51
|
Santacruz-Márquez R, Solorio-Rodríguez A, González-Posos S, García-Zepeda SP, Santoyo-Salazar J, De Vizcaya-Ruiz A, Hernández-Ochoa I. Comparative effects of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles on growth and ultrastructure of ovarian antral follicles. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 96:399-412. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|
52
|
Ravi RT, Leung MR, Zeev-Ben-Mordehai T. Looking back and looking forward: contributions of electron microscopy to the structural cell biology of gametes and fertilization. Open Biol 2020; 10:200186. [PMID: 32931719 PMCID: PMC7536082 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian gametes-the sperm and the egg-represent opposite extremes of cellular organization and scale. Studying the ultrastructure of gametes is crucial to understanding their interactions, and how to manipulate them in order to either encourage or prevent their union. Here, we survey the prominent electron microscopy (EM) techniques, with an emphasis on considerations for applying them to study mammalian gametes. We review how conventional EM has provided significant insight into gamete ultrastructure, but also how the harsh sample preparation methods required preclude understanding at a truly molecular level. We present recent advancements in cryo-electron tomography that provide an opportunity to image cells in a near-native state and at unprecedented levels of detail. New and emerging cellular EM techniques are poised to rekindle exploration of fundamental questions in mammalian reproduction, especially phenomena that involve complex membrane remodelling and protein reorganization. These methods will also allow novel lines of enquiry into problems of practical significance, such as investigating unexplained causes of human infertility and improving assisted reproductive technologies for biodiversity conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Teja Ravi
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, 3584CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Miguel Ricardo Leung
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, 3584CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, The University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Tzviya Zeev-Ben-Mordehai
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, 3584CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, The University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Transcriptomics of cumulus cells - a window into oocyte maturation in humans. J Ovarian Res 2020; 13:93. [PMID: 32787963 PMCID: PMC7425158 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-020-00696-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cumulus cells (CC) encapsulate growing oocytes and support their growth and development. Transcriptomic signatures of CC have the potential to serve as valuable non-invasive biomarkers for oocyte competency and potential. The present sibling cumulus-oocyte-complex (COC) cohort study aimed at defining functional variations between oocytes of different maturity exposed to the same stimulation conditions, by assessing the transcriptomic signatures of their corresponding CC. CC were collected from 18 patients with both germinal vesicle and metaphase II oocytes from the same cycle to keep the biological variability between samples to a minimum. RNA sequencing, differential expression, pathway analysis, and leading-edge were performed to highlight functional differences between CC encapsulating oocytes of different maturity. Results Transcriptomic signatures representing CC encapsulating oocytes of different maturity clustered separately on principal component analysis with 1818 genes differentially expressed. CCs encapsulating mature oocytes were more transcriptionally synchronized when compared with CCs encapsulating immature oocytes. Moreover, the transcriptional activity was lower, albeit not absent, in CC encapsulating mature oocytes, with 2407 fewer transcripts detected than in CC encapsulating immature (germinal vesicle - GV) oocytes. Hallmark pathways and ovarian processes that were affected by oocyte maturity included cell cycle regulation, steroid metabolism, apoptosis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and inflammation. Conclusions Herein we review our findings and discuss how they align with previous literature addressing transcriptomic signatures of oocyte maturation. Our findings support the available literature and enhance it with several genes and pathways, which have not been previously implicated in promoting human oocyte maturation. This study lays the ground for future functional studies that can enhance our understanding of human oocyte maturation.
Collapse
|
54
|
Baena V, Owen CM, Uliasz TF, Lowther KM, Yee SP, Terasaki M, Egbert JR, Jaffe LA. Cellular Heterogeneity of the Luteinizing Hormone Receptor and Its Significance for Cyclic GMP Signaling in Mouse Preovulatory Follicles. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5834711. [PMID: 32384146 PMCID: PMC7574965 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Meiotic arrest and resumption in mammalian oocytes are regulated by 2 opposing signaling proteins in the cells of the surrounding follicle: the guanylyl cyclase natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2), and the luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR). NPR2 maintains a meiosis-inhibitory level of cyclic guanosine 5'-monophosphate (cGMP) until LHR signaling causes dephosphorylation of NPR2, reducing NPR2 activity, lowering cGMP to a level that releases meiotic arrest. However, the signaling pathway between LHR activation and NPR2 dephosphorylation remains incompletely understood, due in part to imprecise information about the cellular localization of these 2 proteins. To investigate their localization, we generated mouse lines in which hemagglutinin epitope tags were added to the endogenous LHR and NPR2 proteins, and used immunofluorescence and immunogold microscopy to localize these proteins with high resolution. The results showed that the LHR protein is absent from the cumulus cells and inner mural granulosa cells, and is present in only 13% to 48% of the outer mural granulosa cells. In contrast, NPR2 is present throughout the follicle, and is more concentrated in the cumulus cells. Less than 20% of the NPR2 is in the same cells that express the LHR. These results suggest that to account for the LH-induced inactivation of NPR2, LHR-expressing cells send a signal that inactivates NPR2 in neighboring cells that do not express the LHR. An inhibitor of gap junction permeability attenuates the LH-induced cGMP decrease in the outer mural granulosa cells, consistent with this mechanism contributing to how NPR2 is inactivated in cells that do not express the LHR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Baena
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Corie M Owen
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Tracy F Uliasz
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Katie M Lowther
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Siu-Pok Yee
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Mark Terasaki
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Jeremy R Egbert
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Laurinda A Jaffe
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
- Correspondence: Laurinda A. Jaffe, Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030 USA. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Clarke HJ. They Look the Same but They Don't Act the Same: New Techniques Reveal Cellular Heterogeneity in Ovarian LH Signaling. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5839918. [PMID: 32422655 PMCID: PMC7310599 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hugh J Clarke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Institute – McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Correspondence: Hugh J. Clarke, Glen Research Building, Room EM0.2218, 1001 Boul. Decarie, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Pretreatment of ovaries with collagenase before vitrification keeps the ovarian reserve by maintaining cell-cell adhesion integrity in ovarian follicles. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6841. [PMID: 32321979 PMCID: PMC7176664 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63948-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian ovarian follicle is comprised of the germ cell or oocyte surrounded by the somatic cells, the granulosa and theca cells. The ovarian stroma, including the collagen-rich matrix that supports the three-dimensional disk-like follicular structure, impacts the integrity of the ovarian follicle and is essential for follicular development. Maintaining follicular integrity during cryopreservation has remained a limiting factor in preserving ovarian tissues for transplantation because a significant proportion of developed follicles in the frozen-thawed ovaries undergo atresia after transplantation. In this study, we show for the first time that during vitrification of the mouse ovary, the attachment of the oocyte to the granulosa cells was impaired by the loss of the cadherin adhesion molecules. Importantly, exposure to a high osmotic solution greatly decreased the ratio of oocyte diameter to the diameter of its follicle but did not alter the collagen-rich matrix surrounding the follicles. By treating ovaries briefly with collagenase before exposure to the hyper-osmotic solution the ratio of oocyte diameter to follicle diameter was maintained, and cadherin adhesion junctions were preserved. When frozen-thawed ovaries were transplanted to the bursa of recipient hosts, pretreatment with collagenase significantly increased serum levels of AMH, the number of intact follicles and the total number of viable offspring compared to frozen-thawed ovaries without collagenase pretreatment, even 6 months after transplantation. Thus, the collagenase pretreatment could provide a beneficial approach for maintaining the functions and viability of cryopreserved ovaries in other species and clinically relevant situations.
Collapse
|
57
|
Modulation of Cell-Cell Interactions in Drosophila Oocyte Development. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020274. [PMID: 31979180 PMCID: PMC7072342 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila ovary offers a suitable model system to study the mechanisms that orchestrate diverse cellular processes. Oogenesis starts from asymmetric stem cell division, proper differentiation and the production of fully patterned oocytes equipped with all the maternal information required for embryogenesis. Spatial and temporal regulation of cell-cell interaction is particularly important to fulfill accurate biological outcomes at each step of oocyte development. Progress has been made in understanding diverse cell physiological regulation of signaling. Here we review the roles of specialized cellular machinery in cell-cell communication in different stages of oogenesis.
Collapse
|
58
|
Sharma N, Saravanan M, Saravanan Mbbs L, Narayanan S. The role of color Doppler in assisted reproduction: A narrative review. Int J Reprod Biomed 2020; 17:779-788. [PMID: 31911960 PMCID: PMC6906874 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v17i10.5484] [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: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Color Doppler of perifollicular vascularity is a useful assessment tool to predict the growth potential and maturity of Graafian follicles. Power Angio is independent of the angle of insonation and morphometry and provides reliable clues to predict the implantation window of the endometrium. Color Doppler can be used for the prediction of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. It can also be used to identify the hyper responder and gonadotropin-resistant type of polycystic ovaries. The secretory scan of corpus luteum can accurately predict its vascularity and functional status. A corpus luteum with decreased blood flow is a very sensitive and specific indicator of threatened and missed abortions. Color Doppler and Power Angio need to be standardized and identical settings should be maintained if different patients, or if changes over time within the same patient are to be compared.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Sharma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
| | - Mahalakshmi Saravanan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
| | - Lakshmanan Saravanan Mbbs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
| | - Sindujhaa Narayanan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Alam MH, Miyano T. Interaction between growing oocytes and granulosa cells in vitro. Reprod Med Biol 2020; 19:13-23. [PMID: 31956281 PMCID: PMC6955591 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oocyte growth is accompanied by follicular development in mammalian ovaries. Since the discovery of two oocyte-derived factors, growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), knowledge of the bidirectional communication between oocytes and granulosa cells for ovarian function and fertility has been accumulated. In addition, the growth culture system of oocytes has been improved, further promoting the studies on the communication between oocytes and granulosa cells in vitro. METHODS We provide an overview of the role of granulosa cells in oocyte growth and the role of oocytes in follicular development along with our recent findings in culture experiments of bovine growing oocytes. MAIN FINDINGS Granulosa cells supply nutrients and metabolites through gap junctions to oocytes and secrete paracrine signals to regulate oocytes. Oocytes regulate granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation and induce antrum formation via GDF9 and BMP15. CONCLUSION Oocytes actively participate in various aspects of follicular development, including antrum formation via the oocyte-derived factors GDF9 and BMP15, whose synthesis is probably regulated by granulosa cells. In vitro studies will reveal the precise communication loop between oocytes and granulosa cells that facilitates the coordinated development of oocytes and granulosa cells in the follicles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Hasanur Alam
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal HusbandryBangladesh Agricultural UniversityMymensinghBangladesh
- Graduate School of Agricultural ScienceKobe UniversityKobeJapan
| | - Takashi Miyano
- Graduate School of Agricultural ScienceKobe UniversityKobeJapan
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Hubbard N, Prasasya RD, Mayo KE. Activation of Notch Signaling by Oocytes and Jag1 in Mouse Ovarian Granulosa Cells. Endocrinology 2019; 160:2863-2876. [PMID: 31609444 PMCID: PMC6850001 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Notch pathway plays diverse and complex roles in cell signaling during development. In the mammalian ovary, Notch is important for the initial formation and growth of follicles, and for regulating the proliferation and differentiation of follicular granulosa cells during the periovulatory period. This study seeks to determine the contribution of female germ cells toward the initial activation and subsequent maintenance of Notch signaling within somatic granulosa cells of the ovary. To address this issue, transgenic Notch reporter (TNR) mice were crossed with Sohlh1-mCherry (S1CF) transgenic mice to visualize Notch-active cells (EGFP) and germ cells (mCherry) simultaneously in the neonatal ovary. To test the involvement of oocytes in activation of Notch signaling in ovarian somatic cells, we ablated germ cells using busulfan, a chemotherapeutic alkylating agent, or investigated KitWv/Wv (viable dominant white-spotting) mice that lack most germ cells. The data reveal that Notch pathway activation in granulosa cells is significantly suppressed when germ cells are reduced. We further demonstrate that disruption of the gene for the Notch ligand Jag1 in oocytes similarly impacts Notch activation and that recombinant JAG1 enhances Notch target gene expression in granulosa cells. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that germ cells provide a ligand, such as Jag1, that is necessary for activation of Notch signaling in the developing ovary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nisan Hubbard
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Rexxi D Prasasya
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Kelly E Mayo
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
- Correspondence: Kelly E. Mayo, PhD, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Science, Northwestern University, 1115 Pancoe Pavilion, Evanston, Illinois 60208. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Andrade GM, del Collado M, Meirelles FV, da Silveira JC, Perecin F. Intrafollicular barriers and cellular interactions during ovarian follicle development. Anim Reprod 2019; 16:485-496. [PMID: 32435292 PMCID: PMC7234062 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2019-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicles are composed of different interdependent cell types including oocytes, cumulus, granulosa, and theca cells. Follicular cells and oocytes exchange signaling molecules from the beginning of the development of the primordial follicles until the moment of ovulation. The follicular structure transforms during folliculogenesis; barriers form between the germ and the somatic follicular cells, and between the somatic follicular cells. As such, communication systems need to adapt to maintain the exchange of signaling molecules. Two critical barriers are established at different stages of development: the zona pellucida, separating the oocyte and the cumulus cells limiting the communication through specific connections, and the antrum, separating subpopulations of follicular cells. In both situations, communication is maintained either by the development of specialized connections as transzonal projections or by paracrine signaling and trafficking of extracellular vesicles through the follicular fluid. The bidirectional communication between the oocytes and the follicle cells is vital for driving folliculogenesis and oogenesis. These communication systems are associated with essential functions related to follicular development, oocyte competence, and embryonic quality. Here, we discuss the formation of the zona pellucida and antrum during folliculogenesis, and their importance in follicle and oocyte development. Moreover, this review discusses the current knowledge on the cellular mechanisms such as the movement of molecules via transzonal projections, and the exchange of extracellular vesicles by follicular cells to overcome these barriers to support female gamete development. Finally, we highlight the undiscovered aspects related to intrafollicular communication among the germ and somatic cells, and between the somatic follicular cells and give our perspective on manipulating the above-mentioned cellular communication to improve reproductive technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Mamede Andrade
- Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Maite del Collado
- Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Flávio Vieira Meirelles
- Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Juliano Coelho da Silveira
- Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Felipe Perecin
- Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Baena V, Schalek RL, Lichtman JW, Terasaki M. Serial-section electron microscopy using automated tape-collecting ultramicrotome (ATUM). Methods Cell Biol 2019; 152:41-67. [PMID: 31326026 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Automated Tape-Collecting Ultramicrotome (ATUM) is a tape-reeling device that is placed in a water-filled diamond knife boat to collect serial sections as they are cut by a conventional ultramicrotome. The ATUM can collect thousands of sections of many different shapes and sizes, which are subsequently imaged by a scanning electron microscope. This method has been used for large-scale connectomics projects of mouse brain, and is well suited for other smaller-scale studies of tissues, cells, and organisms. Here, we describe basic procedures for preparing a block for ATUM sectioning, handling of the ATUM, tape preparation, post-treatment of sections, and considerations for mapping, imaging, and aligning the serial sections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Baena
- Deparment of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Richard Lee Schalek
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Jeff William Lichtman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Mark Terasaki
- Deparment of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States.
| |
Collapse
|