1
|
Morawiec S, Ajduk A, Stremplewski P, Kennedy BF, Szkulmowski M. Full-field optical coherence microscopy enables high-resolution label-free imaging of the dynamics of live mouse oocytes and early embryos. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1057. [PMID: 39191989 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06745-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
High quality label-free imaging of oocytes and early embryos is essential for accurate assessment of their developmental potential, a key element of assisted reproduction procedures. To achieve this goal, we propose full-field optical coherence microscopy (FF-OCM), constructed as a compact module fully integrated with a commercial wide-field fluorescence microscope. Our system achieves optical sectioning in wide-field, high in-plane resolution of 0.5 µm, and high sensitivity to backscattered light. To demonstrate its imaging capabilities, we study live mouse oocytes and embryos at all important stages of meiotic maturation and early embryogenesis. Our system enables visualization of intracellular structures, which are not visible in common bright-field microscopy, i.e., internal structure of nuclear apparatus, cytoskeletal filaments, cellular cortex, cytoplasmic protrusions, or zona pellucida features. Additionally, we visualize and quantify intracellular dynamics like cytoplasmic stirring motion, nuclear envelope fluctuations and nucleolus mobility. Altogether, we demonstrate that FF-OCM is a powerful tool for research in developmental biology that also holds great potential for non-invasive time-lapse monitoring of oocyte and embryo quality in assisted reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seweryn Morawiec
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland.
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Patrycjusz Stremplewski
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Brendan F Kennedy
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
- BRITElab, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Maciej Szkulmowski
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gualtieri R, De Gregorio V, Candela A, Travaglione A, Genovese V, Barbato V, Talevi R. In Vitro Culture of Mammalian Embryos: Is There Room for Improvement? Cells 2024; 13:996. [PMID: 38920627 PMCID: PMC11202082 DOI: 10.3390/cells13120996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Preimplantation embryo culture, pivotal in assisted reproductive technology (ART), has lagged in innovation compared to embryo selection advancements. This review examines the persisting gap between in vivo and in vitro embryo development, emphasizing the need for improved culture conditions. While in humans this gap is hardly estimated, animal models, particularly bovines, reveal clear disparities in developmental competence, cryotolerance, pregnancy and live birth rates between in vitro-produced (IVP) and in vivo-derived (IVD) embryos. Molecular analyses unveil distinct differences in morphology, metabolism, and genomic stability, underscoring the need for refining culture conditions for better ART outcomes. To this end, a deeper comprehension of oviduct physiology and embryo transport is crucial for grasping embryo-maternal interactions' mechanisms. Research on autocrine and paracrine factors, and extracellular vesicles in embryo-maternal tract interactions, elucidates vital communication networks for successful implantation and pregnancy. In vitro, confinement, and embryo density are key factors to boost embryo development. Advanced dynamic culture systems mimicking fluid mechanical stimulation in the oviduct, through vibration, tilting, and microfluidic methods, and the use of innovative softer substrates, hold promise for optimizing in vitro embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gualtieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘’Federico II’’, Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (V.D.G.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (V.G.); (V.B.); (R.T.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sobkowiak A, Fluks M, Kosyl E, Milewski R, Szpila M, Tamborski S, Szkulmowski M, Ajduk A. The number of nuclei in compacted embryos, assessed by optical coherence microscopy, is a non-invasive and robust marker of mouse embryo quality. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae012. [PMID: 38407286 PMCID: PMC10978378 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Optical coherence microscopy (OCM) visualizes nuclei in live, unlabeled cells. As most cells are uninucleated, the number of nuclei in embryos may serve as a proxy of the cell number, providing important information on developmental status of the embryo. Importantly, no other non-invasive method currently allows for the cell number count in compacted embryos. We addressed the question of whether OCM, by providing the number of nuclei in compacted mouse embryos, may help evaluate embryo quality. We subjected compacted embryonic Day 3 (E3.0: 72 h after onset of insemination) mouse embryos to OCM scanning and correlated nuclei number and developmental potential. Implantation was assessed using an outgrowth assay (in vitro model meant to reflect embryonic ability to implant in vivo). Embryos with more cells at E3.0 (>18 cells) were more likely to reach the blastocyst stage by E4.0 and E5.0 (P ≪ 0.001) and initiate hatching by E5.0 (P < 0.05) than those with fewer cells (<12 cells). Moreover, the number of cells at E3.0 strongly correlated with the total number of cells in E4.0 and E5.0 embryos (ρ = 0.71, P ≪ 0.001 and ρ = 0.61, P ≪ 0.001, respectively), also when only E4.0 and E5.0 blastocysts were considered (ρ = 0.58, P ≪ 0.001 and ρ = 0.56, P ≪ 0.001, respectively). Additionally, we observed a strong correlation between the number of cells at E3.0 and the number of trophectoderm cells in E4.0 and E5.0 blastocysts (ρ = 0.59, P ≪ 0.001 and ρ = 0.57, P ≪ 0.001, respectively). Importantly, embryos that had more cells at E3.0 (>18 cells) were also more likely to implant in vitro than their counterparts with fewer cells (<12 cells; P ≪ 0.001). Finally, we tested the safety of OCM imaging, demonstrating that OCM scanning affected neither the amount of reactive oxygen species nor mitochondrial activity in the embryos. OCM also did not hinder their preimplantation development, ability to implant in vitro, or to develop to term after transfer to recipient females. Our data indicate that OCM imaging provides important information on embryo quality. As the method seems to be safe for embryos, it could be a valuable addition to the current repertoire of embryo evaluation methods. However, our study was conducted only on mouse embryos, so the proposed protocol would require optimization in order to be applied in other species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Sobkowiak
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Fluks
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Kosyl
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Milewski
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Marcin Szpila
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Szymon Tamborski
- Department of Biophotonics and Optical Engineering, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Toruń, Poland
| | - Maciej Szkulmowski
- Department of Biophotonics and Optical Engineering, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Toruń, Poland
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xia T, Umezu K, Scully DM, Wang S, Larina IV. In vivo volumetric depth-resolved imaging of cilia metachronal waves using dynamic optical coherence tomography. OPTICA 2023; 10:1439-1451. [PMID: 38665775 PMCID: PMC11044847 DOI: 10.1364/optica.499927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Motile cilia are dynamic hair-like structures covering epithelial surfaces in multiple organs. The periodic coordinated beating of cilia creates waves propagating along the surface, known as the metachronal waves, which transport fluids and mucus along the epithelium. Motile ciliopathies result from disrupted coordinated cilia beating and are associated with serious clinical complications, including reproductive disorders. Despite the recognized clinical significance, research of cilia dynamics is extremely limited. Here, we present quantitative imaging of cilia metachronal waves volumetrically through tissue layers using dynamic optical coherence tomography (OCT). Our method relies on spatiotemporal mapping of the phase of intensity fluctuations in OCT images caused by the ciliary beating. We validated our new method ex vivo and implemented it in vivo to visualize cilia metachronal wave propagation within the mouse fallopian tube. This method can be extended to the assessment of physiological cilia function and ciliary dyskinesias in various organ systems, contributing to better management of pathologies associated with motile ciliopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Xia
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Kohei Umezu
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Deirdre M. Scully
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Shang Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, USA
| | - Irina V. Larina
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sánchez-Caycho K, Chávez-Quispe R, Mellisho E. Histomorphometric comparison of left and right oviduct structure from alpaca (Vicugna pacos). Anat Histol Embryol 2023; 52:673-683. [PMID: 37138523 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Alpacas are species of induced ovulation and with foetal development only in the left uterine horn (98%). The histoarchitecture of the oviductal regions determine a spatio-temporal interaction between the gametes/embryos and the oviduct. This study compares the morphometric changes of the left and right oviducts in alpaca during the follicular phase. Five oviducts (n = 05), from adult alpacas with dominant follicle in the right ovary were recovered, dissected, and processed by histological technique with H&E and PAS stain for measurement of morphometric parameters and cell characteristics, respectively. Also, a 3D image reconstruction was performed (by reconstruct software). Resin moulds (polyurethane PU4ii) were applied for visualization of oviductal lumen. The multivariable data of parameters were analysed with ANOVA and principal component analysis (PCA). The histomorphometric parameters of left and right oviducts did not show statistically significant differences (p ≥ 0.05), although PCA showed morphometric differences between regions of the oviduct. No differences were observed between the 3D reconstruction of the left and right oviducts, as well as in the luminal spaces examined in the resin moulds. In conclusion, the histomorphometry of the oviduct is not affected by its location on either the left or right side; therefore, it cannot explain why 98% of foetuses implant in the left uterus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Sánchez-Caycho
- Histology and Cytology Laboratory, Centro de Investigación en Tecnología de Embriones (CIETE), Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
| | - Renzo Chávez-Quispe
- Histology and Cytology Laboratory, Centro de Investigación en Tecnología de Embriones (CIETE), Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
| | - Edwin Mellisho
- Histology and Cytology Laboratory, Centro de Investigación en Tecnología de Embriones (CIETE), Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Umezu K, Larina IV. Optical coherence tomography for dynamic investigation of mammalian reproductive processes. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:3-13. [PMID: 36574640 PMCID: PMC9877170 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The biological events associated with mammalian reproductive processes are highly dynamic and tightly regulated by molecular, genetic, and biomechanical factors. Implementation of live imaging in reproductive research is vital for the advancement of our understanding of normal reproductive physiology and for improving the management of reproductive disorders. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is emerging as a promising tool for dynamic volumetric imaging of various reproductive processes in mice and other animal models. In this review, we summarize recent studies employing OCT-based approaches toward the investigation of reproductive processes in both, males and females. We describe how OCT can be applied to study structural features of the male reproductive system and sperm transport through the male reproductive tract. We review OCT applications for in vitro and dynamic in vivo imaging of the female reproductive system, staging and tracking of oocytes and embryos, and investigations of the oocyte/embryo transport through the oviduct. We describe how the functional OCT approach can be applied to the analysis of cilia dynamics within the male and female reproductive systems. We also discuss the areas of research, where OCT could find potential applications to progress our understanding of normal reproductive physiology and reproductive disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Umezu
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Irina V Larina
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang S, Larina IV. In vivo dynamic 3D imaging of oocytes and embryos in the mouse oviduct. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109382. [PMID: 34260920 PMCID: PMC8344084 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental biologists have always relied on imaging to shed light on dynamic cellular events. However, processes such as mammalian fertilization and embryogenesis are generally inaccessible for direct imaging. In consequence, how the oviduct (fallopian tube) facilitates the transport of gametes and preimplantation embryos continues to be unanswered. Here we present a combination of intravital window and optical coherence tomography for dynamic, volumetric, in vivo imaging of oocytes and embryos as they are transported through the mouse oviduct. We observed location-dependent circling, oscillating, and long-distance bi-directional movements of oocytes and embryos that suggest regulatory mechanisms driving transport and question established views in the field. This in vivo imaging approach can be combined with a variety of genetic and pharmacological manipulations for live functional analysis, bringing the potential to investigate reproductive physiology in its native state. Wang and Larina present in vivo volumetric imaging of oocytes and embryos as they are transported through the mouse oviduct with optical coherence tomography and an intravital microscopy. The study reveals complex dynamics of oocytes and embryos that suggest a regulatory role of cilia and oviductal contractions in driving the transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shang Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA.
| | - Irina V Larina
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Harwalkar K, Ford MJ, Teng K, Yamanaka N, Yang B, Burtscher I, Lickert H, Yamanaka Y. Anatomical and cellular heterogeneity in the mouse oviduct-its potential roles in reproduction and preimplantation development†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1249-1261. [PMID: 33693543 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The oviduct/fallopian tube is a tube-like structure that extends from the uterus to the ovary. It is an essential reproductive organ that provides an environment for internal fertilization and preimplantation development. However, our knowledge of its regional and cellular heterogeneity is still limited. Here, we examined the anatomical complexity of mouse oviducts using modern imaging techniques and fluorescence reporter lines. We found that there are consistent coiling patterns and turning points in the coiled mouse oviduct that serve as reliable landmarks for luminal morphological regionalities. We also found previously unrecognized anatomical structures in the isthmus and uterotubal junction, which likely play roles in reproduction. Furthermore, we demarcated the ampulla-isthmus junction as a distinct region. Taken together, the oviduct mucosal epithelium has highly diverse structures with distinct epithelial cell populations, reflecting its complex functions in reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keerthana Harwalkar
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Matthew J Ford
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Katie Teng
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nobuko Yamanaka
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Brenna Yang
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ingo Burtscher
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Heiko Lickert
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center, Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Yojiro Yamanaka
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang S, Larina IV, Larin KV. Label-free optical imaging in developmental biology [Invited]. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 11:2017-2040. [PMID: 32341864 PMCID: PMC7173889 DOI: 10.1364/boe.381359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Application of optical imaging in developmental biology marks an exciting frontier in biomedical optics. Optical resolution and imaging depth allow for investigation of growing embryos at subcellular, cellular, and whole organism levels, while the complexity and variety of embryonic processes set multiple challenges stimulating the development of various live dynamic embryonic imaging approaches. Among other optical methods, label-free optical techniques attract an increasing interest as they allow investigation of developmental mechanisms without application of exogenous markers or fluorescent reporters. There has been a boost in development of label-free optical imaging techniques for studying embryonic development in animal models over the last decade, which revealed new information about early development and created new areas for investigation. Here, we review the recent progress in label-free optical embryonic imaging, discuss specific applications, and comment on future developments at the interface of photonics, engineering, and developmental biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shang Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, 1 Castle Point Terrace, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA
| | - Irina V. Larina
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kirill V. Larin
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, 3605 Cullen Boulevard, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| |
Collapse
|