Project description:We performed RNA-Seq analyses on 15 human fetal samples at 53-137 days of development, 9 female and 5 male, and identified the transcriptional changes during the transition of human cKIT+ primordial germ cells (PGCs), the precursors of gametes, to the generation of Advanced Germline Cells. Comparing the transcriptional profile of PGCs to that of H1 and UCLA1 hESCs identifies differences between the two cell types and pinpoints molecules that can be used in the development of in vitro germ cell differentiation protocols starting from human pluripotent stem cells. RNA-Seq of cKIT+ cells analyzed from 6 biological samples for testes and 9 samples for ovaries from 53-137 days. 2 biological replicates of TRA-1-81+ cells sorted from H1 and UCLA1 hESCs. WGBS of cKIT+ cells analyzed from 4 biological samples of ovaries and 1 biological sample of testes at 57-137 days of development.
Project description:We performed WGBS analyses on 6 human fetal samples at 53-137 days of development, 4 female and 2 male. We show that methylation reprogramming in the human germline is global yet incomplete with exons, 3’UTRs and human-specific transposons remaining methylated. Whole Genome Bisulfite-Seq of cKIT+ cells analyzed from 4 biological samples for fetal ovaries from 57-113 days of development and 2 samples for fetal testes at 59 and 137 days of development.
Project description:Generation of research quality, clinically relevant cell types in vitro from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) requires detailed understanding of the equivalent cell types in humans. Here we analyzed 130 human fetal samples at 6-20 weeks of development and identified the stages in which human cKIT+ primordial germ cells (PGCs), the precursors of gametes, undergo whole genome epigenetic reprogramming and ultimately initiation of imprint erasure with loss of both 5mC and 5-hydroxy-mC at differentially methylated regions. Using five alternate in vitro differentiation strategies combined with a single-cell microfluidic analysis, high throughput RNA sequencing and a bona fide human cKIT+ PGC signature, we show that hPSC differentiation generates a rare cKIT+ PGC subtype found in both the human fetal gonad and mouse embryo. Taken together, our study creates a resource of human germ line ontogeny that is absolutely essential for future studies aimed at interpreting in vitro differentiation of the human germ line. cKIT+ cells analyzed from 2 biological samples for testes and 2 samples for ovaries at 16 and 16.5 weeks. 3 biological replicates of TRA-1-60+ cells sorted from H1 hESCs
Project description:We determined global gene changes in immature ovaries and testes in response to an in utero exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin exposure. Microarray analysis was performed using testes and ovaries of the dioxin-exposed dams’ offspring. One hundred and thirteen genes were differentially expressed in ovaries and 56 genes in testes of 14 and 5 days-old, respectively. Real-time PCR was used to validate and extend data using RNA extracted from 5 to 145-day old rat testes and 3 to 25-day old rat ovaries. A single gene of the classic dioxin battery, i.e., the repressor of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahrr) was found altered in testes. In contrast, several of them including Cyp1a1, Cyp1b1, Nqo1, and Ahrr were found up-regulated in ovary, pituitary (a different endocrine organ) and liver. In addition to Ahrr, we identified 6 genes targeted by dioxin in both gonads, including the chemokines Cxcl4, Ccl5. Ccl5 gene expression levels were also regulated in pituitary and liver, so as pituitary Cxcl4. Four genes targeted by TCDD in testis and meeting stringent criteria were further surveyed. It included 2 genes with no previous reported function in testis, Art2b, Gzmf, Hpgds and Fgf13. Fgf13 was down-regulated in testis, and pituitary but not in ovary or liver. Interestingly, Art2b and Gzmf were up-regulated in testis, liver and pituitary but not ovary. Finally, Hpgds was unique in that expressed in various tissues it was regulated by TCDD in the gonads but not in the other tissues studied.
Project description:Our testis transplantation data demonstrate that only Sox2-GFP+c-kit- cells contain testis-repopulating potential and we wondered whether a molecular comparison of the Sox2-GFP+c-kit+ and Sox2-GFP+c-kit- spermatogonial cells would uncover genes that could explain the exclusive repopulation potential of the latter cell population. To this end, we sorted individual testis cell populations and subjected extracted and amplified RNA to array analysis. Mouse testes of 2-week old Sox2GFP mice were isolated, and dissociated with collagenase. Single cell suspensions were generated and stained with FACS antibody for ckit. FACS analysis was done based on internal GFP signal and ckit antibody signal. PI was used to exclude dead cells. Sox2GFP+ckit- and Sox2GFP+ckit+ populations were sorted into Trizol and sent to ExpressionAnalysisR for processing and profiling. 20 testis were pooled into one sample, two biological replicates were analyzed.
Project description:Sexual Schmidtea mediterranea Trunk Regeneration. Sexual biotype Schmidtea mediterranea trunk fragments were sequenced at 0 day, 3 day, 5 day and 7 day post amputation along with whole worm juvenile animals in order identify sexual specific transcripts. Juvenile worms lack sex organs, testes and ovaries present in D0 trunk fragments. Days 3-7 represent time points of degeneration and regeneration of the sexual organs, testes and ovaries.
Project description:We determined global gene changes in immature ovaries and testes in response to an in utero exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin exposure. Microarray analysis was performed using testes and ovaries of the dioxin-exposed dams’ offspring. One hundred and thirteen genes were differentially expressed in ovaries and 56 genes in testes of 14 and 5 days-old, respectively. Real-time PCR was used to validate and extend data using RNA extracted from 5 to 145-day old rat testes and 3 to 25-day old rat ovaries. A single gene of the classic dioxin battery, i.e., the repressor of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahrr) was found altered in testes. In contrast, several of them including Cyp1a1, Cyp1b1, Nqo1, and Ahrr were found up-regulated in ovary, pituitary (a different endocrine organ) and liver. In addition to Ahrr, we identified 6 genes targeted by dioxin in both gonads, including the chemokines Cxcl4, Ccl5. Ccl5 gene expression levels were also regulated in pituitary and liver, so as pituitary Cxcl4. Four genes targeted by TCDD in testis and meeting stringent criteria were further surveyed. It included 2 genes with no previous reported function in testis, Art2b, Gzmf, Hpgds and Fgf13. Fgf13 was down-regulated in testis, and pituitary but not in ovary or liver. Interestingly, Art2b and Gzmf were up-regulated in testis, liver and pituitary but not ovary. Finally, Hpgds was unique in that expressed in various tissues it was regulated by TCDD in the gonads but not in the other tissues studied. Transcriptomic analysis on testes at 5 days and in ovaries at 14 days. In both cases, 3 rats treated in utero by TCDD were compared to 3 rats treated with sesame-oil vehicle