Differential gene expression profiles of human efferent ducts and proximal epididymis

Abstract

Background: Gene expression patterns along the epididymis are established by specific transcription factor networks that coordinate region-specific functions. In rodents, the epididymis can be divided in up to 19 segments. Based on gross anatomy, the human epididymis is divided into caput, corpus, and cauda segments together with efferent ducts that occupy the proximal part of this organ. Objectives:To determine to which extent gene expression pattern is segmented along the efferent ducts and the proximal region of the epididymis in men of reproductive age. Materials and methods:Epididymal transcriptome profiling was performed on eight distinct regions from three donors. Microarray analysis was performed on a genechip microarray. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs)>2-fold change (P < .05) were clustered in relation to their intensity profiles. Overrepresented biological functions from gene ontology were searched using DAVID 6.8. Expression profiles were validated by qRT-PCR quantification of selected genes.Results: There were no DEGs among segments 1-3 of efferent ducts region neither among segments 4-6 of the caput epididymis. 1058 DEGs were identified between efferent ducts and the epididymis, whereas 444 and 846 DEGs distinguished the caput from the corpus (section 7) and cauda (section 8) epididymis, respectively. A total of 131 DEGs were detected between corpus (7) and cauda (8) transcriptomes.Up-regulated DEGs in the efferent ducts were predominantly related to cilium assembly/movement and cell differentiation. Fertilization, defense, and immune responses were associated with caput epididymis (4-6), while spermatogenesis and protein binding were found all along the epididymis (4-8). Discussion: The proximal human epididymis is exclusively occupied by efferent ducts with a distinct DEG profile compared with the downstream epididymal segments. Moreover, gene expression profiling revealed two regions in the human epididymis: the caput and the distal corpus/cauda region. Conclusions: Human epididymal transcriptome reveals limited DEGs, and efferent ducts have a distinct DEGs profile. K E Y W O R D S epididymis, human epididymis, sperm maturation, gene expression, transcriptome, male reproductive tract

The Immune Characteristics of the Epididymis and the Immune Pathway of the Epididymitis Caused by Different Pathogens

“…The epididymis is divided into distinct segments according to its morphology and function (15). Usually, the epididymis is divided into three regions, including the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymis according to its anatomical structure (17,18), but sometimes it is divided into four regions (the initial segment, caput, corpus, and cauda) (15,19).…”

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in spermatogenesis and male infertility

“… – LINC00654 ABI2, FAM98B, GOLGA6L22, GOLGA6L6 , RP11-573D15.8, RP3-323A16.1, RPGR , SNX8 – – – LINC00710 ABI2, CCDC85C, FAM98B , RP11-573D15.8, RPGR , SNX8 – – – LINC00226 CCDC85C, FAM98B , SNX8, TPM2 , C00717C00720L.1 TPM2 was found to be up-regulated in cauda region as compared to caput/corpus region of human epididymis. – [ 118 ] LINC00326 C9orf152, FLJ35934, GNB5 , LINC00940, GNB5 could play a role in acrosome biogenesis and vesicle trafficking. – [ 119 ] LINC00494 ABI2, EMC10, FAM98B, GOLGA6L22, GOLGA6L6 , IGFN1, RP11-573D15.8, RPGR , SNX8 – – – LINC00535 ABI2, FAM98B , SNX8 – – – LINC00616 ABI2, CCDC85C, EMC10, FAM98B , MLYCD, PARVG, RP11-573D15.8, RP3-323A16.1, RPGR , SNX8 – – – LINC00662 RP11-573D15.8 – LIN28A- involved in cell metastasis and stemness in lung cancer.…”

A novel mouse line with epididymal initial segment-specific expression of Cre recombinase driven by the endogenous Lcn9 promoter

“…The epididymis is a conserved part of the male reproductive tract in all vertebrate species that practice internal fertilization [6][7][8]. The studies carried out in laboratory animal models are meaningful to our understanding of the structure, function, physiology and pathophysiology of human epididymis [9,10].…”