Homeobox transcription factor Meis1 is crucial to Sertoli cell mediated regulation of male fertility

Abstract

Background Infertility has become a global phenomenon and constantly declining sperm count in males in modern world pose a major threat to procreation of humans. Male fertility is critically dependent on proper functioning of testicular Sertoli cells. Defective Sertoli cell proliferation and/or impaired functional maturation may be one of the underlying causes of idiopathic male infertility. Using high‐throughput “omics” approach, we found binding sites for homeobox transcription factor MEIS1 on the promoters of several genes up‐regulated in pubertal (mature) Sertoli cells, indicating that MEIS1 may be crucial for Sertoli cell‐mediated regulation of spermatogenesis at and after puberty. Objective To decipher the role of transcription factor MEIS1 in Sertoli cell maturation and spermatogenesis. Materials and methods Sc‐specific Meis1 knockdown (KD) transgenic mice were generated using pronuclear microinjection. Morphometric and histological analysis of the testes from transgenic mice was performed to identify defects in spermatogenesis. Epididymal sperm count and litter size were analyzed to determine the effect of Meis1 knockdown on fertility. Results Sertoli cell (Sc)‐specific Meis1 KD led to massive germ cell loss due to apoptosis and impaired spermatogenesis. Unlike normal pubertal Sc, the levels of SOX9 in pubertal Sc of Meis1 KD were significantly high, like immature Sc. A significant reduction in epididymal sperm count was observed in these mice. The mice were found to be infertile or sub‐fertile (with reduced litter size), depending on the extent of Meis1 inhibition. Discussion The results of this study demonstrated for the first time, a role of Meis1 in Sc maturation and normal spermatogenic progression. Inhibition of Meis1 in Sc was associated with deregulated spermatogenesis and a consequent decline in fertility of the transgenic mice. Conclusions Our results provided substantial evidence that suboptimal Meis1 expression in Sc may be one of the underlying causes of idiopathic infertility.

Homeodomain protein HOMEZ is dispensable for male fertility in mice

“…In addition, conditional knockout of RHOX10, an HD-harboring homeobox protein, causes spermatogenic defects and male infertility (21). Another homeobox gene, Meis1, is essential for Sertoli cell-mediated regulation of male fertility (22). Nevertheless, the function of HD proteins in fertility, especially those proteins mainly expressed in germ cells, remains largely unknown.…”

Omics and Male Infertility: Highlighting the Application of Transcriptomic Data

“…Thus, it was suggested that the expression of these genes may have the potential for predicting successful sperm retrieval. Another study evaluated the transcriptomic profile of testicular tissues derived from NOA and obstructive azoospermia (OA) men, in order to determine whether gene products from spermatogenic cells could be detected in the Sertolicell only testes (SCOT) [44]. Transcripts specific to immature germ cells such as UTF1, CD9, DDX4, EPCAM, GFRA1, KIT, LIN28, DMRT, GPR125, UCHL1, and NANOG were detected in 65% of SCOT, with 45% of SCOT showing positive immunoreactivity to DDX4 in the spermatogonia.…”

Declining levels of miR-382-3p at puberty trigger the onset of spermatogenesis

“…The fertility assessment was done by measuring parameters like gonadosomatic index, sperm count, and litter size in the transgenic and age-matched wild-type mice. 53,[80][81][82] The body weight and testis weight for each mouse (WT or transgenic) was noted, and the gonadosomatic index (body weight/testis weight  100) was calculated. The testis size was also observed for any visible morphological changes.…”