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Liao C, Peng TW, Li XM, Chen ZC, Wang MY, Ye X, Lan Y, Fu X, An G. Identification of ferroptotic genes and phenotypes in idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2023; 69:410-422. [PMID: 37782778 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2023.2257352] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Effective treatments for nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), which affects 1% of all men globally, are limited by undefined pathogenic mechanisms, especially in idiopathic NOA (iNOA). Here, we tried to identify the functional ferroptosis-related genes and phenotypes involved in iNOA. Differentially expressed ferroptotic genes were identified from iNOA mRNA microarray datasets by bioinformatic analyses, and these ferroptotic genes were subsequently filtered by various algorithms. Then, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the diagnostic ability of the abovementioned genes for iNOA. Generally, 11 differentially expressed ferroptotic genes were downregulated, and five genes were upregulated in iNOA samples. Four genes, including DUSP1, GPX4, HSD17B11, and SLC2A8, were technically selected and determined to be potential biomarkers for iNOA. Subsequently, similar expression levels were validated at both the RNA and protein levels in the iNOA specimens. Finally, morphologic and biochemical assays were applied to define the ferroptotic phenotypes in testes. The ferroptotic features, like shrunken mitochondria with electron-dense membranes and a reduction in cristae were observed across various cell types within iNOA patients, accompanied by the overload of ferrous ions and increased lipid peroxidation production. Our findings demonstrated that these ferroptosis genes could be involved in the underlying pathogenesis mechanisms of iNOA by regulating ferroptosis and serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers. Also, the ferroptotic phenotypes were identified in iNOA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affifiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Tian-Wen Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affifiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Min Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affifiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Cong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affifiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Mu-Ye Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affifiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Xin Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affifiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yu Lan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affifiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xin Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affifiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Geng An
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affifiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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Alagundagi DB, Ghate SD, Shetty P, Gollapalli P, Shetty P, Patil P. Integrated molecular-network analysis reveals infertility-associated key genes and transcription factors in the non-obstructive azoospermia. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 288:183-190. [PMID: 37549510 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.07.023] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a multifactorial reproductive health problem with complex causes. Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is characterized by failure of spermatogenesis, leading to the absence of spermatozoa in ejaculates. The molecular mechanism underlying the NOA is still not well understood. OBJECTIVES This study aims to identify the key genes involved in male infertility that could be a potential biomarker in the diagnosis and prognosis of azoospermia. STUDY DESIGN The microarray expression profiles dataset GSE45885 and GSE45887 were downloaded from the NCBI's Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed for male infertility-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using the GEO2R tool. The common DEGs between the two datasets were combined and their protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using Cytoscape to reveal the hub genes by topology and module analysis. In addition, transcription factors (TFs) and protein kinases regulating the hub genes were identified using the X2K tool. Then, the expression of the hub genes was validated by analyzing the GSE190752 microarray dataset. Further, the PPI network was screened for biological roles and enriched pathways using DAVID software. RESULTS About 256 DEGs associated with NOA were identified and constructed the PPI network to find the infertility-associated proteins. The biological processes linked with these proteins were spermatogenesis, cell differentiation, flagellated sperm motility, and spermatid development. The topology and module analysis of the infertility-associated protein network identified the hub genes TEX38, FAM71F, PRR30, FAM166A, LYZL6, TPPP2, ARMC12, SPACA4, and FAM205A, which were found to be upregulated in the non-obstructive azoospermia. In addition, a total of 23 transcription factors and 3 protein kinases that are regulating these key hub genes were identified. Further these hub genes expression was validated using the microarray data and found that their expression was increased in the testicular biopsies obtained from NOA subjects, compared to healthy individuals. CONCLUSION The identified key genes and its associated transcription factors are known to regulate the infertility-related processes in the non-obstructive azoospermia. Also, the clinical sample-based microarray data validation for the expression of these key hub genes indicates their potentiality to develop them as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhananjay B Alagundagi
- Central Research Laboratory, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Sudeep D Ghate
- Center for Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Prasannakumar Shetty
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justice K S Hegde Charitable Hospital, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Pavan Gollapalli
- Center for Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Praveenkumar Shetty
- Central Research Laboratory, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India; Department of Biochemistry, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Prakash Patil
- Central Research Laboratory, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
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Xia P, Ouyang S, Shen R, Guo Z, Zhang G, Liu X, Yang X, Xie K, Wang D. Macrophage-Related Testicular Inflammation in Individuals with Idiopathic Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: A Single-Cell Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108819. [PMID: 37240164 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108819] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a global issue that seriously affects reproductive health. This study aimed to understand the underlying causes of idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (iNOA), which is a type of male infertility with unknown origins that accounts for 10-15% of cases. By using single-cell analysis techniques, we aimed to uncover the mechanisms of iNOA and gain insight into the cellular and molecular changes in the testicular environment. In this study, we performed bioinformatics analysis using scRNA-seq and microarray data obtained from the GEO database. The analysis included techniques such as pseudotime analysis, cell-cell communication, and hdWGCNA. Our study showed a significant difference between the iNOA and the normal groups, indicating a disorder in the spermatogenic microenvironment in iNOA. We observed a reduction in the proportion of Sertoli cells and blocked germ cell differentiation. Additionally, we found evidence of testicular inflammation related to macrophages and identified ODF2 and CABYR as potential biomarkers for iNOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Xia
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Siwei Ouyang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Rong Shen
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhao Guo
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Guokun Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiangwen Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xuguang Yang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Kun Xie
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Degui Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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Peng F, Muhuitijiang B, Zhou J, Liang H, Zhang Y, Zhou R. An artificial neural network model to diagnose non-obstructive azoospermia based on RNA-binding protein-related genes. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:3120-3140. [PMID: 37116198 PMCID: PMC10188335 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204674] [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: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe form of male infertility, but its pathological mechanisms and diagnostic biomarkers remain obscure. Since the dysregulation of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) had nonnegligible effects on spermatogenesis, we aimed to investigate the functions and diagnosis values of RBPs in NOA. 58 testicular samples (control = 11, NOA = 47) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were set as the training cohort. Three public datasets, containing GSE45885 (control = 4, NOA = 27), GSE45887 (control = 4, NOA = 16), and GSE145467 (control = 10, NOA = 10), and 44 clinical samples from the local hospital (control = 27, NOA = 17) were used for validation. Through a series of bioinformatical analyses and machine learning algorithms, including genomic difference detection, protein-protein interaction network analysis, LASSO, SVM-RFE, and Boruta, DDX20 and NCBP2 were determined as significant predictors of NOA. Single-cell RNA sequencing of 432 testicular cell samples from NOA patients indicated that DDX20 and NCBP2 were associated with spermatogenesis (false discovery rate < 0.05). Based on the transcriptome expressions of DDX20 and NCBP2, we constructed multiple diagnosis models using logistic regression, random forest, and artificial neural network (ANN). The ANN model exhibited the most reliable predictive performance in the training cohort (AUC = 0.840), GSE45885 (AUC = 0.731), GSE45887 (AUC = 0.781), GSE145467 (AUC = 0.850), and local cohort (AUC = 0.623). Totally, an ANN diagnosis model based on RBP DDX20 and NCBP2 was developed and externally validated in NOA, functioning as a promising tool in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Peng
- Department of Urology, Baoan Central Hospital of Shen Zhen, Shenzhen 518102, China
| | - Bahaerguli Muhuitijiang
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Jiawei Zhou
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Haoyu Liang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Urology, Baoan Central Hospital of Shen Zhen, Shenzhen 518102, China
| | - Ranran Zhou
- Department of Urology, Baoan Central Hospital of Shen Zhen, Shenzhen 518102, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
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Sun H, Yang Z, Teng Z, Zhang Y, Han Z, Xu C, Wang Z, Wang H, Wen H, Chen X, Qu C, Wang Y. DDX58 expression promotes inflammation and growth arrest in Sertoli cells by stabilizing p65 mRNA in patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1135753. [PMID: 37033952 PMCID: PMC10073560 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1135753] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cell -only syndrome (SCOS) is a type of testicular pathological failure that causes male infertility and no effective treatment strategy, is available for this condition. Moreover, the molecular mechanism underlying its development remains unknown. We identified DExD/H-Box helicase 58 (DDX58) as a key gene in SCOS based on four datasets of testicular tissue samples obtained from the Gene Expression Synthesis database. DDX58 was significantly upregulated in SCOS testicular Sertoli cells. Moreover, high expression of DDX58 was positively correlated with the expression of several testicular inflammatory factors, such as IL -1β, IL-18, and IL-6. Interestingly, DDX58 could be induced in the D-galactose (D-gal)-stimulated TM4 cell injury model. Whereas silencing of DDX58 inhibited D-gal -mediated p65 expression, inflammatory cytokine release, and growth arrest. Mechanistically, we found that DDX58 acts as an RNA-binding protein, which enhances p65 expression by promoting mRNA stability. Furthermore, p65 gene silencing decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines and inhibition of cell growth in D-gal-induced cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that DDX58 promotes inflammatory responses and growth arrest in SCOS Sertoli cells by stabilizing p65 mRNA. Accordingly, the DDX58/p65 regulatory axis might be a therapeutic target for SCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Sun
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhan Yang
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Talent and Academic Exchange Center, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhihai Teng
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yanping Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhenwei Han
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chao Xu
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhu Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hu Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hongzhuang Wen
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Changbao Qu
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Changbao Qu, ; Yaxuan Wang,
| | - Yaxuan Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Changbao Qu, ; Yaxuan Wang,
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Malcher A, Stokowy T, Berman A, Olszewska M, Jedrzejczak P, Sielski D, Nowakowski A, Rozwadowska N, Yatsenko AN, Kurpisz MK. Whole-genome sequencing identifies new candidate genes for nonobstructive azoospermia. Andrology 2022; 10:1605-1624. [PMID: 36017582 PMCID: PMC9826517 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic causes that lead to spermatogenetic failure in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) have not been yet completely established. OBJECTIVE To identify low-frequency NOA-associated single nucleotide variants (SNVs) using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Men with various types of NOA (n = 39), including samples that had been previously tested with whole-exome sequencing (WES; n = 6) and did not result in diagnostic conclusions. Variants were annotated using the Ensembl Variant Effect Predictor, utilizing frequencies from GnomAD and other databases to provide clinically relevant information (ClinVar), conservation scores (phyloP), and effect predictions (i.e., MutationTaster). Structural protein modeling was also performed. RESULTS Using WGS, we revealed potential NOA-associated SNVs, such as: TKTL1, IGSF1, ZFPM2, VCX3A (novel disease causing variants), ESX1, TEX13A, TEX14, DNAH1, FANCM, QRICH2, FSIP2, USP9Y, PMFBP1, MEI1, PIWIL1, WDR66, ZFX, KCND1, KIAA1210, DHRSX, ZMYM3, FAM47C, FANCB, FAM50B (genes previously known to be associated with infertility) and ALG13, BEND2, BRWD3, DDX53, TAF4, FAM47B, FAM9B, FAM9C, MAGEB6, MAP3K15, RBMXL3, SSX3 and FMR1NB genes, which may be involved in spermatogenesis. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION In this study, we identified novel potential candidate NOA-associated genes in 29 individuals out of 39 azoospermic males. Note that in 5 out of 6 patients subjected previously to WES analysis, which did not disclose potentially causative variants, the WGS analysis was successful with NOA-associated gene findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tomasz Stokowy
- Scientific Computing GroupIT DivisionUniversity of BergenNorway
| | - Andrea Berman
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human GeneticsPolish Academy of SciencesPoznanPoland
| | - Piotr Jedrzejczak
- Division of Infertility and Reproductive EndocrinologyDepartment of GynecologyObstetrics and Gynecological OncologyPoznan University of Medical SciencesPoznanPoland
| | | | - Adam Nowakowski
- Department of Urology and Urologic Oncology in St. Families HospitalPoznanPoland
| | | | - Alexander N. Yatsenko
- Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive SciencesSchool of MedicineUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
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Bai G, Zhai X, Liu L, Cai Z, Xiong J, Li H, Yang B. The molecular characteristics in different procedures of spermatogenesis. Gene 2022; 826:146405. [PMID: 35341953 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146405] [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: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a multistep biological process. In addition to somatic cells, it involves the orderly differentiation of dozens of spermatogenic cells. In this process, the regulatory networks between different spermatogenic cell populations are significantly different. RNA m6A regulators and miRNAs have been found to be closely related to spermatogenesis in recent years, and they are an important part of the above regulatory networks. Understanding gene expression and its rules in different spermatogenic cell populations will help in the in-depth exploration of their detailed roles in spermatogenesis. This study collected a public dataset of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Based on the Johnson score, the testicular samples of NOA were divided into three types, Sertoli-cell only syndrome, meiotic arrest and postmeiotic arrest, which represented the loss of three germ cell populations, including whole spermatogenic cells, postmeiotic spermatogenic cells, and a mixture of late spermatids and spermatozoa, respectively. The aforementioned three types of testis data were compared with normal testis data, and the molecular expression characteristics of the abovementioned three germ cell populations were obtained. Our study showed that different germ cell populations have different active molecules and their pathways. In addition, RNA m6A regulators, including METTL3, IGF2BP2 and PRRC2A, and miRNAs, including hsa-let-7a-2, hsa-let-7f-1, hsa-let-7g, hsa-miR-15a, hsa-miR-197, hsa-miR-21, hsa-miR-30e, hsa-miR-32, hsa-miR-503 and hsa-miR-99a, also presented regulatory roles in almost all germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Bai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiuxia Zhai
- Health Service Department of the Guard Bureau of the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Beijing, China
| | - Linling Liu
- Department of Urology, the 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhonglin Cai
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Jian Xiong
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China.
| | - Hongjun Li
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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Tavalaee M, Rahmani M, Drevet JR, Nasr-Esfahani MH. The NLRP3 inflammasome: molecular activation and regulation in spermatogenesis and male infertility; a systematic review. Basic Clin Androl 2022; 32:8. [PMID: 35637440 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-022-00157-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infertility related to varicocele, infections, metabolic dysfunctions, oxidative stress and environmental toxicants is also associated with inflammatory processes that ultimately lead to the activation of the inflammasome pathway (IP). IP is classically activated by DAMPs, MAMPs or LAMPs, which stand for Damage-, Microbe- or Lifestyle-Associated Molecular Patterns, respectively. The most important player in IP activation is the NLRP3 (NOD[Nuclear oligomerization domain]-, LRR[Leucine rich repeat]- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) which functions as an intracellular sensor of D/M/L-AMPs resulting in activation of caspase-1, promotion of apoptosis, pyroptosis and generation of inflammatory cytokines. This review addresses the question of whether IP activation might be associated with male infertility situations. Results & conclusions We conducted a systematic review of articles published in the Google Scholar, and PubMed databases through October 2021. It turns out that inflammasome activation and its consequences including cytokine storms, apoptosis and pyroptosis could be associated with the reduced sperm count as well as the structural and functional sperm defects recorded in several situations associated with male infertility suggesting that anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies could be possibly considered to restore male fertility in future research.
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Liu H, Zheng H, Li Y, Tang Y, Peng H, Li Q, Zhuang J, Zhou Y, Zhou Y, Tu X, Zhang X. "Seminal testosterone", rising viewpoint of local spermatogenesis in nonobstructive azoospermia: One center long-term bidirectional cohort study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:992556. [PMID: 36568123 PMCID: PMC9772016 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.992556] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Reproductive hormones are a traditional good method to evaluate spermatogenesis but might not accurately represent local spermatogenesis. To find a more accurate method, seminal reproductive hormones were studied. METHODS A bidirectional cohort study was performed. A total of 126 infertile men from 2018 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), oligozoospermia (OLZ) and normal (NOR) groups. A prospective study was conducted on patients in the NOA and OLZ groups for 2 years. Microscopic testicular sperm extraction was performed for NOA patients, who were divided into a focal spermatogenesis group (FS) and an idiopathic azoospermia group (IA). Drug treatment was for OLZ patients, who were divided into a valid group (VA) and an invalid group (IN). The differences in sperm parameters and reproductive hormones were compared. ANOSIM analysis was used between and within groups. Pearson correlation analysis, CO inertia analysis and Proctor's analysis were for relationships. ROC curve for the specificity and sensitivity. Time series analysis was for the trends between hormones and time. RESULTS The b-FSH, b-LH, s-T and ΔT in the NOA group were significantly higher than those in the OLZ and NOR groups. However, the s-FSH, s-E2, s-P, ΔFSH, ΔLH, ΔP and ΔE2 were lower. Thirty-one NOA patients underwent MTSE, of whom 12 had sperm (FS) and 19 had no sperm (IA). The s-FSH and s-E2 of the FS group were higher than those of the IA group. Twenty-six OLZ patients completed 30 days of treatment, of which 11 had an improved sperm count (VA) and 15 had no (IN). The ΔT of the VA group was higher than that of the IN group. After follow-up for 2 years, 18 patients' results showed that b-FSH, b-LH and s-T were different over time, with delays of 19, 3 and -19 days. SC is closely related to pH, s-FSH, s-LH, s-E2, s-P, s-T, b-FSH, b-LH, ΔFSH, ΔLH, ΔP, ΔE2 and ΔT. There were complex common trends and relationships between different kinds of hormones. s-FSH, s-LH, s-E2, s-P, s-T, b-FSH and b-LH were useful to judge spermatogenesis, of which s-T, b-FSH and b-LH were more sensitive. If s-T, b-FSH and b-LH reached 64.4, 9.4 and 4.7, respectively, their prediction performance was the strongest. CONCLUSION Seminal testosterone is sensitive for judging local spermatogenesis in nonobstructive azoospermia patients, which may be the direction of local spermatogenesis in nonobstructive azoospermia. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, identifier ChiCTR2200060463.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang Liu
- Department of Andrology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang’an Tu, ; Xinzong Zhang, ; Huang Liu,
| | - Houbin Zheng
- Department of Andrology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuehua Li
- Department of Andrology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuqian Tang
- Department of Andrology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Peng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianyi Li
- Department of Andrology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaming Zhuang
- Department of Andrology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingyi Zhou
- Department of Andrology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Andrology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang’an Tu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang’an Tu, ; Xinzong Zhang, ; Huang Liu,
| | - Xinzong Zhang
- Department of Andrology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Human Sperm Bank of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang’an Tu, ; Xinzong Zhang, ; Huang Liu,
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10
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Gutiérrez JAB, Cardona Maya WD. In Silico Analysis of Sperm From Ejaculates with Different Semen Characteristics. J Reprod Infertil 2021; 22:210-215. [PMID: 34900641 PMCID: PMC8607880 DOI: 10.18502/jri.v22i3.6721] [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: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Male infertility is associated with altered characteristics of the sperm within the ejaculate. It is possible to find molecular explanations for the observed phenotypes and their consequences. This study aimed to analyze, using a specialized software, a gene set of transcriptomic data from different types of ejaculates. Methods: Data from ejaculate samples categorized as normal, oligospermia, and teratozoospermia were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). After normalization, the data average for each sample category was calculated and analyzed independently using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Results: Five important canonical pathways are involved in normal and altered semen samples (Oligospermia and teratozoospermia) except sirtuin signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction pathways. The five most important biological processes are identified in all semen phenotypes, but the only difference is the genes connected with initiation of RNA transcription in oligospermic and asthenospermic samples. Conclusion: Surprisingly, different types of ejaculates share many pathways and biological processes; sperm proteomics as a new global approach gives clues for the development of strategies to explain the reason for observed phenotypes of ejaculated spermatozoa, their possible effect on fertility, and for implementing research strategies in the context of infertility diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Alfredo Berdugo Gutiérrez
- - Reproduction Group, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical School, University of Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Walter D Cardona Maya
- - Reproduction Group, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical School, University of Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia
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11
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Cao H, Wan Z, Wang F, Liu Z, Li X, Hou J. Downregulation of KIF2C and TEKT2 is associated with male infertility and testicular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:22898-911. [PMID: 34591790 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Genetic factors are important in spermatogenesis and fertility maintenance, and are potentially significant biomarkers for the early detection of infertility. However, further understanding of these biological processes is required. Methods: In the present study, we sought to identify associated genes by reanalyzing separate studies from Gene Expression Omnibus datasets (GSE45885, GSE45887 and GSE9210) and validation datasets (GSE4797, 145467, 108886, 6872). The differential genes were used the limma package in R language. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed by the clusterprofier package. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed by the STRING database. The interaction between mRNA and TF was predicted by miRWalk web. At last, The Cancer Genome Atlas data were used to identify hub gene expression levels in GEPIA web. Results: The results showed that 27 shared genes associated with spermatogenesis. We effectively screen out two genes (KIF2C and TEKT2) and both validated by GSE4797, 145467, 108886 and 6872. Among 27 shared genes, KIF2C and TEKT2 both down-regulated in spermatogenesis. The network of TF-miRNA-target gene was established, we found KIF2C-miRNAs (has-miR-3154, 6075, 6760-5p, 1251-5p, 186-sp)-TFs (EP300, SP1) might work in spermatogenesis. Conclusions: Our study might help to improve our understanding of the mechanisms in spermatogenesis and provide diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutics targets.
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12
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Pradhan BS, Bhattacharya I, Sarkar R, Majumdar SS. Pubertal down-regulation of Tetraspanin 8 in testicular Sertoli cells is crucial for male fertility. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:760-772. [PMID: 32687199 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The alarming decline in sperm count has become a global concern in the recent decades. The division and differentiation of male germ cells (Gc) into sperm are governed by Sertoli cells (Sc) upon their functional maturation during puberty. However, the roles of genes regulating pubertal maturation of Sc have not been fully determined. We have observed that Tetraspanin 8 (Tspan8) is down-regulated in Sc during puberty in rats. However, there has been no in vivo evidence for a causal link between the down-regulation of Tspan8 expression and the onset of spermatogenesis as yet. To investigate this, we generated a novel transgenic (Tg) rat, in which the natural down-regulation of Tspan8 was prevented specifically in Sc from puberty up to adulthood. Adult Tg male rats showed around 98% reduction in sperm count despite having a similar level of serum testosterone (T) as the controls. Functional maturation of Sc was impaired as indicated by elevated levels of Amh and low levels of Kitlg and Claudin11 transcripts. The integrity of the blood testis barrier was compromised due to poor expression of Gja1 and Gc apoptosis was discernible. This effect was due to a significant rise in both Mmp7 and phospho P38 MAPK in Tg rat testis. Taken together, we demonstrated that the natural down-regulation of Tspan8 in Sc during puberty is a prerequisite for establishing male fertility. This study divulges one of the aetiologies of certain forms of idiopathic male infertility where somatic cell defect, but not hormonal deficiency, is responsible for impaired spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhola Shankar Pradhan
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.,Department of Zoology, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Rajesh Sarkar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.,National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Miyapur, Hyderabad 500049, Telengana, India
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13
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Zheng W, Zhang S, Jiang S, Huang Z, Chen X, Guo H, Li M, Zheng S. Evaluation of immune status in testis and macrophage polarization associated with testicular damage in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13481. [PMID: 34192390 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Immune cells residing in the testicular interstitial space form the immunological microenvironment of the testis. They are assumed to play a role in maintaining testicular homeostasis and immune privilege. However, the immune status and related cell polarization in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) remains poorly characterized. System evaluation of the testis immunological microenvironment in NOA patients may help to reveal the mechanisms of idiopathic azoospermia. STUDY DESIGN The gene expression patterns of immune cells in normal human testes were systematically analyzed by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and preliminarily verification by the human protein atlas (HPA) online database. The immune cell infiltration profiles and immune status of patients with NOA was analyzed by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) based on four independent public microarray datasets (GSE45885, GSE45887, GSE9210, and GSE145467), obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) online database. The relationship between immune cells and spermatogenesis score was further analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis. Finally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed to identify the main immune cell types and their polarization status in patients with NOA. RESULTS Both scRNA-seq and HPA analysis showed that testicular macrophages represent the largest pool of immune cells in the normal testis, and also exhibit an attenuated inflammatory response by expressing high levels of tolerance proteins (CD163, IL-10, TGF-β, and VEGF) and reduced expression of TLR signaling pathway-related genes. Correlation analysis revealed that the testicular immune score and macrophages including M1 and M2 macrophages were significantly negatively correlated with spermatogenesis score in patients with NOA (GSE45885 and GSE45887). In addition, the number of M1 and M2 macrophages was significantly higher in patients with NOA (GSE9210 and GSE145467) than in normal testis. GSVA analysis indicated that the immunological microenvironment in NOA tissues was manifested by activated immune system and pro-inflammatory status. IHC staining results showed that the number of M1 and M2 macrophages was significantly higher in NOA tissues than in normal testis and negatively correlated with the Johnson score. CONCLUSION Testicular macrophage polarization may play a vital role in NOA development and is a promising potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhong Zheng
- Department of Urology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shiqiang Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shaoqin Jiang
- Department of Urology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhangcheng Huang
- Department of Urology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaobao Chen
- Department of Urology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huan Guo
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen University General Hospital & Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mengqiang Li
- Department of Urology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Song Zheng
- Department of Urology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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14
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Han B, Yan Z, Yu S, Ge W, Li Y, Wang Y, Yang B, Shen W, Jiang H, Sun Z. Infertility network and hub genes for nonobstructive azoospermia utilizing integrative analysis. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:7052-7066. [PMID: 33621950 PMCID: PMC7993690 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe form of male infertility owing to the absence of sperm during ejaculation as a result of failed spermatogenesis. The molecular mechanisms of NOA have not been well studied. Here, we revealed the dysregulated differentially expressed genes in NOA and related signaling pathways or biological processes. Cluster features of biological processes include spermatogenesis, fertilization, cilium movement, penetration of zona pellucida, sperm chromatin condensation, and being significantly enriched metabolic pathways in proximal tubule bicarbonate reclamation, aldosterone synthesis and secretion, glycolysis and glycogenesis pathways in NOA using Gene Ontology analysis and pathway enrichment analysis. The NOA gene co-expression network was constructed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify the hub genes (CHD5 and SPTBN2). In addition, we used another Gene Expression Omnibus dataset (GSE45887) to validate these hub genes. Furthermore, we used the Seurat package to classify testicular tissue cells from NOA patients and to characterize the differential expression of hub genes in different cell types from different adult males based on the scRNA-seq dataset (GSE106487). These results provide new insights into the pathogenesis of NOA. Of particular note, CHD5 and SPTBN2 may be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoquan Han
- Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Zihui Yan
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Shuai Yu
- Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Wei Ge
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Yaqi Li
- Department of Urology, Zaozhuang Hospital of Zaozhuang Mining Group, Zaozhuang 277100, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Wei Shen
- Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China.,College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Department of Andrology, Department of Human Sperm Bank, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhongyi Sun
- Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
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15
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Cai Z, Zhang J, Xiong J, Ma C, Yang B, Li H. New insights into the potential mechanisms of spermatogenic failure in patients with idiopathic azoospermia. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 26:469-484. [PMID: 32402059 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Idiopathic azoospermia (IA) refers to azoospermia without a clear aetiology. Due to the unclear aetiology and pathological mechanism of IA, there is no effective treatment for IA. The development of assisted reproductive and microsperm extraction technologies has brought hope to patients with IA with fertility problems. However, there are still many patients with IA whose testes lack healthy sperm, causing infertility. Therefore, it is key to identify how testicular spermatogenic failure can be reversed to promote spermatogenesis in patients with IA to resolve fertility problems; these goals are a great challenge in reproductive medicine. The underlying genetic factors seem to be important pathological factors of IA. Understanding the role of genetic factors in the pathological mechanism of spermatogenic failure in patients with IA is of great value for future studies and treatments and is also an important reference for the reproductive health of males and their offspring. A method combining sequencing technology and bioinformatics analysis is an important means to understand the genetic pathological mechanisms. We used bioinformatics analysis to study the public human IA dataset. We found that the pathogenic mechanism of IA may be related to abnormal ciliary structure and function and disrupted RNA metabolism in spermatogenic cells. Disrupted m6A regulation of spermatogenesis may be an important pathological mechanism of IA and warrants attention. Finally, we screened for key genes and potential therapeutic drugs to determine future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglin Cai
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianzhong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Xiong
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengquan Ma
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hongjun Li
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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16
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Pradhan BS, Bhattacharya I, Sarkar R, Majumdar SS. Downregulation of Sostdc1 in Testicular Sertoli Cells is Prerequisite for Onset of Robust Spermatogenesis at Puberty. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11458. [PMID: 31391487 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47930-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
An alarming decline in sperm count of men from several countries has become a major concern for the world community. Hormones act on testicular Sertoli cells (Sc) to regulate male fertility by governing the division and differentiation of germ cells (Gc). However, there is a limited knowledge about Sc specific gene(s) regulating the spermatogenic output of the testis. Sclerostin domain-containing 1 protein (Sostdc1) is a dual BMP/Wnt regulator is predominantly expressed in the Sc of infant testes which hardly show any sign of spermatogenesis. In order to investigate the role of Sostdc1 in spermatogenic regulation, we have generated transgenic (Tg) rats which induced persistent expression of Sostdc1 in mature Sc causing reduced sperm counts. Although Sc specific Sostdc1 did not affect the function of either Sc or Leydig cells (Lc) in the adult testis of Tg rat, we observed a selective augmentation of the BMP target genes via activated phospho smad 1/5/8 signaling in Gc leading to apoptosis. Here, for the first time, we have demonstrated that Sostdc1 is a negative regulator of spermatogenesis, and provided substantial evidence that down regulation of Sostdc1 during puberty is critically essential for quantitatively and qualitatively normal spermatogenesis governing male fertility.
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17
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Kui F, Ye H, Chen XL, Zhang J. Microarray meta-analysis identifies candidate genes for human spermatogenic arrest. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13301. [PMID: 31037746 DOI: 10.1111/and.13301] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility affects approximately half of couples who have difficulty becoming pregnant, and its prevalence is continuously rising. Many studies have been performed using animal testes to reveal the mechanisms of male infertility, but few studies have investigated human testes due to various limitations. The aim of this study was to investigate the gene expression profile of impaired human testes through a meta-analysis of microarray data sets, which was accomplished by using 178 human testis samples and 7 microarray data sets. Impaired testes were categorised into four pathological phenotypes or the normal phenotype based on their Johnsen score. Then, a meta-analysis was performed to screen out the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in each phenotype. The DEGs were used in a subsequent bioinformatics analysis. Our results identified several novel hub genes and pathways and suggested that G1 mitotic cell cycle arrest was a remarkable feature in pre-meiotic arrest. Furthermore, fifteen p53-interacting proteins, such as ABL1 and HDAC2, whose roles in spermatogenesis have not been well characterised, were selected from the DEGs through a strict screening procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Kui
- Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Ye
- Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xi-Ling Chen
- Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Abstract
KIT is a receptor tyrosine kinase that after binding to its ligand stem cell factor activates signaling cascades linked to biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation, migration and cell survival. Based on studies performed on SCF and/or KIT mutant animals that presented anemia, sterility, and/or pigmentation disorders, KIT signaling was mainly considered to be involved in the regulation of hematopoiesis, gametogenesis, and melanogenesis. More recently, novel animal models and ameliorated cellular and molecular techniques have led to the discovery of a widen repertoire of tissue compartments and functions that are being modulated by KIT. This is the case for the lung, heart, nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, kidney, liver, and bone. For this reason, the tyrosine kinase inhibitors that were originally developed for the treatment of hemato-oncological diseases are being currently investigated for the treatment of non-oncological disorders such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and alzheimer's disease, among others. The beneficial effects of some of these tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been proven to depend on KIT inhibition. This review will focus on KIT expression and regulation in healthy and pathologic conditions other than cancer. Moreover, advances in the development of anti-KIT therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and their application will be discussed.
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19
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Zheng W, Zou Z, Lin S, Chen X, Wang F, Li X, Dai J. Identification and functional analysis of spermatogenesis‐associated gene modules in azoospermia by weighted gene coexpression network analysis. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:3934-3944. [PMID: 30269365 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhong Zheng
- Department of Urology Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai China
| | - Zihao Zou
- Department of Urology The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guanzhou Medical University, Guanzhou Medical University Guanzhou China
| | - Shouren Lin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Peking University Shenzhen Hospital Shenzhen China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Urology Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Feixiang Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice Shanghai China
| | - Xianxin Li
- Department of Surgery Shenzhen Sun Yat‐Sen Cardiovascular Hospital Shenzhen China
| | - Jican Dai
- Department of Urology Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai China
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20
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Razavi SM, Sabbaghian M, Jalili M, Divsalar A, Wolkenhauer O, Salehzadeh-Yazdi A. Comprehensive functional enrichment analysis of male infertility. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15778. [PMID: 29150651 PMCID: PMC5693951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16005-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a multifactorial process that forms differentiated sperm cells in a complex microenvironment. This process involves the genome, epigenome, transcriptome, and proteome to ensure the stability of the spermatogonia and supporting cells. The identification of signaling pathways linked to infertility has been hampered by the inherent complexity and multifactorial aspects of spermatogenesis. Systems biology is a promising approach to unveil underlying signaling pathways and genes and identify putative biomarkers. In this study, we analyzed thirteen microarray libraries of infertile humans and mice, and different classes of male infertility were compared using differentially expressed genes and functional enrichment analysis. We found regulatory processes, immune response, glutathione transferase and muscle tissue development to be among the most common biological processes in up-regulated genes, and genes involved in spermatogenesis were down-regulated in maturation arrest (MArrest) and oligospermia cases. We also observed the overexpression of genes involved in steroid metabolism in post-meiotic and meiotic arrest. Furthermore, we found that the infertile mouse model most similar to human MArrest was the Dazap1 mutant mouse. The results of this study could help elucidate features of infertility etiology and provide the basis for diagnostic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Morteza Razavi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjan Sabbaghian
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahdi Jalili
- Hematology, Oncology and SCT Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Adeleh Divsalar
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Olaf Wolkenhauer
- Department of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Rostock, 18051, Rostock, Germany
| | - Ali Salehzadeh-Yazdi
- Department of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Rostock, 18051, Rostock, Germany.
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Marchiani S, Tamburrino L, Muratori M, Baldi E. New insights in sperm biology: How benchside results in the search for molecular markers may help understand male infertility. World J Transl Med 2016; 5:26-36. [DOI: 10.5528/wjtm.v5.i1.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The male factor is responsible for about 40% of couple infertility cases and such percentage is expected to increase in the future because of several likely factors including the presence of endocrine disruptors in the environment, changes in lifestyle habits and advanced couple aging. How such factors affect male fertility status, however, should be clarified. Most studies on male fertility status have focused on parameters analyzed using a spermiogram test, the primary diagnostic tool in the routine assessment of male infertility, which is, however, poorly predictive of both natural and medically assisted conception. For these reasons it is mandatory for the scientific community to identify new molecular markers to incorporate into the existing diagnostic tests of male fertility. Ideally, such markers would be detected in mature spermatozoa to avoid invasive procedures for the patient. This review summarizes the recent advancements in benchside approaches that appear most promising for the development of new diagnostic sperm fertility tests, or identification of therapeutic targets, and, illustrates their advantages and limits.
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Ansari-Pour N, Razaghi-Moghadam Z, Barneh F, Jafari M. Testis-Specific Y-Centric Protein-Protein Interaction Network Provides Clues to the Etiology of Severe Spermatogenic Failure. J Proteome Res 2016; 15:1011-22. [PMID: 26794825 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.5b01080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Pinpointing causal genes for spermatogenic failure (SpF) on the Y chromosome has been an ever daunting challenge with setbacks during the past decade. Since complex diseases result from the interaction of multiple genes and also display considerable missing heritability, network analysis is more likely to explicate an etiological molecular basis. We therefore took a network medicine approach by integrating interactome (protein-protein interaction (PPI)) and transcriptome data to reconstruct a Y-centric SpF network. Two sets of seed genes (Y genes and SpF-implicated genes (SIGs)) were used for network reconstruction. Since no PPI was observed among Y genes, we identified their common immediate interactors. Interestingly, 81% (N = 175) of these interactors not only interacted directly with SIGs, but also they were enriched for differentially expressed genes (89.6%; N = 43). The SpF network, formed mainly by the dys-regulated interactors and the two seed gene sets, comprised three modules enriched for ribosomal proteins and nuclear receptors for sex hormones. Ribosomal proteins generally showed significant dys-regulation with RPL39L, thought to be expressed at the onset of spermatogenesis, strongly down-regulated. This network is the first global PPI network pertaining to severe SpF and if experimentally validated on independent data sets can lead to more accurate diagnosis and potential fertility recovery of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naser Ansari-Pour
- Faculty of New Sciences and Technology, University of Tehran , North Kargar Street, Tehran 143995-7131, Iran.,School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM) , Tehran 19395-5531, Iran
| | - Zahra Razaghi-Moghadam
- Faculty of New Sciences and Technology, University of Tehran , North Kargar Street, Tehran 143995-7131, Iran.,School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM) , Tehran 19395-5531, Iran
| | - Farnaz Barneh
- Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran 198396-3113, Iran
| | - Mohieddin Jafari
- Drug Design and Bioinformatics Unit, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran 131694-3551, Iran.,School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM) , Tehran 19395-5531, Iran
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Rijlaarsdam MA, Looijenga LHJ. An oncofetal and developmental perspective on testicular germ cell cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2014; 29:59-74. [PMID: 25066859 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Germ cell tumors (GCTs) represent a diverse group of tumors presumably originating from (early fetal) developing germ cells. Most frequent are the testicular germ cell cancers (TGCC). Overall, TGCC is the most frequent malignancy in Caucasian males (20-40 years) and remains an important cause of (treatment related) mortality in these young men. The strong association between the phenotype of TGCC stem cell components and their totipotent ancestor (fetal primordial germ cell or gonocyte) makes these tumors highly relevant from an onco-fetal point of view. This review subsequently discusses the evidence for the early embryonic origin of TGCCs, followed by an overview of the crucial association between TGCC pathogenesis, genetics, environmental exposure and the (fetal) testicular micro-environment (genvironment). This culminates in an evaluation of three genvironmentally modulated hallmarks of TGCC directly related to the oncofetal pathogenesis of TGCC: (1) maintenance of pluripotency, (2) cell cycle control/cisplatin sensitivity and (3) regulation of proliferation/migration/apoptosis by KIT-KITL mediated receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. Briefly, TGCC exhibit identifiable stem cell components (seminoma and embryonal carcinoma) and progenitors that show large and consistent similarities to primordial/embryonic germ cells, their presumed totipotent cells of origin. TGCC pathogenesis depends crucially on a complex interaction of genetic and (micro-)environmental, i.e. genvironmental risk factors that have only been partly elucidated despite significant effort. TGCC stem cell components also show a high degree of similarity with embryonic stem/germ cells (ES) in the regulation of pluripotency and cell cycle control, directly related to their exquisite sensitivity to DNA damaging agents (e.g. cisplatin). Of note, (ES specific) micro-RNAs play a pivotal role in the crossover between cell cycle control, pluripotency and chemosensitivity. Moreover, multiple consistent observations reported TGCC to be associated with KIT-KITL mediated receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, a pathway crucially implicated in proliferation, migration and survival during embryogenesis including germ cell development. In conclusion, TGCCs are a fascinating model for onco-fetal developmental processes especially with regard to studying cell cycle control, pluripotency maintenance and KIT-KITL signaling. The knowledge presented here contributes to better understanding of the molecular characteristics of TGCC pathogenesis, translating to identification of at risk individuals and enhanced quality of care for TGCC patients (diagnosis, treatment and follow-up).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin A Rijlaarsdam
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leendert H J Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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