Increase of mitochondrial DNA content and transcripts in early bovine embryogenesis associated with upregulation of mtTFA and NRF1 transcription factors

Maternal age and in vitro culture affect mitochondrial number and function in equine oocytes and embryos

Advanced maternal age and in vitro embryo production (IVP) predispose to pregnancy loss in horses. We investigated whether mare age and IVP were associated with alterations in mitochondrial (mt) DNA copy number or function that could compromise oocyte and embryo development. Effects of mare age (<12 vs ≥12 years) on mtDNA copy number, ATP content and expression of genes involved in mitochondrial replication (mitochondrial transcription factor (TFAM), mtDNA polymerase γ subunit B (mtPOLB) and mitochondrial single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB)), energy production (ATP synthase-coupling factor 6, mitochondrial-like (ATP-synth_F6)) and oxygen free radical scavenging (glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3)) were investigated in oocytes before and after in vitro maturation (IVM), and in early embryos. Expression of TFAM, mtPOLB and ATP-synth-F6 declined after IVM (P<0.05). However, maternal age did not affect oocyte ATP content or expression of genes involved in mitochondrial replication or function. Day 7 embryos from mares ≥12 years had fewer mtDNA copies (P=0.01) and lower mtDNA:total DNA ratios (P<0.01) than embryos from younger mares, indicating an effect not simply due to lower cell number. Day 8 IVP embryos had similar mtDNA copy numbers to Day 7 in vivo embryos, but higher mtPOLB (P=0.013) and a tendency to reduced GPX3 expression (P=0.09). The lower mtDNA number in embryos from older mares may compromise development, but could be an effect rather than cause of developmental retardation. The general down-regulation of genes involved in mitochondrial replication and function after IVM may compromise resulting embryos.

Theory about the Embryo Cryo-Treatment

Background

To create hypothesis, which can give a logical explanation related to the benefits of freezing/thawing embryos. Cryopreservation is not only a technology used for storing embryos, but also a method of embryo treatment that can potentially improve the success rate in infertile couples.

Methods

From the analysis of multiple results in assisted reproductive technology, which have no satisfactory explanation to date, we found evidence to support a 'therapeutic' effect of the freezing/thawing of embryos on the process of recovery of the embryo and its subsequent implantation.

Results

Freezing/thawing is a way to activate the endogenous survival and repair responses in preimplantation embryos. Several molecular mechanisms can explain the higher success rate of ET using thawed embryos compared to fresh ET in women of advanced reproductive age, the higher miscarriage rate in cases of thawed blastocyst ET compared to thawed ET at early cleavage embryo, and the higher perinatal parameters of born children after thawed ET. Embryo thawing induces a stress. Controlled stress is not necessarily detrimental, because it generates a phenomenon that is counteracted by several known biological responses aimed to repair mitochondrial damage of membrane and protein misfolding. The term for favorable biological responses to low exposures to stress is called hormesis.

Conclusions

This thesis will summarize the role of cryopreservation in the activation of a hormetic response, preserving the mitochondrial function, improving survival, and having an impact on the process of implantation, miscarriage, and the development of pregnancy.

Quantitative and qualitative changes of mitochondria in human preimplantation embryos

PURPOSE

The oxygen consumption rates (OCRs) in mice and cattle have been reported to change during preimplantation embryogenesis. On the other hand, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number has been shown to be unchanged in mice and changed in cattle and pigs. The interactions between mitochondrial functions and mtDNA copy numbers in human embryos during preimplantation development remain obscure.

METHODS

Sixteen oocytes and 100 embryos were used to assess mtDNA copy numbers and OCR. Three oocytes and 12 embryos were used to determine cytochrome c oxidase activity. All specimens were obtained between July 2004 and November 2014, and donated from couples after they had given informed consent. Mature oocytes and embryos at 2-14-cell, morula, and blastocyst stages were used to assess their OCR in the presence or absence of mitotoxins. The mtDNA copy number was determined using the samples after analysis of OCR. The relationships between developmental stages and OCR, and developmental stages and mtDNA copy number were analyzed. Furthermore, cytochrome c oxidase activity was determined in oocytes and 4-cell to blastocyst stage embryos.

RESULTS

The structure of inner mitochondrial membranes and their respiratory function developed with embryonic growth and the mtDNA copy numbers decreased transiently compared with those of oocytes. The undifferentiated state of inner cell mass cells appears to be associated with a low OCR. On the other hand, the mtDNA copy numbers increased and aerobic metabolism of mitochondria increased in trophectoderm cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The mitochondrial respiratory function of human embryos developed along with embryonic growth although the copy numbers of mtDNA decreased transiently before blastulation. OCRs increased toward the morula stage ahead of an increase of mtDNA at the time of blastulation. Data regarding changes in mitochondrial function and mtDNA copy number during preimplantation development of human embryos will be useful for the development of ideal culture media.

Gene Expression Analysis on the Early Development of Pig Embryos Exposed to Malathion

Malathion is a widely used pesticide and there is evidence that it could alter mammal’s germ and somatic cells, as well as cell lines. There are not enough studies showing how the nonacute malathion doses affect gene expression. This study analyzes gene expression alterations in pig morular embryos exposed in vitro , for 96 h, to several malathion concentrations after in vitro fertilization. cDNA libraries of isolated morular embryos were created and differential screenings performed to identify target genes. Seven clones were certainly identified. Genes related to mitochondrial metabolism as cytochrome c subunits I and III, nuclear genes such as major histocompatibility complex I (MHC I), and a hypothetical protein related with a splicing factor were the target of malathion’s deregulation effect. The widespread use of malathion as a pesticide should be regarded with reproductive implications and more detailed analysis would yield more about molecular mechanisms of malathion injury on embryo cells.

Lack of effects of ooplasm transfer on early development of interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer bison embryos

Background

Successful development of iSCNT (interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer) embryos depends on complex interactions between ooplasmic and nuclear components, which can be compromised by genetic divergence. Transfer of ooplasm matching the genetic background of the somatic cell in iSCNT embryos is a valuable tool to study the degree of incompatibilities between nuclear and ooplasmic components. This study investigated the effects of ooplasm transfer (OT) on cattle (Bos taurus) and plains bison (Bison bison bison) embryos produced by iSCNT and supplemented with or without ooplasm from cattle or plains bison oocytes.

Results

Embryos in all groups were analysed for developmental competence that included cleavage rates, ATP content, and expression of nuclear- and mitochondrial- encoded genes at 8–16 cell stage. Interestingly, no significant differences were observed in embryo development, ATP content, and expression of nuclear respiratory factor 2 (NRF2), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and mitochondrial subunit 2 of cytochrome c oxidase (mt-COX2) among groups. Thus, although OT did not result in any detrimental effects on the reconstructed embryos due to invasive manipulation, significant benefits of OT were not observed up to the 8–16 cell stage.

Conclusions

This study showed that a viable technique for OT + SCNT is possible, however, further understanding of the effects of OT on blastocyst development is necessary.

Effect of Heat Stress on Reproduction in Dairy Cows: Insights into the Cellular and Molecular Responses of the Oocyte

Among the components of the female reproductive tract, the ovarian pool of follicles and their enclosed oocytes are highly sensitive to hyperthermia. Heat-induced alterations in small antral follicles can be expressed later as compromised maturation and developmental capacity of the ovulating oocyte. This review summarizes the most up-to-date information on the effects of heat stress on the oocyte with an emphasis on unclear points and open questions, some of which might involve new research directions, for instance, whether preantral follicles are heat resistant. The review focuses on the follicle-enclosed oocytes, provides new insights into the cellular and molecular responses of the oocyte to elevated temperature, points out the role of the follicle microenvironment, and discusses some mechanisms that might underlie oocyte impairment. Mechanisms include nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, mitochondrial function, apoptotic pathways, and oxidative stress. Understanding the mechanism by which heat stress compromises fertility might enable development of new strategies to mitigate its effects.

Ovarian ageing: the role of mitochondria in oocytes and follicles

BACKGROUND

There is a great inter-individual variability of ovarian ageing, and almost 20% of patients consulting for infertility show signs of premature ovarian ageing. This feature, taken together with delayed childbearing in modern society, leads to the emergence of age-related ovarian dysfunction concomitantly with the desire for pregnancy. Assisted reproductive technology is frequently inefficacious in cases of ovarian ageing, thus raising the economic, medical and societal costs of the procedures.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONAL

Ovarian ageing is characterized by quantitative and qualitative alteration of the ovarian oocyte reserve. Mitochondria play a central role in follicular atresia and could be the main target of the ooplasmic factors determining oocyte quality adversely affected by ageing. Indeed, the oocyte is the richest cell of the body in mitochondria and depends largely on these organelles to acquire competence for fertilization and early embryonic development. Moreover, the oocyte ensures the uniparental transmission and stability of the mitochondrial genome across the generations. This review focuses on the role played by mitochondria in ovarian ageing and on the possible consequences over the generations.

SEARCH METHODS

PubMed was used to search the MEDLINE database for peer-reviewed original articles and reviews concerning mitochondria and ovarian ageing, in animal and human species. Searches were performed using keywords belonging to three groups: 'mitochondria' or 'mitochondrial DNA'; 'ovarian reserve', 'oocyte', 'ovary' or 'cumulus cells'; and 'ageing' or 'ovarian ageing'. These keywords were combined with other search phrases relevant to the topic. References from these articles were used to obtain additional articles.

OUTCOMES

There is a close relationship, in mammalian models and humans, between mitochondria and the decline of oocyte quality with ageing. Qualitatively, ageing-related mitochondrial (mt) DNA instability, which leads to the accumulation of mtDNA mutations in the oocyte, plays a key role in the deterioration of oocyte quality in terms of competence and of the risk of transmitting mitochondrial abnormalities to the offspring. In contrast, some mtDNA haplogroups are protective against the decline of ovarian reserve. Quantitatively, mitochondrial biogenesis is crucial during oogenesis for constituting a mitochondrial pool sufficiently large to allow normal early embryonic development and to avoid the untimely activation of mitochondrial biogenesis. Ovarian ageing also seriously affects the dynamic nature of mitochondrial biogenesis in the surrounding granulosa cells that may provide interesting alternative biomarkers of oocyte quality.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

A fuller understanding of the involvement of mitochondria in cases of infertility linked to ovarian ageing would contribute to a better management of the disorder in the future.

Experimental strategies towards increasing intracellular mitochondrial activity in oocytes: A systematic review

PURPOSE

The mitochondrial complement is critical in sustaining the earliest stages of life. To improve the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), current methods of interest were evaluated for increasing the activity and copy number of mitochondria in the oocyte cell.

METHODS

This covered the researches from 1966 to September 2015.

RESULTS

The results provided ten methods that can be studied individually or simultaneously.

CONCLUSION

Though the use of these techniques generated great concern about heteroplasmy observation in humans, it seems that with study on these suggested methods there is real hope for effective treatments of old oocyte or oocytes containing mitochondrial problems in the near future.

The relationship between mitochondrial DNA haplotype and the reproductive capacity of domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus)

Background

The maternally inherited mitochondrial genome encodes key proteins of the electron transfer chain, which produces the vast majority of cellular ATP. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) present in the mature oocyte acts as a template for all mtDNA that is replicated during development to meet the specific energy requirements of each tissue. Individuals that share a maternal lineage cluster into groupings known as mtDNA haplotypes. MtDNA haplotypes confer advantages and disadvantages to an organism and this affects its phenotype. In livestock, certain mtDNA haplotypes are associated with improved milk and meat quality, whilst, other species, mtDNA haplotypes have shown increased longevity, growth and susceptibility to diseases. In this work, we have set out to determine whether mtDNA haplotypes influence reproductive capacity. This has been undertaken using a pig model.

Results

To determine the genetic diversity of domestic pigs in Australia, we have sequenced the D-loop region of 368 pigs, and identified five mtDNA haplotypes (A to E). To assess reproductive capacity, we compared oocyte maturation, fertilization and development to blastocyst, and found that there were significant differences for maturation and fertilization amongst the haplotypes. We then determined that haplotypes C, D and E produced significantly larger litters. When we assessed the conversion of developmentally competent oocytes and their subsequent developmental stages to offspring, we found that haplotypes A and B had the lowest reproductive efficiencies. Amongst the mtDNA haplotypes, the number of mtDNA variants harbored at >25 % correlated with oocyte quality. MtDNA copy number for developmentally competent oocytes positively correlated with the level of the 16383delC variant. This variant is located in the conserved sequence box II, which is a regulatory region for mtDNA transcription and replication.

Conclusions

We have identified five mtDNA haplotypes in Australian domestic pigs indicating that genetic diversity is restricted. We have also shown that there are differences in reproductive capacity amongst the mtDNA haplotypes. We conclude that mtDNA haplotypes affect pig reproductive capacity and can be used as a marker to complement current selection methods to identify productive pigs.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12863-016-0375-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Restoration of normal embryogenesis by mitochondrial supplementation in pig oocytes exhibiting mitochondrial DNA deficiency

An increasing number of women fail to achieve pregnancy due to either failed fertilization or embryo arrest during preimplantation development. This often results from decreased oocyte quality. Indeed, reduced mitochondrial DNA copy number (mitochondrial DNA deficiency) may disrupt oocyte quality in some women. To overcome mitochondrial DNA deficiency, whilst maintaining genetic identity, we supplemented pig oocytes selected for mitochondrial DNA deficiency, reduced cytoplasmic maturation and lower developmental competence, with autologous populations of mitochondrial isolate at fertilization. Supplementation increased development to blastocyst, the final stage of preimplantation development, and promoted mitochondrial DNA replication prior to embryonic genome activation in mitochondrial DNA deficient oocytes but not in oocytes with normal levels of mitochondrial DNA. Blastocysts exhibited transcriptome profiles more closely resembling those of blastocysts from developmentally competent oocytes. Furthermore, mitochondrial supplementation reduced gene expression patterns associated with metabolic disorders that were identified in blastocysts from mitochondrial DNA deficient oocytes. These results demonstrate the importance of the oocyte’s mitochondrial DNA investment in fertilization outcome and subsequent embryo development to mitochondrial DNA deficient oocytes.

MicroRNA-27b Regulates Mitochondria Biogenesis in Myocytes

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that affect the post-transcriptional regulation of various biological pathways. To date, it is not fully understood how miRNAs regulate mitochondrial biogenesis. This study aimed at the identification of the role of miRNA-27b in mitochondria biogenesis. The mitochondria content in C2C12 cells was significantly increased during myogenic differentiation and accompanied by a marked decrease of miRNA-27b expression. Furthermore, the expression of the predicted target gene of miRNA-27b, forkhead box j3 (Foxj3), was also increased during myogenic differentiation. Luciferase activity assays confirmed that miRNA-27b directly targets the 3’-untranslated region (3’-UTR) of Foxj3. Overexpression of miRNA-27b provoked a decrease of mitochondria content and diminished expression of related mitochondrial genes and Foxj3 both at mRNA and protein levels. The expression levels of downstream genes of Foxj3, such as Mef2c, PGC1α, NRF1 and mtTFA, were also decreased in C2C12 cells upon overexpression of miRNA-27b. These results suggested that miRNA-27b may affect mitochondria biogenesis by down-regulation of Foxj3 during myocyte differentiation.

Mitochondrial DNA copy number and replication in reprogramming and differentiation

Until recently, it was thought that the role of the mitochondrial genome was confined to encoding key proteins that generate ATP through the process of oxidative phosphorylation in the electron transfer chain. However, with increasing new evidence, it is apparent that the mitochondrial genome has a major role to play in a number of diseases and phenotypes. For example, mitochondrial variants and copy number have been implicated in the processes of fertilisation outcome and development and the onset of tumorigenesis. On the other hand, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes have been implicated in a variety of diseases and most likely account for the adaptation that our ancestors achieved in order that they were fit for their environments. The mechanisms, which enable the mitochondrial genome to either protect or promote the disease phenotype, require further elucidation. However, there appears to be significant 'crosstalk' between the chromosomal and mitochondrial genomes that enable this to take place. One such mechanism is the regulation of DNA methylation by mitochondrial DNA, which is often perturbed in reprogrammed cells that have undergone dedifferentiation and affects mitochondrial DNA copy number. Furthermore, it appears that the mitochondrial genome interacts with the chromosomal genome to regulate the transcription of key genes at certain stages during development. Additionally, the mitochondrial genome can accumulate a series of mtDNA variants, which can lead to diseases such as cancer. It is likely that a combination of certain mitochondrial variants and aberrant patterns of mtDNA copy number could indeed account for many diseases that have previously been unaccounted for. This review focuses on the role that the mitochondrial genome plays especially during early stages of development and in cancer.

The relationship between transcript expression levels of nuclear encoded (TFAM, NRF1) and mitochondrial encoded (MT-CO1) genes in single human oocytes during oocyte maturation

In some cases of infertility in women, human oocytes fail to mature when they reach the metaphase II (MII) stage. Mitochondria plays an important role in oocyte maturation. A large number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), copied in oocytes, is essential for providing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during oocyte maturation. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between transcript expression levels of the mitochondrial encoded gene (MT-CO1) and two nuclear encoded genes, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in various stages of human oocyte maturation. Nine consenting patients, age 21–35 years old, with male factors were selected for ovarian stimulation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures. mRNA levels of mitochondrial-related genes were performed by singlecell TaqMan® quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). There was no significant relationship between the relative expression levels in germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes (p = 0.62). On the contrary, a significant relationship was seen between the relative expression levels of TFAM and NRF1 and the MT-CO1 genes at the stages of metaphase I (MI) and MII (p = 0.03 and p = 0.002). A relationship exists between the transcript expression levels of TFAM and NRF1, and MT-CO1 genes in various stages of human oocyte maturation.

Comparison of mitochondrial-related transcriptional levels of TFAM, NRF1 and MT-CO1 genes in single human oocytes at various stages of the oocyte maturation

Background: The aim of the current study was to assess the mRNA levels of two mitochondria-related genes, including nuclear-encoded NRF1 (nuclear respiratory factor 1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), and mitochondrial-encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (MT-CO1) genes in various stages of the human oocyte maturation. Methods: Oocytes were obtained from nine infertile women with male factor undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection protocol. Mitochondrial-related mRNA levels were performed by single-cell TaqMan real-time PCR. Results: the expression level of the target genes was low at the germinal vesicle stage (P>0.05). Although the mRNA level of NRF1gene remained stable in metaphase I, the mRNA level of TFAM and MT-CO1 increased significantly (P<0.05).In metaphase II, the expression level of all genes increased compared to metaphase I (P<0.05).Conclusion: The overexpression levels of NRF1, TFAM, and MT-CO1 genes are related to the oocyte maturation. Therefore, the current study could be used clinically to improve the success rate of IVF.

The control of mitochondrial DNA replication during development and tumorigenesis

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number is strictly regulated during development and tumorigenesis. Pluripotent stem cells and cancer stem-like cells use glycolysis for energy metabolism, as they possess low mtDNA copy number, which promotes cell proliferation. As pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into all cell types of the body, they establish the mtDNA set point during early development, maintaining mtDNA copy number at low levels but enabling differentiating cells to acquire the appropriate numbers of mtDNA copy to meet their specific demands for OXPHOS-derived ATP, as they become specialized cells. This process is mediated by changes to DNA methylation at exon 2 of the catalytic subunit of the mitochondrial-specific polymerase, POLGA. Cancer stem-like cells, however, are hypermethylated and maintain low mtDNA copy number, resulting in their dependence on aerobic glycolysis. Their hypermethylation at exon 2 of POLGA also promotes their multipotent state. As a result, cancer cells are unable to increase their mtDNA content and differentiate into specific lineages unless they are treated with DNA demethylation agents or partially depleted of their mtDNA. This review describes these processes in depth and argues that DNA methylation of POLGA is instrumental in the fate of pluripotent stem cells and cancer cells.

Evolutionary defined role of the mitochondrial DNA in fertility, disease and ageing

BACKGROUND

The endosymbiosis of an alpha-proteobacterium and a eubacterium a billion years ago paved the way for multicellularity and enabled eukaryotes to flourish. The selective advantage for the host was the acquired ability to generate large amounts of intracellular hydrogen-dependent adenosine triphosphate. The price was increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside the eukaryotic cell, causing high mutation rates of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). According to the Muller's ratchet theory, this accumulation of mutations in asexually transmitted mtDNA would ultimately lead to reduced reproductive fitness and eventually extinction. However, mitochondria have persisted over the course of evolution, initially due to a rapid, extreme evolutionary reduction of the mtDNA content. After the phylogenetic divergence of eukaryotes into animals, fungi and plants, differences in evolution of the mtDNA occurred with different adaptations for coping with the mutation burden within these clades. As a result, mitochondrial evolutionary mechanisms have had a profound effect on human adaptation, fertility, healthy reproduction, mtDNA disease manifestation and transmission and ageing. An understanding of these mechanisms might elucidate novel approaches for treatment and prevention of mtDNA disease.

METHODS

The scientific literature was investigated to determine how mtDNA evolved in animals, plants and fungi. Furthermore, the different mechanisms of mtDNA inheritance and of balancing Muller's ratchet in these species were summarized together with the consequences of these mechanisms for human health and reproduction.

RESULTS

Animal, plant and fungal mtDNA have evolved differently. Animals have compact genomes, little recombination, a stable number of genes and a high mtDNA copy number, whereas plants have larger genomes with variable gene counts, a low mtDNA copy number and many recombination events. Fungal mtDNA is somewhere in between. In plants, the mtDNA mutation rate is kept low by effective ROS defence and efficient recombination-mediated mtDNA repair. In animal mtDNA, these mechanisms are not or less well-developed and the detrimental mutagenesis events are controlled by a high mtDNA copy number in combination with a genetic bottleneck and purifying selection during transmission. The mtDNA mutation rates in animals are higher than in plants, which allow mobile animals to adapt more rapidly to various environmental conditions in terms of energy production, whereas static plants do not have this need. Although at the level of the species, these mechanisms have been extremely successful, they can have adverse effects for the individual, resulting, in humans, in severe or unpredictably segregating mtDNA diseases, as well as fertility problems and unhealthy ageing.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the forces and processes that underlie mtDNA evolution among different species increases our knowledge on the detrimental consequences that individuals can have from these evolutionary end-points. Alternative outcomes in animals, fungi and plants will lead to a better understanding of the inheritance of mtDNA disorders and mtDNA-related fertility problems. These will allow the development of options to ameliorate, cure and/or prevent mtDNA diseases and mtDNA-related fertility problems.

Developmental competence of 8?16-cell stage bison embryos produced by interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer

Altered communication between nuclear and cytoplasmic components has been linked to impaired development in interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) embryos as a result of genetic divergence between the two species. This study investigated the developmental potential and mitochondrial function of cattle (Bos taurus), plains bison (Bison bison bison) and wood bison (Bison bison athabascae) embryos produced by iSCNT using domestic cattle oocytes as cytoplasts. Embryos in all groups were analysed for development, accumulation of ATP, apoptosis and gene expression of nuclear- and mitochondrial-encoded genes at the 8-16-cell stage. The results of this study showed no significant differences in the proportion of developed embryos at the 2-, 4- and 8-16-cell stages between groups. However, significantly higher ATP levels were observed in cattle SCNT embryos compared with bison iSCNT embryos. Significantly more condensed and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL)-positive nuclei were found in plains bison iSCNT embryos. No significant differences in the expression levels of nuclear respiratory factor 2 (NRF2) or mitochondrial subunit 2 of cytochrome c oxidase (mt-COX2) were found in any of the groups. However, mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) expression significantly differed between groups. The results of this study provide insights into the potential causes that might lead to embryonic arrest in bison iSCNT embryos, including mitochondrial dysfunction, increased apoptosis and abnormal gene expression.

mtDNA mutations variously impact mtDNA maintenance throughout the human embryofetal development

Mitochondria are the largest generator of ATP in the cell. It is therefore expected that energy-requiring processes such as oocyte maturation, early embryonic or fetal development, would be adversely impacted in case of mitochondrial deficiency. Human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations constitute a spontaneous model of mitochondrial failure and offer the opportunity to study the consequences of energetic defects over fertility and embryofetal development. This review provides an update on the mtDNA metabolism in the early preimplantation embryo, and compiles data showing the impact of mtDNA mutations over mtDNA segregation. Despite convincing evidences about the essential role of mitochondria in oogenesis and preimplantation development, no correlation between the presence of a mtDNA mutation and fertilization failure, impaired oocyte quality, or embryofetal development arrest was found. In some cases, mutant cells might upregulate their mitochondrial content to overcome the bioenergetic defects induced by mtDNA mutations, and might escape negative selection. Finally we discuss some of the clinical consequences of these observations.

Developmental competence of equine oocytes: impacts of zona pellucida birefringence and maternally derived transcript expression

In the present study, equine oocytes were classified into groups of presumably high and low developmental competence according to cumulus morphology, as well as oocyte ability to metabolise brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) stain. All oocytes were evaluated individually in terms of morphometry, zona pellucida birefringence (ZPB) and relative abundance of selected candidate genes. Oocytes with an expanded cumulus (Ex), representing those with presumably high developmental competence, had a significantly thicker zona (18.2 vs 17.3µm) and a significantly higher ZPB (64.6 vs 62.1) than oocytes with a compacted cumulus (Cp). Concurrently, oocytes classified as highly developmentally competent (BCB+) had a significantly thicker zona (18.8 vs 16.1µm) and significantly higher ZPB (63.1 vs 61.3) compared with oocytes classified as having low developmental competence. Expression of TFAM, STAT3 and CKS2 was significantly higher in Ex compared with Cp oocytes, whereas expression of COX1, ATPV6E and DNMT1 was lower. Together, the data reveal that developmentally competent equine oocytes are larger in size, have higher ZPB values and exhibit a typical genetic signature of maternally derived transcripts compared with oocytes with lower in vitro developmental competence.

Mitochondrial DNA in Day 3 embryo culture medium is a novel, non-invasive biomarker of blastocyst potential and implantation outcome

In assisted reproduction technology, embryo competence is routinely evaluated on morphological criteria. Over the last decade, efforts in improving non-invasive embryo assessment have looked into the secretome of embryos. Human embryos release genomic DNA (gDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into the culture medium, and the mtDNA/gDNA ratio is significantly correlated with embryo fragmentation. Here, we investigate whether mtDNA/gDNA ratio in embryo spent medium is correlated with blastulation potential and implantation. The mtDNA/gDNA ratio was assessed in 699 Day 3 culture media by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to investigate its correlation with embryo morphology, blastocyst development and implantation. A logistic regression model evaluated whether mtDNA/gDNA ratio in the secretome may improve the prediction of blastulation. We found that embryos that successfully developed into blastocysts exhibited a significantly higher mtDNA/gDNA ratio in the culture medium compared with those that arrest (P = 0.0251), and mtDNA/gDNA, combined with morphological grading, has the potential to predict blastulation better than morphology alone (P = 0.02). Moreover, mtDNA/gDNA ratio was higher in the media from good-quality embryos that reached the full blastocyst stage on Day 5 compared with those that developed more slowly (P < 0.0001). With respect to blastocyst morphology, higher trophectoderm quality was associated with a higher mtDNA/gDNA ratio in the culture medium. Finally, a high mtDNA/gDNA ratio in spent medium was associated with successful implantation outcome (P = 0.0452) of good-quality embryos. In summary, the mtDNA/gDNA ratio in the Day 3 embryo secretome, in combination with morphological grading, may be a novel, non-invasive, early biomarker to improve identification of viable embryos with high developmental potential.

To breathe or not to breathe: the haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells dilemma

Adult haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) constitute the lifespan reserve for the generation of all the cellular lineages in the blood. Although massive progress in identifying the cluster of master genes controlling self-renewal and multipotency has been achieved in the past decade, some aspects of the physiology of HSPCs still need to be clarified. In particular, there is growing interest in the metabolic profile of HSPCs in view of their emerging role as determinants of cell fate. Indeed, stem cells and progenitors have distinct metabolic profiles, and the transition from stem to progenitor cell corresponds to a critical metabolic change, from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation. In this review, we summarize evidence, reported in the literature and provided by our group, highlighting the peculiar ability of HSPCs to adapt their mitochondrial oxidative/bioenergetic metabolism to survive in the hypoxic microenvironment of the endoblastic niche and to exploit redox signalling in controlling the balance between quiescence versus active cycling and differentiation. Especial prominence is given to the interplay between hypoxia inducible factor-1, globins and NADPH oxidases in managing the mitochondrial dioxygen-related metabolism and biogenesis in HSPCs under different ambient conditions. A mechanistic model is proposed whereby 'mitochondrial differentiation' is a prerequisite in uncommitted stem cells, paving the way for growth/differentiation factor-dependent processes. Advancing the understanding of stem cell metabolism will, hopefully, help to (i) improve efforts to maintain, expand and manipulate HSPCs ex vivo and realize their potential therapeutic benefits in regenerative medicine; (ii) reprogramme somatic cells to generate stem cells; and (iii) eliminate, selectively, malignant stem cells.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Emerging Therapeutic Aspects in Oncology. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2013.169.issue-8.

The control of mtDNA replication during differentiation and development

BACKGROUND

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is important for energy production as it encodes some of the key genes of electron transfer chain, where the majority of cellular energy is generated through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). MtDNA replication is mediated by nuclear DNA-encoded proteins or enzymes, which translocate to the mitochondria, and is strictly regulated throughout development. It starts with approximately 200 copies in each primordial germ cell and these copies undergo expansion and restriction events at various stages of development.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

I describe the patterns of mtDNA replication at key stages of development. I explain that it is essential to regulate mtDNA copy number and to establish the mtDNA set point in order that the mature, specialised cell acquires the appropriate numbers of mtDNA copy to generate sufficient adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through OXPHOS to undertake its specialised function. I discuss how these processes are dependent on the controlled expression of the nuclear-encoded mtDNA-specific replication factors and that this can be modulated by mtDNA haplotypes. I discuss how these events are altered by certain assisted reproductive technologies, some of which have been proposed to prevent the transmission of mutant mtDNA and others to overcome infertility. Furthermore, some of these technologies are predisposed to transmitting two or more populations of mtDNA, which can be extremely harmful.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

The failure to regulate mtDNA replication and mtDNA transmission during development is disadvantageous.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Manipulation of oocytes and embryos can lead to significant implications for the maternal-only transmission of mtDNA. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Frontiers of mitochondrial research.

Interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer: advancements and problems

Embryologists working with livestock species were the pioneers in the field of reprogramming by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Without the "Dolly experiment," the field of cellular reprogramming would have been slow and induced plutipotent cells (iPSCs) would not have been conceived. The major drive of the work in mammalian cloning was the interest of the breeding industry to propagate superior genotypes. Soon it was realized that the properties of oocytes could be used also to clone endangered mammalian species or to reprogram the genomes of unrelated species through what is known as interspecies (i) SCNT, using easily available oocytes of livestock species. iSCNT for cloning animals works only for species that can interbreed, and experiments with taxonomically distant species have not been successful in obtaining live births or deriving embryonic stem cell (ESC) lines to be used for regenerative medicine. There are controversial reports in the literature, but in most cases these experiments have underlined some of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are incomplete during cell nucleus reprogramming, including the failure to organize nucleoli, silence somatic cell genes, activate the embryonic genome, and resume mitochondrial replication and function, thus indicating nucleus-cytoplasmic incompatibility.

The utility of Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) staining of mammalian oocytes used for in vitro embryo production (IVP)

The present article summarizes the results of experiments investigating the Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) staining for selection of immature oocytes before in vitro embryo production or somatic cell nuclear transfer. Developmental competence of oocytes stained with BCB and quality of blastocysts derived from such oocytes as well as the expression of apoptosis-related genes, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication-related genes and the transcripts encoded by the mitochondrial genome in BCB stained oocytes are discussed.

Mitochondrial DNA variations in ova and blastocyst: implications in assisted reproduction

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of oocyte is critical for its function, embryo quality and development. Analysis of complete mtDNA of 49 oocytes and 18 blastocysts from 67 females opting for IVF revealed 437 nucleotide variations. 40.29% samples had either disease associated or non-synonymous novel or pathogenic mutation in evolutionarily conserved regions. Samples with disease associated mtDNA mutations had low fertilization rate and poor embryo quality, however no difference in implantation or clinical pregnancy rate was observed. Screening mtDNA from oocyte/blastocyst is a simple, clinically reliable method for diagnostic evaluation of female infertility and may reduce risk of mtDNA disease transmission.

Mitochondrial DNA transmission and confounding mitochondrial influences in cloned cattle and pigs

Although somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a powerful tool for production of cloned animals, SCNT embryos generally have low developmental competency and many abnormalities. The interaction between the donor nucleus and the enucleated ooplasm plays an important role in early embryonic development, but the underlying mechanisms that negatively impact developmental competency remain unclear. Mitochondria have a broad range of critical functions in cellular energy supply, cell signaling, and programmed cell death; thus, affect embryonic and fetal development. This review focuses on mitochondrial considerations influencing SCNT techniques in farm animals. Donor somatic cell mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can be transmitted through what has been considered a "bottleneck" in mitochondrial genetics via the SCNT maternal lineage. This indicates that donor somatic cell mitochondria have a role in the reconstructed cytoplasm. However, foreign somatic cell mitochondria may affect the early development of SCNT embryos. Nuclear-mitochondrial interactions in interspecies/intergeneric SCNT (iSCNT) result in severe problems. A major biological selective pressure exists against survival of exogenous mtDNA in iSCNT. Yet, mtDNA differences in SCNT animals did not reflect transfer of proteomic components following proteomic analysis. Further study of nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions is needed to illuminate key developmental characteristics of SCNT animals associated with mitochondrial biology.

Effect of maternal age on the ratio of cleavage and mitochondrial DNA copy number in early developmental stage bovine embryos

Age-associated deterioration in both the quality and quantity of mitochondria occurs in older women. The main aim of this study was to examine the effect of age on mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA number) in early developmental stage bovine embryos as well as the dynamics of mtDNA number during early embryo development. Real-time PCR was used to determine mtDNA number. In vitro-produced embryos 48 h after insemination derived from Japanese black cows, ranging in age from 25 to 209 months were categorized based on their cleavage status. There was an overall negative relationship between the age of the cow and cleavage status, to the extent that the ratio of embryos cleaved over the 4-cell stage was greater in younger cows. The mtDNA number did not differ among the cleaved status of embryos. In the next experiment, oocytes collected from each donor cow were divided into 2 groups containing 10 oocytes each, in order to compare the mtDNA number of mature oocytes and early developmental stage embryos within individuals. Upon comparing the mtDNA number between oocytes at the M2 stage and early developmental stage 48 h post insemination, mtDNA number was found to decrease in most cows, but was found to increase in some cows. In conclusion, age affects the cleaving ability of oocytes, and very old cows (> 180 months) tend to have lower mtDNA numbers in their oocytes. The change in mtDNA number during early development varied among individual cows, although overall, it showed a tendency to decrease.

Segregation of donor cell mitochondrial DNA in gaur-bovine interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos, fetuses and an offspring

The fate of foreign mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) following somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is still controversial. In this study, we examined the transmission of the heteroplasmic mtDNA of gaur donor cells and recipient bovine oocytes to an offspring and aborted and mummified fetuses at various levels during the development of gaur-bovine interspecies SCNT (iSCNT) embryos. High levels of the donor cell mtDNA were found in various tissue samples but they did not have any beneficial effect to the survival of iSCNT offspring. However, the factors on mtDNA inheritance are unique for each iSCNT experiment and depend on the recipient oocyte and donor cell used, which might play an important role in the efficiency of iSCNT.

Inheritance of mitochondrial DNA in serially recloned pigs by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has been established for the transmission of specific nuclear DNA. However, the fate of donor mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) remains unclear. Here, we examined the fate of donor mtDNA in recloned pigs through third generations. Fibroblasts of recloned pigs were obtained from offspring of each generation produced by fusion of cultured fibroblasts from a Minnesota miniature pig (MMP) into enucleated oocytes of a Landrace pig. The D-loop regions from the mtDNA of donor and recipient differ at nucleotide sequence positions 16050 (A→T), 16062 (T→C), and 16135 (G→A). In order to determine the fate of donor mtDNA in recloned pigs, we analyzed the D-loop region of the donor's mtDNA by allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) and real-time PCR. Donor mtDNA was successfully detected in all recloned offspring (F1, F2, and F3). These results indicate that heteroplasmy that originate from donor and recipient mtDNA is maintained in recloned pigs, resulting from SCNT, unlike natural reproduction.

Follicular development and expression of nuclear respiratory factor-1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1 alpha in ovaries of fetal and neonatal doelings

In livestock, the ovarian reserve of follicles is established during the fetal stage. However, at least two-thirds of the oocytes present in the reserve die because of apoptosis before birth. Notably, mitochondria have been reported to play a crucial role in the fate (life/death) of oocytes. In this study, mitochondrial regulators nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) and PPAR γ coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) were examined during this period of follicle development to investigate their effects on follicular development and apoptosis. Fetal and neonatal Capra haimen were used, ranging in age from 60 d postcoitum (dpc) to 30 d postpartum (dpp). Our data demonstrated that egg nests were the earliest recognizable gamete cells in ovaries of fetal and neonatal doelings. Proportions of egg nests decreased from 92.68 to 25.08% whereas single follicles increased from 7.32 to 74.92% between 60 and 120 dpc. Subsequently, between 90 and 120 dpc, the proportion of primordial follicles increased from 9.98 to 61.56% (P < 0.01). However, it did not change between 1 and 30 dpp (P = 0.12). The proportion of primary follicles increased from 1.23 to 37.93% between 90 dpc to 1 dpp (P = 0.01) but did not change between 1 and 30 dpp (P = 0.11). Meanwhile, proportions of secondary and tertiary follicles increased in an age-dependent manner. In addition, results of this study suggested that NRF-1 and PGC-1α proteins are mainly localized in germ cells of egg nests, cytoplasm of oocytes, and granulosa cells of follicles ranging from primordial to tertiary follicles. The transcript abundance of NRF-1 mRNA was up-regulated in 60-dpc-old ovaries compared with 1-dpp-old ovaries (P < 0.05), but the PGC-1α mRNA expression pattern did not change (P = 0.05). Nevertheless, the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase UTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells and caspase-3 activity in 60-dpc-old ovaries was less than those in 1-dpp-old ovaries (P < 0.01, P = 0.01). In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the key stage of primordial follicle formation is between 90 and 120 dpc in Capra haimen. Also, this study suggests that NRF-1 and PGC-1α might have roles in cell apoptosis during ovarian development of fetal and neonatal Capra haimen. These results improve our understanding of apoptotic mechanisms in oogenesis and folliculogenesis.

Characteristics of bovine oocytes with different meiotic competence in terms of their mitochondrial status and expression of nuclear-encoded factors

The present study was designed to characterize bovine oocytes with different meiotic competence and atresia levels in terms of their mitochondrial status. Oocyte subpopulations were recovered either from medium (MF) or small (SF) follicles and categorized as healthy, light-atretic and mid-atretic according to oocyte morphology. Mitochondrial activity, morphology and distribution, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) were assessed before (GV) and after (MII) maturation. The data were related to follicular size regardless of or with regard to oocyte atresia. Regardless of atresia, the MF subpopulation showed a significantly higher mitochondrial activity and frequency of oocytes with granulated mitochondria at GV and clustered mitochondria at MII than the SF subpopulation. With regard to atresia, mitochondrial activity decreased from healthy to mid-atretic oocytes in both MF and SF subpopulations at GV, but in the SF subpopulation at MII, the mitochondrial activity and frequency of oocytes with clustered mitochondria were significantly higher in light-atretic than in healthy oocytes. The light-atretic oocytes also produced more ATP than healthy ones in both SF and MF subpopulations. However, a significantly higher relative abundance of mRNA TFAM was found in SF than MF subpopulations at GV, and this difference remained in mid-atretic oocytes at MII. It can be concluded that meiotic competence and atresia level influence mitochondrial status of immature bovine oocytes. After maturation, healthy oocytes from medium follicles and light-atretic oocytes from small follicles were more developed in terms of mitochondrial status than the other oocytes.

Investigation into developmental potential and nuclear/mitochondrial function in early wood and plains bison hybrid embryos

Studies to date have shown that bison embryo development in vitro is compromised with few embryos developing to the blastocyst stage. The aim of this study was to use bison-cattle hybrid embryos, an interspecific cross that is known to result in live offspring in vivo, as a model for assessing species-specific differences in embryo development in vitro. Cattle oocytes fertilized with cattle, plains bison and wood bison sperm were assessed for various developmental parameters associated with embryo quality, including cell number, apoptosis and ATP content. Decreased development to the blastocyst stage was observed in hybrid wood bison embryos compared with the other treatment groups. Although both wood bison and plains bison hybrid blastocysts had significantly lower cell numbers than cattle blastocysts, only wood bison hybrid blastocysts had a greater incidence of apoptosis than cattle blastocysts. Among the treatment groups, ATP levels and expression profiles of NRF1, TFAM, MT-CYB, BAX and BCL2 were not significantly different in both 8- to 16-cell stage and blastocyst stage embryos. These data provide evidence of decreased developmental competence in the wood bison hybrid embryos, owing to inadequate culture conditions that have increased apoptotic events.

John JC. Interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer is dependent on compatible mitochondrial DNA and reprogramming factors

Interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) involves the transfer of a nucleus or cell from one species into the cytoplasm of an enucleated oocyte from another. Once activated, reconstructed oocytes can be cultured in vitro to blastocyst, the final stage of preimplantation development. However, they often arrest during the early stages of preimplantation development; fail to reprogramme the somatic nucleus; and eliminate the accompanying donor cell's mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in favour of the recipient oocyte's genetically more divergent population. This last point has consequences for the production of ATP by the electron transfer chain, which is encoded by nuclear and mtDNA. Using a murine-porcine interspecies model, we investigated the importance of nuclear-cytoplasmic compatibility on successful development. Initially, we transferred murine fetal fibroblasts into enucleated porcine oocytes, which resulted in extremely low blastocyst rates (0.48%); and failure to replicate nuclear DNA and express Oct-4, the key marker of reprogramming. Using allele specific-PCR, we detected peak levels of murine mtDNA at 0.14±0.055% of total mtDNA at the 2-cell embryo stage and then at ever-decreasing levels to the blastocyst stage (<0.001%). Furthermore, these embryos had an overall mtDNA profile similar to porcine embryos. We then depleted porcine oocytes of their mtDNA using 10 µM 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine and transferred murine somatic cells along with murine embryonic stem cell extract, which expressed key pluripotent genes associated with reprogramming and contained mitochondria, into these oocytes. Blastocyst rates increased significantly (3.38%) compared to embryos generated from non-supplemented oocytes (P<0.01). They also had significantly more murine mtDNA at the 2-cell stage than the non-supplemented embryos, which was maintained throughout early preimplantation development. At later stages, these embryos possessed 49.99±2.97% murine mtDNA. They also exhibited an mtDNA profile similar to murine preimplantation embryos. Overall, these data demonstrate that the addition of species compatible mtDNA and reprogramming factors improves developmental outcomes for iSCNT embryos.

Constant transmission of mitochondrial DNA in intergeneric cloned embryos reconstructed from swamp buffalo fibroblasts and bovine ooplasm

Although interspecies/intergeneric somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) has been proposed as a tool to produce offspring of endangered species, conflict between donor nucleus and recipient cytoplasm in iSCNT embryos has been identified as an impediment to implementation for agricultural production. To investigate the nuclear-mitochondrial interactions on the developmental potential of iSCNT embryos, we analyzed the mtDNA copy numbers in iSCNT embryos reconstructed with water buffalo (swamp type) fibroblasts and bovine enucleated oocytes (buffalo iSCNT). As controls, SCNT embryos were derived from bovine fibroblasts (bovine SCNT). Buffalo iSCNT and bovine SCNT embryos showed similar rates of cleavage and development to the 8-cell stage (P>0.05). However, buffalo iSCNT embryos did not develop beyond the 16-cell stage. Both bovine and buffalo mtDNA content in buffalo iSCNT embryos was stable throughout the nuclear transfer process, and arrested at the 8- to 16-cell stage (P>0.05). In bovine SCNT embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage, mtDNA copy number was increased (P<0.05). In conclusion, both the donor cell and recipient cytoplast mtDNAs of buffalo iSCNT embryos were identified and maintained through the iSCNT process until the 8-16-cell stage. In addition, the copy number of mtDNA per embryo was a useful monitor to investigate nuclear-mitochondrial interactions.

Dynamic regulation of mitochondrial function in preimplantation embryos and embryonic stem cells

Mitochondrial function is dependent upon regulation of biogenesis and dynamics. A number of studies have documented the importance of these organelles in both preimplantation embryos and embryonic stem cells (ESCs), however it remains unclear how mitochondria respond to their immediate microenvironment through modulation of morphology and movement, or whether perturbations in these processes will have a significant impact following differentiation/implantation. Here we review existing literature on two key aspects of nuclear-mitochondrial cross-talk and the dynamic processes involved in mediating mitochondrial function through regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, morphology and movement, with particular emphasis on embryos and ESCs.

Ooplast-mediated developmental rescue of bovine oocytes exposed to ethidium bromide

Ooplasm transfer has been used successfully to treat infertility in women with ooplasmic insufficiency and has culminated in the birth of healthy babies. To investigate whether mitochondrial dysfunction is a factor in ooplasmic insufficiency, bovine oocytes were exposed to ethidium bromide, an inhibitor of mitochondrial DNA replication and transcription, during in-vitro maturation (IVM). Exposure of immature oocytes to ethidium bromide for 24h during IVM hampered meiotic resumption and the migration of cortical granules. However, a briefer treatment with ethidium bromide during the last 4h of IVM led to partial arrest of preimplantation development without affecting oocyte maturation. Ooplasm transfer was then performed to rescue the oocytes with impaired development. In spite of this developmental hindrance, transfer of normal ooplasm into ethidium bromide-treated oocytes resulted in a complete rescue of embryonic development and the birth of heteroplasmic calves. Although this study unable to determine whether developmental rescue occurred exclusively through introduction of unaffected mitochondria into ethidium bromide-damaged oocytes, e.g. ethidium bromide may also affect other ooplasm components, these results clearly demonstrate that ooplasm transfer can completely rescue developmentally compromised oocytes, supporting the potential use of ooplasm transfer in therapeutic applications.

Fates of donor and recipient mitochondrial DNA during generation of interspecies SCNT-derived human ES-like cells

To investigate nuclear donor and cytoplast recipient mitochondria fate and their effects on generation of interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT)-derived human embryonic stem (ES)-like cells, iSCNT embryos were reconstructed between enucleated goat oocytes and human neural stem cells (hNSCs). A total of 10.74% cleaved embryos (13/121) developed to blastocyst stage. One typical primary ES-like (tpES-like) colony and two nontypical primary ES-like (non-tpES-like) colonies designated as non-tpES-like cell-1 and non-tpES-like cell-2, respectively, were obtained from the inner cell masses of iSCNT blastocysts. The tpES-like cells expressed ESC markers. Both human and goat mtDNA could be detected in the embryos at 2-8-, 16-32-cell, and blastocyst stages, and in tpES-like colony and two non-tpES-like colonies. Human mtDNA copies per cell from embryos at two- to eight-cell stage to the three colonies maintain almost its original level, whereas 2.88 x 10(5) goat mtDNA copies per oocyte decreased to 10.8 copies per tpES-like cell, 493 copies per non-tpES-like cell-1, and 77.6 copies per non-tpES-like cell-2, resulting in 43.75% (8.4/19.2), 1.24% (6.2/499), and 14.63% (13.3/90.9) mtDNA content in tpES-like cell, non-tpES-like cell-1, and non-tpES-like cell-2 was that of nuclear donor, respectively. Human-specific Tfam and Polg mRNA could be detected in cells of the three colonies. However, tpES-like colony failed to be passaged. The mRNA level of CoxIV encoded by nuclear donor in tpES-like cell was higher than that in non-tpES-like cell, but significantly lower than that of human ESC, suggesting proper nuclear-cytoplasmic communication would not be established in tpES-like cells. Thus, the data suggest that (1) goat oocytes could reprogram human neural stem cells (hNSCs) into embryonic state and further support the inner cell mass (ICM) of iSCNT blastocyst to form tpES-like colony; (2) nuclear donor mtDNA could be replicated and maintain its original level during the reduction of recipient mitochondrial DNA copies, (3) nuclear-cytoplasmic communication and recipient mtDNA copies might affect the derivation of iSCNT-derived ES-like cells.