scholarly journals Transcriptome profiling of laser-captured germ cells and functional characterization of zbtb40 during MT-induced spermatogenesis in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaochun Liu ◽  
Xi Wu ◽  
Yang Yang ◽  
Chaoyue Zhong ◽  
Yin Guo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Spermatogenesis is an intricate process regulated by a finely organized network. The orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) is a protogynous hermaphroditic fish, but the process of its spermatogenesis is not well-understood. In the present study, transcriptome sequencing of the male germ cells from orange-spotted grouper was performed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis. Results: In this study, the orange-spotted grouper was induced to change sex from female to male by 17alpha-methyltestosterone implantation. During the artificial spermatogenesis, different cell types from cysts containing spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa were isolated by laser capture microdissection. Subsequently, transcriptomic analysis for the isolated cells were performed. A series of genes was used to verify and investigate the expression patterns in spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we also analyzed the expression of the same set of genes involved with steroid metabolism and sex throughout spermatogenesis (early-mid, late, and maturing stages) in the orange-spotted grouper. Several generally female-related genes took significantly changes in sex reversal hinted that the female-related genes in previously recognized may also play vital roles in spermatogenesis and sex reversal. In the transcriptomic data, we focused on zbtb family genes, which may be related to the process of spermatogenesis. Their expression patterns and cellular localization were examined, and the location of Eczbtb40 in different gonadal stages was investigated. We found that Eczbtb40 was expressed throughout spermatogenesis. These preliminary findings suggest that Eczbtb40 is highly conserved during vertebrate evolution and plays roles in spermatogenesis. Besides, the expression of Eczbtb40 and Eccyp17a1a overlapped in male germ cells, especially spermatogonium and spermatocyte, which suggested that Eczbtb40 might interact with Eccyp17a1a participant in spermatogenesis and sex reversal. Conclusions: The present study first depicted RNA sequencing of the male germ cells from orange-spotted grouper, and identified many important functional genes and pathways involved in spermatogenesis. The Eczbtb40 gene was subjected to molecular characterization and expression pattern analysis. These results will contribute to future studies of the molecular mechanism of spermatogenesis and sex reversal.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaochun Liu ◽  
Xi Wu ◽  
Yang Yang ◽  
Chaoyue Zhong ◽  
Yin Guo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Spermatogenesis is an intricate process regulated by a finely organized network. The orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) is a protogynous hermaphroditic fish, but the process of its spermatogenesis is not well-understood. In the present study, transcriptome sequencing of the male germ cells from orange-spotted grouper was performed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis. Results: In this study, the orange-spotted grouper was induced to change sex from female to male by 17alpha-methyltestosterone implantation. During the artificial spermatogenesis, different cell types from cysts containing spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa were isolated by laser capture microdissection. Subsequently, transcriptomic analysis for the isolated cells were performed. A series of genes was used to verify and investigate the expression patterns in spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we also analyzed the expression of the same set of genes involved with steroid metabolism and sex throughout spermatogenesis (early-mid, late, and maturing stages) in the orange-spotted grouper. Several generally female-related genes took significantly changes in sex reversal hinted that the female-related genes in previously recognized may also play vital roles in spermatogenesis and sex reversal. In the transcriptomic data, we focused on zbtb family genes, which may be related to the process of spermatogenesis. Their expression patterns and cellular localization were examined, and the location of Eczbtb40 in different gonadal stages was investigated. We found that Eczbtb40 was expressed throughout spermatogenesis. These preliminary findings suggest that Eczbtb40 is highly conserved during vertebrate evolution and plays roles in spermatogenesis. Besides, the expression of Eczbtb40 and Eccyp17a1a overlapped in male germ cells, especially spermatogonium and spermatocyte, which suggested that Eczbtb40 might interact with Eccyp17a1a participant in spermatogenesis and sex reversal. Conclusions: The present study first depicted RNA sequencing of the male germ cells from orange-spotted grouper, and identified many important functional genes and pathways involved in spermatogenesis. The Eczbtb40 gene was subjected to molecular characterization and expression pattern analysis. These results will contribute to future studies of the molecular mechanism of spermatogenesis and sex reversal.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi Wu ◽  
Yang Yang ◽  
Chaoyue Zhong ◽  
Yin Guo ◽  
Shuisheng Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Spermatogenesis is an intricate process regulated by a finely organized network. The orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) is a protogynous hermaphroditic fish, but the regulatory mechanism of its spermatogenesis is not well-understood. In the present study, transcriptome sequencing of the male germ cells isolated from orange-spotted grouper was performed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying spermatogenesis. Results: In this study, the orange-spotted grouper was induced to change sex from female to male by 17alpha-methyltestosterone (MT) implantation. During the spermatogenesis, male germ cells (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa) were isolated by laser capture microdissection. Transcriptomic analysis for the isolated cells was performed. A total of 244,984,338 clean reads were generated from four cDNA libraries. Real-time PCR results of 13 genes related to sex differentiation and hormone metabolism indicated that transcriptome data are reliable. RNA-seq data showed that the female-related genes and genes involved in hormone metabolism were highly expressed in spermatogonia and spermatozoa, suggesting that these genes participate in the spermatogenesis. Interestingly, the expression of zbtb family genes showed significantly changes in the RNA-seq data, and their expression patterns were further examined during spermatogenesis. The analysis of cellular localization of Eczbtb40 and the co-localization of Eczbtb40 and Eccyp17a1 in different gonadal stages suggested that Eczbtb40 might interact with Eccyp17a1 during spermatogenesis. Conclusions: For the first time, our study investigated the transcriptome of the male germ cells from orange-spotted grouper, and identified functional genes, GO terms, and KEGG pathways involved in spermatogenesis. Furthermore, Eczbtb40 was first characterized and predicted the role during spermatogenesis. These data will contribute to future studies on the molecular mechanism of spermatogenesis in teleosts.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (22) ◽  
pp. 12607
Author(s):  
Xi Wu ◽  
Yang Yang ◽  
Chaoyue Zhong ◽  
Tong Wang ◽  
Yanhong Deng ◽  
...  

Spermatogenesis is a process of self-renewal and differentiation in spermatogonial stem cells. During this process, germ cells and somatic cells interact intricately to ensure long-term fertility and accurate genome propagation. Spermatogenesis has been intensely investigated in mammals but remains poorly understood with regard to teleosts. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of ~9500 testicular cells from the male, orange-spotted grouper. In the adult testis, we divided the cells into nine clusters and defined ten cell types, as compared with human testis data, including cell populations with characteristics of male germ cells and somatic cells, each of which expressed specific marker genes. We also identified and profiled the expression patterns of four marker genes (calr, eef1a, s100a1, vasa) in both the ovary and adult testis. Our data provide a blueprint of male germ cells and supporting somatic cells. Moreover, the cell markers are candidates that could be used for further cell identification.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liangbin Zeng ◽  
Airong Shen ◽  
Jia Chen ◽  
Zhun Yan ◽  
Touming Liu ◽  
...  

The ramie mothCocytodes coeruleaGuenée (RM) is an economically important pest that seriously impairs the yield of ramie, an important natural fiber crop. The molecular mechanisms that underlie the ramie-pest interactions are unclear up to date. Therefore, a transcriptome profiling analysis would aid in understanding the ramie defense mechanisms against RM. In this study, we first constructed two cDNA libraries derived from RM-challenged (CH) and unchallenged (CK) ramie leaves. The subsequent sequencing of the CH and CK libraries yielded 40.2 and 62.8 million reads, respectively. Furthermore,de novoassembling of these reads generated 26,759 and 29,988 unigenes, respectively. An integrated assembly of data from these two libraries resulted in 46,533 unigenes, with an average length of 845 bp per unigene. Among these genes, 24,327 (52.28%) were functionally annotated by predicted protein function. A comparative analysis of the CK and CH transcriptome profiles revealed 1,980 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 750 were upregulated and 1,230 were downregulated. A quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis of 13 random selected genes confirmed the gene expression patterns that were determined by Illumina sequencing. Among the DEGs, the expression patterns of transcription factors, protease inhibitors, and antioxidant enzymes were studied. Overall, these results provide useful insights into the defense mechanism of ramie against RM.


Reproduction ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 152 (2) ◽  
pp. R31-R40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Wang ◽  
Liping Wen ◽  
Qingqing Yuan ◽  
Min Sun ◽  
Minghui Niu ◽  
...  

Within the seminiferous tubules there are two major cell types, namely male germ cells and Sertoli cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that male germ cells and Sertoli cells can have significant applications in treating male infertility and other diseases. However, primary male germ cells are hard to proliferatein vitroand the number of spermatogonial stem cells is scarce. Therefore, methods that promote the expansion of these cell populations are essential for their use from the bench to the bed side. Notably, a number of cell lines for rodent spermatogonia, spermatocytes and Sertoli cells have been developed, and significantly we have successfully established a human spermatogonial stem cell line with an unlimited proliferation potential and no tumor formation. This newly developed cell line could provide an abundant source of cells for uncovering molecular mechanisms underlying human spermatogenesis and for their utilization in the field of reproductive and regenerative medicine. In this review, we discuss the methods for establishing spermatogonial, spermatocyte and Sertoli cell lines using various kinds of approaches, including spontaneity, transgenic animals with oncogenes, simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen, the gene coding for a temperature-sensitive mutant ofp53, telomerase reverse gene (Tert), and the specific promoter-based selection strategy. We further highlight the essential applications of these cell lines in basic research and translation medicine.


Reproduction ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 153 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shi Yang ◽  
Qingqing Yuan ◽  
Minghui Niu ◽  
Jingmei Hou ◽  
Zijue Zhu ◽  
...  

Generation of male germ cells from pluripotent cells could provide male gametes for treating male infertility and offer an ideal model for unveiling molecular mechanisms of spermatogenesis. However, the influence and exact molecular mechanisms, especially downstream effectors of BMP4 signaling pathways, in male germ cell differentiation of the induce pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, remain unknown. This study was designed to explore the role and mechanism of BMP4 signaling in the differentiation of mouse iPS cells to male germ cells. Embryoid body (EB) formation and recombinant BMP4 or Noggin were utilized to evaluate the effect of BMP4 on male germ cell generation from mouse iPS cells. Germ cell-specific genes and proteins as well as the downstream effectors of BMP4 signaling pathway were assessed using real-time PCR and Western blots. We found that BMP4 ligand and its multiple receptors, including BMPR1a, BMPR1b and BMPR2, were expressed in mouse iPS cells. Real-time PCR and Western blots revealed that BMP4 could upregulate the levels of genes and proteins for germ cell markers in iPS cells-derived EBs, whereas Noggin decreased their expression in these cells. Moreover, Smad1/5 phosphorylation, Gata4 transcription and the transcripts of Id1 and Id2 were enhanced by BMP4 but decreased when exposed to Noggin. Collectively, these results suggest that BMP4 promotes the generation of male germ cells from iPS cells via Smad1/5 pathway and the activation of Gata4, Id1 and Id2. This study thus offers novel insights into molecular mechanisms underlying male germ cell development.


2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 1559-1577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Gerbino ◽  
Irene Bottillo ◽  
Serena Milano ◽  
Martina Lipari ◽  
Roberta De Zio ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Truncating LMNA gene mutations occur in many inherited cardiomyopathy cases, but the molecular mechanisms involved in the disease they cause have not yet been systematically investigated. Here, we studied a novel frameshift LMNA variant (p.D243Gfs*4) identified in three members of an Italian family co-segregating with a severe form of cardiomyopathy with conduction defects. Methods: HEK293 cells and HL-1 cardiomyocytes were transiently transfected with either Lamin A or D243Gfs*4 tagged with GFP (or mCherry). D243Gfs*4 expression, cellular localization and its effects on diverse cellular mechanisms were evaluated with western blotting, laser-scanning confocal microscopy and video-imaging analysis in single cells. Results: When expressed in HEK293 cells, GFP- (or mCherry)-tagged LMNA D243Gfs*4 colocalized with calnexin within the ER. ER mislocalization of LMNA D243Gfs*4 did not significantly induce ER stress response, abnormal Ca2+ handling and apoptosis when compared with HEK293 cells expressing another truncated mutant of LMNA (R321X) which similarly accumulates within the ER. Of note, HEK293-LMNA D243Gfs*4 cells showed a significant reduction of connexin 43 (CX43) expression level, which was completely rescued by activation of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. When expressed in HL-1 cardiomyocytes, D243Gfs*4 significantly impaired the spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations recorded in these cells as result of propagation of the depolarizing waves through the gap junctions between non-transfected cells surrounding a cell harboring the mutation. Furthermore, mCh-D243Gfs*4 HL-1 cardiomyocytes showed reduced CX43-dependent Lucifer Yellow (LY) loading and propagation. Of note, activation of β-catenin rescued both LY loading and LMNA D243Gfs*4 -HL-1 cells spontaneous activity propagation. Conclusion: Overall, the present results clearly indicate the involvement of the aberrant CX43 expression/activity as a pathogenic mechanism for the conduction defects associated to this LMNA truncating alteration.


1990 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 3239-3242 ◽  
Author(s):  
S J Lee

A comparison of HSP84 and HSP86 mRNA expression in adult mouse tissues revealed distinct expression patterns for these highly homologous genes. Particularly striking is the germ cell specificity of HSP86 expression in the testis, suggesting distinct roles for HSP84 and HSP86 with respect to testicular function and development.


Development ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 122 (12) ◽  
pp. 4057-4063 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.J. Whitworth ◽  
G. Shaw ◽  
M.B. Renfree

Undifferentiated tammar wallaby ovaries were transplanted under the skin of male pouch young during the period of mitotic division of the XX germ cells. After 25 days, all the germ cells had disappeared and the ovaries contained seminiferous-like cords. Similarly, undifferentiated ovaries cultured for 4 days with recombinant human Mullerian-inhibiting substance (rhMIS) also contained well-differentiated seminiferous-like cords and few or no surviving germ cells. The majority of controls cultured without rhMIS developed as normal ovaries. However, in a few control ovaries seminiferous-like cords developed in those regions of the ovaries that were partially necrotic and contained few germ cells. These results strongly suggest that sex-reversal of the tammar ovary is the direct result of loss of mitotic germ cells, rather than an effect of MIS on female somatic cells. MIS is apparently toxic to these female germ cells in mitosis, but not to male germ cells in mitosis. Thus, in normal development in the tammar, the presence of XX germ cells in the ovary inhibits the formation of seminiferous cords so that the gonad develops as an ovary.


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