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Wang W, Wang W, Xu Y, Shi J, Fu J, Chen B, Mu J, Zhang Z, Zhao L, Lin J, Du J, Li Q, He L, Jin L, Sun X, Wang L, Sang Q. FBXO43 variants in patients with female infertility characterized by early embryonic arrest. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2392-2402. [PMID: 34052850 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can any new genetic factors responsible for early embryonic arrest in infertile patients be identified, together with the mechanism of pathogenic variants? SUMMARY ANSWER We identified three homozygous variants in the F-box protein 43 gene (FBXO43) in infertile patients and studies on the effects of the variants in HEK293T cells and mouse oocytes provided evidence for a causal relation between FBXO43 and female infertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY FBXO43, an inhibitor of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome, mediates Metaphase II arrest as a component of the cytostatic factor in oocytes. Both male and female Fbxo43 knockout mice are viable but sterile. FBXO43, therefore, appears to be an essential component of the mammalian cell-cycle machinery that regulates both male and female meiosis. Until now, only one article has reported a homozygous FBXO43 variant associated with teratozoospermia, but the causal relationship was not established with functional evidence. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and homozygosity mapping were performed in 24 probands from consanguineous families who suffered from early embryonic arrest, and two different homozygous variants in FBXO43 were identified in two independent families. WES data from a further 950 infertile women with early embryonic arrest were screened for homozygous and compound heterozygous variants in FBXO43, and a third individual with an additional homozygous variant in FBXO43 was identified. The infertile patients presenting with early embryonic arrest were recruited from August 2016 to May 2020. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The women diagnosed with primary infertility were recruited from the reproduction centers of local hospitals. Genomic DNA samples from the affected individuals, their family members, and healthy controls were extracted from peripheral blood. The FBXO43 variants were identified using WES, homozygosity mapping, in silico analysis, and variant screening. All of the variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing, and the effects of the variants were investigated in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells by western blotting and in mouse oocytes by complementary RNA injection. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We identified three homozygous variants in FBXO43 (NM_001029860.4)-namely, c.1490_1497dup (p.(Glu500Serfs*2)), c.1747C>T (p.(Gln583*)), and c.154delG (p.(Asp52Thrfs*30))-in three independent families. All of the homozygous variants reduced the protein level of FBXO43 and reduced the level of its downstream target Cyclin B1 in HEK293T cells. In addition, the variants reduced the ability of exogenous human FBXO43 to rescue the parthenogenetic activation phenotype in Fbxo43 knockdown mouse oocytes. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Owing to the lack of in vivo data from the oocytes of patients, the exact molecular mechanism remains unknown and should be further investigated using knock out or knock in mice. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study has identified three pathogenic variants in FBXO43 that are involved in human early embryonic arrest. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role of FBXO43 in human early embryonic development and provide a new genetic marker for female infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFC1003800, 2017YFC1001500, and 2016YFC1000600), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81725006, 81822019, 81771581, 81971450, 81971382, and 82001552), the project supported by the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project (2017SHZDZX01), the Project of the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission (19JC1411001), the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai (19ZR1444500), the Shuguang Program of the Shanghai Education Development Foundation and the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (18SG03), the Foundation of the Shanghai Health and Family Planning Commission (20154Y0162), the Capacity Building Planning Program for Shanghai Women and Children's Health Service, and the collaborative innovation center project construction for Shanghai Women and Children's Health. None of the authors have any competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Xu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Juanzi Shi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shaanxi Maternal and Child Care Service Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Fu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Biaobang Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Mu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Du
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoli Li
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin He
- Bio-X Center, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Anvar Z, Chakchouk I, Demond H, Sharif M, Kelsey G, Van den Veyver IB. DNA Methylation Dynamics in the Female Germline and Maternal-Effect Mutations That Disrupt Genomic Imprinting. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081214. [PMID: 34440388 PMCID: PMC8394515 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic marking process that results in the monoallelic expression of a subset of genes. Many of these ‘imprinted’ genes in mice and humans are involved in embryonic and extraembryonic growth and development, and some have life-long impacts on metabolism. During mammalian development, the genome undergoes waves of (re)programming of DNA methylation and other epigenetic marks. Disturbances in these events can cause imprinting disorders and compromise development. Multi-locus imprinting disturbance (MLID) is a condition by which imprinting defects touch more than one locus. Although most cases with MLID present with clinical features characteristic of one imprinting disorder. Imprinting defects also occur in ‘molar’ pregnancies-which are characterized by highly compromised embryonic development-and in other forms of reproductive compromise presenting clinically as infertility or early pregnancy loss. Pathogenic variants in some of the genes encoding proteins of the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC), a multi-protein complex in the mammalian oocyte, are responsible for a rare subgroup of moles, biparental complete hydatidiform mole (BiCHM), and other adverse reproductive outcomes which have been associated with altered imprinting status of the oocyte, embryo and/or placenta. The finding that defects in a cytoplasmic protein complex could have severe impacts on genomic methylation at critical times in gamete or early embryo development has wider implications beyond these relatively rare disorders. It signifies a potential for adverse maternal physiology, nutrition, or assisted reproduction to cause epigenetic defects at imprinted or other genes. Here, we review key milestones in DNA methylation patterning in the female germline and the embryo focusing on humans. We provide an overview of recent findings regarding DNA methylation deficits causing BiCHM, MLID, and early embryonic arrest. We also summarize identified SCMC mutations with regard to early embryonic arrest, BiCHM, and MLID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Anvar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Z.A.); (I.C.); (M.S.)
- Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Imen Chakchouk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Z.A.); (I.C.); (M.S.)
- Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hannah Demond
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK;
| | - Momal Sharif
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Z.A.); (I.C.); (M.S.)
- Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK;
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Correspondence: (G.K.); (I.B.V.d.V.); Tel.: +44-1223-496332 (G.K.); +832-824-8125 (I.B.V.d.V.)
| | - Ignatia B. Van den Veyver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Z.A.); (I.C.); (M.S.)
- Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (G.K.); (I.B.V.d.V.); Tel.: +44-1223-496332 (G.K.); +832-824-8125 (I.B.V.d.V.)
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Molecular Drivers of Developmental Arrest in the Human Preimplantation Embryo: A Systematic Review and Critical Analysis Leading to Mapping Future Research. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158353. [PMID: 34361119 PMCID: PMC8347543 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental arrest of the preimplantation embryo is a multifactorial condition, characterized by lack of cellular division for at least 24 hours, hindering the in vitro fertilization cycle outcome. This systematic review aims to present the molecular drivers of developmental arrest, focusing on embryonic and parental factors. A systematic search in PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane-Central-Database was performed in January 2021. A total of 76 studies were included. The identified embryonic factors associated with arrest included gene variations, mitochondrial DNA copy number, methylation patterns, chromosomal abnormalities, metabolic profile and morphological features. Parental factors included, gene variation, protein expression levels and infertility etiology. A valuable conclusion emerging through critical analysis indicated that genetic origins of developmental arrest analyzed from the perspective of parental infertility etiology and the embryo itself, share common ground. This is a unique and long-overdue contribution to literature that for the first time presents an all-inclusive methodological report on the molecular drivers leading to preimplantation embryos’ arrested development. The variety and heterogeneity of developmental arrest drivers, along with their inevitable intertwining relationships does not allow for prioritization on the factors playing a more definitive role in arrested development. This systematic review provides the basis for further research in the field.
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Yang P, Chen T, Wu K, Hou Z, Zou Y, Li M, Zhang X, Xu J, Zhao H. A homozygous variant in TBPL2 was identified in women with oocyte maturation defects and infertility. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2011-2019. [PMID: 33893736 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the genetic causes of oocyte maturation defects? SUMMARY ANSWER A homozygous splicing variant (c.788 + 3A>G) in TATA-box binding protein like 2 (TBPL2) was identified as a contributory genetic factor in oocyte maturation defects. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY TBPL2, a vertebrate oocyte-specific general transcription factor, is essential for oocyte development. TBPL2 variants have not been studied in human oocyte maturation defects. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Two infertile families characterized by oocyte maturation defects were recruited for whole-exome sequencing (WES). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood for WES analysis. Sanger sequencing was performed for data validation. Pathogenicity of variants was predicted by in silico analysis. Minigene assay and single-oocyte RNA sequencing were performed to investigate the effects of the variant on mRNA integrity and oocyte transcriptome, respectively. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A homozygous splicing variant (c.788 + 3A>G) in TBPL2 was identified in two unrelated families characterized by oocyte maturation defects. Haplotype analysis indicated that the disease allele of Families 1 and 2 was independent. The variant disrupted the integrity of TBPL2 mRNA. Transcriptome sequencing of affected oocytes showed that vital genes for oocyte maturation and fertilization were widely and markedly downregulated, suggesting that a mutation in the transcriptional factor, TBPL2, led to global gene alterations in oocytes. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Limitations include the lack of direct functional evidence. Owing to the scarcity of human oocyte samples, only two immature MI oocytes were obtained from the patients, and we could only investigate the effect of the mutation at the transcriptional level by high-throughput sequencing technology. No extra oocytes were obtained to assess the transcriptional activity of the mutant oocytes by immunofluorescence, or investigate the effects on the binding of TBPL2 caused by the mutation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings highlight a critical role of TBPL2 in female reproduction and identify a homozygous splicing mutation in TBPL2 that might be related to defects in human oocyte maturation. This information will facilitate the genetic diagnosis of infertile individuals with repeated failures of IVF, providing a basis for genetic counseling. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFC1004000, 2017YFC1001504 and 2017YFC1001600), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81871168, 31900409 and 31871509), the Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of Shandong Province (JQ201816), the Innovative Research Team of High-Level Local Universities in Shanghai (SSMU-ZLCX20180401) and the Fundamental Research Funds of Shandong University. The authors have no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Tailai Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Keliang Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zhenzhen Hou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yang Zou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Mei Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - XinZe Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Junting Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
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Bebbere D, Albertini DF, Coticchio G, Borini A, Ledda S. The subcortical maternal complex: emerging roles and novel perspectives. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6311673. [PMID: 34191027 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its recent discovery, the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) is emerging as a maternally inherited and crucial biological structure for the initial stages of embryogenesis in mammals. Uniquely expressed in oocytes and preimplantation embryos, where it localizes to the cell subcortex, this multiprotein complex is essential for early embryo development in the mouse and is functionally conserved across mammalian species, including humans. The complex has been linked to key processes leading the transition from oocyte to embryo, including meiotic spindle formation and positioning, regulation of translation, organelle redistribution, and epigenetic reprogramming. Yet, the underlying molecular mechanisms for these diverse functions are just beginning to be understood, hindered by unresolved interplay of SCMC components and variations in early lethal phenotypes. Here we review recent advances confirming involvement of the SCMC in human infertility, revealing an unexpected relationship with offspring health. Moreover, SCMC organization is being further revealed in terms of novel components and interactions with additional cell constituents. Collectively, this evidence prompts new avenues of investigation into possible roles during the process of oogenesis and the regulation of maternal transcript turnover during the oocyte to embryo transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Bebbere
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Sergio Ledda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Zhang M, Liu C, Chen B, Lv M, Zou H, Liu Y, Gao Y, Wang T, Xing Q, Zhu Y, Wu H, Zhang Z, Zhou P, Wei Z, He X, Xu Y, Cao Y. Identification of Novel Biallelic TLE6 Variants in Female Infertility With Preimplantation Embryonic Lethality. Front Genet 2021; 12:666136. [PMID: 34178031 PMCID: PMC8226231 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.666136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Preimplantation embryonic lethality is a rare cause of primary female infertility. It has been reported that variants in the transducin-like enhancer of split 6 (TLE6) gene can lead to preimplantation embryonic lethality. However, the incidence of TLE6 variants in patients with preimplantation embryonic lethality is not fully understood. In this study, we identified four patients carrying novel biallelic TLE6 variants in a cohort of 28 patients with preimplantation embryonic lethality by whole-exome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, accounting for 14.29% (4/28) of the cohort. Immunofluorescence showed that the TLE6 levels in oocytes from patients were much lower than in normal control oocytes, suggesting that the variants result in the lower expression of the TLE6 protein in oocytes. In addition, a retrospective analysis showed that the four patients underwent a total of nine failures of in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection attempts, and one of them became pregnant on the first attempt using donated oocytes. Our study extends the genetic spectrum of female infertility caused by variants in TLE6 and further confirms previously reported findings that TLE6 plays an essential role in early embryonic development. In such case, oocyte donation may be the preferred treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manyu Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Beili Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Huijuan Zou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yajing Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tianjuan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qiong Xing
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yutong Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
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Khatri V, Kalyanasundaram R. Therapeutic implications of inflammasome in inflammatory bowel disease. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21439. [PMID: 33774860 PMCID: PMC8010917 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002622r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains a persistent health problem with a global burden surging over 6.8 million cases currently. Clinical pathology of IBD is complicated; however, hyperactive inflammatory and immune responses in the gut is shown to be one of the persistent causes of the disease. Human gut inflammasome, the activator of innate immune system is believed to be a primary underlying cause for the pathology and is largely associated with the progression of IBD. To manage IBD, there is a need to fully understand the role of inflammasome activation in IBD. Since inflammasome potentially play a significant role in IBD, systemic modulation of inflammasome may provide an effective therapeutic and clinical approach to control IBD symptoms. In this review, we have focused on this association between IBD and gut inflammasome, and recent advances in the research and therapeutic strategies for IBD. We have discussed inflammasomes and their components, outcomes from the experimental animals and human studies, inflammasome inhibitors, and developments in the inflammasome-targeted therapies for IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Khatri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL, USA
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58
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Sang Q, Zhou Z, Mu J, Wang L. Genetic factors as potential molecular markers of human oocyte and embryo quality. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:993-1002. [PMID: 33895934 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02196-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful human reproduction requires gamete maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Human oocyte maturation includes nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, and abnormalities in the process will lead to infertility and recurrent failure of IVF/ICSI attempts. In addition, the quality of oocytes/embryos in the clinic can only be determined by morphological markers, and there is currently a lack of molecular markers for determining oocyte quality. As the number of patients undergoing IVF/ICSI has increased, many patients have been identified with recurrent IVF/ICSI failure. However, the genetic basis behind this phenotype remains largely unknown. In recent years, a few mutant genes have been identified by us and others, which provide potential molecular markers for determining the quality of oocytes/embryos. In this review, we outline the genetic determinants of abnormalities in the processes of oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Currently, 16 genes (PATL2, TUBB8, TRIP13, ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, PANX1, TLE6, WEE2, CDC20, BTG4, PADI6, NLRP2, NLRP5, KHDC3L, and REC114) have been reported to be the causes of oocyte maturation arrest, fertilization failure, embryonic arrest, and preimplantation embryonic lethality. These abnormalities mainly have Mendelian inheritance patterns, including both dominant inheritance and recessive inheritance, although in some cases de novo mutations have also appeared. In this review, we will introduce the effects of each gene in the specific processes of human early reproduction and will summarize all known variants in these genes and their corresponding phenotypes. Variants in some genes have specific effects on certain steps in the early human reproductive processes, while other variants result in a spectrum of phenotypes. These variants and genetic markers will lay the foundation for individualized genetic counseling and potential treatments for patients and will be the target for precision treatments in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jian Mu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Novel Mutations in CDC20 Are Associated with Female Infertility Due to Oocyte Maturation Abnormality and Early Embryonic Arrest. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:1930-1938. [PMID: 33683667 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00524-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The cell division cycle 20 (CDC20) protein is a co-activator of anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), required for mitotic exit and also meiotic exit, containing seven WD40 repeats in the C-terminus responsible for protein-protein interactions. Recently, a previous study has shown that biallelic mutations in CDC20 are causative for female infertility with abnormalities in oocyte maturation and embryonic development. This study is to further identify new mutations of CDC20 and the prevalence of variants in our cohort. A cohort of 50 primary infertile females with oocyte maturation abnormality and early embryonic arrest were recruited. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples. Mutation screening of all the coding regions of CDC20 was performed by Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity of the identified variants on the CDC20 protein was accessed in silico. Two CDC20 variants, a nonsense mutation p.R262* and a missense mutation p.A211T, identified in one female of 50 unrelated affected individuals, accounting for a relative small proportion of this cohort (2%). In silico analysis revealed that the p.R262* would cause no production of protein or a truncated protein lacking five WD40 repeats in the C-terminus; and that p.A211T may interfere with the formation of a deep hydrophobic pocket and thus disturb the binding of CDC20 protein to the substrates of APC/C. This study identified two novel mutations in CDC20, further expanding the mutation spectrum of this gene. Our findings further confirm that biallelic mutations in CDC20 occur in a proportion of infertile females with oocyte maturation abnormality and early embryonic arrest.
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Li M, Jia M, Zhao X, Shi R, Xue X. A new NLRP5 mutation causes female infertility and total fertilization failure. Gynecol Endocrinol 2021; 37:283-284. [PMID: 33073652 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2020.1832069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The genetic reasons of total fertilization failure (TFF), especially regarding suspected oocyte-related factors, are largely unknown. Only PLCZ1, TLE6 and WEE2 mutations have been shown to result in human fertilization failure. The aim of this study is to report a new NLRP5 mutation which causes female infertility and total fertilization failure. METHODS A patient presenting TFF after two failed cycles was included. In the first cycle, 13 oocytes were obtained, all of which were inseminated by IVF, but there was no sign of fertilization. In the second cycle, 11 oocytes were obtained, 8 of which were matured; however, none were fertilized upon ICSI and ICSI-AOA. Peripheral blood samples were taken from the patient and her family members. The whole-exome sequencing was performed on them. RESULTS We identified two heterozygous missense variants NLRP5 (NM_153447.4: c.1598G > C and 1919 T > G; p.Arg533Pro and Leu640Arg) which could cause the incidence of TFF. The first mutation of c.1598G > C (p.Arg533Pro) was inherited from her father and the second mutation of c.1919T > G (Leu640Arg) was inherited from her mother. The sister with normal fertility did not carry these variants. CONCLUSIONS A new NLRP5 mutation causes female infertility and the incidence of TFF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhao Li
- The ART Center, Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Miaomiao Jia
- The ART Center, Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- The ART Center, Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Rong Shi
- The ART Center, Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Xia Xue
- The ART Center, Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
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Christodoulaki A, Boel A, Tang M, De Roo C, Stoop D, Heindryckx B. Prospects of Germline Nuclear Transfer in Women With Diminished Ovarian Reserve. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:635370. [PMID: 33692760 PMCID: PMC7937897 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.635370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is associated with a reduced quantity and quality of the retrieved oocytes, usually leading to poor reproductive outcomes which remain a great challenge for assisted reproduction technology (ART). Women with DOR often have to seek for oocyte donation, precluding genetically related offspring. Germline nuclear transfer (NT) is a novel technology in ART that involves the transfer of the nuclear genome from an affected oocyte/zygote of the patient to the cytoplast of an enucleated donor oocyte/zygote. Therefore, it offers opportunities for the generation of genetically related embryos. Currently, although NT is clinically applied only in women with serious mitochondrial DNA disorders, this technology has also been proposed to overcome certain forms of female infertility, such as advanced maternal age and embryo developmental arrest. In this review, we are proposing the NT technology as a future treatment option for DOR patients. Strikingly, the application of different NT strategies will result in an increase of the total number of available reconstituted embryos for DOR patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Christodoulaki
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annekatrien Boel
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maoxing Tang
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chloë De Roo
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dominic Stoop
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Homozygous variants in PANX1 cause human oocyte death and female infertility. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:1396-1404. [PMID: 33495594 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-020-00807-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PANX1, one of the members of the pannexin family, is a highly glycosylated channel-forming protein. Recently, we identified heterozygous variants in PANX1 that follow an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern and cause female infertility characterized by oocyte death. In this study, we screened for novel PANX1 variants in patients with the phenotype of oocyte death and discovered a new type of inheritance pattern accompanying PANX1 variants. We identified two novel homozygous missense variants in PANX1 [NM_015368.4 c.712T>C (p.(Ser238Pro) and c.899G>A (p.(Arg300Gln))] associated with the oocyte death phenotype in two families. Both of the homozygous variants altered the PANX1 glycosylation pattern in cultured cells, led to aberrant PANX1 channel activation, and resulted in mouse oocyte death after fertilization in vitro. It is worth noting that the destructive effect of the two homozygous variants on PANX1 function was weaker than that caused by the recently reported heterozygous variants. Our findings enrich the variational spectrum of PANX1 and expand the inheritance pattern of PANX1 variants to an autosomal recessive mode. This highlights the critical role of PANX1 in human oocyte development and helps us to better understand the genetic basis of female infertility due to oocyte death.
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63
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Role of Microgliosis and NLRP3 Inflammasome in Parkinson's Disease Pathogenesis and Therapy. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 42:1283-1300. [PMID: 33387119 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-01027-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked primarily by motor symptoms such as rigidity, bradykinesia, postural instability and resting tremor associated with dopaminergic neuronal loss in the Substantia Nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and deficit of dopamine in the basal ganglia. These motor symptoms can be preceded by pre-motor symptoms whose recognition can be useful to apply different strategies to evaluate risk, early diagnosis and prevention of PD progression. Although clinical characteristics of PD are well defined, its pathogenesis is still not completely known, what makes discoveries of therapies capable of curing patients difficult to be reached. Several theories about the cause of idiopathic PD have been investigated and among them, the key role of inflammation, microglia and the inflammasome in the pathogenesis of PD has been considered. In this review, we describe the role and relation of both the inflammasome and microglial activation with the pathogenesis, symptoms, progression and the possibilities for new therapeutic strategies in PD.
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Capalbo A, Poli M, Riera-Escamilla A, Shukla V, Kudo Høffding M, Krausz C, Hoffmann ER, Simon C. Preconception genome medicine: current state and future perspectives to improve infertility diagnosis and reproductive and health outcomes based on individual genomic data. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:254-279. [PMID: 33197264 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our genetic code is now readable, writable and hackable. The recent escalation of genome-wide sequencing (GS) applications in population diagnostics will not only enable the assessment of risks of transmitting well-defined monogenic disorders at preconceptional stages (i.e. carrier screening), but also facilitate identification of multifactorial genetic predispositions to sub-lethal pathologies, including those affecting reproductive fitness. Through GS, the acquisition and curation of reproductive-related findings will warrant the expansion of genetic assessment to new areas of genomic prediction of reproductive phenotypes, pharmacogenomics and molecular embryology, further boosting our knowledge and therapeutic tools for treating infertility and improving women's health. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In this article, we review current knowledge and potential development of preconception genome analysis aimed at detecting reproductive and individual health risks (recessive genetic disease and medically actionable secondary findings) as well as anticipating specific reproductive outcomes, particularly in the context of IVF. The extension of reproductive genetic risk assessment to the general population and IVF couples will lead to the identification of couples who carry recessive mutations, as well as sub-lethal conditions prior to conception. This approach will provide increased reproductive autonomy to couples, particularly in those cases where preimplantation genetic testing is an available option to avoid the transmission of undesirable conditions. In addition, GS on prospective infertility patients will enable genome-wide association studies specific for infertility phenotypes such as predisposition to premature ovarian failure, increased risk of aneuploidies, complete oocyte immaturity or blastocyst development failure, thus empowering the development of true reproductive precision medicine. SEARCH METHODS Searches of the literature on PubMed Central included combinations of the following MeSH terms: human, genetics, genomics, variants, male, female, fertility, next generation sequencing, genome exome sequencing, expanded carrier screening, secondary findings, pharmacogenomics, controlled ovarian stimulation, preconception, genetics, genome-wide association studies, GWAS. OUTCOMES Through PubMed Central queries, we identified a total of 1409 articles. The full list of articles was assessed for date of publication, limiting the search to studies published within the last 15 years (2004 onwards due to escalating research output of next-generation sequencing studies from that date). The remaining articles' titles were assessed for pertinence to the topic, leaving a total of 644 articles. The use of preconception GS has the potential to identify inheritable genetic conditions concealed in the genome of around 4% of couples looking to conceive. Genomic information during reproductive age will also be useful to anticipate late-onset medically actionable conditions with strong genetic background in around 2-4% of all individuals. Genetic variants correlated with differential response to pharmaceutical treatment in IVF, and clear genotype-phenotype associations are found for aberrant sperm types, oocyte maturation, fertilization or pre- and post-implantation embryonic development. All currently known capabilities of GS at the preconception stage are reviewed along with persisting and forthcoming barriers for the implementation of precise reproductive medicine. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The expansion of sequencing analysis to additional monogenic and polygenic traits may enable the development of cost-effective preconception tests capable of identifying underlying genetic causes of infertility, which have been defined as 'unexplained' until now, thus leading to the development of a true personalized genomic medicine framework in reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Capalbo
- Igenomix Italy, Marostica, Italy.,Igenomix Foundation, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Antoni Riera-Escamilla
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vallari Shukla
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DRNF Center for Chromosome Stability, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miya Kudo Høffding
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DRNF Center for Chromosome Stability, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Centre of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eva R Hoffmann
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DRNF Center for Chromosome Stability, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carlos Simon
- Igenomix Foundation, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology BIDMC, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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65
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Jiao SY, Yang YH, Chen SR. Molecular genetics of infertility: loss-of-function mutations in humans and corresponding knockout/mutated mice. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:154-189. [PMID: 33118031 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a major issue in human reproductive health, affecting an estimated 15% of couples worldwide. Infertility can result from disorders of sex development (DSD) or from reproductive endocrine disorders (REDs) with onset in infancy, early childhood or adolescence. Male infertility, accounting for roughly half of all infertility cases, generally manifests as decreased sperm count (azoospermia or oligozoospermia), attenuated sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) or a higher proportion of morphologically abnormal sperm (teratozoospermia). Female infertility can be divided into several classical types, including, but not limited to, oocyte maturation arrest, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest. An estimated one half of infertility cases have a genetic component; however, most genetic causes of human infertility are currently uncharacterized. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has greatly facilitated the identification of infertility-associated gene mutations in patients over the past 20 years. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to conduct a narrative review of the genetic causes of human infertility. Loss-of-function mutation discoveries related to human infertility are summarized and further illustrated in tables. Corresponding knockout/mutated animal models of causative genes for infertility are also introduced. SEARCH METHODS A search of the PubMed database was performed to identify relevant studies published in English. The term 'mutation' was combined with a range of search terms related to the core focus of the review: infertility, DSD, REDs, azoospermia or oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF), primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS), globozoospermia, teratozoospermia, acrosome, oocyte maturation arrest, POI, zona pellucida, fertilization defects and early embryonic arrest. OUTCOMES Our search generated ∼2000 records. Overall, 350 articles were included in the final review. For genetic investigation of human infertility, the traditional candidate gene approach is proceeding slowly, whereas high-throughput sequencing technologies in larger cohorts of individuals is identifying an increasing number of causative genes linked to human infertility. This review provides a wide panel of gene mutations in several typical forms of human infertility, including DSD, REDs, male infertility (oligozoospermia, MMAF, PCD, ASS and globozoospermia) and female infertility (oocyte maturation arrest, POI, fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest). The causative genes, their identified mutations, mutation rate, studied population and their corresponding knockout/mutated mice of non-obstructive azoospermia, MMAF, ASS, globozoospermia, oocyte maturation arrest, POI, fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest are further illustrated by tables. In this review, we suggest that (i) our current knowledge of infertility is largely obtained from knockout mouse models; (ii) larger cohorts of clinical cases with distinct clinical characteristics need to be recruited in future studies; (iii) the whole picture of genetic causes of human infertility relies on both the identification of more mutations for distinct types of infertility and the integration of known mutation information; (iv) knockout/mutated animal models are needed to show whether the phenotypes of genetically altered animals are consistent with findings in human infertile patients carrying a deleterious mutation of the homologous gene; and (v) the molecular mechanisms underlying human infertility caused by pathogenic mutations are largely unclear in most current studies. WILDER IMPLICATIONS It is important to use our current understanding to identify avenues and priorities for future research in the field of genetic causes of infertility as well as to apply mutation knowledge to risk prediction, genetic diagnosis and potential treatment for human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ya Jiao
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Hong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
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Reproductive Outcomes from Maternal Loss of Nlrp2 Are Not Improved by IVF or Embryo Transfer Consistent with Oocyte-Specific Defect. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:1850-1865. [PMID: 33090377 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00360-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Nlrp2 encodes a protein of the oocyte subcortical maternal complex (SCMC), required for embryo development. We previously showed that loss of maternal Nlrp2 in mice causes subfertility, smaller litters with birth defects, and growth abnormalities in offspring, indicating that Nlrp2 is a maternal effect gene and that all embryos from Nlrp2-deficient females that were cultured in vitro arrested before the blastocysts stage. Here, we used time-lapse microscopy to examine the development of cultured embryos from superovulated Nlrp2-deficient and wild-type mice after in vivo and in vitro fertilization. Embryos from Nlrp2-deficient females had similar abnormal cleavage and fragmentation and arrested by blastocyst stage, irrespective of fertilization mode. This indicates that in vitro fertilization does not further perturb or improve the development of cultured embryos. We also transferred embryos from superovulated Nlrp2-deficient and wild-type females to wild-type recipients to investigate if the abnormal reproductive outcomes of Nlrp2-deficient females are primarily driven by oocyte dysfunction or if a suboptimal intra-uterine milieu is a necessary factor. Pregnancies with transferred embryos from Nlrp2-deficient females produced smaller litters, stillbirths, and offspring with birth defects and growth abnormalities. This indicates that the reproductive phenotype is oocyte-specific and is not rescued by development in a wild-type uterus. We further found abnormal DNA methylation at two maternally imprinted loci in the kidney of surviving young adult offspring, confirming persistent DNA methylation disturbances in surviving offspring. These findings have implications for fertility treatments for women with mutations in NLRP2 and other genes encoding SCMC proteins.
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Zheng W, Hu H, Dai J, Zhang S, Gu Y, Dai C, Guo J, Xu X, Li Y, Zhang S, Hu L, Gong F, Lu G, Lin G. Expanding the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of the subcortical maternal complex genes in recurrent preimplantation embryonic arrest. Clin Genet 2020; 99:286-291. [PMID: 33020905 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13858] [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: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) is an oocyte-to-embryo-specific maternal functional module. Some variants of SCMC genes that contribute to preimplantation embryonic arrest have been identified. However, more novel variants should be identified to broaden the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of SCMC genes and establish their roles in embryonic development. We identified 13 novel variants in the SCMC genes, TLE6, NLRP5, NLRP2, and PADI6, from 10 of a total of 50 infertile females with recurrent preimplantation embryonic arrest. Six variants in TLE6 were found in five patients with embryonic arrest, accompanied by direct cleavage and severe fragmentation at the cleavage stage. Three patients carried NLRP5 variants, and one patient each who carried NLRP2 and PADI6 variants had subsequent poor or failed fertilization and cleavage arrest with a relatively lower ratio of severely fragmented embryos. Our findings expand the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of SCMC genes associated with human embryogenesis and might help lay the foundation for the genetic diagnosis of female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zheng
- College of life science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
| | - Huiling Hu
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Lab of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Dai
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Lab of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuoping Zhang
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
| | - Yifan Gu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China.,Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Lab of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Can Dai
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
| | - Xinxin Xu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
| | - Shunji Zhang
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
| | - Liang Hu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China.,Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Lab of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China.,Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Lab of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China.,Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Lab of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China.,Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Lab of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Sandall CF, Ziehr BK, MacDonald JA. ATP-Binding and Hydrolysis in Inflammasome Activation. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25194572. [PMID: 33036374 PMCID: PMC7583971 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25194572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The prototypical model for NOD-like receptor (NLR) inflammasome assembly includes nucleotide-dependent activation of the NLR downstream of pathogen- or danger-associated molecular pattern (PAMP or DAMP) recognition, followed by nucleation of hetero-oligomeric platforms that lie upstream of inflammatory responses associated with innate immunity. As members of the STAND ATPases, the NLRs are generally thought to share a similar model of ATP-dependent activation and effect. However, recent observations have challenged this paradigm to reveal novel and complex biochemical processes to discern NLRs from other STAND proteins. In this review, we highlight past findings that identify the regulatory importance of conserved ATP-binding and hydrolysis motifs within the nucleotide-binding NACHT domain of NLRs and explore recent breakthroughs that generate connections between NLR protein structure and function. Indeed, newly deposited NLR structures for NLRC4 and NLRP3 have provided unique perspectives on the ATP-dependency of inflammasome activation. Novel molecular dynamic simulations of NLRP3 examined the active site of ADP- and ATP-bound models. The findings support distinctions in nucleotide-binding domain topology with occupancy of ATP or ADP that are in turn disseminated on to the global protein structure. Ultimately, studies continue to reveal how the ATP-binding and hydrolysis properties of NACHT domains in different NLRs integrate with signaling modules and binding partners to control innate immune responses at the molecular level.
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Yatsenko SA, Rajkovic A. Genetics of human female infertility†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:549-566. [PMID: 31077289 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
About 10% of women of reproductive age are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. Female factors alone account for at least 35% of all infertility cases and comprise a wide range of causes affecting ovarian development, maturation of oocytes, and fertilization competence, as well as the potential of a fertilized egg for preimplantation development, implantation, and fetal growth. Genetic abnormalities leading to infertility in females comprise large chromosome abnormalities, submicroscopic chromosome deletion and duplications, and DNA sequence variations in the genes that control numerous biological processes implicated in oogenesis, maintenance of ovarian reserve, hormonal signaling, and anatomical and functional development of female reproductive organs. Despite the great number of genes implicated in reproductive physiology by the study of animal models, only a subset of these genes is associated with human infertility. In this review, we mainly focus on genetic alterations identified in humans and summarize recent knowledge on the molecular pathways of oocyte development and maturation, the crucial role of maternal-effect factors during embryogenesis, and genetic conditions associated with ovarian dysgenesis, primary ovarian insufficiency, early embryonic lethality, and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana A Yatsenko
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA.,Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA.,Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Aleksandar Rajkovic
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.,Institute of Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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70
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Zhang Z, Li B, Fu J, Li R, Diao F, Li C, Chen B, Du J, Zhou Z, Mu J, Yan Z, Wu L, Liu S, Wang W, Zhao L, Dong J, He L, Liang X, Kuang Y, Sun X, Sang Q, Wang L. Bi-allelic Missense Pathogenic Variants in TRIP13 Cause Female Infertility Characterized by Oocyte Maturation Arrest. Am J Hum Genet 2020; 107:15-23. [PMID: 32473092 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal oocyte meiosis is a prerequisite for successful human reproduction, and abnormalities in the process will result in infertility. In 2016, we identified mutations in TUBB8 as responsible for human oocyte meiotic arrest. However, the underlying genetic factors for most affected individuals remain unknown. TRIP13, encoding an AAA-ATPase, is a key component of the spindle assembly checkpoint, and recurrent homozygous nonsense variants and a splicing variant in TRIP13 are reported to cause Wilms tumors in children. In this study, we identified homozygous and compound heterozygous missense pathogenic variants in TRIP13 responsible for female infertility mainly characterized by oocyte meiotic arrest in five individuals from four independent families. Individuals from three families suffered from oocyte maturation arrest, whereas the individual from the fourth family had abnormal zygote cleavage. All displayed only the infertility phenotype without Wilms tumors or any other abnormalities. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that the identified variants reduced the protein abundance of TRIP13 and caused its downstream molecule, HORMAD2, to accumulate in HeLa cells and in proband-derived lymphoblastoid cells. The chromosome mis-segregation assay showed that variants did not have any effects on mitosis. Injecting TRIP13 cRNA into oocytes from one affected individual was able to rescue the phenotype, which has implications for future therapeutic treatments. This study reports pathogenic variants in TRIP13 responsible for oocyte meiotic arrest, and it highlights the pivotal but different roles of TRIP13 in meiosis and mitosis. These findings also indicate that different dosage effects of mutant TRIP13 might result in two distinct human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bin Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai Ninth Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jing Fu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Rong Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Feiyang Diao
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Caihong Li
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Laboratory, Shenyang Jinghua Hospitals, Shenyang, Liaoning 110005, China
| | - Biaobang Chen
- National Health Commission Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jing Du
- National Health Commission Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jian Mu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zheng Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai Ninth Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Ling Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai Ninth Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lin He
- Bio-X Center, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xiaozhen Liang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai Ninth Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Center for Women and Children's Health, Shanghai 200062, China.
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71
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Xu Y, Qian Y, Liu Y, Wang Q, Wang R, Zhou Y, Zhang C, Pang Z, Ye H, Xue S, Sun L. A novel homozygous variant in NLRP5 is associate with human early embryonic arrest in a consanguineous Chinese family. Clin Genet 2020; 98:69-73. [PMID: 32222962 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Early embryonic arrest is one of the major causes of recurrent assisted reproduction failure. It is characterized by delayed embryonic development and failure to form viable eight-cell stage embryos on day 3 of an assisted reproduction cycle. A recent study reported that biallelic mutations in NLRP5 can cause early embryonic arrest. NLRP5 is a member of subcortical maternal complex, which plays a significant role in embryogenesis. In this study, we described a female in a consanguineous Chinese family who displayed clinical features of early embryonic arrest and identified a novel homozygous variant c.1061C>T (p.Pro354Leu) in NLRP5. This is the second report of the biallelic NLRP5 variant that associates with early embryonic arrest in humans, further confirming the role of NLRP5 variants in early embryonic arrest and expanding the spectrum of known pathogenic variants in NLRP5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Qian
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaofeng Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongxiang Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiwen Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Caixia Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Pang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongjuan Ye
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Songguo Xue
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihua Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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72
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A genomics approach to females with infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss. Hum Genet 2020; 139:605-613. [PMID: 32172300 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02143-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Infertility affects 10% of reproductive-age women and is extremely heterogeneous in etiology. The genetic contribution to female infertility is incompletely understood, and involves chromosomal and single-gene defects. Our aim in this study is to decipher single-gene causes in infertile women in whom endocrinological, anatomical, and chromosomal causes have been excluded. Our cohort comprises women with recurrent pregnancy loss and no offspring from spontaneous pregnancies (RPL, n = 61) and those who never achieved clinical pregnancy and were referred for in vitro fertilization [primary infertility (PI), n = 14]. Whole-exome sequencing revealed candidate variants in 14, which represents 43% of those with PI and 13% of those with RPL. These include variants in previously established female infertility-related genes (TLE6, NLRP7, FSHR, and ZP1) as well as genes with only tentative links in the literature (NLRP5). Candidate variants in genes linked to primary ciliary dyskinesia (DNAH11 and CCNO) were identified in individuals with and without systemic features of the disease. We also identified variants in genes not previously linked to female infertility. These include one homozygous variant each in CCDC68, CBX3, CENPH, PABPC1L, PIF1, PLK1, and REXO4, which we propose as candidate genes for infertility based on their established biology or compatible animal models. Our study expands the contribution of single genes to the etiology of PI and RPL, improves the precision of disease classification at the molecular level, and offers the potential for future treatment and development of human genetics-inspired fertility regulators.
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Abstract
The mammalian genome experiences profound setting and resetting of epigenetic patterns during the life-course. This is understood best for DNA methylation: the specification of germ cells, gametogenesis, and early embryo development are characterised by phases of widespread erasure and rewriting of methylation. While mitigating against intergenerational transmission of epigenetic information, these processes must also ensure correct genomic imprinting that depends on faithful and long-term memory of gamete-derived methylation states in the next generation. This underscores the importance of understanding the mechanisms of methylation programming in the germline.
De novo methylation in the oocyte is of particular interest because of its intimate association with transcription, which results in a bimodal methylome unique amongst mammalian cells. Moreover, this methylation landscape is entirely set up in a non-dividing cell, making the oocyte a fascinating model system in which to explore mechanistic determinants of methylation. Here, we summarise current knowledge on the oocyte DNA methylome and how it is established, focussing on recent insights from knockout models in the mouse that explore the interplay between methylation and chromatin states. We also highlight some remaining paradoxes and enigmas, in particular the involvement of non-nuclear factors for correct
de novo methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Demond
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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74
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Elbracht M, Mackay D, Begemann M, Kagan KO, Eggermann T. Disturbed genomic imprinting and its relevance for human reproduction: causes and clinical consequences. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:197-213. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Human reproductive issues affecting fetal and maternal health are caused by numerous exogenous and endogenous factors, of which the latter undoubtedly include genetic changes. Pathogenic variants in either maternal or offspring DNA are associated with effects on the offspring including clinical disorders and nonviable outcomes. Conversely, both fetal and maternal factors can affect maternal health during pregnancy. Recently, it has become evident that mammalian reproduction is influenced by genomic imprinting, an epigenetic phenomenon that regulates the expression of genes according to their parent from whom they are inherited. About 1% of human genes are normally expressed from only the maternally or paternally inherited gene copy. Since numerous imprinted genes are involved in (embryonic) growth and development, disturbance of their balanced expression can adversely affect these processes.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
This review summarises current our understanding of genomic imprinting in relation to human ontogenesis and pregnancy and its relevance for reproductive medicine.
SEARCH METHODS
Literature databases (Pubmed, Medline) were thoroughly searched for the role of imprinting in human reproductive failure. In particular, the terms ‘multilocus imprinting disturbances, SCMC, NLRP/NALP, imprinting and reproduction’ were used in various combinations.
OUTCOMES
A range of molecular changes to specific groups of imprinted genes are associated with imprinting disorders, i.e. syndromes with recognisable clinical features including distinctive prenatal features. Whereas the majority of affected individuals exhibit alterations at single imprinted loci, some have multi-locus imprinting disturbances (MLID) with less predictable clinical features. Imprinting disturbances are also seen in some nonviable pregnancy outcomes, such as (recurrent) hydatidiform moles, which can therefore be regarded as a severe form of imprinting disorders. There is growing evidence that MLID can be caused by variants in the maternal genome altering the imprinting status of the oocyte and the embryo, i.e. maternal effect mutations. Pregnancies of women carrying maternal affect mutations can have different courses, ranging from miscarriages to birth of children with clinical features of various imprinting disorders.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
Increasing understanding of imprinting disturbances and their clinical consequences have significant impacts on diagnostics, counselling and management in the context of human reproduction. Defining criteria for identifying pregnancies complicated by imprinting disorders facilitates early diagnosis and personalised management of both the mother and offspring. Identifying the molecular lesions underlying imprinting disturbances (e.g. maternal effect mutations) allows targeted counselling of the family and focused medical care in further pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Elbracht
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Deborah Mackay
- Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Matthias Begemann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Karl Oliver Kagan
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Eggermann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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75
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Lin J, Xu H, Chen B, Wang W, Wang L, Sun X, Sang Q. Expanding the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of female infertility caused by TLE6 mutations. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:437-442. [PMID: 31897846 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01653-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study was intended to identify genetic causes of infertile patients with recurrent failure of in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) attempts. METHODS Infertile patients with recurrent IVF/ICSI failure from Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute and the Ninth Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University were recruited. Genomic DNA samples were extracted from their peripheral blood. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger validation were performed to identify candidate variants. RESULTS We identified novel transducin-like enhancer of split 6 (TLE6) gene mutations in three patients with recurrent IVF/ICSI failure. One patient carried a homozygous missense mutation (c.1226G>A; p.Arg409Gln) with subsequent fertilization failure, while the other two patients carried either a homozygous missense mutation (c.1621G>A; p.Glu541Lys) or a compound heterozygous missense mutation (c.388G>A/c.1507G>A; p.Asp130Asn/p.Val503Ile) and had viable but low-quality embryos. CONCLUSIONS Our study expands the mutational and phenotypic spectrum of TLE6 and suggests the important role of TLE6 during embryonic development. Our findings have implications for the genetic diagnosis of female infertility with recurrent IVF/ICSI failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lin
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hua Xu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Biaobang Chen
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Demond H, Anvar Z, Jahromi BN, Sparago A, Verma A, Davari M, Calzari L, Russo S, Jahromi MA, Monk D, Andrews S, Riccio A, Kelsey G. A KHDC3L mutation resulting in recurrent hydatidiform mole causes genome-wide DNA methylation loss in oocytes and persistent imprinting defects post-fertilisation. Genome Med 2019; 11:84. [PMID: 31847873 PMCID: PMC6918611 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-019-0694-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal effect mutations in the components of the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) of the human oocyte can cause early embryonic failure, gestational abnormalities and recurrent pregnancy loss. Enigmatically, they are also associated with DNA methylation abnormalities at imprinted genes in conceptuses: in the devastating gestational abnormality biparental complete hydatidiform mole (BiCHM) or in multi-locus imprinting disease (MLID). However, the developmental timing, genomic extent and mechanistic basis of these imprinting defects are unknown. The rarity of these disorders and the possibility that methylation defects originate in oocytes have made these questions very challenging to address. Methods Single-cell bisulphite sequencing (scBS-seq) was used to assess methylation in oocytes from a patient with BiCHM identified to be homozygous for an inactivating mutation in the human SCMC component KHDC3L. Genome-wide methylation analysis of a preimplantation embryo and molar tissue from the same patient was also performed. Results High-coverage scBS-seq libraries were obtained from five KHDC3Lc.1A>G oocytes, which revealed a genome-wide deficit of DNA methylation compared with normal human oocytes. Importantly, germline differentially methylated regions (gDMRs) of imprinted genes were affected similarly to other sequence features that normally become methylated in oocytes, indicating no selectivity towards imprinted genes. A range of methylation losses was observed across genomic features, including gDMRs, indicating variable sensitivity to defects in the SCMC. Genome-wide analysis of a pre-implantation embryo and molar tissue from the same patient showed that following fertilisation methylation defects at imprinted genes persist, while most non-imprinted regions of the genome recover near-normal methylation post-implantation. Conclusions We show for the first time that the integrity of the SCMC is essential for de novo methylation in the female germline. These findings have important implications for understanding the role of the SCMC in DNA methylation and for the origin of imprinting defects, for counselling affected families, and will help inform future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Demond
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Zahra Anvar
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. .,Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso', Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy.
| | - Bahia Namavar Jahromi
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Angela Sparago
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Caserta, Italy
| | - Ankit Verma
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso', Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Caserta, Italy
| | - Maryam Davari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,IVF Section, Ghadir-Mother and Child Hospital of Shiraz, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Luciano Calzari
- Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Centro di Ricerche e Tecnologie Biomediche IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Russo
- Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Centro di Ricerche e Tecnologie Biomediche IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - David Monk
- Imprinting and Cancer Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Simon Andrews
- Bioinformatics Group, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrea Riccio
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso', Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy. .,Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Caserta, Italy.
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK. .,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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77
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Sparago A, Verma A, Patricelli MG, Pignata L, Russo S, Calzari L, De Francesco N, Del Prete R, Palumbo O, Carella M, Mackay DJG, Rezwan FI, Angelini C, Cerrato F, Cubellis MV, Riccio A. The phenotypic variations of multi-locus imprinting disturbances associated with maternal-effect variants of NLRP5 range from overt imprinting disorder to apparently healthy phenotype. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:190. [PMID: 31829238 PMCID: PMC6907351 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0760-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A subset of individuals affected by imprinting disorders displays multi-locus imprinting disturbances (MLID). MLID has been associated with maternal-effect variants that alter the maintenance of methylation at germline-derived differentially methylated regions (gDMRs) in early embryogenesis. Pedigrees of individuals with MLID also include siblings with healthy phenotype. However, it is unknown if these healthy individuals have MLID themselves or if their methylation patterns differ from those associated with imprinting disorders, and in general, if MLID affects the clinical phenotype. METHODS We have investigated gDMR methylation by locus-specific and whole-genome analyses in a family with multiple pregnancy losses, a child with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and a further child with no clinical diagnosis of imprinting disorder or other pathologies. RESULTS We detected MLID with different methylation profiles in the BWS-affected and healthy siblings. Whole-exome sequencing demonstrated the presence of novel loss-of-function variants of NLRP5 in compound heterozygosity in the mother. The methylation profiles of the two siblings were compared with those of other cases with MLID and control groups by principal component analysis and unsupervised hierarchical clustering, but while their patterns were clearly separated from those of controls, we were unable to cluster those associated with specific clinical phenotypes among the MLID cases. CONCLUSION The identification of two novel maternal-effect variants of NLRP5 associated with poly-abortivity and MLID adds further evidence to the role of this gene in the maintenance of genomic imprinting in early embryos. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that within these pedigrees, MLID can also be present in the progeny with healthy phenotype, indicating that some sort of compensation occurs between altered imprinted loci in these individuals. The analysis of larger cohorts of patients with MLID is needed to formulate more accurate epigenotype-phenotype correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Sparago
- 0000 0001 2200 8888grid.9841.4Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Ankit Verma
- 0000 0001 2200 8888grid.9841.4Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy ,0000 0004 1758 2860grid.419869.bInstitute of Genetics and Biophysics (IGB) “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Patricelli
- 0000000417581884grid.18887.3eMolecular Biology and Citogenetics, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Pignata
- 0000 0001 2200 8888grid.9841.4Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Silvia Russo
- 0000 0004 1757 9530grid.418224.9Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Centro di Ricerche e Tecnologie Biomediche IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luciano Calzari
- 0000 0004 1757 9530grid.418224.9Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Centro di Ricerche e Tecnologie Biomediche IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Naomi De Francesco
- 0000 0001 2200 8888grid.9841.4Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Rosita Del Prete
- 0000 0001 2200 8888grid.9841.4Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Orazio Palumbo
- 0000 0004 1757 9135grid.413503.0Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG Italy
| | - Massimo Carella
- 0000 0004 1757 9135grid.413503.0Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG Italy
| | - Deborah J. G. Mackay
- 0000 0004 1936 9297grid.5491.9Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Faisal I. Rezwan
- 0000 0004 1936 9297grid.5491.9Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Claudia Angelini
- 0000 0001 1940 4177grid.5326.2Institute for Applied Mathematics “Mauro Picone” (IAC), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Napoli, Italy
| | - Flavia Cerrato
- 0000 0001 2200 8888grid.9841.4Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Riccio
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy. .,Institute of Genetics and Biophysics (IGB) "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy.
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78
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Wang W, Dong J, Chen B, Du J, Kuang Y, Sun X, Fu J, Li B, Mu J, Zhang Z, Zhou Z, Lin Z, Wu L, Yan Z, Mao X, Li Q, He L, Wang L, Sang Q. Homozygous mutations in REC114 cause female infertility characterised by multiple pronuclei formation and early embryonic arrest. J Med Genet 2019; 57:187-194. [PMID: 31704776 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal pronuclear formation during fertilisation and subsequent early embryonic arrest results in female infertility. In recent years, with the prevalence of assisted reproductive technology, a few genes have been identified that are involved in female infertility caused by abnormalities in oocyte development, fertilisation and embryonic development. However, the genetic factors responsible for multiple pronuclei formation during fertilisation and early embryonic arrest remain largely unknown. OBJECTIVE We aim to identify genetic factors responsible for multiple pronuclei formation during fertilisation or early embryonic arrest. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing was performed in a cohort of 580 patients with abnormal fertilisation and early embryonic arrest. Effects of mutations were investigated in HEK293T cells by western blotting and immunoprecipitation, as well as minigene assay. RESULTS We identified a novel homozygous missense mutation (c.397T>G, p.C133G) and a novel homozygous donor splice-site mutation (c.546+5G>A) in the meiotic gene REC114. REC114 is involved in the formation of double strand breaks (DSBs), which initiate homologous chromosome recombination. We demonstrated that the splice-site mutation affected the normal alternative splicing of REC114, while the missense mutation reduced the protein level of REC114 in vitro and resulted in the loss of its function to protect its partner protein MEI4 from degradation. CONCLUSIONS Our study has identified mutations in REC114 responsible for human multiple pronuclei formation and early embryonic arrest, and these findings expand our knowledge of genetic factors that are responsible for normal human female meiosis and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Wang
- Children's Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Children's Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Zhuhai Fudan Innovation Institute, Zhuhai, China
| | - Biaobang Chen
- Children's Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Du
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai, China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai Ninth Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Fu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai Ninth Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Mu
- Children's Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Children's Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Children's Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao Lin
- Children's Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai Ninth Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai Ninth Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Mao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai Ninth Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoli Li
- Children's Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin He
- Bio-X Center, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Children's Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China .,Zhuhai Fudan Innovation Institute, Zhuhai, China.,Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Sang
- Children's Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China .,Zhuhai Fudan Innovation Institute, Zhuhai, China
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79
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Novel compound heterozygous mutations in WEE2 causes female infertility and fertilization failure. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1957-1962. [PMID: 31428887 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01553-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the disease-causing gene in a family with female infertility and fertilization failure. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to identify the disease-causing gene in a female with infertility and fertilization failure. Subcellular localization and western blot analysis were used to check the effect of mutations. RESULTS We identified novel compound heterozygous mutations c.598C>T (p.Arg200Ter) and c.1319G>C (p.Trp440Ser) in WEE2 gene in a female with infertility and fertilization failure. The p.Arg200Ter mutant WEE2 gene produce truncated protein and mainly located in the nucleus, the same as the wild protein, while the p.Trp440Ser mutant WEE2 proteins are located in the nucleus and cytoplasm and the expression level of p.Trp440Ser mutant WEE2 protein is reduced significantly compared with that of wild-type WEE2. CONCLUSIONS We discovered novel compound heterozygous mutations c.598C>T (p.Arg200Ter) and c.1319G>C (p.Trp440Ser) in WEE2 gene in a female whose oocytes could not form pronucleus after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Moreover, mutations in WEE2 gene affect the normal function of WEE2 proteins and cause fertilization failure.
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80
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Qin D, Gao Z, Xiao Y, Zhang X, Ma H, Yu X, Nie X, Fan N, Wang X, Ouyang Y, Sun QY, Yi Z, Li L. The subcortical maternal complex protein Nlrp4f is involved in cytoplasmic lattice formation and organelle distribution. Development 2019; 146:dev.183616. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.183616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In mammalian oocytes and embryos, the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) and cytoplasmic lattices (CPLs) are two closely related structures. Their detailed compositions and functions remain largely unclear. Here, we characterized Nlrp4f as a novel component associated with the SCMC and CPLs. Disruption of maternal Nlrp4f leads to decreased fecundity and delayed preimplantation development in the mouse. Lack of Nlrp4f affects organelle distribution in mouse oocytes and early embryos. Depletion of Nlrp4f disrupts CPL formation but does not affect the interactions of other SCMC proteins. Interestingly, the loss of Filia or Tle6, two other SCMC proteins, also disrupts CPL formation in mouse oocytes. Thus, the absence of CPLs and aberrant distribution of organelles in the oocytes disrupted the examined SCMC genes, including previously reported Zbed3, Mater, Floped and Padi6, indicate that the SCMC is required for CPL formation and organelle distribution. Consistent with the SCMC's role in CPL formation, the SCMC forms before CPLs during oogenesis. Together, our results suggest that SCMC protein Nlrp4f is involved in CPL formation and organelle distribution in mouse oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zheng Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiaoxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Haixia Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xingjiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiaoqing Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Na Fan
- Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (North) of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yingchun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zhaohong Yi
- Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (North) of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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