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Liu Y, Lin Z, Yan J, Zhang X, Tong MH. A Rad50-null mutation in mouse germ cells causes reduced DSB formation, abnormal DSB end resection and complete loss of germ cells. Development 2024; 151:dev202312. [PMID: 38512324 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202312] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The conserved MRE11-RAD50-NBS1/Xrs2 complex is crucial for DNA break metabolism and genome maintenance. Although hypomorphic Rad50 mutation mice showed normal meiosis, both null and hypomorphic rad50 mutation yeast displayed impaired meiosis recombination. However, the in vivo function of Rad50 in mammalian germ cells, particularly its in vivo role in the resection of meiotic double strand break (DSB) ends at the molecular level remains elusive. Here, we have established germ cell-specific Rad50 knockout mouse models to determine the role of Rad50 in mitosis and meiosis of mammalian germ cells. We find that Rad50-deficient spermatocytes exhibit defective meiotic recombination and abnormal synapsis. Mechanistically, using END-seq, we demonstrate reduced DSB formation and abnormal DSB end resection occurs in mutant spermatocytes. We further identify that deletion of Rad50 in gonocytes leads to complete loss of spermatogonial stem cells due to genotoxic stress. Taken together, our results reveal the essential role of Rad50 in mammalian germ cell meiosis and mitosis, and provide in vivo views of RAD50 function in meiotic DSB formation and end resection at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuefang Liu
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Zhen Lin
- 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 200031, China
| | - Junyi Yan
- 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 200031, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- 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 200031, China
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- 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 200031, China
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Wang YH, Yan M, Zhang X, Liu XY, Ding YF, Lai CP, Tong MH, Li JS. Corrigendum to "Rescue of male infertility through correcting a genetic mutation causing meiotic arrest in spermatogonial stem cells". Asian J Androl 2023; 25:757. [PMID: 37695243 DOI: 10.4103/aja202344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Meng Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xin-Yu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yi-Fu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Chong-Ping Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jin-Song Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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Jiang Y, Huang F, Chen L, Gu JH, Wu YW, Jia MY, Lin Z, Zhou Y, Li YC, Yu C, Tong MH, Shen L, Fan HY, Sha QQ. Genome-wide map of R-loops reveals its interplay with transcription and genome integrity during germ cell meiosis. J Adv Res 2023; 51:45-57. [PMID: 36396044 PMCID: PMC10491972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.10.016] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The R-loop is a naturally formed three-strand nucleic acid structure that recently has been reported to participate in multiple biological processes and helped answer some previously unexplained scientific questions. Meiosis process involves multiple chromatin-related events such as DNA double-stranded breaks (DSB) formation, repairing and transcriptional dynamics. OBJECTIVES Explore the regulatory roles and physiological functions of R-loops in the mammalian meiosis process. METHODS In our study, using genome-wide S9.6 CUT & Tag seq, we first mapped the genomic distribution and dynamic changes of R-loop during the meiotic process in mice, from spermatogonia to secondary spermatocytes. And we further explore the role of R-loop in physiological conditions by constructing conditional knockout mice of Rnaseh1, which deleted the R-loop endonuclease before meiosis entry. RESULTS R-loop predominantly distributes at promoter-related regions and varies across different meiotic stages. By joint analysis with the corresponding transcriptome, we found that the R-loop was closely related to transcription during the meiotic process. The high frequency of promoter-related R-loop in meiotic cells is usually accompanied by high transcription activity, and we further verified this in the leptotene/zygotene to the pachytene transition process. Moreover, the lack of RNase H1 caused sterility in male mice with R-loop accumulation and abnormal DSB repair in spermatocytes. Further analysis showed that abnormal R-loop accumulation in the leptotene/zygotene stages influenced transcriptional regulation in the pachytene stage. CONCLUSION The mutual regulation of the R-loop and transcription plays an essential role in spermatogenesis. And R-loop is also important for the normal repair process of DSB during meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Fei Huang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Lu Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jia-Hui Gu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Yun-Wen Wu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Meng-Yan Jia
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- Fertility Preservation Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, 510317 Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Chu Li
- Fertility Preservation Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, 510317 Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Li Shen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
| | - Heng-Yu Fan
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
| | - Qian-Qian Sha
- Fertility Preservation Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, 510317 Guangzhou, China.
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Zhang K, Zhang T, Zhang Y, Yuan J, Tang X, Zhang C, Yin Q, Zhang Y, Tong MH. DNA/RNA helicase DHX36 is required for late stages of spermatogenesis. J Mol Cell Biol 2022; 14:6885459. [PMID: 36484653 PMCID: PMC10166722 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjac069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a highly complex developmental process that typically consists of mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. DNA/RNA helicase DHX36, a unique guanine-quadruplex (G4) resolvase, plays crucial roles in a variety of biological processes. We previously showed that DHX36 is highly expressed in male germ cells with the highest level in zygotene spermatocytes. Here, we deleted Dhx36 in advanced germ cells with Stra8-GFPCre and found that a Dhx36 deficiency in the differentiated spermatogonia leads to meiotic defects and abnormal spermiogenesis. These defects in late stages of spermatogenesis arise from dysregulated transcription of G4-harboring genes, which are required for meiosis. Thus, this study reveals that Dhx36 plays crucial roles in late stages of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejia Zhang
- 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 200031 , China
| | - Tianxin Zhang
- 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 200031 , China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- 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 200031 , China
| | - Jinyu Yuan
- 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 200031 , China
| | - Xinzhe Tang
- 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 200031 , China
| | - Chaobao Zhang
- 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 200031 , China
| | - Qianqian Yin
- 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 200031 , China
| | - Yonglian Zhang
- 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 200031 , China
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Hangzhou 310024 , China
- 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 200031 , China
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Wang YH, Yan M, Zhang X, Liu XY, Ding YF, Lai CP, Tong MH, Li JS. Rescue of male infertility through correcting a genetic mutation causing meiotic arrest in spermatogonial stem cells. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:590-599. [PMID: 33533741 PMCID: PMC8577253 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_97_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Azoospermia patients who carry a monogenetic mutation that causes meiotic arrest may have their biological child through genetic correction in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). However, such therapy for infertility has not been experimentally investigated yet. In this study, a mouse model with an X-linked testis-expressed 11 (TEX11) mutation (Tex11PM/Y) identified in azoospermia patients exhibited meiotic arrest due to aberrant chromosome segregation. Tex11PM/Y SSCs could be isolated and expanded in vitro normally, and the mutation was corrected by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated endonuclease 9 (Cas9), leading to the generation of repaired SSC lines. Whole-genome sequencing demonstrated that the mutation rate in repaired SSCs is comparable with that of autonomous mutation in untreated Tex11PM/Y SSCs, and no predicted off-target sites are modified. Repaired SSCs could restore spermatogenesis in infertile males and give rise to fertile offspring at a high efficiency. In summary, our study establishes a paradigm for the treatment of male azoospermia by combining in vitro expansion of SSCs and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Meng Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xin-Yu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yi-Fu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Chong-Ping Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jin-Song Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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Tong MH. Meiosis: no end in sight. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:547-548. [PMID: 34708720 PMCID: PMC8577261 DOI: 10.4103/aja202192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Han Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai 200031, China.,Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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7
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Mu H, Zhang T, Yang Y, Zhang D, Gao J, Li J, Yue L, Gao D, Shi B, Han Y, Zhong L, Chen X, Wang ZB, Lin Z, Tong MH, Sun QY, Yang YG, Han J. METTL3-mediated mRNA N 6-methyladenosine is required for oocyte and follicle development in mice. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:989. [PMID: 34689175 PMCID: PMC8542036 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04272-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Proper follicle development is very important for the production of mature oocytes, which is essential for the maintenance of female fertility. This complex biological process requires precise gene regulation. The most abundant modification of mRNA, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), is involved in many RNA metabolism processes, including RNA splicing, translation, stability, and degradation. Here, we report that m6A plays essential roles during oocyte and follicle development. Oocyte-specific inactivation of the key m6A methyltransferase Mettl3 with Gdf9-Cre caused DNA damage accumulation in oocytes, defective follicle development, and abnormal ovulation. Mechanistically, combined RNA-seq and m6A methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) data from oocytes revealed, that we found METTL3 targets Itsn2 for m6A modification and then enhances its stability to influence the oocytes meiosis. Taken together, our findings highlight the crucial roles of mRNA m6A modification in follicle development and coordination of RNA stabilization during oocyte growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyuan Mu
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.,Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Danru Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jie Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Junhong Li
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Liang Yue
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Dengfeng Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Bingbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yue Han
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liang Zhong
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Basic Medicine for Diabetes, The Shijiazhuang Second Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, China
| | - Xinze Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China
| | - Yun-Gui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China. .,Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Jianyong Han
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Jia GX, Lin Z, Yan RG, Wang GW, Zhang XN, Li C, Tong MH, Yang QE. WTAP Function in Sertoli Cells Is Essential for Sustaining the Spermatogonial Stem Cell Niche. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 15:968-982. [PMID: 33053361 PMCID: PMC7566211 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [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: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are the major component of the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche; however, regulatory mechanisms in Sertoli cells that dictate SSC fate decisions remain largely unknown. Here we revealed features of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA modification in Sertoli cells and demonstrated the functions of WTAP, the key subunit of the m6A methyltransferase complex in spermatogenesis. m6A-sequencing analysis identified 21,909 m6A sites from 15,365 putative m6A-enriched transcripts within 6,122 genes, including many Sertoli cell-specific genes. Conditional deletion of Wtap in Sertoli cells resulted in sterility and the progressive loss of the SSC population. RNA sequencing and ribosome nascent-chain complex-bound mRNA sequencing analyses suggested that alternative splicing events of transcripts encoding SSC niche factors were sharply altered and translation of these transcripts were severely dysregulated by Wtap deletion. Collectively, this study uncovers a novel regulatory mechanism of the SSC niche and provide insights into molecular interactions between stem cells and their cognate niches in mammals. WTAP is highly expressed in Sertoli cell and is essential in spermatogenesis Wtap knockout in Sertoli cell causes defective spermatogonial stem cell maintenance WTAP regulates transcription and translation of m6A-enriched genes in Sertoli cell
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Affiliation(s)
- Gong-Xue Jia
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China; Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Zhen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rong-Ge Yan
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guo-Wen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cen Li
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China.
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9
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Cao J, Lin ZB, Tong MH, Zhang YL, Li YP, Zhou YC. Mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase ( Mtor) is required for spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation in mice. Asian J Androl 2021; 22:169-176. [PMID: 31134915 PMCID: PMC7155804 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_14_19] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial development is a vital prerequisite for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the exact mechanisms underlying the behavior of spermatogonia, including spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) self-renewal and spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation, are not fully understood. Recent studies demonstrated that the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in spermatogonial development, but whether MTOR itself was also involved in any specific process of spermatogonial development remained undetermined. In this study, we specifically deleted Mtor in male germ cells of mice using Stra8-Cre and assessed its effect on the function of spermatogonia. The Mtor knockout (KO) mice exhibited an age-dependent perturbation of testicular development and progressively lost germ cells and fertility with age. These age-related phenotypes were likely caused by a delayed initiation of Mtor deletion driven by Stra8-Cre. Further examination revealed a reduction of differentiating spermatogonia in Mtor KO mice, suggesting that spermatogonial differentiation was inhibited. Spermatogonial proliferation was also impaired in Mtor KO mice, leading to a diminished spermatogonial pool and total germ cell population. Our results show that MTOR plays a pivotal role in male fertility and is required for spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zuo-Bao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yong-Lian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yi-Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yu-Chuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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10
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Jiang Y, Zhang HY, Lin Z, Zhu YZ, Yu C, Sha QQ, Tong MH, Shen L, Fan HY. CXXC finger protein 1-mediated histone H3 lysine-4 trimethylation is essential for proper meiotic crossover formation in mice. Development 2020; 147:dev183764. [PMID: 32094118 DOI: 10.1242/dev.183764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The most significant feature of meiosis is the recombination process during prophase I. CXXC finger protein 1 (CXXC1) binds to CpG islands and mediates the deposition of H3K4me3 by the SETD1 complex. CXXC1 is also predicted to recruit H3K4me3-marked regions to the chromosome axis for the generation of double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the prophase of meiosis. Therefore, we deleted Cxxc1 before the onset of meiosis with Stra8-Cre The conditional knockout mice were completely sterile with spermatogenesis arrested at MII. Knockout of Cxxc1 led to a decrease in the H3K4me3 level from the pachytene to the MII stage and caused transcriptional disorder. Many spermatogenesis pathway genes were expressed early leading to abnormal acrosome formation in arrested MII cells. In meiotic prophase, deletion of Cxxc1 caused delayed DSB repair and improper crossover formation in cells at the pachytene stage, and more than half of the diplotene cells exhibited precocious homologous chromosome segregation in both male and female meiosis. Cxxc1 deletion also led to a significant decrease of H3K4me3 enrichment at DMC1-binding sites, which might compromise DSB generation. Taken together, our results show that CXXC1 is essential for proper meiotic crossover formation in mice and suggest that CXXC1-mediated H3K4me3 plays an essential role in meiotic prophase of spermatogenesis and oogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hui-Ying Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ye-Zhang Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chao Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qian-Qian Sha
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Li Shen
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Heng-Yu Fan
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
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11
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Chen Y, Lyu R, Rong B, Zheng Y, Lin Z, Dai R, Zhang X, Xie N, Wang S, Tang F, Lan F, Tong MH. Refined spatial temporal epigenomic profiling reveals intrinsic connection between PRDM9-mediated H3K4me3 and the fate of double-stranded breaks. Cell Res 2020; 30:256-268. [PMID: 32047271 PMCID: PMC7054334 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-020-0281-1] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiotic recombination is initiated by the formation of double-strand breaks (DSBs), which are repaired as either crossovers (COs) or noncrossovers (NCOs). In most mammals, PRDM9-mediated H3K4me3 controls the nonrandom distribution of DSBs; however, both the timing and mechanism of DSB fate control remain largely undetermined. Here, we generated comprehensive epigenomic profiles of synchronized mouse spermatogenic cells during meiotic prophase I, revealing spatiotemporal and functional relationships between epigenetic factors and meiotic recombination. We find that PRDM9-mediated H3K4me3 at DSB hotspots, coinciding with H3K27ac and H3K36me3, is intimately connected with the fate of the DSB. Our data suggest that the fate decision is likely made at the time of DSB formation: earlier formed DSBs occupy more open chromatins and are much more competent to proceed to a CO fate. Our work highlights an intrinsic connection between PRDM9-mediated H3K4me3 and the fate decision of DSBs, and provides new insight into the control of CO homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ruitu Lyu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bowen Rong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuxuan Zheng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Biomedical Institute for Pioneering Investigation via Convergence, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ruofei Dai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Nannan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Siqing Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Biomedical Institute for Pioneering Investigation via Convergence, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China. .,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China. .,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Fei Lan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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12
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Wang T, Yin Q, Ma X, Tong MH, Zhou Y. Ccdc87 is critical for sperm function and male fertility. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:817-827. [PMID: 29733332 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility has become an increasingly common health concern in recent years. Apart from environmental factors, nutrition, lifestyle, and sexually transmitted diseases, genetic defects are important causes of male infertility. Many genes have been demonstrated to be associated with male infertility. However, the roles of some functional genes in infertility, especially those that are specifically expressed in the reproductive system, remain to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that the testis-specific gene coiled-coil domain-containing 87 (Ccdc87) is critical for male fertility. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses revealed that the Ccdc87 mRNA and protein were only expressed in mouse testis. Ccdc87 expression first appeared at postnatal day 14 and remained at a relatively high level until adulthood. Male mice lacking Ccdc87 gene (Ccdc87-/-) were found to be subfertile. Approximately 20% of Ccdc87-null sperm from the testis and epididymis displayed severe abnormity of acrosome and cell nucleus. Sperm isolated from the cauda epididymides of Ccdc87-/- mice exhibited decreased initial motility but did not show any change in capacitation. Additionally, Ccdc87 disruption led to the impotency of sperm spontaneous and progesterone-induced acrosome reaction. Moreover, in vitro fertilization assays indicated that the fertilizing capacity of Ccdc87-/- sperm was significantly reduced. Taken together, these findings provide a new clue to understand the genetic causes of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuehao Ma
- Shanghai Foreign Language School, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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13
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Lin Z, Tong MH. m 6A mRNA modification regulates mammalian spermatogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gene Regul Mech 2018; 1862:403-411. [PMID: 30391644 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly specialized differentiation process involving precise regulatory mechanisms at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and translational levels. Emerging evidence has shown that N6-methyladenosine (m6A), an epitranscriptomic regulator of gene expression, can influence pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA export, turnover, and translation, which are controlled in the male germline to ensure coordinated gene expression. In this review, we summarize the typical features of m6A RNA modification on mRNA during male germline development, and highlight the function of writers, erasers, and readers of m6A during mouse spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
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14
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Chen Y, Zheng Y, Gao Y, Lin Z, Yang S, Wang T, Wang Q, Xie N, Hua R, Liu M, Sha J, Griswold MD, Li J, Tang F, Tong MH. Single-cell RNA-seq uncovers dynamic processes and critical regulators in mouse spermatogenesis. Cell Res 2018; 28:879-896. [PMID: 30061742 PMCID: PMC6123400 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-018-0074-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A systematic interrogation of male germ cells is key to complete understanding of molecular mechanisms governing spermatogenesis and the development of new strategies for infertility therapies and male contraception. Here we develop an approach to purify all types of homogeneous spermatogenic cells by combining transgenic labeling and synchronization of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium, and subsequent single-cell RNA-sequencing. We reveal extensive and previously uncharacterized dynamic processes and molecular signatures in gene expression, as well as specific patterns of alternative splicing, and novel regulators for specific stages of male germ cell development. Our transcriptomics analyses led us to discover discriminative markers for isolating round spermatids at specific stages, and different embryo developmental potentials between early and late stage spermatids, providing evidence that maturation of round spermatids impacts on embryo development. This work provides valuable insights into mammalian spermatogenesis, and a comprehensive resource for future studies towards the complete elucidation of gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yuxuan Zheng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Biomedical Institute for Pioneering Investigation via Convergence, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yun Gao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Biomedical Institute for Pioneering Investigation via Convergence, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Suming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Tongtong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Qiu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Nannan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Rong Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China
| | - Jiahao Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China
| | - Michael D Griswold
- School of Molecular Biosciences and the Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Jinsong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Biomedical Institute for Pioneering Investigation via Convergence, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China. .,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China. .,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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15
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Zuo X, Rong B, Li L, Lv R, Lan F, Tong MH. The histone methyltransferase SETD2 is required for expression of acrosin-binding protein 1 and protamines and essential for spermiogenesis in mice. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:9188-9197. [PMID: 29716999 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [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: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is precisely controlled by complex gene expression programs and involves epigenetic reprogramming, including histone modification and DNA methylation. SET domain-containing 2 (SETD2) is the predominant histone methyltransferase catalyzing the trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36me3) and plays key roles in embryonic stem cell differentiation and somatic cell development. However, its role in male germ cell development remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate an essential role of Setd2 for spermiogenesis, the final stage of spermatogenesis. Using RNA-seq, we found that, in postnatal mouse testes, Setd2 mRNA levels dramatically increase in 14-day-old mice. Using a germ cell-specific Setd2 knockout mouse model, we also found that targeted Setd2 knockout in germ cells causes aberrant spermiogenesis with acrosomal malformation before step 8 of the round-spermatid stage, resulting in complete infertility. Furthermore, we noted that the Setd2 deficiency results in complete loss of H3K36me3 and significantly decreases expression of thousands of genes, including those encoding acrosin-binding protein 1 (Acrbp1) and protamines, required for spermatogenesis. Our findings thus reveal a previously unappreciated role of the SETD2-dependent H3K36me3 modification in spermiogenesis and provide clues to the molecular mechanisms in epigenetic disorders underlying male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zuo
- From the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Bowen Rong
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Epigenetics, Shanghai Ministry of Education, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China, and
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Ruitu Lv
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Epigenetics, Shanghai Ministry of Education, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China, and
| | - Fei Lan
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Epigenetics, Shanghai Ministry of Education, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China, and
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- From the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China,
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16
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Chen Y, Ma L, Hogarth C, Wei G, Griswold MD, Tong MH. Retinoid signaling controls spermatogonial differentiation by regulating expression of replication-dependent core histone genes. Development 2016; 143:1502-11. [PMID: 26965368 DOI: 10.1242/dev.135939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) signaling is crucial for spermatogonial differentiation, which is a key step for spermatogenesis. We explored the mechanisms underlying spermatogonial differentiation by targeting expression of a dominant-negative mutant of retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) specifically to the germ cells of transgenic mice to subvert the activity of endogenous receptors. Here we show that: (1) inhibition of retinoid signaling in germ cells completely blocked spermatogonial differentiation identical to vitamin A-deficient (VAD) mice; (2) the blockage of spermatogonial differentiation by impaired retinoid signaling resulted from an arrest of entry of the undifferentiated spermatogonia into S phase; and (3) retinoid signaling regulated spermatogonial differentiation through controlling expression of its direct target genes, including replication-dependent core histone genes. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the action of retinoid signaling on spermatogonial differentiation in vivo is direct through the spermatogonia itself, and provide the first evidence that this is mediated by regulation of expression of replication-dependent core histone genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Li Ma
- CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Cathryn Hogarth
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Gang Wei
- CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Michael D Griswold
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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17
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Tong MH, Mitchell DA, McGowan SD, Evanoff R, Griswold MD. Two miRNA clusters, Mir-17-92 (Mirc1) and Mir-106b-25 (Mirc3), are involved in the regulation of spermatogonial differentiation in mice. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:72. [PMID: 22116806 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.096313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) may be critical players in spermatogenesis. The miRNA expression profiles of THY1(+)-enriched undifferentiated spermatogonia were characterized, and members of Mir-17-92 (Mirc1) and its paralog Mir-106b-25 (Mirc3) clusters are significantly downregulated during retinoic acid-induced spermatogonial differentiation, both in vitro and in vivo. The repression of microRNA clusters Mir-17-92 (Mirc1) and Mir-106b-25 (Mirc3) by retinoic acid in turn potentially upregulates the expression of Bim, Kit, Socs3, and Stat3. The male germ cell-specific Mir-17-92 (Mirc1) knockout mice exhibit small testes, a lower number of epididymal sperm, and mild defect in spermatogenesis. Absence of Mir-17-92 (Mirc1) in male germ cells dramatically increases expression of Mir-106b-25 (Mirc3) cluster miRNAs in the germ cells. These results suggest that Mir-17-92 (Mirc1) cluster and Mir-106b-25 (Mirc3) cluster miRNAs possibly functionally cooperate in regulating spermatogonial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Han Tong
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
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18
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Tong MH, Mitchell D, Evanoff R, Griswold MD. Expression of Mirlet7 family microRNAs in response to retinoic acid-induced spermatogonial differentiation in mice. Biol Reprod 2011; 85:189-97. [PMID: 21430230 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.089458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial differentiation is orchestrated by the precise control of gene expression involving retinoic acid signaling. MicroRNAs have emerged as important regulators of spermatogenesis, and here we show that the Mirlet7 family miRNAs are expressed in mouse spermatogonia and spermatocytes. Retinoic acid significantly leads to the induction of Mirlet7 miRNAs through suppression of Lin28. We further confirmed both in vitro and in vivo that expressions of Mycn, Ccnd1, and Col1a2, which are targets of Mirlet7, were downregulated during spermatogonial differentiation. These results suggest that Mirlet7 family miRNAs play a role in retinoic acid-induced spermatogonial differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Han Tong
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
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19
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Abstract
Estrogen sulfotransferase (EST) is a cytosolic enzyme that catalyzes the sulfoconjugation and inactivation of estrogens. It is expressed abundantly in the mammalian testes in which it may modulate the activity of locally produced estrogen. We demonstrate here that testicular Leydig cells from mice rendered deficient in EST expression by targeted gene deletion acquire a phenotype of increased cholesterol ester accumulation and impaired steroidogenesis with natural aging or in response to estrogen challenge. Abnormal accumulation of cholesterol ester in the mutant Leydig cells correlated with induced expression of the scavenger receptor type B class I, and cultured EST-deficient but not wild-type Leydig cells avidly uptook high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ester ex vivo. EST-deficient Leydig cells in culture produced 50-70% less testosterone than wild-type cells. This deficiency was reversed by androstenedione but not progesterone supplementation, indicating that reduced activities of 17-alpha-hydroxylase-17, 20-lyase were responsible. This conclusion was corroborated by decreased expression levels of 17-alpha-hydroxylase-17, 20-lyase but not of other key steroidogenic enzymes in the mutant cells. These results suggest that EST plays a physiologic role in protecting Leydig cells from estrogen-induced biochemical lesions and provide an example of critical regulation of tissue estrogen sensitivity by a ligand-transformation enzyme rather than through estrogen receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Tong
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Room 1351 BRBII/III, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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20
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Abstract
The high levels of corticosterone (CORT) that are typically achieved during stress induce apoptotic death of Leydig cells. The intracellular mechanisms by which CORT acts on Leydig cells to induce apoptosis are unknown, and the present study tested for mediation by Fas ligand (FasL), a member of the tumor necrosis factor ligand family, in association with caspase activation. In addition, another apoptotic pathway involving in the participation of mitochondria was studied by evaluation of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi) loss and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are early apoptotic events in many cell types. Rat Leydig cells were isolated from adrenalectomized rats on day 90 postpartum at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after the start of CORT administration (at a dose of 5 mg total/100 g body weight per day intraperitoneally in two daily injections starting 3 days after surgery). Both FasL and Fas receptor protein levels, analyzed by Western blot and fluorescent immunohistochemistry, increased at 6 h after the start of CORT administration, peaking at 24 h and declining thereafter. Leydig cell caspase-3 activity was analyzed in vitro. Low molecular weight DNA fragments that are characteristic of apoptosis were evident in Leydig cells by 12 h of exposure to 100 nM CORT in vitro, and the abundance of the fragments was more pronounced at 24 h. In the presence of a specific caspase inhibitor, Ac-DEVD-CHO, Leydig cell apoptosis was suppressed, corroborating the hypothesis that caspase-3 is involved in CORT-mediated cell death. Western blotting analysis revealed that procaspase-3 was present only at low levels in untreated control Leydig cells, and increased by 6 h of CORT administration. By 12 h, however, procaspase-3 was significantly reduced, and the cleaved, active caspase-3 forms appeared and increased through 24 h. These results indicated that FasL/Fas and caspase were implicated in CORT-mediated Leydig cell apoptosis. Decreased DeltaPsi and increased ROS generation were also measurable in Leydig cells for up to 2 days following CORT administration in vitro. These data indicate that activation of the Fas system, cleavage of procaspase-3, loss of DeltaPsi and increased ROS generation are all implicated in the process of CORT-induced Leydig cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Bao Gao
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Shanghai Second Medical University, China
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21
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Tong MH, Song WC. Estrogen sulfotransferase: discrete and androgen-dependent expression in the male reproductive tract and demonstration of an in vivo function in the mouse epididymis. Endocrinology 2002; 143:3144-51. [PMID: 12130580 DOI: 10.1210/endo.143.8.8943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen sulfotransferase (EST) catalyzes the sulfoconjugation and inactivation of the steroid hormone estrogen. It is known previously that EST is expressed abundantly in Leydig cells of the testis. We recently have shown that male mice with targeted EST gene disruption developed age related Leydig cell and seminiferous tubule abnormalities as a consequence of increased local estrogen stimulation. In the same study, we also found that epididymal sperm isolated from the mutant mice had significantly reduced motility, but whether this reflected impaired epididymal function or was secondary to the testicular lesions was not known. The purpose of the current study was to investigate if EST is normally present in the mouse epididymis and/or other parts of the male reproductive tract where, as in testis, it may play a role in regulating local estrogen homeostasis. We describe here that EST is expressed in the epithelium of corpus and cauda but not caput regions of the mouse epididymis. It is also expressed in the luminal epithelium and smooth muscle cells of the vas deferens but was present at very low levels, if at all, in the prostate or seminal vesicle/ coagulating gland. Hypophysectomy, castration, and epididymal ligation experiments, together with the use of an androgen receptor antagonist, established that EST expression in the epididymis and vas deferens is critically dependent on pituitary hormone(s) and androgen but not on other factors in the testicular fluid. Administration of exogenous estradiol to mice with surgically ligated epididymis resulted in a more pronounced reduction in sperm motility in EST mutant mice than in wild-type mice. We conclude that EST is discretely expressed and regulated in the male reproductive tract and plays a physiological role in maintaining the functional integrity of the epididymis by regulating luminal estrogen homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Tong
- Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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22
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Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate whether glucocorticoid induces apoptosis in rat Leydig cells. To determine whether there are developmental differences in glucocorticoid sensitivity, Leydig cells were isolated at distinct stages of their differentiation [mesenchymal-like progenitors (PLC), immature Leydig cells (ILC), and adult Leydig cells (ALC)] from 21-, 35-, and 90-d-old Sprague Dawley rats, respectively. Glucocorticoid induction of apoptosis was evaluated after both in vitro and in vivo exposures. In the first set of experiments, PLC, ILC, and ALC were treated with 100 nM corticosterone (CORT) for either 4 or 24 h in vitro and then assessed for labeling with the apoptotic marker annexin V. PLC exposed to CORT had levels of annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate labeling that were unchanged relative to control values at both time points (P > 0.05). In contrast, CORT-treated ILC and ALC had increased frequencies of apoptosis: in ALC, a 22.1 +/- 1.7% incidence after 4 h and 30.5 +/- 2.3% after 24 h compared with 7.4 +/- 0.8% in untreated controls (P < 0.05). Similar trends were observed for ILC. Ultrastructural analysis confirmed that the increase in annexin V labeling was associated with characteristic signs of apoptosis, including nuclear fragmentation and formation of apoptotic bodies. A second line of experiments examined whether apoptosis was evident in purified Leydig cells after administration of CORT in vivo. Male rats were subjected to bilateral adrenalectomy and were treated with CORT by ip injection twice daily at doses ranging from 2.5-7.5 mg/100 g BW starting 3 d after surgery. The frequency of Leydig cell apoptosis was measured at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after the first injection. Administration of the 2.5-mg dose raised circulating CORT 5-10 times above normal basal concentrations, and LH levels sampled at these times were not altered in the treated animals. Increased Leydig cell apoptosis was measurable after 24 h of treatment, with an incidence of 21.1 +/- 1.8% in ALC compared with 5.7 +/- 0.8% in untreated controls (P < 0.05). Sharp reductions in immunocytochemical staining intensity were observed in the treated animals for a Leydig cell marker, 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which occurred concurrently with decreased serum T levels. This was consistent with the hypothesis that CORT-mediated induction of apoptosis leads to declines in Leydig cell numbers, thereby affecting T production. These results suggest that excessive exposure to CORT initiates apoptosis in rat Leydig cells, potentially contributing to suppression of circulating T levels during stress and other conditions in which glucocorticoid concentrations are elevated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Bao Gao
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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23
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Qian YM, Sun XJ, Tong MH, Li XP, Richa J, Song WC. Targeted disruption of the mouse estrogen sulfotransferase gene reveals a role of estrogen metabolism in intracrine and paracrine estrogen regulation. Endocrinology 2001; 142:5342-50. [PMID: 11713234 DOI: 10.1210/endo.142.12.8540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Elicitation of biological responses by estrogen in target tissues requires the presence of ER as well as receptor-active ligand in the local microenvironment. Though much attention has been devoted to the study of the receptor in estrogen target tissues, the concept is emerging that tissue estrogen sensitivity may also be regulated by ligand availability through metabolic transformation in situ. Here, we show that targeted disruption, in the mouse, of an estrogen metabolic enzyme, estrogen sulfotransferase (EST), causes structural and functional lesions in the male reproductive system. EST catalyzes the sulfoconjugation and inactivation of estrogen and is expressed abundantly in testicular Leydig cells. Although knockout males were fertile and phenotypically normal initially, they developed age-dependent Leydig cell hypertrophy/hyperplasia and seminiferous tubule damage. Development of these lesions in the testis could be recapitulated by exogenous E2 administration in younger knockout mice, suggesting that they arose in older knockout mice from chronic estrogen stimulation. Older knockout mice were also found to have reduced testis and epididymis weights but increased seminal vesicle/coagulating gland weight because of tissue swelling. Furthermore, total and forward sperm motility of older knockout mice was reduced by 60% and 80%, respectively, and these mice produced smaller litters compared with age-matched wild-type males. These findings establish a role for EST in the male reproductive system and indicate that intracrine and paracrine estrogen activity can be modulated by a ligand transformation enzyme under a physiological setting. Thus, inhibition of estrogen metabolic enzymes by environmental chemicals, as has been demonstrated recently for the human EST, may constitute a novel mechanism of endocrine disruption in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y M Qian
- Center for Experimental Therapeutics and Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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24
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Annapoorna V, Seng CY, Tong MH, Anandakumar C, Yeoh KH, Arulkumaran S, Ratnam SS. Evaluation of auditory system in preschool children whose mothers had mid-second trimester amniocentesis. J Perinat Med 1996; 24:207-12. [PMID: 8827568 DOI: 10.1515/jpme.1996.24.3.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
A prospective study was conducted in the Otorhinolaryngology department, National University Hospital, Singapore to evaluate the effects of mid-trimester amniocentesis on the auditory system in preschool children of about four years of age. Fifty-nine children whose mothers had mid-second trimester amniocentesis and 63 children (control group) whose mothers did not have amniocentesis in that pregnancy were recruited. The children were subjected to audiological tests to assess hearing impedance abnormalities. The incidence of prematurity, neonatal admissions, ear and respiratory infections, auditory function, speech and language development in children were evaluated because these factors have a bearing on the development of auditory impedance abnormalities. There was no significant increase in the neonatal admission rates, impairment of speech and language development and auditory function in children whose mothers had mid-second trimester amniocentesis compared with the control group whose mothers did not have amniocentesis. An incidental finding in this study was an increased incidence of respiratory illnesses in the children in the amniocentesis group (57.6%) compared with the control group (30.1%). This needs further evaluation with a properly designed study.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Annapoorna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Rep. of Singapore
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25
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Yan WQ, Tong MH, Yu L, Yu T, Hou LZ, Yang TS, Gao G, Zhang JY. [Reorganization of growth-plate-like tissue by isolated chondrocytes in culture]. Shi Yan Sheng Wu Xue Bao 1994; 27:193-203. [PMID: 7976058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Growth-plate cartilage is organized into four cellular zones containing resting, proliferating, maturing, and hypertrophic cells. Rabbit chondrocytes were isolated from growth-plate costal cartilage of 4-week-old New Zealand rabbits, the cells (15 x 10(4)) were suspended in 1 ml of Iscove's modified Dulbecco's medium (IMDM) with 10% fetal bovine serum, 50 micrograms ascorbic acid, and 60 micrograms kanamycin (medium A), then transferred to a 15 ml of plastic centrifuge tube, and centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 5 min. The cell pellet was incubated at 37 degrees C under 5% CO2 in air. The cultures reorganized into growth plate-like tissue which could be seen 7-14 days after cell seeding. This growth-plate, histologically, was organized longitudinally into cellular columns and horizontally into four cellular zones containing resting, proliferating, maturing and hypertrophic cells. The hypertrophic cells in the upper were large in size and round or oval in shape, the proliferating and the mature chondrocytes in the lower were small in size and spherical or elongated in shape. These chondrocytes were surrounded by an extensive matrix. Biochemically, DNA content of cultures began to rise on the 2nd day after cell seeding and reached a plateau after 10 days later. The uronic acid content increased from day 4 and reached the maximum on day 15. In contrast in the early culture, alkaline phosphatase activity was extremely low, it began to rise on day 9 and was the highest on day 20. The sequential increase of DNA, uronic acid and alkaline phosphatase contents was analogous to the in vivo changes of growth-plate chondrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Q Yan
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Norman Betheune University Medical Sciences, Changchun
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