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Xiao X, Han Y, Li Q, Zheng D, Cheng CY, Ni Y. Exploring the evolving function of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in junction dynamics during spermatogenesis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1281812. [PMID: 38260159 PMCID: PMC10801026 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1281812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on immune, endothelial, and epithelial cells. Its ectodomain can be proteolytically cleaved to release a circulating soluble form called sICAM-1. Clinical studies demonstrate sICAM-1 is upregulated in various diseases and associated with disease severity. Research has identified sICAM-1 as a regulator of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and spermatogenesis. Overexpression of sICAM-1 weakened the BTB in vitro and in vivo, downregulated junction proteins including N-cadherin, γ-catenin, and connexin 43, and caused germ cell loss. This contrasts with barrier-strengthening effects of membrane-bound ICAM-1. sICAM-1 may act as a molecular switch enabling germ cells to open BTB and Sertoli-germ cell adhesion for transport across the seminiferous epithelium. While the mechanism remains unclear, reduced SRC family kinase (SFK) signaling was observed following sICAM-1 overexpression. SRC promotes BTB protein endocytosis and degradation, influences cytoskeletal dynamics, and affects cell polarity. As sICAM-1 overexpression phenocopies SRC inhibition, SRC may operate downstream of sICAM-1 in regulating BTB dynamics and spermatogenesis. Investigating sICAM-1's structure-function regions and downstream targets will elucidate the molecular mechanisms of junction disruption. This knowledge could enable strategies targeting sICAM-1/SRC to modulate BTB permeability and treat male infertility or diseases involving endothelial/epithelial barrier dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Xiao
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yating Han
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongwang Zheng
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - C. Yan Cheng
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ya Ni
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
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Luaces JP, Toro-Urrego N, Otero-Losada M, Capani F. What do we know about blood-testis barrier? current understanding of its structure and physiology. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1114769. [PMID: 37397257 PMCID: PMC10307970 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1114769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood-testis barrier (BTB) creates a particular compartment in the seminiferous epithelium. Contacting Sertoli cell-Sertoli cell plasma membranes possess specialized junction proteins which present a complex dynamic of formation and dismantling. Thus, these specialized structures facilitate germ cell movement across the BTB. Junctions are constantly rearranged during spermatogenesis while the BTB preserves its barrier function. Imaging methods are essential to studying the dynamic of this sophisticated structure in order to understand its functional morphology. Isolated Sertoli cell cultures cannot represent the multiple interactions of the seminiferous epithelium and in situ studies became a fundamental approach to analyze BTB dynamics. In this review, we discuss the contributions of high-resolution microscopy studies to enlarge the body of morphofunctional data to understand the biology of the BTB as a dynamic structure. The first morphological evidence of the BTB was based on a fine structure of the junctions, which was resolved with Transmission Electron Microscopy. The use of conventional Fluorescent Light Microscopy to examine labelled molecules emerged as a fundamental technique for elucidating the precise protein localization at the BTB. Then laser-scanning confocal microscopy allowed the study of three-dimensional structures and complexes at the seminiferous epithelium. Several junction proteins, like the transmembrane, scaffold and signaling proteins, were identified in the testis using traditional animal models. BTB morphology was analyzed in different physiological conditions as the spermatocyte movement during meiosis, testis development, and seasonal spermatogenesis, but also structural elements, proteins, and BTB permeability were studied. Under pathological, pharmacological, or pollutant/toxic conditions, there are significant studies that provide high-resolution images which help to understand the dynamic of the BTB. Notwithstanding the advances, further research using new technologies is required to gain information on the BTB. Super-resolution light microscopy is needed to provide new research with high-quality images of targeted molecules at a nanometer-scale resolution. Finally, we highlight research areas that warrant future studies, pinpointing new microscopy approaches and helping to improve our ability to understand this barrier complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. P. Luaces
- Centro de Altos Estudios en Ciencias Humanas y de la Salud, Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CAECIHS.UAI-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - N. Toro-Urrego
- Centro de Altos Estudios en Ciencias Humanas y de la Salud, Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CAECIHS.UAI-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M. Otero-Losada
- Centro de Altos Estudios en Ciencias Humanas y de la Salud, Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CAECIHS.UAI-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F. Capani
- Centro de Altos Estudios en Ciencias Humanas y de la Salud, Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CAECIHS.UAI-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Hong X, Shao N, Yin L, Li C, Tao G, Sun Y, Qian K, Yang J, Xiao P, Yu X, Zhou Z. Exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles affects testicular structure, reproductive development and spermatogenesis in parental and offspring male rats. Ann Transl Med 2022; 10:751. [PMID: 35957732 PMCID: PMC9358518 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-3047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the toxicity exerted by zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on rat testis and its effects on fertility and progeny development. Methods Different concentrations of ZnO NPs were administered by gavage to Sprague Dawley (SD) rats to examine the adverse effects resulting from pre- and post-natal exposure. Systemic distribution of ZnO NPs, developmental performance, sperm parameters, reproductive performance, histopathological examination, and sex hormone levels were determined scheduled in the experimental rats and their male offspring. The comparative in vitro cytotoxicity of the ZnO NPs was determined among C18-4, TM3, and TM4 cells. The toxicity exerted by ZnO NPs on germ cells in vitro and the effects on the expression of cytoskeleton and blood-testis barrier (BTB)-related proteins were also determined. Results After oral gavage, ZnO NPs mainly accumulated in the liver and testes of rats; 350 mg/kg ZnO NPs adversely affected the epididymal weight, sperm motility, and hormone levels but did not affect the fertility of rats. In addition, 350 mg/kg ZnO NPs significantly reduced the reproductive and developmental performance of offspring male rats. Testicular histopathological and electron microscopic ultrastructure examinations showed more significant abnormal structural changes than those observed in parental rats. The results of in vitro cell experiments further showed that ZnO NPs exerted cytotoxic effects on germ cells, and led to DNA damage, nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton alterations, and could regulate actin changes through changes in LC3B. Conclusions It is possible that ZnO NPs act directly on TM4 cells by penetrating the BTB, causing damage to the cytoskeleton and disrupting the dynamic balance of the BTB, thereby destroying the microenvironment necessary for spermatogenesis, which may lead to poor reproduction in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Hong
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Naimin Shao
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Yin
- Reprotox Biotech LLC, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Chen Li
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai, China
| | - Gonghua Tao
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuli Sun
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai, China
| | - Kelei Qian
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Xiao
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaozhong Yu
- College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Zhijun Zhou
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Aydin S, Billur D, Kizil S, Ozkavukcu S, Topal Celikkan F, Aydos K, Erdemli E. Evaluation of blood-testis barrier integrity in terms of adhesion molecules in nonobstructive azoospermia. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13636. [PMID: 32453883 DOI: 10.1111/and.13636] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood-testis barrier (BTB) is critical for maintaining fertility. The integrity of tight junctions (TJs) provides restricted permeability of BTB. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between BTB and Sertoli cells. Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) obtained from nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients was examined: Group I (spermatozoa+) and Group II (spermatozoa-). The tissues were stained with haematoxylin eosin, periodic acid-Schiff and Masson's trichrome for Johnsen's score evaluation. Apoptosis and adhesion molecules such as claudin-11, occludin and ZO-1 were assessed. In Group I, the integrity of the seminiferous tubules was intact. In Group II, some seminiferous tubule walls were lined only with Sertoli cells, had a thickening of the basement membrane, and oedema in interstitial spaces. In Group I, the seminiferous tubule consisted of a stratified columnar epithelium, claudin-11 expressions were observed as linear staining in the basal zone of the tubule, while seminiferous tubules, with low epithelium, displayed a punctate type of staining. Immunohistochemical observations were consistent with the ultrastructural findings. In Group II, high apoptosis and unstained/irregular TJ formation in claudin-11, occludin and ZO-1 were observed. In conclusion, disruption of relation between BTB and TJs may reveal inadequate spermatogenesis, which is one of the mechanisms behind azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevim Aydin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Deniz Billur
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sule Kizil
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sinan Ozkavukcu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ferda Topal Celikkan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kaan Aydos
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Esra Erdemli
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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