scholarly journals Unraveling the molecular targets pertinent to junction restructuring events during spermatogenesis using the Adjudin-induced germ cell depletion model

2007 ◽  
Vol 192 (3) ◽  
pp. 563-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiliang Xia ◽  
Dolores D Mruk ◽  
Will M Lee ◽  
C Yan Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Germ Cell ◽  
Protease Inhibitors ◽  
Gene Expression Omnibus ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Cell Junction ◽  
Data Repository ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Steady State Levels ◽  
Cell Interface

During spermatogenesis, extensive restructuring takes place at the Sertoli–Sertoli and Sertoli–germ cell interface, which is regulated via intriguing interactions among cytokines, proteases, protease inhibitors, kinases, phosphatases, and transcription factors. This in turn determines the steady-state levels of integral membrane proteins at the cell junctions. We sought to further expand these observations using the Adjudin model. Adjudin is a potential male contraceptive that targets Sertoli–germ cell adhesion, causing exfoliation of spermatids and spermatocytes, but not spermatogonia, from the seminiferous epithelium. This model thus provides the means to identify crucial regulatory molecules and signaling pathways pertinent to junction restructuring events during spermatogenesis. In this study, genome-wide expression profiling of rat testes after treatment with Adjudin at the time of extensive junction restructuring was performed. Differentially regulated genes, such as cytokines, proteases, protease inhibitors, cell junction-associated proteins, and transcription factors pertinent to junction restructuring were identified. These data were consistent with earlier findings; however, much new information was obtained which has been deposited at the Gene Expression Omnibus data repository website: http://www.ncbi.nih.gov/geo/ with Accession number: GSE5131. The primary signaling events pertinent to junction restructuring in the testis induced by Adjudin were also delineated using bioinformatics. These findings were also consistent with recently published reports. The identified molecular signatures or targets pertinent to junction dynamics in the testis as reported herein, many of which have not been investigated, thus offer a framework upon which the regulation of junction restructuring events at the Sertoli–Sertoli and Sertoli–germ cell interface pertinent to spermatogenesis can be further studied.

scholarly journals Ankrd31 in Sperm and Epididymal Integrity

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Manfrevola ◽  
Guillaume Martinez ◽  
Charles Coutton ◽  
Domenico Rocco ◽  
Karine Reynaud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cell ◽  
Cytoskeletal Proteins ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Cell Junction ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Cell Progression ◽  
Epithelial Structure ◽  
Enzymatic Changes ◽  
Junction Proteins

Ankyrin proteins (ANKRD) are key mediators linking membrane and sub-membranous cytoskeletal proteins. Recent findings have highlighted a new role of ANKRD31 during spermatogenesis, elucidating its involvement in meiotic recombination and male germ cell progression. Following testicular differentiation, spermatozoa (SPZ) enter into the epididymis, where they undergo several biochemical and enzymatic changes. The epididymal epithelium is characterized by cell-to-cell junctions that are able to form the blood-epididymal barrier (BEB). This intricate epithelial structure provides the optimal microenvironment needed for epididymal sperm maturation. To date, no notions have been reported regarding a putative role of ANKRD31 in correct BEB formation. In our work, we generated an Ankrd31 knockout male mouse model (Ankrd31–/–) and characterized its reproductive phenotype. Ankrd31–/– mice were infertile and exhibited oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (a low number of immotile SPZ with abnormal morphological features). In addition, a complete deregulation of BEB was found in Ankrd31–/–, due to cell-to-cell junction anomalies. In order to suggest that BEB deregulation may depend on Ankrd31 gene deletion, we showed the physical interaction among ANKRD31 and some epithelial junction proteins in wild-type (WT) epididymides. In conclusion, the current work shows a key role of ANKRD31 in the control of germ cell progression as well as sperm and epididymal integrity.

scholarly journals Characterization of Estrogenic Activity and Site-Specific Accumulation of Bisphenol-A in Epididymal Fat Pad: Interfering Effects on the Endocannabinoid System and Temporal Progression of Germ Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2540
Author(s):  
Teresa Chioccarelli ◽  
Marina Migliaccio ◽  
Antonio Suglia ◽  
Francesco Manfrevola ◽  
Veronica Porreca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bisphenol A ◽  
Germ Cell ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Estrogenic Activity ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Cell Junction ◽  
Cell Content ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Epididymal Fat

The objective of this work has been to characterize the estrogenic activity of bisphenol-A (BPA) and the adverse effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in modulating germ cell progression. Male offspring exposed to BPA during the foetal-perinatal period at doses below the no-observed-adverse-effect-level were used to investigate the exposure effects in adulthood. Results showed that BPA accumulates specifically in epididymal fat rather than in abdominal fat and targets testicular expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and cytochrome P450 aromatase, thus promoting sustained increase of estrogens and a decrease of testosterone. The exposure to BPA affects the expression levels of some ECS components, namely type-1 (CB1) and type-2 cannabinoid (CB2) receptor and monoacylglycerol-lipase (MAGL). Furthermore, it affects the temporal progression of germ cells reported to be responsive to ECS and promotes epithelial germ cell exfoliation. In particular, it increases the germ cell content (i.e., spermatogonia while reducing spermatocytes and spermatids), accelerates progression of spermatocytes and spermatids, promotes epithelial detachment of round and condensed spermatids and interferes with expression of cell–cell junction genes (i.e., zonula occcludens protein-1, vimentin and β-catenin). Altogether, our study provides evidence that early exposure to BPA produces in adulthood sustained and site-specific BPA accumulation in epididymal fat, becoming a risk factor for the reproductive endocrine pathways associated to ECS.

scholarly journals hnRNPH1 recruits PTBP2 and SRSF3 to cooperatively modulate alternative pre-mRNA splicing in germ cells and is essential for spermatogenesis and oogenesis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuiqiao Yuan ◽  
Shenglei Feng ◽  
Jinmei Li ◽  
Hui Wen ◽  
Kuan Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Splicing ◽  
Germ Cell ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Cell Development ◽  
Mrna Splicing ◽  
Conditional Knockout ◽  
Cell Junction ◽  
Germ Cell Development ◽  
Splicing Regulators

Abstract Coordinated regulation of alternative pre-mRNA splicing is essential for germ cell development. However, the molecular mechanism underlying that control alternative mRNA expression during germ cell development remains poorly understood. Herein, we showed that hnRNPH1, an RNA-binding protein, is highly expressed in the reproductive system and localized in the chromosomes of meiotic cells but excluded from the XY body in pachytene spermatocytes and recruits the splicing regulators PTBP2 and SRSF3 and cooperatively regulates the alternative splicing of the critical genes that are required for spermatogenesis. Conditional knockout Hnrnph1 in spermatogenic cells caused many abnormal splicing events that affect genes related to meiosis and communication between germ cells and Sertoli cells, characterized by asynapsis of chromosomes and impairment of germ-Sertoli communications, ultimately leading to male sterility. We further showed that hnRNPH1 could directly bind to SPO11 and recruit the splicing regulators PTBP2 and SRSF3 to regulate the alternative splicing of the target genes cooperatively. Strikingly, Hnrnph1 germline-specific mutant female mice were also infertile, and Hnrnph1-deficient oocytes exhibited a similar defective synapsis and cell-cell junction as shown in Hnrnph1-deficient male germ cells. Collectively, our data reveal an essential role for hnRNPH1 in regulating pre-mRNA splicing during spermatogenesis and oogenesis and support a molecular model whereby hnRNPH1 governs a network of alternative splicing events in germ cells via recruiting PTBP2 and SRSF3.

scholarly journals UBA1 and UBA2, Two Proteins That Interact with UBP1, a Multifunctional Effector of Pre-mRNA Maturation in Plants

2002 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 4346-4357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark H. L. Lambermon ◽  
Yu Fu ◽  
Dominika A. Wieczorek Kirk ◽  
Marcel Dupasquier ◽  
Witold Filipowicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Recognition Motif ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Mrna Maturation ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Steady State Levels ◽  
Transient Overexpression

ABSTRACT Nicotiana plumbaginifolia UBP1 is an hnRNP-like protein associated with the poly(A)+ RNA in the cell nucleus. Consistent with a role in pre-mRNA processing, overexpression of UBP1 in N. plumabaginifolia protoplasts enhances the splicing of suboptimal introns and increases the steady-state levels of reporter mRNAs, even intronless ones. The latter effect of UBP1 is promoter specific and appears to be due to UBP1 binding to the 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) and protecting the mRNA from exonucleolytic degradation (M. H. L. Lambermon, G. G. Simpson, D. A. Kirk, M. Hemmings-Mieszczak, U. Klahre, and W. Filipowicz, EMBO J. 19:1638-1649, 2000). To gain more insight into UBP1 function in pre-mRNA maturation, we characterized proteins interacting with N. plumbaginifolia UBP1 and one of its Arabidopsis thaliana counterparts, AtUBP1b, by using yeast two-hybrid screens and in vitro pull-down assays. Two proteins, UBP1-associated proteins 1a and 2a (UBA1a and UBA2a, respectively), were identified in A. thaliana. They are members of two novel families of plant-specific proteins containing RNA recognition motif-type RNA-binding domains. UBA1a and UBA2a are nuclear proteins, and their recombinant forms bind RNA with a specificity for oligouridylates in vitro. As with UBP1, transient overexpression of UBA1a in protoplasts increases the steady-state levels of reporter mRNAs in a promoter-dependent manner. Similarly, overexpression of UBA2a increases the levels of reporter mRNAs, but this effect is promoter independent. Unlike UBP1, neither UBA1a nor UBA2a stimulates pre-mRNA splicing. These and other data suggest that UBP1, UBA1a, and UBA2a may act as components of a complex recognizing U-rich sequences in plant 3′-UTRs and contributing to the stabilization of mRNAs in the nucleus.

mRNA encoding WAVE–Arp2/3-associated proteins is co-localized with foci of active protein synthesis at the leading edge of MRC5 fibroblasts during cell migration

2013 ◽  
Vol 452 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Willett ◽  
Michele Brocard ◽  
Hilary J. Pollard ◽  
Simon J. Morley
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Cell Spreading ◽  
Active Protein ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Steady State Levels ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Syndrome Protein

During cell spreading, mammalian cells migrate using lamellipodia formed from a large dense branched actin network which produces the protrusive force required for leading edge advancement. The formation of lamellipodia is a dynamic process and is dependent on a variety of protein cofactors that mediate their local regulation, structural characteristics and dynamics. In the present study, we show that mRNAs encoding some structural and regulatory components of the WAVE [WASP (Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein) verprolin homologous] complex are localized to the leading edge of the cell and associated with sites of active translation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that steady-state levels of ArpC2 and Rac1 proteins increase at the leading edge during cell spreading, suggesting that localized protein synthesis has a pivotal role in controlling cell spreading and migration.

scholarly journals Uremia Impacts VE-Cadherin and ZO-1 Expression in Human Endothelial Cell-to-Cell Junctions

Toxins ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rayana Maciel ◽  
Regiane Cunha ◽  
Valentina Busato ◽  
Célia Franco ◽  
Paulo Gregório ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Intercellular Junctions ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Endothelial Damage ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Cell Junction ◽  
Uremic Serum ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
The Impact

Endothelial dysfunction in uremia can result in cell-to-cell junction loss and increased permeability, contributing to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) development. This study evaluated the impact of the uremic milieu on endothelial morphology and cell junction’s proteins. We evaluated (i) serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers in a cohort of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and the expression of VE-cadherin and Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) junction proteins on endothelial cells (ECs) of arteries removed from CKD patients during renal transplant; (ii) ECs morphology in vitro under different uremic conditions, and (iii) the impact of uremic toxins p-cresyl sulfate (PCS), indoxyl sulfate (IS), and inorganic phosphate (Pi) as well as of total uremic serum on VE-cadherin and ZO-1 gene and protein expression in cultured ECs. We found that the uremic arteries had lost their intact and continuous endothelial morphology, with a reduction in VE-cadherin and ZO-1 expression. In cultured ECs, both VE-cadherin and ZO-1 protein expression decreased, mainly after exposure to Pi and uremic serum groups. VE-cadherin mRNA expression was reduced while ZO-1 was increased after exposure to PCS, IS, Pi, and uremic serum. Our findings show that uremia alters cell-to-cell junctions leading to an increased endothelial damage. This gives a new perspective regarding the pathophysiological role of uremia in intercellular junctions and opens new avenues to improve cardiovascular outcomes in CKD patients.

scholarly journals PKM2 regulates endothelial cell junction dynamics and angiogenesis via ATP production

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús Gómez-Escudero ◽  
Cristina Clemente ◽  
Diego García-Weber ◽  
Rebeca Acín-Pérez ◽  
Jaime Millán ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Inflammatory Disease ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Disease ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Cell Junction ◽  
Collective Migration ◽  
Sprouting Angiogenesis ◽  
Cell Cell

Abstract Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones, occurs in pathophysiological contexts such as wound healing, cancer, and chronic inflammatory disease. During sprouting angiogenesis, endothelial tip and stalk cells coordinately remodel their cell-cell junctions to allow collective migration and extension of the sprout while maintaining barrier integrity. All these processes require energy, and the predominant ATP generation route in endothelial cells is glycolysis. However, it remains unclear how ATP reaches the plasma membrane and intercellular junctions. In this study, we demonstrate that the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase 2 (PKM2) is required for sprouting angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo through the regulation of endothelial cell-junction dynamics and collective migration. We show that PKM2-silencing decreases ATP required for proper VE-cadherin internalization/traffic at endothelial cell-cell junctions. Our study provides fresh insight into the role of ATP subcellular compartmentalization in endothelial cells during angiogenesis. Since manipulation of EC glycolysis constitutes a potential therapeutic intervention route, particularly in tumors and chronic inflammatory disease, these findings may help to refine the targeting of endothelial glycolytic activity in disease.

scholarly journals Mutant CFTR Drives TWIST1 mediated epithelial–mesenchymal transition

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Margarida C. Quaresma ◽  
Ines Pankonien ◽  
Luka A. Clarke ◽  
Luís S. Sousa ◽  
Iris A. L. Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Wound Healing ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Developmental Process ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Tumour Suppressor ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Impaired Wound Healing ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenetic disease resulting from mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene encoding an anion channel. Recent evidence indicates that CFTR plays a role in other cellular processes, namely in development, cellular differentiation and wound healing. Accordingly, CFTR has been proposed to function as a tumour suppressor in a wide range of cancers. Along these lines, CF was recently suggested to be associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a latent developmental process, which can be re-activated in fibrosis and cancer. However, it is unknown whether EMT is indeed active in CF and if EMT is triggered by dysfunctional CFTR itself or a consequence of secondary complications of CF. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of EMT in airways native tissue, primary cells and cell lines expressing mutant CFTR through the expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers as well as EMT-associated transcription factors. Transepithelial electrical resistance, proliferation and regeneration rates, and cell resistance to TGF-β1induced EMT were also measured. CF tissues/cells expressing mutant CFTR displayed several signs of active EMT, namely: destructured epithelial proteins, defective cell junctions, increased levels of mesenchymal markers and EMT-associated transcription factors, hyper-proliferation and impaired wound healing. Importantly, we found evidence that the mutant CFTR triggered EMT was mediated by EMT-associated transcription factor TWIST1. Further, our data show that CF cells are over-sensitive to EMT but the CF EMT phenotype can be reversed by CFTR modulator drugs. Altogether, these results identify for the first time that EMT is intrinsically triggered by the absence of functional CFTR through a TWIST1 dependent mechanism and indicate that CFTR plays a direct role in EMT protection. This mechanistic link is a plausible explanation for the high incidence of fibrosis and cancer in CF, as well as for the role of CFTR as tumour suppressor protein.

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