Mammalian spermatogenesis is supported by a robust stem cell system that exquisitely balances self renewal with differentiation. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and their progenitors lie on the basal side of the Sertoli cell tight junctions and therefore outside the blood-testis barrier making them readily accessible targets for contraceptive intervention. Cells that manifest stem cell properties reside within a population of cells referred to as undifferentiated spermatogonia (Aundiff)- Different cells within the Aundiff population contribute to the stem cell pool during steady state spermatogenesis than during regeneration. Our proposed studies address the regulation of local signaling within the stem cell niche as well as germ cell intrinsic factors that regulate stem cell self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation. We propose that heparin sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) within the extracellular matrix (ECM) and on the surface of SSCs regulate the bioavailability of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a critical signaling molecule expressed by Sertoli cells that is required for stem cell self-renewal. Using a combination of live cell imaging of fluorescently labeled SSCs in seminiferous tubule explants, germ cell transplantation and gerietic analysis in vivo, we will test the hypothesis that GDNF regulates SSC self-renewal by acting as a chemoattractant to sequester SSCs from inductive differentiation signals. In preliminary studies we have established a critical role for LIN28A, a highly-conserved RNA binding protein and regulator of the let-7 class of miRNAs that is expressed in Aundif1 in regulating the size of the Aundiff compartment. We propose experiments to distinguish between a role for LIN28A in proliferation and differentiation of Aund/Yf spermatogonia. Lastly, to discover additional regulators of SSC self-renewal, we will use high-throughput sequencing of RNA (RNAseq) isolated from polysomes of SSCs, Sertoli cells and peritubular myoid cells obtained from testis that are blocked in the transition from Aal to A1 spermatogonia under conditions of steady-state and regenerative SSC self-renewal.

Public Health Relevance

There is an unmet need throughout the world for more contraceptive options for men. This proposal is focused on discovering the basic mechanisms used to regulate spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. We seek to discover both extrinsic and intrinsic regulators of SSCs with the belief that these will lead to novel targets of contraceptive intervention and a better understanding of the consequences of contraceptive regimens currently under consideration.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Specialized Center--Cooperative Agreements (U54)
Project #
5U54HD042454-12
Application #
8546435
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZHD1-DRG-H)
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2013-07-01
Budget End
2014-06-30
Support Year
12
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$377,826
Indirect Cost
$97,411
Name
University of Washington
Department
Type
DUNS #
605799469
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98195
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Paik, Jisun; Treuting, Piper M; Haenisch, Michael et al. (2018) Can inhibition of retinoic acid biosynthesis function as a non-hormonal female contraceptive? Contraception :
Sharma, Manju; Braun, Robert E (2018) Cyclical expression of GDNF is required for spermatogonial stem cell homeostasis. Development 145:
Rubinow, Katya B; Vaisar, Tomas; Chao, Jing H et al. (2018) Sex steroids mediate discrete effects on HDL cholesterol efflux capacity and particle concentration in healthy men. J Clin Lipidol 12:1072-1082
Haenisch, Michael; Treuting, Piper M; Brabb, Thea et al. (2018) Pharmacological inhibition of ALDH1A enzymes suppresses weight gain in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. Obes Res Clin Pract 12:93-101
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Ayoub, R; Page, S T; Swerdloff, R S et al. (2017) Comparison of the single dose pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of two novel oral formulations of dimethandrolone undecanoate (DMAU): a potential oral, male contraceptive. Andrology 5:278-285
Rubinow, Katya B; Chao, Jing H; Hagman, Derek et al. (2017) Circulating sex steroids coregulate adipose tissue immune cell populations in healthy men. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 313:E528-E539

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