1
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McGruddy RA, Smeele ZE, Manley B, Masucci JD, Haywood J, Lester PJ. RNA interference as a next-generation control method for suppressing Varroa destructor reproduction in honey bee (Apis mellifera) hives. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:4770-4778. [PMID: 38801186 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is considered to be the greatest threat to apiculture worldwide. RNA interference (RNAi) using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a gene silencing mechanism has emerged as a next-generation strategy for mite control. RESULTS We explored the impact of a dsRNA biopesticide, named vadescana, designed to silence the calmodulin gene in Varroa, on mite fitness in mini-hives housed in a laboratory. Two dosages were tested: 2 g/L dsRNA and 8 g/L dsRNA. Vadescana appeared to have no effect on mite survival, however, mite fertility was substantially reduced. The majority of foundress mites exposed to vadescana failed to produce any offspring. No dose-dependent effect of vadescana was observed, as both the low and high doses inhibited mite reproduction equally well in the mini-hives and neither dose impacted pupal survival of the honey bee. Approximately 95% of bee pupae were alive at uncapping across all treatment groups. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that vadescana has significant potential as an effective alternative to conventional methods for Varroa control, with broader implications for the utilization of RNAi as a next-generation tool in the management of pest species. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose A McGruddy
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Zoe E Smeele
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Brian Manley
- GreenLight Biosciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - James D Masucci
- GreenLight Biosciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John Haywood
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Philip J Lester
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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2
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Ma X, Xu R, Chen J, Wang S, Hu P, Wu Y, Que Y, Du W, Cai X, Chen H, Guo J, Li TC, Ruan YC. The epithelial Na + channel (ENaC) in ovarian granulosa cells modulates Ca 2+ mobilization and gonadotrophin signaling for estrogen homeostasis and female fertility. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:398. [PMID: 39143495 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01778-5] [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: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian granulosa cells are essential to gonadotrophin-regulated estrogen production, female cycle maintenance and fertility. The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) is associated with female fertility; however, whether and how it plays a role in ovarian cell function(s) remained unexplored. Here, we report patch-clamp and Na+ imaging detection of ENaC expression and channel activity in both human and mouse ovarian granulosa cells, which are promoted by pituitary gonadotrophins, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinizing hormone (LH). Cre-recombinase- and CRISPR-Cas9-based granulosa-specific knockout of ENaC α subunit (Scnn1a) in mice resulted in failed estrogen elevation at early estrus, reduced number of corpus luteum, abnormally extended estrus phase, reduced litter size and subfertility in adult female mice. Further analysis using technologies including RNA sequencing and Ca2+ imaging revealed that pharmacological inhibition, shRNA-based knockdown or the knockout of ENaC diminished spontaneous or stimulated Ca2+ oscillations, lowered the capacity of intracellular Ca2+ stores and impaired FSH/LH-stimulated transcriptome changes for estrogen production in mouse and/or human granulosa cells. Together, these results have revealed a previously undefined role of ENaC in modulating gonadotrophin signaling in granulosa cells for estrogen homeostasis and thus female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyang Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ruiyao Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Junjiang Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Peijie Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yanting Que
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wanting Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaojun Cai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jinghui Guo
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tin Chiu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ye Chun Ruan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Shenzhen, China.
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3
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Tong KY, Liu WW, Sun LW, Liu DY, Xiang YZ, Li C, Chai LW, Chen K, Huang GN, Li JY. Novel PLCZ1 mutation caused polyspermy during in vitro fertilization. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:389-395. [PMID: 38445955 PMCID: PMC11280200 DOI: 10.4103/aja202376] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Failure of oocyte activation, including polyspermy and defects in pronuclear (PN) formation, triggers early embryonic developmental arrest. Many studies have shown that phospholipase C zeta 1 ( PLCZ1 ) mutations cause failure of PN formation following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI); however, whether PLCZ1 mutation is associated with polyspermy during in vitro fertilization (IVF) remains unknown. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify candidate mutations in couples with primary infertility. Sanger sequencing was used to validate the mutations. Multiple PLCZ1 -mutated sperm were injected into human and mouse oocytes to explore whether PN formation was induced. Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) after ICSI was performed to overcome the failure of oocyte activation. We identified three PLCZ1 mutations in three patients who experienced polyspermy during IVF cycles, including a novel missense mutation c.1154C>T, p.R385Q. PN formation failure was observed during the ICSI cycle. However, injection of multiple PLCZ1- mutated sperm induced PN formation, suggesting that the Ca 2+ oscillations induced by the sperm exceeded the necessary threshold for PN formation. AOA after ICSI enabled normal fertilization, and all patients achieved successful pregnancies. These findings expand the mutational spectrum of PLCZ1 and suggest an important role for PLCZ1 in terms of blocking polyspermy. Furthermore, this study may benefit genetic diagnoses in cases of abnormal fertilization and provide potential appropriate therapeutic measures for these patients with sperm-derived polyspermy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Ya Tong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Wei-Wei Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Li-Wei Sun
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Dong-Yun Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Ye-Zhou Xiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Chong Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Lu-Wei Chai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Guo-Ning Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Jing-Yu Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
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4
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Saleh A, Thanassoulas A, Aliyev E, Swann K, Naija A, Yalcin HC, Lai FA, Nomikos M. Development of Recombinant PLC-Zeta Protein as a Therapeutic Intervention for the Clinical Treatment of Oocyte Activation Failure. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1183. [PMID: 38927390 PMCID: PMC11201047 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) protein is widely considered as the predominant physiological stimulus for initiating the Ca2+ release responsible for oocyte activation during mammalian fertilization. The increasing number of genetic and clinical reports that directly link PLCζ defects and/or deficiencies with oocyte activation failure (OAF) necessitates the use of a powerful therapeutic intervention to overcome such cases of male factor infertility. Currently, in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics treat OAF cases after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with Ca2+ ionophores. Despite their successful use, such chemical agents are unable to trigger the physiological pattern of Ca2+ oscillations. Moreover, the safety of these ionophores is not yet fully established. We have previously demonstrated that recombinant PLCζ protein can be successfully used to rescue failed oocyte activation, resulting in efficient blastocyst formation. Herein, we produced a maltose binding protein (MBP)-tagged recombinant human PLCζ protein capable of inducing Ca2+ oscillations in mouse oocytes similar to those observed at fertilization. Circular dichroism (CD) experiments revealed a stable, well-folded protein with a high helical content. Moreover, the recombinant protein could retain its enzymatic properties for at least up to 90 days after storage at -80 °C. Finally, a chick embryo model was employed and revealed that exposure of fertilized chicken eggs to MBP-PLCζ did not alter the embryonic viability when compared to the control, giving a first indication of its safety. Our data support the potential use of the MBP-PLCζ recombinant protein as an effective therapeutic tool but further studies are required prior to its use in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaaeldin Saleh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Angelos Thanassoulas
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Elnur Aliyev
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Karl Swann
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Azza Naija
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar (H.C.Y.)
| | - Huseyin C. Yalcin
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar (H.C.Y.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - F. Anthony Lai
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Michail Nomikos
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
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5
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Thapa P, Bawaskar PA, Badge A, Pareek C, Kalbande A. Successful Fertilization in a Case of Globozoospermia Through Assisted Oocyte Activation With Calcium Ionophores: A Case Report. Cureus 2024; 16:e61065. [PMID: 38916008 PMCID: PMC11195911 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Globozoospermia is a rare sperm morphological abnormality characterized by a lack of acrosomes and post-acrosomal sheaths, defects in the cytoskeleton around the nucleus, and separated nuclear membranes. In this case, the study outlines the treatment of a 32-year-old male patient diagnosed with globozoospermia. The couple, facing primary infertility for seven years, had already undergone unsuccessful assisted reproductive technology treatments, such as two intrauterine inseminations and one in vitro fertilization. They opted for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with assisted oocyte activation (AOA) using a calcium (Ca) ionophore. The semen analysis showed globozoospermia, which indicated that ICSI was required for fertilization. Post-fertilization, embryo quality was assessed; three were in cleavage-stage embryos, and two grade 4AA and 3AA blastocysts and the rest were arrested at 2 pronuclear (2PN) stages, revealing successful embryo development. This case report implies that using AOA with Ca ionophores enhanced the fertilization outcomes and could be a helpful intervention strategy for patients with globozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Thapa
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Nagpur, IND
| | - Pranita A Bawaskar
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Nagpur, IND
| | - Ankit Badge
- Microbiology, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Nagpur, IND
| | - Charu Pareek
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Nagpur, IND
| | - Avanti Kalbande
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Wardha, IND
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6
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Dale B. Has the concept of polyspermy prevention been invented in the laboratory? ZYGOTE 2024; 32:103-108. [PMID: 38284288 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199424000030] [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] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
There is no evidence, nor need, for a fast block to polyspermy in animal oocytes. The idea that oocytes have evolved a mechanism to allow the entry of one spermatozoon and repel all others has, however, gained consensus over the last century. The main culprit is the sea urchin, which has been used for over a century in in vitro studies of the fertilization process. Images of sea urchin oocytes with thousands of sperm attached to the surface are commonplace in textbooks and appeal to the nature of the reader implying an intriguing surface mechanism of sperm selection despite these oocytes being fixed for photography (Figure ). The abundance of gametes in this marine invertebrate and the ease of experimentation have given us the possibility to elucidate many aspects of the mechanism of fertilization, but has also led to ongoing controversies in reproductive biology, one being polyspermy prevention. Kinetic experiments by Rothschild and colleagues in the 1950s led to the hypothesis of a fast partial block to polyspermy in sea urchin oocytes that reduced the probability of a second spermatozoon from entering the oocyte by 1/20th. In the 1970s, Jaffe and colleagues suggested, with circumstantial evidence, that this partial block was due to the sperm-induced depolarization of the oocyte plasma membrane. However, the fate of supernumerary spermatozoa is determined well before the plasma membrane of the oocyte depolarizes. Transmembrane voltage does not serve to regulate sperm entry. Scholastic texts have inadvertently promulgated this concept across the animal kingdom with no logical correlation or experimentation and, as of today, a molecular mechanism to regulate sperm entry in oocytes has not been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Dale
- Centre for Assisted Fertilization, Naples, 80123, Italy
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7
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Akizawa H, Lopes EM, Fissore RA. Zn 2+ is essential for Ca 2+ oscillations in mouse eggs. eLife 2023; 12:RP88082. [PMID: 38099643 PMCID: PMC10723796 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88082] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in the intracellular concentration of free calcium (Ca2+) underpin egg activation and initiation of development in animals and plants. In mammals, the Ca2+ release is periodical, known as Ca2+ oscillations, and mediated by the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R1). Another divalent cation, zinc (Zn2+), increases exponentially during oocyte maturation and is vital for meiotic transitions, arrests, and polyspermy prevention. It is unknown if these pivotal cations interplay during fertilization. Here, using mouse eggs, we showed that basal concentrations of labile Zn2+ are indispensable for sperm-initiated Ca2+ oscillations because Zn2+-deficient conditions induced by cell-permeable chelators abrogated Ca2+ responses evoked by fertilization and other physiological and pharmacological agonists. We also found that chemically or genetically generated eggs with lower levels of labile Zn2+ displayed reduced IP3R1 sensitivity and diminished ER Ca2+ leak despite the stable content of the stores and IP3R1 mass. Resupplying Zn2+ restarted Ca2+ oscillations, but excessive Zn2+ prevented and terminated them, hindering IP3R1 responsiveness. The findings suggest that a window of Zn2+ concentrations is required for Ca2+ responses and IP3R1 function in eggs, ensuring optimal response to fertilization and egg activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Akizawa
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
| | - Emily M Lopes
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of MassachusettsAmherstUnited States
| | - Rafael A Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
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8
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Gonzalez-Castro RA, Carnevale EM. Phospholipase C Zeta 1 (PLCZ1): The Function and Potential for Fertility Assessment and In Vitro Embryo Production in Cattle and Horses. Vet Sci 2023; 10:698. [PMID: 38133249 PMCID: PMC10747197 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10120698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Phospholipase C Zeta 1 (PLCZ1) is considered a major sperm-borne oocyte activation factor. After gamete fusion, PLCZ1 triggers calcium oscillations in the oocyte, resulting in oocyte activation. In assisted fertilization, oocyte activation failure is a major cause of low fertility. Most cases of oocyte activation failures in humans related to male infertility are associated with gene mutations and/or altered PLCZ1. Consequently, PLCZ1 evaluation could be an effective diagnostic marker and predictor of sperm fertilizing potential for in vivo and in vitro embryo production. The characterization of PLCZ1 has been principally investigated in men and mice, with less known about the PLCZ1 impact on assisted reproduction in other species, such as cattle and horses. In horses, sperm PLCZ1 varies among stallions, and sperm populations with high PLCZ1 are associated with cleavage after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In contrast, bull sperm is less able to initiate calcium oscillations and undergo nuclear remodeling, resulting in poor cleavage after ICSI. Advantageously, injections of PLCZ1 are able to rescue oocyte failure in mouse oocytes after ICSI, promoting full development and birth. However, further research is needed to optimize PLCZ1 diagnostic tests for consistent association with fertility and to determine whether PLCZ1 as an oocyte-activating treatment is a physiological, efficient, and safe method for improving assisted fertilization in cattle and horses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elaine M. Carnevale
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
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9
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Akizawa H, Lopes E, Fissore RA. Zn 2+ is Essential for Ca 2+ Oscillations in Mouse Eggs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.13.536745. [PMID: 37131581 PMCID: PMC10153198 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.13.536745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Changes in the intracellular concentration of free calcium (Ca2+) underpin egg activation and initiation of development in animals and plants. In mammals, the Ca2+ release is periodical, known as Ca2+ oscillations, and mediated by the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R1). Another divalent cation, zinc (Zn2+), increases exponentially during oocyte maturation and is vital for meiotic transitions, arrests, and polyspermy prevention. It is unknown if these pivotal cations interplay during fertilization. Here, using mouse eggs, we showed that basal concentrations of labile Zn2+ are indispensable for sperm-initiated Ca2+ oscillations because Zn2+-deficient conditions induced by cell-permeable chelators abrogated Ca2+ responses evoked by fertilization and other physiological and pharmacological agonists. We also found that chemically- or genetically generated eggs with lower levels of labile Zn2+ displayed reduced IP3R1 sensitivity and diminished ER Ca2+ leak despite the stable content of the stores and IP3R1 mass. Resupplying Zn2+ restarted Ca2+ oscillations, but excessive Zn2+ prevented and terminated them, hindering IP3R1 responsiveness. The findings suggest that a window of Zn2+ concentrations is required for Ca2+ responses and IP3R1 function in eggs, ensuring optimal response to fertilization and egg activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Akizawa
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, United States
| | - Emily Lopes
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, United States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, United States
| | - Rafael A. Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, United States
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10
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Gupta N, Soriano-Úbeda C, Stein P, Savy V, Papas BN, Ardestani G, Carvacho I, Alfandari D, Williams CJ, Fissore RA. Essential role of Mg 2+ in mouse preimplantation embryo development revealed by TRPM7 chanzyme-deficient gametes. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113232. [PMID: 37824328 PMCID: PMC10842026 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
TRPM7 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 7) is a chanzyme with channel and kinase domains essential for embryo development. Using gamete-specific Trpm7-null lines, we report that TRPM7-mediated Mg2+ influx is indispensable for reaching the blastocyst stage. TRPM7 is expressed dynamically from gametes to blastocysts; displays stage-specific localization on the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus; and undergoes cleavage that produces C-terminal kinase fragments. TRPM7 underpins Mg2+ homeostasis, and excess Mg2+ but not Zn2+ or Ca2+ overcomes the arrest of Trpm7-null embryos; expressing Trpm7 mRNA restores development, but mutant versions fail or are partially rescued. Transcriptomic analyses of Trpm7-null embryos reveal an abundance of oxidative stress-pathway genes, confirmed by mitochondrial dysfunction, and a reduction in transcription factor networks essential for proliferation; Mg2+ supplementation corrects these defects. Hence, TRPM7 underpins Mg2+ homeostasis in preimplantation embryos, prevents oxidative stress, and promotes gene expression patterns necessary for developmental progression and cell-lineage specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Gupta
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Cristina Soriano-Úbeda
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery, and Anatomy, Veterinary School, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Paula Stein
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Virginia Savy
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Brian N Papas
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Goli Ardestani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; Clinical Research Embryologist, Boston IVF, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Ingrid Carvacho
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Dominique Alfandari
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Carmen J Williams
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Rafael A Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
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11
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Olver DJ, Heres P, Paredes E, Benson JD. Rational synthesis of total damage during cryoprotectant equilibration: modelling and experimental validation of osmomechanical, temperature, and cytotoxic damage in sea urchin ( Paracentrotus lividus) oocytes. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15539. [PMID: 37671360 PMCID: PMC10476611 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15539] [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: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea urchins (e.g., Paracentrotus lividus) are important for both aquaculture and as model species. Despite their importance, biobanking of urchin oocytes by cryopreservation is currently not possible. Optimized cryoprotectant loading may enable novel vitrification methods and thus successful cryopreservation of oocytes. One method for determining an optimized loading protocol uses membrane characteristics and models of damage, namely osmomechanical damage, temperature damage (e.g., chill injury) and cytotoxicity. Here we present and experimentally evaluate existing and novel models of these damage modalities as a function of time and temperature. In osmomechanical damage experiments, oocytes were exposed for 2 to 30 minutes in hypertonic NaCl or sucrose supplemented seawater or in hypotonic diluted seawater. In temperature damage experiments, oocytes were exposed to 1.7 °C, 10 °C, or 20 °C for 2 to 90 minutes. Cytotoxicity was investigated by exposing oocytes to solutions of Me2SO for 2 to 30 minutes. We identified a time-dependent osmotic damage model, a temperature-dependent damage model, and a temperature and time-dependent cytotoxicity model. We combined these models to estimate total damage during a cryoprotectant loading protocol and determined the optimal loading protocol for any given goal intracellular cryoprotectant concentration. Given our fitted models, we find sea urchin oocytes can only be loaded to 13% Me2SO v/v with about 50% survival. This synthesis of multiple damage modalities is the first of its kind and enables a novel approach to modelling cryoprotectant equilibration survival for cells in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic J. Olver
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Pablo Heres
- Departamento de Ecología y Biología Animal, ECOCOST Lab, Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Estefania Paredes
- Departamento de Ecología y Biología Animal, ECOCOST Lab, Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - James D. Benson
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Locascio A, Annona G, Caccavale F, D'Aniello S, Agnisola C, Palumbo A. Nitric Oxide Function and Nitric Oxide Synthase Evolution in Aquatic Chordates. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11182. [PMID: 37446358 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signaling molecule in almost all organisms and is active in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Our understanding of the peculiarities and functions of this simple gas has increased considerably by extending studies to non-mammal vertebrates and invertebrates. In this review, we report the nitric oxide synthase (Nos) genes so far characterized in chordates and provide an extensive, detailed, and comparative analysis of the function of NO in the aquatic chordates tunicates, cephalochordates, teleost fishes, and amphibians. This comprehensive set of data adds new elements to our understanding of Nos evolution, from the single gene commonly found in invertebrates to the three genes present in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Locascio
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Annona
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
- Department of Research Infrastructure for Marine Biological Resources (RIMAR), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Caccavale
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore D'Aniello
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Agnisola
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Palumbo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
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13
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Lu L, Huang W, Han Y, Tong D, Sun S, Yu Y, Liu G, Shi W. Toxicity of microplastics and triclosan, alone and in combination, to the fertilisation success of a broadcast spawning bivalve Tegillarca granosa. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 101:104208. [PMID: 37390575 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Since most marine invertebrates adopted external fertilisation, their fertilisation process is particularly vulnerable to aquatic pollutants. Both antimicrobial ingredients and microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in aquatic environments; however, their synergistic effects on the fertilisation of marine invertebrates remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, the fertilisation toxicity of MPs and triclosan (TCS), alone and in combination, was investigated in the broadcast spawning bivalve Tegillarca granosa. Results showed that MPs and TCS significantly suppressed the fertilisation success of T. granosa. As the fertilisation success of broadcast spawning invertebrates depends on successful gamete collisions, gamete fusion, and egg activation, sperm swimming velocity, viability, gamete collision probability, ATP status, and ion-transport enzyme activities were also analysed to further ascertain the underlying toxicity mechanisms. In summary, our findings indicate that the presence of MPs may enhance the fertilisation toxicity of TCS by hampering sperm-egg collision probability, reducing gamete fusion efficiency, and restricting Ca2+ oscillation formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzheng Lu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Yu Han
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China; School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Difei Tong
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Shuge Sun
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Yihan Yu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Guangxu Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China.
| | - Wei Shi
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, PR China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Exploitation and Preservation of Coastal Bio-resource, Zhejiang Mariculture Research Institute, Wenzhou, PR China.
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14
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Kang X, Wang J, Yan L. Endoplasmic reticulum in oocytes: spatiotemporal distribution and function. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1255-1263. [PMID: 37171741 PMCID: PMC10543741 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02782-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM IN OOCYTES The storage and release of calcium ions (Ca2 +) in oocyte maturation and fertilization are particularly noteworthy features of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The ER is the largest organelle in the cell composed of rough ER, smooth ER, and nuclear envelope, and is the main site of protein synthesis, transport and folding, and lipid and steroid synthesis. An appropriate calcium signaling response can initiate oocyte development and embryogenesis, and the ER is the central link that initiates calcium signaling. The transition from immature oocytes to zygotes also requires many coordinated organelle reorganizations and changes. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to generalize information on the function, structure, interaction with other organelles, and spatiotemporal localization of the ER in mammalian oocytes. Mechanisms related to maintaining ER homeostasis have been extensively studied in recent years. Resolving ER stress through the unfolded protein response (UPR) is one of them. We combined the clinical problems caused by the ER in in vitro maturation (IVM), and the mechanisms of ER have been identified by single-cell RNA-seq. This article systematically reviews the functions of ER and provides a reference for assisted reproductive technology (ART) research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Kang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Research Units of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Oocyte Maturation Arrest, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Research Units of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Oocyte Maturation Arrest, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Liying Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China.
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15
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Chen F, Wang Y, He J, Smith C, Xue G, Zhao Y, Peng Y, Zhang J, Liu J, Chen J, Xie P. Alternative signal pathways underly fertilization and egg activation in a fish with contrasting modes of spawning. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:167. [PMID: 37016278 PMCID: PMC10074663 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09244-1] [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: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The processes of fertilization and egg activation are vital for early embryogenesis. However, while the mechanisms associated with key events during these processes differ among species and modes of spawning, the signal pathways underlying these processes are opaque for many fishes, including economically important species. RESULTS We investigated phenotypic traits, ultrastructure and protein expression levels in the eggs of the topmouth culter (Culter alburnus), a protected and economically important freshwater fish that exhibits two spawning modes, producing semi-buoyant eggs and adhesive eggs. Unfertilized eggs of C. alburnus were examined, as well as eggs at fertilization and 30 min post fertilization. Our results showed that in semi-buoyant eggs, energy metabolism was activated at fertilization, followed by elevated protein expression of cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interactions that resulted in rapid egg swelling; a recognized adaptation for lotic habitats. In contrast, in adhesive eggs fertilization initiated the process of sperm-egg fusion and blocking of polyspermy, followed by enhanced protein expression of lipid metabolism and the formation of egg envelope adhesion and hardening, which are adaptive in lentic habitats. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that alternative signal pathways differ between modes of spawning and timing during the key processes of fertilization and egg activation, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in adaptive early embryonic development in teleost fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 430072, Wuhan, China
| | - Yeke Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 430072, Wuhan, China
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun He
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 430072, Wuhan, China
| | - Carl Smith
- Department of Ecology and Vertebrate Zoology, University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ge Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 430072, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 430072, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Yanghui Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 430072, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 430072, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Jiarui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 430072, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 430072, Wuhan, China.
| | - Ping Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 430072, Wuhan, China.
- Institute of Ecological Research and Pollution Control of Plateau Lakes, School of Ecology and Environment, Yunnan University, 650500, Kunming, China.
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Mizushima S, Sasanami T, Ono T, Kuroiwa A. Current Approaches to and the Application of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) for Avian Genome Editing. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030757. [PMID: 36981028 PMCID: PMC10048369 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Poultry are one of the most valuable resources for human society. They are also recognized as a powerful experimental animal for basic research on embryogenesis. Demands for the supply of low-allergen eggs and bioreactors have increased with the development of programmable genome editing technology. The CRISPR/Cas9 system has recently been used to produce transgenic animals and various animals in the agricultural industry and has also been successfully adopted for the modification of chicken and quail genomes. In this review, we describe the successful establishment of genome-edited lines combined with germline chimera production systems mediated by primordial germ cells and by viral infection in poultry. The avian intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) system that we previously established and recent advances in ICSI for genome editing are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shusei Mizushima
- Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 10 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Sasanami
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Tamao Ono
- Matsumoto Dental University, 1780 Gobara, Hiro-oka, Shiojiri 399-0781, Nagano, Japan
| | - Asato Kuroiwa
- Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 10 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
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17
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Satouh Y, Sato K. Reorganization, specialization, and degradation of oocyte maternal components for early development. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12505. [PMID: 36726596 PMCID: PMC9884333 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Oocyte components are maternally provided, solely determine oocyte quality, and coordinately determine embryo quality with zygotic gene expression. During oocyte maturation, maternal organelles are drastically reorganized and specialized to support oocyte characteristics. A large number of maternal components are actively degraded after fertilization and gradually replaced by zygotic gene products. The molecular basis and the significance of these processes on oocyte/embryo quality are not fully understood. Methods Firstly, recent findings in organelle characteristics of other cells or oocytes from model organisms are introduced for further understanding of oocyte organelle reorganization/specialization. Secondly, recent progress in studies on maternal components degradation and their molecular mechanisms are introduced. Finally, future applications of these advancements for predicting mammalian oocyte/embryo quality are discussed. Main findings The significance of cellular surface protein degradation via endocytosis for embryonic development, and involvement of biogenesis of lipid droplets in embryonic quality, were recently reported using mammalian model organisms. Conclusion Identifying key oocyte component characteristics and understanding their dynamics may lead to new applications in oocyte/embryo quality prediction and improvement. To implement these multidimensional concepts, development of new technical approaches that allow us to address the complexity and efficient studies using model organisms are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhkoh Satouh
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular RegulationGunma UniversityMaebashiJapan
| | - Ken Sato
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular RegulationGunma UniversityMaebashiJapan
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18
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Di Berardino C, Peserico A, Capacchietti G, Zappacosta A, Bernabò N, Russo V, Mauro A, El Khatib M, Gonnella F, Konstantinidou F, Stuppia L, Gatta V, Barboni B. High-Fat Diet and Female Fertility across Lifespan: A Comparative Lesson from Mammal Models. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204341. [PMID: 36297035 PMCID: PMC9610022 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Female reproduction focuses mainly on achieving fully grown follicles and competent oocytes to be successfully fertilized, as well as on nourishing the developing offspring once pregnancy occurs. Current evidence demonstrates that obesity and/or high-fat diet regimes can perturbate these processes, leading to female infertility and transgenerational disorders. Since the mechanisms and reproductive processes involved are not yet fully clarified, the present review is designed as a systematic and comparative survey of the available literature. The available data demonstrate the adverse influences of obesity on diverse reproductive processes, such as folliculogenesis, oogenesis, and embryo development/implant. The negative reproductive impact may be attributed to a direct action on reproductive somatic and germinal compartments and/or to an indirect influence mediated by the endocrine, metabolic, and immune axis control systems. Overall, the present review highlights the fragmentation of the current information limiting the comprehension of the reproductive impact of a high-fat diet. Based on the incidence and prevalence of obesity in the Western countries, this topic becomes a research challenge to increase self-awareness of dietary reproductive risk to propose solid and rigorous preventive dietary regimes, as well as to develop targeted pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Di Berardino
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Alessia Peserico
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giulia Capacchietti
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Alex Zappacosta
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Nicola Bernabò
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council, A. Buzzati-Traverso Campus, via E. Ramarini 32, Monterotondo Scalo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Russo
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Annunziata Mauro
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Mohammad El Khatib
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesca Gonnella
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Fani Konstantinidou
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Valentina Gatta
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Alhajeri MM, Alkhanjari RR, Hodeify R, Khraibi A, Hamdan H. Neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and calcium in oocyte maturation and early development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:980219. [PMID: 36211465 PMCID: PMC9537470 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.980219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A primary reason behind the high level of complexity we embody as multicellular organisms is a highly complex intracellular and intercellular communication system. As a result, the activities of multiple cell types and tissues can be modulated resulting in a specific physiological function. One of the key players in this communication process is extracellular signaling molecules that can act in autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine fashion to regulate distinct physiological responses. Neurotransmitters and neuropeptides are signaling molecules that renders long-range communication possible. In normal conditions, neurotransmitters are involved in normal responses such as development and normal physiological aspects; however, the dysregulation of neurotransmitters mediated signaling has been associated with several pathologies such as neurodegenerative, neurological, psychiatric disorders, and other pathologies. One of the interesting topics that is not yet fully explored is the connection between neuronal signaling and physiological changes during oocyte maturation and fertilization. Knowing the importance of Ca2+ signaling in these reproductive processes, our objective in this review is to highlight the link between the neuronal signals and the intracellular changes in calcium during oocyte maturation and embryogenesis. Calcium (Ca2+) is a ubiquitous intracellular mediator involved in various cellular functions such as releasing neurotransmitters from neurons, contraction of muscle cells, fertilization, and cell differentiation and morphogenesis. The multiple roles played by this ion in mediating signals can be primarily explained by its spatiotemporal dynamics that are kept tightly checked by mechanisms that control its entry through plasma membrane and its storage on intracellular stores. Given the large electrochemical gradient of the ion across the plasma membrane and intracellular stores, signals that can modulate Ca2+ entry channels or Ca2+ receptors in the stores will cause Ca2+ to be elevated in the cytosol and consequently activating downstream Ca2+-responsive proteins resulting in specific cellular responses. This review aims to provide an overview of the reported neurotransmitters and neuropeptides that participate in early stages of development and their association with Ca2+ signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maitha M. Alhajeri
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences and Biotechnology Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rayyah R. Alkhanjari
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences and Biotechnology Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rawad Hodeify
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Arts and Sciences, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ali Khraibi
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences and Biotechnology Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamdan Hamdan
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences and Biotechnology Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Hamdan Hamdan,
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20
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Chen X, Xu Y, Lou K, Peng Y, Zhou C, Zhang HP, Wang W. Programmable, Spatiotemporal Control of Colloidal Motion Waves via Structured Light. ACS NANO 2022; 16:12755-12766. [PMID: 35857820 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c04596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Traveling waves in a reaction-diffusion system are essential for long-range communication in living organisms and inspire biomimetic materials of similar capabilities. One recent example is the traveling motion waves among photochemically oscillating, silver (Ag)-containing colloids. Being able to manipulate these colloidal waves holds the key for potential applications. Here, we have discovered that these motion waves can be confined by light patterns and that the chemical clocks of silver particles are moved forward by reducing local light intensity. Using these discoveries as design principles, we have applied structured light technology for the precise and programmable control of colloidal motion waves, including their origins, propagation directions, paths, shapes, annihilation, frequency, and speeds. We have also used the controlled propagation of colloidal waves to guide chemical messages along a predefined path to activate a population of micromotors located far from the signal. Our demonstrated capabilities in manipulating colloidal waves in space and time offer physical insights on their operation and expand their usefulness in the fundamental study of reaction-diffusion processes. Moreover, our findings inspire biomimetic strategies for the directional transport of mass, energy, and information at micro- or even nanoscales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yankai Xu
- School of Physics and Astronomy and Institute of Natural Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Kai Lou
- Guangzhou Kayja-Optics Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Yixin Peng
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chao Zhou
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - H P Zhang
- School of Physics and Astronomy and Institute of Natural Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
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Integrated Analysis of mRNAs and Long Non-Coding RNAs Expression of Oviduct That Provides Novel Insights into the Prolificacy Mechanism of Goat ( Capra hircus). Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13061031. [PMID: 35741792 PMCID: PMC9222479 DOI: 10.3390/genes13061031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial directional selection has replaced natural selection and resulted in trait differences across breeds in domestic animal breeding. However, the molecular mechanism by which the oviduct regulates litter size remains largely elusive in goats during the follicular phase. Accumulating data have linked lncRNAs to reproductive activities; however, little is known about the modulation mechanism in the oviduct. Herein, RNA-seq was used to measure mRNA and lncRNA expression levels in low- and high-fecundity goats. We observed distinctive differences in mRNA and lncRNA in terms of different kidding numbers and detected the differential expression of 1640 mRNA transcripts and 271 lncRNA transcripts. Enrichment analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) suggested that multiple pathways, such as the AMPK, PI3K–Akt, calcium signaling pathway, oocyte meiosis, ABC transporter, and ECM–receptor interaction pathways, directly or indirectly affected goat reproduction. Additionally, coexpression of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DEL)-genes analysis showed that XLOC_021615, XLOC_119780, and XLOC_076450 were trans-acting as the DEGs ATAD2, DEPDC5, and TRPM6, respectively, and could regulate embryo development. Moreover, XLOC_020079, XLOC_107361, XLOC_169844, XLOC_252348 were the trans-regulated elements of the DEGs ARHGEF2 and RAPGEF6, and the target DEGs CPEB3 of XLOC_089239, XLOC_090063, XLOC_107409, XLOC_153574, XLOC_211271, XLOC_251687 were associated with prolificacy. Collectively, our study has offered a thorough dissection of the oviduct lncRNA and mRNA landscapes in goats. These results could serve as potential targets of the oviduct affecting fertility in goats.
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22
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Alam MS, Azam S, Pham K, Leyva D, Fouque KJD, Fernandez-Lima F, Miksovska J. Nanomolar affinity of EF-hands in neuronal calcium sensor 1 for bivalent cations Pb2+, Mn2+ and Hg2. Metallomics 2022; 14:6601456. [PMID: 35657675 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfac039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abiogenic metals Pb and Hg are highly toxic since chronic and/or acute exposure often leads to severe neuropathologies. Mn2+ is an essential metal ion but in excess can impair neuronal function. In this study, we address in vitro the interactions between neuronal calcium sensor 1 (NCS1) and divalent cations. Results showed that non-physiological ions (Pb2+, Mn2+ and Hg2+) bind to EF-hands in NCS1 with nanomolar affinity and lower equilibrium dissociation constant than the physiological Ca2+ ion. (Kd,Pb2+ = 7.0±1.0 nM; Kd,Mn2+ = 34.0±6.0 nM; Kd, Hg2+ = 0.5±0.1 nM and 27.0±13.0 nM and Kd,Ca2+ = 96.0±48.0 nM). Native ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) and trapped ion mobility spectrometry - mass spectrometry (nESI-TIMS-MS) studies provided the NCS1-metal complex compositions - up to four Ca2+ or Mn2+ ions and three Pb2+ ions (M⋅Pb1-3Ca1-3, M⋅Mn1-4Ca1-2, and M⋅Ca1-4) were observed in complex - and similarity across the mobility profiles suggests that the overall native structure is preserved regardless of the number and type of cations. However, the non-physiological metal ions (Pb2+, Mn2+, and Hg2+) binding to NCS1 leads to more efficient quenching of Trp emission and a decrease in W30 and W103 solvent exposure compared to the apo and Ca2+ bound form, although the secondary structural rearrangement and exposure of hydrophobic sites are analogous to those for Ca2+ bound protein. Only Pb2+ and Hg2+ binding to EF-hands leads to the NCS1 dimerization whereas Mn2+ bound NCS1 remains in the monomeric form, suggesting that other factors in addition to metal ion coordination, are required for protein dimerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shofiul Alam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami FL 33199USA
| | - Samiol Azam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami FL 33199USA
| | - Khoa Pham
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami FL 33199USA
| | - Dennys Leyva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami FL 33199USA
| | - Kevin Jeanne Dit Fouque
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami FL 33199USA.,Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, 33199USA
| | - Francisco Fernandez-Lima
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami FL 33199USA.,Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, 33199USA
| | - Jaroslava Miksovska
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami FL 33199USA.,Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, 33199USA
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Shan Y, Zhao H, Zhao D, Wang J, Cui Y, Bao H. Assisted Oocyte Activation With Calcium Ionophore Improves Pregnancy Outcomes and Offspring Safety in Infertile Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Physiol 2022; 12:751905. [PMID: 35140624 PMCID: PMC8819094 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.751905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of calcium ionophore during assisted oocyte activation (AOA). This meta-analysis contained randomized controlled trials and prospective observational and retrospective trials. The summary odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated for clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. Both fixed and random effects models were applied. A total of 22 studies were included into this meta-analysis. Seventeen of the included studies showed that calcium ionophore increased the clinical pregnancy rate (OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.38–3.31). Similarly, 14 studies indicated that AOA with calcium ionophore during intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) improved the live birth rate considerably (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.53–4.60). Moreover, fertilization, blastocyst formation, and implantation rate were higher after using AOA with calcium ionophore combined with ICSI. In addition, calcium ionophore did not increase top-quality embryo rate, cleavage rate, miscarriage rate, congenital birth defects, and neonatal sex ratio. Therefore, calcium ionophore followed by ICSI not only significantly improved live birth and overall pregnancy, but also did not affect the incidence of miscarriage, congenital birth defects, and neonatal sex ratio. This meta-analysis indicated that using calcium ionophore to activate oocytes was beneficial for couples with poor fertilization rates following ICSI.
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Peng J, Ramatchandirin B, Pearah A, Maheshwari A, He L. Development and Functions of Mitochondria in Early Life. NEWBORN (CLARKSVILLE, MD.) 2022; 1:131-141. [PMID: 37206110 PMCID: PMC10193534 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-11002-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles of bacterial origin in eukaryotic cells. These play a central role in metabolism and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and in the production and regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition to the generation of energy, mitochondria perform numerous other functions to support key developmental events such as fertilization during reproduction, oocyte maturation, and the development of the embryo. During embryonic and neonatal development, mitochondria may have important effects on metabolic, energetic, and epigenetic regulation, which may have significant short- and long-term effects on embryonic and offspring health. Hence, the environment, epigenome, and early-life regulation are all linked by mitochondrial integrity, communication, and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Peng
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Balamurugan Ramatchandirin
- Department of Pediatrics and Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alexia Pearah
- Department of Pediatrics and Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Akhil Maheshwari
- Global Newborn Society, Clarksville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ling He
- Department of Pediatrics and Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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25
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Kashir J, Ganesh D, Jones C, Coward K. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2022:hoac003. [PMID: 35261925 PMCID: PMC8894871 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oocyte activation deficiency (OAD) is attributed to the majority of cases underlying failure of ICSI cycles, the standard treatment for male factor infertility. Oocyte activation encompasses a series of concerted events, triggered by sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ), which elicits increases in free cytoplasmic calcium (Ca2+) in spatially and temporally specific oscillations. Defects in this specific pattern of Ca2+ release are directly attributable to most cases of OAD. Ca2+ release can be clinically mediated via assisted oocyte activation (AOA), a combination of mechanical, electrical and/or chemical stimuli which artificially promote an increase in the levels of intra-cytoplasmic Ca2+. However, concerns regarding safety and efficacy underlie potential risks that must be addressed before such methods can be safely widely used. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Recent advances in current AOA techniques warrant a review of the safety and efficacy of these practices, to determine the extent to which AOA may be implemented in the clinic. Importantly, the primary challenges to obtaining data on the safety and efficacy of AOA must be determined. Such questions require urgent attention before widespread clinical utilization of such protocols can be advocated. SEARCH METHODS A literature review was performed using databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, etc. using AOA, OAD, calcium ionophores, ICSI, PLCζ, oocyte activation, failed fertilization and fertilization failure as keywords. Relevant articles published until June 2019 were analysed and included in the review, with an emphasis on studies assessing large-scale efficacy and safety. OUTCOMES Contradictory studies on the safety and efficacy of AOA do not yet allow for the establishment of AOA as standard practice in the clinic. Heterogeneity in study methodology, inconsistent sample inclusion criteria, non-standardized outcome assessments, restricted sample size and animal model limitations render AOA strictly experimental. The main scientific concern impeding AOA utilization in the clinic is the non-physiological method of Ca2+ release mediated by most AOA agents, coupled with a lack of holistic understanding regarding the physiological mechanism(s) underlying Ca2+ release at oocyte activation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The number of studies with clinical relevance using AOA remains significantly low. A much wider range of studies examining outcomes using multiple AOA agents are required. WIDER IMPLICATIONS In addition to addressing the five main challenges of studies assessing AOA safety and efficacy, more standardized, large-scale, multi-centre studies of AOA, as well as long-term follow-up studies of children born from AOA, would provide evidence for establishing AOA as a treatment for infertility. The delivery of an activating agent that can more accurately recapitulate physiological fertilization, such as recombinant PLCζ, is a promising prospect for the future of AOA. Further to PLCζ, many other avenues of physiological oocyte activation also require urgent investigation to assess other potential physiological avenues of AOA. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS D.G. was supported by Stanford University’s Bing Overseas Study Program. J.K. was supported by a Healthcare Research Fellowship Award (HF-14-16) made by Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW), alongside a National Science, Technology, and Innovation plan (NSTIP) project grant (15-MED4186-20) awarded by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Correspondence address. Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OS3 9DU, UK. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3577-4041
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26
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Xue Y, Cheng X, Xiong Y, Li K. Gene mutations associated with fertilization failure after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1086883. [PMID: 36589837 PMCID: PMC9800785 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1086883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization failure during assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is often unpredictable, as this failure is encountered only after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have been performed. The etiology of fertilization failure remains elusive. More and more mutations of genes are found to be involved in human fertilization failure in infertile patients as high throughput sequencing techniques are becoming widely applied. In this review, the mutations of nine important genes expressed in sperm or oocytes, PLCZ1, ACTL7A, ACTL9, DNAH17, WEE2, TUBB8, NLRP5, ZP2, and TLE6, were summarized and discussed. These abnormalities mainly have shown Mendelian patterns of inheritance, including dominant and recessive inheritance, although de novo mutations were present in some cases. The review revealed the crucial roles of each reported gene in the fertilization process and summarized all known mutations and their corresponding phenotypes. The review suggested the mutations might become promising targets for precision treatments in reproductive medicine. Moreover, our work will provide some helpful clues for genetic counseling, risk prediction, and optimizing clinical treatments for human infertility by supplying the useful and timely information on the genetic causes leading to fertilization failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Xue
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Cheng
- Institute for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuping Xiong
- Institute for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kun Li
- Institute for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal’s & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Kun Li,
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27
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Kageyama A, Suyama A, Kinoshita R, Ito J, Kashiwazaki N. Dynamic changes of intracellular zinc ion level during maturation, fertilization, activation, and development in mouse oocytes. Anim Sci J 2022; 93:e13759. [PMID: 35880318 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although it is well known that calcium oscillations are required for fertilization in all mammalian species studied to date, recent studies also showed the ejection of zinc into the extracellular milieu in a series of coordinated events, called "zinc spark," during mammalian fertilization. These results led us to the hypothesis that a zinc ion-dependent signal is important for oocyte maturation, fertilization (activation), and further embryonic development. In this study, we evaluated the amounts and localization of intracellular zinc ions during maturation, fertilization, activation, and embryonic development in mouse oocytes. Our results show that abundant zinc ions are present in both immature and mature oocytes. After in vitro fertilization, the amounts of zinc ions were dramatically decreased at the pronuclear (PN) stage. Artificial activation by cycloheximide, SrCl2 , and TPEN also reduced the amounts of zinc ions in the PN stage. On the other hand, PN embryos derived from sperm injection still showed high level of zinc ions. However, the amounts of zinc ions rapidly increased at the blastocysts regardless of activation method. We showed here that the amounts of zinc ions dramatically changed during maturation, fertilization, activation, and development in mouse oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Kageyama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Ayumi Suyama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Ruka Kinoshita
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Junya Ito
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Center for Human and Animal Symbiosis Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Naomi Kashiwazaki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
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28
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Jang MJ, Lim C, Lim B, Kim JM. Integrated multiple transcriptomes in oviductal tissue across the porcine oestrous cycle reveal functional roles in oocyte maturation and transport. J Anim Sci 2021; 100:6464098. [PMID: 34918099 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the changes in the swine female reproductive system is important for solving issues related to reproductive failure and litter size. Elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of the natural oestrous cycle in the oviduct under non-fertilisation conditions can improve our understanding of its role in the reproductive system. Herein, whole transcriptome RNA sequencing of oviduct tissue samples was performed. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified for each time point relative to Day 0 and classified into three clusters based on their expression patterns. Clusters 1 and 2 included genes involved in the physiological changes through the oestrous cycle. Cluster 1 genes were mainly involved in PI3K-Akt signalling and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways. Cluster 2 genes were involved in extracellular matrix-receptor interactions and protein digestion pathways. In Cluster 3, the DEGs were downregulated in the luteal phase; they were strongly associated with cell cycle, calcium signalling, and oocyte meiosis. The gene expression in the oviduct during the oestrous cycle influenced oocyte transport and fertilisation. Our findings provide a basis for successfully breeding pigs and elucidating the mechanisms underlying the changes in the pig oviduct during the oestrous cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Jae Jang
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Chiwoong Lim
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeonghwi Lim
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Mo Kim
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
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29
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Yin M, Li M, Li W, Wu L, Yan Z, Zhao J, Ouyang J, Lyu Q, Yan Z, Li B. Efficacy of artificial oocyte activation in patients with embryo developmental problems: a sibling oocyte control study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2021; 305:1225-1231. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-021-06329-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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30
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Bhan N, Callisto A, Strutz J, Glaser J, Kalhor R, Boyden ES, Church G, Kording K, Tyo KEJ. Recording Temporal Signals with Minutes Resolution Using Enzymatic DNA Synthesis. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:16630-16640. [PMID: 34591459 PMCID: PMC8982284 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c07331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Employing DNA as a high-density data storage medium has paved the way for next-generation digital storage and biosensing technologies. However, the multipart architecture of current DNA-based recording techniques renders them inherently slow and incapable of recording fluctuating signals with subhour frequencies. To address this limitation, we developed a simplified system employing a single enzyme, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT), to transduce environmental signals into DNA. TdT adds nucleotides to the 3'-ends of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) in a template-independent manner, selecting bases according to inherent preferences and environmental conditions. By characterizing TdT nucleotide selectivity under different conditions, we show that TdT can encode various physiologically relevant signals such as Co2+, Ca2+, and Zn2+ concentrations and temperature changes in vitro. Further, by considering the average rate of nucleotide incorporation, we show that the resulting ssDNA functions as a molecular ticker tape. With this method we accurately encode a temporal record of fluctuations in Co2+ concentration to within 1 min over a 60 min period. Finally, we engineer TdT to allosterically turn off in the presence of a physiologically relevant concentration of calcium. We use this engineered TdT in concert with a reference TdT to develop a two-polymerase system capable of recording a single-step change in the Ca2+ signal to within 1 min over a 60 min period. This work expands the repertoire of DNA-based recording techniques by developing a novel DNA synthesis-based system that can record temporal environmental signals into DNA with a resolution of minutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namita Bhan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Mitolab, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Alec Callisto
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Jonathan Strutz
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Joshua Glaser
- Center for Theoretical Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - Reza Kalhor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Edward S Boyden
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - George Church
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Konrad Kording
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Keith E J Tyo
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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31
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York-Andersen AH, Wood BW, Wilby EL, Berry AS, Weil TT. Osmolarity-regulated swelling initiates egg activation in Drosophila. Open Biol 2021; 11:210067. [PMID: 34343463 PMCID: PMC8331238 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210067] [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] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Egg activation is a series of highly coordinated processes that prepare the mature oocyte for embryogenesis. Typically associated with fertilization, egg activation results in many downstream outcomes, including the resumption of the meiotic cell cycle, translation of maternal mRNAs and cross-linking of the vitelline membrane. While some aspects of egg activation, such as initiation factors in mammals and environmental cues in sea animals, have been well-documented, the mechanics of egg activation in insects are less well-understood. For many insects, egg activation can be triggered independently of fertilization. In Drosophila melanogaster, egg activation occurs in the oviduct resulting in a single calcium wave propagating from the posterior pole of the oocyte. Here we use physical manipulations, genetics and live imaging to demonstrate the requirement of a volume increase for calcium entry at egg activation in ex vivo mature Drosophila oocytes. The addition of water, modified with sucrose to a specific osmolarity, is sufficient to trigger the calcium wave in the mature oocyte and the downstream events associated with egg activation. We show that the swelling process is regulated by the conserved osmoregulatory channels, aquaporins and DEGenerin/Epithelial Na+ channels. Furthermore, through pharmacological and genetic disruption, we reveal a concentration-dependent requirement of transient receptor potential M channels to transport calcium, most probably from the perivitelline space, across the plasma membrane into the mature oocyte. Our data establish osmotic pressure as a mechanism that initiates egg activation in Drosophila and are consistent with previous work from evolutionarily distant insects, including dragonflies and mosquitos, and show remarkable similarities to the mechanism of egg activation in some plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna H York-Andersen
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Benjamin W Wood
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Elise L Wilby
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Alexander S Berry
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Timothy T Weil
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
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32
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Papazoglou A, Henseler C, Broich K, Daubner J, Weiergräber M. Breeding of Ca v2.3 deficient mice reveals Mendelian inheritance in contrast to complex inheritance in Ca v3.2 null mutant breeding. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13972. [PMID: 34234221 PMCID: PMC8263769 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93391-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
High voltage-activated Cav2.3 R-type Ca2+ channels and low voltage-activated Cav3.2 T-type Ca2+ channels were reported to be involved in numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes. Many of these findings are based on studies in Cav2.3 and Cav3.2 deficient mice. Recently, it has been proposed that inbreeding of Cav2.3 and Cav3.2 deficient mice exhibits significant deviation from Mendelian inheritance and might be an indication for potential prenatal lethality in these lines. In our study, we analyzed 926 offspring from Cav3.2 breedings and 1142 offspring from Cav2.3 breedings. Our results demonstrate that breeding of Cav2.3 deficient mice shows typical Mendelian inheritance and that there is no indication of prenatal lethality. In contrast, Cav3.2 breeding exhibits a complex inheritance pattern. It might be speculated that the differences in inheritance, particularly for Cav2.3 breeding, are related to other factors, such as genetic specificities of the mutant lines, compensatory mechanisms and altered sperm activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Papazoglou
- Experimental Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 3, 53175, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christina Henseler
- Experimental Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 3, 53175, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karl Broich
- Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 3, 53175, Bonn, Germany
| | - Johanna Daubner
- Experimental Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 3, 53175, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marco Weiergräber
- Experimental Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 3, 53175, Bonn, Germany.
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Ikenaga J, Kajihara H, Yoshida M. Kulikovia alborostrata and Kulikovia fulva comb. nov. (Nemertea: Heteronemertea) are Sister Species with Prezygotic Isolating Barriers. Zoolog Sci 2021; 38:193-202. [PMID: 33812359 DOI: 10.2108/zs200112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The heteronemertean Kulikovia alborostrata (Takakura, 1898) was originally described as Lineus alborostratus based on material from Misaki, Japan. Although this species was regarded as consisting of two color variants, purple and brown-yellow, the identity of these variants has never been examined based on topotypes. In this study, we performed a multi-locus phylogeny reconstruction, species delimitation analyses, and cross-fertilization experiments to examine the species status of Takakura's original taxon concept consisting of these color variants. Our results suggest that the purple type is identical to Lineus alborostratus Takakura, 1898 auct. (currently Kulikovia alborostrata), whereas the brown-yellow type is conspecific with Lineus fulvus Iwata, 1954, originally established from Hokkaido. These two species appear to have a sister-taxon relationship and are reproductively isolated from each other by prezygotic mechanisms involving gamete incompatibility, minimally separated with 2.8% (16S rRNA) and 14.4% (COI) uncorrected p-distances. We propose that the purple type be considered as representing the true identity of the nominal species Lineus alborostratus (currently assigned to the genus Kulikovia) to maintain the common usage of the name. Although Takakura's type material is not extant, we consider that neotypification is unnecessary in this case because no taxonomic/nomenclatural confusion persists. We also propose to transfer Lineus fulvus to yield Kulikovia fulva comb. nov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumpei Ikenaga
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Misaki, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0225, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kajihara
- Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0180, Japan
| | - Manabu Yoshida
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Misaki, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0225, Japan,
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Identification of SH2 Domain-Mediated Protein Interactions that Operate at Fertilization in the Sea Star Patiria miniata. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 33074537 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0974-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
The signaling mechanisms controlling internal calcium release at fertilization in animals are still largely unknown. Echinoderms, such as the sea star Patiria miniata, produce abundant and easily accessible sperm and eggs. In addition, eggs are naturally synchronized at the same cell cycle stage, collectively making these animals an attractive model to study the signaling proteins controlling fertilization. However, the lack of antibodies to identify proteins in this model system has slowed progress in identifying key signaling molecules. With the advances in mass spectrometry, we present a method for identifying tyrosine phosphorylated proteins binding to GST-tagged SH2 domains in sea star cell lysates for downstream mass spectrometry analysis.
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Recovery of Sea Star Egg Cell Surface Proteins Released at Fertilization. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 33074539 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0974-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
To provide a better understanding of the composition of the egg cell membrane, we describe a method in which proteins and peptides that are either naturally released by the egg or cleaved by sperm proteases can be collected, analyzed, and identified. Such molecules are captured and isolated from the surrounding seawater via biotinylation, before being concentrated by an affinity interaction and subsequently analyzed by western blotting and mass spectrometry.
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36
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Paul N, Kumaresan A, Das Gupta M, Nag P, Guvvala PR, Kuntareddi C, Sharma A, Selvaraju S, Datta TK. Transcriptomic Profiling of Buffalo Spermatozoa Reveals Dysregulation of Functionally Relevant mRNAs in Low-Fertile Bulls. Front Vet Sci 2021; 7:609518. [PMID: 33506000 PMCID: PMC7829312 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.609518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although, it is known that spermatozoa harbor a variety of RNAs that may influence embryonic development, little is understood about sperm transcriptomic differences in relation to fertility, especially in buffaloes. In the present study, we compared the differences in sperm functional attributes and transcriptomic profile between high- and low-fertile buffalo bulls. Sperm membrane and acrosomal integrity were lower (P < 0.05), while protamine deficiency and lipid peroxidation were higher (P < 0.05) in low- compared to high-fertile bulls. Transcriptomic analysis using mRNA microarray technology detected a total of 51,282 transcripts in buffalo spermatozoa, of which 4,050 transcripts were differentially expressed, and 709 transcripts were found to be significantly dysregulated (P < 0.05 and fold change >1) between high- and low-fertile bulls. Majority of the dysregulated transcripts were related to binding activity, transcription, translation, and metabolic processes with primary localization in the cell nucleus, nucleoplasm, and in cytosol. Pathways related to MAPK signaling, ribosome pathway, and oxidative phosphorylation were dysregulated in low-fertile bull spermatozoa. Using bioinformatics analysis, we observed that several genes related to sperm functional attributes were significantly downregulated in low-fertile bull spermatozoa. Validation of the results of microarray analysis was carried out using real-time qPCR expression analysis of selected genes (YBX1, ORAI3, and TFAP2C). The relative expression of these genes followed the same trend in both the techniques. Collectively, this is the first study to report the transcriptomic profile of buffalo spermatozoa and to demonstrate the dysregulation of functionally relevant transcripts in low-fertile bull spermatozoa. The results of the present study open up new avenues for understanding the etiology for poor fertility in buffalo bulls and to identify fertility biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilendu Paul
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Mohua Das Gupta
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Pradeep Nag
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Pushpa Rani Guvvala
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, ICAR - National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Channareddi Kuntareddi
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Ankur Sharma
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sellappan Selvaraju
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, ICAR - National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, ICAR - National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
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37
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Inositol-1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor-1 and -3 and Ryanodine Receptor-3 May Increase Ooplasmic Ca<sup>2+</sup> During Quail Egg Activation. J Poult Sci 2021; 59:175-181. [PMID: 35528380 PMCID: PMC9039144 DOI: 10.2141/jpsa.0210041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that egg activation in Japanese quail is driven by two distinct types of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i): transient elevations in [Ca2+]i induced by phospholipase Czeta 1 (PLCZ1) and long-lasting spiral-like Ca2+ oscillations by citrate synthase (CS) and aconitate hydratase 2 (ACO2). Although the blockade of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (ITPRs) before microinjections of PLCZ1, CS, and ACO2 cRNAs only prevented transient increases in [Ca2+]i, a microinjection of an agonist of ryanodine receptors (RYRs) induced spiral-like Ca2+ oscillations, indicating the involvement of both ITPRs and RYRs in these events. In this study, we investigated the isoforms of ITPRs and RYRs responsible for the expression of the two types of [Ca2+]i increases. RT-PCR and western blot analyses revealed that ITPR1, ITPR3, and RYR3 were expressed in ovulated eggs. These proteins were degraded 3 h after the microinjection of PLCZ1, CS, and ACO2 cRNAs, which is the time at which egg activation was complete. However, degradation of ITPR1 and ITPR3, but not RYR3, was initiated 30 min after a single injection of PLCZ1 cRNA, corresponding to the time of the initial Ca2+ wave termination. In contrast, RYR3 degradation was observed 3 h after the microinjection of CS and ACO2 cRNAs. These results indicate that ITPRs and RYR3 differentially mediate in creases in [Ca2+]i during egg activation in Japanese quail, and that downregulation of ITPRs and RYR3-mediated events terminate the initial Ca2+ wave and spiral-like Ca2+ oscillations, respectively.
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Afanzar O, Buss GK, Stearns T, Ferrell JE. The nucleus serves as the pacemaker for the cell cycle. eLife 2020; 9:59989. [PMID: 33284106 PMCID: PMC7755385 DOI: 10.7554/elife.59989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitosis is a dramatic process that affects all parts of the cell. It is driven by an oscillator whose various components are localized in the nucleus, centrosome, and cytoplasm. In principle, the cellular location with the fastest intrinsic rhythm should act as a pacemaker for the process. Here we traced the waves of tubulin polymerization and depolymerization that occur at mitotic entry and exit in Xenopus egg extracts back to their origins. We found that mitosis was commonly initiated at sperm-derived nuclei and their accompanying centrosomes. The cell cycle was ~20% faster at these initiation points than in the slowest regions of the extract. Nuclei produced from phage DNA, which did not possess centrosomes, also acted as trigger wave sources, but purified centrosomes in the absence of nuclei did not. We conclude that the nucleus accelerates mitotic entry and propose that it acts as a pacemaker for cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oshri Afanzar
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Garrison K Buss
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Tim Stearns
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Genetics, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - James E Ferrell
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, United States
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Kharazi U, Badalzadeh R. A review on the stem cell therapy and an introduction to exosomes as a new tool in reproductive medicine. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:447-459. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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40
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Wang F, Meng TG, Li J, Hou Y, Luo SM, Schatten H, Sun QY, Ou XH. Mitochondrial Ca 2 + Is Related to Mitochondrial Activity and Dynamic Events in Mouse Oocytes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:585932. [PMID: 33195238 PMCID: PMC7652752 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.585932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial energy insufficiency is strongly associated with oocyte activation disorders. Ca2+, especially that in the mitochondrial matrix, plays a pivotal role in mitochondrial energy supplementation, but the underlying mechanisms are still only poorly understood. An encoded mitochondrial matrix Ca2+ probe (Mt-GCaMP6s) was introduced to observe mitochondrial Ca2+ ([Ca2+]m) dynamic changes during oocyte maturation and activation. We found that active mitochondria surrounding the nucleus showed a higher [Ca2+]m than those distributed in the cortex during oocyte maturation. During oocyte partheno-activation, the patterns of Ca2+ dynamic changes were synchronous in the cytoplasm and mitochondria. Such higher concentration of mitochondrial matrix Ca2+ was closely related to the distribution of mitochondrial calcium uptake (MICU) protein. We further showed that higher [Ca2+]m mitochondria around the chromosomes in oocytes might have a potential role in stimulating mitochondrial energy for calmodulin-responsive oocyte spindle formation, while synchronizing Ca2+ functions in the cytoplasm and nuclear area are important for oocyte activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tie-Gang Meng
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Ming Luo
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Ou
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
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41
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McLennan HJ, Sutton-McDowall ML, Heng S, Abell AD, Thompson JG. Time-lapse confocal imaging-induced calcium ion discharge from the cumulus-oocyte complex at the time of cattle oocyte activation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 32:1223-1238. [PMID: 33027608 DOI: 10.1071/rd20143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte activation, the dynamic transformation of an oocyte into an embryo, is largely driven by Ca2+ oscillations that vary in duration and amplitude across species. Previous studies have analysed intraoocyte Ca2+ oscillations in the absence of the oocyte's supporting cumulus cells. Therefore, it is unknown whether cumulus cells also produce an ionic signal that reflects fertilisation success. Time-lapse confocal microscopy and image analysis on abattoir-derived cattle cumulus-oocyte complexes coincubated with spermatozoa revealed a distinct discharge of fluorescence from the cumulus vestment. This study demonstrated that this Ca2+ fluorescence discharge was an artefact induced by the imaging procedure independently of oocyte activation success. The fluorescence discharge was a direct result of cumulus cell membrane integrity loss, and future studies should consider the long-term effect of fluorescent labels on cells in time-lapse imaging. However, this study also demonstrated that the distinctive pattern of a coordinated fluorescence discharge was associated with both the presence of spermatozoa and subsequent embryo development to the morula stage, which was affected by Ca2+ chelation and a reduction in the active efflux of the fluorophore. This indicates that the cumulus vestment may have a relationship with oocyte activation at and beyond fertilisation that requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna J McLennan
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Australia; and Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; and Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| | - Melanie L Sutton-McDowall
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Australia; and Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; and Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Sabrina Heng
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Australia; and Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; and Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Andrew D Abell
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Australia; and Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; and Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Jeremy G Thompson
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Australia; and Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; and Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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Nakai M, Ito J, Suyama A, Kageyama A, Tobari Y, Kashiwazaki N. Phospholipase Cζ (PLCζ) versus postacrosomal sheath WW domain-binding protein (PAWP): Which molecule will survive as a sperm factor? Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13345. [PMID: 32219949 PMCID: PMC7140179 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
During mammalian fertilization, sperm is fused with the oocyte's membrane, triggering the resumption of meiosis from the metaphase II arrest, the extrusion of the second polar body, and the exocytosis of cortical granules; these events are collectively called 'oocyte activation.' In all species studied to date, the transient rise in the cytosolic level of calcium (in particular, the repeated calcium increases called 'calcium oscillations' in mammals) is required for these events. Researchers have focused on identifying the factor(s) that can induce calcium oscillations during fertilization. Sperm‐specific phospholipase C, i.e., PLC zeta (PLCζ), is a strong candidate of the factor(s), and several research groups using different species obtained evidence that PLCζ is a sperm factor that can induce calcium oscillations during fertilization. However, postacrosomal sheath Tryptophan‐Tryptophan (WW)—domain‐binding protein (PAWP) was recently shown to have a pivotal role in inducing calcium oscillations in some species. In this review, we focus on PLCζ and PAWP as sperm factors, and we discuss this controversy: Which of these two molecules survives as a sperm factor?
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Nakai
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Junya Ito
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Ayumi Suyama
- Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Atsuko Kageyama
- Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Yasuko Tobari
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Naomi Kashiwazaki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
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Dominguez EM, Moreno-Irusta A, Rodriguez MB, Salamone DF, de Arruda RP, Losinno L, Giojalas LC. Chemotactic selection of frozen-thawed stallion sperm improves sperm quality and heterologous binding to oocytes. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 221:106582. [PMID: 32889407 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The successful use of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) depends in part on the sperm physiological status. Several sperm selection procedures have been applied to improve quality of sperm population when using the ART. There has previously been development of a Sperm Selection Assay (SSA) for humans which is based on the attraction of capacitated sperm by chemotaxis towards progesterone (P), resulting in an enriched sperm population with an optimal physiological status similar to capacitated spermatozoa, with these cells having very little DNA fragmentation and optimal concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present study, the aim was to adapt the SSA for frozen-thawed stallion semen samples and evaluate the functional status of those sperm selected using the SSA procedure, and to determine whether this enriched sperm population has a greater capacity to bind to the zona pellucida of cattle oocytes. There were experimental conditions developed to conduct the SSA with stallion sperm. Using these conditions, the indexes of induced acrosome reaction, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial and cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species, and number of sperm bound to the zona pellucida of cattle were greater when the sperm population was selected using the SSA. Consistently, the DNA fragmentation and phospholipase C zeta indexes were less for the selected sperm. In conclusion, stallion sperm selected using chemotaxis utilizing the SSA provides a sperm population of greater quality, which when used may improve the outcomes with use of the ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Mauricio Dominguez
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María Belén Rodriguez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, FAUBA/INPA- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel F Salamone
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, FAUBA/INPA- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rubens Paes de Arruda
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia do Sêmen e Andrologia - LBSA, Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Ciência Animal, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Luis Losinno
- Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto (UNRC), Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Catedra de Producción Equina I y II, Rio Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto (UNRC), Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Laboratorio de Producción Equina, Rio Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Laura Cecilia Giojalas
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, Córdoba, Argentina.
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Wang F, Li A, Meng TG, Wang LY, Wang LJ, Hou Y, Schatten H, Sun QY, Ou XH. Regulation of [Ca 2+] i oscillations and mitochondrial activity by various calcium transporters in mouse oocytes. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2020; 18:87. [PMID: 32799904 PMCID: PMC7429721 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-00643-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte activation inefficiency is one of the reasons for female infertility and Ca2+ functions play a critical role in the regulation of oocyte activation. We used various inhibitors of Ca2+ channels located on the membrane, including sarcoplasmic/ endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPases (SERCAs, the main Ca2+ pumps which decrease the intracellular Ca2+ level by refilling Ca2+ into the sarcoplasmic reticulum), transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel subfamily member 7 (TRPM7, a Ca2+/Mg2+-permeable non-selective cation channel), T-type Ca2+ channels and calcium channel Orai1, to investigate their roles in [Ca2+]i oscillation patterns and mitochondrial membrane potential during oocyte activation by real-time recording. Our results showed that SERCAs, TRPM7 and T-type Ca2+ channels were important for initiation and maintenance of [Ca2+]i oscillations, which was required for mitochondrial membrane potential elevation during oocyte activation, as well as oocyte cytoskeleton stability and subsequent embryo development. Increasing the knowledge of calcium transport may provide a theoretical basis for improving oocyte activation in human assisted reproduction clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317 China
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309China State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Ang Li
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309China State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Tie-Gang Meng
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317 China
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309China State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Le-Yun Wang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309China State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Li-Juan Wang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309China State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Yi Hou
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309China State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Heide Schatten
- grid.134936.a0000 0001 2162 3504Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317 China
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309China State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Xiang-Hong Ou
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317 China
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45
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Limatola N, Chun JT, Santella L. Effects of Salinity and pH of Seawater on the Reproduction of the Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2020; 239:13-23. [PMID: 32812816 DOI: 10.1086/710126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
AbstractFertilization and early development are usually the most vulnerable stages in the life of marine animals, and the biological processes during this period are highly sensitive to the environment. In nature, sea urchin gametes are shed in seawater, where they undergo external fertilization and embryonic development. In a laboratory, it is possible to follow the exact morphological and biochemical changes taking place in the fertilized eggs and the developing embryos. Thus, observation of successful fertilization and the subsequent embryonic development of sea urchin eggs can be used as a convenient biosensor to assess the quality of the marine environment. In this paper, we have examined how salinity and pH changes affect the normal fertilization process and the following development of Paracentrotus lividus. The results of our studies using confocal microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and time-lapse Ca2+ image recording indicated that both dilution and acidification of seawater have subtle but detrimental effects on many aspects of the fertilization process. They include Ca2+ signaling and coordinated actin cytoskeletal changes, leading to a significantly reduced rate of successful fertilization and, eventually, to abnormal or delayed embryonic development.
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Wang F, Li A, Li QN, Fan LH, Wang ZB, Meng TG, Hou Y, Schatten H, Sun QY, Ou XH. Effects of mitochondria-associated Ca 2+ transporters suppression on oocyte activation. Cell Biochem Funct 2020; 39:248-257. [PMID: 32643225 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte activation deficiency leads to female infertility. [Ca2+ ]i oscillations are required for mitochondrial energy supplement transition from the resting to the excited state, but the underlying mechanisms are still very little known. Three mitochondrial Ca2+ channels, Mitochondria Calcium Uniporter (MCU), Na+ /Ca2+ Exchanger (NCLX) and Voltage-dependent Ca2+ Channel (VDAC), were deactivated by inhibitors RU360, CGP37157 and Erastin, respectively. Both Erastin and CGP37157 inhibited mitochondrial activity significantly while attenuating [Ca2+ ]i and [Ca2+ ]m oscillations, which caused developmental block of pronuclear formation. Thus, NCLX and VDAC are two mitochondria-associated Ca2+ transporter proteins regulating oocyte activation, which may be used as potential targets to treat female infertility. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: NCLX and VDAC are two mitochondria-associated Ca2+ transporter proteins regulating oocyte activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian-Nan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Hua Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tie-Gang Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Ou
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
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Stein P, Savy V, Williams AM, Williams CJ. Modulators of calcium signalling at fertilization. Open Biol 2020; 10:200118. [PMID: 32673518 PMCID: PMC7574550 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) signals initiate egg activation across the animal kingdom and in at least some plants. These signals are crucial for the success of development and, in the case of mammals, health of the offspring. The mechanisms associated with fertilization that trigger these signals and the molecules that regulate their characteristic patterns vary widely. With few exceptions, a major contributor to fertilization-induced elevation in cytoplasmic Ca2+ is release from endoplasmic reticulum stores through the IP3 receptor. In some cases, Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space and/or release from alternative intracellular stores contribute to the rise in cytoplasmic Ca2+. Following the Ca2+ rise, the reuptake of Ca2+ into intracellular stores or efflux of Ca2+ out of the egg drive the return of cytoplasmic Ca2+ back to baseline levels. The molecular mediators of these Ca2+ fluxes in different organisms include Ca2+ release channels, uptake channels, exchangers and pumps. The functions of these mediators are regulated by their particular activating mechanisms but also by alterations in their expression and spatial organization. We discuss here the molecular basis for modulation of Ca2+ signalling at fertilization, highlighting differences across several animal phyla, and we mention key areas where questions remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Stein
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Virginia Savy
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Audrey M. Williams
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Carmen J. Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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Dalziel AC, Tirbhowan S, Drapeau HF, Power C, Jonah LS, Gbotsyo YA, Dion‐Côté A. Using asexual vertebrates to study genome evolution and animal physiology: Banded ( Fundulus diaphanus) x Common Killifish ( F. heteroclitus) hybrid lineages as a model system. Evol Appl 2020; 13:1214-1239. [PMID: 32684956 PMCID: PMC7359844 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild, asexual, vertebrate hybrids have many characteristics that make them good model systems for studying how genomes evolve and epigenetic modifications influence animal physiology. In particular, the formation of asexual hybrid lineages is a form of reproductive incompatibility, but we know little about the genetic and genomic mechanisms by which this mode of reproductive isolation proceeds in animals. Asexual lineages also provide researchers with the ability to produce genetically identical individuals, enabling the study of autonomous epigenetic modifications without the confounds of genetic variation. Here, we briefly review the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to asexual reproduction in vertebrates and the known genetic and epigenetic consequences of the loss of sex. We then specifically discuss what is known about asexual lineages of Fundulus diaphanus x F. heteroclitus to highlight gaps in our knowledge of the biology of these clones. Our preliminary studies of F. diaphanus and F. heteroclitus karyotypes from Porter's Lake (Nova Scotia, Canada) agree with data from other populations, suggesting a conserved interspecific chromosomal arrangement. In addition, genetic analyses suggest that: (a) the same major clonal lineage (Clone A) of F. diaphanus x F. heteroclitus has remained dominant over the past decade, (b) some minor clones have also persisted, (c) new clones may have recently formed, and iv) wild clones still mainly descend from F. diaphanus ♀ x F. heteroclitus ♂ crosses (96% in 2017-2018). These data suggest that clone formation may be a relatively rare, but continuous process, and there are persistent environmental or genetic factors causing a bias in cross direction. We end by describing our current research on the genomic causes and consequences of a transition to asexuality and the potential physiological consequences of epigenetic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Svetlana Tirbhowan
- Department of BiologySaint Mary's UniversityHalifaxNSCanada
- Département de biologieUniversité de MonctonMonctonNBCanada
| | | | - Claude Power
- Département de biologieUniversité de MonctonMonctonNBCanada
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Ohnishi Y, Kawashima T. Plasmogamic Paternal Contributions to Early Zygotic Development in Flowering Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:871. [PMID: 32636867 PMCID: PMC7317025 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Flowering plant zygotes possess complete developmental potency, and the mixture of male and female genetic and cytosolic materials in the zygote is a trigger to initiate embryo development. Plasmogamy, the fusion of the gamete cytoplasms, facilitates the cellular dynamics of the zygote. In the last decade, mutant analyses, live cell imaging-based observations, and direct observations of fertilized egg cells by in vitro fusion of isolated gametes have accelerated our understanding of the post-plasmogamic events in flowering plants including cell wall formation, gamete nuclear migration and fusion, and zygotic cell elongation and asymmetric division. Especially, it has become more evident that paternal parent-of-origin effects, via sperm cytoplasm contents, not only control canonical early zygotic development, but also activate a biparental signaling pathway critical for cell fate determination after the first cell division. Here, we summarize the plasmogamic paternal contributions via the entry of sperm contents during/after fertilization in flowering plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukinosuke Ohnishi
- Kihara Institute for Biological Research, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Tomokazu Kawashima
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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Nolet FE, Vandervelde A, Vanderbeke A, Piñeros L, Chang JB, Gelens L. Nuclei determine the spatial origin of mitotic waves. eLife 2020; 9:e52868. [PMID: 32452767 PMCID: PMC7314552 DOI: 10.7554/elife.52868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Traveling waves play an essential role in coordinating mitosis over large distances, but what determines the spatial origin of mitotic waves remains unclear. Here, we show that such waves initiate at pacemakers, regions that oscillate faster than their surroundings. In cell-free extracts of Xenopus laevis eggs, we find that nuclei define such pacemakers by concentrating cell cycle regulators. In computational models of diffusively coupled oscillators that account for nuclear import, nuclear positioning determines the pacemaker location. Furthermore, we find that the spatial dimensions of the oscillatory medium change the nuclear positioning and strongly influence whether a pacemaker is more likely to be at a boundary or an internal region. Finally, we confirm experimentally that increasing the system width increases the proportion of pacemakers at the boundary. Our work provides insight into how nuclei and spatial system dimensions can control local concentrations of regulators and influence the emergent behavior of mitotic waves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix E Nolet
- Laboratory of Dynamics in Biological Systems, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Alexandra Vandervelde
- Laboratory of Dynamics in Biological Systems, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Arno Vanderbeke
- Laboratory of Dynamics in Biological Systems, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- MeBioS - Biosensors Group, Department of Biosystems, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Liliana Piñeros
- Laboratory of Dynamics in Biological Systems, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Jeremy B Chang
- Department of Pharmaceutical ChemistryUniversity of California, San FranciscoUnited States
| | - Lendert Gelens
- Laboratory of Dynamics in Biological Systems, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
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