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Genes Nov 2022Numerous genes involved in male reproduction regulate testis development and spermatogenesis. In this study, the testis tissue transcriptome was used to identify...
Numerous genes involved in male reproduction regulate testis development and spermatogenesis. In this study, the testis tissue transcriptome was used to identify candidate genes and key pathways associated with fecundity in sheep. Histological analysis of testis tissue using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) routine staining was performed for two sheep breeds. Overall, 466 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between Hu sheep (HS) and Tibetan sheep (TS) through RNA sequencing technology (RNA-Seq), including 226 upregulated and 240 downregulated genes. Functional analysis showed that several terms and pathways, such as "protein digestion and absorption", "cAMP signaling pathway", "focal adhesion", and "p53 signaling pathway" were closely related to testis development and spermatogenesis. Several genes (including , , , , , and ) were significantly enriched in these terms and pathways and might affect the reproduction of sheep by regulating the migration of spermatogenic cells, apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, and secretion of sterol hormones via testicular interstitial cells. Our results provide a theoretical basis for better understanding the molecular mechanisms of reproduction in sheep.
Topics: Male; Sheep; Animals; Testis; Transcriptome; Tibet; Spermatogenesis
PubMed: 36553478
DOI: 10.3390/genes13122212 -
Andrology Jul 2020The testicular organoid concept has recently been introduced in tissue engineering to refer to testicular cell organizations modeling testicular architecture and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The testicular organoid concept has recently been introduced in tissue engineering to refer to testicular cell organizations modeling testicular architecture and function. The testicular organoid approach gives control over which and how cells reaggregate, which is not possible in organotypic cultures, thereby extending the applicability of in-vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) systems. However, it remains unclear which culture method and medium allow reassociation of testicular cells into a functional testicular surrogate in-vitro.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this paper is to review the different strategies that have been used in an attempt to create testicular organoids and generate spermatozoa. We want to provide an up-to-date list on culture methodologies and media compositions that have been used and determine their role in regulating tubulogenesis and differentiation of testicular cells.
SEARCH METHOD
A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to select studies reporting the reorganization of testicular cell suspensions in-vitro, using the keywords: three-dimensional culture, in-vitro spermatogenesis, testicular organoid, testicular scaffold, and tubulogenesis. Papers published before the August 1, 2019, were selected.
OUTCOME
Only a limited number of studies have concentrated on recreating the testicular architecture in-vitro. While some advances have been made in the testicular organoid research in terms of cellular reorganization, none of the described culture systems is adequate for the reproduction of both the testicular architecture and IVS.
CONCLUSION
Further improvements in culture methodology and medium composition have to be made before being able to provide both testicular tubulogenesis and spermatogenesis in-vitro.
Topics: Animals; Cell Culture Techniques; Cell Differentiation; Humans; Male; Organoids; Spermatogenesis; Spermatozoa; Testis
PubMed: 31823507
DOI: 10.1111/andr.12741 -
Biology Direct Jun 2023Male factors-caused decline in total fertility has raised significant concern worldwide. LncRNAs have been identified to play various roles in biological systems,...
BACKGROUND
Male factors-caused decline in total fertility has raised significant concern worldwide. LncRNAs have been identified to play various roles in biological systems, including spermatogenesis. This study aimed to explore the role of lncRNA5251 in mouse spermatogenesis.
METHODS
The expression of lncRNA5251 was modulated in mouse testes in vivo or spermatogonial stem cells (C18-4 cells) in vitro by shRNA.
RESULTS
The sperm motility in two generations mice after modulation of lncRNA5251 (muF0 and muF1) was decreased significantly after overexpression of lncRNA5251. GO enrichment analysis found that knockdown lncRNA5251 increased the expression of genes related to cell junctions, and genes important for spermatogenesis in mouse testes. Meanwhile, overexpressing lncRNA5251 decreased the gene and/or protein expression of important genes for spermatogenesis and immune pathways in mouse testes. In vitro, knockdown lncRNA5251 increased the expression of genes for cell junction, and the protein levels of some cell junction proteins such as CX37, OCLN, JAM1, VCAM1 and CADM2 in C18-4 cells. LncRNA5251 is involved in spermatogenesis by modulation of cell junctions.
CONCLUSION
This will provide a theoretical basis for improving male reproductive ability via lncRNA.
Topics: Male; Animals; Mice; Sperm Motility; Intercellular Junctions; Fertility; RNA, Long Noncoding; Spermatogenesis
PubMed: 37316926
DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00381-x -
Journal of the Chinese Medical... Jul 2015The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary of medicinal plants used as antifertility agents in females throughout the world by various tribes and... (Review)
Review
The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary of medicinal plants used as antifertility agents in females throughout the world by various tribes and ethnic groups. We undertook an extensive bibliographic review by analyzing classical text books and peer reviewed papers, and further consulting well accepted worldwide scientific databases. We performed CENTRAL, Embase, and PubMed searches using terms such as "antifertility", "anti-implantation", "antiovulation", and "antispermatogenic" activity of plants. Plants, including their parts and extracts, that have traditionally been used to facilitate antifertility have been considered as antifertility agents. In this paper, various medicinal plants have been reviewed for thorough studies such as Polygonum hydropiper Linn, Citrus limonum, Piper nigrum Linn, Juniperis communis, Achyanthes aspera, Azadirachta indica, Tinospora cordifolia, and Barleria prionitis. Many of these medicinal plants appear to act through an antizygotic mechanism. This review clearly demonstrates that it is time to expand upon experimental studies to source new potential chemical constituents from medicinal plants; plant extracts and their active constituents should be further investigated for their mechanisms. This review creates a solid foundation upon which to further study the efficacy of plants that are both currently used by women as traditional antifertility medicines, but also could be efficacious as an antifertility agent with additional research and study.
Topics: Abortifacient Agents; Animals; Embryo Implantation; Female; Fertility; Humans; Ovulation; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Spermatogenesis
PubMed: 25921562
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcma.2015.03.008 -
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences :... Dec 2015Spermatogenesis is a complex process through which spermatogonial stem cells undergo mitosis, meiosis, and cell differentiation to generate mature spermatozoa. During... (Review)
Review
Spermatogenesis is a complex process through which spermatogonial stem cells undergo mitosis, meiosis, and cell differentiation to generate mature spermatozoa. During this process, male germ cells experience several translational modifications. One of the major post-translational modifications in eukaryotes is the ubiquitination of proteins, which targets proteins for degradation; this enables control of the expression of enzymes and structural proteins during spermatogenesis. It has become apparent that ubiquitination plays a key role in regulating every stage of spermatogenesis starting from gonocytes to differentiated spermatids. It is understood that, where there is ubiquitination, deubiquitination by deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) also exists to counterbalance the ubiquitination process in a reversible manner. Normal spermatogenesis is dependent on the balanced actions of ubiquitination and deubiquitination. This review highlights the current knowledge of the role of DUBs and their essential regulatory contribution to spermatogenesis, especially during progression into meiotic phase, acrosome biogenesis, quality sperm production, and apoptosis of germ cells.
Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Male; Mice; Rats; Spermatogenesis; Ubiquitin; Ubiquitin-Specific Proteases; Ubiquitination
PubMed: 26350476
DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-2030-z -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Spermatogenesis is a multi-step process of male germ cell (Gc) division and differentiation which occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes under the regulation... (Review)
Review
Spermatogenesis is a multi-step process of male germ cell (Gc) division and differentiation which occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes under the regulation of gonadotropins - Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinising hormone (LH). It is a highly coordinated event regulated by the surrounding somatic testicular cells such as the Sertoli cells (Sc), Leydig cells (Lc), and Peritubular myoid cells (PTc). FSH targets Sc and supports the expansion and differentiation of pre-meiotic Gc, whereas, LH operates Lc to produce Testosterone (T), the testicular androgen. T acts on all somatic cells e.g.- Lc, PTc and Sc, and promotes the blood-testis barrier (BTB) formation, completion of Gc meiosis, and spermiation. Studies with hypophysectomised or chemically ablated animal models and hypogonadal (hpg) mice supplemented with gonadotropins to genetically manipulated mouse models have revealed the selective and synergistic role(s) of hormones in regulating male fertility. We here have briefly summarized the present concept of hormonal control of spermatogenesis in rodents and primates. We also have highlighted some of the key critical questions yet to be answered in the field of male reproductive health which might have potential implications for infertility and contraceptive research in the future.
Topics: Male; Mice; Animals; Spermatogenesis; Testis; Sertoli Cells; Gonadotropins; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Luteinizing Hormone; Mammals
PubMed: 37124741
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1110572 -
Histology and Histopathology Aug 2014Germ cell transport across the seminiferous epithelium during the epithelial cycle is crucial to spermatogenesis, although molecular mechanism(s) that regulate these... (Review)
Review
Germ cell transport across the seminiferous epithelium during the epithelial cycle is crucial to spermatogenesis, although molecular mechanism(s) that regulate these events remain unknown. Studies have shown that spatiotemporal expression of crucial regulatory proteins during the epithelial cycle represents an efficient and physiologically important mechanism to regulate spermatogenesis without involving de novo synthesis of proteins and/or expression of genes. Herein, we critically review the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in coordinating the transport of spermatids and preleptotene spermatocytes across the epithelium and the BTB, respectively, along the apical ectoplasmic specialization (ES) - blood-testis barrier - basement membrane (BM) functional axis during spermatogenesis. In the testis, p-FAK-Tyr³⁸⁷ and p-FAK-Tyr⁴⁰⁷ are spatiotemporally expressed during the epithelial cycle at the actin-rich anchoring junction known as ES, regulating cell adhesion at the Sertoli-spermatid (apical ES) and Sertoli cell-cell (basal ES) interface. Phosphorylated forms of FAK exert their effects by regulating the homeostasis of F-actin at the ES, mediated via their effects on actin polymerization so that microfilaments are efficiently re-organized, such as from their "bundled" to "de-bundled/branched" configuration and vice versa during the epithelial cycle to facilitate the transport of: (i) spermatids across the epithelium, and (ii) preleptotene spermatocytes across the BTB. In summary, p-FAK-Tyr⁴⁰⁷ and p-FAK-Tyr³⁸⁷ are important regulators of spermatogenesis which serve as molecular switches that turn "on" and "off" adhesion function at the apical ES and the basal ES/BTB, mediated via their spatiotemporal expression during the epithelial cycle. A hypothetical model depicting the role of these two molecular switches is also proposed.
Topics: Animals; Focal Adhesion Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; Humans; Male; Spermatogenesis
PubMed: 24578181
DOI: 10.14670/HH-29.977 -
Methods (San Diego, Calif.) Jun 2014The process of spermatogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster provides a powerful model system to probe a variety of developmental and cell biological questions, such as the... (Review)
Review
The process of spermatogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster provides a powerful model system to probe a variety of developmental and cell biological questions, such as the characterization of mechanisms that regulate stem cell behavior, cytokinesis, meiosis, and mitochondrial dynamics. Classical genetic approaches, together with binary expression systems, FRT-mediated recombination, and novel imaging systems to capture single cell behavior, are rapidly expanding our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms regulating all aspects of spermatogenesis. This methods chapter provides a detailed description of the system, a review of key questions that have been addressed or remain unanswered thus far, and an introduction to tools and techniques available to probe each stage of spermatogenesis.
Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Cell Movement; Developmental Biology; Drosophila; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Male; Spermatogenesis; Transcription, Genetic
PubMed: 24798812
DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2014.04.020 -
Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology Aug 1998It has been clear for decades that testosterone is a necessary prerequisite for the maintenance of established spermatogenesis in the adult testes, and for the... (Review)
Review
It has been clear for decades that testosterone is a necessary prerequisite for the maintenance of established spermatogenesis in the adult testes, and for the restoration of spermatogenesis in testes induced experimentally to become azoospermic. In contrast, the possible involvement of FSH in regulating spermatogenesis in the adult mammal, though also studied extensively, continues to be debated in the literature. The mechanisms by which testosterone and FSH regulate spermatogenesis remain uncertain as well. This review focuses on our current understanding of the involvement of testosterone and of FSH in the maintenance and restoration of spermatogenesis in the adult testes, and discusses the emerging concept that testosterone and FSH serve as cell survival factors.
Topics: Animals; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Humans; Male; Spermatogenesis; Testosterone
PubMed: 9813188
DOI: 10.1006/scdb.1998.0253 -
Andrology Jul 2020The germline serves as a conduit for transmission of genetic and epigenetic information from one generation to the next. In males, spermatozoa are the final carriers of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The germline serves as a conduit for transmission of genetic and epigenetic information from one generation to the next. In males, spermatozoa are the final carriers of inheritance and their continual production is supported by a foundational population of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that forms from prospermatogonial precursors during the early stages of neonatal development. In mammals, the timing for which SSCs are specified and the underlying mechanisms guiding this process remain to be completely understood.
OBJECTIVES
To propose an evolving concept for how the foundational SSC population is established.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This review summarizes recent and historical findings from peer-reviewed publications made primarily with mouse models while incorporating limited studies from humans and livestock.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
Establishment of the SSC population appears to follow a biphasic pattern involving a period of fate programming followed by an establishment phase that culminates in formation of the SSC population. This model for establishment of the foundational SSC population from precursors is anticipated to extend across mammalian species and include humans and livestock, albeit on different timescales.
Topics: Adult Germline Stem Cells; Animals; Cattle; Humans; Male; Mice; Spermatogenesis; Spermatogonia
PubMed: 32356598
DOI: 10.1111/andr.12810