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Ebrahimi M, Dattena M, Mara L, Pasciu V, Sotgiu FD, Chessa F, Luciano AM, Berlinguer F. In vitro production of meiotically competent oocytes from early antral follicles in sheep. Theriogenology 2024; 226:253-262. [PMID: 38950486 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
The potential of using long in vitro culture (LIVC) of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from early antral follicles (EAFs) as an assisted reproductive technology in cattle has shown promising results. This study explored the feasibility of applying this technology to sheep as seasonal breeding animals. Ovaries from sheep were collected during both the breeding and non-breeding seasons. COCs were isolated from EAFs (350-450 μm) and cultured in TCM199 medium supplemented with 0.15 μg/mL Zn sulfate, 10-4IU/mL FSH, 10 ng/mL estradiol, 50 ng/mL testosterone, 50 ng/mL progesterone, and 5 μM Cilostamide. After five days of LIVC, the COCs were submitted to an in vitro maturation procedure. The results indicate successful in vitro development of COCs, evidenced by a significant increase in oocyte diameter (p < 0.000) and the preservation of gap junction communication between oocyte and cumulus cells. The gradual uncoupling was accompanied by a progressive chromatin transition from the non-surrounded nucleolus (NSN) to the surrounded nucleolus (SN) (p < 0.000), coupled with a gradual decrease in global transcriptional activity and an increase in oocyte meiotic competence (p < 0.000). Maintenance of oocyte-cumulus investment architecture, viability, and metaphase II capability was significantly higher in COCs collected during the breeding season (p < 0.000), suggesting higher quality than those obtained during the non-breeding season. In conclusion, our study confirms LIVC feasibility in sheep, emphasizing increased effectiveness during the breeding season in isolating higher-quality COCs from EAFs. These findings can influence improving the LIVC system in mammals with seasonal reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Ebrahimi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, Sassari, Italy; Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Agency of Sardinia, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Maria Dattena
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Agency of Sardinia, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Laura Mara
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Agency of Sardinia, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Valeria Pasciu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, Sassari, Italy
| | - Francesca D Sotgiu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, Sassari, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Chessa
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Agency of Sardinia, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (ReDBioLab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via Dell'Università, 6 - 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Berlinguer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, Sassari, Italy
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Pytel AT, Żyżyńska-Galeńska K, Gajewski Z, Papis K. Factors defining developmental competence of bovine oocytes collected for in vitro embryo production†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:1-10. [PMID: 38662582 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the currently relatively low effectiveness of producing bovine embryos in vitro, there is a growing interest in applying this laboratory method in the field of reproduction. Many aspects of the procedure need to be improved. One of the main problems is the inferior developmental competence of in vitro matured oocytes that are collected using the ovum pick-up method. The mechanisms of oocyte capacitation and maturation, as well as the in vivo conditions in which they grow and mature, should be carefully analyzed. A deliberate application of the identified mechanisms and beneficial factors affecting the in vitro procedures seems to be essential for achieving higher developmental competence of the oocytes that are subjected to fertilization. The results may be improved by developing and employing a laboratory maturation protocol that corresponds with appropriate preparation of donors before the ovum pick-up, an optimized hormonal treatment program, the appropriate size of ovarian follicles at the time of aspiration, and a fine-tuned coasting period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Teresa Pytel
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797 Warsaw, Poland
- Bovisvet Veterinary Practice of Reproduction and Cattle Diseases, Kosierady Wielkie 34A, 08-300 Sokołów Podlaski, Poland
| | - Krystyna Żyżyńska-Galeńska
- Center of Translational Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Księcia Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zdzisław Gajewski
- Center of Translational Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Papis
- Center of Translational Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797 Warsaw, Poland
- nOvum Fertility Clinic, Bociania 13, 02-807 Warsaw, Poland
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Ferrer-Roda M, Izquierdo D, Gil A, Oliveira MEF, Paramio MT. Oocyte Competence of Prepubertal Sheep and Goat Oocytes: An Assessment of Large-Scale Chromatin Configuration and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression in Oocytes and Cumulus Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4474. [PMID: 38674059 PMCID: PMC11049957 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The oocyte competence of prepubertal females is lower compared to that of adults, mainly because they originate from small follicles. In adult females, the germinal vesicle (GV) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been associated with oocyte competence. This study aimed to analyze GV chromatin configuration and EGFR expression in prepubertal goat and sheep oocytes obtained from small (<3 mm) and large (≥3 mm) follicles and compare them with those from adults. GV chromatin was classified from diffuse to condensed as GV1, GVn, and GVc for goats and NSN, SN, and SNE for sheep. EGFR was quantified in cumulus cells (CCs) by Western blotting and in oocytes by immunofluorescence. Oocytes from prepubertal large follicles and adults exhibited highly condensed chromatin in goats (71% and 69% in GVc, respectively) and sheep (59% and 75% in SNE, respectively). In both species, EGFR expression in CCs and oocytes was higher in prepubertal large follicles than in small ones. In adult females, EGFR expression in oocytes was higher than in prepubertal large follicles. In conclusion, GV configuration and EGFR expression in CCs and oocytes were higher in the large than small follicles of prepubertal females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mònica Ferrer-Roda
- Department of Animal and Food Science, Veterinary Faculty, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.-R.); (D.I.); (A.G.); (M.E.F.O.)
| | - Dolors Izquierdo
- Department of Animal and Food Science, Veterinary Faculty, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.-R.); (D.I.); (A.G.); (M.E.F.O.)
| | - Ana Gil
- Department of Animal and Food Science, Veterinary Faculty, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.-R.); (D.I.); (A.G.); (M.E.F.O.)
| | - Maria Emilia Franco Oliveira
- Department of Animal and Food Science, Veterinary Faculty, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.-R.); (D.I.); (A.G.); (M.E.F.O.)
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, São Paulo 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Maria-Teresa Paramio
- Department of Animal and Food Science, Veterinary Faculty, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.-R.); (D.I.); (A.G.); (M.E.F.O.)
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4
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Bartková AR, Němcová L, Kinterová V, Radová D, Strejček F, Toralová T, Laurinčík J, Procházka R. Meiotic and developmental competence of growing pig oocytes derived from small antral follicles is enhanced in culture medium containing FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 (FLI medium). J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:54. [PMID: 38431654 PMCID: PMC10908066 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01360-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oocytes of large animal species isolated from small ovarian follicles (< 2 mm) are less competent to support early embryonic development after in vitro maturation and fertilization than their counterparts isolated from medium-sized and preovulatory follicles. This study aimed to assess the effect of a new maturation medium containing FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 (FLI medium) on the meiotic and developmental competence of pig cumulus-oocytes complexes (COCs) derived from the small and medium-sized follicles. METHODS The growing oocytes were isolated from 1 to 2 (small follicle; SF) and the fully-grown ones from 3 to 6 (large follicle; LF) mm follicles and matured in a control M199 medium with gonadotropins and EGF and the FLI medium enriched by the triplet of growth factors. The matured oocytes were parthenogenetically activated and cultured to the blastocyst stage. Chromatin configuration before and during the culture and MAP kinase activity were assessed in the oocytes. Finally, the expression of cumulus cell genes previously identified as markers of oocyte quality was assessed. RESULTS The maturation and blastocyst rates of oocytes gained from LF were significantly higher than that from SF in the control medium. In contrast, similar proportions of oocytes from LF and SF completed meiosis and developed to blastocysts when cultured in FLI. Most of the oocytes freshly isolated from SF possessed germinal vesicles with fine filaments of chromatin (GV0) or chromatin surrounding the nucleolus (GVI; 30%); the oocytes from LF were mainly in GVI (or GVII) exhibiting a few small lumps of chromatin beneath the nuclear membrane. When cultured in the FLI medium for 16 h, an acceleration of the course of maturation in oocytes both from SF and LF compared to the control medium was observed and a remarkable synchrony in the course of chromatin remodeling was noticed in oocytes from SF and LF. CONCLUSIONS This work demonstrates that the enrichment of culture medium by FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 can enhance the meiotic and developmental competence of not only fully-grown, but also growing pig oocytes and significantly thus expanding the number of oocytes available for various assisted reproductive technology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Rosenbaum Bartková
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Informatics, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Lucie Němcová
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic.
| | - Veronika Kinterová
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | | | - František Strejček
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Informatics, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Tereza Toralová
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Jozef Laurinčík
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Informatics, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Radek Procházka
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic
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Gilchrist RB, Ho TM, De Vos M, Sanchez F, Romero S, Ledger WL, Anckaert E, Vuong LN, Smitz J. A fresh start for IVM: capacitating the oocyte for development using pre-IVM. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:3-25. [PMID: 37639630 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While oocyte IVM is practiced sporadically it has not achieved widespread clinical practice globally. However, recently there have been some seminal advances in our understanding of basic aspects of oocyte biology and ovulation from animal studies that have led to novel approaches to IVM. A significant recent advance in IVM technology is the use of biphasic IVM approaches. These involve the collection of immature oocytes from small antral follicles from minimally stimulated patients/animals (without hCG-priming) and an ∼24 h pre-culture of oocytes in an advanced culture system ('pre-IVM') prior to IVM, followed by routine IVF procedures. If safe and efficacious, this novel procedure may stand to make a significant impact on human ART practices. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objectives of this review are to examine the major scientific advances in ovarian biology with a unique focus on the development of pre-IVM methodologies, to provide an insight into biphasic IVM procedures, and to report on outcomes from animal and clinical human data, including safety data. The potential future impact of biphasic IVM on ART practice is discussed. SEARCH METHODS Peer review original and review articles were selected from PubMed and Web of Science searches for this narrative review. Searches were performed using the following keywords: oocyte IVM, pre-IVM, biphasic IVM, CAPA-IVM, hCG-triggered/primed IVM, natural cycle IVF/M, ex-vivo IVM, OTO-IVM, oocyte maturation, meiotic competence, oocyte developmental competence, oocyte capacitation, follicle size, cumulus cell (CC), granulosa cell, COC, gap-junction communication, trans-zonal process, cAMP and IVM, cGMP and IVM, CNP and IVM, EGF-like peptide and IVM, minimal stimulation ART, PCOS. OUTCOMES Minimizing gonadotrophin use means IVM oocytes will be collected from small antral (pre-dominant) follicles containing oocytes that are still developing. Standard IVM yields suboptimal clinical outcomes using such oocytes, whereas pre-IVM aims to continue the oocyte's development ex vivo, prior to IVM. Pre-IVM achieves this by eliciting profound cellular changes in the oocyte's CCs, which continue to meet the oocyte's developmental needs during the pre-IVM phase. The literature contains 25 years of animal research on various pre-IVM and biphasic IVM procedures, which serves as a large knowledge base for new approaches to human IVM. A pre-IVM procedure based on c-type natriuretic peptide (named 'capacitation-IVM' (CAPA-IVM)) has undergone pre-clinical human safety and efficacy trials and its adoption into clinical practice resulted in healthy live birth rates not different from conventional IVF. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Over many decades, improvements in clinical IVM have been gradual and incremental but there has likely been a turning of the tide in the past few years, with landmark discoveries in animal oocyte biology finally making their way into clinical practice leading to improved outcomes for patients. Demonstration of favorable clinical results with CAPA-IVM, as the first clinically tested biphasic IVM system, has led to renewed interest in IVM as an alternative, low-intervention, low-cost, safe, patient-friendly ART approach, and especially for patients with PCOS. The same new approach is being used as part of fertility preservation in patients with cancer and holds promise for social oocyte freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tuong M Ho
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Michel De Vos
- Brussels IVF, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Flor Sanchez
- Centro de Estudios e Investigaciones en Biología y Medicina Reproductiva, Lima, Peru
| | - Sergio Romero
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Fertility Preservation, Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH), Lima, Peru
- Centro de Fertilidad y Reproducción Asistida, Lima, Peru
| | - William L Ledger
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
- City Fertility, Global CHA IVF Partners, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lan N Vuong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Liu ZB, Zhang JB, Li SP, Yu WJ, Pei N, Jia HT, Li Z, Lv WF, Wang J, Kim NH, Yuan B, Jiang H. ID3 regulates progesterone synthesis in bovine cumulus cells through modulation of mitochondrial function. Theriogenology 2023; 209:141-150. [PMID: 37393744 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
DNA binding inhibitory factor 3 (ID3) has been shown to have a key role in maintaining proliferation and differentiation. It has been suggested that ID3 may also affect mammalian ovarian function. However, the specific roles and mechanisms are unclear. In this study, the expression level of ID3 in cumulus cells (CCs) was inhibited by siRNA, and the downstream regulatory network of ID3 was uncovered by high-throughput sequencing. The effects of ID3 inhibition on mitochondrial function, progesterone synthesis, and oocyte maturation were further explored. The GO and KEGG analysis results showed that after ID3 inhibition, differentially expressed genes, including StAR, CYP11A1, and HSD3B1, were involved in cholesterol-related processes and progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation. Apoptosis in CC was increased, while the phosphorylation level of ERK1/2 was inhibited. During this process, mitochondrial dynamics and function were disrupted. In addition, the first polar body extrusion rate, ATP production and antioxidation capacity were reduced, which suggested that ID3 inhibition led to poor oocyte maturation and quality. The results will provide a new basis for understanding the biological roles of ID3 as well as cumulus cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Bin Liu
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Bao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Peng Li
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Jie Yu
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Pei
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Tao Jia
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Ze Li
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Fa Lv
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, 130118, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, 130118, People's Republic of China
| | - Nam-Hyung Kim
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China; Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Bao Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China.
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Karl KR, Schall PZ, Clark ZL, Ruebel ML, Cibelli J, Tempelman RJ, Latham KE, Ireland JJ. Ovarian stimulation with excessive FSH doses causes cumulus cell and oocyte dysfunction in small ovarian reserve heifers. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad033. [PMID: 37713463 PMCID: PMC10541857 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive FSH doses during ovarian stimulation in the small ovarian reserve heifer (SORH) cause premature cumulus expansion and follicular hyperstimulation dysgenesis (FHD) in nearly all ovulatory-size follicles with predicted disruptions in cell-signaling pathways in cumulus cells and oocytes (before ovulatory hCG stimulation). These observations support the hypothesis that excessive FSH dysregulates cumulus cell function and oocyte maturation. To test this hypothesis, we determined whether excessive FSH-induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in cumulus cells identified in our previously published transcriptome analysis were altered independent of extreme phenotypic differences observed amongst ovulatory-size follicles, and assessed predicted roles of these DEGs in cumulus and oocyte biology. We also determined if excessive FSH alters cumulus cell morphology, and oocyte nuclear maturation before (premature) or after an ovulatory hCG stimulus or during IVM. Excessive FSH doses increased expression of 17 cumulus DEGs with known roles in cumulus cell and oocyte functions (responsiveness to gonadotrophins, survival, expansion, and oocyte maturation). Excessive FSH also induced premature cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation but inhibited cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation post-hCG and diminished the ability of oocytes with prematurely expanded cumulus cells to undergo IVF or nuclear maturation during IVM. Ovarian stimulation with excessive FSH is concluded to disrupt cumulus cell and oocyte functions by inducing premature cumulus expansion and dysregulating oocyte maturation without an ovulatory hCG stimulus yielding poor-quality cumulus-oocyte complexes that may be incorrectly judged morphologically as suitable for IVF during ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin R Karl
- Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Peter Z Schall
- Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Zaramasina L Clark
- Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Meghan L Ruebel
- Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Jose Cibelli
- Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Robert J Tempelman
- Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Keith E Latham
- Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - James J Ireland
- Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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8
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Kim D, Yi J. Improving Cryopreservation Efficiency and Pregnancy Rate through Superovulation with Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in Korean Hanwoo Cows via Ovum Pick Up. Vet Sci 2023; 10:578. [PMID: 37756101 PMCID: PMC10534669 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10090578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to devise an efficient technique for generating embryos from high-quality bovine females. Oocytes were collected from 20 control and 15 Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) females treated with the FSH. A combination of decreasing FSH doses (36, 36, 24, and 24 mg, 12 h apart), progesterone, estrogen, and prostaglandins were administered to synchronize and mildly stimulate the animals. The FSH-treated group (1125 oocytes) and control group (1022 oocytes) exhibited a higher proportion of grade A and B oocytes (88.2%) than the other grades (p < 0.05), with most at the germinal vesicle 2 stage (64.0%). Moreover, the FSH-treated group achieved a notably higher blastocyst rate (44.7%) compared to the control group (31.1%) (p < 0.05). After undergoing vitrification and in vitro culture (IVC) warming, embryos in the FSH group exhibited higher re-expansion rates (grade 1: 86.9%; grades 2 and 3: 57.9%) compared to those in the control (p < 0.05). This highlights the positive impact of FSH treatment on in vitro embryo production (IVEP) and the OPU rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daehyun Kim
- Department of Animal Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea;
| | - Junkoo Yi
- School of Animal Life Convergence Science, Hankyung National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea
- Gyeonggi Regional Research Center, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea
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9
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Buratini J, Dellaqua TT, de Lima PF, Renzini MM, Canto MD, Price CA. Oocyte secreted factors control genes regulating FSH signaling and the maturation cascade in cumulus cells: the oocyte is not in a hurry. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1961-1971. [PMID: 37204638 PMCID: PMC10371970 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02822-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the effects of the oocyte on mRNA abundance of FSHR, AMH and major genes of the maturation cascade (AREG, EREG, ADAM17, EGFR, PTGS2, TNFAIP6, PTX3, and HAS2) in bovine cumulus cells. METHODS (1) Intact cumulus-oocyte complexes, (2) microsurgically oocytectomized cumulus-oolema complexes (OOX), and (3) OOX + denuded oocytes (OOX+DO) were subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) stimulated with FSH for 22 h or with AREG for 4 and 22 h. After IVM, cumulus cells were separated and relative mRNA abundance was measured by RT-qPCR. RESULTS After 22 h of FSH-stimulated IVM, oocytectomy increased FSHR mRNA levels (p=0.005) while decreasing those of AMH (p=0.0004). In parallel, oocytectomy increased mRNA abundance of AREG, EREG, ADAM17, PTGS2, TNFAIP6, and PTX3, while decreasing that of HAS2 (p<0.02). All these effects were abrogated in OOX+DO. Oocytectomy also reduced EGFR mRNA levels (p=0.009), which was not reverted in OOX+DO. The stimulatory effect of oocytectomy on AREG mRNA abundance (p=0.01) and its neutralization in OOX+DO was again observed after 4 h of AREG-stimulated IVM. After 22 h of AREG-stimulated IVM, oocytectomy and addition of DOs to OOX caused the same effects on gene expression observed after 22 h of FSH-stimulated IVM, except for ADAM17 (p<0.025). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that oocyte-secreted factors inhibit FSH signaling and the expression of major genes of the maturation cascade in cumulus cells. These may be important actions of the oocyte favoring its communication with cumulus cells and preventing premature activation of the maturation cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Buratini
- Biogenesi, Reproductive Medicine Centre, Monza, Italy
- Clinica EUGIN, Milan, Italy
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Thaisy Tino Dellaqua
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Paula Fernanda de Lima
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | | | | | - Christopher A. Price
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Canada
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10
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Bogolyubova I, Salimov D, Bogolyubov D. Chromatin Configuration in Diplotene Mouse and Human Oocytes during the Period of Transcriptional Activity Extinction. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11517. [PMID: 37511273 PMCID: PMC10380668 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In the oocyte nucleus, called the germinal vesicle (GV) at the prolonged diplotene stage of the meiotic prophase, chromatin undergoes a global rearrangement, which is often accompanied by the cessation of its transcriptional activity. In many mammals, including mice and humans, chromatin condenses around a special nuclear organelle called the atypical nucleolus or formerly nucleolus-like body. Chromatin configuration is an important indicator of the quality of GV oocytes and largely predicts their ability to resume meiosis and successful embryonic development. In mice, GV oocytes are traditionally divided into the NSN (non-surrounded nucleolus) and SN (surrounded nucleolus) based on the specific chromatin configuration. The NSN-SN transition is a key event in mouse oogenesis and the main prerequisite for the normal development of the embryo. As for humans, there is no single nomenclature for the chromatin configuration at the GV stage. This often leads to discrepancies and misunderstandings, the overcoming of which should expand the scope of the application of mouse oocytes as a model for developing new methods for assessing and improving the quality of human oocytes. As a first approximation and with a certain proviso, the mouse NSN/SN classification can be used for the primary characterization of human GV oocytes. The task of this review is to analyze and discuss the existing classifications of chromatin configuration in mouse and human GV oocytes with an emphasis on transcriptional activity extinction at the end of oocyte growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Bogolyubova
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Daniil Salimov
- Clinical Institute of Reproductive Medicine, 620014 Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Dmitry Bogolyubov
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
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11
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Ferré LB, Alvarez-Gallardo H, Romo S, Fresno C, Stroud T, Stroud B, Lindsey B, Kjelland ME. Transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval in cattle: State-of-the-art and its impact on the in vitro fertilization embryo production outcome. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:363-378. [PMID: 36510745 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval (commonly called OPU) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) in cattle has shown significant progress in recent years, in part, as a result of a better understanding of the full potential of these tools by end users. The combination of OPU and IVP (OPU-IVP) has been successfully and widely commercially used worldwide. The main advantages are a greater number of embryos and pregnancies per unit of time, faster genetic progress due to donor quick turn around and more elite sires mating combinations, larger spectrum of female age (calves, prepuberal, heifer, cow) and condition (open, pregnant) from which to retrieve oocytes, a reduced number of sperm (even sexed) required to fertilize the oocytes, among other benefits. OPU-IVP requires significant less donor preparation in comparison to conventional embryo transfer (<50% of usual FSH injections needed) to the extent of no stimulating hormones (FSH) are necessary. Donor synchronization, stimulation, OPU technique, oocyte competence, embryo performance, and its impact on cryopreservation and pregnancy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis B Ferré
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Chacra Experimental Integrada Barrow (MDA-INTA), Tres Arroyos, Argentina
| | - Horacio Alvarez-Gallardo
- Centro Nacional de Recursos Genéticos, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Salvador Romo
- Laboratorio de Reproducción, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuautitlán, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Cristóbal Fresno
- Health Sciences Research Center (CICSA), Anáhuac University of México, Huixquilucan, Mexico
| | | | - Brad Stroud
- Stroud Veterinary Embryo Services, Inc, Weatherford, Texas, USA
| | | | - Michael E Kjelland
- Conservation, Genetics and Biotech, LLC, Valley City, North Dakota, USA.,Mayville State University, Mayville, North Dakota, USA
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12
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Garcia Barros R, Lodde V, Franciosi F, Luciano AM. A refined culture system of oocytes from early antral follicles promotes oocyte maturation and embryo development in cattle. Reproduction 2023; 165:221-233. [PMID: 36473031 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In brief The proposed culture system improves the current state of in vitro culture of growing oocytes in the bovine species and allows access to the untapped gamete reserve, thus improving reproductive efficiency. Abstract The present study aimed to improve the in vitro culture of bovine oocytes collected from early antral follicles (EAFs) to support the progressive acquisition of meiotic and developmental competence. The rationale that drove the development of such a culture system was to maintain as much as possible the physiological conditions that support the oocyte growth and differentiation in vivo. To this extent, oocytes were cultured for 5 days, which parallels the transition from early to medium antral follicles (MAFs) in the bovine, and supports promoting a 3D-like structure were provided. Additionally, the main hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) were added in concentrations similar to the ones previously observed in bovine EAFs. The meiotic arrest was imposed using cilostamide. The cultured cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) reached a mean diameter of 113.4 ± 0.75 µm and showed a progressive condensation of the chromatin enclosed in the germinal vesicle (GV), together with a gradual decrease in the global transcriptional activity, measured by 5-ethynyl uridine incorporation. The described morpho-functional changes were accompanied by an increased ability to mature and develop to the blastocyst stage in vitro, although not matching the rates obtained by MAF-retrieved oocytes. The described system improves the current state of in vitro culture of growing oocytes in the bovine species, and it can be used to increase the number of gametes usable for in vitro embryo production in animals of high genetic merit or with specific desirable traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Garcia Barros
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (Redbiolab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (Redbiolab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (Redbiolab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (Redbiolab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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13
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Luciano AM, Franciosi F, Dey P, Ladron De Guevara M, Monferini N, Bonumallu SKN, Musmeci G, Fagali Franchi F, Garcia Barros R, Colombo M, Lodde V. Progress toward species-tailored prematuration approaches in carnivores. Theriogenology 2023; 196:202-213. [PMID: 36423514 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In the past four decades, the bovine model has been highly informative and inspiring to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in other species. Most of the recent advances in ART have come from studies in cattle, particularly those unveiling the importance of several processes that must be recapitulated in vitro to ensure the proper development of the oocyte. The maintenance of structural and functional communications between the cumulus cells and the oocyte and a well-orchestrated chromatin remodeling with the gradual silencing of transcriptional activity represent essential processes for the progressive acquisition of oocyte developmental competence. These markers are now considered the milestones of physiological approaches to increase the efficiency of reproductive technologies. Different in vitro approaches have been proposed. In particular, the so-called "pre-IVM" or "prematuration" is a culture step performed before in vitro maturation (IVM) to support the completion of the oocyte differentiation process. Although these attempts only partially improved the embryo quality and yield, they currently represent a proof of principle that oocytes retrieved from an ovary or an ovarian batch shouldn't be treated as a whole and that tailored approaches can be developed for culturing competent oocytes in several species, including humans. An advancement in ART's efficiency would be desirable in carnivores, where the success is still limited. Since the progress in reproductive medicine has often come from comparative studies, this review highlights aspects that have been critical in other species and how they may be extended to carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Pritha Dey
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Magdalena Ladron De Guevara
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Noemi Monferini
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sai Kamal Nag Bonumallu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Giulia Musmeci
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Fernanda Fagali Franchi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Rodrigo Garcia Barros
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Martina Colombo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
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14
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Hirano-Maeda Y, Ojima D, Kanematsu M. Molecular characterization of Vasa homolog in the pen shell Atrina pectinata: cDNA cloning and expression analysis during gonadal development. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 263:110798. [PMID: 36064136 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2022.110798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Vasa is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase of the DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box family and a representative component of the germ plasm. In this study, we cloned the full-length vasa homolog in the bivalve Atrina pectinata (psvasa), and performed phylogenetic analysis, mRNA expression analysis for tissue-specific distributions, and immunostaining analysis to reveal its histological localization. The sequence of psvasa was 3587 bp in length and contained a 5' untranslated region of 150 bp, an open reading frame of 2214 bp, and a 3' untranslated region of 1223 bp. The deduced amino acid sequence of psvasa was 737 amino acids long and contained evolutionarily conserved sequences reported in other animals. The mRNA expression analysis showed the highest expression levels in the gonads. Expression was especially high in the ovaries, followed by the testes. The immunostaining analysis showed Vasa-positive cells in the developing gonads, suggesting the presence of putative germ stem cells contributing to the supply of germ cells. Furthermore, characteristic Vasa signals were observed in the basophilic nuclei of the oocytes, suggesting that psvasa plays an important role in the progression of meiosis in oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Hirano-Maeda
- Momoshima Field Station, Fisheries Technology Institute (FTI), Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency (FRA), Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0061, Japan.
| | - Daisuke Ojima
- Momoshima Field Station, Fisheries Technology Institute (FTI), Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency (FRA), Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0061, Japan
| | - Masaei Kanematsu
- Momoshima Field Station, Fisheries Technology Institute (FTI), Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency (FRA), Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0061, Japan
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15
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Fluks M, Tamborski S, Szkulmowski M, Ajduk A. Optical coherence microscopy allows for quality assessment of immature mouse oocytes. Reproduction 2022; 164:83-95. [PMID: 35900349 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief Optical coherence microscopy is a label-free and non-invasive imaging technique capable of 3D subcellular structure visualization. Here we show that this method allows for quality assessment of immature mouse oocytes based on their chromatin conformation and can be a valuable addition to the toolkit used in assisted reproduction procedures. Abstract The success of assisted reproductive technologies, and particularly in vitro maturation, is tightly linked to the quality of oocytes. Therefore, there is a need for robust, reliable, and easy-to-assess biomarkers of oocyte developmental competence. Microscopy techniques visualizing oocyte intracellular structure could provide such biomarkers. However, fluorescence imaging methods, applied frequently in biology and allowing for detailed structural and dynamic studies of single cells, require fluorescent tags to visualize cellular architecture and may cause short- and long-term photo-damage. On the other hand, traditional light microscopy, although relatively non-invasive, does not provide detailed structural information. Optical coherence microscopy (OCM) is a promising alternative, as it does not require sample pre-processing or labelling and can provide 3D images of intracellular structures. Here we applied OCM to assess the chromatin conformation of immature mouse oocytes, a feature that corresponds with their transcriptional status and developmental competence and cannot be examined by traditional light microscopy. We showed that OCM distinguished oocytes with so-called non-surrounded nucleoli (NSN) and surrounded nucleoli (SN) chromatin conformation with very high sensitivity and specificity and that OCM scanning did not decrease the quality of oocytes. Finally, we cross-referenced OCM data with the oocyte ability to undergo normal nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation and proven that indeed oocytes scored with OCM as NSN mature less effectively than oocytes scored as SN. Our results suggest that OCM may be a valuable addition to the imaging toolkit used in assisted reproduction procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fluks
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Szymon Tamborski
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Maciej Szkulmowski
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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16
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Kawamoto TS, Viana JHM, Pontelo TP, Franco MM, de Faria OAC, Fidelis AAG, Vargas LN, Figueiredo RA. Dynamics of the Reproductive Changes and Acquisition of Oocyte Competence in Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) Calves during the Early and Intermediate Prepubertal Periods. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162137. [PMID: 36009727 PMCID: PMC9405107 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to characterize the reproductive physiology, oocyte competence, and chromatin compaction in Nelore calves in the early-prepubertal period (EPP) and the intermediate-prepubertal period (IPP). Calves aged 2-5 (EPP) and 8-11 months old (IPP) were assigned to Trial 1 (morpho-physiological-endocrine evaluations, n = 8) or Trial 2 (oocyte donors, n = 8) vs. the respective control groups of cows (n = 8, each). All morphological endpoints, except the antral follicle count, increased from the EPP to the IPP. The EPP LH-FSH plasma concentrations were similar to cows, whereas LH was lower and FSH was higher in the IPP than in cows. . Cows produced more Grade I (12.9% vs. 4.1% and 1.7%) and fewer Grade III COC (30.1% vs. 44.5% and 49.0%) than the EPP and IPP calves, respectively. The IPP calves' oocyte diameter was similar to those from cows but greater than those from EPP females (124.8 ± 8.5 and 126.0 ± 7.5 μm vs. 121.3 ± 7.5 μm, respectively). The expression of the chromatin compaction-related gene HDAC3 was downregulated in calves. The proportion of the blastocyst rate to the controls was lower in EPP than in IPP calves (43.7% vs. 78.7%, respectively). Progressive oocyte competence was found during the prepubertal period, which can help to decide whether to recover oocytes from calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taynan Stonoga Kawamoto
- Department of Veterinary, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia 38400-902, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maurício Machaim Franco
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília 70770-917, DF, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luna Nascimento Vargas
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia 38400-902, MG, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Alamino Figueiredo
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-61-3448-4961
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17
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Klabnik JL, Christenson LK, Gunewardena SSA, Pohler KG, Rispoli LA, Payton RR, Moorey SE, Neal Schrick F, Edwards JL. Heat-induced increases in body temperature in lactating dairy cows: impact on the cumulus and granulosa cell transcriptome of the periovulatory follicle. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:skac121. [PMID: 35772768 PMCID: PMC9246673 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cows acutely heat stressed after a pharmacologically induced luteinizing hormone (LH) surge had periovulatory changes in the follicular fluid proteome that may potentiate ovulation and impact oocyte developmental competence. Because the cellular origins of differentially abundant proteins were not known, we have examined the cumulus and granulosa cell transcriptomes from the periovulatory follicle in cows exhibiting varying levels of hyperthermia when occurring after the LH surge. After pharmacological induction of a dominant follicle, lactating dairy cows were administered gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and maintained in thermoneutral conditions (~67 temperature-humidity index [THI]) or heat stress conditions where THI was steadily increased for ~12 h (71 to 86 THI) and was sufficient to steadily elevate rectal temperatures. Cumulus-oocyte complexes and mural granulosa cells were recovered by transvaginal aspiration of dominant follicle content ~16 h after GnRH. Rectal temperature was used as a continuous, independent variable to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) increased or decreased per each 1 °C change in temperature. Cumulus (n = 9 samples) and granulosa (n = 8 samples) cells differentially expressed (false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.05) 25 and 87 genes, respectively. The majority of DEGs were upregulated by hyperthermia. Steady increases in THI are more like the "turning of a dial" than the "flipping of a switch." The moderate but impactful increases in rectal temperature induced modest fold changes in gene expression (<2-fold per 1 °C change in rectal temperature). Identification of cumulus DEGs involved in cell junctions, plasma membrane rafts, and cell-cycle regulation are consistent with marked changes in the interconnectedness and function of cumulus after the LH surge. Depending on the extent to which impacts may be occurring at the junctional level, cumulus changes may have indirect but impactful consequences on the oocyte as it undergoes meiotic maturation. Two granulosa cell DEGs have been reported by others to promote ovulation. Based on what is known, several other DEGs are suggestive of impacts on collagen formation or angiogenesis. Collectively these and other findings provide important insight regarding the extent to which the transcriptomes of the components of the periovulatory follicle (cumulus and mural granulosa cells) are affected by varying degrees of hyperthermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Klabnik
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Lane K Christenson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Sumedha S A Gunewardena
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Ky G Pohler
- Present address: Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Louisa A Rispoli
- Present address: Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, OH 45220, USA
| | - Rebecca R Payton
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Sarah E Moorey
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - F Neal Schrick
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - J Lannett Edwards
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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18
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Ferreira AF, Machado-Simões J, Soares M, Sousa AP, Ramalho-Santos J, Almeida-Santos T. Spatiotemporal dynamics of SIRT 1, 2 and 3 during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes. Theriogenology 2022; 186:60-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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19
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Misner MJ, Taborek A, Dufour J, Sharifi L, Khokhar JY, Favetta LA. Effects of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on Oocyte Competence and Early Embryonic Development. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 3:647918. [PMID: 35295104 PMCID: PMC8915882 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.647918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent changes in legal status and public perception of cannabis have contributed to an increase use amongst women of reproductive age. Concurrently, there is inadequate evidence-based knowledge to guide clinical practice regarding cannabis and its effects on fertility and early embryonic development. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), during oocyte maturation, and its impact on the developing embryo. Bovine oocytes were matured in vitro for 24 h under clinically relevant doses of THC mimicking plasma levels achieved after therapeutic (0.032 μM) and recreational (0.32 and 3.2 μM) cannabis use. THC-treated oocytes were assessed for development and quality parameters at both the oocyte and embryo level. Characteristics of oocytes treated with cannabinoid receptor antagonists were also assessed. Oocytes treated with 0.32 and 3.2 μM THC, were significantly less likely to reach metaphase II (p < 0.01) and consequently had lower cleavage rates at day 2 post-fertilization (p < 0.0001). Treatment with cannabinoid receptor antagonists restored this effect (p < 0.05). Oocytes that did reach MII showed no differences in spindle morphology. Oocytes treated with 0.032 μM THC had significantly lower connexin mRNA (p < 0.05) (correlated with decreased quality), but this was not confirmed at the protein level. At the blastocyst stage there were no significant differences in developmental rates or the proportion of trophectoderm to inner cell mass cells between the control and treatment groups. These blastocysts, however, displayed an increased level of apoptosis in the 0.32 and 3.2 μM groups (p < 0.0001). Our findings suggest a possible disruptive effect of cannabis on oocyte maturation and early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J Misner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Afton Taborek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jaustin Dufour
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Lea Sharifi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jibran Y Khokhar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Laura A Favetta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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20
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Buratini J, Soares ACS, Barros RG, Dellaqua TT, Lodde V, Franciosi F, Dal Canto M, Renzini MM, Luciano AM. Physiological parameters related to oocyte nuclear differentiation for the improvement of IVM/IVF outcomes in women and cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:27-35. [PMID: 35231269 DOI: 10.1071/rd21278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) has been applied in numerous different contexts and strategies in humans and animals, but in both cases it represents a challenge still far from being overcome. Despite the large dataset produced over the last two decades on the mechanisms that govern antral follicular development and oocyte metabolism and differentiation, IVM outcomes are still unsatisfactory. This review specifically focuses on data concerning the potential consequences of using supraphysiological levels of FSH during IVM, as well as on the regulation of oocyte chromatin dynamics and its utility as a potential marker of oocyte developmental competence. Taken together, the data revisited herein indicate that a significant improvement in IVM efficacy may be provided by the integration of pre-OPU patient-specific protocols preparing the oocyte population for IVM and more physiological culture systems mimicking more precisely the follicular environment that would be experienced by the recovered oocytes until completion of metaphase II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Buratini
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre - Eugin Group, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy; and Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo Garcia Barros
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Thaisy Tino Dellaqua
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Mario Mignini Renzini
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre - Eugin Group, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy
| | - Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Báez F, López Darriulat R, Rodríguez-Osorio N, Viñoles C. Effect of season on germinal vesicle stage, quality, and subsequent in vitro developmental competence in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes. J Therm Biol 2022; 103:103171. [PMID: 35027190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.103171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although the reproductive performance of grazing cattle is lower in summer compared to winter, the effect of season on oocyte developmental competence has not been thoroughly examined. We measured the effect of season on oocyte chromatin compaction, cumulus cell quality, and embryonic development after in vitro fertilization. Cumulus oocytes-complexes (COCs) were collected from abattoir cows' ovaries during the winter and summer months. First, we evaluated the degree of chromatin compaction in germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes (GV1 through GV3), which is associated with different degrees of developmental competence. Then, we determined the apoptotic index in cumulus cells from immature and in vitro matured COCs. Finally, in vitro matured oocytes were fertilized to determine blastocyst rate and embryo quality. During the summer months, we observed a significantly lower proportion of oocytes reaching the GV3 stage and higher levels of DNA fragmentation in cumulus cell. As a result, blastocyst yield and quality were reduced during the summer months. In conclusion, summer negatively affected oocyte GV stage progression, cumulus cell quality, and embryo development. Increased cumulus cell DNA fragmentation during summer, may partially explain the reduced oocyte maturation capacity, considering the relevance of cumulus-oocyte communication during this stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Báez
- Polo de Desarrollo Universitario (PDU) Instituto Superior de la Carne, Centro Universitario Regional Noreste, UdelaR, Ruta 5, km 386, Tacuarembó 45000, Uruguay.
| | - Ramiro López Darriulat
- Polo de Desarrollo Universitario (PDU) Instituto Superior de la Carne, Centro Universitario Regional Noreste, UdelaR, Ruta 5, km 386, Tacuarembó 45000, Uruguay
| | - Nélida Rodríguez-Osorio
- Unidad de Genómica y Bioinformática, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Centro Universitario Regional Litoral Norte, UdelaR, Rivera 1350, Salto 50000, Uruguay
| | - Carolina Viñoles
- PDU Centro de Salud Reproductiva de Rumiantes en Sistemas Agroforestales, Centro Universitario Regional Noreste, UdelaR, Ruta 26, km 408, Cerro Largo 37000, Uruguay
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22
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Berling F, Castro FCD, Oliveira ACDS. Infuence of heat stress on in vitro oocyte and embryo production in high-yielding Holstein cows. CIÊNCIA ANIMAL BRASILEIRA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1809-6891v23e-71852e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of thermal shock on oocytes used in the production of in vitro embryos (IVP) of high productivity Holstein cows on the day of follicular aspiration (OPU; 0), 30, 60 and 90 days before the OPU. From the mean temperature on day 0 and on the previous 30, 60 and 90 days, they were classifed into comfort group (TC; up to 15°C) and heat stress (HS; above 15°C) groups.Anegative influence was observed on oocytes and viable embryos (total and grade I). The heat stress in the periods of 30 and 60 days prior to OPU resulted in lower production of viable oocytes (P=0.0028; P=0.0092, respectively). Under stress, on the day of OPU (HS-OPU), cows showed no reduction in the amount of viable oocytes (P=0.5497) and there was no influence of temperature for the group stressed 90 days before OPU (P=0.8287). For total embryos, the difference occurred only in the HS-30 group (P=0.0317), where the groups HS-OPU, HS-60, HS-90 presented, respectively, P=0. 1987, P=0.0596 and P=0.4580. Regarding the production of embryos of grade 1, there was no difference for the groups HS-OPU (P=0.2291) and HS-90 (P=0.2868), but there was a reduction for HS-30 (P=0.0143) and HS-60 (P=0.0253). In summary, heat stress had a negative impact when it occurred 30 or 60 days before follicular aspiration. In addition, 30 days seems to be the period of more susceptibility and that causes the greatest deleterious effects on oocyte viability and IVP.
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23
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Berling F, Castro FCD, Oliveira ACDS. Influência do estresse calórico na produção in vitro de oócitos e embriões de vacas Holandesas de alta produtividade. CIÊNCIA ANIMAL BRASILEIRA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1809-6891v23e-71852p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar a infuência do estresse térmico em oócitos utilizados na produção in vitro de embriões (PIV) bovinos da raça Holandesa de alta produtividade no dia da aspiração folicular (OPU; 0), 30, 60 e 90 dias antes da OPU. A partir da temperatura média no dia 0 e aos 30, 60 e 90 dias anteriores, foram classificados nos grupos conforto (CT; até 15°C) e estresse por calor (ET -acima de 15°C). Observou-se infuência negativa em oócitos e embriões viáveis (total e grau I). A submissão ao estresse térmico nos períodos de 30 e 60 dias anteriores à OPU resultou em menor produção de oócitos viáveis (P=0,0028; P=0,0092, respectivamente). Sob estresse, no dia da OPU (ET-OPU), as vacas não apresentaram redução na quantidade de oócitos viáveis (P=0,5497) e não houve infuência da temperatura para o grupo estressado 90 dias antes da OPU (P=0,8287). Para embriões totais, a diferença ocorreu apenas no grupo ET-30 (P=0,0317), onde os grupos ET-OPU, ET-60, ET-90 apresentaram, respectivamente, P=0,1987, P=0,0596 e P=0,4580. Em relação à produção de embriões grau 1, não houve diferença para os grupos ET-OPU (P=0,2291) e ET-90 (P=0,2868), porém houve redução para ET-30 (P=0,0143) e ET- 60 (P=0,0253). Em resumo, o estresse por calor teve impacto negativo quando ocorreu 30 ou 60 dias antes da aspiração folicular. Além disso, 30 dias parece ser o período de maior suscetibilidade e que causa os maiores efeitos deletérios na viabilidade oocitária e na PIV.
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24
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Sirard MA. The two-step process of ovarian follicular growth and maturation in mammals can be compared to a fruit ripening where quality depends on the second step. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:230-234. [PMID: 34939644 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In human IVF, the main uncertainty factor impacting on success is oocyte quality, which largely depends on the follicular status at the time of collection. Decades of debate ensued to find the perfect stimulation protocol demonstrated the complexity of the ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropins and the dynamic nature of late folliculogenesis. Although several follicular markers, proteins, RNA from granulosa cells or microRNA and follicular fluid metabolites have been associated with outcome, the possibility to influence them during stimulation remains elusive. The heterogeneity of the follicle's maturity following control ovarian stimulation is also an important factor to explain average poor oocyte quality still observed today. In this review, the analogy between the apple ripening on the tree and follicular development is presented to focus the attention on a biphasic process: growth and differentiation. The molecular analysis of the progressive follicular differentiation indicates 2 competing phenomena: growth and differentiation where a delicate balance must operate from one to the other to ensure proper maturity at ovulation. As long as FSH stimulates growth, follicles remain green, and it is only when FSH is replaced by LH that the ripening process begins, and "apples" become red. Both fruits, follicles and apples, depend on a perfect timing of events to generate offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI).,Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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25
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Robert C. Nurturing the egg: the essential connection between cumulus cells and the oocyte. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:149-159. [PMID: 35231386 DOI: 10.1071/rd21282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The determinants of oocyte quality remain uncertain. Under suitable conditions, which have yet to be defined, the gamete grows and acquires the competence to resume meiosis, be fertilised and undergo embryonic development at least beyond genome activation, after which the blastomere is autonomous enough to adapt to the specificity of its environment. This review describes the central role played by the oocyte in reproductive success and how communication between cumulus cells and the oocyte are essential to proper oogenesis and the quality of the resulting gamete. While most attempts to improve oocyte quality have been directed at gonadotrophin-based systemic endocrine signalling, it is proposed that parallel control of fertility may act locally within ovarian follicles through intimate cooperation between somatic cells and the oocyte via the network of transzonal projections. This intercellular communication may prove to be more sensitive to environmental conditions than systemic endocrine signalling, which is essential for many non-reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Robert
- Département des sciences animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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26
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Lan Y, Zhang S, Gong F, Lu C, Lin G, Hu L. The mitochondrial DNA copy number of cumulus granulosa cells may be related to the maturity of oocyte cytoplasm. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:1120-1129. [PMID: 32358599 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number of cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) related to the maturation of oocyte cytoplasm? SUMMARY ANSWER Compared with the mtDNA copy number of CGCs from germinal vesicles (GV), CGCs from Metaphase I (MI) oocytes appear to have a lower mtDNA copy number. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The growth and development of CGCs and oocyte are synchronised. The interaction between CGCs and the oocyte provides the appropriate balance of energy, which is necessary for mammalian oocyte development. Moreover, in the oocyte-cumulus complex (OCC), mature oocytes with higher mtDNA copy numbers tend to have corresponding CGCs with higher mtDNA copy numbers. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a prospective study of 302 OCCs obtained from 70 women undergoing in vitro fertilisation with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) at the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, between 24 February 2018 and 21 December 2019. The CGCs were divided into three groups (GV, MI and MII stages) based on the maturation status of their corresponding oocyte. The sample sizes (n = 302) of CGCs in the three stages were 63 (CGCGV), 70 (CGCMI) and 169 (CGCMII), respectively. Some of the samples (n = 257) was used to quantify the mtDNA copy number, while the rest (n = 45) were used to analyse the expression level of mitochondrial genes. Furthermore, we retrieved 82 immature oocytes from among the 257 OCCs used for mtDNA copy numbers, including 36 GV oocytes and 46 MI oocytes, for analysis of oocyte mtDNA. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We selected genes with high consistency of real-time PCR results to accurately measure the mtDNA copy number by testing the efficacy and the reproducibility in whole genome amplification (WGA) samples from a human embryonic stem cell line. The CGCs of each oocyte were individually isolated. The mtDNA copy number and gene expression of the CGCs were assessed using real-time PCR techniques. Mitochondrial DNA copy number of the corresponding immature oocytes was also evaluated. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE MT-ND1, MT-CO1 and β-globin genes were chosen for the assessment of mtDNA content, and mRNA expressions of MT-ND1, MT-CO1, PGC-1α and TFAM were also measured. The genome of 257 CGCs and 82 immature oocytes were amplified according to the multiple displacement amplification (MDA) protocol, and RNA was extracted from 45 CGCs. Compared with CGCGV, CGCMI had a significantly lower mtDNA copy number. In the MT-ND1 assay, the CGCGV: CGCMI was [270 ± 302]: [134 ± 201], P = 0.015. In the MT-CO1 assay, CGCGV: CGCMI was [205 ± 228]: [92 ± 112], P = 0.026. There was no statistical difference in mtDNA between CGCGV and CGCMII. In the MT-ND1 assay, CGCGV: CGCMII was [270 ± 302]: [175 ± 223], P = 0.074. In the MT-CO1 assay, CGCGV: CGCMII was [205 ± 228]: [119 ± 192], P = 0.077. No statistical difference of mtDNA copy number was observed between CGCMI and CGCMII. In the MT-ND1 assay, CGCMI: CGCMII was [134 ± 201]: [175 ± 223], P = 0.422. In the MT-CO1 assay, CGCMI: CGCMII was [92 ± 112]: [119 ± 192], P = 0.478. To verify the reliability of the above results, we further analysed the mtDNA copy number of CGCs of 14 patients with GV, MI and MII oocytes, and the results showed that the mtDNA copy number of CGCMI may be lower. The mtDNA copy number of CGCGV and CGCMI was statistically different in the MT-ND1 assay where CGCGV: CGCMI was [249 ± 173]: [118 ± 113], P = 0.016, but in the MT-CO1 assay, CGCGV: CGCMI was [208 ± 199]: [83 ± 98], P = 0.109. There was no significant difference in mtDNA between CGCGV and CGCMII. In the MT-ND1 assay, CGCGV: CGCMII was [249 ± 173]: [185 ± 200], P = 0.096. In the MT-CO1 assay, CGCGV: CGCMII was [208 ± 199]: [114 ± 139], P = 0.096. There was also no significant difference in mtDNA between CGCMI and CGCMII. In the MT-ND1 assay, CGCMI: CGCMII was [118 ± 113]: [185 ± 200], P = 0.198. In the MT-CO1 assay, CGCMI: CGCMII was [83 ± 98]: [114 ± 139], P = 0.470. Moreover, there were no statistical differences in the expression levels of MT-ND1, MT-CO1, PGC-1α and TFAM between CGCGV, CGCMI and CGCMII (P > 0.05). LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Due to the ethical issues, the study did not quantify the mtDNA content of MII oocytes. Thus, whether the change in mtDNA copy number in CGCs is related to the different developmental stages of oocytes has not been further confirmed. Moreover, the sample size was relatively small. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The mtDNA copy number of CGCs decreases from the GV phase to the MI phase and stays steady from the MI to MII stage. At different stages of oocyte maturation, the mtDNA of CGCs may undergo self-degradation and replication to meet the energy requirements of the corresponding oocyte and the maturation of the oocyte cytoplasm. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Funding was provided by the National Key R&D Program of China (Grant 2018YFC1003100, to L.H.), the science and technology major project of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Hunan Province, China (grant 2017SK1030, to G.L.), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant 81873478, to L.H.), and Merck Serono China Research Fund for Fertility Experts (to L.H.). There is no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyun Lan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Birth Defect Prevention Research Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Children's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Shuoping Zhang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Clinical Research Center For Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering (Central South University), Changsha, Hunan, China.,Clinical Research Center For Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Changfu Lu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering (Central South University), Changsha, Hunan, China.,Clinical Research Center For Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, Hunan, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering (Central South University), Changsha, Hunan, China.,Clinical Research Center For Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liang Hu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, Hunan, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering (Central South University), Changsha, Hunan, China.,Clinical Research Center For Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
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27
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Luciano AM, Barros RG, Soares ACS, Buratini J, Lodde V, Franciosi F. Recreating the Follicular Environment: A Customized Approach for In Vitro Culture of Bovine Oocytes Based on the Origin and Differentiation State. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2273:1-15. [PMID: 33604842 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1246-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian ovary is a large source of oocytes organized into follicles at various stages of folliculogenesis. However, only a limited number of them can be used for in vitro embryo production (IVEP), while most have yet to complete growth and development to attain full meiotic and embryonic developmental competence. While the in vitro growth of primordial follicles in the ovarian cortex has the potential to produce mature oocytes, it is still at an experimental stage. The population of early antral follicles (EAFs), instead, may represent a reserve of oocytes close to completing the growth phase, which might be more easily exploited in vitro and could increase the number of female gametes dedicated to IVEP.Here we present in vitro culture strategies that have been developed utilizing physiological parameters to support the specific needs of oocytes at distinct stages of differentiation, in order to expand the source of female gametes for IVEP by maximizing the attainment of fertilizable oocytes. Furthermore, these culture systems provide powerful tools to dissect the molecular processes that direct the final differentiation of the mammalian oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Rodrigo Garcia Barros
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Caroline Silva Soares
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Jose Buratini
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil.,Biogenesi, Reproductive Medicine Centre, Monza, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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28
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Pontelo TP, Franco MM, Kawamoto TS, Caixeta FMC, de Oliveira Leme L, Kussano NR, Zangeronimo MG, Dode MAN. Histone deacetylase inhibitor during in vitro maturation decreases developmental capacity of bovine oocytes. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247518. [PMID: 33667248 PMCID: PMC7935280 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of scriptaid during pre-maturation (PIVM) and/or maturation (IVM) on developmental competence of bovine oocytes. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were submitted to PIVM for 6 h in the presence or absence of scriptaid. COCs were distributed into five groups: T1-IVM for 22 h, T2-PIVM for 6 h and IVM for 22 h, T3-PIVM with scriptaid for 6 h and IVM for 22 h, T4-PIVM for 6 h and IVM with scriptaid for 22 h, and T5-PIVM with scriptaid for 6 h and IVM with scriptaid for 22 h. Nuclear maturation, gene expression, cumulus cells (CCs) expansion, and embryo development and quality were evaluated. At the end of maturation, all groups presented the majority of oocytes in MII (P>0.05). Only HAT1 gene was differentially expressed (P<0.01) in oocytes with different treatments. Regarding embryo development at D7, T4 (23%) and T5 (18%) had lower blastocyst rate (P<0.05) than the other treatments (T1 = 35%, T2 = 37% and T3 = 32%). No effect was observed when scriptaid in PIVM was used in less competent oocytes (P>0.05). In conclusion, presence of scriptaid in PIVM and/or IVM did not improve developmental competence or embryo quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mauricio Machaim Franco
- Federal University Uberlândia, Animal Science, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry of Federal, University of Uberlandia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Margot Alves Nunes Dode
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
- University of Brasilia, Animal Science, Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil
- University of Brasilia, Institute of Biology, Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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29
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Pontelo TP, Rodrigues SAD, Kawamoto TS, Leme LO, Gomes ACMM, Zangeronimo MG, Franco MM, Dode MAN. Histone acetylation during the in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes with different levels of competence. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:690-696. [PMID: 32317093 DOI: 10.1071/rd19218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to analyse the histone acetylation status and expression profile of genes involved in histone acetylation (histone acetyltransferase 1 (HAT1), lysine acetyltransferase 2A (KAT2A), histone deacetylase 1(HDAC1), HDAC2 and HDAC3) in bovine oocytes of different competences during invitro maturation (IVM). Cumulus-oocyte complexes were recovered from two groups of follicles: minor follicles (1.0-3.0mm in diameter), classified as low competence (LC) and large follicles (6.0-8.0mm in diameter) classified as high competence (HC). Oocytes were submitted to IVM for 0, 8 and 24h and stored for analysis. Acetylation status of histone H4 on lysine K5, K6, K12 and K16 was assessed by immunohistochemistry. For gene expression, mRNA levels were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. All oocytes, regardless of their competence, showed a gradual decrease (P<0.05) in acetylation signals during IVM. From 0 to 8h of maturation, an increase (P<0.05) in the relative abundance of HAT1 mRNA was observed only in the HC oocytes. In this group, higher (P<0.05) mRNA levels of HDAC1 at 8h of maturation were also observed. In conclusion, in the present study, LC oocytes were shown to have adequate acetylation levels for the resumption and progression of meiosis; however, these oocytes do not have the capacity to synthesise RNA during IVM as the HC oocytes do.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais P Pontelo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG 32700-000, Brazil
| | - Sarah A D Rodrigues
- Department of Animal Science, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Taynan S Kawamoto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Ligiane O Leme
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES 29075-073, Brazil
| | - A C M M Gomes
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-900, Brazil
| | - Marcio G Zangeronimo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG 32700-000, Brazil
| | - Mauricio M Franco
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-900, Brazil
| | - Margot A N Dode
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF 70770-900, Brazil; and Corresponding author.
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30
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Bezerra FTG, Dau AMP, Van Den Hurk R, Silva JRV. Molecular characteristics of oocytes and somatic cells of follicles at different sizes that influence in vitro oocyte maturation and embryo production. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2021; 74:106485. [PMID: 32858464 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
During the last 10 to 15 yr, in vitro research to predict antral follicle growth and oocyte maturation has delivered interesting advances in the knowledge of processes regulating follicle growth and developmental competence of oocytes. This review discusses the contribution of cumulus and mural granulosa cells in the process of oocyte maturation and cumulus expansion in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from follicles of different sizes and shows that differences in gene expression in oocytes, granulosa, and theca cells of small and large follicles impact the success of in vitro blastocyst development. In addition, the molecular mechanisms by which COC metabolism and antioxidant defense provide oocyte competence are highlighted. Furthermore, new insights and perspectives on molecular and cellular regulation of in vitro oocyte maturation are emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- F T G Bezerra
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Graduation School of Biotechnology, Federal University of Ceara, Campus of Sobral, Sobral, Ceará, Brazil
| | - A M P Dau
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Sul, Rolante, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - R Van Den Hurk
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - J R V Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Graduation School of Biotechnology, Federal University of Ceara, Campus of Sobral, Sobral, Ceará, Brazil.
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31
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Latorraca LB, Feitosa WB, Mariano C, Moura MT, Fontes PK, Nogueira MFG, Paula-Lopes FF. Autophagy is a pro-survival adaptive response to heat shock in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13711. [PMID: 32792582 PMCID: PMC7426922 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69939-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a physiological mechanism that can be activated under stress conditions. However, the role of autophagy during oocyte maturation has been poorly investigated. Therefore, this study characterized the role of autophagy on developmental competence and gene expression of bovine oocytes exposed to heat shock (HS). Cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) were matured at Control (38.5 °C) and HS (41 °C) temperatures in the presence of 0 and 10 mM 3-methyladenine (3MA; autophagy inhibitor). Western blotting analysis revealed that HS increased autophagy marker LC3-II/LC3-I ratio in oocytes. However, there was no effect of temperature for oocytes matured with 3MA. On cumulus cells, 3MA reduced LC3-II/LC3-I ratio regardless of temperature. Inhibition of autophagy during IVM of heat-shocked oocytes (3MA-41 °C) reduced cleavage and blastocyst rates compared to standard in vitro matured heat-shocked oocytes (IVM-41 °C). Therefore, the magnitude of HS detrimental effects was greater in the presence of autophagy inhibitor. Oocyte maturation under 3MA-41 °C reduced mRNA abundance for genes related to energy metabolism (MTIF3), heat shock response (HSF1), and oocyte maturation (HAS2 and GREM1). In conclusion, autophagy is a stress response induced on heat shocked oocytes. Inhibition of autophagy modulated key functional processes rendering the oocyte more susceptible to the deleterious effects of heat shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lais B Latorraca
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University (UNESP), District of Rubião Junior S/N, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618970, Brazil
| | - Weber B Feitosa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, São Paulo, 09972270, Brazil
| | - Camila Mariano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, São Paulo, 09972270, Brazil
| | - Marcelo T Moura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, São Paulo, 09972270, Brazil
| | - Patrícia K Fontes
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University (UNESP), District of Rubião Junior S/N, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618970, Brazil
| | - Marcelo F G Nogueira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University (UNESP), District of Rubião Junior S/N, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618970, Brazil
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Sciences and Languages, UNESP, Assis, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabíola F Paula-Lopes
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University (UNESP), District of Rubião Junior S/N, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618970, Brazil.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, São Paulo, 09972270, Brazil.
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Soares ACS, Marques KNG, Bragança LGM, Lodde V, Luciano AM, Buratini J. Synchronization of germinal vesicle maturity improves efficacy of in vitro embryo production in Holstein cows. Theriogenology 2020; 154:53-58. [PMID: 32480064 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Germinal vesicle oocytes obtained by ovum pick-up (OPU) on a random day are heterogeneous in terms of chromatin maturity, and those with an intermediate degree of chromatin compaction present higher developmental competence. We previously developed a synchronization protocol combining follicle aspiration and FSH treatment capable of increasing the percentage of oocytes with intermediate chromatin compaction (classified as GV2 oocytes; within progressive stages of chromatin compaction ranging from GV0 to GV3) at the time of OPU. In this study, we tested the capacity of a similar protocol to synchronize oocyte chromatin maturity before OPU, as well as to improve the efficacy of in vitro embryo production (IVP) in Holstein cows. In the first experiment, eight non-lactating Holstein cows were subjected to the D5/4FSH, during which all follicles larger than 2 mm were aspirated and a progesterone intravaginal device was inserted on a random day (day 0). Subsequently, four IM injections of FSH (Folltropin; 40/40/20/20 mg) were administered 12h apart on days 2 and 3, and removal of the progesterone device and OPU were performed on day 5. Of the oocytes recovered by OPU, 83.2% were at the GV2 stage. In a second experiment, eighteen non-lactating Holstein cows (Synchro group) were subjected to the D5/4FSH protocol followed by IVM/IVF, and embryo production was compared with that of other seventeen cows submitted to OPU on a random day followed by IVM/IVF (Control group). Blastocyst rate in relation to total oocytes recovered was higher in the Synchro group (37.9%) compared to the Control group (21%; P < 0.05). The percentage of good quality blastocysts morphologically selected for freezing and later transfer in relation to the total number of oocytes recovered tended to be higher in the Synchro group (27.68%) compared to the Control group (14.34%; P = 0.1). These data suggest that synchronization protocols increasing the percentage of GV2 oocytes in the population subjected to IVM/IVF can improve the efficacy of embryo in vitro production in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Caroline Silva Soares
- Ovarian Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jose Buratini
- Ovarian Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil; Biogenesi, Reproductive Medicine Centre, Monza, Italy
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A Comparative Analysis of Oocyte Development in Mammals. Cells 2020; 9:cells9041002. [PMID: 32316494 PMCID: PMC7226043 DOI: 10.3390/cells9041002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual reproduction requires the fertilization of a female gamete after it has undergone optimal development. Various aspects of oocyte development and many molecular actors in this process are shared among mammals, but phylogeny and experimental data reveal species specificities. In this chapter, we will present these common and distinctive features with a focus on three points: the shaping of the oocyte transcriptome from evolutionarily conserved and rapidly evolving genes, the control of folliculogenesis and ovulation rate by oocyte-secreted Growth and Differentiation Factor 9 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15, and the importance of lipid metabolism.
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Xu D, He H, Liu D, Geng G, Li Q. A novel role of SIRT2 in regulating gap junction communications via connexin-43 in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:7332-7343. [PMID: 32039484 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
SIRT2, the predominantly cytosolic sirtuin, plays important role in multiple biological processes, including metabolism, stress response, and aging. However, the function of SIRT2 in gap junction intercellular communications (GJICs) of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) is not yet known. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect and underlining mechanism of SIRT2 on GJICs in COCs. Here, we found that treatment with SIRT2 inhibitors (SirReal2 or TM) inhibited bovine oocyte nuclear maturation. Further analysis revealed that SIRT2 inactivation disturbed the GJICs of COCs during in vitro maturation. Correspondingly, both the Cx43 phosphorylation levels and MEK/MER signaling pathways were induced by SIRT2 inhibition. Importantly, SIRT2-mediated Cx43 phosphorylation was completely abolished by treatment with MEK1/2 inhibitor (Trametinib). Furthermore, treatment with SIRT2 inhibitors resulted in the high levels of MEK1/2 acetylation. Functionally, downregulating the MER/ERK pathways with inhibitors (Trametinib or SCH772984) could attenuate the closure of GJICs caused by SIRT2 inactivation in partly. In addition, inhibition of SIRT2 activity significantly decreased the membrane and zona pellucida localization of Cx43 by upregulating the levels of Cx43 acetylation. Taken together, these results demonstrated a novel role that SIRT2 regulates GJICs via modulating the phosphorylation and deacetylation of Cx43 in COCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejun Xu
- Department of Zoology and Animal Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Huanshan He
- Department of Zoology and Animal Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Dingbang Liu
- Department of Zoology and Animal Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Guoxia Geng
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Qingwang Li
- Department of Zoology and Animal Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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Sakaguchi K, Nagano M. Follicle priming by FSH and pre-maturation culture to improve oocyte quality in vivo and in vitro. Theriogenology 2020; 150:122-129. [PMID: 32005509 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays there is strong demand to produce embryos from premium quality cattle, and we can produce embryos using oocytes collected from living premium animals by ovum-pick up (OPU) followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, the developmental competence of IVF oocytes to form blastocysts is variable. The developmental competence of oocytes depends on the size and stages of follicles, and follicle-stimulating hormone priming (FSH-priming) prior to OPU can promote follicular growth and improve the developmental competence of oocytes. Furthermore, following the induction of ovulation using an injection of luteinizing hormone or gonadotropin-releasing hormone after FSH-priming, we can collect in vivo matured oocytes from ovulatory follicles, which show higher developmental competence than oocytes matured in vitro. However, the conventional protocols for FSH-priming consist of multiple FSH injection for 3-4 days, which is stressful for the animal and labor-intensive for the veterinarian. In addition, these techniques cannot be applied to IVF of oocytes collected from bovine ovaries derived from slaughterhouses, which are important sources of oocytes. Here, we review previous research focused on FSH-priming, especially for collecting in vivo matured oocytes and a simplified method for superstimulation using a single injection of FSH. We also introduce the previous achievements using in vitro pre-maturation culture, which can improve the developmental competence of oocytes derived from non-stimulated animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Sakaguchi
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0818, Japan; Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, University of Edinburgh, The Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
| | - Masashi Nagano
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, 034-8628, Japan.
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Gad A, Nemcova L, Murin M, Kinterova V, Kanka J, Laurincik J, Benc M, Pendovski L, Prochazka R. Global transcriptome analysis of porcine oocytes in correlation with follicle size. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 87:102-114. [PMID: 31736195 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Although our knowledge regarding oocyte quality and development has improved significantly, the molecular mechanisms that regulate and determine oocyte developmental competence are still unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify and analyze the transcriptome profiles of porcine oocytes derived from large or small follicles using RNA high-throughput sequencing technology. RNA libraries were constructed from oocytes of large (LO; 3-6 mm) or small (SO; 1.5-1.9 mm) ovarian follicles and then sequenced in an Illumina HiSeq4000. Transcriptome analysis showed a total of 14,557 genes were commonly detected in both oocyte groups. Genes related to the cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, and quality were among the top highly expressed genes in both groups. Differential expression analysis revealed 60 up- and 262 downregulated genes in the LO compared with the SO group. BRCA2, GPLD1, ZP3, ND3, and ND4L were among the highly abundant and highly significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The ontological classification of DEGs indicated that protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum was the top enriched pathway. In addition, biological processes related to cell growth and signaling, gene expression regulations, cytoskeleton, and extracellular matrix organization were among the highly enriched processes. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the global transcriptome changes and the abundance of specific transcripts in porcine oocytes in correlation with follicle size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Gad
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic.,Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Lucie Nemcova
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Matej Murin
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Kinterova
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Kanka
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Jozef Laurincik
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic.,Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Michal Benc
- Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic.,Biology of Reproduction Department, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Uhrineves, Czech Republic
| | - Lazo Pendovski
- Department of Functional Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Radek Prochazka
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic
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Pereira LMC, Bersano PRDO, Moura ADA, Lopes MD. First proteomic analysis of diestrus and anestrus canine oocytes at the germinal vesicle reveals candidate proteins involved in oocyte meiotic competence. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:1532-1542. [PMID: 31484219 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In domestic dogs, oocyte maturation rates are low and the percentage of oocytes that remain in the stage of germinal vesicle (GV) regardless of culture conditions is high. The present study was conducted to characterize the proteome of canine oocyte at the germinal vesicle stage using label-free mass spectrometry. Ovaries were collected from 415 adult domestic dogs and oocytes were divided anestrus and diestrus group. Protein lysates were subjected to quantitative proteomic analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins in different status reproductive. All runs for each sample were performed on an Easy nLC1000 nano-LC chromatograph system directly connected to a quadrupole-type Orbitrap mass spectrometer. For identification of peptides and proteins, raw data of the spectra were loaded into MaxQuant software version 1.5.2.8. Proteomic data were analysed according to gene ontology and a protein-protein interaction network. 312 proteins were identified and grouped according to their biological processes, molecular functions and cellular component. Forty-six differentially expressed proteins among diestrus and control group were associated with at least one GO term in the biological process database. Several proteins involved in the cell cycle, fertilization, regulation of transcription and signalling pathways that are essential for the full development of oocytes and fertilization were expressed. This study identified proteins that were absent, and more or less expressed in different status reproductive. These differentially expressed proteins revealed a framework of molecular reorganization within a GV that renders its competency. This knowledge will enable the identification of target competence biomarkers and thus the establishment of more adequate means of cultivation to improve the M-I and II indexes in this species and also to better understand the physiology of the domestic dog, promoting the development of new reproduction biotechniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leda Maria Costa Pereira
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.,Faculty of Veterinary/FAVET, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maria Denise Lopes
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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Gaps and barriers: Gap junctions as a channel of communication between the soma and the germline. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 97:167-171. [PMID: 31558347 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions, expressed in most tissues of the body, allow for the cytoplasmic coupling of adjacent cells and promote tissue cooperation. Gap junctions connect also the soma and the germline in many animals, and transmit somatic signals that are crucial for germline maturation and integrity. In this review, we examine the involvement of gap junctions in the relay of information between the soma and the germline, and ask whether such communication could have consequences for the progeny. While the influence of parental experiences on descendants is of great interest, the possibility that gap junctions participate in the transmission of information across generations is largely unexplored.
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Characterization and control of oocyte large-scale chromatin configuration in different cattle breeds. Theriogenology 2019; 141:146-152. [PMID: 31541784 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Differences in reproductive physiology between cattle breeds may help to explain distinct responses to assisted reproductive techniques and to define breed-specific protocols with improved efficiency. Germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes are characterized by increasing levels of chromatin compaction enclosed within the nucleus (graded from GV0 to GV3), associated with different developmental competence. The first objective of this study was to characterize chromatin configuration of GV stage oocytes recovered by OPU at random days of the estrous cycle from Nelore (Bos indicus) and Holstein (Bos taurus) cows. In Nelore 90% of the oocytes presented advanced stages of chromatin compaction associated with higher developmental competence (GV2 and GV3), while in Holstein, only 65% of the oocytes were at these stages. Then, aiming to obtain a more homogeneous population of oocytes in Holstein, we tested two synchronization protocols combining aspiration of all visible follicles at a random day (day 0), two IM injections of FSH 12 h apart on day 2, and OPU on day 4 (OPU/D4) or 5 (OPU/D5). The protocol OPU/D4 provided around 45% of the oocytes with low chromatin compaction (GV1), while the protocol OPU/D5 provided 70% of the oocytes at GV2 and 20% at GV3. Finally, we assessed the effects of a culture system known to prevent meiotic resumption on chromatin configuration of the GV2 enriched oocyte population obtained with the protocol OPU/D5. After 9 h of culture most oocytes transited from GV2 to GV3, with 90% of the oocytes at GV3 stage. This study demonstrates differences between Nelore and Holstein cows regarding patterns of chromatin configuration that may account for their different performance in IVM/IVF. In addition, it provides novel references for the design of protocols aiming to regulate oocyte quality before IVM for the optimization of IVF outcomes.
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40
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Soto-Heras S, Menéndez-Blanco I, Catalá MG, Izquierdo D, Thompson JG, Paramio MT. Biphasic in vitro maturation with C-type natriuretic peptide enhances the developmental competence of juvenile-goat oocytes. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221663. [PMID: 31442286 PMCID: PMC6707569 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro embryo production success in juvenile animals is compromised due to their intrinsic lower oocyte quality. Conventional in vitro maturation (IVM) impairs oocyte competence by inducing spontaneous meiotic resumption. A series of experiments were performed to determine if maintaining meiotic arrest during a pre-maturation culture phase (pre-IVM) prior to conventional IVM improves oocyte competence of juvenile-goat (2 months old) cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). In experiment 1, COCs were cultured with C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP; 0, 50, 100, 200 nM) for 6 and 8 h. Nuclear stage was assessed, revealing no differences in the incidence of germinal vesicle (GV) breakdown. In experiment 2, the same CNP concentrations were assessed plus 10 nM estradiol, the known upstream agonist activating expression of NPR2, the exclusive receptor of CNP. CNP (200 nM) plus estradiol increased the rate of oocytes at GV stage at 6 h compared to control group (74.7% vs 28.3%; P<0.05) with predominantly condensed chromatin configuration. In experiment 3, relative mRNA quantification revealed NPR2 expression was down-regulated after pre-IVM (6 h). In experiment 4, analysis of transzonal projections indicated that pre-IVM maintained cumulus-oocyte communication after oocyte recovery. For experiments 5 and 6, biphasic IVM (6 h pre-IVM with CNP and estradiol, plus 24 h IVM) and control IVM (24 h) were compared. Biphasic IVM increased intra-oocyte glutathione and decreased ROS, up-regulated DNA-methyltransferase 1 and pentraxin 3 expression and led to an increase in rate of blastocyst development compared to control group (30.2% vs 17.2%; P<0.05). In conclusion, a biphasic IVM, including a pre-IVM with CNP, maintains oocyte meiotic arrest for 6 h and enhances the embryo developmental competence of oocytes from juvenile goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Soto-Heras
- Departament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Menéndez-Blanco
- Departament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria-Gracia Catalá
- Departament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolors Izquierdo
- Departament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jeremy G. Thompson
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Paedriatics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics and Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, Davies Research Centre, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Maria-Teresa Paramio
- Departament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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Triggering method in assisted reproduction alters the cumulus cell transcriptome. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:211-224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.03.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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42
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Cocero MJ, Marigorta P, Novillo F, Folch J, Sánchez P, Alabart JL, Lahoz B. Ovine oocytes display a similar germinal vesicle configuration and global DNA methylation at prepubertal and adult ages. Theriogenology 2019; 138:154-163. [PMID: 31357118 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are thought to be involved in the reduced developmental capacity of early prepubertal ewe oocytes compared to their adult counterparts. In this study, we have analyzed the global DNA methylation pattern and in vitro meiotic and developmental competence of oocytes at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage obtained from adult and 3-month-old donors. All oocytes were aspirated from antral follicles with a diameter ≥3 mm, and DNA methylation on 5-methylcytosine was detected by immunofluorescence using an anti-methyl cytosine antibody. The main global chromatin configuration pattern shown by both prepubertal and adult ovine oocytes corresponded to condensed chromatin localized close to the nuclear envelope (the SNE pattern). Immunofluorescence showed that a global bright nuclear staining of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) occurred in all germinal vesicle stage oocytes and matched the propidium iodide staining pattern. The total fluorescence intensity values of lamb GVs were not lower than those observed in adult GVs. The meiotic competence and cleavage rates were similar in adult and prepubertal oocytes, however, the developmental competence of embryos to reach blastocysts was higher for adult oocytes than lamb oocytes (p<0.0001). In conclusion, our results indicate that adult-size oocytes derived from 3 to 4 month old prepubertal ewes show similar GV morphology and DNA methylation staining patterns to those obtained from adult animals, despite exhibiting a lower developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- María J Cocero
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Avenida Puerta de Hierro 12 local 10, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Pilar Marigorta
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Avenida Puerta de Hierro 12 local 10, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Novillo
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Avenida Puerta de Hierro 12 local 10, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Folch
- Unidad de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Gobierno de Aragón, Av. Montañana 930, 50059, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), Spain
| | - Pilar Sánchez
- Unidad de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Gobierno de Aragón, Av. Montañana 930, 50059, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), Spain
| | - José L Alabart
- Unidad de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Gobierno de Aragón, Av. Montañana 930, 50059, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), Spain
| | - Belén Lahoz
- Unidad de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Gobierno de Aragón, Av. Montañana 930, 50059, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), Spain
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Fluks M, Szczepanska K, Ishikawa T, Ajduk A. Transcriptional status of mouse oocytes corresponds with their ability to generate Ca2+ release. Reproduction 2019; 157:465-474. [PMID: 30817322 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In fully grown ovarian follicles both transcriptionally active (NSN) and inactive (SN) oocytes are present. NSN oocytes have been shown to display lower developmental potential. It is possible that oocytes that have not completed transcription before meiosis resumption accumulate less RNA and proteins required for their further development, including those responsible for regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis. Oscillations of the cytoplasmic concentration of free Ca2+ ions ([Ca2+]i) are triggered in oocytes by a fertilizing spermatozoon and are crucial for inducing and regulating further embryonic development. We showed that NSN-derived oocytes express less inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor type 1 (IP3R1), store less Ca2+ ions and generate weaker spontaneous [Ca2+]i oscillations during maturation than SN oocytes. Consequently, NSN oocytes display aberrant [Ca2+]i oscillations at fertilization. We speculate that this defective regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis might be one of the factors responsible for the lower developmental potential of NSN oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fluks
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Takao Ishikawa
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Chediek Dall’Acqua P, Barros Nunes G, Rodrigues da Silva C, Fontes PK, Fábio Gouveia Nogueira M, Lombardi Lopes F, Marinho M, Zoccal Mingoti G. Differences in embryonic gene expression and quality indicate the benefit of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor during prematuration to improve competence in bovine oocytes. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:666-677. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Chediek Dall’Acqua
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Animal Reproduction, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) Jaboticabal Brazil
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine São Paulo State University (UNESP) Araçatuba Brazil
| | - Giovana Barros Nunes
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Animal Reproduction, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) Jaboticabal Brazil
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine São Paulo State University (UNESP) Araçatuba Brazil
| | - Cíntia Rodrigues da Silva
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine São Paulo State University (UNESP) Araçatuba Brazil
| | - Patrícia Kubo Fontes
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) Botucatu Brazil
| | - Marcelo Fábio Gouveia Nogueira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) Botucatu Brazil
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Sciences, Humanities and Languages São Paulo State University (UNESP) Assis Brazil
| | - Flávia Lombardi Lopes
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine São Paulo State University (UNESP) Araçatuba Brazil
| | - Márcia Marinho
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine São Paulo State University (UNESP) Araçatuba Brazil
| | - Gisele Zoccal Mingoti
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Animal Reproduction, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) Jaboticabal Brazil
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine São Paulo State University (UNESP) Araçatuba Brazil
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Gad A, Nemcova L, Murin M, Kanka J, Laurincik J, Benc M, Pendovski L, Prochazka R. microRNA expression profile in porcine oocytes with different developmental competence derived from large or small follicles. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:426-439. [PMID: 30756429 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte developmental competence is acquired during folliculogenesis and regulated by complex molecular mechanisms. Several molecules are involved in these mechanisms, including microRNAs (miRNAs) that are essential for oocyte-specific processes throughout the development. The objective of this study was to identify the expression profile of miRNAs in porcine oocytes derived from follicles of different sizes using RNA deep sequencing. Oocytes were aspirated from large (LO; 3-6 mm) or small (SO; 1.5-1.9 mm) follicles and tested for developmental competence and chromatin configurations. Small RNA libraries were constructed from both groups and then sequenced in an Illumina NextSeq. 500. Oocytes from the LO group exhibited higher developmental competence and different chromatin configuration compared with oocytes from the SO group. In total, 167 and 162 known miRNAs were detected in the LO and SO groups, respectively. MiR-205, miR-16, miR-148a-3p, and miR-125b were among the top 10 highly expressed miRNAs in both groups. Eight miRNAs were differentially expressed (DE) between both groups. Target gene prediction and pathway analysis revealed 46 pathways that were enriched with miRNA-target genes. The oocyte meiosis pathway and signaling pathways including FoxO, PI3K-Akt, and cAMP were predictably targeted by DE miRNAs. These results give more insights into the potential role of miRNAs in regulating the oocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Gad
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic.,Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Lucie Nemcova
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Matej Murin
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Kanka
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Jozef Laurincik
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic.,Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Michal Benc
- Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic.,Biology of Reproduction Department, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Uhrineves, Czech Republic
| | - Lazo Pendovski
- Department of Functional Morphology, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Radek Prochazka
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic
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46
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Lee JB, Lee MG, Lin T, Shin HY, Lee JE, Kang JW, Jin DI. Effect of oocyte chromatin status in porcine follicles on the embryo development in vitro. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2019; 32:956-965. [PMID: 30744366 PMCID: PMC6601069 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.18.0739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective The main goal of this study was to provide a morphological indicator that could be used to select high-quality oocytes of appropriate meiotic and developmental capabilities in pig. The higher quality of immature oocytes, the higher success rates of in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Thus, prior to the IVM culture, it is important to characterize oocytes morphologically and biochemically in order to assess their quality. Two of the largest indicators of oocyte quality are the presence of cumulus cells and status of chromatin. To investigate the effects of porcine oocyte chromatin configurations on the developmental capacity of blastocysts, we assessed oocyte chromatin status according to follicle size and measured the developmental potency of blastocysts. Methods To sort by follicle size, we divided the oocytes into three groups (less than 1 mm, 1 to 3 mm, and more than 3 mm in diameter). To assess chromatin configuration, the oocytes were assessed for their stages (surrounded nucleolus [SN] germinal vesicle [GV], non-surrounded nucleolus [NSN] GV, GV breakdown, metaphase I [MI], pro-metaphase II [proMII], and metaphase II [MII]) at different maturation times (22, 44, and 66 h). To assess the development rate, oocytes of each follicle size were subjected to parthenogenetic activation for further development. Finally, GV oocytes were grouped by their chromatin configuration (SN, SN/NSN, and NSN) and their global transcriptional levels were measured. Results SN GV oocytes were more suitable for IVF than NSN GV oocytes. Moreover, oocytes collected from the larger follicles had a greater distribution of SN GV oocytes and a higher developmental capacity during IVM, reaching MII more quickly and developing more often to blastocysts. Conclusion Porcine oocytes with high-level meiotic and developmental capacity were identified by analyzing the relationship between follicle size and chromatin configuration. The porcine oocytes from large follicles had a significantly higher SN status in which the transcription level was low and could be better in the degree of meiotic progression and developmental capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo Bin Lee
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Min Gu Lee
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Tao Lin
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Hyeon Yeong Shin
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Jae Eun Lee
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Jung Won Kang
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Dong-Il Jin
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
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Herta AC, Lolicato F, Smitz JEJ. In vitro follicle culture in the context of IVF. Reproduction 2018; 156:F59-F73. [PMID: 29980584 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The currently available assisted reproduction techniques for fertility preservation (i.e. in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization) are insufficient as stand-alone procedures as only few reproductive cells can be conserved with these techniques. Oocytes in primordial follicles are well suited to survive the cryopreservation procedure and of use as valuable starting material for fertilization, on the condition that these could be grown up to fully matured oocytes. Our understanding of the biological mechanisms directing primordial follicle activation has increased over the last years and this knowledge has paved the way toward clinical applications. New multistep in vitro systems are making use of purified precursor cells and extracellular matrix components and by applying bio-printing technologies, an adequate follicular niche can be built. IVM of human oocytes is clinically applied in patients with polycystic ovary/polycystic ovary syndrome; related knowhow could become useful for fertility preservation and for patients with maturation failure and follicle-stimulating hormone resistance. The expectations from the research on human ovarian tissue and immature oocytes cultures, in combination with the improved vitrification methods, are high as these technologies can offer realistic potential for fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria C Herta
- Follicle Biology LaboratoryVrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francesca Lolicato
- Follicle Biology LaboratoryVrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Johan E J Smitz
- Follicle Biology LaboratoryVrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Sirard MA, Grand FX, Labrecque R, Vigneault C, Blondin P. ASAS-SSR Triennial Reproduction Symposium: The use of natural cycle's follicular dynamic to improve oocyte quality in dairy cows and heifers. J Anim Sci 2018. [PMID: 29514310 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The selection of the best dairy heifers is mainly driven by the genetic value of their parents. The phenotype analysis of cows and of the daughters of bulls has been used to identify the best genetic value for decades before being replaced by genomic selection of individuals that are not yet parents. Because it is possible to predict the future value of an individual by its genetic makeup, it becomes feasible to do it as early as the blastocyst stage and to decide which should be transferred or not. Because we know the genotype of an animal at birth, or even before, it is becoming desirable to reproduce this animal as soon as possible to reduce generation interval and improve selection speed. Nature provides constraints that can be overcome: a single oocyte per cycle and age at puberty. Indeed, it is now possible to super-stimulate the ovary at any age and to start collecting oocytes at 6 mo by trans-vaginal ultrasonography. The challenge becomes the production of good eggs and embryos capable of implanting and developing into healthy calves. Our understanding of ovarian follicular physiology has been instrumental in designing stimulation protocols that may be adjusted to any physiological context including age, and even the individual animal, to obtain a good response. Therefore, the combination of procedures developed in cows to optimize oocyte quality, for example, FSH coasting, in association with in vitro fertilization and optimal culture conditions can now result in the production of several female embryos twice a month from animals 6 to12 mo of age. The transcriptomic and epigenetic analyses of embryos produced from the same females at different ages were compared and few differences were noted in particular in relation to embryo metabolism. These embryos are as good as the ones obtained from adult animals and can be produced with sexed sperm of bulls 12 mo of age. This combination of these technical optimizations with blastocyst genotyping allows the selection of a second generation within a year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc André Sirard
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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Mitochondrial and metabolic adjustments during the final phase of follicular development prior to IVM of bovine oocytes. Theriogenology 2018; 119:156-162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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50
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Fowler KE, Mandawala AA, Griffin DK, Walling GA, Harvey SC. The production of pig preimplantation embryos in vitro: Current progress and future prospects. Reprod Biol 2018; 18:203-211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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