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Garcia-Alonso L, Lorenzi V, Mazzeo CI, Alves-Lopes JP, Roberts K, Sancho-Serra C, Engelbert J, Marečková M, Gruhn WH, Botting RA, Li T, Crespo B, van Dongen S, Kiselev VY, Prigmore E, Herbert M, Moffett A, Chédotal A, Bayraktar OA, Surani A, Haniffa M, Vento-Tormo R. Single-cell roadmap of human gonadal development. Nature 2022; 607:540-547. [PMID: 35794482 PMCID: PMC9300467 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04918-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [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: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal development is a complex process that involves sex determination followed by divergent maturation into either testes or ovaries1. Historically, limited tissue accessibility, a lack of reliable in vitro models and critical differences between humans and mice have hampered our knowledge of human gonadogenesis, despite its importance in gonadal conditions and infertility. Here, we generated a comprehensive map of first- and second-trimester human gonads using a combination of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, chromatin accessibility assays and fluorescent microscopy. We extracted human-specific regulatory programmes that control the development of germline and somatic cell lineages by profiling equivalent developmental stages in mice. In both species, we define the somatic cell states present at the time of sex specification, including the bipotent early supporting population that, in males, upregulates the testis-determining factor SRY and sPAX8s, a gonadal lineage located at the gonadal-mesonephric interface. In females, we resolve the cellular and molecular events that give rise to the first and second waves of granulosa cells that compartmentalize the developing ovary to modulate germ cell differentiation. In males, we identify human SIGLEC15+ and TREM2+ fetal testicular macrophages, which signal to somatic cells outside and inside the developing testis cords, respectively. This study provides a comprehensive spatiotemporal map of human and mouse gonadal differentiation, which can guide in vitro gonadogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - João Pedro Alves-Lopes
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Justin Engelbert
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Magda Marečková
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wolfram H Gruhn
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rachel A Botting
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Tong Li
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Berta Crespo
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Mary Herbert
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ashley Moffett
- University of Cambridge Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alain Chédotal
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | | | - Azim Surani
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Muzlifah Haniffa
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Amodei R, Jonker SS, Whitler W, Estill CT, Roselli CE. The GnRH Antagonist Degarelix Suppresses Gonadotropin Secretion and Pituitary Sensitivity in Midgestation Sheep Fetuses. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6484550. [PMID: 34958103 PMCID: PMC8760895 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The specific role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on brain sexual differentiation remains unclear. To investigate whether gonadotropin and, in turn, testosterone (T) secretion is regulated by GnRH during the critical period for brain differentiation in sheep fetuses, we attempted to selectively suppress pituitary-testicular activation during midgestation with the long-acting GnRH antagonist degarelix. Fetuses received subcutaneous injections of the antagonist or vehicle on day 62 of gestation. After 2 to 3 weeks we examined consequences of the intervention on baseline and GnRH-stimulated plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and T levels. In addition, we measured the effect of degarelix-treatment on messenger RNA (mRNA) expression for the pituitary gonadotropins and key gonadal steroidogenic enzymes. Baseline and GnRH-stimulated plasma LH levels were significantly suppressed in degarelix-treated male and female fetuses compared to control values. Similarly, T concentrations were suppressed in degarelix-treated males. The percentage of LHβ-immunoreactive cells colocalizing c-fos was significantly reduced by degarelix treatment indicating that pituitary sensitivity was inhibited. Degarelix treatment also led to the significant suppression of mRNA expression coding for the pituitary gonadotropin subunits and for the gonadal enzymes involved in androgen synthesis. These findings demonstrate that pharmacologic inhibition of GnRH early in gestation results in suppression of LH secretion and deficits in the plasma T levels of male lamb fetuses. We conclude that GnRH signaling plays a pivotal role for regulating T exposure during the critical period of sheep gestation when the brain is masculinized. Thus, disturbance to gonadotropin secretion during this phase of gestation could have long-term consequence on adult sexual behaviors and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecka Amodei
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sonnet S Jonker
- Center for Developmental Health, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - William Whitler
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Charles T Estill
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Charles E Roselli
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Correspondence: Charles E. Roselli, PhD, Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry Oregon Health and Science University 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239-3098 USA.
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Kapourchali FR, Louis XL, Feltham BA, Eskin MNA, Suh M. Fatty acid compositions of immature and mature testis are differently responsive to dietary docosahexasenoic acid during development in rats exposed to prenatal ethanol. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2022; 176:102379. [PMID: 34871860 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2021.102379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethanol (EtOH) exposure impairs, but docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supports testis functions. This study investigated whether dietary DHA and prenatal EtOH exposure affected fatty acid profiles equally in immature and mature testis during developmental stages. METHODS Female rats were exposed to ± EtOH (3g/kg BW, twice a day via gavage) throughout pregnancy, while consuming a diet supplemented ± DHA (1.4%, w/w). Pups were continued on their mother's diet after weaning with testes collected for fatty acid analysis at different stages of reproductive development, at gestational day 20 (GD20) and postnatal day (PD) 4, 21, 49, and 90, to present fetal, neonatal, weaning, prepubertal and adult stages, respectively. RESULTS Regardless of EtOH exposure, dietary DHA significantly increased in testis DHA at all ages, with testis at weaning and prepuberty being more responsive to the diet (p<0.0002). Immature testis at GD20 and PD4 contained more DHA than n-6 docosapentaenoic acid (n-6 DPA) compared to mature testis while being well responsive to the maternal DHA diet through gestation and lactation. The level of n-6 very long chain fatty acids and (VLCFA) and n-6 DPA, distinctively increased from weaning and prepuberty, respectively, and were not reduced by the DHA diet at prepuberty and adulthood. Prenatal EtOH minimally affected testis fatty acids during development. CONCLUSION Immature and mature testis responds differently to dietary DHA. The age around sexual maturity might be a critical time for dietary intervention as testis was more responsive to diet at this time point. The increase in DPA and n-6 VLCFA in matured testis while not affected by dietary DHA, indicates their critical roles in male reproductive function in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh R Kapourchali
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Xavier L Louis
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Bradley A Feltham
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Michael N A Eskin
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Miyoung Suh
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
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Chen L, Qiao L, Guo Y, Huang Y, Luo W, Feng Y. Localization and regulatory function of Yin Yang 1 (YY1) in chicken testis. Mol Genet Genomics 2021; 297:113-123. [PMID: 34854981 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-021-01840-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, Yin Yang 1 (YY1), a pervasively expressed transcription factor related to many biological processes as an activator or inhibitor of the transcription of various genes, plays a critical role in the development of male gonads and spermatogenesis. Although the role of YY1 on the development of male gonads and spermatogenesis in mammals has been reported, its function on chicken testis are yet to be clarified. In this study, we used immunofluorescence analysis to investigate the location of YY1 in chicken testis. In embryo testis, YY1 was detected in spermatogonia and Sertoli cells, while in adult testis, YY1 was shown to be expressed in spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells, but not in spermatozoa. Furthermore, we investigated the regulatory functions of YY1 in chicken testicular Sertoli cells by combining overexpression with RNA-sequencing. Overexpression of YY1 in Sertoli cells revealed a total of 2955 differentially expressed genes involved in various biological processes, such as male gonad development and seminiferous tubule development. Overexpression of YY1 also caused significant differences in the expression of the androgen receptor gene and the inhibin βA gene, two major genes involved in the regulation of spermatogonia in Sertoli cells. These observations indicate that YY1 may regulate the development and function of the gonads by affecting the secretion of cytokines and hormones in Sertoli cells to mediate the production and differentiation of spermatogonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ligen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyun Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Huang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanping Feng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
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Dard R, Moreau M, Parizot E, Ghieh F, Brehier L, Kassis N, Serazin V, Lamaziere A, Racine C, di Clemente N, Vialard F, Janel N. DYRK1A Overexpression in Mice Downregulates the Gonadotropic Axis and Disturbs Early Stages of Spermatogenesis. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1800. [PMID: 34828406 PMCID: PMC8621272 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111800] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder. It is responsible for intellectual disability (ID) and several medical conditions. Although men with DS are thought to be infertile, some spontaneous paternities have been reported. The few studies of the mechanism of infertility in men with DS are now dated. Recent research in zebrafish has indicated that overexpression of DYRK1A (the protein primarily responsible for ID in DS) impairs gonadogenesis at the embryonic stage. To better ascertain DYRK1A's role in infertility in DS, we investigated the effect of DYRK1A overexpression in a transgenic mouse model. We found that overexpression of DYRK1A impairs fertility in transgenic male mice. Interestingly, the mechanism in mice differs slightly from that observed in zebrafish but, with disruption of the early stages of spermatogenesis, is similar to that seen in humans. Unexpectedly, we observed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in the transgenic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolphe Dard
- Laboratoire Processus Dégénératifs, Stress et Vieillissement, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), UMR 8251 CNRS, Université de Paris, 75205 Paris, France; (M.M.); (E.P.); (N.K.); (N.J.)
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, ENVA, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (F.G.); (L.B.); (F.V.)
- Département de Génétique, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, 78300 Poissy, France;
| | - Manon Moreau
- Laboratoire Processus Dégénératifs, Stress et Vieillissement, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), UMR 8251 CNRS, Université de Paris, 75205 Paris, France; (M.M.); (E.P.); (N.K.); (N.J.)
| | - Estelle Parizot
- Laboratoire Processus Dégénératifs, Stress et Vieillissement, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), UMR 8251 CNRS, Université de Paris, 75205 Paris, France; (M.M.); (E.P.); (N.K.); (N.J.)
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, ENVA, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (F.G.); (L.B.); (F.V.)
| | - Farah Ghieh
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, ENVA, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (F.G.); (L.B.); (F.V.)
| | - Leslie Brehier
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, ENVA, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (F.G.); (L.B.); (F.V.)
| | - Nadim Kassis
- Laboratoire Processus Dégénératifs, Stress et Vieillissement, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), UMR 8251 CNRS, Université de Paris, 75205 Paris, France; (M.M.); (E.P.); (N.K.); (N.J.)
| | - Valérie Serazin
- Département de Génétique, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, 78300 Poissy, France;
| | - Antonin Lamaziere
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Sorbonne Université-INSERM, 75012 Paris, France; (A.L.); (C.R.); (N.d.C.)
| | - Chrystèle Racine
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Sorbonne Université-INSERM, 75012 Paris, France; (A.L.); (C.R.); (N.d.C.)
| | - Nathalie di Clemente
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Sorbonne Université-INSERM, 75012 Paris, France; (A.L.); (C.R.); (N.d.C.)
| | - François Vialard
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, ENVA, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (F.G.); (L.B.); (F.V.)
- Département de Génétique, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, 78300 Poissy, France;
| | - Nathalie Janel
- Laboratoire Processus Dégénératifs, Stress et Vieillissement, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative (BFA), UMR 8251 CNRS, Université de Paris, 75205 Paris, France; (M.M.); (E.P.); (N.K.); (N.J.)
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Li L, Wu Y, Zhao C, Miao Y, Cai J, Song L, Wei J, Chakraborty T, Wu L, Wang D, Zhou L. The role of StAR2 gene in testicular differentiation and spermatogenesis in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 214:105974. [PMID: 34425195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.105974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroids play critical roles in sex differentiation and gonadal development in teleosts. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), transporting cholesterol (the substrate for steroidogenesis) from the outer mitochondrial membrane to the inner membrane, is the first rate-limiting factor of steroidogenesis. Interestingly, two StAR genes (named as StAR1 and StAR2) have been isolated from non-mammalian vertebrates. To characterize the functions of the novel StAR2 gene in the gonadal differentiation and fertility, we generated a StAR2 homozygous mutant line in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). StAR2 gene knockout in male tilapia impeded meiotic initiation, associate with the down-regulation of meiosis related gene expressions of vasa, sycp3 and dazl at 90 days after hatching (dah). Meanwhile, cyp11b2 expression and serum 11-KT production significantly declined in StAR2-/- XY fish at 90 dah. From 120-300 dah, spermatogenesis gradually recovered, and so did the expressions of vasa, sycp3 and dazl in StAR2-/- XY fish testes. However, seminiferous lobules arranged disorderly in StAR2-/- XY fish testes at 300 dah. The number of Leydig cells and expressions of downstream steroidogenesis enzymes including cyp11a1, 3β-HSD-I, 3β-HSD-II, cyp17a1 and cyp17a2 decreased in StAR2-/- XY fish testes at 300 dah. Serum testosterone and 11-KT levels were significantly lower in StAR2-/- XY fish than that of their control counterparts. Furthermore, significantly elevated ar, fsh and lh expressions in StAR2-deficient XY fish testes and pituitaries were found when compared with the control XY fish. Testes degeneration and spermatogenic cell apoptosis were observed, while no sperm were squeezed out in StAR2-/- XY fish testes at 540 dah. Taken together, our results suggest that StAR2 has a role in testicular development, spermatogenesis and spermiation by regulating androgen production in tilapia, but may not be essential and could be compensated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China; Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - You Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Chenhua Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Yiyang Miao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Jing Cai
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Lingyun Song
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Jing Wei
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | | | - Limin Wu
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China.
| | - Linyan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China.
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Abstract
As in other vertebrates, avian testes are the site of spermatogenesis and androgen production. The paired testes of birds differentiate during embryogenesis, first marked by the development of pre-Sertoli cells in the gonadal primordium and their condensation into seminiferous cords. Germ cells become enclosed in these cords and enter mitotic arrest, while steroidogenic Leydig cells subsequently differentiate around the cords. This review describes our current understanding of avian testis development at the cell biology and genetic levels. Most of this knowledge has come from studies on the chicken embryo, though other species are increasingly being examined. In chicken, testis development is governed by the Z-chromosome-linked DMRT1 gene, which directly or indirectly activates the male factors, HEMGN, SOX9 and AMH. Recent single cell RNA-seq has defined cell lineage specification during chicken testis development, while comparative studies point to deep conservation of avian testis formation. Lastly, we identify areas of future research on the genetics of avian testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Craig Allen Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (M.A.E.); (A.T.M.)
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Wu J, Li X, Gao Z, Pang L, Liu X, Huang X, Wang Y, Wang Z. RNA kinase CLP1/Cbc regulates meiosis initiation in spermatogenesis. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:1569-1578. [PMID: 33864361 PMCID: PMC8369837 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
CLP1, TSEN complex, and VCP are evolutionarily conserved proteins whose mutations are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we have found that they are also involved in germline differentiation. To optimize both quantity and quality in gametes production, germ cells expand themselves through limited mitotic cycles prior to meiosis. Stemming from our previous findings on the correlation between mRNA 3'-processing and meiosis entry, here we identify that the RNA kinase Cbc, the Drosophila member of the highly conserved CLP1 family, is a component of the program regulating the transition from mitosis to meiosis. Using genetic manipulations in Drosophila testis, we demonstrate that nuclear Cbc is required to promote meiosis entry. Combining biochemical and genetic methods, we reveal that Cbc physically and/or genetically intersects with Tsen54 and TER94 (VCP ortholog) in this process. The C-terminal half of Tsen54 is both necessary and sufficient for its binding with Cbc. Further, we illustrate the functional conservation between Cbc and mammalian CLP1 in the assays of subcellular localization and Drosophila fertility. As CLP1, TSEN complex, and VCP have also been identified in neurodegenerations of animal models, a mechanism involving these factors seems to be shared in gametogenesis and neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeiChenXiLu#1, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
- The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeiChenXiLu#1, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeiChenXiLu#1, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeiChenXiLu#1, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Lin Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeiChenXiLu#1, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
- The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeiChenXiLu#1, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeiChenXiLu#1, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
- The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeiChenXiLu#1, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Xiahe Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeiChenXiLu#1, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Yingchun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeiChenXiLu#1, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Zhaohui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeiChenXiLu#1, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
- The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeiChenXiLu#1, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
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Martin-Inaraja M, Ferreira M, Taelman J, Eguizabal C, Chuva De Sousa Lopes SM. Improving In Vitro Culture of Human Male Fetal Germ Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082033. [PMID: 34440801 PMCID: PMC8393746 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Male human fetal germ cells (hFGCs) give rise to spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which are the adult precursors of the male gametes. Human SSCs are a promising (autologous) source of cells for male fertility preservation; however, in contrast to mouse SSCs, we are still unable to culture them in the long term. Here, we investigated the effect of two different culture media and four substrates (laminin, gelatin, vitronectin and matrigel) in the culture of dissociated second trimester testes, enriched for hFGCs. After 6 days in culture, we quantified the presence of POU5F1 and DDX4 expressing hFGCs. We observed a pronounced difference in hFGC number in different substrates. The combination of gelatin-coated substrate and medium containing GDNF, LIF, FGF2 and EGF resulted in the highest percentage of hFGCs (10% of the total gonadal cells) after 6 days of culture. However, the vitronectin-coated substrate resulted in a comparable percentage of hFGCs regardless of the media used (3.3% of total cells in Zhou-medium and 4.8% of total cells in Shinohara-medium). We provide evidence that not only the choices of culture medium but also choices of the adequate substrate are crucial for optimizing culture protocols for male hFGCs. Optimizing culture conditions in order to improve the expansion of hFGCs will benefit the development of gametogenesis assays in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Martin-Inaraja
- Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Basque Centre for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, 48960 Galdakao, Spain; (M.M.-I.); (C.E.)
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Monica Ferreira
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.F.); (J.T.)
| | - Jasin Taelman
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.F.); (J.T.)
| | - Cristina Eguizabal
- Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Basque Centre for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, 48960 Galdakao, Spain; (M.M.-I.); (C.E.)
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Susana M. Chuva De Sousa Lopes
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.F.); (J.T.)
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-71-526-9350
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10
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Kothandapani A, Jefcoate CR, Jorgensen JS. Cholesterol Contributes to Male Sex Differentiation Through Its Developmental Role in Androgen Synthesis and Hedgehog Signaling. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6204698. [PMID: 33784378 PMCID: PMC8168945 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab066] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Two specialized functions of cholesterol during fetal development include serving as a precursor to androgen synthesis and supporting hedgehog (HH) signaling activity. Androgens are produced by the testes to facilitate masculinization of the fetus. Recent evidence shows that intricate interactions between the HH and androgen signaling pathways are required for optimal male sex differentiation and defects of either can cause birth anomalies indicative of 46,XY male variations of sex development (VSD). Further, perturbations in cholesterol synthesis can cause developmental defects, including VSD, that phenocopy those caused by disrupted androgen or HH signaling, highlighting the functional role of cholesterol in promoting male sex differentiation. In this review, we focus on the role of cholesterol in systemic androgen and local HH signaling events during fetal masculinization and their collective contributions to pediatric VSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbarasi Kothandapani
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
- Correspondence: Anbarasi Kothandapani, PhD, Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53705, USA. E-mail:
| | - Colin R Jefcoate
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
| | - Joan S Jorgensen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
- Correspondence: Joan S. Jorgensen, DVM, PhD, Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53705, USA. E-mail:
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11
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Chen H, Xin X, Liu M, Ma F, Yu Y, Huang J, Dai H, Li Z, Ge RS. In utero exposure to dipentyl phthalate disrupts fetal and adult Leydig cell development. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 419:115514. [PMID: 33798595 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates as plasticizers are widely used in many consumer products. Dipentyl phthalate (DPeP) is one of phthalates. However, there are currently few data on whether DPeP exposure affects rat Leydig cell development. In this study, we investigated the effects of in utero DPeP exposure on Leydig cell development in the testes of male newborn and adult rats. From gestational days 14 to 21, Sprague-Dawley pregnant rats were gavaged vehicle (corn oil, control) or DPeP (10, 50, 100, and 500 mg/kg body weight/day). Testosterone and the expression of Leydig cell genes and proteins in the testis at birth and at postnatal day 56 were examined. DPeP dose-dependently reduced serum testosterone levels of male offspring at birth and at postnatal day 56 at 100 and 500 mg/kg and lowered serum luteinizing hormone levels at adult males at ≥10 mg/kg when compared with the control. In addition, DPeP increased number of fetal Leydig cells by inducing their proliferation but down-regulated the expression of Lhcgr, Scarb1, Star, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1, Hsd17b3, and Insl3 in fetal Leydig cells per se. DPeP reduced number of adult Leydig cells by inducing cell apoptosis and down-regulated the expression of Lhcgr and Star in adult Leydig cells at postnatal day 56. DPeP lowered SIRT1 and BCL2 levels in the testis of adult rats. In conclusion, DPeP adversely affects both fetal and adult Leydig cell development after in utero exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqiong Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiu Xin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Miaoqing Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feifei Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yige Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haipeng Dai
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhongrong Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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12
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Logsdon NT, Gallo CM, Pires RS, Sampaio FJ, Favorito LA. Prostate and testicular growth analysis in human fetuses during the second gestational trimester. Prostate 2021; 81:214-219. [PMID: 33393689 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The second gestational trimester is a very important period for male genital development. We analyzed the testicular and prostatic volume growth and compared them to the biometric parameters in human fetuses. METHODS We studied 64 testes and 32 prostates from 32 fetuses, aged 10-22 weeks postconception. Fetuses were evaluated regarding total length, crown-rump length, and bodyweight. The same observer performed all the measurements. After testicular and prostatic dissection, the prostate and testicular length, width and thickness were recorded with the aid of computer programs (Image Pro and ImageJ software, version 1.46r). Testicular volume (TV) and prostatic volume (PV) were calculated using the ellipsoid formula. Statistical analysis was performed with the GraphPad Prism program (version 6.01). RESULTS The fetuses presented PV between 6.1 and 297.18 mm2 (mean = 77.98 mm3 ). Linear regression analysis indicated that the PV in these fetuses increased significantly and positively with fetal age (r2 = .3120; p < .0001). We did not observe significant differences between the TV (right testis: 0.39-63.94 mm3 ; mean = 19.84 mm3 ; left testis: 0.52-55.37 mm3 , mean = 17.25 mm3 ). Linear regression analysis also indicated that the right and left TV (right: r2 = .6649; p < .0001 and left: r2 = .6792; p < .001) increased significantly and positively with fetal age. CONCLUSION The prostatic growth was slower during the second gestational trimester, with significant correlations with fetal biometric parameters. The testicular growth was moderate and showed a significant correlation with fetal parameters during the studied period in human fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha T Logsdon
- Urogenital Research Unit, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carla M Gallo
- Urogenital Research Unit, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo S Pires
- Urogenital Research Unit, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Francisco J Sampaio
- Urogenital Research Unit, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciano A Favorito
- Urogenital Research Unit, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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13
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Ma F, Li Y, Yu Y, Li Z, Lin L, Chen Q, Xu Q, Pan P, Wang Y, Ge RS. Gestational exposure to tebuconazole affects the development of rat fetal Leydig cells. Chemosphere 2021; 262:127792. [PMID: 32805656 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Tebuconazole is a triazole fungicide, used in agriculture to treat phytopathogenic fungi, and as a biocide, has been reported to be related to reproductive and developmental toxicity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of tebuconazole exposure on rat fetal Leydig cells and fetal testis during pregnancy. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, daily gavaged with corn oil (as a control), 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight tebuconazole for 10 days (from the 12th day of pregnancy). Tebuconazole increased fetal serum testosterone and progesterone levels at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Exposure to 100 mg/kg tebuconazole significantly caused an increase in the number of fetal Leydig cells per testis without inducing cell aggregation. Tebuconazole up-regulated the expression of Star, Cyp11a1, Hsd17b3, and Fshr and their proteins. Further investigation found that tebuconazole caused increased phosphorylation of AKT1, ERK1/2, and mTOR, the level of BCL2, as well as the decrease of Beclin1, LC3B, and BAX, which may contribute to the fetal Leydig cell autophagy and proliferation. In conclusion, in utero exposure of tebuconazole causes the proliferation of fetal Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yige Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Zengqiang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Liben Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Quanxu Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Peipei Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yiyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
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14
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Shioda K, Odajima J, Kobayashi M, Kobayashi M, Cordazzo B, Isselbacher KJ, Shioda T. Transcriptomic and Epigenetic Preservation of Genetic Sex Identity in Estrogen-feminized Male Chicken Embryonic Gonads. Endocrinology 2021; 162:5973467. [PMID: 33170207 PMCID: PMC7745639 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Whereas in ovo exposure of genetically male (ZZ) chicken embryos to exogenous estrogens temporarily feminizes gonads at the time of hatching, the morphologically ovarian ZZ-gonads (FemZZs for feminized ZZ gonads) are masculinized back to testes within 1 year. To identify the feminization-resistant "memory" of genetic male sex, FemZZs showing varying degrees of feminization were subjected to transcriptomic, DNA methylome, and immunofluorescence analyses. Protein-coding genes were classified based on their relative mRNA expression across normal ZZ-testes, genetically female (ZW) ovaries, and FemZZs. We identified a group of 25 genes that were strongly expressed in both ZZ-testes and FemZZs but dramatically suppressed in ZW-ovaries. Interestingly, 84% (21/25) of these feminization-resistant testicular marker genes, including the DMRT1 master masculinizing gene, were located in chromosome Z. Expression of representative marker genes of germline cells (eg, DAZL or DDX4/VASA) was stronger in FemZZs than normal ZZ-testes or ZW-ovaries. We also identified 231 repetitive sequences (RSs) that were strongly expressed in both ZZ-testes and FemZZs, but these RSs were not enriched in chromosome Z. Although 94% (165/176) of RSs exclusively expressed in ZW-ovaries were located in chromosome W, no feminization-inducible RS was detected in FemZZs. DNA methylome analysis distinguished FemZZs from normal ZZ- and ZW-gonads. Immunofluorescence analysis of FemZZ gonads revealed expression of DMRT1 protein in medullary SOX9+ somatic cells and apparent germline cell populations in both medulla and cortex. Taken together, our study provides evidence that both somatic and germline cell populations in morphologically feminized FemZZs maintain significant transcriptomic and epigenetic memories of genetic sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Shioda
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Junko Odajima
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Misato Kobayashi
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mutsumi Kobayashi
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bianca Cordazzo
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kurt J Isselbacher
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Toshi Shioda
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Correspondence: Toshi Shioda, Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research, Building 149 – 7th Floor, 13th Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA. E-mail:
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15
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Molaro A, Wood AJ, Janssens D, Kindelay SM, Eickbush MT, Wu S, Singh P, Muller CH, Henikoff S, Malik HS. Biparental contributions of the H2A.B histone variant control embryonic development in mice. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3001001. [PMID: 33362208 PMCID: PMC7757805 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001001] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone variants expand chromatin functions in eukaryote genomes. H2A.B genes are testis-expressed short histone H2A variants that arose in placental mammals. Their biological functions remain largely unknown. To investigate their function, we generated a knockout (KO) model that disrupts all 3 H2A.B genes in mice. We show that H2A.B KO males have globally altered chromatin structure in postmeiotic germ cells. Yet, they do not show impaired spermatogenesis or testis function. Instead, we find that H2A.B plays a crucial role postfertilization. Crosses between H2A.B KO males and females yield embryos with lower viability and reduced size. Using a series of genetic crosses that separate parental and zygotic contributions, we show that the H2A.B status of both the father and mother, but not of the zygote, affects embryonic viability and growth during gestation. We conclude that H2A.B is a novel parental-effect gene, establishing a role for short H2A histone variants in mammalian development. We posit that parental antagonism over embryonic growth drove the origin and ongoing diversification of short histone H2A variants in placental mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Molaro
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Anna J. Wood
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Derek Janssens
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Selina M. Kindelay
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Eickbush
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Steven Wu
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Priti Singh
- Comparative Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Charles H. Muller
- Male Fertility Laboratory, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Steven Henikoff
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Harmit S. Malik
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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16
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Wu K, Li Y, Pan P, Li Z, Yu Y, Huang J, Ma F, Tian L, Fang Y, Wang Y, Lin H, Ge RS. Gestational vinclozolin exposure suppresses fetal testis development in rats. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2020; 203:111053. [PMID: 32888615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Vinclozolin is a common dicarboximide fungicide used to protect crops from diseases. It is also an endocrine disruptor and is thought to be related to abnormalities of the reproductive tract. However, its mechanism of inducing abnormalities of the male reproductive tract is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to study the effect of gestational vinclozolin exposure on the development of rat fetal Leydig cells. Female pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to vinclozolin (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight/day) by gavage from gestational day 14-21. Vinclozolin dose-dependently reduced serum testosterone levels at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg and the anogenital distance at 100 mg/kg. RNA-seq, qPCR, and Western blotting showed that vinclozolin down-regulated the expression of Nr5a1, Sox9, Lhcgr, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, Hsd17b3, Amh, Pdgfa, and Dhh and their encoded proteins. Vinclozolin reduced the number of NR2F2-positive stem Leydig cells at a dose of 100 mg/kg and enhanced autophagy in the testes. In conclusion, vinclozolin disrupts reproductive tract development and testis development in male fetal rats via several pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Peipei Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Zengqiang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yige Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Jianjian Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Feifei Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Lili Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yinghui Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yiyan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Han Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
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17
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Whiley PAF, O'Donnell L, Moody SC, Handelsman DJ, Young JC, Richards EA, Almstrup K, Western PS, Loveland KL. Activin A Determines Steroid Levels and Composition in the Fetal Testis. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5818588. [PMID: 32274496 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Activin A promotes fetal mouse testis development, including driving Sertoli cell proliferation and cord morphogenesis, but its mechanisms of action are undefined. We performed ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-seq) on testicular somatic cells from fetal activin A-deficient mice (Inhba KO) and wildtype littermates at embryonic day (E) E13.5 and E15.5. Analysis of whole gonads provided validation, and cultures with a pathway inhibitor discerned acute from chronic effects of altered activin A bioactivity. Activin A deficiency predominantly affects the Sertoli cell transcriptome. New candidate targets include Minar1, Sel1l3, Vnn1, Sfrp4, Masp1, Nell1, Tthy1 and Prss12. Importantly, the testosterone (T) biosynthetic enzymes present in fetal Sertoli cells, Hsd17b1 and Hsd17b3, were identified as activin-responsive. Activin-deficient testes contained elevated androstenedione (A4), displayed an Inhba gene dose-dependent A4/T ratio, and contained 11-keto androgens. The remarkable accumulation of lipid droplets in both Sertoli and germ cells at E15.5 indicated impaired lipid metabolism in the absence of activin A. This demonstrated for the first time that activin A acts on Sertoli cells to determine local steroid production during fetal testis development. These outcomes reveal how compounds that perturb fetal steroidogenesis can function through cell-specific mechanisms and can indicate how altered activin levels in utero may impact testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny A F Whiley
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liza O'Donnell
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah C Moody
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Julia C Young
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Richards
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Patrick S Western
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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18
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Li Z, Yu Y, Li Y, Ma F, Fang Y, Ni C, Wu K, Pan P, Ge RS. Taxifolin attenuates the developmental testicular toxicity induced by di-n-butyl phthalate in fetal male rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 142:111482. [PMID: 32525071 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is widely used in consumer products as a plasticizer. Here, we report a natural product taxifolin that can attenuate developmental and reproductive toxicity of DBP. Pregnant rats were daily gavaged with 500 mg/kg DBP alone or together with taxifolin (10 and 20 mg/kg) from gestational day (GD) 12-21. At GD21, sera and testes of male fetus were collected. DBP significantly lowered serum testosterone level at 500 mg/kg and taxifolin can completely reverse its action. DBP caused abnormal aggregation of fetal Leydig cells and taxifolin can reverse it. DBP down-regulated the expression of the genes of cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (Cyp11a1), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 (Hsd17b3), and insulin-like 3 (Insl3) and taxifolin can reverse its action. DBP increased malondialdehyde levels and decreased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase expression and taxifolin can reverse it. DBP increased incidence of multinucleated gonocytes and taxifolin can prevent it. Moreover, DBP lowered sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α) and phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK) signalling and taxifolin antagonized DBP. In conclusion, in utero exposure to DBP caused developmental/reproductive toxicity of male offspring via increasing reactive oxygen species and taxifolin is an effective food component that completely reverses DBP-mediated action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengqiang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Yige Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Feifei Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinghui Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaobo Ni
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Keyang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Peipei Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Park HJ, Zhang M, Lee WY, Hong KH, Do JT, Park C, Song H. Toxic Effects of Nonylphenol on Neonatal Testicular Development in Mouse Organ Culture. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3491. [PMID: 32429066 PMCID: PMC7279013 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonylphenol (NP) is an alkylphenol that is widely used in chemical manufacturing. Exposure to this toxic environmental contaminant has been shown to negatively affect the reproductive system. Herein, we evaluated the toxicity of NP in mouse testes, while using in vitro organ culture. Mouse testicular fragments (MTFs), derived from five-day postpartum neonatal mouse testes, were exposed to different concentrations of NP (1-50 μM) for 30 days. The results showed that NP impaired germ cell development and maintenance. Furthermore, NP significantly downregulated the transcript levels of both undifferentiated and differentiated germ cell marker genes relative to those in controls. In particular, a high dose of NP (50 µM) led to complete germ cell depletion and resulted in spermatogenic failure, despite the presence of Sertoli and Leydig cells. In addition, the mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes, such as steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), Cytochrome P450 Family 11 Subfamily A Member 1 (Cyp11α1), Cytochrome P450 17A1 (Cyp17α1), and androgen receptor (AR), increased with increasing concentration of NP. Conversely, the expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) and Cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (Cyp19α1) in NP-exposed MTFs decreased when compared to that of the control. Taken together, this study demonstrates that NP has a negative effect on prepubertal spermatogenesis and germ cell maintenance and it disrupts steroidogenesis and induces hormonal imbalance in MTFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Jung Park
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea; (H.-J.P.); (M.Z.); (K.-H.H.); (J.T.D.); (C.P.)
| | - Mingtian Zhang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea; (H.-J.P.); (M.Z.); (K.-H.H.); (J.T.D.); (C.P.)
| | - Won-Young Lee
- Department of Beef Science, Korea National College of Agricultures and Fisheries, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk 54874, Korea;
| | - Kwon-Ho Hong
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea; (H.-J.P.); (M.Z.); (K.-H.H.); (J.T.D.); (C.P.)
| | - Jeong Tae Do
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea; (H.-J.P.); (M.Z.); (K.-H.H.); (J.T.D.); (C.P.)
| | - Chankyu Park
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea; (H.-J.P.); (M.Z.); (K.-H.H.); (J.T.D.); (C.P.)
| | - Hyuk Song
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea; (H.-J.P.); (M.Z.); (K.-H.H.); (J.T.D.); (C.P.)
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20
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Koth ML, Garcia-Moreno SA, Novak A, Holthusen KA, Kothandapani A, Jiang K, Taketo MM, Nicol B, Yao HHC, Futtner CR, Maatouk DM, Jorgensen JS. Canonical Wnt/β-catenin activity and differential epigenetic marks direct sexually dimorphic regulation of Irx3 and Irx5 in developing mouse gonads. Development 2020; 147:dev183814. [PMID: 32108023 PMCID: PMC7132837 DOI: 10.1242/dev.183814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Members of the Iroquois B (IrxB) homeodomain cluster genes, specifically Irx3 and Irx5, are crucial for heart, limb and bone development. Recently, we reported their importance for oocyte and follicle survival within the developing ovary. Irx3 and Irx5 expression begins after sex determination in the ovary but remains absent in the fetal testis. Mutually antagonistic molecular signals ensure ovary versus testis differentiation with canonical Wnt/β-catenin signals paramount for promoting the ovary pathway. Notably, few direct downstream targets have been identified. We report that Wnt/β-catenin signaling directly stimulates Irx3 and Irx5 transcription in the developing ovary. Using in silico analysis of ATAC- and ChIP-Seq databases in conjunction with mouse gonad explant transfection assays, we identified TCF/LEF-binding sequences within two distal enhancers of the IrxB locus that promote β-catenin-responsive ovary expression. Meanwhile, Irx3 and Irx5 transcription is suppressed within the developing testis by the presence of H3K27me3 on these same sites. Thus, we resolved sexually dimorphic regulation of Irx3 and Irx5 via epigenetic and β-catenin transcriptional control where their ovarian presence promotes oocyte and follicle survival vital for future ovarian health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Koth
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | | | - Annie Novak
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Kirsten A Holthusen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Anbarasi Kothandapani
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Keer Jiang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Makoto Mark Taketo
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Humphrey H-C Yao
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Christopher R Futtner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Danielle M Maatouk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Joan S Jorgensen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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21
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Mentor A, Bornehag CG, Jönsson M, Mattsson A. A suggested bisphenol A metabolite (MBP) interfered with reproductive organ development in the chicken embryo while a human-relevant mixture of phthalate monoesters had no such effects. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2020; 83:66-81. [PMID: 32077375 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2020.1728598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalate diesters are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. While these compounds have been reported as reproductive toxicants, their effects may partially be attributed to metabolites. The aim of this study was to examine reproductive organ development in chicken embryos exposed to the BPA metabolite, 4-methyl-2,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)pent-1-ene (MBP; 100 µg/g egg) or a human-relevant mixture of 4 phthalate monoesters (85 µg/g egg). The mixture was designed within the EU project EDC-MixRisk based upon a negative association with anogenital distance in boys at 21 months of age in a Swedish pregnancy cohort. Chicken embryos were exposed in ovo from an initial stage of gonad differentiation (embryonic day 4) and dissected two days prior to anticipated hatching (embryonic day 19). No discernible effects were noted on reproductive organs in embryos exposed to the mixture. MBP-treated males exhibited retention of Müllerian ducts and feminization of the left testicle, while MBP-administered females displayed a diminished the left ovary. In the left testicle of MBP-treated males, mRNA expression of female-associated genes was upregulated while the testicular marker gene SOX9 was downregulated, corroborating a feminizing effect by MBP. Our results demonstrate that MBP, but not the phthalate monoester mixture, disrupts both male and female reproductive organ development in an avian embryo model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mentor
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala (CRU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carl-Gustaf Bornehag
- Public Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Jönsson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala (CRU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Mattsson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala (CRU), Uppsala, Sweden
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22
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Maske P, Dighe V, Mote C, Vanage G. n-Butylparaben exposure through gestation and lactation impairs spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis causing reduced fertility in the F1 generation male rats. Environ Pollut 2020; 256:112957. [PMID: 31672375 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.112957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Parabens are class of preservatives used in vast majority of commercial products, and a potential Endocrine Disrupting Chemical (EDC). The present study was undertaken to delineate the effects of n-butylparaben on F1 male progeny exposed maternally through gestation and lactation via subcutaneous route. The F0 dams were given subcutaneous injections of n-butylparaben from gestation day (GD) 6 to postnatal day (PND) 21 with doses of 10, 100, 1000 mg/kg Bw/day in corn oil. The F1 male rats were monitored for pubertal development and sexual maturation; these were sacrificed on PND 30, 45 and 75. On PND 75, these F1 male rats were subjected for fertility assessment with unexposed female rats. A delayed testicular descent at 100 and 1000 mg/kg Bw dose and delayed preputial separation at 10 mg/kg Bw dose was observed in exposed F1 male rats. Decreased sperm count, motility and Daily Sperm Production was observed at 100 mg/kg Bw dose at PND 75. Interestingly, the sperm transit time in the epididymis was accelerated at this dose. Significant perturbed testicular expression of steroid receptors (ERα and β, AR), INSL3 and StAR genes with increased T and LH levels indicates direct effect on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. These F1 generation adult rats were sub-fertile with increased (%) pre- and post-implantation loss at 100 and 1000 mg/kg Bw/day dose. This is the first report on n-butylparaben highlighting the involvement of testicular leydig cells with accelerated sperm transit time leading to reduced fertility in the maternally exposed F1 male rats through estrogenic/anti-androgenic action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Maske
- National Centre for Preclinical Reproductive and Genetic Toxicology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vikas Dighe
- National Centre for Preclinical Reproductive and Genetic Toxicology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Chandrashekhar Mote
- Krantisinh Nana Patil College of Veterinary Science, Shirval, Maharashtra, India
| | - Geeta Vanage
- National Centre for Preclinical Reproductive and Genetic Toxicology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
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23
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Belcher SM, Cline JM, Conley J, Groeters S, Jefferson WN, Law M, Mackey E, Suen AA, Williams CJ, Dixon D, Wolf JC. Endocrine Disruption and Reproductive Pathology. Toxicol Pathol 2019; 47:1049-1071. [PMID: 31833458 PMCID: PMC8008741 DOI: 10.1177/0192623319879903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
During the past 20 years, investigations involving endocrine active substances (EAS) and reproductive toxicity have dominated the landscape of ecotoxicological research. This has occurred in concert with heightened awareness in the scientific community, general public, and governmental entities of the potential consequences of chemical perturbation in humans and wildlife. The exponential growth of experimentation in this field is fueled by our expanding knowledge into the complex nature of endocrine systems and the intricacy of their interactions with xenobiotic agents. Complicating factors include the ever-increasing number of novel receptors and alternate mechanistic pathways that have come to light, effects of chemical mixtures in the environment versus those of single EAS laboratory exposures, the challenge of differentiating endocrine disruption from direct cytotoxicity, and the potential for transgenerational effects. Although initially concerned with EAS effects chiefly in the thyroid glands and reproductive organs, it is now recognized that anthropomorphic substances may also adversely affect the nervous and immune systems via hormonal mechanisms and play substantial roles in metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J. Mark Cline
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mac Law
- North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Emily Mackey
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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24
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Huang W, Cao Z, Zhang J, Ji Q, Li Y. Aflatoxin B 1 promotes autophagy associated with oxidative stress-related PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in mice testis. Environ Pollut 2019; 255:113317. [PMID: 31610502 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a hazard environmental pollutants and the most toxic one of all the aflatoxins. AFB1 can cause a serious impairment to testicular development and spermatogenesis, yet the underlying mechanisms remain inconclusive. Oxidative stress acts as a master mechanism of AFB1 toxicity, and can promote autophagy. Abnormal autophagy resulted in testicular damage and spermatogenesis disorders. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of AFB1 on autophagy in mice testis and its potential mechanisms. In this study, male mice were intragastrically administered with 0, 0.375, 0.75 or 1.5 mg/kg body weight AFB1 for 30 days. We found that AFB1 induced testicular damage, reduced serum testosterone level and impaired sperm quality accompanied with the elevation of oxidative stress and germ cell apoptosis. Interestingly, we observed increasing numbers of autophagosomes in AFB1-exposed mice testis. Meanwhile, AFB1 caused testis abnormal autophagy with the characterization of increased expressions of LC3, Beclin-1, Atg5 and p62. Furthermore, AFB1 downregulated the expressions of PI3K, p-AKT and p-mTOR in mice testis. Taken together, our data indicated AFB1 induced testicular damage and promoted autophagy, which were associated with oxidative stress-related PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in mice testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanyue Huang
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zheng Cao
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Qiang Ji
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yanfei Li
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
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25
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Zhou D, Wang X, Liu Z, Huang Z, Nie H, Zhu W, Tan Y, Fan L. The expression characteristics of FBXW7 in human testis suggest its function is different from that in mice. Tissue Cell 2019; 62:101315. [PMID: 32433022 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2019.101315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
F-box and WD domain protein 7 (FBXW7) is reported to bind with c-Myc in mouse spermatogonial stem cells, regulating self-renewal; however, the pattern and stage of expression of FBXW7 in human testes are unclear. In the present study, we examined the expression of human FBXW7 in adult testis, and analyzed fixed sections from adult testes and fetal testes to determine the cell type-specific expression pattern of FBXW7. The results showed that FBXW7α and FBXW7β genes are expressed in the testis; however, only FBXW7α protein could be detected. FBXW7 was not detected in human spermatogonial stem cells. Interestingly, FBXW7 was mainly expressed in the cell nuclei of later stage germ cells and differentiated somatic cells. We also observed high FBXW7 expression in human fetal germ cells, particularly in prespermatogonia. Our results raised the possibility that FBXW7 has different functions in humans and mice. The cell type-specific expression pattern of FBXW7 suggests that it performs regulatory functions during the late stage of human spermatogenesis instead of being involved in the self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Xingming Wang
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Zhizhong Liu
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China; Department of Urology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Zenghui Huang
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China; Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China; Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Wenbing Zhu
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China; Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Yueqiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China; Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Liqing Fan
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China; Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410000, China.
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26
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Zhang S, Bao J, Gong X, Shi W, Zhong X. Hazards of bisphenol A -- blocks RNA splicing leading to abnormal testicular development in offspring male mice. Chemosphere 2019; 230:432-439. [PMID: 31121507 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of maternal exposure to BPA on testicular development in offspring males. Pregnant Kunming mice were randomly divided into 7 groups with 20 mice in each group. Group A was the control group and the mice were given distilled water orally. Mice in groups B, C, D, E, F, G received BPA orally at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg/d, 0.5 mg/kg/d, 5 mg/kg/d, 10 mg/kg/d, 20 mg/kg/d, 50 mg/kg/d, respectively. F0 mice were exposed to BPA for 40 days from gestation day 0 to lactation day 21. F1 male mice were sacrificed at weaning (postnatal day 21). Histological observations revealed architectural damages in testis in BPA exposed groups. The testicular organ index increased significantly when the BPA oral exposure dose was above 20 mg/kg/d (P < 0.05). BPA contents in serum of F1 male mice increased significantly when BPA was above 5 mg/kg/d (P < 0.05), while the contents significant increased in maternal serum when BPA was higher than 0.5 mg/kg/d. The damage of cell nuclear DNA of testis was significantly aggravated when BPA was above 5 mg/kg/d. The expression of AR in the testis was significantly increased when BPA was above 20 mg/kg/d (P < 0.05). Transcriptome sequencing showed that the Snrnp 40 which encoding U5 snRNA subunit was significantly up-regulated in spliceosome pathway, and the Hnrnpu which encoding splicing universal protein component was significantly down-regulated. The blockage of spliceosome might be one of the reasons why BPA affects testicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, 071001, China; College of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, 071001, China
| | - Jialu Bao
- College of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, 071001, China
| | - Xincheng Gong
- College of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, 071001, China
| | - Wanyu Shi
- College of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, 071001, China
| | - Xiuhui Zhong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, 071001, China; College of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, 071001, China.
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Guran T, Yesil G, Turan S, Atay Z, Bozkurtlar E, Aghayev A, Gul S, Tinay I, Aru B, Arslan S, Koroglu MK, Ercan F, Demirel GY, Eren FS, Karademir B, Bereket A. PPP2R3C gene variants cause syndromic 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis and impaired spermatogenesis in humans. Eur J Endocrinol 2019; 180:291-309. [PMID: 30893644 DOI: 10.1530/eje-19-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Context Most of the knowledge on the factors involved in human sexual development stems from studies of rare cases with disorders of sex development. Here, we have described a novel 46, XY complete gonadal dysgenesis syndrome caused by homozygous variants in PPP2R3C gene. This gene encodes B″gamma regulatory subunit of the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), which is a serine/threonine phosphatase involved in the phospho-regulation processes of most mammalian cell types. PPP2R3C gene is most abundantly expressed in testis in humans, while its function was hitherto unknown. Patients and methods Four girls from four unrelated families with 46, XY complete gonadal dysgenesis were studied using exome or Sanger sequencing of PPP2R3C gene. In total, four patients and their heterozygous parents were investigated for clinical, laboratory, immunohistochemical and molecular characteristics. Results We have identified three different homozygous PPP2R3C variants, c.308T>C (p.L103P), c.578T>C (p.L193S) and c.1049T>C (p.F350S), in four girls with 46, XY complete gonadal dysgenesis. Patients also manifested a unique syndrome of extragonadal anomalies, including typical facial gestalt, low birth weight, myopathy, rod and cone dystrophy, anal atresia, omphalocele, sensorineural hearing loss, dry and scaly skin, skeletal abnormalities, renal agenesis and neuromotor delay. We have shown a decreased SOX9-Phospho protein expression in the dysgenetic gonads of the patients with homozygous PPP2R3C variants suggesting impaired SOX9 signaling in the pathogenesis of gonadal dysgenesis. Heterozygous males presented with abnormal sperm morphology and impaired fertility. Conclusion Our findings suggest that PPP2R3C protein is involved in the ontogeny of multiple organs, especially critical for testis development and spermatogenesis. PPPR3C provides insight into pathophysiology, as well as emerging as a potential therapeutic target for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tulay Guran
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Marmara University
| | - Gozde Yesil
- Department of Genetics, Bezm-i Alem University
| | - Serap Turan
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Marmara University
| | - Zeynep Atay
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Medipol University
| | - Emine Bozkurtlar
- Department of Pathology, Marmara University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - AghaRza Aghayev
- Department of Medical Genetics, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sinem Gul
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ilker Tinay
- Department of Urology, Marmara University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Basak Aru
- Department of Immunology, Yeditepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sema Arslan
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetic and Metabolic Diseases Research and Investigation Center
| | - M Kutay Koroglu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Marmara University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Feriha Ercan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Marmara University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gulderen Y Demirel
- Department of Immunology, Yeditepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Funda S Eren
- Department of Pathology, Marmara University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Betul Karademir
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetic and Metabolic Diseases Research and Investigation Center
| | - Abdullah Bereket
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Marmara University
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Wang Y, Jin S, Fu H, Qiao H, Sun S, Zhang W, Jiang S, Gong Y, Xiong Y, Wu Y. Identification and Characterization of the DMRT11E Gene in the Oriental River Prawn Macrobrachium nipponense. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071734. [PMID: 30965605 PMCID: PMC6480115 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor (DMRT) gene family involvement in sex development is widely conserved from invertebrates to humans. In this study, we identified a DM (Doublesex/Mab-3)-domain gene in Macrobrachium nipponense, which we named MniDMRT11E because it has many similarities to and phylogenetically close relationships with the arthropod DMRT11E. Amino acid alignments and structural prediction uncovered conservation and putative active sites of the DM domain. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the MniDMRT11E was highly expressed in the ovary and testis in both males and females. Cellular localization analysis showed that DMRT11E was mainly located in the oocytes of the ovary and the spermatocyte of the testis. During embryogenesis, the expression level of MniDMRT11E was higher at the cleavage stage than at other stages. During the different stages of ovarian development, MniDMRT11E expression gradually increased from OI to OIII and decreased to the lowest level at the end of OIV. The results indicated that MniDMRT11E probably played important roles in embryonic development and sex maturity in M. nipponense. MniDMRT11E dsRNA injection also significantly reduced vitellogenin (VG) expression and significantly increased insulin-like androgenic gland factor (IAG) expression, indicating a close relationship in gonad development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yabing Wang
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China.
| | - Shubo Jin
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China.
| | - Hongtuo Fu
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China.
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China.
| | - Hui Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China.
| | - Shengming Sun
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China.
| | - Wenyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China.
| | - Sufei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China.
| | - Yongsheng Gong
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China.
| | - Yiwei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China.
| | - Yan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China.
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Yuan LJ, Peng C, Liu BH, Feng JB, Qiu GF. Identification and Characterization of a Luteinizing Hormone Receptor (LHR) Homolog from the Chinese Mitten Crab Eriocheir sinensis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071736. [PMID: 30965614 PMCID: PMC6480239 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH), a pituitary gonadotropin, coupled with LH receptor (LHR) is essential for the regulation of the gonadal maturation in vertebrates. Although LH homolog has been detected by immunocytochemical analysis, and its possible role in ovarian maturation was revealed in decapod crustacean, so far there is no molecular evidence for the existence of LHR. In this study, we cloned a novel LHR homolog (named EsLHR) from the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. The complete sequence of the EsLHR cDNA was 2775bp, encoding a protein of 924 amino acids, sharing 71% amino acids identity with the ant Zootermopsis nevadensis LHR. EsLHR expression was found to be high in the ovary, while low in testis, gill, brain, and heart, and no expression in the thoracic ganglion, eye stalk, muscle, and hepatopancreas. Quantitative PCR revealed that the expression level of EsLHR mRNA was significantly higher in the ovaries in previtellogenic (Pvt), late vitellogenic (Lvt), and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) stages than that in the vitellogenic (Mvt) and early vitellogenic (Evt) stages (P < 0.05), and, the highest and the lowest expression were in Lvt, and Evt, respectively. The strong signal was mainly localized in the ooplasm of Pvt oocyte as detected by in situ hybridization. The crab GnRH homolog can significantly induce the expression of EsLHR mRNA at 36 hours post injection in vivo (P < 0.01), suggesting that EsLHR may be involved in regulating ovarian development through GnRH signaling pathway in the mitten crab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Yuan
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Chao Peng
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Bi-Hai Liu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Jiang-Bin Feng
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Gao-Feng Qiu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
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Lv Y, Li L, Fang Y, Chen P, Wu S, Chen X, Ni C, Zhu Q, Huang T, Lian Q, Ge RS. In utero exposure to bisphenol A disrupts fetal testis development in rats. Environ Pollut 2019; 246:217-224. [PMID: 30557795 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in consumer products and is a potential endocrine disruptor linked with abnormal development of male reproductive tract. However, its action and its effects on the pathways in the development of male gonad are still unclear. Here we report that effects of BPA exposure during gestation on male gonad development. Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged daily with BPA (0, 4, 40, and 400 mg/kg body weight) from gestational day 12 to day 21. BPA dose-dependently decreased serum testosterone levels (0.45 ± 0.08 ng/ml and 0.32 ± 0.08 ng/ml for 40 and 400 mg/kg BPA, respectively) versus the control level (1.11 ± 0.22 ng/ml, Mean ± SE). BPA lowered Leydig cell Insl3 and Hsd17b3 mRNA and their protein levels at doses of 40 and 400 mg/kg. BPA also lowered Leydig cell (Lhcgr, Cyp11a1, and Cyp17a1) and Sertoli cell (Amh) mRNA and their protein levels at 400 mg/kg. BPA decreased fetal Leydig cell number via inhibiting their proliferation, but it did not affect fetal Sertoli cell number. In conclusion, the current study shows that in utero exposure to BPA inhibits fetal Leydig and Sertoli cell differentiation, possibly disrupting the development of male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Lv
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yinghui Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Panpan Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Siwen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Xiuxiu Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Chaobo Ni
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Qiqi Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Tongliang Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Qingquan Lian
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
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31
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Grive KJ, Hu Y, Shu E, Grimson A, Elemento O, Grenier JK, Cohen PE. Dynamic transcriptome profiles within spermatogonial and spermatocyte populations during postnatal testis maturation revealed by single-cell sequencing. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1007810. [PMID: 30893341 PMCID: PMC6443194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [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: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the process by which male gametes are formed from a self-renewing population of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) residing in the testis. SSCs represent less than 1% of the total testicular cell population in adults, but must achieve a stable balance between self-renewal and differentiation. Once differentiation has occurred, the newly formed and highly proliferative spermatogonia must then enter the meiotic program in which DNA content is doubled, then halved twice to create haploid gametes. While much is known about the critical cellular processes that take place during the specialized cell division that is meiosis, much less is known about how the spermatocytes in the "first-wave" in juveniles compare to those that contribute to long-term, "steady-state" spermatogenesis in adults. Given the strictly-defined developmental process of spermatogenesis, this study explored the transcriptional profiles of developmental cell stages during testis maturation. Using a combination of comprehensive germ cell sampling with high-resolution, single-cell-mRNA-sequencing, we have generated a reference dataset of germ cell gene expression. We show that discrete developmental stages of spermatogenesis possess significant differences in the transcriptional profiles from neonates compared to juveniles and adults. Importantly, these gene expression dynamics are also reflected at the protein level in their respective cell types. We also show differential utilization of many biological pathways with age in both spermatogonia and spermatocytes, demonstrating significantly different underlying gene regulatory programs in these cell types over the course of testis development and spermatogenic waves. This dataset represents the first unbiased sampling of spermatogonia and spermatocytes during testis maturation, at high-resolution, single-cell depth. Not only does this analysis reveal previously unknown transcriptional dynamics of a highly transitional cell population, it has also begun to reveal critical differences in biological pathway utilization in developing spermatogonia and spermatocytes, including response to DNA damage and double-strand breaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J. Grive
- Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Yang Hu
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Eileen Shu
- Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Andrew Grimson
- Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Jennifer K. Grenier
- Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Paula E. Cohen
- Center for Reproductive Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
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Spade DJ, Dere E, Hall SJ, Schorl C, Freiman RN, Boekelheide K. All-Trans Retinoic Acid Disrupts Development in Ex Vivo Cultured Fetal Rat Testes. I: Altered Seminiferous Cord Maturation and Testicular Cell Fate. Toxicol Sci 2019; 167:546-558. [PMID: 30329139 PMCID: PMC6358251 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to excess retinoic acid (RA) disrupts the development of the mammalian testicular seminiferous cord. However, the molecular events surrounding RA-driven loss of cord structure have not previously been examined. To investigate the mechanisms associated with this adverse developmental effect, fetal rat testes were isolated on gestational day 15, after testis determination and the initiation of cord development, and cultured in media containing all-trans RA (ATRA; 10-8 to 10-6 M) or vehicle for 3 days. ATRA exposure resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in the number of seminiferous cords per testis section and number of germ cells, assessed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Following 1 day of culture, genome-wide expression profiling by microarray demonstrated that ATRA exposure altered biological processes related to retinoid metabolism and gonadal sex determination. Real-time RT-PCR analysis confirmed that ATRA enhanced the expression of the key ovarian development gene Wnt4 and the antitestis gene Nr0b1 in a concentration-dependent manner. After 3 days of culture, ATRA-treated testes contained both immunohistochemically DMRT1-positive and FOXL2-positive somatic cells, providing evidence of disrupted testicular cell fate maintenance following ATRA exposure. We conclude that exogenous RA disrupts seminiferous cord development in ex vivo cultured fetal rat testes, resulting in a reduction in seminiferous cord number, and interferes with maintenance of somatic cell fate by enhancing expression of factors that promote ovarian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Spade
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Edward Dere
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
- Division of Urology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 02903
| | - Susan J Hall
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Christoph Schorl
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Richard N Freiman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Kim Boekelheide
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
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Adeogun AO, Ibor OR, Chukwuka AV, Regoli F, Arukwe A. The intersex phenomenon in Sarotherodon melanotheron from Lagos lagoon (Nigeria): Occurrence and severity in relation to contaminants burden in sediment. Environ Pollut 2019; 244:747-756. [PMID: 30384080 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.10.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The correlation between endocrine active contaminants in the environment and alterations in reproductive development of Sarotherodon melanotheron from Lagos lagoon has been investigated. Sediment and a total of 155 fish (74 males and 81 females) were collected between November 2014-March 2015 from selected contaminated sites (Ikorodu, Oworonshoki, Makoko and Idumota) and a putative control site (Igbore) along the lagoon. Sediment contaminant analysis revealed, significantly higher concentration of lindane, dieldrin, 4-iso-nonylphenol, 4-t-octylphenol and monobutyltin cation at the contaminated sites. Examination of gross morphological and histological changes of fish gonads showed a 27.4% prevalence of intersex in the sampled fish, of which 78% were males (testes-ova) and 22% were females (ovo-testis). Quantitative PCR (qPCR) of liver transcripts revealed the presence of vitellogenin (vtg) levels in male fish from contaminated sites. Zona radiata proteins (zrp) mRNA levels were significantly higher in females, compared to male fish. In general, significantly lower vtg and zrp transcripts levels were recorded at Igbore (control site), compared with contaminated sites. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed site and sex relationship in biological responses and contaminants, including trace metals, demonstrating that measured endocrine responses in fish were associated with contaminant burden in sediment. In addition, positive relationships were observed in male fish from Idumota, Oworonshoki and Ikorodu with vtg and dieldrin/4-iso-nonyphenol, with higher levels in male fish, compared to females. Further, contaminants from the Makoko, Oworonshoki and Ikorodu sites were positively associated with higher GSI and zrp in females. More importantly, the severity of intersex and changes in vtg transcripts imply a progressive feminization of male fish with concomitant alteration in the reproductive health of fish inhabiting the Lagos lagoon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aina O Adeogun
- Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Oju R Ibor
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Azubuike V Chukwuka
- Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency, Nigeria
| | - Francesco Regoli
- Polytechnic University of Marche, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Via Brecce Bianche, 60100, Ancona, Italy
| | - Augustine Arukwe
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491, Trondheim, Norway.
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Kojima Y, Yokoya S, Kurita N, Idaka T, Ishikawa T, Tanaka H, Ezawa Y, Ohto H. Cryptorchidism after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident:causation or coincidence? Fukushima J Med Sci 2019; 65:76-98. [PMID: 31915325 PMCID: PMC7012587 DOI: 10.5387/fms.2019-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism (undescended testes) is among the most common congenital diseases in male children. Although many factors have been linked to the incidence of cryptorchidism, and testicular androgen plays a key role in its pathogenesis, the cause remains unknown in most cases. Recently, a Japanese group published a speculative paper entitled, "Nationwide increase in cryptorchidism after the Fukushima nuclear accident." Although the authors implicated radionuclides emitted from the Fukushima accident as contributing to an increased incidence of cryptorchidism, they failed to establish biological plausibility for their hypothesis, and glossed over an abundance of evidence and expert opinion to the contrary. We assessed the adequacy of their study in terms of design setting, data analysis, and its conclusion from various perspectives. Numerous factors must be considered, including genetic, environmental, maternal/fetal, and social factors associated with the reporting of cryptorchidism. Other investigators have established that the doses of external and internal radiation exposure in both Fukushima prefecture and the whole of Japan after the accident are too low to affect testicular descent during fetal periods;thus, a putative association can be theoretically and empirically rejected. Alternative explanations exist for the reported estimates of increased cryptorchidism surgeries in the years following Japan's 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis. Data from independent sources cast doubt on the extent to which cryptorchidism increased, if at all. In any case, evidence that radionuclides from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant could cause cryptorchidism is lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Kojima
- Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Susumu Yokoya
- Thyroid and Endocrine Center, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Noriaki Kurita
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University
- Department of Innovative Research and Education for Clinicians and Trainees (DiRECT), Fukushima Medical University Hospital
- Center for Innovative Research for Communities and Clinical Excellence (CiRC2LE), Fukushima Medical University
| | - Takayuki Idaka
- Medical Research Center, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Tetsuo Ishikawa
- Department of Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Fukushima Medical University
| | - Hideaki Tanaka
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fukushima Medical University Hospital
| | - Yoshiko Ezawa
- Medical Affairs Division, Fukushima Medical University Hospital
| | - Hitoshi Ohto
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University
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Gregoire EP, Stevant I, Chassot AA, Martin L, Lachambre S, Mondin M, de Rooij DG, Nef S, Chaboissier MC. NRG1 signalling regulates the establishment of Sertoli cell stock in the mouse testis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 478:17-31. [PMID: 30040984 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Testis differentiation requires high levels of proliferation of progenitor cells that give rise to two cell lineages forming the testis, the Sertoli and the Leydig cells. Hence defective cell cycling leads to testicular dysgenesis that has profound effects on androgen production and fertility. The growth factor NRG1 has been implicated in adult Leydig cell proliferation, but a potential function in the fetal testis has not been analysed to date. Here we show that Nrg1 and its receptors ErbB2/3 are already expressed in early gonadal development. Using tissue-specific deletion, we further demonstrate that Nrg1 is required in a dose-dependent manner to induce proliferation of Sertoli progenitor cells and then differentiated Sertoli cells. As a result of reduced numbers of Sertoli cells, Nrg1 knockout mice display a delay in testis differentiation and defects in sex cord partitioning. Taken together Nrg1 signalling is essential for the establishment of the stock of Sertoli cells and thus required to prevent testicular hypoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabelle Stevant
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Luc Martin
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, France
| | | | | | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, the Netherlands
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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Jørgensen A, Macdonald J, Nielsen JE, Kilcoyne KR, Perlman S, Lundvall L, Langhoff Thuesen L, Juul Hare K, Frederiksen H, Andersson AM, Skakkebæk NE, Juul A, Sharpe RM, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Mitchell RT. Nodal Signaling Regulates Germ Cell Development and Establishment of Seminiferous Cords in the Human Fetal Testis. Cell Rep 2018; 25:1924-1937.e4. [PMID: 30428358 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.10.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of human fetal testis development is widely accepted to underlie testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) origin and additional disorders within testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). However, the mechanisms for the development of testicular dysgenesis in humans are unclear. We used ex vivo culture and xenograft approaches to investigate the importance of Nodal and Activin signaling in human fetal testis development. Inhibition of Nodal, and to some extent Activin, signaling disrupted seminiferous cord formation, abolished AMH expression, reduced androgen secretion, and decreased gonocyte numbers. Subsequent xenografting of testicular tissue rescued the disruptive effects on seminiferous cords and somatic cells but not germ cell effects. Stimulation of Nodal signaling increased the number of germ cells expressing pluripotency factors, and these persisted after xenografting. Our findings suggest a key role for Nodal signaling in the regulation of gonocyte differentiation and early human testis development with implications for the understanding of TGCC and TDS origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Joni Macdonald
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - John E Nielsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karen R Kilcoyne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Signe Perlman
- Department of Gynaecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Lundvall
- Department of Gynaecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lea Langhoff Thuesen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Kristine Juul Hare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels E Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Richard M Sharpe
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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Laldinsangi C, Senthilkumaran B. Expression profiling of c-kit and its impact after esiRNA silencing during gonadal development in catfish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 266:38-51. [PMID: 29625123 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.04.004] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Receptor, c-Kit is a member of a family of growth factor receptors that have tyrosine kinase activity, and are involved in the transduction of growth regulatory signals across plasma membrane by activation of its ligand, kitl/scf. The present study analyzed mRNA and protein expression profiles of c-kit in the gonads of catfish, Clarias gariepinus, using real time PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Tissue distribution analysis revealed higher expression mainly in the catfish gonads. Ontogeny studies showed minimal expression during early developmental stages and highest during 50-75 days post hatch, and the dimorphic expression in gonads decreased gradually till adulthood, which might suggest an important role for this gene around later stages of sex differentiation and gonadal development. Expression of c-kit was analyzed at various phases of gonadal cycle in both male and female, which showed minimal expression during the resting phase, and higher expression during the pre-spawning phase in male compared to females. In vitro and in vivo induction using human chorionic gonadotropin elevated the expression of c-kit indicating the regulatory influence of hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis. In vivo transient gene silencing using c-kit-esiRNA in adult catfish during gonadal recrudescence showed a decrease in c-kit expression, which affected the expression levels of germ cell meiotic marker sycp3, as well as several factors and steroidogenic enzyme genes that are involved in germ cell development. Decrease in the levels of 11-ketotestosterone and testosterone in serum were also observed after esiRNA silencing. The findings suggests that c-kit has an important role in the process of germ cell proliferation, development and maturation during gonadal development and recrudescence in catfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Laldinsangi
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India
| | - B Senthilkumaran
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India.
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Tovo-Neto A, da Silva Rodrigues M, Habibi HR, Nóbrega RH. Thyroid hormone actions on male reproductive system of teleost fish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 265:230-236. [PMID: 29678724 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) play important roles in the regulation of many biological processes of vertebrates, such as growth, metabolism, morphogenesis and reproduction. An increasing number of studies have been focused on the involvement of THs in the male reproductive system of vertebrates, in particular of fish. Therefore, this mini-review aims to summarize the main findings on THs role in male reproductive system of fish, focusing on sex differentiation, testicular development and spermatogenesis. The existing data in the literature have demonstrated that THs exert their roles at the different levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In general a positive correlation has been shown between THs and fish reproductive status; where THs are associated with testicular development, growth and maturation. Recently, the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of THs in spermatogenesis have been unraveled in zebrafish testis. THs promote germ cell proliferation and differentiation by increasing a stimulatory growth factor of spermatogenesis produced by Sertoli cells. In addition, THs enhanced the gonadotropin-induced androgen release in zebrafish testis. Next to their functions in the adult testis, THs are involved in the gonadal sex differentiation through modulating sex-related gene expression, and testicular development via regulation of Sertoli cell proliferation. In conclusion, this mini-review showed that THs modulate the male reproductive system during the different life stages of fish. The physiological and molecular mechanisms showed a link between the thyroid and reproduction, suggesting a possibly co-evolution and interdependence of these two systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Tovo-Neto
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Aquaculture Program, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Departament of Morphology, Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maira da Silva Rodrigues
- Aquaculture Program, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Departament of Morphology, Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hamid R Habibi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rafael Henrique Nóbrega
- Departament of Morphology, Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Shen J, Cunha GR, Sinclair A, Cao M, Isaacson D, Baskin L. Macroscopic whole-mounts of the developing human fetal urogenital-genital tract: Indifferent stage to male and female differentiation. Differentiation 2018; 103:5-13. [PMID: 30245193 PMCID: PMC6234077 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We present a detailed review of fetal development of the male and female human urogenital tract from 8 to 22 weeks gestation at the macroscopic and morphometric levels. Human fetal specimens were sexed based on macroscopic identification of fetal testes or ovaries, Wolffian or Müllerian structures and the presence of the SRY gene in the specimens at or near the indifferent stage (8-9 weeks). Specimens were photographed using a dissecting microscope with transmitted and reflected light. Morphometric measurements were taken of each urogenital organ. During this time period, development of the male and female urogenital tracts proceeded from the indifferent stage to differentiated organs. The kidneys, ureters, and bladder developed identically, irrespective of sex with the same physical dimensions and morphologic appearance. The penis, prostate and testis developed in males and the clitoris, uterus and ovary in females. Androgen-dependent growth certainly influenced size and morphology of the penile urethra and prostate, however, androgen-independent growth also accounted for substantial growth in the fetal urogenital tract including the clitoris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Shen
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Adriane Sinclair
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Dylan Isaacson
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Laurence Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States.
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Yang Q, Yang X, Liu J, Chen Y, Shen S. Effects of exposure to BPF on development and sexual differentiation during early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 210:44-56. [PMID: 29758382 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 12/25/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol F (BPF) has become a predominant bisphenol contaminant in recent years. It has significant estrogenic properties in both in vivo and in vitro studies. We have previously studied the disrupting mechanisms of BPF on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis of adult zebrafish. However, the effects of BPF exposure on development and sexual differentiation of zebrafish embryos/larvae remain unclear. To determine the effects of BPF on the critical stage of sex differentiation in zebrafish, zebrafish embryos/larvae were exposed to 1, 10, 100, and 1000 μg/L BPF from fertilization to 60 days post-fertilization (dpf). Developmental malformations were induced by exposure to BPF from 2 h post-fertilization (hpf), with a LC50 of 10,030 μg/L at 96 hpf and 9391 μg/L at 120 hpf. Long-term exposure during sex differentiation tended to result in a female sex ratio bias. Histological analyses at 60 dpf indicated that the development of ovo-testes and immature ovaries was induced by 100 and 1000 μg/L BPF. Homogenate testosterone levels decreased and 17β-estradiol levels increased in zebrafish in a concentration-dependent manner. BPF exposure suppressed gene expression of double sex, Mab3-related transcription factor 1(dmrt1), fushi tarazu factor 1d (ff1d), sry-box containing gene 9a (sox9a) and anti-Mullerian hormone (amh); induced expression of the forkhead box L2 transcription factor (foxl2), leading to increased expression of aromatase (cyp19a1a), which promoted production of estrogens, and further caused phenotypic feminization of zebrafish. These results suggest that developmental exposure to BPF has adverse effects on sexual differentiation, and the results were useful for a BPF risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Nanjing 210042, China; The College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xianhai Yang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Jining Liu
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Nanjing 210042, China.
| | - Yingwen Chen
- The College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Shubao Shen
- The College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China
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41
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Olea GB, Aguirre MV, Lombardo DM. Anatomical, histological and immunohistochemical study of testicular development in Columba livia (Aves: Columbiformes). Acta Histochem 2018; 120:446-455. [PMID: 29776745 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2018.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this work, testicular ontogeny is analyzed at the anatomical, histological and immunohistochemical levels; the latter through the detection of GnRHR and PCNA in the testicles of embryos, neonates and juveniles of Columba livia. We analyzed 150 embryos, 25 neonates and 5 juveniles by means of observations under a stereoscopic magnifying glass and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The histological analysis was performed using hematoxylin-eosin staining techniques and the PAS reaction. For the immunohistochemical analysis, the expression of GnRHR and PCNA in embryos corresponding to stages 41, 43 and in neonates of 2, 5, 7 and 75 days post-hatch was revealed in testicular histological preparations. That gonadal outline is evident in stage 18. In stage 29, the testes are constituted of a medulla in which the PGCs are surrounded by the Sertoli cells, constituting the seminiferous tubules. From stage 37 a greater organization of the tubules is visualized and at the time of hatching the testicle is constituted of the closed seminiferous tubules, formed of the PGCs and Sertoli cells. The Leydig cells are evident outside the tubules. In the juvenile stages, the differentiation of germline cells and the organization of small vessels that irrigate the developing testicle begin to be visible. In the analyzed stages, the immunodetection of the GnRHR receptor and PCNA revealed specific marking in the plasma membrane and in the perinuclear zone for GnRHR and in the nucleus of the germline cells in juvenile testicles for PCNA. These results can be used as a basis for further study of endocrine regulation events during testicular ontogeny in avian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- G B Olea
- Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Facultad de Medicina, Laboratorio de Investigaciones Bioquímicas y Médicas (LIBIM) - CONICET, Moreno 1240, Corrientes, C.P. 3400, Argentina
| | - M V Aguirre
- Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Facultad de Medicina, Laboratorio de Investigaciones Bioquímicas y Médicas (LIBIM) - CONICET, Moreno 1240, Corrientes, C.P. 3400, Argentina
| | - D M Lombardo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Chorroarin 280, Buenos Aires (CABA), C.P. 1428, Argentina.
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Sharma V, Lehmann T, Stuckas H, Funke L, Hiller M. Loss of RXFP2 and INSL3 genes in Afrotheria shows that testicular descent is the ancestral condition in placental mammals. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2005293. [PMID: 29953435 PMCID: PMC6023123 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2005293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [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: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Descent of testes from a position near the kidneys into the lower abdomen or into the scrotum is an important developmental process that occurs in all placental mammals, with the exception of five afrotherian lineages. Since soft-tissue structures like testes are not preserved in the fossil record and since key parts of the placental mammal phylogeny remain controversial, it has been debated whether testicular descent is the ancestral or derived condition in placental mammals. To resolve this debate, we used genomic data of 71 mammalian species and analyzed the evolution of two key genes (relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 2 [RXFP2] and insulin-like 3 [INSL3]) that induce the development of the gubernaculum, the ligament that is crucial for testicular descent. We show that both RXFP2 and INSL3 are lost or nonfunctional exclusively in four afrotherians (tenrec, cape elephant shrew, cape golden mole, and manatee) that completely lack testicular descent. The presence of remnants of once functional orthologs of both genes in these afrotherian species shows that these gene losses happened after the split from the placental mammal ancestor. These “molecular vestiges” provide strong evidence that testicular descent is the ancestral condition, irrespective of persisting phylogenetic discrepancies. Furthermore, the absence of shared gene-inactivating mutations and our estimates that the loss of RXFP2 happened at different time points strongly suggest that testicular descent was lost independently in Afrotheria. Our results provide a molecular mechanism that explains the loss of testicular descent in afrotherians and, more generally, highlight how molecular vestiges can provide insights into the evolution of soft-tissue characters. While fossils of whales with legs demonstrate that these species evolved from legged ancestors, the ancestral state of nonfossilizing soft-tissue structures can only be indirectly inferred. This difficulty is also confounded by uncertainties in the phylogenetic relationships between the animals concerned. A prime example is the case of testicular descent, a developmental process that determines the final position of testes, which occurs in most placental mammals but is absent from several afrotherian lineages. Here, we discovered that afrotherians possess remnants of genes known to be required for testicular descent. These “molecular vestiges” show that testicular descent was already present in the placental ancestor and was subsequently lost in Afrotheria. Our study highlights the potential of molecular vestiges in resolving contradictory ancestral states of soft-tissue characters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virag Sharma
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Lehmann
- Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Liane Funke
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Hiller
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Tharmalingam MD, Jorgensen A, Mitchell RT. Experimental models of testicular development and function using human tissue and cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 468:95-110. [PMID: 29309804 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian testis has two main roles, production of gametes for reproduction and synthesis of steroid- and peptide hormones for masculinization. These processes are tightly regulated and involve complex interactions between a number of germ and somatic cell-types that comprise a unique microenvironment known as the germ stem cell niche. In humans, failure of normal testicular development or function is associated with susceptibility to a variety of male reproductive disorders including disorders of sex development, infertility and testicular cancer. Whilst studies in rodent models have provided detailed insight into the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms that regulate the testis, there are important species differences in testicular development, function and reproductive disorders that highlight the need for suitable experimental models utilising human testicular tissues or cells. In this review, we outline experimental approaches used to sustain cells and tissue from human testis at different developmental time-points and discuss relevant end-points. These include survival, proliferation and differentiation of cell lineages within the testis as well as autocrine, paracrine and endocrine function. We also highlight the utility of these experimental approaches for modelling the effects of environmental exposures on testicular development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa D Tharmalingam
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK
| | - Anne Jorgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK; Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Sick Children, 9 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1LF, Scotland, UK.
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44
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Lecluze E, Jégou B, Rolland AD, Chalmel F. New transcriptomic tools to understand testis development and functions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 468:47-59. [PMID: 29501799 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The testis plays a central role in the male reproductive system - secreting several hormones including male steroids and producing male gametes. A complex and coordinated molecular program is required for the proper differentiation of testicular cell types and maintenance of their functions in adulthood. The testicular transcriptome displays the highest levels of complexity and specificity across all tissues in a wide range of species. Many studies have used high-throughput sequencing technologies to define the molecular dynamics and regulatory networks in the testis as well as to identify novel genes or gene isoforms expressed in this organ. This review intends to highlight the complementarity of these transcriptomic studies and to show how the use of different sequencing protocols contribute to improve our global understanding of testicular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Lecluze
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, Environnement et travail) - UMR_S1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Bernard Jégou
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, Environnement et travail) - UMR_S1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Antoine D Rolland
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, Environnement et travail) - UMR_S1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Frédéric Chalmel
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, Environnement et travail) - UMR_S1085, F-35000 Rennes, France.
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45
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Xu YR, Wang GY, Zhou YC, Yang WX. The characterization and potential roles of bone morphogenetic protein 7 during spermatogenesis in Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. Gene 2018; 673:119-129. [PMID: 29890312 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which belong to the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, have been implicated in various biological and physiological processes, especially in the gonad development. However, scarce studies were focused on the roles of BMPs in the reproductive system of crustaceans. In this study, the whole gene encoding BMP7 protein was cloned and characterized firstly in Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. The bioinformatics analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence showed that Es-BMP7 was composed of prodomain/latency-associated peptide and the TGF-β characteristic domain. The sequence conservation and phylogenetic analysis were also conducted. Quantitative real-time PCR was conducted indifferent tissues. The highest expression in testis indicated the potential role of BMP7 to male gonad development. Western blot results showed the different translational levels of BMP7 in different tissues. In-situ hybridization revealed that the expression of es-bmp7 signals presented in a bimodal manner: highest in spermatogonia, decreased in spermatocytes and stage I spermatids, disappeared in stage II spermatids, and showed up again in stage III spermatids and mature sperm. To further verify the potential roles during spermatogenesis, immunofluorescence was conducted and results showed the similar expression tendency with in situ hybridization. The protein signal was highest in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia, continued to decline in the cytoplasm of spermatocytes and the following stages, and weak signal was found in the mature sperm. Taken together, our results revealed that Es-BMP7 might play a part in testis development in Eriocheir sinensis, presumably by maintaining the self-renewal of spermatogonia and promoting the germ cell differentiation/meiotic mitosis, or facilitating the successful fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ru Xu
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Gao-Yuan Wang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yi-Chao Zhou
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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46
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Fang F, Angulo B, Xia N, Sukhwani M, Wang Z, Carey CC, Mazurie A, Cui J, Wilkinson R, Wiedenheft B, Irie N, Surani MA, Orwig KE, Reijo Pera RA. A PAX5-OCT4-PRDM1 developmental switch specifies human primordial germ cells. Nat Cell Biol 2018; 20:655-665. [PMID: 29713018 PMCID: PMC5970969 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-018-0094-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of genetic pathways during human germ cell development leads to infertility. Here, we analysed bona fide human primordial germ cells (hPGCs) to probe the developmental genetics of human germ cell specification and differentiation. We examined the distribution of OCT4 occupancy in hPGCs relative to human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). We demonstrated that development, from pluripotent stem cells to germ cells, is driven by switching partners with OCT4 from SOX2 to PAX5 and PRDM1. Gain- and loss-of-function studies revealed that PAX5 encodes a critical regulator of hPGC development. Moreover, an epistasis analysis indicated that PAX5 acts upstream of OCT4 and PRDM1. The PAX5-OCT4-PRDM1 proteins form a core transcriptional network that activates germline and represses somatic programmes during human germ cell differentiation. These findings illustrate the power of combined genome editing, cell differentiation and engraftment for probing human developmental genetics that have historically been difficult to study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.
| | - Benjamin Angulo
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Ninuo Xia
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Magee Women's Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zhengyuan Wang
- Genomic Medicine Division, Hematology Branch, NHLBI/NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Charles C Carey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Aurélien Mazurie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Jun Cui
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Royce Wilkinson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Blake Wiedenheft
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Naoko Irie
- Wellcome Trust Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - M Azim Surani
- Wellcome Trust Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Magee Women's Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Renee A Reijo Pera
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
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47
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Hinfray N, Sohm F, Caulier M, Chadili E, Piccini B, Torchy C, Porcher JM, Guiguen Y, Brion F. Dynamic and differential expression of the gonadal aromatase during the process of sexual differentiation in a novel transgenic cyp19a1a-eGFP zebrafish line. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018. [PMID: 28648994 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In zebrafish, there exists a clear need for new tools to study sex differentiation dynamic and its perturbation by endocrine disrupting chemicals. In this context, we developed and characterized a novel transgenic zebrafish line expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of the zebrafish cyp19a1a (gonadal aromatase) promoter. In most gonochoristic fish species including zebrafish, cyp19a1a, the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of estrogens, has been shown to play a critical role in the processes of reproduction and sexual differentiation. This novel cyp19a1a-eGFP transgenic line allowed a deeper characterization of expression and localization of cyp19a1a gene in zebrafish gonads both at the adult stage and during development. At the adult stage, GFP expression was higher in ovaries than in testis. We showed a perfect co-expression of GFP and endogenous Cyp19a1a protein in gonads that was mainly localized in the cytoplasm of peri-follicular cells in the ovary and of Leydig and germ cells in the testis. During development, GFP was expressed in all immature gonads of 20 dpf-old zebrafish. Then, GFP expression increased in early differentiated female at 30 and 35dpf to reach a high GFP intensity in well-differentiated ovaries at 40dpf. On the contrary, males consistently displayed low GFP expression as compared to female whatever their stage of development, resulting in a clear dimorphic expression between both sexes. Interestingly, fish that undergoes ovary-to-testis transition (35 and 40dpf) presented GFP levels similar to males or intermediate between females and males. In this transgenic line our results confirm that cyp19a1a is expressed early during development, before the histological differentiation of the gonads, and that the down-regulation of cyp19a1a expression is likely responsible for the testicular differentiation. Moreover, we show that although cyp19a1a expression exhibits a clear dimorphic expression pattern in gonads during sexual differentiation, its expression persists whatever the sex suggesting that estradiol synthesis is important for gonadal development of both sexes. Monitoring the expression of GFP in control and exposed-fish will help determine the sensitivity of this transgenic line to EDCs and to refine mechanistic based-assays for the study of EDCs. In fine, this transgenic zebrafish line will be a useful tool to study physiological processes such as reproduction and sexual differentiation, and their perturbations by EDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Hinfray
- INERIS, Direction des Risques Chroniques, Pole VIVA, Unite d'ecotoxicologie in vitro et in vivo, BP2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.
| | - Frédéric Sohm
- UMS AMAGEN, CNRS, INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Morgane Caulier
- INERIS, Direction des Risques Chroniques, Pole VIVA, Unite d'ecotoxicologie in vitro et in vivo, BP2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Edith Chadili
- INERIS, Direction des Risques Chroniques, Pole VIVA, Unite d'ecotoxicologie in vitro et in vivo, BP2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Benjamin Piccini
- INERIS, Direction des Risques Chroniques, Pole VIVA, Unite d'ecotoxicologie in vitro et in vivo, BP2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Camille Torchy
- INERIS, Direction des Risques Chroniques, Pole VIVA, Unite d'ecotoxicologie in vitro et in vivo, BP2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Jean-Marc Porcher
- INERIS, Direction des Risques Chroniques, Pole VIVA, Unite d'ecotoxicologie in vitro et in vivo, BP2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Yann Guiguen
- INRA, UR1037, Laboratoire de Physiologie et de Génomique des Poissons (LPGP), IFR140, Ouest-Genopole, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - François Brion
- INERIS, Direction des Risques Chroniques, Pole VIVA, Unite d'ecotoxicologie in vitro et in vivo, BP2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.
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48
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Dere E, Anderson LM, Huse SM, Spade DJ, McDonnell-Clark E, Madnick SJ, Hall SJ, Camacho L, Lewis SM, Vanlandingham MM, Boekelheide K. Effects of continuous bisphenol A exposure from early gestation on 90 day old rat testes function and sperm molecular profiles: A CLARITY-BPA consortium study. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 347:1-9. [PMID: 29596923 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous industrial chemical that has been identified as an endocrine disrupting compound (EDC). There is growing concern that early life exposures to EDCs, such as BPA, can adversely affect the male reproductive tract and function. This study was conducted as part of the Consortium Linking Academic and Regulatory Insights on BPA Toxicity (CLARITY-BPA) to further delineate the toxicities associated with continuous exposure to BPA from early gestation, and to comprehensively examine the elicited effects on testes and sperm. NCTR Sprague Dawley rat dams were gavaged from gestational day (GD) 6 until parturition, and their pups were directly gavaged daily from postnatal day (PND) 1 to 90 with BPA (2.5, 25, 250, 2500, 25,000, 250,000 μg/kg/d) or vehicle control. At PND 90, the testes and sperm were collected for evaluation. The testes were histologically evaluated for altered germ cell apoptosis, sperm production, and altered spermiation. RNA and DNA isolated from sperm were assessed for elicited changes in global mRNA transcript abundance and altered DNA methylation. Effects of BPA were observed in changes in body, testis and epididymis weights only at the highest administered dose of BPA of 250,000 μg/kg/d. Genome-wide transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses failed to detect robust alterations in sperm mRNA and DNA methylation levels. These data indicate that prolonged exposure starting in utero to BPA over a wide range of levels has little, if any, impact on the testes and sperm molecular profiles of 90 day old rats as assessed by the histopathologic, morphometric, and molecular endpoints evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Dere
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Division of Urology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Linnea M Anderson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Susan M Huse
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Daniel J Spade
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | | | - Samantha J Madnick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Susan J Hall
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Luísa Camacho
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR, United States
| | - Sherry M Lewis
- Office of Scientific Coordination, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR, United States
| | - Michelle M Vanlandingham
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR, United States
| | - Kim Boekelheide
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.
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49
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de Souza AF, Pieri NCG, Roballo KCS, Bressan FF, Casals JB, Ambrósio CE, Perecin F, Martins DS. Dynamics of male canine germ cell development. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193026. [PMID: 29489867 PMCID: PMC5831030 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are precursors of gametes that can generate new individuals throughout life in both males and females. Additionally, PGCs have been shown to differentiate into embryonic germ cells (EGCs) after in vitro culture. Most studies investigating germinative cells have been performed in rodents and humans but not dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). Here, we elucidated the dynamics of the expression of pluripotent (POU5F1 and NANOG), germline (DDX4, DAZL and DPPA3), and epigenetic (5mC, 5hmC, H3K27me3 and H3K9me2) markers that are important for the development of male canine germ cells during the early (22-30 days post-fertilization (dpf)), middle (35-40 dpf) and late (45-50 dpf) gestational periods. We performed sex genotype characterization, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analyses. Furthermore, in a preliminary study, we evaluated the capacity of canine embryo PGCs (30 dpf) to differentiate into EGCs. To confirm the canine EGCs phenotype, we performed alkaline phosphatase detection, immunohistochemistry, electron and transmission scanning microscopy and RT-qPCR analyses. The PGCs were positive for POU5F1 and H3K27me3 during all assessed developmental periods, including all periods between the gonadal tissue stage and foetal testes development. The number of NANOG, DDX4, DAZL, DPPA3 and 5mC-positive cells increased along with the developing cords from 35-50 dpf. Moreover, our results demonstrate the feasibility of inducing canine PGCs into putative EGCs that present pluripotent markers, such as POU5F1 and the NANOG gene, and exhibit reduced expression of germinative genes and increased expression of H3K27me3. This study provides new insight into male germ cell development mechanisms in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline F. de Souza
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Naira C. Godoy Pieri
- Department of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Kelly C. S. Roballo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabiana F. Bressan
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana B. Casals
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos E. Ambrósio
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe Perecin
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniele S. Martins
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
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50
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Grmai L, Hudry B, Miguel-Aliaga I, Bach EA. Chinmo prevents transformer alternative splicing to maintain male sex identity. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007203. [PMID: 29389999 PMCID: PMC5811060 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproduction in sexually dimorphic animals relies on successful gamete production, executed by the germline and aided by somatic support cells. Somatic sex identity in Drosophila is instructed by sex-specific isoforms of the DMRT1 ortholog Doublesex (Dsx). Female-specific expression of Sex-lethal (Sxl) causes alternative splicing of transformer (tra) to the female isoform traF. In turn, TraF alternatively splices dsx to the female isoform dsxF. Loss of the transcriptional repressor Chinmo in male somatic stem cells (CySCs) of the testis causes them to "feminize", resembling female somatic stem cells in the ovary. This somatic sex transformation causes a collapse of germline differentiation and male infertility. We demonstrate this feminization occurs by transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of traF. We find that chinmo-deficient CySCs upregulate tra mRNA as well as transcripts encoding tra-splice factors Virilizer (Vir) and Female lethal (2)d (Fl(2)d). traF splicing in chinmo-deficient CySCs leads to the production of DsxF at the expense of the male isoform DsxM, and both TraF and DsxF are required for CySC sex transformation. Surprisingly, CySC feminization upon loss of chinmo does not require Sxl but does require Vir and Fl(2)d. Consistent with this, we show that both Vir and Fl(2)d are required for tra alternative splicing in the female somatic gonad. Our work reveals the need for transcriptional regulation of tra in adult male stem cells and highlights a previously unobserved Sxl-independent mechanism of traF production in vivo. In sum, transcriptional control of the sex determination hierarchy by Chinmo is critical for sex maintenance in sexually dimorphic tissues and is vital in the preservation of fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Grmai
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Bruno Hudry
- MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Miguel-Aliaga
- MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erika A. Bach
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Kimmel Stem Cell Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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