A quantitative study of spermatogonial multiplication and stem cell renewal in the C3H/101 F1 hybrid mouse

In whole mounts of seminiferous tubules of C3H/101 F₁ hybrid mice, spermatogonia were counted in various stages of the epithelial cycle. Furthermore, the total number of Sertoli cells per testis was estimated using the disector method. Subsequently, estimates were made of the total numbers of the different spermatogonial cell populations per testis.

The results of the cell counts indicate that the undifferentiated spermatogonia are actively proliferating from stage XI until stage IV. Three divisions of the undifferentiated spermatogonia are needed to obtain the number of A₁ plus undifferentiated spermatogonia produced each epithelial cycle. Around stage VIII almost two-thirds of the A_pr and all of the A_al spermatogonia differentiate into A₁ spermatogonia. It was estimated that there are 2.5 × 10⁶ differentiating spermatogonia and 3.3 × 10⁵ undifferentiated spermatogonia per testis. There are about 35,000 stem cells per testis, constituting about 0.03% of all germ cells in the testis. It is concluded that the undifferentiated spermatogonia, including the stem cells, actively proliferate during about 50% of the epithelial cycle.     

Establishment of recipient model for spermatogonial stem cells transplantation in Kunming mice

The objective of this study was to establish a recipient model for spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) transplantation in the Kunming mice after different doses busulfan treatment. The results showed that the most optimal dose of busulfan was 20 mg/kg and the most appropriate time for transplantation was 5–7 wk after busulfan treatment. Then, the cloned fragments existed in the testis of recipient mice after 20 mg/kg busulfan treatment and the offspring with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) were produced by the transplanting SSCs. Hence, we established the effective recipient model for donor-derived SSCs transplantation in Kunming mice.     

Multinucleate cells in thymus of C3H mice

Summary Multinucleate epithelial cells occur in the thymus of C3H mice. They are poorly differentiated and scarce, but are more numerous in the medulla than in the cortex. Their increase in number with age is particularly significant between the first and the third months especially for cells with a large number of nuclei, and may be related to thymic involution.Viral particles of type C, similar to those described in murine leukemias, are found in mono- and multinucleate medullary epithelial cells.Research supported by grant 10.013 of the Fonds de la Recherche Fondamentale Collective (Brussels)     

Induced endothelial differentiation of cells from a murine embryonic mesenchymal cell line C3H/10T1/2 by angiogenic factors in vitro

A murine embryonic mesenchymal cell line C3H/10T1/2 possesses the potential to differentiate into multiple cell phenotypes and has been recognized as multipotent mesenchymal stem cells, but no in vitro model of its endothelial differentiation has been established and the effect of angiogenic factors on the differentiation is unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of angiogenic factors in inducing endothelial differentiation of C3H/10T1/2 cells in vitro. C3H/10T1/2 cells were treated with angiogenic factors, VEGF (10 ng/mL) and bFGF (5 ng/mL). At specified time points, cells were subjected to morphological study, immunofluorescence staining, RT-PCR, LDL-uptake tests and 3-D culture for the examination of the structural and functional characteristics of endothelial cells. Classic cobblestone-like growth pattern appeared at 6 day of the induced differentiation. Immunofluorescence staining and RT-PCR analyses revealed that the induced cells exhibited endothelial cell-specific markers such as CD31, von Willebrand factor, Flk1, Flt1, VE-cadherin, Tie2, EphrinB2 and Vezf1 at 9 day. The induced C3H/10T1/2 cells exhibited functional characteristics of the mature endothelial phenotype, such as uptake of acetylated low-density lipoproteins (Ac-LDL) and formation of capillary-like structures in three-dimensional culture. At 9 day, Weibel–Palade bodies were observed under a transmission electron microscope. This study demonstrates, for the first time, endothelial differentiation of C3H/10T1/2 cells induced by angiogenic factors, VEGF and bFGF, and confirms the multipotential differentiation ability. This in vitro model is useful for investigating the molecular events in endothelial differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.     

BLOC1S1促进山羊精原干细胞增殖

随着基因编辑技术迅速发展,研究精原干细胞(spermatogonial stem cells, SSCs)对精子发生及其调控机制研究、转基因动物研发、基因治疗和不孕不育症的治疗以及珍稀物种的保护均具有重要意义。溶酶体相关细胞器生物合成复合体1亚基1 (biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex 1subunit 1, BLOC1S1)具有抗布鲁氏菌的潜能,研究BLOC1S1对山羊SSCs的影响不仅能探究BLOC1S1促进SSCs增殖的能力,还能为其抗病育种研究提供细胞学基础。本研究通过同源重组构建BLOC1S1过表达载体,通过慢病毒包装、转染与嘌呤霉素筛选成功构建了山羊精原干细胞BLOC1S1过表达细胞株。通过实时荧光定量PCR (real time quantitative PCR, RT-qPCR)检测BLOC1S1的过表达效率为18倍,同时细胞生长曲线、流式细胞术检测细胞周期、5-乙炔基-2’脱氧尿嘧啶核苷(5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine, EdU)染色等实验结果表明,BLOC1S1能显著增加山羊SSCs...     

Identification and IVC of spermatogonial stem cells in prepubertal buffaloes

Development of suitable selective marker for buffalo spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), optimization of long-term IVC conditions, and their pluripotent retention capacity in buffaloes can be of prime importance in selective genetic modifications of this species. In the present study, we identified CDH1 as a specific marker for buffalo SSCs and revealed that it existed in two protein isoforms (large [135 kDa] and small [90 kDa] subunits) in the buffalo testis; furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that CDH1 expression was present in spermatogonia but absent in the somatic cells of 4-month-old buffalo testis. After 7 days of enrichment, expression of CDH1 was also detectable in IVC colonies (∼53% enrichment efficiency by Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)). For long-term culture of SSCs, proliferation studies with different factors showed that combination of 20 ng/mL GDNF, 10 ng/mL FGF2, and 1000 U/mL LIF could significantly promote number of colonies (∼two folds) and proliferation of buffalo SSCs (∼three folds) compared with those of control or single-treatment groups; furthermore, addition of these combination growth factors significantly upregulated the messenger RNA level of spermatogonial-specific and pluripotency-related markers (BCL6B, GFRA1, and POU5F1), whereas downregulated receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT). For confirmation of their stem cell potential, Dolichos biflorus agglutinin–stained cells were identified in the basal membrane of seminiferous tubules of xenotransplanted mice testis. These findings indicate the identification of a new buffalo SSCs marker; furthermore, it may help in establishing long-term culture that would assist in genetic modification of these buffaloes.     

The histone methyltransferase ESET is required for the survival of spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells in mice

Self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the foundation of spermatogenesis throughout a male''s life. SSC transplantation will be a valuable solution for young male patients to preserve their fertility. As SSCs in the collected testis tissue from the patients are very limited, it is necessary to expansion the SSCs in vitro. Previous studies suggested that histone methyltransferase ERG-associated protein with SET domain (ESET) represses gene expression and is essential for the maintenance of the pool of embryonic stem cells and neurons. The objective of this study was to determine the role of ESET in SSCs using in vitrocell culture and germ cell transplantation. Cell transplantation assay showed that knockdown of ESET reduced the number of seminiferous tubules with spermatogenesis when compared with that of the control. Knockdown of ESET also upregulated the expression of apoptosis-associated genes (such as P53, Caspase9, Apaf1), whereas inhibited the expression of apoptosis-suppressing genes (such as Bcl2l1, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein). In addition, suppression of ESET led to increase in expression of Caspase9 and activation of Caspase3 (P17) as well as cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Among the five ESET-targeting genes (Cox4i2, spermatogenesis and oogenesis Specific Basic Helix-Loop-Helix 2, Nobox, Foxn1 and Dazl) examined by ChIP assay, Cox4i2 was found to regulate SSC apoptosis by the rescue experiment. BSP analyses further showed that DNA methylation in the promoter loci of Cox4i2was influenced by ESET, indicating that ESET also regulated gene expression through DNA methylation in addition to histone methylation. In conclusion, we found that ESET regulated SSC apoptosis by suppressing of Cox4i2 expression through histone H3 lysine 9 tri-methylation and DNA methylation. The results obtained will provide unique insights that would broaden the research on SSC biology and contribute to the treatment of male infertility.     

Differentiation of spermatogonial stem cell-like cells from murine testicular tissue into haploid male germ cells in vitro

In vitro differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) promotes the understanding of the mechanism of spermatogenesis. The purpose of this study was to isolate spermatogonial stem cell-like cells from murine testicular tissue, which then were induced into haploid germ cells by retinoic acid (RA). The spermatogonial stem cell-like cells were purified and enriched by a two-step plating method based on different adherence velocities of SSCs and somatic cells. Cell colonies were present after culture in M1-medium for 3 days. Through alkaline phosphatase, RT-PCR and indirect immunofluorescence cell analysis, cell colonies were shown to be SSCs. Subsequently, cell colonies of SSCs were cultured in M2-medium containing RA for 2 days. Then the cell colonies of SSCs were again cultured in M1-medium for 6–8 days, RT-PCR and indirect immunofluorescence cell analysis were chosen to detect haploid male germ cells. It could be demonstrated that 10⁻⁷ mol l⁻¹ of RA effectively induced the SSCs into haploid male germ cells in vitro.     

Galactosylceramide expression factor-1 induces myogenesis in MDCK and C3H10T1/2 cells

We previously reported that galactosylceramide expression factor-1 (GEF-1), a rat homolog of hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate (Hrs/Hgs), induces galactosylceramide and/or sulfatide expression and morphological changes in epithelial cells. Here, we show that GEF-1 induces myogenesis in MDCK and C3H10T1/2 cells. GEF-1 overexpression in MDCK cells (MDCK/GEF-1) appeared to promote trans-differentiation to myoblasts that expressed MyoD and myosin heavy chain (MHC). MDCK/GEF-1 cells also expressed several DNA-binding proteins (MyoD and MEF-2) that are essential for myogenesis. These results suggest that GEF-1 induces MDCK cells to enter an early stage of myogenesis. Subsequently, we tested whether GEF-1 could induce myogenesis in C3H10T1/2 mouse fibroblasts, which have the potential to differentiate into myoblast-like cells. Indeed, GEF-1 induced morphological changes that were consistent with myoblast-like cells, and both MyoD and MHC were expressed. Our results suggest that GEF-1 may induce MDCK and C3H10T1/2 cells to trans-differentiate into myoblast-like cells.     

无菌级C3H/OrlSlac小鼠生长繁殖、主要脏器参数以及血液生理生化指标的测定分析

目的了解无菌级C3H/OdSlac小鼠的生长、繁殖性能;测定无菌级C3H/OrlSlac小鼠主要脏器重量以及血液生理、生化正常值并进行分析比较.方法 ①统计无菌级C3H/OrlSlae小鼠的1～3胎的繁殖指标数据,包括:平均每胎产子数、离乳率、怀孕率、胎间隔和生产指数;②分别称取60只(雌雄各半)0～112 d的无菌级...     

Developments in techniques for the isolation,enrichment, main culture conditions and identification of spermatogonial stem cells

The in vitro culture system of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) provides a basis for studies on spermatogenesis, and also contributes to the development of new methods for the preservation of livestock and animal genetic modification. In vitro culture systems have mainly been established for mouse SSCs, but are lacking for farm animals. We reviewed and analyzed the current progress in SSC techniques such as isolation, purification, cultivation and identification. Based on the published studies, we concluded that two-step enzyme digestion and magnetic-activated cell sorting are fast becoming the main methods for isolation and enrichment of SSCs. With regard to the culture systems, serum and feeders were earlier thought to play an important role in the self-renewal and proliferation of SSCs, but serum- and feeder-free culture systems as a means of overcoming the limitations of SSC differentiation in long-term SSC culture are being explored. However, there is still a need to establish more efficient and ideal culture systems that can also be used for SSC culture in larger mammals. Although the lack of SSC-specific surface markers has seriously affected the efficiency of purification and identification, the transgenic study is helpful for our identification of SSCs. Therefore, future studies on SSC techniques should focus on improving serum- and feeder-free culture techniques, and discovering and identifying specific surface markers of SSCs, which will provide new ideas for the optimization of SSC culture systems for mice and promote related studies in farm animals.     

Failure to induce alopecia areata in C3H/HeJ mice with exogenous interferon gamma

Alopecia areata is a cell mediated autoimmune disease that targets actively growing, anagen stage hair follicles in several mammalian species. Upregulation of MHC I due to interferon gamma is considered to be one of the initiating steps. To test this hypothesis we used the spontaneous C3H/HeJ mouse model, induced anagen by wax stripping the skin, and injected recombinant murine interferon gamma. Alopecia areata is a complex polygenic trait with low penetrance in these mice. Injection of interferon gamma did not change the frequency or time of onset of alopecia in these mice suggesting this protein alone is not sufficient to initiate disease.     

The induction of chromosomal damage and cell killing in mouse spermatogonial stem cells following combined treatments with hydroxyurea, 3-aminobenzamide and X-rays

To analyze in more detail the relation between the sensitivity of spermatogonial stem cells to killing and the induction of genetic damage, mature male mice received combined treatments with hydroxyurea (HU), 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) and X-rays. Stem cell killing was determined using the repopulation index method and translocations were studied via spermatocyte analysis. HU was administered at 16 or at 48 h before further treatment in order to create stem cell populations with different sensitivities in whic the translocation induction and stem cell killing could be studied and compared. The sensitivities for cell death and genetic damage appeared to be strongly correlated: at 16 h after HU significantly higher values were found than at 48 h or in controls without HU pretreatment.By using 3-AB in the treatment schedules we were able to investigate whether the sensitization of stem cells towards cell death and genetic damage is the outcome of a radiation- or drug-induced G₁ delay. The effect of 3-AB was most pronounced at 16 h after HU. This confirms that at this interval a large fraction of stem cells is in G₁. Our data therefore indicate that all treatments that induce an enrichment of G₁ cells also result in a sensitization of stem cells to cell killing or the induction of mutagenic damage.     

Suppression of ρ 0 lethality by mitochondrial ATP synthase F1 mutations in Kluyveromyces lactis occurs in the absence of F0

Specific mgi mutations in the α, β or γ subunits of the mitochondrial F₁-ATPase have previously been found to suppress ρ⁰ lethality in the petite-negative yeast Kluyveromyces lactis. To determine whether the suppressive activity of the altered F₁ is dependent on the F₀ sector of ATP synthase, we isolated and disrupted the genes KlATP4, 5 and 7, the three nuclear genes encoding subunits b, OSCP and d. Strains disrupted for any one, or all three of these genes are respiration deficient and have reduced viability. However a strain devoid of the three nuclear genes is still unable to lose mitochondrial DNA, whereas a mgi mutant with the three genes inactivated remains petite-positive. In the latter case, ρ⁰ mutants can be isolated, upon treatment with ethidium bromide, that lack six major F₀ subunits, namely the nucleus-encoded subunits b, OSCP and d, and the mitochondrially encoded Atp6, 8 and 9p. Production of ρ⁰ mutants indicates that an F₁-complex carrying a mgi mutation can assemble in the absence of F₀ subunits and that suppression of ρ⁰ lethality is an intrinsic property of the altered F₁ particle. Received: 7 April 1998 / Accepted: 10 June 1998