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Vicente JS, Valdés-Hernández J, Marco-Jiménez F. Transcriptomic Signatures of the Foetal Liver and Late Prenatal Development in Vitrified Rabbit Embryos. Vet Sci 2024; 11:347. [PMID: 39195801 PMCID: PMC11360234 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11080347] [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: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) are generally considered safe; however, emerging evidence highlights the need to evaluate potential risks in adulthood to improve safety further. ART procedures like rederivation of embryos by vitrification differ from natural conditions, causing significant disparities between in vitro and in vivo embryos, affecting foetal physiology and postnatal life. This study aims to investigate whether hepatic transcriptome and metabolome changes observed postnatally are already present in foetal livers at the end of gestation. This study compared fresh and vitrified rabbit embryos, finding differences between foetuses obtained by the transfer of fresh and vitrified embryos at 24 days of gestation. Rederived embryos had reduced foetal and liver weights and crown-rump length. However, the offspring of vitrified embryos tended to be born with higher weight, showing compensatory growth in the final week of gestation (59.2 vs. 49.8 g). RNA-Seq analysis revealed 43 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the foetal liver of vitrified embryos compared to the fresh group. Notably, downregulated genes included BRAT1, CYP4A7, CYP2B4, RPL23, RPL22L1, PPILAL1, A1BG, IFGGC1, LRRC57, DIPP2, UGT2B14, IRGM1, NUTF2, MPST, and PPP1R1B, while upregulated genes included ACOT8, ERICH3, UBXN2A, METTL9, ALDH3A2, DERPC-like, NR5A2-like, AP-1, COG8, INHBE, and PLA2G4C. Overall, a functional annotation of these DEGs indicated an involvement in lipid metabolism and the stress and inflammatory process or immune response. Thus, our results suggest that vitrification and embryo transfer manipulation induce an adaptive response that can be observed in the liver during the last week of gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Francisco Marco-Jiménez
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (J.S.V.); (J.V.-H.)
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2
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Hamdi M, Sánchez JM, Fernandez-Fuertes B, Câmara DR, Bollwein H, Rizos D, Bauersachs S, Almiñana C. Oviductal extracellular vesicles miRNA cargo varies in response to embryos and their quality. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:520. [PMID: 38802796 PMCID: PMC11129498 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10429-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence points to an active role of oviductal extracellular vesicles (oEVs) in the early embryo-maternal dialogue. However, it remains unclear whether oEVs contribute to the recognition of the presence of embryos and their quality in the oviduct. Hence, we examined whether the molecular cargo of oEVs secreted by bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOEC) differs depending on the presence of good (≥ 8 cells, G) or poor (< 8 cells, P) quality embryos. In addition, differences in RNA profiles between G and P embryos were analyzed in attempt to distinguish oEVs and embryonic EVs cargos. METHODS For this purpose, primary BOEC were co-cultured with in vitro produced embryos (IVP) 53 h post fertilization as follows: BOEC with G embryos (BGE); BOEC with P embryos (BPE); G embryos alone (GE); P embryos alone (PE); BOEC alone (B) and medium control (M). After 24 h of co-culture, conditioned media were collected from all groups and EVs were isolated and characterized. MicroRNA profiling of EVs and embryos was performed by small RNA-sequencing. RESULTS In EVs, 84 miRNAs were identified, with 8 differentially abundant (DA) miRNAs for BGE vs. B and 4 for BPE vs. B (P-value < 0.01). In embryos, 187 miRNAs were identified, with 12 DA miRNAs for BGE vs. BPE, 3 for G vs. P, 8 for BGE vs. GE, and 11 for BPE vs. PE (P-value < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These results indicated that oEVs are involved in the oviductal-embryo recognition and pointed to specific miRNAs with signaling and supporting roles during early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Hamdi
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Lindau, ZH, 8315, Switzerland
| | - José María Sánchez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Diogo Ribeiro Câmara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Alagoas, Viçosa, AL, Brazil
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Lindau, ZH, 8315, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefan Bauersachs
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Lindau, ZH, 8315, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Almiñana
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Lindau, ZH, 8315, Switzerland.
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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3
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Travaglione A, Candela A, De Gregorio V, Genovese V, Cimmino M, Barbato V, Talevi R, Gualtieri R. Individually Cultured Bovine Zygotes Successfully Develop to the Blastocyst Stage in an Extremely Confined Environment. Cells 2024; 13:868. [PMID: 38786090 PMCID: PMC11119105 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The possibility of detecting the developmental competence of individually cultured embryos through analysis of spent media is a major current trend in an ART setting. However, individual embryo culture is detrimental compared with high-density group culture due to the reduced concentration of putative embryotropins. The main aim of this study was to identify an individual culture system that is not detrimental over high-density group culture in the bovine model. Blastocyst rates and competence were investigated in a conventional (GC) group, semi-confined group (MG), and individual culture (MS) in a commercial microwell device. Main findings showed that: (1) individual embryos can be continuously cultured for 7 days in ~70 nL microwells (MS) without detrimental effects compared with the GC and MG; (2) MS and MG blastocysts had a reduced number of TUNEL-positive cells compared to GC blastocysts; (3) though blastocyst mean cell numbers, mitochondrial activity, and lipid content were not different among the three culture conditions, MS blastocysts had a higher frequency of small-sized lipid droplets and a reduced mean droplet diameter compared with GC and MG blastocysts. Overall, findings open the way to optimize the development and competence of single embryos in an ART setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Roberto Gualtieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.T.); (A.C.); (V.D.G.); (V.G.); (M.C.); (V.B.); (R.T.)
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4
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D’Occhio MJ, Campanile G, Baruselli PS, Porto Neto LR, Hayes BJ, Snr AC, Fortes MRS. Pleomorphic adenoma gene1 in reproduction and implication for embryonic survival in cattle: a review. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae103. [PMID: 38586898 PMCID: PMC11056886 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae103] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The pleomorphic adenoma gene1 (PLAG1) encodes a DNA-binding, C2H2 zinc-finger protein which acts as a transcription factor that regulates the expression of diverse genes across different organs and tissues; hence, the name pleomorphic. Rearrangements of the PLAG1 gene, and/or overexpression, are associated with benign tumors and cancers in a variety of tissues. This is best described for pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands in humans. The most notable expression of PLAG1 occurs during embryonic and fetal development, with lesser expression after birth. Evidence has accumulated of a role for PLAG1 protein in normal early embryonic development and placentation in mammals. PLAG1 protein influences the expression of the ike growth factor 2 (IGF2) gene and production of IGF2 protein. IGF2 is an important mitogen in ovarian follicles/oocytes, embryos, and fetuses. The PLAG1-IGF2 axis, therefore, provides one pathway whereby PLAG1 protein can influence embryonic survival and pregnancy. PLAG1 also influences over 1,000 other genes in embryos including those associated with ribosomal assembly and proteins. Brahman (Bos indicus) heifers homozygous for the PLAG1 variant, rs109815800 (G > T), show greater fertility than contemporary heifers with either one, or no copy, of the variant. Greater fertility in heifers homozygous for rs109815800 could be the result of early puberty and/or greater embryonic survival. The present review first looks at the broader roles of the PLAG1 gene and PLAG1 protein and then focuses on the emerging role of PLAG1/PLAG1 in embryonic development and pregnancy. A deeper understanding of factors which influence embryonic development is required for the next transformational increase in embryonic survival and successful pregnancy for both in vivo and in vitro derived embryos in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J D’Occhio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro S Baruselli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ben J Hayes
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alf Collins Snr
- CBV Brahman, Marlborough, Central Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Marina R S Fortes
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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5
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Banliat C, Mahé C, Lavigne R, Com E, Pineau C, Labas V, Guyonnet B, Mermillod P, Saint-Dizier M. Dynamic Changes in the Proteome of Early Bovine Embryos Developed In Vivo. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:863700. [PMID: 35386205 PMCID: PMC8979002 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.863700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Early embryo development is a dynamic process involving important molecular and structural changes leading to the embryonic genome activation (EGA) and early cell lineage differentiation. Our aim was to elucidate proteomic changes in bovine embryos developed in vivo. Eleven females were used as embryo donors and pools of embryos at the 4–6 cell, 8–12 cell, morula, compact morula and blastocyst stages were analyzed by nanoliquid chromatography coupled with label free quantitative mass spectrometry. A total of 2,757 proteins were identified, of which 1,950 were quantitatively analyzed. Principal component analysis of data showed a clear separation of embryo pools according to their developmental stage. The hierarchical clustering of differentially abundant proteins evidenced a first cluster of 626 proteins that increased in abundance during development and a second cluster of 400 proteins that decreased in abundance during development, with most significant changes at the time of EGA and blastocyst formation. The main pathways and processes overrepresented among upregulated proteins were RNA metabolism, protein translation and ribosome biogenesis, whereas Golgi vesicle transport and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum were overrepresented among downregulated proteins. The pairwise comparison between stages allowed us to identify specific protein interaction networks and metabolic pathways at the time of EGA, morula compaction and blastocyst formation. This is the first comprehensive study of proteome dynamics in non-rodent mammalian embryos developed in vivo. These data provide a number of protein candidates that will be useful for further mechanistic and functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Banliat
- CNRS, INRAE, Université de Tours, IFCE, UMR PRC, Nouzilly, France.,Union Evolution, Noyal-sur-Vilaine, France
| | - Coline Mahé
- CNRS, INRAE, Université de Tours, IFCE, UMR PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Régis Lavigne
- Irset-UMRS 1085, Inserm, University of Rennes, Rennes, France.,Protim, Univ Rennes, Biosit-UMS 3480, US-S 018, Rennes, France
| | - Emmanuelle Com
- Irset-UMRS 1085, Inserm, University of Rennes, Rennes, France.,Protim, Univ Rennes, Biosit-UMS 3480, US-S 018, Rennes, France
| | - Charles Pineau
- Irset-UMRS 1085, Inserm, University of Rennes, Rennes, France.,Protim, Univ Rennes, Biosit-UMS 3480, US-S 018, Rennes, France
| | - Valérie Labas
- CNRS, INRAE, Université de Tours, IFCE, UMR PRC, Nouzilly, France.,Pixanim, INRAE, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Pascal Mermillod
- CNRS, INRAE, Université de Tours, IFCE, UMR PRC, Nouzilly, France
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6
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Nobiletin enhances the development and quality of bovine embryos in vitro during two key periods of embryonic genome activation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11796. [PMID: 34083641 PMCID: PMC8175487 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91158-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro culture can alter the development and quality of bovine embryos. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether nobiletin supplementation during EGA improves embryonic development and blastocyst quality and if it affects PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In vitro zygotes were cultured in SOF + 5% FCS (Control) or supplemented with 5, 10 or 25 µM nobiletin (Nob5, Nob10, Nob25) or with 0.03% dimethyl-sulfoxide (CDMSO) during minor (2 to 8-cell stage; MNEGA) or major (8 to 16-cell stage; MJEGA) EGA phase. Blastocyst yield on Day 8 was higher in Nob5 (42.7 ± 1.0%) and Nob10 (44.4 ± 1.3%) for MNEGA phase and in Nob10 (61.0 ± 0.8%) for MJEGA phase compared to other groups. Mitochondrial activity was higher and lipid content was reduced in blastocysts produced with nobiletin, irrespective of EGA phase. The mRNA abundance of CDK2, H3-3B, H3-3A, GPX1, NFE2L2 and PPARα transcripts was increased in 8-cells, 16-cells and blastocysts from nobiletin groups. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed immunoreactive proteins for p-AKT forms (Thr308 and Ser473) in bovine blastocysts produced with nobiletin. In conclusion, nobiletin supplementation during EGA has a positive effect on preimplantation bovine embryonic development in vitro and corroborates on the quality improvement of the produced blastocysts which could be modulated by the activation of AKT signaling pathway.
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7
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Bourdon G, Cadoret V, Charpigny G, Couturier-Tarrade A, Dalbies-Tran R, Flores MJ, Froment P, Raliou M, Reynaud K, Saint-Dizier M, Jouneau A. Progress and challenges in developing organoids in farm animal species for the study of reproduction and their applications to reproductive biotechnologies. Vet Res 2021; 52:42. [PMID: 33691745 PMCID: PMC7944619 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-020-00891-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the past decades, major progress has been accomplished in isolating germ/stem/pluripotent cells, in refining culture medium and conditions and in establishing 3-dimensional culture systems, towards developing organoids for organs involved in reproduction in mice and to some extent in humans. Haploid male germ cells were generated in vitro from primordial germ cells. So were oocytes, with additional support from ovarian cells and subsequent follicle culture. Going on with the female reproductive tract, spherical oviduct organoids were obtained from adult stem/progenitor cells. Multicellular endometrial structures mimicking functional uterine glands were derived from endometrial cells. Trophoblastic stem cells were induced to form 3-dimensional syncytial-like structures and exhibited invasive properties, a crucial point for placentation. Finally, considering the embryo itself, pluripotent embryonic cells together with additional extra-embryonic cells, could self-organize into a blastoid, and eventually into a post-implantation-like embryo. Most of these accomplishments have yet to be reached in farm animals, but much effort is devoted towards this goal. Here, we review the progress and discuss the specific challenges of developing organoids for the study of reproductive biology in these species. We consider the use of such organoids in basic research to delineate the physiological mechanisms involved at each step of the reproductive process, or to understand how they are altered by environmental factors relevant to animal breeding. We evaluate their potential in reproduction of animals with a high genetic value, from a breeding point of view or in the context of preserving local breeds with limited headcounts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Bourdon
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Véronique Cadoret
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
- CHU Bretonneau, Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, 37044, Tours, France
| | - Gilles Charpigny
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire D'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Anne Couturier-Tarrade
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire D'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Maria-José Flores
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire D'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Pascal Froment
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Mariam Raliou
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire D'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Karine Reynaud
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Marie Saint-Dizier
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
- Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University of Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Alice Jouneau
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire D'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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8
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Ramos-Ibeas P, Gimeno I, Cañón-Beltrán K, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Rizos D, Gómez E. Senescence and Apoptosis During in vitro Embryo Development in a Bovine Model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:619902. [PMID: 33392207 PMCID: PMC7775420 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.619902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, infertility affects up to 14% of couples under reproductive age, leading to an exponential rise in the use of assisted reproduction as a route for conceiving a baby. In the same way, thousands of embryos are produced in cattle and other farm animals annually, leading to increased numbers of individuals born. All reproductive manipulations entail deviations of natural phenotypes and genotypes, with in vitro embryo technologies perhaps showing the biggest effects, although these alterations are still emerging. Most of these indications have been provided by animal models, in particular the bovine species, due to its similarities to human early embryo development. Oocytes and embryos are highly sensitive to environmental stress in vivo and in vitro. Thus, during in vitro culture, a number of stressful conditions affect embryonic quality and viability, inducing subfertility and/or long-term consequences that may reach the offspring. A high proportion of the embryos produced in vitro are arrested at a species-specific stage of development during the first cell divisions. These arrested embryos do not show signs of programmed cell death during early cleavage stages. Instead, defective in vitro produced embryos would enter a permanent cell cycle arrest compatible with cellular senescence, in which they show active metabolism and high reactive oxygen species levels. Later in development, mainly during the morula and blastocyst stages, apoptosis would mediate the elimination of certain cells, accomplishing both a physiological role in to balancing cell proliferation and death, and a pathological role preventing the transmission of damaged cells with an altered genome. The latter would acquire relevant importance in in vitro produced embryos that are submitted to stressful environmental stimuli. In this article, we review the mechanisms mediating apoptosis and senescence during early embryo development, with a focus on in vitro produced bovine embryos. Additionally, we shed light on the protective role of senescence and apoptosis to ensure that unhealthy cells and early embryos do not progress in development, avoiding long-term detrimental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Ramos-Ibeas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Gimeno
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
| | - Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Gómez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
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9
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González-Brusi L, Algarra B, Moros-Nicolás C, Izquierdo-Rico MJ, Avilés M, Jiménez-Movilla M. A Comparative View on the Oviductal Environment during the Periconception Period. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1690. [PMID: 33348856 PMCID: PMC7766821 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The oviduct plays important roles in reproductive events: sperm reservoir formation, final gamete maturation, fertilization and early embryo development. It is well known that the oviductal environment affects gametes and embryos and, ultimately, the health of offspring, so that in vivo embryos are better in terms of morphology, cryotolerance, pregnancy rates or epigenetic profile than those obtained in vitro. The deciphering of embryo-maternal interaction in the oviduct may provide a better understanding of the embryo needs during the periconception period to improve reproductive efficiency. Here, we perform a comparative analysis among species of oviductal gene expression related to embryonic development during its journey through the oviduct, as described to date. Cross-talk communication between the oviduct environment and embryo will be studied by analyses of the secreted or exosomal proteins of the oviduct and the presence of receptors in the membrane of the embryo blastomeres. Finally, we review the data that are available to date on the expression and characterization of the most abundant protein in the oviduct, oviductin (OVGP1), highlighting its fundamental role in fertilization and embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum and IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.G.-B.); (B.A.); (C.M.-N.); (M.J.I.-R.)
| | - Maria Jiménez-Movilla
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum and IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.G.-B.); (B.A.); (C.M.-N.); (M.J.I.-R.)
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10
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Caton JS, Crouse MS, McLean KJ, Dahlen CR, Ward AK, Cushman RA, Grazul-Bilska AT, Neville BW, Borowicz PP, Reynolds LP. Maternal periconceptual nutrition, early pregnancy, and developmental outcomes in beef cattle. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:skaa358. [PMID: 33165531 PMCID: PMC7718859 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The focus of this review is maternal nutrition during the periconceptual period and offspring developmental outcomes in beef cattle, with an emphasis on the first 50 d of gestation, which represents the embryonic period. Animal agriculture in general, and specifically the beef cattle industry, currently faces immense challenges. The world needs to significantly increase its output of animal food products by 2050 and beyond to meet the food security and agricultural sustainability needs of the rapidly growing human population. Consequently, efficient and sustainable approaches to livestock production are essential. Maternal nutritional status is a major factor that leads to developmental programming of offspring outcomes. Developmental programming refers to the influence of pre-and postnatal factors, such as inappropriate maternal nutrition, that affect growth and development and result in long-term consequences for health and productivity of the offspring. In this review, we discuss recent studies in which we and others have addressed the questions, "Is development programmed periconceptually?" and, if so, "Does it matter practically to the offspring in production settings?" The reviewed studies have demonstrated that the periconceptual period is important not only for pregnancy establishment but also may be a critical period during which fetal, placental, and potentially postnatal development and function are programmed. The evidence for fetal and placental programming during the periconceptual period is strong and implies that research efforts to mitigate the negative and foster the positive benefits of developmental programming need to include robust investigative efforts during the periconceptual period to better understand the implications for life-long health and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel S Caton
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | | | - Kyle J McLean
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
| | - Carl R Dahlen
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | - Alison K Ward
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | | | - Anna T Grazul-Bilska
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | | | - Pawel P Borowicz
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | - Lawrence P Reynolds
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
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11
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Metabolomic Analysis Reveals Changes in Preimplantation Embryos Following Fresh or Vitrified Transfer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197116. [PMID: 32993198 PMCID: PMC7582512 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197116] [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: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) are recognised as safe, and most of the offspring seem apparently healthy, there is clear evidence that ARTs are associated with changes in the embryo’s developmental trajectory, which incur physiological consequences during the prenatal and postnatal stages of life. The present study aimed to address the influence of early (day-3 embryos) embryo transfer and cryopreservation on embryo survival, size, and metabolome at the preimplantation stage (day-6 embryos). To this end, fresh-transferred (FT) and vitrified-transferred (VT) embryos were compared using naturally-conceived (NC) embryos as a control reference. The results show that as in vitro manipulation was increased (NC < FT < VT), both embryo survival rate (0.91 ± 0.02, 0.78 ± 0.05 and 0.63 ± 0.05, for NC, FT, and VT groups, respectively) and embryo size (3.21 ± 0.49 mm, 2.15 ± 0.51 mm, 1.76 ± 0.46 mm of diameter for NC, FT, and VT groups, respectively) were significantly decreased. Moreover, an unbiased metabolomics analysis showed overall down-accumulation in 40 metabolites among the three experimental groups, with embryo transfer and embryo cryopreservation procedures both exerting a cumulative effect. In this regard, targeted metabolomics findings revealed a significant reduction in some metabolites involved in metabolic pathways, such as the Krebs cycle, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and arachidonic acid metabolisms. Altogether, these findings highlight a synergistic effect between the embryo transfer and vitrification procedures in preimplantation embryos. However, the ex vivo manipulation during embryo transfer seemed to be the major trigger of the embryonic changes, as the deviations added by the vitrification process were relatively smaller.
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Bauersachs S, Almiñana C. Embryo-Maternal Interactions Underlying Reproduction in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21144872. [PMID: 32664189 PMCID: PMC7402305 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This Special Issue, “Embryo-Maternal Interactions Underlying Reproduction in Mammals”, gathers a collection of 23 articles, 16 original research articles and 7 up-to-date reviews, providing new findings or summarizing current knowledge on embryo–maternal interactions in seven different mammalian species including humans. Considering the different players involved in these embryo-maternal interactions, articles are mainly focused on one of these different players: the oviduct, the uterus, the embryo or the emergent extracellular vesicles. Additionally, a few articles bring up the impact of reproductive, but also non-reproductive, diseases, as well as stress factors, on the establishment of pregnancy. We hope the readers enjoy this collection of articles and that the knowledge assembled here will support and inspire current and future research investigations. We would like to thank all authors for their contributions to this Special Issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bauersachs
- Functional Genomics, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8315 Lindau (ZH), Switzerland
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (C.A.)
| | - Carmen Almiñana
- Functional Genomics, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8315 Lindau (ZH), Switzerland
- UMR85 PRC, INRAE, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (C.A.)
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13
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Hamdi M, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, Rodríguez-Alonso B, Bagés Arnal S, Roussi K, Sturmey R, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Lonergan P, Rizos D. Gene expression and metabolic response of bovine oviduct epithelial cells to the early embryo. Reproduction 2020; 158:85-94. [PMID: 31022701 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
During its journey through the oviduct, the bovine embryo may induce transcriptomic and metabolic responses, via direct or indirect contact, from bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs). An in vitro model using polyester mesh was established, allowing the study of the local contact during 48 h between a BOEC monolayer and early embryos (2- or 8-cell stage) or their respective conditioned media (CM). The transcriptomic response of BOEC to early embryos was assessed by analyzing the transcript abundance of SMAD6, TDGF1, ROCK1, ROCK2, SOCS3, PRELP and AGR3 selected from previous in vivo studies and GPX4, NFE2L2, SCN9A, EPSTI1 and IGFBP3 selected from in vitro studies. Moreover, metabolic analyses were performed on the media obtained from the co-culture. Results revealed that presence of early embryos or their CM altered the BOEC expression of NFE2L2, GPX4, SMAD6, IGFBP3, ROCK2 and SCN9A. However, the response of BOEC to two-cell embryos or their CM was different from that observed to eight-cell embryos or their CM. Analysis of energy substrates and amino acids revealed that BOEC metabolism was not affected by the presence of early embryos or by their CM. Interestingly, embryo metabolism before embryo genome activation (EGA) seems to be independent of exogenous sources of energy. In conclusion, this study confirms that early embryos affect BOEC transcriptome and BOEC response was embryo stage specific. Moreover, embryo affects BOEC via a direct contact or via its secretions. However transcriptomic response of BOEC to the embryo did not manifest as an observable metabolic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Hamdi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - María J Sánchez-Calabuig
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary, University Complutense of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Rodríguez-Alonso
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary, University Complutense of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain.,Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK.,School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sandra Bagés Arnal
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary, University Complutense of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain.,Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK.,School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kalliopi Roussi
- Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Roger Sturmey
- Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
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14
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Kölle S, Hughes B, Steele H. Early embryo-maternal communication in the oviduct: A review. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:650-662. [PMID: 32506761 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
An intact embryo-maternal communication is critical for the establishment of a successful pregnancy. To date, a huge number of studies have been performed describing the complex process of embryo-maternal signaling within the uterus. However, recent studies indicate that the early embryo communicates with the oviductal cells shortly after fertilizationand that this is important for the successful establishment of pregnancy. Only if the early embryo is capable to signal the mother within a precise timeframe and to garner a response, will the embryo be able to survive and reach the uterus. This review will give an overview of all the experimental designs which have investigated embryo-maternal interaction in the oviduct. In addition to that, it will provide a comprehensive analysis of the findings to date elucidating the morphological and molecular changes in the oviduct which are induced by the presence of the early embryo highlighting how the tubal responses affect embryo development and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Kölle
- Health Sciences Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Barbara Hughes
- Health Sciences Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Heather Steele
- Health Sciences Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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15
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Martinez CA, Alvarez-Rodriguez M, Wright D, Rodriguez-Martinez H. Does the Pre-Ovulatory Pig Oviduct Rule Sperm Capacitation In Vivo Mediating Transcriptomics of Catsper Channels? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051840. [PMID: 32155986 PMCID: PMC7084628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa need to conduct a series of biochemical changes termed capacitation in order to fertilize. In vivo, capacitation is sequentially achieved during sperm transport and interaction with the female genital tract, by mechanisms yet undisclosed in detail. However, when boar spermatozoa are stored in the tubal reservoir pre-ovulation, most appear to be in a non-capacitated state. This study aimed at deciphering the transcriptomics of capacitation-related genes in the pig pre-ovulatory oviduct, following the entry of semen or of sperm-free seminal plasma (SP). Ex-vivo samples of the utero-tubal junction (UTJ) and isthmus were examined with a microarray chip (GeneChip® Porcine Gene 1.0 ST Array, Thermo Fisher Scientific) followed by bioinformatics for enriched analysis of functional categories (GO terms) and restrictive statistics. The results confirmed that entry of semen or of relative amounts of sperm-free SP modifies gene expression of these segments, pre-ovulation. It further shows that enriched genes are differentially associated with pathways relating to sperm motility, acrosome reaction, single fertilization, and the regulation of signal transduction GO terms. In particular, the pre-ovulation oviduct stimulates the Catsper channels for sperm Ca2+ influx, with AKAPs, CATSPERs, and CABYR genes being positive regulators while PKIs and CRISP1 genes appear to be inhibitors of the process. We postulate that the stimulation of PKIs and CRISP1 genes in the pre-ovulation sperm reservoir/adjacent isthmus, mediated by SP, act to prevent premature massive capacitation prior to ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina A. Martinez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.A.-R.); (H.R.-M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-678077708
| | - Manuel Alvarez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.A.-R.); (H.R.-M.)
| | - Dominic Wright
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering; Linköping University, SE-58183 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.A.-R.); (H.R.-M.)
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Challenges in studying preimplantation embryo-maternal interaction in cattle. Theriogenology 2020; 150:139-149. [PMID: 31973965 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the complex embryo-maternal interactions during the preimplantation period requires the analysis of the very early stages of pregnancy encompassing early embryonic development, maternal recognition and the events leading to implantation. Despite the fact that embryo development until blastocyst stage is somewhat autonomous (i.e., does not require contact with the maternal reproductive tract and can be successfully recapitulated in vitro), many studies on ruminant embryo production have focused on the fundamental question of why: (i) only 30%-40% of immature oocytes develop to the blastocyst stage and (ii) the quality of such blastocysts continually lags behind that of blastocysts produced in vivo. Clear evidence indicates that in vitro culture conditions are far from optimal with deficiencies being manifested in short- and long-term effects on the embryo. Thus, enhanced knowledge of mechanisms controlling embryo-maternal interactions would allow the design of novel strategies to improve in vitro embryo conditions and reproductive outcomes in cattle.
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17
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García-Herreros M, Simintiras CA, Lonergan P. Temporally differential protein expression of glycolytic and glycogenic enzymes during in vitro preimplantation bovine embryo development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 30:1245-1252. [PMID: 29566785 DOI: 10.1071/rd17429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteomic analyses are useful for understanding the metabolic pathways governing embryo development. This study investigated the presence of enzymes involved in glycolysis and glycogenesis in in vitro-produced bovine embryos at five developmental stages leading up to blastocyst formation. The enzymes examined were: (1) glycolytic: hexokinase-I (HK-I), phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1), pyruvate kinase mutase 1/2 (PKM-1/2), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and (2) glycogenic: glycogen synthase kinase-3 isoforms α/ β (GSK-3α/β). Glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) was also analysed. The developmental stages examined were: (1) 2-4-cell, (2) 5-8-cell, (3) 16-cell, (4) morula and (5) expanded blastocyst. The enzymes HK-I, PFK-1, PKM-1/2, GAPDH and GLUT-1 were differentially expressed throughout all stages (P<0.05). GSK-3α and β were also differentially expressed from the 2-4-cell to the expanded blastocyst stage (P<0.05) and GLUT-1 was identified throughout. The general trend was that the abundance of PFK1, GAPDH and PKM-1/2 decreased whereas HK-I, phospho-GSK3α (P-GSK3α) and P-GSK3β levels increased as the embryo advanced. In contrast, GLUT-1 expression peaked at the 16-cell stage. These data combined suggest that in vitro bovine embryo metabolism switches from being glycolytic-centric to glycogenic-centric around the 16-cell stage, the developmental window also characterised by embryonic genome activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel García-Herreros
- National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV, I.P.), Quinta da Fonte Boa 2005-048, Santarém, Portugal
| | - Constantine A Simintiras
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Dublin D04 N2E5, Ireland
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Dublin D04 N2E5, Ireland
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Abstract
This manuscript describes the different topics I have been involved in the fields of reproductive
physiology and embryo biotechnologies with attempts to address practical issues raised
mainly by the breeding industry. The journey started with phenotyping work in the field of
reproductive physio-pathology. Other issues were related to the optimization of reproductive
biotechnologies to favorize genetic selection. The implementation of genomic selection
raised opportunities to develop the use embryo biotechnologies and showed the interest of
combining them in the case of embryo genotyping. There is still a need to refine phenotyping
for reproductive traits especially for the identification of markers of uterine dysfunction.
It is believed that new knowledge generated by combining different molecular approaches
will be the source of applications that may benefit AI practice and embryo technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrice Humblot
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden
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Effect of exogenous transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) on early bovine embryo development. ZYGOTE 2018; 26:232-241. [DOI: 10.1017/s096719941800014x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SummaryDuring preimplantation development, embryos are exposed and have the capacity to respond to different growth factors present in the maternal environment. Among these factors, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is a well known modulator of embryonic growth and development. However, its action during the first stages of development, when the embryo transits through the oviduct, has not been yet elucidated. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of early exposure to exogenous TGF-β1 on embryo development and expression of pluripotency (OCT4, NANOG) and DNA methylation (DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B) genes in bovine embryos produced in vitro. First, gene expression analysis of TGF-β receptors confirmed a stage-specific expression pattern, showing greater mRNA abundance of TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 from the 2- to the 8-cell stage, before embryonic genome activation. Second, embryo culture for the first 48 h in serum-free CR1aa medium supplemented with 50 or 100 ng/ml recombinant TGF-β1 did not affect the cleavage and blastocyst rate (days 7 and 8). However, RT-qPCR analysis showed a significant increase in the relative abundance of NANOG and DNMT3A in the 8-cell stage embryos and expanded blastocysts (day 8) derived from TGF-β1 treated embryos. These results suggest an early action of exogenous TGF-β1 on the bovine embryo, highlighting the importance to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the role of TGF-β signalling during early embryogenesis.
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