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Albertini DF. Reproductive medicine 2013: the year in review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2013; 30:1527-9. [PMID: 24249580 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-0142-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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152
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Albertini DF. Therapeutic manipulations for POI: will yapping awaken the sleepy follicle? J Assist Reprod Genet 2013; 30:1395-6. [PMID: 24189969 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-0133-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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153
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Anderson RA, McLaughlin M, Wallace WHB, Albertini DF, Telfer EE. The immature human ovary shows loss of abnormal follicles and increasing follicle developmental competence through childhood and adolescence. Hum Reprod 2013; 29:97-106. [PMID: 24135076 PMCID: PMC3860895 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do the ovarian follicles of children and adolescents differ in their morphology and in vitro growth potential from those of adults? SUMMARY ANSWER Pre-pubertal ovaries contained a high proportion of morphologically abnormal non-growing follicles, and follicles showed reduced capacity for in vitro growth. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The pre-pubertal ovary is known to contain follicles at the early growing stages. How this changes over childhood and through puberty is unknown, and there are no previous data on the in vitro growth potential of follicles from pre-pubertal and pubertal girls. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Ovarian biopsies from five pre-pubertal and seven pubertal girls and 19 adult women were analysed histologically, cultured in vitro for 6 days, with growing follicles then isolated and cultured for a further 6 days. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Ovarian biopsies were obtained from girls undergoing ovarian tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation, and compared with biopsies from adult women. Follicle stage and morphology were classified. After 6 days in culture, follicle growth initiation was assessed. The growth of isolated secondary follicles was assessed over a further 6 days, including analysis of oocyte growth. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Pre-pubertal ovaries contained a high proportion of abnormal non-growing follicles (19.4 versus 4.85% in pubertal ovaries; 4004 follicles analysed; P = 0.02) characterized by indistinct germinal vesicle membrane and absent nucleolus. Follicles with this abnormal morphology were not seen in the adult ovary. During 6 days culture, follicle growth initiation was observed at all ages; in pre-pubertal samples there was very little development to secondary stages, while pubertal samples showed similar growth activation to that seen in adult tissue (pubertal group: P = 0.02 versus pre-pubertal, ns versus adult). Isolated secondary follicles were cultured for a further 6 days. Those from pre-pubertal ovary showed limited growth (P < 0.05 versus both pubertal and adult follicles) and no change in oocyte diameter over that period. Follicles from pubertal ovaries showed increased growth; this was still reduced compared with follicles from adult women (P < 0.05) but oocyte growth was proportionate to follicle size. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION These data derive from only a small number of ovarian biopsies, although large numbers of follicles were analysed. It is unclear whether the differences between groups are related to puberty, or just age. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings show that follicles from girls of all ages can be induced to grow in vitro, which has important implications for some patients who are at high risk of malignant contamination of their ovarian tissue. The reduced growth of isolated follicles indicates that there are true intrafollicular differences in addition to potential differences in their local environment, and that there are maturational processes occurring in the ovary through childhood and adolescence, which involve the loss of abnormal follicles, and increasing follicle developmental competence. Study funding/competing interest(s) Funded by MRC grants G0901839 and G1100357. No competing interests.
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Coticchio G, Guglielmo MC, Dal Canto M, Fadini R, Mignini Renzini M, De Ponti E, Brambillasca F, Albertini DF. Mechanistic foundations of the metaphase II spindle of human oocytes matured in vivo and in vitro. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:3271-82. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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155
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Albertini DF. Getting beyond the notion of genes in reproductive medicine. J Assist Reprod Genet 2013; 30:1099-100. [PMID: 24114633 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-0114-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
As we sink ever more deeply into the realm of bioinformatics, looking beyond traditional genetics becomes a welcomed imperative for those seeking insights into the fundamental complexities that underscore our successes and failures when it comes to human reproduction.
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Albertini DF, McGinnis LK. A catalyst for change in reproductive science: John D. Biggers as a mentor’s mentor. J Assist Reprod Genet 2013; 30:979-94. [PMID: 24077825 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-0096-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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157
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Dieci C, Lodde V, Franciosi F, Lagutina I, Tessaro I, Modina SC, Albertini DF, Lazzari G, Galli C, Luciano AM. The effect of cilostamide on gap junction communication dynamics, chromatin remodeling, and competence acquisition in pig oocytes following parthenogenetic activation and nuclear transfer. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:68. [PMID: 23926281 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.110577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In the pig, the efficiency of in vitro embryo production and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) procedures remains limited. It has been suggested that prematuration treatments (pre-IVM) based on the prolongation of a patent, bidirectional crosstalk between the oocyte and the cumulus cells through gap junction mediate communication (GJC), with the maintenance of a proper level of cAMP, could improve the developmental capability of oocytes. The aim of this study was to assess: 1) dose-dependent effects of cilostamide on nuclear maturation kinetics, 2) the relationship between treatments on GJC functionality and large-scale chromatin configuration changes, and 3) the impact of treatments on developmental competence acquisition after parthenogenetic activation (PA) and SCNT. Accordingly, cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected from 3- to 6-mm antral follicles and cultured for 24 h in defined culture medium with or without 1 μM cilostamide. GJC functionality was assessed by Lucifer yellow microinjection, while chromatin configuration was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy after nuclear staining. Cilostamide administration sustained functional coupling for up to 24 h of culture and delayed meiotic resumption, as only 25.6% of cilostamide-treated oocytes reached the pro-metaphase I stage compared to the control (69.7%; P < 0.05). Moreover, progressive chromatin condensation was delayed before meiotic resumption based upon G2/M biomarker phosphoprotein epitope acquisition using immunolocalization. Importantly, cilostamide treatment under these conditions improved oocyte developmental competence, as reflected in higher blastocyst quality after both parthenogenetic activation and SCNT.
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158
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Albertini DF. Wandering-and wondering-about the pharmacological management of human infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2013; 30:863-4. [DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-0059-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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159
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Albertini DF. Tales of a spermatological variety--finding Master Right. J Assist Reprod Genet 2013; 30:451-2. [PMID: 23624986 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-0003-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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160
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Lamar C, Taymans S, Rebar R, LaBarbera A, Albertini DF, Gracia C. Ovarian Reserve: Regulation and Implications for Women’s Health. Proceedings of the 2012 NICHD-ASRM Conference. J Assist Reprod Genet 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-9968-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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161
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Albertini DF. Vanishing returns on the investment that is the ovarian reserve. J Assist Reprod Genet 2013; 30:283-4. [PMID: 23508678 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-9967-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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162
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Albertini DF. Emerging menu options for gonadal reincarnation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2013; 30:1-2. [PMID: 23321865 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-9931-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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163
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Albertini DF, Olsen R. Effects of Fertility Preservation on Oocyte Genomic Integrity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 761:19-27. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-8214-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Abstract
During oogenesis in mammals, the germ line interacts with ovarian somatic cells as follicles assemble, grow, ovulate, and die. As a result, these interactions with granulosa cells determine germ cell fate as the oocyte undergoes hypertrophy, the final stages of meiosis, and preparations required for successful fertilization. Over the past 15 years, investigators using a range of experimental approaches have uncovered the existence of multiple modalities for signaling between the oocyte and companion granulosa cells that play essential and sometimes overlapping roles during the growth and maturative phases of oogenesis. Five modalities of intercellular signaling are considered in the context of regulating oocyte gene expression, metabolism, spatial patterning, and the cell cycle. While some forms of signaling predominate at specific stages of oogenesis, such as during the assembly of primordial follicles, it is apparent that combinations of modalities work in concert to control events associated with ovulation when both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation occur. A final key feature of the signaling platform underscoring the protracted process of oogenesis is the existence of negative and positive feedback loops designed to coordinate the tempo of oogenesis and folliculogenesis at key developmental transitions.
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Albertini DF. From spermiation to appreciation-signs of opportunities yet to come. J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 29:1311-2. [PMID: 23239130 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9913-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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166
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167
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Albertini DF. Mitomania and Human ARTs: micromanaging the mitochondrial genome and metabolome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 29:997-8. [PMID: 23080275 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9879-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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168
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Albertini DF. Putting early human development into the 4th dimension. J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 29:859-60. [PMID: 23001238 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9865-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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169
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Albertini DF. The embryos' geneology-sorting fact from fancy. J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 29:701-2. [PMID: 22893273 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9844-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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170
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171
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Albertini DF. Preserving integrity, along with fertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 29:463-4. [PMID: 22661172 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9809-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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172
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Albertini DF. When ONE is the not-so-loneliest number! J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 29:211-2. [PMID: 22354728 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9730-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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173
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Albertini DF. Disentangling the spermatozoon's transcriptome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2011; 29:1-2. [PMID: 22207149 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-011-9703-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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174
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Albertini DF. A feeding frenzy for embryos and stem cells: meeting the media frontally! J Assist Reprod Genet 2011; 28:657-8. [PMID: 21870184 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-011-9623-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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175
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Albertini DF. Maturitas ex vivo: the case for oocyte in vitro maturation in human ARTs. J Assist Reprod Genet 2011; 28:481-2. [PMID: 21822583 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-011-9616-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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176
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Petroff BK, Valdez KE, Brown SB, Piasecka J, Albertini DF. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) alters early embryonic development in a rat IVF exposure model. Reprod Toxicol 2011; 32:286-92. [PMID: 21835239 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2011.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2010] [Revised: 05/31/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) ligands, including 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), accelerate reproductive senescence and one proposed target is the early embryo. To discriminate between direct effects on the oocyte and early embryo and those mediated by complex ovarian interactions with TCDD, IVF was carried out in the presence of TCDD (10, 100 nM) and the aryl hydrocarbon antagonist CH-223191 (1 μM) combined factorially. TCDD-induced Cyp1a1 mRNA expression was absent in 2-cell embryos; however morulae exhibit dose-dependent Cyp1a1 expression. TCDD induced accumulation of sperm in the perivitelline space and displacement of blastomere nuclei. At 100 nM TCDD, aberrations in cytokinesis and nuclear positioning were observed 2-cell embryos and morula and these effects were reversed in the presence of CH-223191. Our data suggest that acute exposure to TCDD has direct effects on early development in the rat that permit discrimination of AHR-mediated and AHR-independent mechanisms through which environmental toxicants impair mammalian reproduction.
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Albertini DF. The house that Professor Edwards built. Reprod Biomed Online 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(11)60166-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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179
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Nagaoka SI, Hodges CA, Albertini DF, Hunt PA. Oocyte-specific differences in cell-cycle control create an innate susceptibility to meiotic errors. Curr Biol 2011; 21:651-7. [PMID: 21497085 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2011.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Revised: 01/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Segregation of homologs at the first meiotic division (MI) is facilitated by crossovers and by a physical constraint imposed on sister kinetochores that facilitates monopolar attachment to the MI spindle. Recombination failure or premature separation of homologs results in univalent chromosomes at MI, and univalents constrained to form monopolar attachments should be inherently unstable and trigger the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). Although univalents trigger cell-cycle arrest in the male, this is not the case in mammalian oocytes. Because the spindle assembly portion of the SAC appears to function normally, two hypotheses have been proposed to explain the lack of response to univalents: (1) reduced stringency of the oocyte SAC to aberrant chromosome behavior, and (2) the ability of univalents to satisfy the SAC by forming bipolar attachments. The present study of Mlh1 mutant mice demonstrates that metaphase alignment is not a prerequisite for anaphase onset and provides strong evidence that MI spindle stabilization and anaphase onset require stable bipolar attachment of a critical mass--but not all--of chromosomes. We postulate that subtle differences in SAC-mediated control make the human oocyte inherently error prone and contribute to the age-related increase in aneuploidy.
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Albertini DF. Deconstructing the promise of embryonic stem-cell research. J Assist Reprod Genet 2010; 27:669-70. [PMID: 21086037 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-010-9507-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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181
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Albertini DF. The house that Professor Edwards built. J Assist Reprod Genet 2010; 27:589-90. [PMID: 21042845 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-010-9494-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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182
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Albertini DF. Fashioning sperm in vitro. J Assist Reprod Genet 2010; 27:517-8. [PMID: 20872287 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-010-9486-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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183
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Donnez J, Kim SS, Albertini DF. Proceedings of the First World Congress on Fertility Preservation: executive summary. J Assist Reprod Genet 2010; 27:191-5. [PMID: 20464473 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-010-9424-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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184
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Albertini DF. Supercilious cell cycles in the human embryo. J Assist Reprod Genet 2010; 27:263-4. [PMID: 20544267 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-010-9444-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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185
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Coticchio G, Sciajno R, Hutt K, Bromfield J, Borini A, Albertini DF. Comparative analysis of the metaphase II spindle of human oocytes through polarized light and high-performance confocal microscopy. Fertil Steril 2010; 93:2056-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2008] [Revised: 11/11/2008] [Accepted: 12/10/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Albertini DF. The ovarian budget crisis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2010; 27:129-30. [PMID: 20336361 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-010-9406-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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187
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McLaughlin M, Bromfield JJ, Albertini DF, Telfer EE. Activin promotes follicular integrity and oogenesis in cultured pre-antral bovine follicles. Mol Hum Reprod 2010; 16:644-53. [PMID: 20203128 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaq021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the individual and combined effect of activin and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) on somatic and germ cell development in cultured pre-antral follicles. Pre-antral bovine follicles (mean diameter 157 +/- 3, range 132-199 microm) were cultured for 8 days in serum-free medium in the presence of either 100 ng/ml of recombinant human activin A (rhAct A), 100 ng/ml rhAct A combined with a high (100 ng/ml) or low (50 ng/ml) concentration of recombinant FSH (rFSH) or 50 ng/ml rFSH alone. Intrafollicular connexin 43 expression and actin-based cell adhesion were assessed on Day 2 and 4 of culture. Steroidogenesis was evaluated after Day 4 and 8. Follicles exposed to 100 ng/ml activin maintained expression of connexin 43 at the follicular periphery. In the presence of activin, with or without 100 ng/ml or 50 ng/ml FSH, follicles were steroidogenic undergoing significant growth (P < 0.01), granulosa cell proliferation (P < 0.01) and antral cavity formation (P < 0.05) compared with cultured controls. Maximum oocyte growth occurred in the presence of 100 ng/ml activin alone with a significant percentage of these oocytes maintaining normal morphology over controls (P < 0.05). These results are consistent with a role for activin in maintaining oocyte granulosa cell interactions due to increased peripheral granulosa cell adhesion to the basement membrane and retention of adhesion at the surface of the zona pellucida. Thus, the polarized expression of cell contact interactions promoted by activin supports ongoing folliculogenesis.
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McGinnis LK, Albertini DF. Dynamics of protein phosphorylation during meiotic maturation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2010; 27:169-82. [PMID: 20174967 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-010-9391-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To ask whether distinct kinase signaling pathways mediate cytoplasmic or nuclear maturation of mouse oocytes and if in vitro maturation influences the distribution and timing of these phosphorylation events. METHODS Mouse cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured under conditions known to influence oocyte quality (basal or supplemented media) and assayed with epitope specific antibodies that would distinguish between Cdk1 or tyrosine kinase targets at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 hrs. Semi-quantitative image analysis was used to assess the topographical patterns of protein phosphorylation during in vitro maturation. In vitro fertilization and embryo culture were used to examine the effects of culture conditions on developmental potential. RESULTS Protein tyrosine phosphorylation increased during meiotic progression from methaphase-I to metaphase-II. Levels were significantly higher in the oocyte cortex. Levels of cortical staining are enhanced in oocytes matured in supplemented media that displayed higher developmental competence. In contrast, bulk substrates for Cdk1 kinase localize to the meiotic spindle while cytoplasmic levels of kinase activity increase throughout meiotic progression; culture media had no measurable effect. Ablation of the tyrosine kinase Fyn significantly reduced cortical levels of tyrosine phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that distinct signaling pathways mediate nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation during in vitro maturation in a fashion consistent with a role for tyrosine kinases in cortical maturation and oocyte quality.
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Hutt KJ, Shi Z, Petroff BK, Albertini DF. The environmental toxicant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin disturbs the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity in preimplantation rat embryos. Biol Reprod 2010; 82:914-20. [PMID: 20089886 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.081109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal exposure to the environmental toxicant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) induces a variety of defects in compaction-stage embryos, including monopolar spindle formation, errors in chromosome segregation, and fragmentation resulting from aberrant cytokinesis. In this study, we investigated the possibility that a failure in centrosome duplication, separation, or positioning within blastomeres might underlie the observed effects of TCDD on early embryos. The subcellular localization of the centrosomal marker TUBG1 was analyzed in preimplantation embryos collected from female rats exposed to either chronic (50 ng kg(-1) wk(-1) for 3 wk) or acute (50 ng/kg or 1 microg/kg at proestrus) doses of TCDD. In treated embryos, interphase TUBG1 foci were more abundant and cortically displaced when compared to those in controls. At prophase, some blastomeres exhibited a single large perinuclear TUBG1 aggregate, suggesting a failure in centrosome duplication or separation. Furthermore, the presence of monopolar spindles at metaphase was confirmed by the localization of TUBG1 to the single spindle pole. Therefore, the misregulation of centrosome number and localization, as indicated by TUBG1 staining, may contribute to errors in chromosome segregation and cytokinesis in embryos following maternal TCDD exposure.
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Albertini DF. From the editor. J Assist Reprod Genet 2009; 26:475. [PMID: 19921422 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-009-9365-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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191
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Albertini DF. A level of throughput on two recurrent themes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2009; 26:425-6. [PMID: 19830544 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-009-9349-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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192
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Albertini DF, Bromfield JJ. Oocyte Cryopreservation: Resolving Conflict Between the Cell Cycle and the Cytoskeleton.David F. Albertini, Ph.D. Biol Reprod 2009. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/81.s1.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Rodrigues P, Limback D, McGinnis LK, Plancha CE, Albertini DF. Multiple mechanisms of germ cell loss in the perinatal mouse ovary. Reproduction 2009; 137:709-20. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In the perinatal ovary of most mammals, external and internal factors establish a primordial follicle reserve that specifies the duration of the reproductive lifespan of a given species. We analyzed the mechanism of follicle loss and survival in C57BI/6 mice using static and dynamic assays of apoptosis, autophagy, and ovarian morphogenesis. We confirm an initial loss soon after birth, when about 44% of the germ cells detectable at the end of the fetal period abruptly disappear. The observations that (1) few germ or somatic cells were apoptotic in newborn ovaries, (2) vitally stained organ cultures exhibit active extrusion of non-apoptotic germ cells and (3) germ-cell lysosome amplification occurs at birth suggested that additional mechanisms are involved in perinatal germ cell loss. Newborn mouse ovaries cultured in the pH sensitive dye lysotracker red exhibit an increased incidence of acidified non-apoptotic germ cells when maintained in the absence but not in the presence of serum, implying a role for autophagy in germ cell attrition. Inhibitors of autophagy, but not apoptosis, reduce germ cell acidification induced by serum starvation in ovary organ cultures and protein mediators of both autophagy and apoptosis are expressed at birth. From these findings we suggest that multiple perinatal mechanisms establish the primordial follicle reserve in mice.
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McGinnis LK, Kinsey WH, Albertini DF. Functions of Fyn kinase in the completion of meiosis in mouse oocytes. Dev Biol 2008; 327:280-7. [PMID: 19118543 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2008.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2008] [Revised: 11/12/2008] [Accepted: 11/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte maturation invokes complex signaling pathways to achieve cytoplasmic and nuclear competencies for fertilization and development. The Src-family kinases FYN, YES and SRC are expressed in mammalian oocytes but their function during oocyte maturation remains an open question. Using chemical inhibitor, siRNA knockdown, and gene deletion strategies the function of Src-family kinases was evaluated in mouse oocytes during maturation under in vivo and in vitro conditions. Suppression of Src-family as a group with SKI606 greatly reduced meiotic cell cycle progression to metaphase-II. Knockdown of FYN kinase expression after injection of FYN siRNA resulted in an approximately 50% reduction in progression to metaphase-II similar to what was observed in oocytes isolated from FYN (-/-) mice matured in vitro. Meiotic cell cycle impairment due to a Fyn kinase deficiency was also evident during oocyte maturation in vivo since ovulated cumulus oocyte complexes collected from FYN (-/-) mice included immature metaphase-I oocytes (18%). Commonalities in meiotic spindle and chromosome alignment defects under these experimental conditions demonstrate a significant role for Fyn kinase activity in meiotic maturation.
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195
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Rodrigues P, Limback D, McGinnis LK, Plancha CE, Albertini DF. Oogenesis: Prospects and challenges for the future. J Cell Physiol 2008; 216:355-65. [PMID: 18452183 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Oogenesis serves a singular role in the reproductive success of plants and animals. Of their remarkable differentiation pathway what stands out is the ability of oocytes to transform from a single cell into the totipotent lineages that seed the early embryo. As our understanding that commonalities between diverse organisms at the genetic, cellular and molecular levels are conserved to achieve successful reproduction, the notion that embryogenesis presupposes oogenesis has entered the day-to-day parlance of regenerative medicine and stem cell biology. With emphasis on the mammalian oocyte, this review will cover (1) current concepts regarding the birth, survival and growth of oocytes that depends on complex patterns of cell communication between germ line and soma, (2) the notion of "maternal inheritance" from a genetic and epigenetic perspective, and (3) the relative value of model systems with reference to current clinical and biotechnology applications.
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196
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Bromfield J, Messamore W, Albertini DF. Epigenetic regulation during mammalian oogenesis. Reprod Fertil Dev 2008; 20:74-80. [PMID: 18154701 DOI: 10.1071/rd07181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of the epigenetic era has sparked a new frontier in molecular research and the understanding of how development can be regulated beyond direct alterations of the genome. Thus far, the focal point of epigenetic regulation during development has been chromatin modifications that control differential gene expression by DNA methylation and histone alterations. But what of events that alter gene expression without direct influence on the DNA itself? The present review focuses on epigenetic pathways regulating development from oogenesis to organogenesis and back that do not involve methylation of cytosine in DNA. We discuss target components of epigenetic modification such as organelle development, compartmentalisation of maternal factors and molecular mediators in the oocyte and how these factors acting during oogenesis impact on later development. Epigenetic regulation of development, be it via cytosine methylation or not, has wide-ranging effects on the subsequent success of a pregnancy and the intrinsic health of offspring. Perturbations in epigenetic regulation have been clearly associated with disease states in adult offspring, including Type II diabetes, hypertension, cancers and infertility. A clear understanding of all epigenetic mechanisms is paramount when considering the increased use of assisted reproductive techniques and the risks associated with their use.
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McGinnis LK, Kinsey WH, Albertini DF. Src-Family Protein Tyrosine Kinases Are Required for Meiotic Maturation in the Mouse. Biol Reprod 2008. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/78.s1.191c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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198
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Valdez KE, Brown SB, Albertini DF, Petroff BK. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Agonist 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-Dibenzo-p-Dioxin (TCDD) Inhibits Early Embryonic Development in a Rat IVF Exposure Model. Biol Reprod 2008. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/78.s1.83d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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199
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Hutt KJ, Shi Z, Albertini DF, Petroff BK. The environmental toxicant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin disrupts morphogenesis of the rat pre-implantation embryo. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2008; 8:1. [PMID: 18171477 PMCID: PMC2254588 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-8-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2007] [Accepted: 01/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Environmental toxicants, whose actions are often mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway, pose risks to the health and well-being of exposed species, including humans. Of particular concern are exposures during the earliest stages of development that while failing to abrogate embryogenesis, may have long term effects on newborns or adults. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of maternal exposure to the AhR-specific ligand 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on the development of rat pre-implantation embryos with respect to nuclear and cytoskeletal architecture and cell lineage allocation. Results We performed a systematic 3 dimensional (3D) confocal microscopy analysis of rat pre-implantation embryos following maternal exposure to environmentally relevant doses of TCDD. Both chronic (50 ng/kg/wk for 3 months) and acute (50 ng/kg and 1 μg/kg at proestrus) maternal TCDD exposure disrupted morphogenesis at the compaction stage (8–16 cell), with defects including monopolar spindle formation, f-actin capping and fragmentation due to aberrant cytokinesis. Additionally, the size, shape and position of nuclei were modified in compaction stage pre-implantation embryos collected from treated animals. Notably, maternal TCDD exposure did not compromise survival to blastocyst, which with the exception of nuclear shape, were morphologically similar to control blastocysts. Conclusion We have identified the compaction stage of pre-implantation embryogenesis as critically sensitive to the effects of TCDD, while survival to the blastocyst stage is not compromised. To the best of our knowledge this is the first in vivo study to demonstrate a critical window of pre-implantation mammalian development that is vulnerable to disruption by an AhR ligand at environmentally relevant doses.
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Abstract
The mammalian oocyte undertakes a highly complex journey to maturity during which it successively acquires a series of characteristics necessary for fertilization and the development of a healthy embryo. While the contribution of granulosa cells to oocyte development has been studied for many years, it has recently become apparent that the oocyte itself plays a key role in directing its own fate as well as the growth and differentiation of the follicle. This regulatory capacity is achieved through the synthesis and secretion of oocyte-specific factors, such as growth and differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15, which act on granulosa cells to modify their proliferation, function and differentiation, as well as through direct physical contacts that occur at the granulosa cell-oocyte interface. This review describes key mechanisms by which the oocyte manipulates its own environment in order to achieve meiotic and developmental competence. The potential consequences of assisted reproductive technologies, such as in-vitro maturation and cryopreservation, on oocyte-granulosa cell interactions are also discussed, along with the impact of impaired oocyte development on early embryogenesis.
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