Centre Yokohama City University Medical Centre Kanagawa Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sanjo
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Centre Yokohama City University Medical Centre Kanagawa Japan
| | - Teppei Takeshima
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Centre Yokohama City University Medical Centre Kanagawa Japan
| | - Takashi Kawahara
- Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation Yokohama City University Medical Centre Kanagawa Japan
| | - Hiroji Uemura
- Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation Yokohama City University Medical Centre Kanagawa Japan
| | - Yasushi Yumura
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Centre Yokohama City University Medical Centre Kanagawa Japan
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Arafat M, Harlev A, Har-Vardi I, Levitas E, Priel T, Gershoni M, Searby C, Sheffield VC, Lunenfeld E, Parvari R. Mutation in CATIP (C2orf62) causes oligoteratoasthenozoospermia by affecting actin dynamics. J Med Genet 2020; 58:jmedgenet-2019-106825. [PMID: 32503832 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oligoteratoasthenozoospermia (OTA) combines deteriorated quantity, morphology and motility of the sperm, resulting in male factor infertility. METHODS We used whole genome genotyping and exome sequencing to identify the mutation causing OTA in four men in a consanguineous Bedouin family. We expressed the normal and mutated proteins tagged with c-Myc at the carboxy termini by transfection with pCDNA3.1 plasmid constructs to evaluate the effects on protein stability in HEK293 cells and on the kinetics of actin repolymerisation in retinal pigment epithelium cells. Patients' sperm samples were visualised by transmission electron microscopy to determine axoneme structures and were stained with fluorescent phalloidin to visualise the fibrillar (F)-actin. RESULTS A homozygous missense mutation in Ciliogenesis Associated TTC17 Interacting Protein (CATIP): c. T103A, p. Phe35Ile, a gene encoding a protein important in actin organisation and ciliogenesis, was identified as the causative mutation with a LOD score of 3.25. The mutation reduces the protein stability compared with the normal protein. Furthermore, overexpression of the normal protein, but not the mutated protein, inhibits repolymerisation of actin after disruption with cytochalasin D. A high percentage of spermatozoa axonemes from patients have abnormalities, as well as disturbances in the distribution of F-actin. CONCLUSION This is the first report of a recessive mutation in CATIP in humans. The identified mutation may contribute to asthenozoospermia by its involvement in actin polymerisation and on the actin cytoskeleton. A mouse knockout homozygote for CATIP was reported to demonstrate male infertility as the sole phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maram Arafat
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Avi Harlev
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Iris Har-Vardi
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Eliahu Levitas
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Tsvia Priel
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Moran Gershoni
- ARO- The Volcani Center, Institute of Animal Science, Rehovot - Faculty of Agriculture Bet Dagan, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Charles Searby
- Department of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Val C Sheffield
- Department of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Eitan Lunenfeld
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Ruti Parvari
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Yang F, Lan Y, Pandey RR, Homolka D, Berger SL, Pillai RS, Bartolomei MS, Wang PJ. TEX15 associates with MILI and silences transposable elements in male germ cells. Genes Dev 2020; 34:745-750. [PMID: 32381626 PMCID: PMC7263141 DOI: 10.1101/gad.335489.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Here, Yang et al. report that TEX15, a testis-specific protein, is required for transposable element (TE) silencing. They show that loss of Tex15 causes TE desilencing with intact piRNA production, and their findings identify TEX15 as a new essential epigenetic regulator that may function as a nuclear effector of MILI to silence TEs by DNA methylation. DNA methylation is a major silencing mechanism of transposable elements (TEs). Here we report that TEX15, a testis-specific protein, is required for TE silencing. TEX15 is expressed in embryonic germ cells and functions during genome-wide epigenetic reprogramming. The Tex15 mutant exhibits DNA hypomethylation in TEs at a level similar to Mili and Dnmt3c but not Miwi2 mutants. TEX15 is associated with MILI in testis. As loss of Tex15 causes TE desilencing with intact piRNA production, our results identify TEX15 as a new essential epigenetic regulator that may function as a nuclear effector of MILI to silence TEs by DNA methylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Yemin Lan
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Radha Raman Pandey
- Department of Molecular Biology, Science III, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - David Homolka
- Department of Molecular Biology, Science III, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Shelley L Berger
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Ramesh S Pillai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Science III, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Marisa S Bartolomei
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - P Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Okutman Ö, Demirel C, Tülek F, Pfister V, Büyük U, Muller J, Charlet-Berguerand N, Viville S. Homozygous Splice Site Mutation in ZP1 Causes Familial Oocyte Maturation Defect. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11040382. [PMID: 32244758 PMCID: PMC7231235 DOI: 10.3390/genes11040382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using hormones to produce large numbers of oocytes. The success of IVF is tightly linked to the availability of mature oocytes. In most cases, about 70% to 80% of the oocytes are mature at the time of retrieval, however, in rare instances, all of them may be immature, implying that they were not able to reach the metaphase II (MII) stage. The failure to obtain any mature oocytes, despite a well conducted ovarian stimulation in repeated cycles is a very rare cause of primary female infertility, for which the underlying suspected genetic factors are still largely unknown. In this study, we present the whole exome sequencing analysis of a consanguineous Turkish family comprising three sisters with a recurrent oocyte maturation defect. Analysis of the data reveals a homozygous splice site mutation (c.1775-3C>A) in the zona pellucida glycoprotein 1 (ZP1) gene. Minigene experiments show that the mutation causes the retention of the intron 11 sequence between exon 11 and exon 12, resulting in a frameshift and the likely production of a truncated protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Okutman
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle (IPPTS), Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
- Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, UF3472-génétique de l’infertilité, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Cem Demirel
- Memorial Atasehir Hospital, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Andrology and Genetics Center, Kucukbakkalkoy mh.Vedat Gunyol cd No:28-30, 34758 Atasehir/Istanbul, Turkey; (C.D.); (F.T.)
| | - Firat Tülek
- Memorial Atasehir Hospital, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Andrology and Genetics Center, Kucukbakkalkoy mh.Vedat Gunyol cd No:28-30, 34758 Atasehir/Istanbul, Turkey; (C.D.); (F.T.)
| | - Veronique Pfister
- Médecine Translationnelle et Neurogénétique, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Institut National de Santé et de Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U964/Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France; (V.P.); (N.C.-B.)
| | - Umut Büyük
- Hibrigen Biotechnology R&D Industry and Trade Ltd. Co.,Tubitak MAM Teknoloji Serbest Bolgesi, Baris SB Mh 5002.sk Yeni Tek. Binasi ABlok 4, A/101 Gebze/Kocaeli, Turkey;
| | - Jean Muller
- Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale, INSERM U1112, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Nicolas Charlet-Berguerand
- Médecine Translationnelle et Neurogénétique, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Institut National de Santé et de Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U964/Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France; (V.P.); (N.C.-B.)
| | - Stéphane Viville
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle (IPPTS), Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
- Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, UF3472-génétique de l’infertilité, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Tu C, Meng L, Nie H, Yuan S, Wang W, Du J, Lu G, Lin G, Tan YQ. A homozygous RPL10L missense mutation associated with male factor infertility and severe oligozoospermia. Fertil Steril 2020; 113:561-568. [PMID: 32111475 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the genetic cause of male factor infertility characterized by severe oligozoospermia. DESIGN Genetic studies. SETTING Medical university. PATIENT(S) Two infertile brothers with severe oligozoospermia in a consanguineous Han Chinese family, 414 additional patients with oligo-/azoospermia, and 223 fertile (control) subjects. INVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Genetic analyses using whole-exome and Sanger sequencing were performed for two brothers with severe oligozoospermia. The effects of an identified candidate causative mutation were investigated in silico and in vitro. Whole-exome sequencing screening for the candidate mutation was conducted in 414 patients with oligo-/azoospermia and 223 fertile subjects. RESULT(S) A homozygous missense variant (NM_080746:c.A257C: p.H86P) in RPL10L was identified in the two affected brothers and shown to cosegregate with the severe oligozoospermia phenotype. The mutation was absent in public databases, including the 1000 Genomes Project and the Exome Aggregation Consortium. All queried databases predicted the mutation to be damaging, consistent with the fact that it decreased protein levels in vitro. Subsequent mutation screening identified three additional heterozygous RPL10L mutations in three of 414 subjects with oligo-/azoospermia, but no RPL10L mutations among 223 fertile subjects. CONCLUSION(S) Our findings implicate RPL10L as a novel candidate gene in the pathogenesis of human male factor infertility and severe oligozoospermia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Shimin Yuan
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China; National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China; National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China; National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Patel DP, Jenkins TG, Aston KI, Guo J, Pastuszak AW, Hanson HA, Hotaling JM. Harnessing the full potential of reproductive genetics and epigenetics for male infertility in the era of "big data". Fertil Steril 2020; 113:478-488. [PMID: 32089255 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of male reproductive impairment has hampered characterization of the underlying genetic causes of male infertility. However, in the last 20 years, more powerful and affordable tools to interrogate the genetic and epigenetic determinants of male infertility have accelerated the number of new discoveries in the characterization of male infertility. With this explosion of new data, integration in a systems-based approach-including complete phenotypic information-to male infertility is imperative. We briefly review the current understanding of genetic and epigenetic causes of male infertility and how findings may be translated into a practical component for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darshan P Patel
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Tim G Jenkins
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Jingtao Guo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Alexander W Pastuszak
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Heidi A Hanson
- Department of Surgery and Population Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - James M Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Cerván-Martín M, Castilla JA, Palomino-Morales RJ, Carmona FD. Genetic Landscape of Nonobstructive Azoospermia and New Perspectives for the Clinic. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020300. [PMID: 31973052 PMCID: PMC7074441 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents the most severe expression of male infertility, involving around 1% of the male population and 10% of infertile men. This condition is characterised by the inability of the testis to produce sperm cells, and it is considered to have an important genetic component. During the last two decades, different genetic anomalies, including microdeletions of the Y chromosome, karyotype defects, and missense mutations in genes involved in the reproductive function, have been described as the primary cause of NOA in many infertile men. However, these alterations only explain around 25% of azoospermic cases, with the remaining patients showing an idiopathic origin. Recent studies clearly suggest that the so-called idiopathic NOA has a complex aetiology with a polygenic inheritance, which may alter the spermatogenic process. Although we are far from a complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying NOA, the use of the new technologies for genetic analysis has enabled a considerable increase in knowledge during the last years. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the genetic basis of NOA, with a special focus on the possible application of the recent insights in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Cerván-Martín
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Av. del Conocimiento, s/n, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
| | - José A. Castilla
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
- Unidad de Reproducción, UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología, HU Virgen de las Nieves, Av. de las Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain
- CEIFER Biobanco—NextClinics, Calle Maestro Bretón 1, 18004 Granada, Spain
| | - Rogelio J. Palomino-Morales
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I, Universidad de Granada, Facultad de Ciencias, Av. de Fuente Nueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - F. David Carmona
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Av. del Conocimiento, s/n, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Av. de Madrid, 15, Pabellón de Consultas Externas 2, 2ª Planta, 18012 Granada, Spain; (J.A.C.); (R.J.P.-M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-958-241-000 (ext 20170)
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Kasak L, Laan M. Monogenic causes of non-obstructive azoospermia: challenges, established knowledge, limitations and perspectives. Hum Genet 2020; 140:135-154. [DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02112-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
48
|
Wen L, Liu Q, Xu J, Liu X, Shi C, Yang Z, Zhang Y, Xu H, Liu J, Yang H, Huang H, Qiao J, Tang F, Chen ZJ. Recent advances in mammalian reproductive biology. Sci China Life Sci 2020; 63:18-58. [PMID: 31813094 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-019-1572-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive biology is a uniquely important topic since it is about germ cells, which are central for transmitting genetic information from generation to generation. In this review, we discuss recent advances in mammalian germ cell development, including preimplantation development, fetal germ cell development and postnatal development of oocytes and sperm. We also discuss the etiologies of female and male infertility and describe the emerging technologies for studying reproductive biology such as gene editing and single-cell technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jingjing Xu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Xixi Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chaoyi Shi
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Zuwei Yang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yili Zhang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Hong Xu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Hui Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Hefeng Huang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Jie Qiao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Third Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, 250021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Araujo TF, Friedrich C, Grangeiro CHP, Martelli LR, Grzesiuk JD, Emich J, Wyrwoll MJ, Kliesch S, Simões AL, Tüttelmann F. Sequence analysis of 37 candidate genes for male infertility: challenges in variant assessment and validating genes. Andrology 2019; 8:434-441. [PMID: 31479588 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The routine genetic analysis for diagnosing male infertility has not changed over the last twenty years, and currently available tests can only determine the etiology of 4% of unselected infertile patients. Thus, to create new diagnostic assays, we must better understand the molecular and genetic mechanisms of male infertility. Although next-generation sequencing allows for simultaneous analysis of hundreds of genes and the discovery of novel candidates related to male infertility, so far only a few gene candidates have enough sound evidence to support the gene-disease relationship. OBJECTIVE Since complementary studies are required to validate genes, we aimed to analyze the presence of potentially pathogenic rare variants in a set of candidate genes related to azoospermia in a hitherto understudied South American population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We performed whole exome sequencing in a group of 16 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia from Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Based on a recent systematic review of monogenic causes of male infertility, we selected a set of 37 genes related to azoospermia, Sertoli-Cell-Only histology, and spermatogenic arrest to analyze. The identified variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing, and their functional consequence was predicted by in silico programs. RESULTS We identified potential pathogenic variants in seven genes in six patients. Two variants, c.671A>G (p.(Asn224Ser)) in DMRT1 and c.91C>T (p.(Arg31Cys)) in REC8, have already been described in association with azoospermia. We also found new variants in genes that already have moderate evidence of being linked to spermatogenic failure (TEX15, KLHL10), in genes with limited evidence (DNMT3B, TEX14) and in one novel promising candidate gene that has no evidence so far (SYCE1L). DISCUSSION Although this study included a small number of patients, the process of rationally selecting genes allowed us to detect rare potentially pathogenic variants, providing supporting evidence for validating candidate genes associated with azoospermia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T F Araujo
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - C Friedrich
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - C H P Grangeiro
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - L R Martelli
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - J D Grzesiuk
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - J Emich
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - M J Wyrwoll
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - S Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - A L Simões
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - F Tüttelmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Liang QX, Wang ZB, Lei WL, Lin F, Qiao JY, Filhol-Cochet O, Boldyreff B, Schatten H, Sun QY, Qian WP. Deletion of Ck2β gene causes germ cell development arrest and azoospermia in male mice. Cell Prolif 2019; 53:e12726. [PMID: 31755150 PMCID: PMC6985669 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives In humans, non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a major cause of male infertility. However, the aetiology of NOA is largely unknown. Previous studies reported that protein CK2β was abundantly and broadly expressed in spermatogenic cells. Here, we investigate whether protein CK2β participates in spermatogenesis. Materials and Methods In this study, we separated spermatogenic cells using STA‐PUT velocity sedimentation, analysed the expression pattern of protein CK2β by immunoblotting, specifically deleted Ck2β gene in early‐stage spermatogenic cells by crossing Ck2βfl mice with Stra8‐Cre+ mice and validated the knockout efficiency by quantitative RT‐PCR and immunoblotting. The phenotypes of Ck2βfl/Δ;SCre+ mice were studied by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The molecular mechanisms of male germ cell development arrest were elucidated by immunoblotting and TUNEL assay. Results Ablation of Ck2β gene triggered excessive germ cell apoptosis, germ cell development arrest, azoospermia and male infertility. Inactivation of Ck2β gene caused distinctly reduced expression of Ck2α′ gene and CK2α′ protein. Conclusions Ck2β is a vital gene for germ cell survival and male fertility in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Xia Liang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Long Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing-Yi Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Odile Filhol-Cochet
- INSERM U1036, Institute de Recherches en Technologies et Sciences pour le Vivant/Biologie du Cancer et de l'Infection, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Ping Qian
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|