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Piszker W, Simunovic M. The fusion of physics and biology in early mammalian embryogenesis. Curr Top Dev Biol 2024; 160:31-64. [PMID: 38937030 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2024.05.001] [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: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Biomechanics in embryogenesis is a dynamic field intertwining the physical forces and biological processes that shape the first days of a mammalian embryo. From the first cell fate bifurcation during blastulation to the complex symmetry breaking and tissue remodeling in gastrulation, mechanical cues appear critical in cell fate decisions and tissue patterning. Recent strides in mouse and human embryo culture, stem cell modeling of mammalian embryos, and biomaterial design have shed light on the role of cellular forces, cell polarization, and the extracellular matrix in influencing cell differentiation and morphogenesis. This chapter highlights the essential functions of biophysical mechanisms in blastocyst formation, embryo implantation, and early gastrulation where the interplay between the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix stiffness orchestrates the intricacies of embryogenesis and placenta specification. The advancement of in vitro models like blastoids, gastruloids, and other types of embryoids, has begun to faithfully recapitulate human development stages, offering new avenues for exploring the biophysical underpinnings of early development. The integration of synthetic biology and advanced biomaterials is enhancing the precision with which we can mimic and study these processes. Looking ahead, we emphasize the potential of CRISPR-mediated genomic perturbations coupled with live imaging to uncover new mechanosensitive pathways and the application of engineered biomaterials to fine-tune the mechanical conditions conducive to embryonic development. This synthesis not only bridges the gap between experimental models and in vivo conditions to advancing fundamental developmental biology of mammalian embryogenesis, but also sets the stage for leveraging biomechanical insights to inform regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Piszker
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mijo Simunovic
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States; Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States.
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2
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Firmin J, Ecker N, Rivet Danon D, Özgüç Ö, Barraud Lange V, Turlier H, Patrat C, Maître JL. Mechanics of human embryo compaction. Nature 2024; 629:646-651. [PMID: 38693259 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07351-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The shaping of human embryos begins with compaction, during which cells come into close contact1,2. Assisted reproductive technology studies indicate that human embryos fail compaction primarily because of defective adhesion3,4. On the basis of our current understanding of animal morphogenesis5,6, other morphogenetic engines, such as cell contractility, could be involved in shaping human embryos. However, the molecular, cellular and physical mechanisms driving human embryo morphogenesis remain uncharacterized. Using micropipette aspiration on human embryos donated to research, we have mapped cell surface tensions during compaction. This shows a fourfold increase of tension at the cell-medium interface whereas cell-cell contacts keep a steady tension. Therefore, increased tension at the cell-medium interface drives human embryo compaction, which is qualitatively similar to compaction in mouse embryos7. Further comparison between human and mouse shows qualitatively similar but quantitively different mechanical strategies, with human embryos being mechanically least efficient. Inhibition of cell contractility and cell-cell adhesion in human embryos shows that, whereas both cellular processes are required for compaction, only contractility controls the surface tensions responsible for compaction. Cell contractility and cell-cell adhesion exhibit distinct mechanical signatures when faulty. Analysing the mechanical signature of naturally failing embryos, we find evidence that non-compacting or partially compacting embryos containing excluded cells have defective contractility. Together, our study shows that an evolutionarily conserved increase in cell contractility is required to generate the forces driving the first morphogenetic movement shaping the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Firmin
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, Paris Centre Hospital, APHP centre, FHU Prema, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Ecker
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, FHU Prema, Paris, France
| | - Diane Rivet Danon
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, Paris Centre Hospital, APHP centre, FHU Prema, Paris, France
| | - Özge Özgüç
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
| | - Virginie Barraud Lange
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, Paris Centre Hospital, APHP centre, FHU Prema, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR1016, Paris, France
| | - Hervé Turlier
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, FHU Prema, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Patrat
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, Paris Centre Hospital, APHP centre, FHU Prema, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR1016, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Léon Maître
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France.
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3
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Sobkowiak A, Fluks M, Kosyl E, Milewski R, Szpila M, Tamborski S, Szkulmowski M, Ajduk A. The number of nuclei in compacted embryos, assessed by optical coherence microscopy, is a non-invasive and robust marker of mouse embryo quality. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae012. [PMID: 38407286 PMCID: PMC10978378 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Optical coherence microscopy (OCM) visualizes nuclei in live, unlabeled cells. As most cells are uninucleated, the number of nuclei in embryos may serve as a proxy of the cell number, providing important information on developmental status of the embryo. Importantly, no other non-invasive method currently allows for the cell number count in compacted embryos. We addressed the question of whether OCM, by providing the number of nuclei in compacted mouse embryos, may help evaluate embryo quality. We subjected compacted embryonic Day 3 (E3.0: 72 h after onset of insemination) mouse embryos to OCM scanning and correlated nuclei number and developmental potential. Implantation was assessed using an outgrowth assay (in vitro model meant to reflect embryonic ability to implant in vivo). Embryos with more cells at E3.0 (>18 cells) were more likely to reach the blastocyst stage by E4.0 and E5.0 (P ≪ 0.001) and initiate hatching by E5.0 (P < 0.05) than those with fewer cells (<12 cells). Moreover, the number of cells at E3.0 strongly correlated with the total number of cells in E4.0 and E5.0 embryos (ρ = 0.71, P ≪ 0.001 and ρ = 0.61, P ≪ 0.001, respectively), also when only E4.0 and E5.0 blastocysts were considered (ρ = 0.58, P ≪ 0.001 and ρ = 0.56, P ≪ 0.001, respectively). Additionally, we observed a strong correlation between the number of cells at E3.0 and the number of trophectoderm cells in E4.0 and E5.0 blastocysts (ρ = 0.59, P ≪ 0.001 and ρ = 0.57, P ≪ 0.001, respectively). Importantly, embryos that had more cells at E3.0 (>18 cells) were also more likely to implant in vitro than their counterparts with fewer cells (<12 cells; P ≪ 0.001). Finally, we tested the safety of OCM imaging, demonstrating that OCM scanning affected neither the amount of reactive oxygen species nor mitochondrial activity in the embryos. OCM also did not hinder their preimplantation development, ability to implant in vitro, or to develop to term after transfer to recipient females. Our data indicate that OCM imaging provides important information on embryo quality. As the method seems to be safe for embryos, it could be a valuable addition to the current repertoire of embryo evaluation methods. However, our study was conducted only on mouse embryos, so the proposed protocol would require optimization in order to be applied in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Sobkowiak
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Fluks
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Kosyl
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Milewski
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Marcin Szpila
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Szymon Tamborski
- Department of Biophotonics and Optical Engineering, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Toruń, Poland
| | - Maciej Szkulmowski
- Department of Biophotonics and Optical Engineering, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Toruń, Poland
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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de Plater L, Firmin J, Maître JL. Mechanical strengthening of cell-cell adhesion during mouse embryo compaction. Biophys J 2024:S0006-3495(24)00208-X. [PMID: 38528761 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Compaction is the first morphogenetic movement of the eutherian mammals and involves a developmentally regulated adhesion process. Previous studies investigated cellular and mechanical aspects of compaction. During mouse and human compaction, cells spread onto each other as a result of a contractility-mediated increase in surface tension pulling at the edges of their cell-cell contacts. However, how compaction may affect the mechanical stability of cell-cell contacts remains unknown. Here, we used a dual pipette aspiration assay on cell doublets to quantitatively analyze the mechanical stability of compacting mouse embryos. We measured increased mechanical stability of contacts with rupture forces growing from 40 to 70 nN, which was highly correlated with cell-cell contact expansion. Analyzing the dynamic molecular reorganization of cell-cell contacts, we find minimal recruitment of the cell-cell adhesion molecule Cdh1 (also known as E-cadherin) to contacts but we observe its reorganization into a peripheral adhesive ring. However, this reorganization is not associated with increased effective bond density, contrary to previous reports in other adhesive systems. Using genetics, we reduce the levels of Cdh1 or replace it with a chimeric adhesion molecule composed of the extracellular domain of Cdh1 and the intracellular domain of Cdh2 (also known as N-cadherin). We find that reducing the levels of Cdh1 impairs the mechanical stability of cell-cell contacts due to reduced contact growth, which nevertheless show higher effective bond density than wild-type contacts of similar size. On the other hand, chimeric adhesion molecules cannot form large or strong contacts indicating that the intracellular domain of Cdh2 is unable to reorganize contacts and/or is mechanically weaker than the one of Cdh1 in mouse embryos. Together, we find that mouse embryo compaction mechanically strengthens cell-cell adhesion via the expansion of Cdh1 adhesive rings that maintain pre-compaction levels of effective bond density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmilla de Plater
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
| | - Julie Firmin
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France; Service de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, Paris Centre Hospital, APHP Centre, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Léon Maître
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France.
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Zou Y, Sui Y, Fu J, Ge N, Sun X, Sun Y. The morphokinetic signature of human blastocysts with mosaicism and the clinical outcomes following transfer of embryos with low-level mosaicism. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:10. [PMID: 38195558 PMCID: PMC10775590 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01324-w] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic mosaicism is commonly observed in human blastocysts. Embryos' morphokinetic feature observed from time-lapse monitoring (TLM) is helpful to predict the embryos' ploidy status in a non-invasive way. However, morphokinetic research on mosaic embryos is extremely limited. Moreover, transfer of mosaic embryos is a new attempt in reproductive medicine, while studies regarding the clinical and neonatal outcomes following transfer of embryos with different levels and types of mosaicism are needed. This study aimed to investigate the morphokinetic characteristics of mosaic blastocysts, uncover clinical outcomes of mosaic embryos, and evaluate the effect of level and type of mosaicism on transfer outcomes. RESULTS A total of 923 blastocysts from 229 preimplantation genetic testing cycles were cultured in TLM incubators in a single fertilization center between July 2016 and July 2021. Multivariate logistic regression models showed mosaic embryos had significantly shorter time to reach morula when compared with euploid (P = 0.002), mosaic with aneuploid (P = 0.005), and aneuploid (P = 0.005) embryos after adjusting the potential confounders. KIDScore is an artificial intelligence scoring program from time lapse incubation system to predict embryo implantation potential. Mosaic with aneuploid embryos had significantly lower KIDScore than euploid (P = 6.47e-4), mosaic (P = 0.005), and aneuploid (P = 0.004) embryos after adjustment. Meanwhile, we compared the clinical outcomes following transfer of low-level (< 50%) mosaic embryos (N = 60) with euploid embryos (N = 1301) matched using propensity scoring collected from September 2020 to January 2023. Mosaic embryos had significantly lower clinical pregnancy rate (41.67% vs. 57.65%, P = 0.015) and live birth rate (38.33% vs. 51.35%, P = 0.048) than the euploid embryos. Subgroup analyses showed the whole, segmental, and complex chromosome mosaic embryos had the similar clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The shortened time to reach morula in mosaic embryos and the low KIDScore in mosaic with aneuploid embryos revealed innovative clues to embryo selection with the non-invasive TLM and provided new insights into biological mechanism of chromosomal abnormality. The analyses of overall and subgroups of mosaic embryo transfer outcomes helped to optimize embryo transfer scheme for in-vitro fertilization procedures. Multi-center prospective studies with large sample sizes are warranted to validate our results in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyu Zou
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Dalin Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yilun Sui
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Dalin Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jing Fu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Dalin Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Naidong Ge
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Dalin Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Dalin Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yijuan Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Dalin Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Ezoe K, Takahashi T, Miki T, Kato K. Developmental perturbation in human embryos: Clinical and biological significance learned from time-lapse images. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12593. [PMID: 38983691 PMCID: PMC11232294 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12593] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Time-lapse technology (TLT) has gained widespread adoption worldwide. In addition to facilitating the undisturbed culture of embryos, TLT offers the unique capability of continuously monitoring embryos to detect spatiotemporal changes. Although these observed phenomena play a role in optimal embryo selection/deselection, the clinical advantages of introducing TLT remain unclear. However, manual annotation of embryo perturbation could facilitate a comprehensive assessment of developmental competence. This process requires a thorough understanding of embryo observation and the biological significance associated with developmental dogma and variation. This review elucidates the typical behavior and variation of each phenomenon, exploring their clinical significance and research perspectives. Methods The MEDLINE database was searched using PubMed for peer-reviewed English-language original articles concerning human embryo development. Main findings TLT allows the observation of consecutive changes in embryo morphology, serving as potential biomarkers for embryo assessment. In assisted reproductive technology laboratories, several phenomena have not revealed their mechanism, posing difficulties such as fertilization deficiency and morula arrest. Conclusion A profound understanding of the biological mechanisms and significance of each phenomenon is crucial. Further collaborative efforts between the clinical and molecular fields following translational studies are required to advance embryonic outcomes and assessment.
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Xiong X, Yang M, Hai Z, Fei X, Zhu Y, Pan B, Yang Q, Xie Y, Cheng Y, Xiong Y, Lan D, Fu W, Li J. Maternal Kdm2a-mediated PI3K/Akt signaling and E-cadherin stimulate the morula-to-blastocyst transition revealing crucial roles in early embryonic development. Theriogenology 2023; 209:60-75. [PMID: 37356280 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.017] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Histone methylation plays an essential role in oocyte growth and preimplantation embryonic development. The modification relies on histone methyl-transferases and demethylases, and one of these, lysine-specific demethylase 2a (Kdm2a), is responsible for modulating histone methylation during oocyte and early embryonic development. The mechanism of how Kdm2a deficiency disrupts early embryonic development and fertility remains elusive. To determine if maternally deposited Kdm2a is required for preimplantation embryonic development, the expression profile of Kdm2a during early embryos was detected via immunofluorescence staining and RT-qPCR. The Kdm2a gene in oocytes was specifically deleted with the Zp3-Cre/LoxP system and the effects of maternal Kdm2a loss were studied through a comprehensive range of female reproductive parameters including fertilization, embryo development, and the number of births. RNA transcriptome sequencing was performed to determine differential mRNA expression, and the interaction between Kdm2a and the PI3K/Akt pathway was studied with a specific inhibitor and activator. Our results revealed that Kdm2a was continuously expressed in preimplantation embryos and loss of maternal Kdm2a suppressed the morula-to-blastocyst transition, which may have been responsible for female subfertility. After the deletion of Kdm2a, the global H3K36me2 methylation in mutant embryos was markedly increased, but the expression of E-cadherin decreased significantly in morula embryos compared to controls. Mechanistically, RNA-seq analysis revealed that deficiency of maternal Kdm2a altered the mRNA expression profile, especially in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Interestingly, the addition of a PI3K/Akt inhibitor (LY294002) to the culture medium blocked embryo development at the stage of morula; however, the developmental block caused by maternal Kdm2a loss was partially rescued with a PI3K/Akt activator (SC79). In summary, our results indicate that loss of Kdm2a influences the transcriptome profile and disrupts the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway during the development of preimplantation embryo. This can result in embryo block at the morula stage and female subfertility, which suggests that maternal Kdm2a is a potential partial redundancy with other genes encoding enzymes in the dynamics of early embryonic development. Our results provide further insight into the role of histone modification, especially on Kdm2a, in preimplantation embryonic development in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianrong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Manzhen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhuo Hai
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xixi Fei
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yanjin Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bangting Pan
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qinhui Yang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yumian Xie
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuying Cheng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Daoliang Lan
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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8
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Zhou C, Zheng L, Teng H, Yang Y, Ma R, Wang S, Yang Y, Jing J, Li M, Wu R, Chen L, Yao B. Maternal RNA binding protein with multiple splicing 2 (RBPMS2) is involved in mouse blastocyst formation through the bone morphogenetic protein pathway. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103238. [PMID: 37573751 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.05.010] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is early embryo development in mice influenced by RNA binding protein with multiple splicing 2 (RBPMS2), a maternal factor that accumulates and is stored in the cytoplasm of mature oocytes? DESIGN The expression patterns of RBPMS2 in mouse were analysed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT PCR) and immunofluorescence staining. The effect of knockdown of RBPMS2 on embryo development was evaluated through a microinjection of specific morpholino or small interfering RNA. RNA sequencing was performed for mechanistic analysis. The interaction between RBPMS2 and the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway was studied using BMP inhibitor and activator. The effect on the localization of E-cadherin was determined by immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS Maternal protein RBPMS2 is highly expressed in mouse oocytes, and knockdown of RBPMS2 inhibits embryo development from the morula to the blastocyst stage. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing showed that the differentially expressed genes were enriched in the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signalling pathway. BMPs are members of the TGF-β superfamily of growth factors. It was found that the addition of BMP inhibitor to the culture medium led to a morula-stage arrest, similar to that seen in RBPMS2 knockdown embryos. This morula-stage arrest defect caused by RBPMS2 knockdown was partially rescued by BMP activator. Furthermore, the localization of E-cadherin to the membrane was impaired in response to a knockdown of RBPMS2 or inhibition of the BMP pathway. CONCLUSION This study suggests that RBPMS2 activates the BMP pathway and thus influences the localization of E-cadherin, which is important for early mouse embryo development during blastocyst formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lu Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ye Yang
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rujun Ma
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuxian Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Basic Medical Laboratory, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Jing
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meiling Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ronghua Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medicine School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China..
| | - Bing Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China..
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9
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Bissiere S, Hernandez B, Rubio C, Simón C, Plachta N. Updates on preimplantation embryo research. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:467-472. [PMID: 37150393 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.04.039] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Preimplantation development is the only stage of human development that can be studied outside the body in real time, as human embryos can be produced by in vitro fertilization and cultured in the laboratory as self-contained structures until the blastocyst stage. Here, we focus some of the key cellular and morphogenetic processes by which the 1-cell embryo is transformed gradually into a blastocyst ready for implantation. Although most of our knowledge about the dynamic series of events patterning preimplantation human development derives from work in mouse embryos, we discuss key differences that could exist with humans. Furthermore, we highlight how new approaches may enable to reveal many of the unknown processes driving human preimplantation development, particularly using noninvasive imaging and genetic technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Bissiere
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Blake Hernandez
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Carlos Simón
- Department of Pediatrics Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Valencia, & INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Nicolas Plachta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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10
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Domingo-Muelas A, Skory RM, Moverley AA, Ardestani G, Pomp O, Rubio C, Tetlak P, Hernandez B, Rhon-Calderon EA, Navarro-Sánchez L, García-Pascual CM, Bissiere S, Bartolomei MS, Sakkas D, Simón C, Plachta N. Human embryo live imaging reveals nuclear DNA shedding during blastocyst expansion and biopsy. Cell 2023; 186:3166-3181.e18. [PMID: 37413989 PMCID: PMC11170958 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Proper preimplantation development is essential to assemble a blastocyst capable of implantation. Live imaging has uncovered major events driving early development in mouse embryos; yet, studies in humans have been limited by restrictions on genetic manipulation and lack of imaging approaches. We have overcome this barrier by combining fluorescent dyes with live imaging to reveal the dynamics of chromosome segregation, compaction, polarization, blastocyst formation, and hatching in the human embryo. We also show that blastocyst expansion mechanically constrains trophectoderm cells, causing nuclear budding and DNA shedding into the cytoplasm. Furthermore, cells with lower perinuclear keratin levels are more prone to undergo DNA loss. Moreover, applying trophectoderm biopsy, a mechanical procedure performed clinically for genetic testing, increases DNA shedding. Thus, our work reveals distinct processes underlying human development compared with mouse and suggests that aneuploidies in human embryos may not only originate from chromosome segregation errors during mitosis but also from nuclear DNA shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Domingo-Muelas
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Igenomix Foundation and Carlos Simon Foundation, Spain
| | - Robin M Skory
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Adam A Moverley
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | | - Oz Pomp
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Piotr Tetlak
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Blake Hernandez
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eric A Rhon-Calderon
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | - Stephanie Bissiere
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marisa S Bartolomei
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Carlos Simón
- Igenomix Foundation and Carlos Simon Foundation, Spain; Department of Pediatrics Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain; INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Nicolas Plachta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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11
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Montgomery K, Montgomery S, Campbell A, Nash DM. A comparison of the morphokinetic profiles of embryos developed from vitrified versus fresh oocytes. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:51-60. [PMID: 37188558 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Do morphokinetic profiles and treatment outcomes differ between embryos developed from vitrified or fresh oocytes? DESIGN Retrospective multicentre analysis using data from eight CARE Fertility clinics across the UK between 2012 and 2019. Patients receiving treatment using embryos developed from vitrified oocytes (n = 118 women, n = 748 oocytes), providing 557 zygotes during this time period, were recruited and matched with patients undergoing treatment with embryos developed from fresh oocytes (n = 123 women, n = 1110 oocytes), providing 539 zygotes in the same time frame. Time-lapse microscopy was used to assess morphokinetic profiles, including early cleavage divisions (2- through to 8-cell), post-cleavage stages including time to start of compaction, time to morula, time to start of blastulation and time to full blastocyst. Duration of key stages such as the compaction stage were also calculated. Treatment outcomes were compared between the two groups (live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate). RESULTS A significant delay of 2-3 h across all early cleavage divisions (2- through to 8-cell) and time to start of compaction occurred in the vitrified group versus fresh controls (all P ≤ 0.01). The compaction stage was significantly shorter in vitrified oocytes (19.02 ± 0.5 h) compared with fresh controls (22.45 ± 0.6 h, P < 0.001). There was no difference in the time that fresh and vitrified embryos reached the blastocyst stage (108.03 ± 0.7 versus 107.78 ± 0.6 h). There was no significant difference in treatment outcomes between the two groups. CONCLUSION Vitrification is a useful technique for extending female fertility with no effects on IVF treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Montgomery
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, UK
| | - Susan Montgomery
- CARE Fertility Manchester, 108-112 Daisy Bank Road, Victoria Park, Manchester, UK
| | - Alison Campbell
- CARE Fertility Manchester, 108-112 Daisy Bank Road, Victoria Park, Manchester, UK.
| | - Deborah Mary Nash
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, UK
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Regin M, Essahib W, Demtschenko A, Dewandre D, David L, Gerri C, Niakan KK, Verheyen G, Tournaye H, Sterckx J, Sermon K, Van De Velde H. Lineage segregation in human pre-implantation embryos is specified by YAP1 and TEAD1. Hum Reprod 2023:7193343. [PMID: 37295962 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which processes and transcription factors specify the first and second lineage segregation events during human preimplantation development? SUMMARY ANSWER Differentiation into trophectoderm (TE) cells can be initiated independently of polarity; moreover, TEAD1 and YAP1 co-localize in (precursor) TE and primitive endoderm (PrE) cells, suggesting a role in both the first and the second lineage segregation events. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY We know that polarity, YAP1/GATA3 signalling and phospholipase C signalling play a key role in TE initiation in compacted human embryos, however, little is known about the TEAD family of transcription factors that become activated by YAP1 and, especially, whether they play a role during epiblast (EPI) and PrE formation. In mouse embryos, polarized outer cells show nuclear TEAD4/YAP1 activity that upregulates Cdx2 and Gata3 expression while inner cells exclude YAP1 which upregulates Sox2 expression. The second lineage segregation event in mouse embryos is orchestrated by FGF4/FGFR2 signalling which could not be confirmed in human embryos; TEAD1/YAP1 signalling also plays a role during the establishment of mouse EPI cells. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Based on morphology, we set up a development timeline of 188 human preimplantation embryos between Day 4 and 6 post-fertilization (dpf). The compaction process was divided into three subgroups: embryos at the start (C0), during (C1), and at the end (C2) of, compaction. Inner cells were identified as cells that were entirely separated from the perivitelline space and enclosed by cellular contacts on all sides. The blastulation process was divided into six subgroups, starting with early blastocysts with sickle-cell shaped outer cells (B0) and further on, blastocysts with a cavity (B1). Full blastocysts (B2) showed a visible ICM and outer cells referred to as TE. Further expanded blastocysts (B3) had accumulated fluid and started to expand due to TE cell proliferation and zona pellucida (ZP) thinning. The blastocysts then significantly expanded further (B4) and started to hatch out of the ZP (B5) until they were fully hatched (B6). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS After informed consent and the expiration of the 5-year cryopreservation duration, 188 vitrified high quality eight-cell stage human embryos (3 dpf) were warmed and cultured until the required stages were reached. We also cultured 14 embryos that were created for research until the four- and eight-cell stage. The embryos were scored according to their developmental stage (C0-B6) displaying morphological key differences, rather than defining them according to their chronological age. They were fixed and immunostained for different combinations of cytoskeleton (F-actin), polarization (p-ERM), TE (GATA3), EPI (NANOG), PrE (GATA4 and SOX17), and members of the Hippo signalling pathway (YAP1, TEAD1 and TEAD4). We choose these markers based on previous observations in mouse embryos and single cell RNA-sequencing data of human embryos. After confocal imaging (LSM800, Zeiss), we analysed cell numbers within each lineage, different co-localization patterns and nuclear enrichment. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We found that in human preimplantation embryos compaction is a heterogeneous process that takes place between the eight-cell to the 16-cell stages. Inner and outer cells are established at the end of the compaction process (C2) when the embryos contain up to six inner cells. Full apical p-ERM polarity is present in all outer cells of compacted C2 embryos. Co-localization of p-ERM and F-actin increases steadily from 42.2% to 100% of the outer cells, between C2 and B1 stages, while p-ERM polarizes before F-actin (P < 0.00001). Next, we sought to determine which factors specify the first lineage segregation event. We found that 19.5% of the nuclei stain positive for YAP1 at the start of compaction (C0) which increases to 56.1% during compaction (C1). At the C2 stage, 84.6% of polarized outer cells display high levels of nuclear YAP1 while it is absent in 75% of non-polarized inner cells. In general, throughout the B0-B3 blastocyst stages, polarized outer/TE cells are mainly positive for YAP1 and non-polarized inner/ICM cells are negative for YAP1. From the C1 stage onwards, before polarity is established, the TE marker GATA3 is detectable in YAP1 positive cells (11.6%), indicating that differentiation into TE cells can be initiated independently of polarity. Co-localization of YAP1 and GATA3 increases steadily in outer/TE cells (21.8% in C2 up to 97.3% in B3). Transcription factor TEAD4 is ubiquitously present throughout preimplantation development from the compacted stage onwards (C2-B6). TEAD1 displays a distinct pattern that coincides with YAP1/GATA3 co-localization in the outer cells. Most outer/TE cells throughout the B0-B3 blastocyst stages are positive for TEAD1 and YAP1. However, TEAD1 proteins are also detected in most nuclei of the inner/ICM cells of the blastocysts from cavitation onwards, but at visibly lower levels as compared to that in TE cells. In the ICM of B3 blastocysts, we found one main population of cells with NANOG+/SOX17-/GATA4- nuclei (89.1%), but exceptionally we found NANOG+/SOX17+/GATA4+ cells (0.8%). In seven out of nine B3 blastocysts, nuclear NANOG was found in all the ICM cells, supporting the previously reported hypothesis that PrE cells arise from EPI cells. Finally, to determine which factors specify the second lineage segregation event, we co-stained for TEAD1, YAP1, and GATA4. We identified two main ICM cell populations in B4-6 blastocysts: the EPI (negative for the three markers, 46.5%) and the PrE (positive for the three markers, 28.1%) cells. We conclude that TEAD1 and YAP1 co-localise in (precursor) TE and PrE cells, indicating that TEAD1/YAP1 signalling plays a role in the first and the second lineage segregation events. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In this descriptive study, we did not perform functional studies to investigate the role of TEAD1/YAP1 signalling during the first and second lineage segregation events. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our detailed roadmap on polarization, compaction, position and lineage segregation events during human preimplantation development paves the way for further functional studies. Understanding the gene regulatory networks and signalling pathways involved in early embryogenesis could ultimately provide insights into why embryonic development is sometimes impaired and facilitate the establishment of guidelines for good practice in the IVF lab. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was financially supported by Wetenschappelijk Fonds Willy Gepts (WFWG) of the University Hospital UZ Brussel (WFWG142) and the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek-Vlaanderen (FWO, G034514N). M.R. is doctoral fellow at the FWO. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Regin
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics (REGE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wafaa Essahib
- Research Group Reproduction and Immunology (REIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrej Demtschenko
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics (REGE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Delphine Dewandre
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics (REGE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Beacon CARE Fertility, Beacon Consultants Concourse, Sandyford, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laurent David
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, SFR Santé, FED 4203, INSERM UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, Nantes, France
| | - Claudia Gerri
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Kathy K Niakan
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, UK
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Greta Verheyen
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium, Brussels
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium, Brussels
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Perinatology and Reproduction, Institute of Professional Education, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Johan Sterckx
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium, Brussels
| | - Karen Sermon
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics (REGE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hilde Van De Velde
- Research Group Reproduction and Immunology (REIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium, Brussels
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13
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Watanabe S, Yoshikai K, Matsuda Y, Miyai S, Sawada Y, Kurahashi H, Sawada T. The effect of early irregular cell division of human embryos on blastocyst euploidy: considerations from the subsequent development of the blastomeres by direct or reverse cleavage. F&S SCIENCE 2023; 4:21-29. [PMID: 36410651 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether blastocysts that divide irregularly reduce subsequent blastocyst euploidy. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Private clinic. PATIENT(S) A total of 122 blastocysts for which consent for disposal and research use was obtained. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Results of next-generation sequencing analysis of the blastocysts and whether blastomeres by normal or irregular divisions subsequently participated in blastocyst formation or not. RESULT(S) The embryos were classified according to their dynamics until the second cleavage. The blastocyst euploidy rates were 33.3% (19/57) in the normal cleavage (NC) group, 38.3% (18/47) in the direct cleavage (embryos with one cell dividing into 3 cells) (DC) group, and 72.2% (13/18) in the reverse cleavage (RC) (embryos with fused cells once divided) group. The rate of the RC group was significantly higher than that of the NC group. The blastocyst participation rate of the blastomeres were 95.6% in the NC group and 56.5% in that derived from DC of the first cleavage, and 91.7% in that of blastomeres derived from normal division of the second cleavage and 53.6% in that derived from DC of the second cleavage, both of which were significantly lower in the latter. In the RC group, the rates of fused and nonfused blastomeres were 62.1% and 87.5%, respectively, with no significant difference. CONCLUSION(S) The blastomeres generated by DC were often excluded from blastocyst formation, and we speculate that this is one reason why their division does not reduce blastocyst euploidy. The association between RC and euploidy of blastocysts merits further study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shunsuke Miyai
- Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yuki Sawada
- Sawada Women's Clinic, Nagoya, Japan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kurahashi
- Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
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Cockerell A, Wright L, Dattani A, Guo G, Smith A, Tsaneva-Atanasova K, Richards DM. Biophysical models of early mammalian embryogenesis. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:26-46. [PMID: 36630902 PMCID: PMC9860129 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo development is a critical and fascinating stage in the life cycle of many organisms. Despite decades of research, the earliest stages of mammalian embryogenesis are still poorly understood, caused by a scarcity of high-resolution spatial and temporal data, the use of only a few model organisms, and a paucity of truly multidisciplinary approaches that combine biological research with biophysical modeling and computational simulation. Here, we explain the theoretical frameworks and biophysical processes that are best suited to modeling the early mammalian embryo, review a comprehensive list of previous models, and discuss the most promising avenues for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaina Cockerell
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Liam Wright
- Department of Mathematics, University of Exeter, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK
| | - Anish Dattani
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Ge Guo
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Austin Smith
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK; Department of Mathematics, University of Exeter, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK; EPSRC Hub for Quantitative Modelling in Healthcare, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QJ, UK; Department of Bioinformatics and Mathematical Modelling, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 105 Acad. G. Bonchev Street, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - David M Richards
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QL, UK.
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15
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Matot R, Kalma Y, Rahav R, Azem F, Amir H, Ben-Yosef D. Cleavage stage at compaction-a good predictor for IVF outcome. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2022; 161:997-1003. [PMID: 36495286 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14619] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze whether cleavage stage at compaction, and not only kinetics, can serve as a reliable predictor for clinical outcome. METHODS A retrospective cohort study including 1194 embryos, classified by compaction initiation stage (Group 1: compaction at fewer than eight cells, Group 2: compaction at eight cells, Group 3: compaction at more than eight cells). Of these, 815 embryos were evaluated for morphokinetic preimplantation parameters, and 379 embryos were analyzed for clinical implantation following thawing and transfer of single blastocysts during the same period. RESULTS In total, 1194 embryos were analyzed. Embryos that underwent compaction from more than eight cells (Group 3) exhibited more synchronous cleavage compared with Groups 1 and 2 (at both S2 and S3; P < 0.001), and displayed a significantly lower fragmentation rate. The likelihood of obtaining top-quality blastocysts decreased by 73% and 44% when comparing Group 3 embryos with those of Groups 1 and 2, respectively, (P < 0.03). Clinical validation of the results shows that while compaction from fewer than eight cells barely produced blastocysts for transfer, compaction at eight or more cells is crucial for implantation and birth (birth rates 11.1% and 18.5% for Groups 2 and 3, respectively). CONCLUSION Cleavage stage at compaction has a direct effect on blastocyst quality and subsequent pregnancy, so can be included in newly developed deep learning models for embryo selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Matot
- Fertility and IVF Institute, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Kalma
- Fertility and IVF Institute, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Roni Rahav
- Fertility and IVF Institute, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Foad Azem
- Fertility and IVF Institute, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hadar Amir
- Fertility and IVF Institute, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dalit Ben-Yosef
- Fertility and IVF Institute, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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16
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Gauster M, Moser G, Wernitznig S, Kupper N, Huppertz B. Early human trophoblast development: from morphology to function. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:345. [PMID: 35661923 PMCID: PMC9167809 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04377-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human pregnancy depends on the proper development of the embryo prior to implantation and the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall. During the pre-implantation phase, formation of the morula is followed by internalization of blastomeres that differentiate into the pluripotent inner cell mass lineage, while the cells on the surface undergo polarization and differentiate into the trophectoderm of the blastocyst. The trophectoderm mediates apposition and adhesion of the blastocyst to the uterine epithelium. These processes lead to a stable contact between embryonic and maternal tissues, resulting in the formation of a new organ, the placenta. During implantation, the trophectoderm cells start to differentiate and form the basis for multiple specialized trophoblast subpopulations, all of which fulfilling specific key functions in placentation. They either differentiate into polar cells serving typical epithelial functions, or into apolar invasive cells that adapt the uterine wall to progressing pregnancy. The composition of these trophoblast subpopulations is crucial for human placenta development and alterations are suggested to result in placenta-associated pregnancy pathologies. This review article focuses on what is known about very early processes in human reproduction and emphasizes on morphological and functional aspects of early trophoblast differentiation and subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Gerit Moser
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Wernitznig
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Nadja Kupper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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Aslan Öztürk S, Cincik M, Donmez Cakil Y, Sayan S, Selam B. Early Compaction Might Be a Parameter to Determine Good Quality Embryos and Day of Embryo Transfer in Patients Undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. Cureus 2022; 14:e23593. [PMID: 35494986 PMCID: PMC9046904 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Compaction is the first event in embryo morphogenesis. Blastocyst transfer on day five or six has been widely performed in the last decade. We investigated the clinical value of early compaction on day three for evaluation of the transferred embryo quality and pregnancy. Methods: Four hundred patients with female factor infertility and 776 fresh embryo transfers were included. Two groups were formed: Early compaction group had embryo transfer with at least one day-three embryo exhibiting early compaction. Transferred embryos without early compaction comprised the control group. Embryo transfer was performed on day three or five after the assessment of embryo compaction by a time-lapse technology system. Each patient underwent only a single cycle of embryo transfer. We analyzed fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth rates. Results: We detected significantly higher numbers of the retrieved oocytes, metaphase II (MII) oocytes, and fertilized oocytes in the early compaction group. Moreover, the transfer of the early compacting embryos on day three resulted in higher pregnancy and live birth rates. Conclusion: Our data suggest that early compaction might be a factor to determine good quality embryos and embryo transfer day.
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18
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Rossant J, Tam PP. Early human embryonic development: Blastocyst formation to gastrulation. Dev Cell 2022; 57:152-165. [DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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WATANABE H, ITO H, SHINTOME A, SUZUKI H. Effects of oxygen tension and humidity on the preimplantation development of mouse embryos produced by <i>in vitro</i> fertilization: analysis using a non-humidifying incubator with time-lapse cinematography. Exp Anim 2022; 71:338-346. [PMID: 35249913 PMCID: PMC9388340 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.21-0136] [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] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
To examine the effects of oxygen tension and humidity on early embryonic development, the preimplantation development of mouse embryos produced by in vitro fertilization
was assessed by time-lapse cinematography to evaluate morphokinetic development with higher precision. Zygotes were produced from spermatozoa and oocytes from ICR mice and cultured in KSOM
under low or high oxygen tension in a non-humidified incubator with time-lapse cinematography (CCM-iBIS). The developmental rates of embryos to the 4-cell and blastocyst stages under lower
oxygen tension in CCM-iBIS were significantly higher than those under higher oxygen tension in CCM-iBIS. Ninety-six hours after insemination, a large number of embryos cultured under low
oxygen tension developed to the hatching blastocyst stage. Embryonic development was more synchronized under lower oxygen tension. Non-humidified cultures did not affect embryonic
development. On average, mouse embryos cultured at lower oxygen tension reached 2-cell at 18 h, 3-cell at 39 h, 4-cell at 40 h, initiation of compaction at 58 h, morula at 69 h, and
blastocyst at 82 h after insemination. In conclusion, lower oxygen tension better supports preimplantation development of mouse embryos fertilized in vitro, and
non-humidified culture conditions do not influence the embryonic development in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Haruka ITO
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Ayumi SHINTOME
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Hiroshi SUZUKI
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
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20
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Pathological Role of Reactive Oxygen Species on Female Reproduction. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1391:201-220. [PMID: 36472824 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12966-7_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS), a clinical predicament characterized by a shift in homeostatic imbalance among prooxidant molecules embracing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), along with antioxidant defenses, has been established to play an indispensable part in the pathophysiology of subfertility in both human males and females. ROS are highly reactive oxidizing by-products generated during critical oxygen-consuming processes or aerobic metabolism. A healthy body system has its own course of action to maintain the equilibrium between prooxidants and antioxidants with an efficient defense system to fight against ROS. But when ROS production crosses its threshold, the disturbance in homeostatic balance results in OS. Besides their noxious effects, literature studies have depicted that controlled and adequate ROS concentrations exert physiologic functions, especially that gynecologic OS is an important mediator of conception in females. Yet the impact of ROS on oocytes and reproductive functions still needs a strong attestation for further analysis because the disruption in prooxidant and antioxidant balance leads to abrupt ROS generation initiating multiple reproductive diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and unexplained infertility in addition to other impediments in pregnancy such as recurrent pregnancy loss, spontaneous abortion, and preeclampsia. The current article elucidates the skeptical state of affairs created by ROS that influences female fertility.
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21
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Sciorio R, Meseguer M. Focus on time-lapse analysis: blastocyst collapse and morphometric assessment as new features of embryo viability. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 43:821-832. [PMID: 34593324 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The main goal of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is to achieve a healthy singleton live birth after the transfer of one embryo. A major objective of IVF scientists has always been to use adequate criteria for selecting the embryo for transfer according to its implantation potential. Indeed, embryo quality is usually assessed by evaluating visual morphology, which relies on the removal of the embryo from the incubator and might include inter- and intra-evaluator variation among embryologists. Recently, an advancement in embryo culture has taken place with the introduction of a new type of incubator with an integrated time-lapse monitoring system, which enables embryologists to analyse the dynamic events of embryo development from fertilization to blastocyst formation. This novel practice is rapidly growing and has been used in many IVF centres worldwide. Therefore, the main aim of this review is to present the benefits of time-lapse monitoring in a modern embryology laboratory; in particular, we discuss blastocyst collapse and morphometric blastocyst assessment, and analyse their association with embryo viability and implantation potential. In addition, we highlight preliminary studies involving artificial intelligence and machine learning models as non-invasive markers of clinical pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK.
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22
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Zhu M, Shahbazi M, Martin A, Zhang C, Sozen B, Borsos M, Mandelbaum RS, Paulson RJ, Mole MA, Esbert M, Titus S, Scott RT, Campbell A, Fishel S, Gradinaru V, Zhao H, Wu K, Chen ZJ, Seli E, de Los Santos MJ, Zernicka Goetz M. Human embryo polarization requires PLC signaling to mediate trophectoderm specification. eLife 2021; 10:65068. [PMID: 34569938 PMCID: PMC8514238 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Apico-basal polarization of cells within the embryo is critical for the segregation of distinct lineages during mammalian development. Polarized cells become the trophectoderm (TE), which forms the placenta, and apolar cells become the inner cell mass (ICM), the founding population of the fetus. The cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to polarization of the human embryo and its timing during embryogenesis have remained unknown. Here, we show that human embryo polarization occurs in two steps: it begins with the apical enrichment of F-actin and is followed by the apical accumulation of the PAR complex. This two-step polarization process leads to the formation of an apical domain at the 8-16 cell stage. Using RNA interference, we show that apical domain formation requires Phospholipase C (PLC) signaling, specifically the enzymes PLCB1 and PLCE1, from the eight-cell stage onwards. Finally, we show that although expression of the critical TE differentiation marker GATA3 can be initiated independently of embryo polarization, downregulation of PLCB1 and PLCE1 decreases GATA3 expression through a reduction in the number of polarized cells. Therefore, apical domain formation reinforces a TE fate. The results we present here demonstrate how polarization is triggered to regulate the first lineage segregation in human embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhu
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Department of Genetics, Boston, United States
| | - Marta Shahbazi
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology. Francis Crick Avenue, Biomedical Campus., Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Angel Martin
- IVIRMA Valencia, IVI Foundation, Valencia, Spain
| | - Chuanxin Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Berna Sozen
- Developmental Plasticity and Self-Organization Group, California Institute of Technology, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Pasadena, United States.,Yale School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Mate Borsos
- California Institute of Technology, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering,, Pasadena, United States
| | - Rachel S Mandelbaum
- USC Fertility, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J Paulson
- USC Fertility, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, United Kingdom
| | - Matteo A Mole
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marga Esbert
- IVIRMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, United States
| | - Shiny Titus
- IVIRMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, United States
| | | | - Alison Campbell
- CARE Fertility Group, John Webster House, 6 Lawrence Drive, Nottingham Business Park, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Fishel
- CARE Fertility Group, John Webster House, 6 Lawrence Drive, Nottingham Business Park, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology. Francis Crick Avenue, Biomedical Campus., Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Han Zhao
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Keliang Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Emre Seli
- IVIRMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, United States.,Yale School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Magdalena Zernicka Goetz
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Developmental Plasticity and Self-Organization Group, California Institute of Technology, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Pasadena, United States
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23
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Almeida Machado Costa C, Wang XF, Ellsworth C, Deng WM. Polyploidy in development and tumor models in Drosophila. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 81:106-118. [PMID: 34562587 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Polyploidy, a cell status defined as more than two sets of genomic DNA, is a conserved strategy across species that can increase cell size and biosynthetic production, but the functional aspects of polyploidy are nuanced and vary across cell types. Throughout Drosophila developmental stages (embryo, larva, pupa and adult), polyploid cells are present in numerous organs and help orchestrate development while contributing to normal growth, well-being and homeostasis of the organism. Conversely, increasing evidence has shown that polyploid cells are prevalent in Drosophila tumors and play important roles in tumor growth and invasiveness. Here, we summarize the genes and pathways involved in polyploidy during normal and tumorigenic development, the mechanisms underlying polyploidization, and the functional aspects of polyploidy in development, homeostasis and tumorigenesis in the Drosophila model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caique Almeida Machado Costa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Xian-Feng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Calder Ellsworth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Wu-Min Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States.
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24
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Firmin J, Maître JL. Morphogenesis of the human preimplantation embryo: bringing mechanics to the clinics. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 120:22-31. [PMID: 34253437 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
During preimplantation development, the human embryo forms the blastocyst, the structure enabling uterine implantation. The blastocyst consists of an epithelial envelope, the trophectoderm, encompassing a fluid-filled lumen, the blastocoel, and a cluster of pluripotent stem cells, the inner cell mass. This specific architecture is crucial for the implantation and further development of the human embryo. Furthermore, the morphology of the human embryo is a prime determinant for clinicians to assess the implantation potential of in vitro fertilized human embryos, which constitutes a key aspect of assisted reproduction technology. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how the human embryo builds the blastocyst. As any material, the human embryo changes shape under the action of forces. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the mechanical forces shaping the blastocyst. We discuss the cellular processes responsible for generating morphogenetic forces that were studied mostly in the mouse and review the literature on human embryos to see which of them may be conserved. Based on the specific morphological defects commonly observed in clinics during human preimplantation development, we discuss how mechanical forces and their underlying cellular processes may be affected. Together, we propose that bringing tissue mechanics to the clinics will advance our understanding of human preimplantation development, as well as our ability to help infertile couples to have babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Firmin
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM, U934 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Léon Maître
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM, U934 Paris, France.
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25
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Coticchio G, Ezoe K, Lagalla C, Shimazaki K, Ohata K, Ninomiya M, Wakabayashi N, Okimura T, Uchiyama K, Kato K, Borini A. Perturbations of morphogenesis at the compaction stage affect blastocyst implantation and live birth rates. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:918-928. [PMID: 33575789 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do perturbations of embryo morphogenesis at compaction affect blastocyst development and clinical outcomes in assisted reproduction cycles? SUMMARY ANSWER Cell exclusion and extrusion, i.e. cell disposal occurring respectively before or during morula compaction, affect blastocyst yield and quality, as well as rates of pregnancy and live birth. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Despite its pivotal role in morphogenesis for blastocyst organisation and cell fate determination, compaction at the morula stage has received little attention in clinical embryology. Time lapse technology (TLT) allows detailed morphokinetic analysis of this developmental stage. However, even in the vast majority of previous TLT studies, compaction was investigated without a specific focus. Recently, we reported that compaction may be affected by two clearly-distinct patterns of cell disposal, exclusion and extrusion, occurring prior to and during compaction, respectively. However, the crucial question of the specific relevance of partial compaction for embryo development and competence in ART has remained unanswered until now. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study involved the assessment of laboratory and clinical outcomes of 2,059 morula stage embryos associated with 1,117 ICSI patients, who were treated with minimal stimulation and single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (SVBT) from April 2017 to March 2018. Patterns of morula compaction were assessed and analyzed in relation to embryonic and clinical outcomes. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Following ICSI, time-lapse videos were analysed to annotate morphokinetic parameters relevant to both pre- and post-compaction stages. According to their morphokinetic history, morulae were classified as: (I) fully compacted morulae (FCM); (II) partially compacted morulae (PCM), showing cells (a) excluded from the compaction process from the outset (Exc-PCM), (b) extruded from an already compacted morula (Ext-PCM), or (c) showing non-compacted cells arisen from both patterns (Exc/Ext-PCM). The number of excluded/extruded cells was also annotated. Possible correlations of compaction patterns with 13 morphokinetic parameters, abnormal cleavage, blastocyst yield and morphological grade, clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates, and live birth rate were evaluated. Other factors, such as patient and cycle characteristics, possibly associated with compaction patterns and their outcomes, were investigated. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Full compaction was observed in 39.0% of all embryos. However, partially compacted morulae (PCM) showing excluded (Exc-PCM), extruded (Ext-PCM) cells, or indeed both phenotypes (Exc/Ext-PCM) were frequently detected (24.8%, 16.6%, and 19.6%, respectively) and collectively (61%) exceeded fully compacted morulae. Blastomere exclusion or extrusion affected one or several cells, in different proportions. In comparison to FCM, the developmental pace of the three PCM groups, observed at 13 developmental stages starting from pronuclear fading, was progressively slower (P < 0.0001). Developmental delay at post-compaction stages was more pronounced in the group showing both patterns of partial compaction. Blastomere exclusion and/or extrusion had a large negative impact on blastocyst development. In particular, rates of blastocyst formation and cryopreservation were very low in the Ext-PCM and Exc/Ext-PCM groups (P < 0.0001). Rates of blastocysts with ICM or TE of highest quality (Grade A) were severely affected in all PCM groups (P < 0.0001). In 1,083 SVBTs, blastocysts derived from all PCM groups produced much lower clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, and live birth rates (P < 0.0001). All three patterns of partial compaction emerged as factors independently associated with live birth rate, even after multivariate logistic regression analysis including maternal/paternal age, female BMI, and number of previous embryo transfers as possible confounding factors. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The retrospective design of the study represents a general limitation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This large-scale study represents a further important demonstration of embryo plasticity and above all indicates new robust morphokinetic parameters for improved algorithms of embryo selection. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was exclusively supported by the participating institutions. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NA.
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26
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Abstract
During human in vitro culture, a morphological microscope analysis is normally performed to select the best embryo to transfer, with the hope of obtaining a successful pregnancy. The morphological evaluation may combine number and size of blastomeres, fragmentation, multinucleation, blastocyst expansion, inner-cell mass and trophectoderm appearance. However, standard microscopy evaluation involves the removal of the embryos from the incubator, exposing them to changes in pH, temperature, and oxygen level. Additionally, morphological assessments might include high inter-observer variability. Recently, continuous embryo culture using time-lapse monitoring (TLM) has allowed embryologists to analyse the dynamic and morphokinetic events of embryo development and, based on that, the embryologist is able to scrutinize the complete sequence of embryonic evolution, from fertilization to the blastocyst formation. Therefore, TLM allows an uninterrupted culture condition, reducing the need to remove embryos from the incubator. The monitoring system is normally composed of a standard incubator with an integrated microscope coupled to a digital camera, which is able to collect images at regular times, and subsequently processed into video. These data can be annotated and analyzed using an integrated software, therefore this allows embryologists to facilitate the process of embryo selection for transfer. The main aim of this paper is to discuss the potential benefits and uses of the TLM in the embryology laboratory.
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27
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Fryc K, Nowak A, Kij B, Kochan J, Bartlewski PM, Murawski M. Timing of cleavage divisions determined with time-lapse imaging is linked to blastocyst formation rates and quality of in vitro-produced ovine embryos. Theriogenology 2020; 159:147-152. [PMID: 33157452 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Time-lapse (TL) imaging provides a practical and safe tool to constantly monitor the development of in vitro-derived embryos. TL may help develop novel methods of predicting the timing of embryo cleavage that will lead to optimizing blastocyst cryopreservation or transfer. The primary objective of the present study was to employ TL imaging to examine associations among the division kinetics of ovine embryos, their quality and rates of development to the blastocyst stage. Oocytes were collected by ovary scarification from 78 Longwool ewes slaughtered in the breeding season (November-March). Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured for 24 h in TCM 199 media containing 0.1 IU/mL LH/FSH and 10% FBS. In-vitro fertilization was carried out by co-incubation of semen and COCs for 19 h. Presumptive zygotes were placed in microwells, in droplets of Cult medium (Gynemed, Lensahn, Germany). Digital images of developing embryos were captured every 10 min by Primo Vision TL system (EVO+; Vitrolife, Göteburg, Sweden). The following time intervals were recorded: from IVF to the attainment of two-cell (t2), three-cells (t3) or four-cell (t4) stage, to morula detection (tM), blastulation (tSB) and blastocyst formation (tB). Lastly, the duration of the second cell cycle (cc2; t3-t2) and complete synchronous cell division (s2; t4-t3) were calculated, and the incidence of developmental anomalies noted. Out of 147 embryos selected for TL observations, 55 (37.4%) developed to the blastocyst stage (normally developing embryos, NE) and 92 (62.6%) failed to reach the blastocyst stage (arrested embryos, AE; P < 0.05). Mean t2, tM, s2 and cc2 were all less (P ≤ 0.02) in NE compared with AE. Approximately 61.9% of embryos exhibited developmental anomalies (35.5% in the NE group and 78.2% in the AE group; P < 0.05) and AE exceeded (P < 0.05) NE in the proportion of FRG (blastomeric fragmentation), IRR (blastomeres of irregular size after cleavage), DC (direct cleavage) and MA (multi-morphological aberrations). Of all NE, 63.6% were classified as good quality and 36.4% as poor quality blastocysts (P < 0.05). Good quality ovine blastocysts attained t2, t3, t4, tSB and tB stages earlier (P ≤ 0.03) than poor quality blastocysts and none of the poor quality blastocysts was seen to hatch. To recapitulate, the present results indicate that the kinetics of early ovine embryo development are significant predictors of their potential to develop to the blastocyst stage and the markers of blastocyst quality. Time-lapse imaging may serve as a useful technique for predicting the outcome and enhancing efficacy of in vitro embryo production in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Fryc
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, and Fisheries, University of Agriculture in Kraków, 24/28 Mickiewicza Ave., 30-059, Cracow, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Nowak
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, University of Agriculture in Kraków, 24/28 Mickiewicza Ave., 30-059, Cracow, Poland
| | - Barbara Kij
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, University of Agriculture in Kraków, 24/28 Mickiewicza Ave., 30-059, Cracow, Poland
| | - Joanna Kochan
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, University of Agriculture in Kraków, 24/28 Mickiewicza Ave., 30-059, Cracow, Poland
| | - Pawel M Bartlewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd., Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Maciej Murawski
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, and Fisheries, University of Agriculture in Kraków, 24/28 Mickiewicza Ave., 30-059, Cracow, Poland
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28
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Tocci A. The unknown human trophectoderm: implication for biopsy at the blastocyst stage. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2699-2711. [PMID: 32892265 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01925-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophectoderm biopsy is increasingly performed for pre-implantation genetic testing of aneuploidies and considered a safe procedure on short-term clinical outcome, without strong assessment of long-term consequences. Poor biological information on human trophectoderm is available due to ethical restrictions. Therefore, most studies have been conducted in vitro (choriocarcinoma cell lines, embryonic and pluripotent stem cells) and on murine models that nevertheless poorly reflect the human counterpart. Polarization, compaction, and blastomere differentiation (e.g., the basis to ascertain trophectoderm origin) are poorly known in humans. In addition, the trophectoderm function is poorly known from a biological point of view, although a panoply of questionable and controversial microarray studies suggest that important genes overexpressed in trophectoderm are involved in pluripotency, metabolism, cell cycle, endocrine function, and implantation. The intercellular communication system between the trophectoderm cells and the inner cell mass, modulated by cell junctions and filopodia in the murine model, is obscure in humans. For the purpose of this paper, data mainly on primary cells from human and murine embryos has been reviewed. This review suggests that the trophectoderm origin and functions have been insufficiently ascertained in humans so far. Therefore, trophectoderm biopsy should be considered an experimental procedure to be undertaken only under approved rigorous experimental protocols in academic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Tocci
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Gruppo Donnamed, Via Giuseppe Silla 12, Rome, Italy.
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29
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Chen J, Niu N, Zhang J, Qi L, Shen W, Donkena KV, Feng Z, Liu J. Polyploid Giant Cancer Cells (PGCCs): The Evil Roots of Cancer. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 19:360-367. [PMID: 29968537 DOI: 10.2174/1568009618666180703154233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Polyploidy is associated with increased cell size and is commonly found in a subset of adult organs and blastomere stage of the human embryo. The polyploidy is formed through endoreplication or cell fusion to support the specific need of development including earliest embryogenesis. Recent data demonstrated that Polyploid Giant Cancer Cells (PGCCs) may have acquired an activated early embryonic-like program in response to oncogenic and therapeutic stress to generate reprogrammed cancer cells for drug resistance and metastasis. Targeting PGCCs may open up new opportunities for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsong Chen
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Na Niu
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lisha Qi
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Pathology, Tianjin Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Weiwei Shen
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Krishna Vanaja Donkena
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Zhenqing Feng
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinsong Liu
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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30
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Płusa B, Piliszek A. Common principles of early mammalian embryo self-organisation. Development 2020; 147:147/14/dev183079. [PMID: 32699138 DOI: 10.1242/dev.183079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pre-implantation mammalian development unites extreme plasticity with a robust outcome: the formation of a blastocyst, an organised multi-layered structure ready for implantation. The process of blastocyst formation is one of the best-known examples of self-organisation. The first three cell lineages in mammalian development specify and arrange themselves during the morphogenic process based on cell-cell interactions. Despite decades of research, the unifying principles driving early mammalian development are still not fully defined. Here, we discuss the role of physical forces, and molecular and cellular mechanisms, in driving self-organisation and lineage formation that are shared between eutherian mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berenika Płusa
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health (FBMH), Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Anna Piliszek
- Department of Experimental Embryology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Postepu 36A, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
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31
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Abstract
Gene regulatory networks and tissue morphogenetic events drive the emergence of shape and function: the pillars of embryo development. Although model systems offer a window into the molecular biology of cell fate and tissue shape, mechanistic studies of our own development have so far been technically and ethically challenging. However, recent technical developments provide the tools to describe, manipulate and mimic human embryos in a dish, thus opening a new avenue to exploring human development. Here, I discuss the evidence that supports a role for the crosstalk between cell fate and tissue shape during early human embryogenesis. This is a critical developmental period, when the body plan is laid out and many pregnancies fail. Dissecting the basic mechanisms that coordinate cell fate and tissue shape will generate an integrated understanding of early embryogenesis and new strategies for therapeutic intervention in early pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta N Shahbazi
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
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Time of morulation and trophectoderm quality are predictors of a live birth after euploid blastocyst transfer: a multicenter study. Fertil Steril 2020; 112:1080-1093.e1. [PMID: 31843084 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.07.1322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the morphodynamic characterization of a euploid blastocyst's development allows a higher prediction of a live birth after single-embryo-transfer (SET). DESIGN Observational cohort study conducted in two phases: training and validation. SETTING Private in vitro fertilization centers. PATIENT(S) Euploid blastocysts: 511 and 319 first vitrified-warmed SETs from 868 and 546 patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) in the training and validation phase, respectively. INTERVENTION(S) Data collected from time of polar body extrusion to time of starting blastulation, and trophectoderm and inner-cell-mass static morphology in all embryos cultured in a specific time-lapse incubator with a continuous medium. Logistic regressions conducted to outline the variables showing a statistically significant association with live birth. In the validation phase, these variables were tested in an independent data set. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Live births per SET. RESULT(S) The average live birth rate (LBR) in the training set was 40% (N = 207/511). Only time of morulation (tM) and trophectoderm quality were outlined as putative predictors of live birth at two IVF centers. In the validation set, the euploid blastocysts characterized by tM <80 hours and high-quality trophectoderm resulted in a LBR of 55.2% (n = 37/67), while those with tM ≥ 80 hours and a low-quality trophectoderm resulted in a LBR of 25.5% (N = 13/51). CONCLUSION(S) Time of morulation and trophectoderm quality are better predictors of a euploid blastocyst's reproductive competence. Our evidence was reproducible across different centers under specific culture conditions. These data support the crucial role of morulation for embryo development, a stage that involves massive morphologic, cellular, and molecular changes and deserves more investigation.
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Coticchio G, Lagalla C, Sturmey R, Pennetta F, Borini A. The enigmatic morula: mechanisms of development, cell fate determination, self-correction and implications for ART. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 25:422-438. [PMID: 30855681 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assisted reproduction technology offers the opportunity to observe the very early stages of human development. However, due to practical constraints, for decades morphological examination of embryo development has been undertaken at a few isolated time points at the stages of fertilisation (Day 1), cleavage (Day 2-3) and blastocyst (Day 5-6). Rather surprisingly, the morula stage (Day 3-4) has been so far neglected, despite its involvement in crucial cellular processes and developmental decisions. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objective of this review is to collate novel and unsuspected insights into developmental processes occurring during formation of the morula, highlighting the key importance of this stage for a better understanding of preimplantation development and an improvement of ART. SEARCH METHODS PubMed was used to search the MEDLINE database for peer-reviewed English-language original articles and reviews concerning the morula stage in mammals. Searches were performed by adopting 'embryo', 'morula', 'compaction', 'cell fate' and 'IVF/assisted reproduction' as main terms, in association with other keywords expressing concepts relevant to the subject (e.g. cell polarity). The most relevant publications, i.e. those concerning major phenomena occurring during formation of the morula in established experimental models and the human species, were assessed and discussed critically. OUTCOMES Novel live cell imaging technologies and cell biology studies have extended our understanding of morula formation as a key stage for the development of the blastocyst and determination of the inner cell mass (ICM) and the trophectoderm (TE). Cellular processes, such as dynamic formation of filopodia and cytoskeleton-mediated zippering cell-to-cell interactions, intervene to allow cell compaction (a geometrical requisite essential for development) and formation of the blastocoel, respectively. At the same time, differential orientation of cleavage planes, cell polarity and cortical tensile forces interact and cooperate to position blastomeres either internally or externally, thereby influencing their cellular fate. Recent time lapse microscopy (TLM) observations also suggest that in the human the process of compaction may represent an important checkpoint for embryo viability, through which chromosomally abnormal blastomeres are sensed and eliminated by the embryo. WIDER IMPLICATIONS In clinical embryology, the morula stage has been always perceived as a 'black box' in the continuum of preimplantation development. This has dictated its virtual exclusion from mainstream ART procedures. Recent findings described in this review indicate that the morula, and the associated process of compaction, as a crucial stage not only for the formation of the blastocyst, but also for the health of the conceptus. This understanding may open new avenues for innovative approaches to embryo manipulation, assessment and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Lagalla
- 9.Baby, Family and Fertility Center, Via Dante 15, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roger Sturmey
- Centre for Cardiovascular Metabolic Research, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrea Borini
- 9.Baby, Family and Fertility Center, Via Dante 15, Bologna, Italy
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Abstract
The process of embryonic development is crucial and radically influences preimplantation embryo competence. It involves oocyte maturation, fertilization, cell division and blastulation and is characterized by different key phases that have major influences on embryo quality. Each stage of the process of preimplantation embryonic development is led by important signalling pathways that include very many regulatory molecules, such as primary and secondary messengers. Many studies, both in vivo and in vitro, have shown the importance of the contribution of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as important second messengers in embryo development. ROS may originate from embryo metabolism and/or oocyte/embryo surroundings, and their effect on embryonic development is highly variable, depending on the needs of the embryo at each stage of development and on their environment (in vivo or under in vitro culture conditions). Other studies have also shown the deleterious effects of ROS in embryo development, when cellular tissue production overwhelms antioxidant production, leading to oxidative stress. This stress is known to be the cause of many cellular alterations, such as protein, lipid, and DNA damage. Considering that the same ROS level can have a deleterious effect on the fertilizing oocyte or embryo at certain stages, and a positive effect at another stage of the development process, further studies need to be carried out to determine the rate of ROS that benefits the embryo and from what rate it starts to be harmful, this measured at each key phase of embryonic development.
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Apter S, Ebner T, Freour T, Guns Y, Kovacic B, Le Clef N, Marques M, Meseguer M, Montjean D, Sfontouris I, Sturmey R, Coticchio G. Good practice recommendations for the use of time-lapse technology †. Hum Reprod Open 2020; 2020:hoaa008. [PMID: 32206731 PMCID: PMC7081060 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoaa008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Ebner
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler Universitätsklinikum, Linz, Austria
| | - Thomas Freour
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Yves Guns
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Borut Kovacic
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecologic Endocrinology, Univerzitetni klinicni center Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Nathalie Le Clef
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Grimbergen, Belgium
| | | | - Marcos Meseguer
- IVF Laboratory, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Valencia, Spain
| | - Debbie Montjean
- Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Hopital Saint Joseph, Marseille, France
| | | | - Roger Sturmey
- Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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Alternative patterns of partial embryo compaction: prevalence, morphokinetic history and possible implications. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 40:347-354. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Sciorio R, Thong KJ, Pickering SJ. Spontaneous blastocyst collapse as an embryo marker of low pregnancy outcome: A Time-Lapse study. JBRA Assist Reprod 2020; 24:34-40. [PMID: 31397550 PMCID: PMC6993169 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20190044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study we investigate the correlation between spontaneous blastocyst collapse and pregnancy outcome. METHODS This is a retrospective study performed at Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK. Embryos were cultured individually in 6.0% CO2, 5.0% O2, 89.0% N2, using single step medium (GTL™ Vitrolife, Göteborg, Sweden) and selected for transfer using standard morphological criteria. Using the EmbryoScope™ time-lapse monitoring (TLM), blastocysts collapse was analyzed by measuring the maximum volume reduction and defined as having collapsed if there was >50% volume reduction. Couples undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment and having an elective single embryo transfer (eSET) at blastocyst stage were included in this study. After the embryo transfer, retrospectively, each blastocyst was allocated to one of two groups (collapsed or not collapsed). 62 blastocysts collapsed once or more during development (17.4%), the remaining 294 showed no collapse (82.6%). RESULTS A significantly higher implantation rate (IR) of 61.2% and ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) of 53.7% was observed when blastocysts which had not collapsed were replaced compared to cycles in which collapsed blastocysts were replaced (IR rate 22.6% and OPR 17.7%). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that human blastocysts which collapse spontaneously during in vitro development are less likely to implant and generate a pregnancy compared with embryos which do not. Although this is a retrospective study, the results establish the utility of collapse episodes as new marker of embryo selection following eSET at blastocyst stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - K J Thong
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Susan J Pickering
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
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Sciorio R, Herrer Saura R, Thong KJ, Esbert Algam M, Pickering SJ, Meseguer M. Blastocyst collapse as an embryo marker of low implantation potential: a time-lapse multicentre study. ZYGOTE 2020; 28:1-9. [PMID: 31928572 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199419000819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous blastocyst collapse during in vitro embryo development has been suggested as a novel marker of embryo quality. Therefore, the aim of this multicentre study was to carry out a retrospective multicentre analysis to investigate the correlation between blastocyst collapse and pregnancy outcome. Here, 1297 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)/in vitro fertilization (IVF) fresh cycles, with an elective single blastocyst transfer (eSET) were included in this study. Embryos were cultured individually in 6.0% CO2, 5.0% O2, 89.0% N2, using single step medium (GTLTM VitroLife, Sweden) or sequential medium (CookTM, Cook Medical, Australia) and selected for transfer using standard morphological criteria. With the use of time-lapse monitoring (TLM), blastocysts were analyzed by measuring the maximum volume reduction and defined as having collapsed, if there was ≥ 50% volume reduction from the expanded blastocyst and the collapse event. Following embryo replacement, each blastocyst was retrospectively allocated to one of two groups (collapsed or not collapsed). Here, 259 blastocysts collapsed once or more during development (19.9%) and the remaining 1038 either contracted minimally or not collapsed (80.1%). A significantly higher ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) of 51.9% (95% CI 48.9-59.9%) was observed when blastocysts that had not collapsed were replaced compared with cycles in which collapsed blastocysts were transferred 37.5% (95% CI 31.6-43.4%). This study suggests that human blastocysts that collapse spontaneously during development are less likely to implant and generate a pregnancy compared with embryos that do not. Although this is a retrospective study, the results demonstrated the utility of collapse episodes as new marker of embryo selection following eSET at blastocyst stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - K Joo Thong
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Susan Jane Pickering
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK
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Harada Y, Maeda T, Fukunaga E, Shiba R, Okano S, Kinutani M, Horiuchi T. Selection of high-quality and viable blastocysts based on timing of morula compaction and blastocyst formation. Reprod Med Biol 2020; 19:58-64. [PMID: 31956286 PMCID: PMC6955590 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The time-lapse system is a device that allows continuous monitoring without removing embryos from the incubator. Using a time-lapse system, we retrospectively investigated cleavage speed time points as potential indicators for selecting high-quality viable blastocysts. METHODS This study included 963 zygotes of two pronuclei retrieved from 196 patients between January 2015 and December 2016. All embryos in culture were monitored by time-lapse after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Of 492 blastocysts developed in vitro, 128 vitrified-warmed single blastocyst transfers were classified into pregnancy and non-pregnancy groups, and the parameters were compared. RESULTS In the pregnancy group, timing of both morula compaction and regular blastocyst formation was significantly faster than in the non-pregnancy group. Furthermore, the optimal cutoff values for compacted morula (94.9 hours) and regular blastocyst (113.9 hours) were determined using the receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. Embryos that formed compacted morulae within 94.9 hours and developed into regular blastocysts within 113.9 hours were associated with a significantly higher pregnancy rate than those that did not (44.4% vs 16.0%). CONCLUSION The timing of morula compaction and regular blastocyst formation is important as an indicator of high-quality blastocysts to increase odds for pregnancy after embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihisa Harada
- Kinutani Women’s ClinicHiroshimaJapan
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Scientific ResearchPrefectural University of HiroshimaHiroshimaJapan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Toshitaka Horiuchi
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Scientific ResearchPrefectural University of HiroshimaHiroshimaJapan
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Abstract
Early embryogenesis is characterized by the segregation of cell lineages that fulfill critical roles in the establishment of pregnancy and development of the fetus. The formation of the blastocyst marks the emergence of extraembryonic precursors, needed for implantation, and of pluripotent cells, which differentiate toward the major lineages of the adult organism. The coordinated emergence of these cell types shows that these processes are broadly conserved in mammals. However, developmental heterochrony and changes in gene regulatory networks highlight unique evolutionary adaptations that may explain the diversity in placentation and in the mechanisms controlling pluripotency in mammals. The incorporation of new technologies, including single-cell omics, imaging, and gene editing, is instrumental for comparative embryology. Broadening the knowledge of mammalian embryology will provide new insights into the mechanisms driving evolution and development. This knowledge can be readily translated into biomedical and biotechnological applications in humans and livestock, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom;
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Pool TB. Commentary: when embryos hit the brakes. Fertil Steril 2019; 111:48-49. [PMID: 30424880 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Tšuiko O, Jatsenko T, Parameswaran Grace LK, Kurg A, Vermeesch JR, Lanner F, Altmäe S, Salumets A. A speculative outlook on embryonic aneuploidy: Can molecular pathways be involved? Dev Biol 2018; 447:3-13. [PMID: 29391166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The journey of embryonic development starts at oocyte fertilization, which triggers a complex cascade of events and cellular pathways that guide early embryogenesis. Recent technological advances have greatly expanded our knowledge of cleavage-stage embryo development, which is characterized by an increased rate of whole-chromosome losses and gains, mixoploidy, and atypical cleavage morphokinetics. Embryonic aneuploidy significantly contributes to implantation failure, spontaneous miscarriage, stillbirth or congenital birth defects in both natural and assisted human reproduction. Essentially, early embryo development is strongly determined by maternal factors. Owing to considerable limitations associated with human oocyte and embryo research, the use of animal models is inevitable. However, cellular and molecular mechanisms driving the error-prone early stages of development are still poorly described. In this review, we describe known events that lead to aneuploidy in mammalian oocytes and preimplantation embryos. As the processes of oocyte and embryo development are rigorously regulated by multiple signal-transduction pathways, we explore the putative role of signaling pathways in genomic integrity maintenance. Based on the existing evidence from human and animal data, we investigate whether critical early developmental pathways, like Wnt, Hippo and MAPK, together with distinct DNA damage response and DNA repair pathways can be associated with embryo genomic instability, a question that has, so far, remained largely unexplored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Tšuiko
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Bio- and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu 50411, Estonia; Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu 50410, Estonia
| | | | - Lalit Kumar Parameswaran Grace
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 17176, Sweden
| | - Ants Kurg
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Joris Robert Vermeesch
- Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Center of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Fredrik Lanner
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention, and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 14186, Sweden
| | - Signe Altmäe
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu 50410, Estonia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain.
| | - Andres Salumets
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Bio- and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu 50411, Estonia; Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu 50410, Estonia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu 51014, Estonia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki 00029, Finland
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Mizobe Y, Ezono Y, Tokunaga M, Oya N, Iwakiri R, Yoshida N, Sato Y, Onoue N, Miyoshi K. Selection of human blastocysts with a high implantation potential based on timely compaction. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 34:991-997. [PMID: 28573523 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-0962-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Recently, we established a noninvasive system for selecting human blastocysts with a high pre-transfer implantation potential based on first and second division patterns. The present study was carried out to improve the selection system. METHODS Embryos that completed first and second divisions within 25.90 and 37.88 h after culture, respectively, were selected using a time-lapse incubator. We examined the effects of compaction and blastocyst formation times on pregnancy rates after transferring these embryos at the blastocyst stage. RESULTS The completion of compaction and blastocyst formation times (79.93 and 97.47 h after culture, respectively) of embryos resulting in pregnancies after transfer were significantly (P < 0.01) shorter than those (86.46 and 100.34 h after culture, respectively) of embryos that failed to induce pregnancies. Embryo selection based on completion of compaction time improved pregnancy rates (40.9 vs. 74.6%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Of the embryos that formed two cells during the first division within 25.90 h after culture and four cells during the second division within 37.88 h after culture, those that completed compaction within 79.93 h after culture before reaching the blastocyst stage had a high implantation potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamato Mizobe
- Aiiku Ladies Clinic, 1-40-2 Komatsubara, Kagoshima, 891-0114, Japan. .,The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan.
| | - Yuji Ezono
- Aiiku Ladies Clinic, 1-40-2 Komatsubara, Kagoshima, 891-0114, Japan
| | - Makoto Tokunaga
- Aiiku Ladies Clinic, 1-40-2 Komatsubara, Kagoshima, 891-0114, Japan
| | - Naoto Oya
- Aiiku Ladies Clinic, 1-40-2 Komatsubara, Kagoshima, 891-0114, Japan
| | - Reiko Iwakiri
- Aiiku Ladies Clinic, 1-40-2 Komatsubara, Kagoshima, 891-0114, Japan
| | - Naomi Yoshida
- Aiiku Ladies Clinic, 1-40-2 Komatsubara, Kagoshima, 891-0114, Japan
| | - Yumi Sato
- Aiiku Ladies Clinic, 1-40-2 Komatsubara, Kagoshima, 891-0114, Japan
| | - Nanase Onoue
- Aiiku Ladies Clinic, 1-40-2 Komatsubara, Kagoshima, 891-0114, Japan
| | - Kazuchika Miyoshi
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
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Niu N, Mercado-Uribe I, Liu J. Dedifferentiation into blastomere-like cancer stem cells via formation of polyploid giant cancer cells. Oncogene 2017; 36:4887-4900. [PMID: 28436947 PMCID: PMC5582213 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Our recent perplexing findings that polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) acquired embryonic-like stemness and were capable of tumor initiation raised two important unanswered questions: how do PGCCs acquire such stemness, and to which stage of normal development do PGCCs correspond. Intriguingly, formation of giant cells due to failed mitosis/cytokinesis is common in the blastomere stage of the preimplantation embryo. However, the relationship between PGCCs and giant blastomeres has never been studied. Here, we tracked the fate of single PGCCs following paclitaxel-induced mitotic failure. Morphologically, early spheroids derived from PGCCs were indistinguishable from human embryos at the blastomere, polyploid blastomere, compaction, morula and blastocyst-like stages by light, scanning electron or three-dimensional confocal scanning microscopy. Formation of PGCCs was associated with activation of senescence, while budding of daughter cells was associated with senescence escape. PGCCs showed time- and space-dependent activation of expression of the embryonic stem cell markers OCT4, NANOG, SOX2 and SSEA1 and lacked expression of Xist. PGCCs acquired mesenchymal phenotype and were capable of differentiation into all three germ layers in vitro. The embryonic-like stemness of PGCCs was associated with nuclear accumulation of YAP, a key mediator of the Hippo pathway. Spheroids derived from single PGCCs grew into a wide spectrum of human neoplasms, including germ cell tumors, high-grade and low-grade carcinomas and benign tissues. Daughter cells derived from PGCCs showed attenuated capacity for invasion and increased resistance to paclitaxel. We also observed formation of PGCCs and dedifferentiation in ovarian cancer specimens from patients treated with chemotherapy. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that PGCCs represent somatic equivalents of blastomeres, the most primitive cancer stem cells reported to date. Thus, our studies reveal an evolutionarily conserved archaic embryonic program in somatic cells that can be de-repressed for oncogenesis. Our work offers a new paradigm for cancer origin and disease relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Niu
- Departments of Pathology, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - I Mercado-Uribe
- Departments of Pathology, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - J Liu
- Departments of Pathology, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Iwata K, Mio Y. Observation of human embryonic behavior in vitro by high-resolution time-lapse cinematography. Reprod Med Biol 2016; 15:145-154. [PMID: 29259431 PMCID: PMC5715854 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-015-0231-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has yielded vast amounts of information and knowledge on human embryonic development in vitro; however, still images provide limited data on dynamic changes in the developing embryos. Using our high-resolution time-lapse cinematography (hR-TLC) system, we were able to describe normal human embryonic development continuously from the fertilization process to the hatched blastocyst stage in detail. Our hR-TLC observation also showed the embryonic abnormality of a third polar body (PB)-like substance likely containing a small pronucleus being extruded and resulting in single-pronucleus (1PN) formation, while our molecular biological investigations suggested the possibility that some 1PN embryos could be diploid, carrying both maternal and paternal genomes. Furthermore, in some embryos the extruded third PB-like substance was eventually re-absorbed into the ooplasm resulting in the formation of an uneven-sized, two-PN zygote. In addition, other hR-TLC observations showed that cytokinetic failure was correlated with equal-sized, multi-nucleated blastomeres that were also observed in the embryo showing early initiation of compaction. Assessment combining our hR-TLC with molecular biological techniques enables a better understanding of embryonic development and potential improvements in ART outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Iwata
- Mio Fertility Clinic, Reproductive Centre2‐1‐1 Kuzumo‐minamiYonagoTottoriJapan
| | - Yasuyuki Mio
- Mio Fertility Clinic, Reproductive Centre2‐1‐1 Kuzumo‐minamiYonagoTottoriJapan
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Motato Y, de los Santos MJ, Escriba MJ, Ruiz BA, Remohí J, Meseguer M. Morphokinetic analysis and embryonic prediction for blastocyst formation through an integrated time-lapse system. Fertil Steril 2015; 105:376-84.e9. [PMID: 26598211 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the events associated with the blastocyst formation and implantation that occur in embryos during preimplantation development based on the largest sample size ever described with time-lapse monitoring. DESIGN Observational, retrospective, single-center clinical study. SETTING University-affiliated private IVF center. PATIENT(S) A total of 7,483 zygotes from 990 first treatments of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI; 627 of oocyte donor vs. 363 autologous oocyte cycles), of which 832 blastocysts were transferred. INTERVENTION(S) No patient intervention. Embryos were cultured in a time-lapse monitoring system, and the embryos were transferred on day 5 after ICSI. Embryo selection was based on the multivariable model previously developed and on blastocyst morphology. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Using a time-lapse system, embryo images were acquired every 15 minutes for 120 hours. Embryos cleavage time points up to the 9-cell stage (t2-t9) as well as to the morula stage (tM) and blastocyst formation (tB) were registered in hours after ICSI. Additionally, duration of the cell cycle and synchrony of the second and third cell cycles were defined. As a result, we have monitored the embryonic development of a total of 3,215 blastocysts, of which 832 were transferred. Finally, we analyzed the characteristics of embryonic development of blastocyst (phase 1) and of implanted and not implanted (phase 2) embryos as finally validated in an independent data set (phase 3). RESULT(S) A detailed retrospective analysis of cleavage times was made for 7,483 zygotes. We analyzed 17 parameters and found several significantly correlated with subsequent blastocyst formation and implantation. The most predictive parameters for blastocyst formation were time of morula formation, tM (81.28-96.0 hours after ICSI), and t8-t5 (≤8.78 hours) or time of transition of 5-blastomere embryos to 8-blastomere embryos with a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) value = 0.849 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.835-0.854; phase 1). These parameters were less predictive of implantation, with a ROC value = 0.546 (95% CI, 0.507-0.585). We also observed that time for expansion blastocyst, tEB (107.9-112.9 hours after ICSI), and t8-t5 (≤5.67 hours after ICSI) predict blastocyst implantation, with a ROC value = 0.591 (95% CI, 0.552-0.630; phase 2). The model was validated on an independent data set and gave a ROC of 0.596 (0.526-0.666; phase 3). CONCLUSION(S) The inclusion of kinetic parameters into score evaluation may improve blastocyst selection criteria and can predict blastocyst formation with high accuracy. We propose two multivariable models based on our findings to classify embryos according to their probabilities of blastocyst stage and implantation in the largest data set ever reported of human blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamileth Motato
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - María José Escriba
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Belén Aparicio Ruiz
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Remohí
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marcos Meseguer
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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Jedrusik A. Making the first decision: lessons from the mouse. Reprod Med Biol 2015; 14:135-150. [PMID: 29259411 PMCID: PMC5715835 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-015-0206-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre-implantation development encompasses a period of 3-4 days over which the mammalian embryo has to make its first decision: to separate the pluripotent inner cell mass (ICM) from the extra-embryonic epithelial tissue, the trophectoderm (TE). The ICM gives rise to tissues mainly building the body of the future organism, while the TE contributes to the extra-embryonic tissues that support embryo development after implantation. This review provides an overview of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control the critical aspects of this first decision, and highlights the role of critical events, namely zytotic genome activation, compaction, polarization, asymmetric cell divisions, formation of the blastocyst cavity and expression of key transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Jedrusik
- Wellcome Trust/CR UK Gurdon InstituteTennis Court RoadCB2 1QNCambridgeUK
- Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeDowning StreetCB2 3DYCambridgeUK
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49
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Diagnosis of abnormal human fertilization status based on pronuclear origin and/or centrosome number. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:1589-95. [PMID: 26395191 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0568-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Normally fertilized zygotes generally show two pronuclei (2PN) and the extrusion of the second polar body. Conventional in vitro fertilization (c-IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) often result in abnormal monopronuclear (1PN), tripronuclear (3PN), or other polypronuclear zygotes. In this study, we performed combined analyses of the methylation status of pronuclei (PN) and the number of centrosomes, to reveal the abnormal fertilization status in human zygotes. METHOD We used differences in DNA methylation status (5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC)) to discriminate between male and female PN in human zygotes. These results were also used to analyze the centrosome number to indicate how many sperm entered into the oocyte. RESULT Immunofluorescent analysis shows that all of the normal 2PN zygotes had one 5mC/5hmC double-positive PN and one 5mC-positive PN, whereas a parthenogenetically activated oocyte had only 5mC staining of the PN. All of the zygotes derived from ICSI (1PN, 3PN) had two centrosomes as did all of the 2PN zygotes derived from c-IVF. Of the 1PN zygotes derived from c-IVF, more than 50 % had staining for both 5mC and 5hmC in a single PN, and one or two centrosomes, indicating fertilization by a single sperm. Meanwhile, most of 3PN zygotes derived from c-IVF had a 5mC-positive PN and two 5mC/5hmC double-positive PNs, and had four or five centrosomes, suggesting polyspermy. CONCLUSIONS We have established a reliable method to identify the PN origin based on the epigenetic status of the genome and have complemented these results by counting the centrosomes of zygotes.
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50
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Gardner DK, Meseguer M, Rubio C, Treff NR. Diagnosis of human preimplantation embryo viability. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:727-47. [PMID: 25567750 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transfer of more than a single embryo in an IVF cycle comes with the finite possibility of a multiple gestation. Even a twin pregnancy confers significant risk to both mother and babies. The move to single-embryo transfer for all patients will be greatly facilitated by the ability to quantify embryo viability. Developments in time-lapse incubation systems have provided new insights into the developmental kinetics of the human preimplantation embryo. Advances in molecular methods of chromosomal analysis have created platforms for highly effective screening of biopsied embryos, while noninvasive analysis of embryo physiology reveals more about the embryo than can be determined by morphology alone. METHODS Recent developments in time-lapse microscopy, molecular karyotyping and in proteomics and metabolomics have been assessed and presented here in a descriptive review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS New algorithms are being created for embryo selection based on their developmental kinetics in culture, and the impact of factors such as patient etiology and treatment are being clarified. Potential links between morphokinetic data and embryo karyotype are being elucidated. The introduction of new molecular methods of determining embryo chromosomal complement is proving to be accurate and reproducible, with the future trending toward CGH arrays or next generation sequencing as a rapid and reliable means of analysis, that should be suitable for each IVF clinic to adopt. A relationship between embryo metabolism and viability is established and is now being considered together with morphokinetic data to create more robust algorithms for embryo selection. Microfluidic devices have the capacity and potential to be used in human IVF clinics for the routine diagnosis of embryo biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Marcos Meseguer
- Laboratorio Fiv, IVI Valencia, Plaza Policía Local, 3, Valencia 46015, Spain
| | - Carmen Rubio
- IGENOMIX and Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI)/INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nathan R Treff
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ 07960, USA
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