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Wen Y, Zhou S, Gui Y, Li Z, Yin L, Xu W, Feng S, Ma X, Gan S, Xiong M, Dong J, Cheng K, Wang X, Yuan S. hnRNPU is required for spermatogonial stem cell pool establishment in mice. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114113. [PMID: 38625792 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The continuous regeneration of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) underpins spermatogenesis and lifelong male fertility, but the developmental origins of the SSC pool remain unclear. Here, we document that hnRNPU is essential for establishing the SSC pool. In male mice, conditional loss of hnRNPU in prospermatogonia (ProSG) arrests spermatogenesis and results in sterility. hnRNPU-deficient ProSG fails to differentiate and migrate to the basement membrane to establish SSC pool in infancy. Moreover, hnRNPU deletion leads to the accumulation of ProSG and disrupts the process of T1-ProSG to T2-ProSG transition. Single-cell transcriptional analyses reveal that germ cells are in a mitotically quiescent state and lose their unique identity upon hnRNPU depletion. We further show that hnRNPU could bind to Vrk1, Slx4, and Dazl transcripts that have been identified to suffer aberrant alternative splicing in hnRNPU-deficient testes. These observations offer important insights into SSC pool establishment and may have translational implications for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Wen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Shumin Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yiqian Gui
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zeqing Li
- School of Nuclear Technology and Chemistry & Biology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Lisha Yin
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wenchao Xu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shenglei Feng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Laboratory of Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xixiang Ma
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Laboratory of Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shiming Gan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Mengneng Xiong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Juan Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Keren Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Laboratory of Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China.
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Vigoya AAA, Martinez ERM, Digmayer M, de Oliveira MA, Butzge AJ, Rosa IF, Doretto LB, Nóbrega RH. Characterization and enrichment of spermatogonial stem cells of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Theriogenology 2024; 214:233-244. [PMID: 37939542 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.021] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a systematically organized process that ensures uninterrupted sperm production in which the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) play a crucial role. However, the existing absence of teleost-specific molecular markers for SSCs presents a notable challenge. Herein we characterized phenotypically the spermatogonial stem cells using specific molecular markers and transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, we also describe a simple method to suppress common carp spermatogenesis using the combination of Busulfan and thermo-chemical treatment, and finally, we isolate and enrich the undifferentiated spermatogonial fraction. Our results showed that C-kit, GFRα1, and POU2 proteins were expressed by germ cells, meanwhile, undifferentiated spermatogonial populations preferentially expressed GFRα1 and POU2. Moreover, the combination of high temperature (35 °C) and Busulfan (40 mg/kg/BW) effectively suppressed the spermatogenesis of common carp males. Additionally, the amh expression analysis showed differences between the control (26 °C) when compared to 35 °C with a single or two Busulfan doses, confirming that the testes were depleted by the association of Busulfan at high temperatures. In an attempt to isolate the undifferentiated spermatogonial fraction, we used the Percoll discontinuous density gradient. Thus, we successfully dissociated the carp whole testes in different cellular fractions; subsequently, we isolated and enriched the undifferentiated spermatogonial population. Therefore, our results suggest that probably both GFRα-1 and POU2 are highly conserved factors expressed in common carp germinative epithelium and that these molecules were well conserved along the evolutionary process. Furthermore, the enriched undifferentiated spermatogonial population developed here can be used in further germ cell transplantation experiments to preserve and propagate valued and endangered fish species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel A A Vigoya
- Aquaculture Center of São Paulo State University, CAUNESP, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, San Martín University Foundation (FUSM), Bogotá, 760030, Colombia
| | - Emanuel R M Martinez
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 01049-010, Brazil
| | - Melanie Digmayer
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 01049-010, Brazil
| | - Marcos A de Oliveira
- Aquaculture Center of São Paulo State University, CAUNESP, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 01049-010, Brazil
| | - Arno J Butzge
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 01049-010, Brazil
| | - Ivana F Rosa
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 01049-010, Brazil
| | - Lucas B Doretto
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 01049-010, Brazil; Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; National Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Rafael H Nóbrega
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 01049-010, Brazil.
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Tseng CY, Burel M, Cammer M, Harsh S, Flaherty MS, Baumgartner S, Bach EA. chinmo-mutant spermatogonial stem cells cause mitotic drive by evicting non-mutant neighbors from the niche. Dev Cell 2022; 57:80-94.e7. [PMID: 34942115 PMCID: PMC8752517 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Niches maintain a finite pool of stem cells via restricted space and short-range signals. Stem cells compete for limited niche resources, but the mechanisms regulating competition are poorly understood. Using the Drosophila testis model, we show that germline stem cells (GSCs) lacking the transcription factor Chinmo gain a competitive advantage for niche access. Surprisingly, chinmo-/- GSCs rely on a new mechanism of competition in which they secrete the extracellular matrix protein Perlecan to selectively evict non-mutant GSCs and then upregulate Perlecan-binding proteins to remain in the altered niche. Over time, the GSC pool can be entirely replaced with chinmo-/- cells. As a consequence, the mutant chinmo allele acts as a gene drive element; the majority of offspring inherit the allele despite the heterozygous genotype of the parent. Our results suggest that the influence of GSC competition may extend beyond individual stem cell niche dynamics to population-level allelic drift and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Yuan Tseng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Michael Burel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Michael Cammer
- DART Microscopy Laboratory, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Sneh Harsh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Maria Sol Flaherty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Stefan Baumgartner
- Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lunds Universitet, 22184 Lund, Sweden; Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78467 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Erika A Bach
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Center for Stem Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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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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Nakagawa T, Jörg DJ, Watanabe H, Mizuno S, Han S, Ikeda T, Omatsu Y, Nishimura K, Fujita M, Takahashi S, Kondoh G, Simons BD, Yoshida S, Nagasawa T. A multistate stem cell dynamics maintains homeostasis in mouse spermatogenesis. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109875. [PMID: 34686326 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In mouse testis, a heterogeneous population of undifferentiated spermatogonia (Aundiff) harbors spermatogenic stem cell (SSC) potential. Although GFRα1+ Aundiff maintains the self-renewing pool in homeostasis, the functional basis of heterogeneity and the implications for their dynamics remain unresolved. Here, through quantitative lineage tracing of SSC subpopulations, we show that an ensemble of heterogeneous states of SSCs supports homeostatic, persistent spermatogenesis. Such heterogeneity is maintained robustly through stochastic interconversion of SSCs between a renewal-biased Plvap+/GFRα1+ state and a differentiation-primed Sox3+/GFRα1+ state. In this framework, stem cell commitment occurs not directly but gradually through entry into licensed but uncommitted states. Further, Plvap+/GFRα1+ cells divide slowly, in synchrony with the seminiferous epithelial cycle, while Sox3+/GFRα1+ cells divide much faster. Such differential cell-cycle dynamics reduces mitotic load, and thereby the potential to acquire harmful de novo mutations of the self-renewing pool, while keeping the SSC density high over the testicular open niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshinori Nakagawa
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Immunobiology and Hematology, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
| | - David J Jörg
- The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, J. J. Thomson Avenue, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Hitomi Watanabe
- Laboratory of Integrative Biological Science, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Seiya Mizuno
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center and Trans-border Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Seungmin Han
- The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 A0W, UK
| | - Tatsuro Ikeda
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Omatsu
- Department of Immunobiology and Hematology, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Immunology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences and Graduate School of Medicine, World Premier International Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Keiko Nishimura
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Miyako Fujita
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center and Trans-border Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Gen Kondoh
- Laboratory of Integrative Biological Science, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Benjamin D Simons
- The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 A0W, UK; Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, UK
| | - Shosei Yoshida
- Division of Germ Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan.
| | - Takashi Nagasawa
- Department of Immunobiology and Hematology, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Immunology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences and Graduate School of Medicine, World Premier International Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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Khanehzad M, Nourashrafeddin SM, Abolhassani F, Kazemzadeh S, Madadi S, Shiri E, Khanlari P, Khosravizadeh Z, Hedayatpour A. MicroRNA-30a-5p promotes differentiation in neonatal mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:85. [PMID: 34108007 PMCID: PMC8188658 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00758-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in spermatogenesis is crucial and intrinsic factors and extrinsic signals mediate fate decisions of SSCs. Among endogenous regulators, microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical role in spermatogenesis. However, the mechanisms which individual miRNAs regulate self- renewal and differentiation of SSCs are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of miRNA-30a-5p inhibitor on fate determinations of SSCs. METHODS SSCs were isolated from testes of neonate mice (3-6 days old) and their purities were performed by flow cytometry with ID4 and Thy1 markers. Cultured cells were transfected with miRNA- 30a-5p inhibitor. Evaluation of the proliferation (GFRA1, PLZF and ID4) and differentiation (C-Kit & STRA8) markers of SSCs were accomplished by immunocytochemistry and western blot 48 h after transfection. RESULTS Based on the results of flow cytometry with ID4 and Thy1 markers, percentage of purity of SSCs was about 84.3 and 97.4 % respectively. It was found that expression of differentiation markers after transfection was significantly higher in miRNA-30a- 5p inhibitor group compared to other groups. The results of proliferation markers evaluation also showed decrease of GFRA1, PLZF and ID4 protein in SSCs transfected with miRNA-30a-5p inhibitor compared to the other groups. CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that inhibition of miRNA-30a-5p by overexpression of differentiation markers promotes differentiation of Spermatogonial Stem Cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Khanehzad
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Nourashrafeddin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
- School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farid Abolhassani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shokoofeh Kazemzadeh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Madadi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Science, Arak, Iran
| | - Elham Shiri
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Parastoo Khanlari
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Khosravizadeh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azim Hedayatpour
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
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7
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Suzuki S, McCarrey JR, Hermann BP. Differential RA responsiveness among subsets of mouse late progenitor spermatogonia. Reproduction 2021; 161:645-655. [PMID: 33835049 PMCID: PMC8105290 DOI: 10.1530/rep-21-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Initiation of spermatogonial differentiation in the mouse testis begins with the response to retinoic acid (RA) characterized by activation of KIT and STRA8 expression. In the adult, spermatogonial differentiation is spatiotemporally coordinated by a pulse of RA every 8.6 days that is localized to stages VII-VIII of the seminiferous epithelial cycle. Dogmatically, progenitor spermatogonia that express retinoic acid receptor gamma (RARG) at these stages will differentiate in response to RA, but this has yet to be tested functionally. Previous single-cell RNA-seq data identified phenotypically and functionally distinct subsets of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and progenitor spermatogonia, where late progenitor spermatogonia were defined by expression of RARG and Dppa3. Here, we found late progenitor spermatogonia (RARGhigh KIT-) were further divisible into two subpopulations based on Dppa3 reporter expression (Dppa3-ECFP or Dppa3-EGFP) and were observed across all stages of the seminiferous epithelial cycle. However, nearly all Dppa3+ spermatogonia were differentiating (KIT+) late in the seminiferous epithelial cycle (stages X-XII), while Dppa3- late progenitors remained abundant, suggesting that Dppa3+ and Dppa3- late progenitors differentially responded to RA. Following acute RA treatment (2-4 h), significantly more Dppa3+ late progenitors induced KIT, including at the midpoint of the cycle (stages VI-IX), than Dppa3- late progenitors. Subsequently, single-cell analyses indicated a subset of Dppa3+ late progenitors expressed higher levels of Rxra, which we confirmed by RXRA whole-mount immunostaining. Together, these results indicate RARG alone is insufficient to initiate a spermatogonial response to RA in the adult mouse testis and suggest differential RXRA expression may discriminate responding cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinnosuke Suzuki
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249 USA
| | - John R. McCarrey
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249 USA
| | - Brian P. Hermann
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249 USA
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8
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Ladyzhets S, Antel M, Simao T, Gasek N, Cowan AE, Inaba M. Self-limiting stem-cell niche signaling through degradation of a stem-cell receptor. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3001003. [PMID: 33315855 PMCID: PMC7769618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem-cell niche signaling is short-range in nature, such that only stem cells but not their differentiating progeny receive self-renewing signals. At the apical tip of the Drosophila testis, 8 to 10 germline stem cells (GSCs) surround the hub, a cluster of somatic cells that organize the stem-cell niche. We have previously shown that GSCs form microtubule-based nanotubes (MT-nanotubes) that project into the hub cells, serving as the platform for niche signal reception; this spatial arrangement ensures the reception of the niche signal specifically by stem cells but not by differentiating cells. The receptor Thickveins (Tkv) is expressed by GSCs and localizes to the surface of MT-nanotubes, where it receives the hub-derived ligand Decapentaplegic (Dpp). The fate of Tkv receptor after engaging in signaling on the MT-nanotubes has been unclear. Here we demonstrate that the Tkv receptor is internalized into hub cells from the MT-nanotube surface and subsequently degraded in the hub cell lysosomes. Perturbation of MT-nanotube formation and Tkv internalization from MT-nanotubes into hub cells both resulted in an overabundance of Tkv protein in GSCs and hyperactivation of a downstream signal, suggesting that the MT-nanotubes also serve a second purpose to dampen the niche signaling. Together, our results demonstrate that MT-nanotubes play dual roles to ensure the short-range nature of niche signaling by (1) providing an exclusive interface for the niche ligand-receptor interaction; and (2) limiting the amount of stem cell receptors available for niche signal reception. A stem cell niche is the specialized micro-environment that provides the signal to the resident stem cells to support their undifferentiated, self-renewing state. This study shows that the cells that compose the niche do not only provide the signal, but also take up the receptor of stem cells for subsequent lysosomal degradation; this mechanism is essential for restriction of niche signal range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Ladyzhets
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Matthew Antel
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Taylor Simao
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Nathan Gasek
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Ann E. Cowan
- Richard D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Mayu Inaba
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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9
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Amartuvshin O, Lin C, Hsu S, Kao S, Chen A, Tang W, Chou H, Chang D, Hsu Y, Hsiao B, Rastegari E, Lin K, Wang Y, Yao C, Chen G, Chen B, Hsu H. Aging shifts mitochondrial dynamics toward fission to promote germline stem cell loss. Aging Cell 2020; 19:e13191. [PMID: 32666649 PMCID: PMC7431834 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in mitochondrial dynamics (fusion and fission) are known to occur during stem cell differentiation; however, the role of this phenomenon in tissue aging remains unclear. Here, we report that mitochondrial dynamics are shifted toward fission during aging of Drosophila ovarian germline stem cells (GSCs), and this shift contributes to aging-related GSC loss. We found that as GSCs age, mitochondrial fragmentation and expression of the mitochondrial fission regulator, Dynamin-related protein (Drp1), are both increased, while mitochondrial membrane potential is reduced. Moreover, preventing mitochondrial fusion in GSCs results in highly fragmented depolarized mitochondria, decreased BMP stemness signaling, impaired fatty acid metabolism, and GSC loss. Conversely, forcing mitochondrial elongation promotes GSC attachment to the niche. Importantly, maintenance of aging GSCs can be enhanced by suppressing Drp1 expression to prevent mitochondrial fission or treating with rapamycin, which is known to promote autophagy via TOR inhibition. Overall, our results show that mitochondrial dynamics are altered during physiological aging, affecting stem cell homeostasis via coordinated changes in stemness signaling, niche contact, and cellular metabolism. Such effects may also be highly relevant to other stem cell types and aging-induced tissue degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyundari Amartuvshin
- Molecular and Cell BiologyTaiwan International Graduate ProgramAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
- Graduate Institute of Life ScienceNational Defense Medical CenterTaipeiTaiwan
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic BiologyTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Chi‐Hung Lin
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic BiologyTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Shao‐Chun Hsu
- Imaging Core Facility at the Institute of Cellular and Organismic BiologyAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Shih‐Han Kao
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic BiologyTaipeiTaiwan
- Present address:
Institute of ChemistryAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Alvin Chen
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic BiologyTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Wei‐Chun Tang
- Research Center for Applied ScienceAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Han‐Lin Chou
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic BiologyTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Dong‐Lin Chang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic BiologyTaipeiTaiwan
- The Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Yen‐Yang Hsu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic BiologyTaipeiTaiwan
- The Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Bai‐Shiou Hsiao
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic BiologyTaipeiTaiwan
- The Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | | | - Kun‐Yang Lin
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic BiologyTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Yu‐Ting Wang
- Molecular and Cell BiologyTaiwan International Graduate ProgramAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
- Graduate Institute of Life ScienceNational Defense Medical CenterTaipeiTaiwan
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic BiologyTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Chi‐Kuang Yao
- Institute of Biological ChemistryAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Guang‐Chao Chen
- Institute of Biological ChemistryAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Bi‐Chang Chen
- Research Center for Applied ScienceAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Hwei‐Jan Hsu
- Molecular and Cell BiologyTaiwan International Graduate ProgramAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
- Graduate Institute of Life ScienceNational Defense Medical CenterTaipeiTaiwan
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic BiologyTaipeiTaiwan
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10
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Chen J, Mohammad A, Pazdernik N, Huang H, Bowman B, Tycksen E, Schedl T. GLP-1 Notch-LAG-1 CSL control of the germline stem cell fate is mediated by transcriptional targets lst-1 and sygl-1. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008650. [PMID: 32196486 PMCID: PMC7153901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell systems are essential for the development and maintenance of polarized tissues. Intercellular signaling pathways control stem cell systems, where niche cells signal stem cells to maintain the stem cell fate/self-renewal and inhibit differentiation. In the C. elegans germline, GLP-1 Notch signaling specifies the stem cell fate, employing the sequence-specific DNA binding protein LAG-1 to implement the transcriptional response. We undertook a comprehensive genome-wide approach to identify transcriptional targets of GLP-1 signaling. We expected primary response target genes to be evident at the intersection of genes identified as directly bound by LAG-1, from ChIP-seq experiments, with genes identified as requiring GLP-1 signaling for RNA accumulation, from RNA-seq analysis. Furthermore, we performed a time-course transcriptomics analysis following auxin inducible degradation of LAG-1 to distinguish between genes whose RNA level was a primary or secondary response of GLP-1 signaling. Surprisingly, only lst-1 and sygl-1, the two known target genes of GLP-1 in the germline, fulfilled these criteria, indicating that these two genes are the primary response targets of GLP-1 Notch and may be the sole germline GLP-1 signaling protein-coding transcriptional targets for mediating the stem cell fate. In addition, three secondary response genes were identified based on their timing following loss of LAG-1, their lack of a LAG-1 ChIP-seq peak and that their glp-1 dependent mRNA accumulation could be explained by a requirement for lst-1 and sygl-1 activity. Moreover, our analysis also suggests that the function of the primary response genes lst-1 and sygl-1 can account for the glp-1 dependent peak protein accumulation of FBF-2, which promotes the stem cell fate and, in part, for the spatial restriction of elevated LAG-1 accumulation to the stem cell region. Stem cell systems are central to tissue development, homeostasis and regeneration, where niche to stem cell signaling pathways promote the stem cell fate/self-renewal and inhibit differentiation. The evolutionarily conserved GLP-1 Notch signaling pathway in the C. elegans germline is an experimentally tractable system, allowing dissection of control of the stem cell fate and inhibition of meiotic development. However, as in many systems, the primary molecular targets of the signaling pathway in stem cells is incompletely known, as are secondary molecular targets, and this knowledge is essential for a deep understanding of stem cell systems. Here we focus on the identification of the primary transcriptional targets of the GLP-1 signaling pathway that promotes the stem cell fate, employing unbiased multilevel genomic approaches. We identify only lst-1 and sygl-1, two of a number of previously reported targets, as likely the sole primary mRNA transcriptional targets of GLP-1 signaling that promote the germline stem cell fate. We also identify secondary GLP-1 signaling RNA and protein targets, whose expression shows dependence on lst-1 and sygl-1, where the protein targets reinforce the importance of posttranscriptional regulation in control of the stem cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Ariz Mohammad
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Nanette Pazdernik
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Current address, Integrated DNA Technologies, Coralville, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Huiyan Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Beth Bowman
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Current address, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Eric Tycksen
- Genome Technology Access Center, McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Tim Schedl
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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11
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Sênos Demarco R, Jones DL. Mitochondrial fission regulates germ cell differentiation by suppressing ROS-mediated activation of Epidermal Growth Factor Signaling in the Drosophila larval testis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19695. [PMID: 31873089 PMCID: PMC6927965 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55728-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are essential organelles that have recently emerged as hubs for several metabolic and signaling pathways in the cell. Mitochondrial morphology is regulated by constant fusion and fission events to maintain a functional mitochondrial network and to remodel the mitochondrial network in response to external stimuli. Although the role of mitochondria in later stages of spermatogenesis has been investigated in depth, the role of mitochondrial dynamics in regulating early germ cell behavior is relatively less-well understood. We previously demonstrated that mitochondrial fusion is required for germline stem cell (GSC) maintenance in the Drosophila testis. Here, we show that mitochondrial fission is also important for regulating the maintenance of early germ cells in larval testes. Inhibition of Drp1 in early germ cells resulted in the loss of GSCs and spermatogonia due to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of the EGFR pathway in adjacent somatic cyst cells. EGFR activation contributed to premature germ cell differentiation. Our data provide insights into how mitochondrial dynamics can impact germ cell maintenance and differentiation via distinct mechanisms throughout development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Sênos Demarco
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - D Leanne Jones
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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12
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Chen M, Yang W, Liu N, Zhang X, Dong W, Lan X, Pan C. Pig Hsd17b3: Alternative splice variants expression, insertion/deletion (indel) in promoter region and their associations with male reproductive traits. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 195:105483. [PMID: 31550505 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hydroxysteroid 17-Beta Dehydrogenase 3 (Hsd17b3), primarily expressed in Leydig cells (LCs) of the mammalian testes, is essential for testosterone biosynthesis and male fertility. The aim of our study was to profile the expression, splice variants (SV) and novel insertion/deletion (indel) of Hsd17b3 in boars. Quantitative analysis showed that the expression level of Hsd17b3 in the testis was significantly highest. Among different testicular cell types, the Hsd17b3 mRNA expression level of LCs was significantly higher than that of SSCs (spermatogonial stem cells) and SCs (Sertoli cells). Furthermore, the SV was firstly identified in pigs and it was highly expressed in LCs comparing with SSCs and SCs. In addition, two mutations were identified in pig Hsd17b3 gene promotor and intron, respectively, which were associated with male reproductive traits (P < 0.05). In conclusion, both transcripts of Hsd17b3 gene were highly expressed in pig testes and LCs; the two novel indel variants of Hsd17b3 gene can be used as potential DNA makers for the marker-assisted selection in pigs. All these findings would enrich the study of Hsd17b3 gene in pig genetic breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenjing Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Nuan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xuelian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wuzi Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xianyong Lan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chuanying Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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13
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Suen HC, Qian Y, Liao J, Luk CS, Lee WT, Ng JKW, Chan TTH, Hou HW, Li I, Li K, Chan WY, Feng B, Gao L, Jiang X, Liu YH, Rudd JA, Hobbs R, Qi H, Ng TK, Mak HK, Leung KS, Lee TL. Transplantation of Retinal Ganglion Cells Derived from Male Germline Stem Cell as a Potential Treatment to Glaucoma. Stem Cells Dev 2019; 28:1365-1375. [PMID: 31580778 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration and is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. However, current treatments such as eye drop or surgery have limitations and do not target the loss of RGC. Regenerative therapy using embryonic stem cells (ESCs) holds a promising option, but ethical concern hinders clinical applications on human subjects. In this study, we employed spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) as an alternative source of ESCs for cell-based regenerative therapy in mouse glaucoma model. We generated functional RGCs from SSCs with a two-step protocol without applying viral transfection or chemical induction. SSCs were first dedifferentiated to embryonic stem-like cells (SSC-ESCs) that resemble ESCs in morphology, gene expression signatures, and stem cell properties. The SSC-ESCs then differentiated toward retinal lineages. We showed SSC-ESC-derived retinal cells expressed RGC-specific marker Brn3b and functioned as bona fide RGCs. To allow in vivo RGC tracing, Brn3b-EGFP reporter SSC-ESCs were generated and the derived RGCs were subsequently transplanted into the retina of glaucoma mouse models by intravitreal injection. We demonstrated that the transplanted RGCs could survive in host retina for at least 10 days after transplantation. SSC-ESC-derived RGCs can thus potentially be a novel alternative to replace the damaged RGCs in glaucomatous retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi Ching Suen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yan Qian
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jinyue Liao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun Shui Luk
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wing Tung Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Judy Kin Wing Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Thomas Ting Hei Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hei Wan Hou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ingrid Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kit Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai-Yee Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bo Feng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lin Gao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuen Hang Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - John A Rudd
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Robin Hobbs
- Aust Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Huayu Qi
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tsz Kin Ng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Heather Kayew Mak
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kai Shun Leung
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tin-Lap Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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14
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Ng CL, Qian Y, Schulz C. Notch and Delta are required for survival of the germline stem cell lineage in testes of Drosophila melanogaster. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222471. [PMID: 31513679 PMCID: PMC6742463 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In all metazoan species, sperm is produced from germline stem cells. These self-renew and produce daughter cells that amplify and differentiate dependent on interactions with somatic support cells. In the male gonad of Drosophila melanogaster, the germline and somatic cyst cells co-differentiate as cysts, an arrangement in which the germline is completely enclosed by cytoplasmic extensions from the cyst cells. Notch is a developmentally relevant receptor in a pathway requiring immediate proximity with the signal sending cell. Here, we show that Notch is expressed in the cyst cells of wild-type testes. Notch becomes activated in the transition zone, an apical area of the testes in which the cyst cells express stage-specific transcription factors and the enclosed germline finalizes transit-amplifying divisions. Reducing the ligand Delta from the germline cells via RNA-Interference or reducing the receptor Notch from the cyst cells via CRISPR resulted in cell death concomitant with loss of germline cells from the transition zone. This shows that Notch signaling is essential for the survival of the germline stem cell lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun L. Ng
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yue Qian
- University of North Georgia, Department of Biology, Oakwood, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Cordula Schulz
- University of Georgia, Department of Cellular Biology, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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15
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Wooten M, Snedeker J, Nizami ZF, Yang X, Ranjan R, Urban E, Kim JM, Gall J, Xiao J, Chen X. Asymmetric histone inheritance via strand-specific incorporation and biased replication fork movement. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2019; 26:732-743. [PMID: 31358945 PMCID: PMC6684448 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-019-0269-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Many stem cells undergo asymmetric division to produce a self-renewing stem cell and a differentiating daughter cell. Here we show that, similarly to H3, histone H4 is inherited asymmetrically in Drosophila melanogaster male germline stem cells undergoing asymmetric division. In contrast, both H2A and H2B are inherited symmetrically. By combining super-resolution microscopy and chromatin fiber analyses with proximity ligation assays on intact nuclei, we find that old H3 is preferentially incorporated by the leading strand, whereas newly synthesized H3 is enriched on the lagging strand. Using a sequential nucleoside analog incorporation assay, we detect a high incidence of unidirectional replication fork movement in testes-derived chromatin and DNA fibers. Biased fork movement coupled with a strand preference in histone incorporation would explain how asymmetric old and new H3 and H4 are established during replication. These results suggest a role for DNA replication in patterning epigenetic information in asymmetrically dividing cells in multicellular organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Wooten
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan Snedeker
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zehra F Nizami
- Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of Embryology, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xinxing Yang
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rajesh Ranjan
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth Urban
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jee Min Kim
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joseph Gall
- Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of Embryology, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jie Xiao
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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16
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Li X, Hu X, Tian GG, Cheng P, Li Z, Zhu M, Zhou H, Wu J. C89 Induces Autophagy of Female Germline Stem Cells via Inhibition of the PI3K-Akt Pathway In Vitro. Cells 2019; 8:cells8060606. [PMID: 31216656 PMCID: PMC6627605 DOI: 10.3390/cells8060606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Postnatal female germline stem cells (FGSCs) are a type of germline stem cell with self-renewal ability and the capacity of differentiation toward oocyte. The proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of FGSCs have been researched in recent years, but autophagy in FGSCs has not been explored. This study investigated the effects of the small-molecule compound 89 (C89) on FGSCs and the underlying molecular mechanism in vitro. Cytometry, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay showed that the number, viability, and proliferation of FGSCs were significantly reduced in C89-treated groups (0.5, 1, and 2 µM) compared with controls. C89 had no impact on FGSC apoptosis or differentiation. However, C89 treatment induced the expression of light chain 3 beta II (LC3BII) and reduced the expression of sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1) in FGSCs, indicating that C89 induced FGSC autophagy. To investigate the mechanism of C89-induced FGSC autophagy, RNA-seq technology was used to compare the transcriptome differences between C89-treated FGSCs and controls. Bioinformatics analysis of the sequencing data indicated a potential involvement of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase and kinase Akt (PI3K-Akt) pathway in the effects of C89's induction of autophagy in FGSCs. Western blot confirmed that levels of p-PI3K and p-Akt were significantly reduced in the C89- or LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor)-treated groups compared with controls. Moreover, we found cooperative functions of C89 and LY294002 in inducing FGSC autophagy through suppressing the PI3K-Akt pathway. Taken together, this research demonstrates that C89 can reduce the number, viability, and proliferation of FGSCs by inducing autophagy. Furthermore, C89 induced FGSC autophagy by inhibiting the activity of PI3K and Akt. The PI3K-Akt pathway may be a target to regulate FGSC proliferation and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Li
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Xiaopeng Hu
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Geng G Tian
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Ping Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
| | - Zezhong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Mingyan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Huchen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Ji Wu
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
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17
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Kadekar P, Roy R. AMPK regulates germline stem cell quiescence and integrity through an endogenous small RNA pathway. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000309. [PMID: 31166944 PMCID: PMC6576793 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During suboptimal growth conditions, Caenorhabditis elegans larvae undergo a global developmental arrest called “dauer.” During this stage, the germline stem cells (GSCs) become quiescent in an AMP-activated Protein Kinase (AMPK)-dependent manner, and in the absence of AMPK, the GSCs overproliferate and lose their reproductive capacity, leading to sterility when mutant animals resume normal growth. These defects correlate with the altered abundance and distribution of a number of chromatin modifications, all of which can be corrected by disabling components of the endogenous small RNA pathway, suggesting that AMPK regulates germ cell integrity by targeting an RNA interference (RNAi)-like pathway during dauer. The expression of AMPK in somatic cells restores all the germline defects, potentially through the transmission of small RNAs. Our findings place AMPK at a pivotal position linking energy stress detected in the soma to a consequent endogenous small RNA–mediated adaptation in germline gene expression, thereby challenging the “permeability" of the Weismann barrier. When energy stress triggers dauer formation in nematodes, the cellular energy sensor AMPK genetically interacts with a small RNA pathway to mediate appropriate chromatin modifications and gene expression to regulate germline stem cell quiescence and integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratik Kadekar
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Richard Roy
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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18
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Yamada M, Cai W, Martin LA, N’Tumba-Byn T, Seandel M. Functional robustness of adult spermatogonial stem cells after induction of hyperactive Hras. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008139. [PMID: 31050682 PMCID: PMC6519842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that paternal age correlates with disease risk in children. De novo gain-of-function mutations in the FGF-RAS-MAPK signaling pathway are known to cause a subset of genetic diseases associated with advanced paternal age, such as Apert syndrome, achondroplasia, Noonan syndrome, and Costello syndrome. It has been hypothesized that adult spermatogonial stem cells with pathogenic mutations are clonally expanded over time and propagate the mutations to offspring. However, no model system exists to interrogate mammalian germline stem cell competition in vivo. In this study, we created a lineage tracing system, which enabled undifferentiated spermatogonia with endogenous expression of HrasG12V, a known pathogenic gain-of-function mutation in RAS-MAPK signaling, to compete with their wild-type counterparts in the mouse testis. Over a year of fate analysis, neither HrasG12V-positive germ cells nor sperm exhibited a significant expansion compared to wild-type neighbors. Short-term stem cell capacity as measured by transplantation analysis was also comparable between wild-type and mutant groups. Furthermore, although constitutively active HRAS was detectable in the mutant cell lines, they did not exhibit a proliferative advantage or an enhanced response to agonist-evoked pERK signaling. These in vivo and in vitro results suggest that mouse spermatogonial stem cells are functionally resistant to a heterozygous HrasG12V mutation in the endogenous locus and that mechanisms could exist to prevent such harmful mutations from being expanded and transmitted to the next generation. Recent research has found that advanced paternal age is associated with increased risk in children to develop a subset of congenital anomalies, such as Apert syndrome, achondroplasia, Noonan syndrome, and Costello syndrome. The causative genetic errors (mutations) in these disorders have been identified to originate from the fathers’ testicles and their numbers increase with fathers’ age. It has been hypothesized that the germline stem cells that continuously self-renew and differentiate to supply sperm (referred as spermatogonial stem cells [SSCs]) carry these mutations and have the ability to expand preferentially as compared to normal SSCs with advancing age of the father, thereby increasing the likelihood of transmission of mutant sperm to the next generation. To test this hypothesis, we created a mouse model, in which a mutation known to enhance cell proliferation is induced in a subset of SSCs, and these cells compete with the neighboring normal (i.e., wild-type) stem cells. However, surprisingly, the germline cell population carrying the mutation in the testis was stable over a year of observation, suggesting that mechanisms could exist to prevent such harmful mutations from being expanded and transmitted to the next generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makiko Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MY); (MS)
| | - Winson Cai
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Laura A. Martin
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Thierry N’Tumba-Byn
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Marco Seandel
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MY); (MS)
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19
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Bäck S, Necarsulmer J, Whitaker LR, Coke LM, Koivula P, Heathward EJ, Fortuno LV, Zhang Y, Yeh CG, Baldwin HA, Spencer MD, Mejias-Aponte CA, Pickel J, Hoffman AF, Spivak CE, Lupica CR, Underhill SM, Amara SG, Domanskyi A, Anttila JE, Airavaara M, Hope BT, Hamra FK, Richie CT, Harvey BK. Neuron-Specific Genome Modification in the Adult Rat Brain Using CRISPR-Cas9 Transgenic Rats. Neuron 2019; 102:105-119.e8. [PMID: 30792150 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Historically, the rat has been the preferred animal model for behavioral studies. Limitations in genome modification have, however, caused a lag in their use compared to the bevy of available transgenic mice. Here, we have developed several transgenic tools, including viral vectors and transgenic rats, for targeted genome modification in specific adult rat neurons using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Starting from wild-type rats, knockout of tyrosine hydroxylase was achieved with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors expressing Cas9 or guide RNAs (gRNAs). We subsequently created an AAV vector for Cre-dependent gRNA expression as well as three new transgenic rat lines to specifically target CRISPR-Cas9 components to dopaminergic neurons. One rat represents the first knockin rat model made by germline gene targeting in spermatogonial stem cells. The rats described herein serve as a versatile platform for making cell-specific and sequence-specific genome modifications in the adult brain and potentially other Cre-expressing tissues of the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Bäck
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cellular Stress and Inflammation Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Julie Necarsulmer
- Optogenetics and Transgenic Technology Core/Genetic Engineering and Viral Vector Core, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Leslie R Whitaker
- Neuronal Ensembles in Drug Addiction Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Lamarque M Coke
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cellular Stress and Inflammation Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Pyry Koivula
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cellular Stress and Inflammation Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Emily J Heathward
- Optogenetics and Transgenic Technology Core/Genetic Engineering and Viral Vector Core, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Lowella V Fortuno
- Optogenetics and Transgenic Technology Core/Genetic Engineering and Viral Vector Core, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Yajun Zhang
- Optogenetics and Transgenic Technology Core/Genetic Engineering and Viral Vector Core, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - C Grace Yeh
- Neuronal Ensembles in Drug Addiction Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Heather A Baldwin
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cellular Stress and Inflammation Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Morgan D Spencer
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cellular Stress and Inflammation Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Carlos A Mejias-Aponte
- Histology Core, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - James Pickel
- Transgenic Technology Core, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alexander F Hoffman
- Electrophysiology Research Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Charles E Spivak
- Electrophysiology Research Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Carl R Lupica
- Electrophysiology Research Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Suzanne M Underhill
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Susan G Amara
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Andrii Domanskyi
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jenni E Anttila
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Airavaara
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Bruce T Hope
- Neuronal Ensembles in Drug Addiction Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - F Kent Hamra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Christopher T Richie
- Optogenetics and Transgenic Technology Core/Genetic Engineering and Viral Vector Core, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Brandon K Harvey
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cellular Stress and Inflammation Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Optogenetics and Transgenic Technology Core/Genetic Engineering and Viral Vector Core, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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20
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Abstract
Continuous spermatogenesis in post-pubertal mammals is dependent on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which balance self-renewing divisions that maintain stem cell pool with differentiating divisions that sustain continuous sperm production. Rodent stem and progenitor spermatogonia are described by their clonal arrangement in the seminiferous epithelium (e.g., Asingle, Apaired or Aaligned spermatogonia), molecular markers (e.g., ID4, GFRA1, PLZF, SALL4 and others) and most importantly by their biological potential to produce and maintain spermatogenesis when transplanted into recipient testes. In contrast, stem cells in the testes of higher primates (nonhuman and human) are defined by description of their nuclear morphology and staining with hematoxylin as Adark and Apale spermatogonia. There is limited information about how dark and pale descriptions of nuclear morphology in higher primates correspond with clone size, molecular markers or transplant potential. Do the apparent differences in stem cells and spermatogenic lineage development between rodents and primates represent true biological differences or simply differences in the volume of research and the vocabulary that has developed over the past half century? This review will provide an overview of stem, progenitor and differentiating spermatogonia that support spermatogenesis; identifying parallels between rodents and primates where they exist as well as features unique to higher primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adetunji P Fayomi
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
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21
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Gat I, Maghen L, Filice M, Kenigsberg S, Wyse B, Zohni K, Saraz P, Fisher AG, Librach C. Initial germ cell to somatic cell ratio impacts the efficiency of SSC expansion in vitro. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2018; 64:39-50. [PMID: 29193985 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2017.1406013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial Stem Cell (SSC) expansion in vitro remains a major challenge in efforts to preserve fertility among pubertal cancer survivor boys. The current study focused on innovative approaches to optimize SSC expansion. Six- to eight-week-old CD-1 murine testicular samples were harvested by mechanical and enzymatic digestion. Cell suspensions were incubated for differential plating (DP). After DP, we established two experiments comparing single vs. repetitive DP (S-DP and R-DP, respectively) until passage 2 (P2) completion. Each experiment included a set of cultures consisting of 5 floating-to-attached cell ratios (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25) and control cultures containing floating cells only. We found similar cell and colony count drops during P0 in both S- and R-DP. During P2, counts increased in S-DP in middle ratios (10, 15, and especially 20) relative to low and high ratios (5 and 25, respectively). Counts dropped extensively in R-DP after passage 2. The superiority of intermediate ratios was demonstrated by enrichment of GFRα1 by qPCR. The optimal ratio of 20 in S-DP contained significantly increased proportions of GFRα1-positive cells (25.8±5.8%) as measured by flow cytometry compared to after DP (1.9±0.7%, p<0.0001), as well as positive immunostaining for GFRα1 and UTF1, with rare Sox9-positive cells. This is the first report of the impact of initial floating-to-attached cell ratios on SSC proliferation in vitro. ABBREVIATIONS SSC: spermatogonial stem cells; DP: differential plating; NOA: non-obstructive azoospermia; MACS: magnetic-activated cells sorting; FACS: fluorescence-activated cells sorting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itai Gat
- a CReATe Fertility Centre , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
- b Pinchas Borenstein Talpiot Medical Leadership Program , Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer , Ramat Gan , Israel
- c Sackler Medical School, University of Tel Aviv , Israel
| | - Leila Maghen
- a CReATe Fertility Centre , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | | | | | - Brandon Wyse
- a CReATe Fertility Centre , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Khaled Zohni
- a CReATe Fertility Centre , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Peter Saraz
- a CReATe Fertility Centre , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | | | - Clifford Librach
- a CReATe Fertility Centre , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
- d Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
- e Department of Gynecology , Women's College Hospital , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
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22
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Gat I, Maghen L, Filice M, Wyse B, Zohni K, Jarvi K, Lo KC, Gauthier Fisher A, Librach C. Optimal culture conditions are critical for efficient expansion of human testicular somatic and germ cells in vitro. Fertil Steril 2017; 107:595-605.e7. [PMID: 28259258 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To optimize culture conditions for human testicular somatic cells (TSCs) and spermatogonial stem cells. DESIGN Basic science study. SETTING Urology clinic and stem cell research laboratory. PATIENT(S) Eight human testicular samples. INTERVENTIONS(S) Testicular tissues were processed by mechanical and enzymatic digestion. Cell suspensions were subjected to differential plating (DP) after which floating cells (representing germ cells) were removed and attached cells (representing TSCs) were cultured for 2 passages (P0-P1) in StemPro-34- or DMEM-F12-based medium. Germ cell cultures were established in both media for 12 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) TSC cultures: proliferation doubling time (PDT), fluorescence-activated cell sorting for CD90, next-generation sequencing for 89 RNA transcripts, immunocytochemistry for TSC and germ cell markers, and conditioned media analysis; germ cell cultures: number of aggregates. RESULT(S) TSCs had significantly prolonged PDT in DMEM-F12 versus StemPro-34 (319.6 ± 275.8 h and 110.5 ± 68.3 h, respectively). The proportion of CD90-positive cells increased after P1 in StemPro-34 and DMEM-F12 (90.1 ± 10.8% and 76.5 ± 17.4%, respectively) versus after DP (66.3 ± 7%). Samples from both media after P1 clustered closely in the principle components analysis map whereas those after DP did not. After P1 in either medium, CD90-positive cells expressed TSC markers only, and fibroblast growth factor 2 and bone morphogenetic protein 4 were detected in conditioned medium. A higher number of germ cell aggregates formed in DMEM-F12 (59 ± 39 vs. 28 ± 17, respectively). CONCLUSION(S) Use of DMEM-F12 reduces TSC proliferation while preserving their unique characteristics, leading to improved germ cell aggregates formation compared with StemPro-34, the standard basal medium used in the majority of previous reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itai Gat
- Create Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Pinchas Borenstein Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Sackler school of medicine, Tel Aviv university, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Leila Maghen
- Create Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Brandon Wyse
- Create Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Khaled Zohni
- Create Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Reproductive Health and Family Planning, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Keith Jarvi
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kirk C Lo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Clifford Librach
- Create Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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23
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Hertz DL, Henry NL, Rae JM. Germline genetic predictors of aromatase inhibitor concentrations, estrogen suppression and drug efficacy and toxicity in breast cancer patients. Pharmacogenomics 2017; 18:481-499. [PMID: 28346074 PMCID: PMC6219438 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2016-0205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The third-generation aromatase inhibitors (AIs), anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane, are highly effective for the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. AIs inhibit the aromatase (CYP19A1)-mediated production of estrogens. Most patients taking AIs achieve undetectable blood estrogen concentrations resulting in drug efficacy with tolerable side effects. However, some patients have suboptimal outcomes, which may be due, in part, to inherited germline genetic variants. This review summarizes published germline genetic associations with AI treatment outcomes including systemic AI concentrations, estrogenic response to AIs, AI treatment efficacy and AI treatment toxicities. Significant associations are highlighted with commentary about prioritization for future validation to identify pharmacogenetic predictors of AI treatment outcomes that can be used to inform personalized treatment decisions in patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Hertz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1065, USA
| | - N Lynn Henry
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84103, USA
| | - James M Rae
- Breast Oncology Program, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1065, USA
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Abstract
Both male and female zebrafish have a population of germ-line stem cells that produce gametes throughout the life of the fish. These cells localize to specific regions in the gonads and can be identified because they uniquely express the nanos2 gene, which encodes a conserved regulator of translation. A method is presented here for identifying germ-line stem cells in the ovary and testis using a combined protocol for whole-mount fluorescent RNA in situ hybridization to detect nanos2 mRNA and immunofluorescence to detect the pan-germ cell marker Vasa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce W Draper
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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25
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Xu LL, Liu ML, Wang JL, Yu M, Chen JX. Saligenin cyclic-o-tolyl phosphate (SCOTP) induces autophagy of rat spermatogonial stem cells. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 60:62-8. [PMID: 26815770 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate (TOCP) has been widely used as plasticizers, plastic softeners, and flame-retardants in industry, which can be metabolized to High-toxic saligenin cyclic-o-tolyl phosphate (SCOTP). Our previous results found that TOCP could disrupt the seminiferous epithelium in the testis and induce autophagy of rat spermatogonial stem cells. Little is known about the toxic effect of SCOTP on rat spermatogonial stem cells. The present study showed that SCOTP decreased viability of rat spermatogonial stem cells in a dose-dependent manner. Both LC3-II and the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I were significantly increased; autophagy proteins atg5 and Beclin 1 were also markedly increased after treatment with SCOTP, indicating SCOTP could induce autophagy of the cells. Ultrastructural observation under the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that there were autophagic vacuoles in the cytoplasm in the SCOTP-treated cells. However, cell cycle arrest was not observed by flow cytometry; and the mRNA levels of p21, p27, p53 and cyclin D1 in the cells were also not affected by SCOTP. Meanwhile, SCOTP didn't induce apoptosis of the cells. In summary, we showed that SCOTP could induce autophagy of rat spermatogonial stem cells, without affecting cell cycle and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Lin Xu
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Meng-Ling Liu
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Nursing school of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang 332000, PR China
| | - Jing-Lei Wang
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Mei Yu
- Library, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Jia-Xiang Chen
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China.
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