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Anvar Z, Jochum MD, Chakchouk I, Sharif M, Demond H, To AK, Kraushaar DC, Wan YW, Andrews S, Kelsey G, Veyver IB. Maternal loss-of-function of Nlrp2 results in failure of epigenetic reprogramming in mouse oocytes. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4457414. [PMID: 38883732 PMCID: PMC11177987 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4457414/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Background NLRP2 belongs to the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) of mammalian oocytes and preimplantation embryos. This multiprotein complex, encoded by maternal-effect genes, plays a pivotal role in the zygote-to-embryo transition, early embryogenesis, and epigenetic (re)programming. The maternal inactivation of genes encoding SCMC proteins has been linked to infertility and subfertility in mice and humans. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms for the diverse functions of the SCMC, particularly how this cytoplasmic structure influences DNA methylation, which is a nuclear process, are not fully understood. Results We undertook joint transcriptome and DNA methylome profiling of pre-ovulatory germinal-vesicle oocytes from Nlrp2-null, heterozygous (Het), and wild-type (WT) female mice. We identified numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Het and Nlrp2-null when compared to WT oocytes. The genes for several crucial factors involved in oocyte transcriptome modulation and epigenetic reprogramming, such as DNMT1, UHRF1, KDM1B and ZFP57 were overexpressed in Het and Nlrp2-null oocytes. Absence or reduction of Nlrp2, did not alter the distinctive global DNA methylation landscape of oocytes, including the bimodal pattern of the oocyte methylome. Additionally, although the methylation profile of germline differentially methylated regions (gDMRs) of imprinted genes was preserved in oocytes of Het and Nlrp2-null mice, we found altered methylation in oocytes of both genotypes at a small percentage of the oocyte-characteristic hyper- and hypomethylated domains. Through a tiling approach, we identified specific DNA methylation differences between the genotypes, with approximately 1.3% of examined tiles exhibiting differential methylation in Het and Nlrp2-null compared to WT oocytes. Conclusions Surprisingly, considering the well-known correlation between transcription and DNA methylation in developing oocytes, we observed no correlation between gene expression differences and gene-body DNA methylation differences in Nlrp2-null versus WT oocytes or Het versus WT oocytes. We therefore conclude that post-transcriptional changes in the stability of transcripts rather than altered transcription is primarily responsible for transcriptome differences in Nlrp2-null and Het oocytes.
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Sfakianoudis K, Zikopoulos A, Grigoriadis S, Seretis N, Maziotis E, Anifandis G, Xystra P, Kostoulas C, Giougli U, Pantos K, Simopoulou M, Georgiou I. The Role of One-Carbon Metabolism and Methyl Donors in Medically Assisted Reproduction: A Narrative Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4977. [PMID: 38732193 PMCID: PMC11084717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094977] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
One-carbon (1-C) metabolic deficiency impairs homeostasis, driving disease development, including infertility. It is of importance to summarize the current evidence regarding the clinical utility of 1-C metabolism-related biomolecules and methyl donors, namely, folate, betaine, choline, vitamin B12, homocysteine (Hcy), and zinc, as potential biomarkers, dietary supplements, and culture media supplements in the context of medically assisted reproduction (MAR). A narrative review of the literature was conducted in the PubMed/Medline database. Diet, ageing, and the endocrine milieu of individuals affect both 1-C metabolism and fertility status. In vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques, and culture conditions in particular, have a direct impact on 1-C metabolic activity in gametes and embryos. Critical analysis indicated that zinc supplementation in cryopreservation media may be a promising approach to reducing oxidative damage, while female serum homocysteine levels may be employed as a possible biomarker for predicting IVF outcomes. Nonetheless, the level of evidence is low, and future studies are needed to verify these data. One-carbon metabolism-related processes, including redox defense and epigenetic regulation, may be compromised in IVF-derived embryos. The study of 1-C metabolism may lead the way towards improving MAR efficiency and safety and ensuring the lifelong health of MAR infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Sfakianoudis
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece; (K.S.); (K.P.)
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro TR1 3LJ, UK
| | - Sokratis Grigoriadis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - Nikolaos Seretis
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
| | - Evangelos Maziotis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece;
| | - Paraskevi Xystra
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - Charilaos Kostoulas
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
| | - Urania Giougli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
| | - Konstantinos Pantos
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece; (K.S.); (K.P.)
| | - Mara Simopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
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Li M, Han J, Yang N, Li X, Wu X. Transcriptome profiling reveals superovulation with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist trigger impaired embryo implantation in mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1354435. [PMID: 38469140 PMCID: PMC10925639 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1354435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Superovulation is a critical step in assisted reproductive technology, but the use of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as a trigger for superovulation can result in ovarian hyperstimulation. Thus, the use of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) trigger has been increasingly adopted, although it has been associated with a higher rate of pregnancy failure compared to natural cycles. This study aimed to investigate the effect of GnRHa trigger on embryo implantation in a mouse model. Methods Mice in the superovulation (PG) group were administered 7.5 IU of PMSG, followed by the injection of 3.5 μg of GnRHa (Leuprorelin) 48 h later, while mice in the control group (CTR) mated naturally. We compared the number of oocytes, blastocysts, and corpus luteum between the two groups and the implantation sites after the transfer of natural blastocysts. Ovaries, uterus, and serum 2 and 4 days after mating were collected for qRT-PCR, transcriptome sequencing, and hormone assays. Results The PG group had more oocytes, blastocysts, and corpus luteum after superovulation than the CTR group. However, the mRNA expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (Lif) and the number of implantation sites were reduced in the PG group. The ELISA assay revealed that superovulation increased ovarian estrogen secretion. The transcriptome analysis showed that superphysiological estrogen led to a response of the uterus to a high estrogen signal, resulting in abnormal endometrium and extracellular matrix remodeling and up-regulation of ion transport and inflammation-related genes. Conclusion Our findings suggest that a combination of PMSG and GnRHa trigger impaired embryo implantation in mice, as the excessive uterine response to superphysiological estrogen levels can lead to the change of gene expression related to endometrial remodeling, abnormal expression of uterine ion transport genes and excessive immune-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Technology Innovation Center of Cattle and Sheep Embryo, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Jingmei Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Nana Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Technology Innovation Center of Cattle and Sheep Embryo, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Xiangyun Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Technology Innovation Center of Cattle and Sheep Embryo, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Xinglong Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Technology Innovation Center of Cattle and Sheep Embryo, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
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Sun CF, Sheng JZ, Huang HF. A mutual comparison of pregnancy outcomes between different conception modes: a propensity score matching based retrospective cohort study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1351991. [PMID: 38332889 PMCID: PMC10850314 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1351991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been reported to have negative effects on maternal and neonatal health. Ovulation induction (OI) was reported to be associated with alteration of epigenetic modification of mice embryos, and extinguishing the influence of ovulation induction and in vitro operations on maternal and neonatal health will bring benefits for reducing side effects. The present study aimed to determine whether ovulation induction alone and ART are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and whether ART could induce a higher risk than ovulation induction alone. Methods A total of 51,172 cases with singleton live birth between Jan 2016 and May 2019 at the International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital were included in this study. Conception modes documented during registration were classified into natural conception (NC), OI, and ART. Pregnancy outcomes of the three groups with balanced baseline characteristics by propensity score matching were compared. The relative risks of maternal and neonatal outcomes were calculated by logistic regression analysis. Results Compared with natural conception, infertility treatments are associated with gestational diabetes (OI: OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.31-2.27; ART: OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.26-2.20), preeclampsia/eclampsia (OI: OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.03-3.36; ART: OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.26-3.92). Even if gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, and placental problems were adjusted, infertility treatments are associated with birth before 37 weeks (OI: OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.28-3.12; ART: OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.08-2.69), low birth weight (OI: OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.23-3.91; ART: OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.05-3.45), and SGA (OI: OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.20-4.87; ART: OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.28-5.11). ART but not OI is associated with a higher risk of birth before 34 weeks (OR:3.12, 95% CI 1.21-8.05). By comparing the OI group with the ART group, we only found that ART could induce a higher ratio of placental problems (5.0%, 26/518 vs 2.1%, 11/519, p<0.05). Conclusion Both OI and ART are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. ART induced comparable negative effects with OI on gestational complications, birth weight, and premature birth (<37 weeks). However, ART resulted in a higher risk of placental problems than group NC and OI. The incidence of birth before 34 weeks of gestation in the ART group tends to be higher than in the OI group, but not statistically significant. The side effects of ART may originate from OI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Fa Sun
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Zhong Sheng
- International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - He-Feng Huang
- International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Anvar Z, Chakchouk I, Sharif M, Mahadevan S, Nasiotis ET, Su L, Liu Z, Wan YW, Van den Veyver IB. Loss of the Maternal Effect Gene Nlrp2 Alters the Transcriptome of Ovulated Mouse Oocytes and Impacts Expression of Histone Demethylase KDM1B. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2780-2793. [PMID: 36976514 PMCID: PMC10524210 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01218-8] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
The subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) is a multiprotein complex in oocytes and preimplantation embryos that is encoded by maternal effect genes. The SCMC is essential for zygote-to-embryo transition, early embryogenesis, and critical zygotic cellular processes, including spindle positioning and symmetric division. Maternal deletion of Nlrp2, which encodes an SCMC protein, results in increased early embryonic loss and abnormal DNA methylation in embryos. We performed RNA sequencing on pools of meiosis II (MII) oocytes from wild-type and Nlrp2-null female mice that were isolated from cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) after ovarian stimulation. Using a mouse reference genome-based analysis, we found 231 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Nlrp2-null compared to WT oocytes (123 up- and 108 downregulated; adjusted p < 0.05). The upregulated genes include Kdm1b, a H3K4 histone demethylase required during oocyte development for the establishment of DNA methylation marks at CpG islands, including those at imprinted genes. The identified DEGs are enriched for processes involved in neurogenesis, gland morphogenesis, and protein metabolism and for post-translationally methylated proteins. When we compared our RNA sequencing data to an oocyte-specific reference transcriptome that contains many previously unannotated transcripts, we found 228 DEGs, including genes not identified with the first analysis. Interestingly, 68% and 56% of DEGs from the first and second analyses, respectively, overlap with oocyte-specific hyper- and hypomethylated domains. This study shows that there are substantial changes in the transcriptome of mouse MII oocytes from female mice with loss of function of Nlrp2, a maternal effect gene that encodes a member of the SCMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Anvar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Imen Chakchouk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Momal Sharif
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sangeetha Mahadevan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eleni Theodora Nasiotis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Li Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhandong Liu
- Department of Pediatrics - Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ying-Wooi Wan
- Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Ignatia B Van den Veyver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Genome-wide assessment of DNA methylation alterations induced by superovulation, sexual immaturity and in vitro follicle growth in mouse blastocysts. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:9. [PMID: 36647174 PMCID: PMC9843966 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01421-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In their attempt to fulfill the wish of having children, women who suffer from fertility issues often undergo assisted reproductive technologies such as ovarian stimulation, which has been associated with adverse health outcomes and imprinting disorders in children. However, given the crucial role of exogenous hormone stimulation in improving human infertility treatments, a more comprehensive analysis of the potential impacts on DNA methylation in embryos following ovarian stimulation is needed. Here, we provide genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of blastocysts generated after superovulation of prepubertal or adult mice, compared with blastocysts derived from non-stimulated adult mice. Additionally, we assessed the impact of the in vitro growth and maturation of oocytes on methylation in blastocysts. RESULTS Neither hormone stimulation nor sexual maturity had an impact on the low global methylation levels characteristic of the blastocyst stage or was associated with extensive DNA methylation alterations. However, we found hormone- and age-associated changes at specific positions but dispersed throughout the genome. In particular, we detected anomalous methylation at a limited number of CpG islands. Additionally, superovulation in adult mice was associated with alterations at the Sgce and Zfp777 imprinted genes. On the other hand, in vitro culture of follicles from the early pre-antral stage was associated with globally reduced methylation and increased variability at imprinted loci in blastocysts. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate a minimal effect of ovarian stimulation of adult and prepubertal mice on the DNA methylation landscape attained at the blastocyst stage, but potentially greater impacts of in vitro growth and maturation of oocytes. These findings have potential significance for the improvement of assisted reproductive techniques, in particular for those related to treatments in prepubertal females, which could be crucial for improving human fertility preservation strategies.
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Lopes JS, Ivanova E, Ruiz S, Andrews S, Kelsey G, Coy P. Effect of Superovulation Treatment on Oocyte's DNA Methylation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:16158. [PMID: 36555801 PMCID: PMC9785075 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Controlled ovarian stimulation is a necessary step in some assisted reproductive procedures allowing a higher collection of female gametes. However, consequences of this stimulation for the gamete or the offspring have been shown in several mammals. Most studies used comparisons between oocytes from different donors, which may contribute to different responses. In this work, we use the bovine model in which each animal serves as its own control. DNA methylation profiles were obtained by single-cell whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of oocytes from pre-ovulatory unstimulated follicles compared to oocytes from stimulated follicles. Results show that the global percentage of methylation was similar between groups, but the percentage of methylation was lower for non-stimulated oocytes in the imprinted genes APEG3, MEG3, and MEG9 and higher in TSSC4 when compared to stimulated oocytes. Differences were also found in CGI of imprinted genes: higher methylation was found among non-stimulated oocytes in MEST (PEG1), IGF2R, GNAS (SCG6), KvDMR1 ICR UMD, and IGF2. In another region around IGF2, the methylation percentage was lower for non-stimulated oocytes when compared to stimulated oocytes. Data drawn from this study might help to understand the molecular reasons for the appearance of certain syndromes in assisted reproductive technologies-derived offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordana S. Lopes
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Elena Ivanova
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Salvador Ruiz
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Simon Andrews
- Bioinformatics Group, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Pilar Coy
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain
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Magaton IM, Helmer A, Eisenhut M, Roumet M, Stute P, von Wolff M. Oocyte maturity, oocyte fertilization and cleavage-stage embryo morphology are better in natural compared with high-dose gonadotrophin stimulated IVF cycles. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 46:705-712. [PMID: 36754739 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.11.008] [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: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does high-dose gonadotrophin stimulation have an effect on oocyte and early-stage embryo development? DESIGN This was a retrospective study including 616 natural cycle IVF (NC-IVF) and 167 conventional IVF (cIVF) cycles. In total, 2110 oocytes were retrieved and analysed in fresh cycles. In NC-IVF, only human chorionic gonadotrophin was applied to trigger ovulation. In cIVF, antagonist protocols with daily 150-300 IU of human menopausal gonadotrophins were performed. The effect of gonadotrophins on oocyte and early-stage embryo development was analysed. Primary outcomes were the occurrence of mature (metaphase II) oocytes, zygotes and embryos with good morphology at the cleavage stage 2 days after oocyte retrieval. RESULTS The mature oocyte rate (number of mature oocytes/number of retrieved oocytes) was higher in NC-IVF than cIVF cycles (89% versus 82%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.79, P = 0.001), as was the zygote rate per oocyte retrieved (70% versus 58%, aOR 1.76, P = 0.001) and the zygote rate per mature oocyte (79% versus 71%, aOR 1.62, P = 0.001). The percentage of zygotes that developed into cleavage-stage embryos was no different. For the transferred embryos, the probability of having a good embryo morphology with four blastomeres and a fragmentation of <10% (score 0) in cleavage-stage embryos was found to be higher in NC-IVF (proportional aOR for four blastomeres 2.00, P < 0.001; aOR 1.87 for a fragmentation score of 0, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Oocyte maturity, oocyte fertilization and morphology of the cleavage-stage embryo are affected by high-dose gonadotrophin stimulation in fresh IVF cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isotta M Magaton
- Division of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Women's Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Anja Helmer
- Division of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Women's Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Markus Eisenhut
- Division of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Women's Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marie Roumet
- Clinical Trials Unit Bern, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Petra Stute
- Division of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Women's Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael von Wolff
- Division of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Women's Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
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Okotrub SV, Rozhkova IN, Brusentsev EY, Gornostaeva AM, Ragaeva DS, Chuyko EA, Amstislavsky SY. Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Exogenous Gonadotropin on Brain Development in Mice. NEUROSCIENCE AND BEHAVIORAL PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 52:1073-1081. [DOI: 10.1007/s11055-022-01335-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
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Liu B, Wen H, Yang J, Li X, Li G, Zhang J, Wu S, Butts IAE, He F. Hypoxia Affects HIF-1/LDH-A Signaling Pathway by Methylation Modification and Transcriptional Regulation in Japanese Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11081233. [PMID: 36009861 PMCID: PMC9405012 DOI: 10.3390/biology11081233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary With global climate change and increased aquaculture production, fishes in natural waters or aquaculture systems are easily subjected to hypoxic stress. However, our understanding about their responsive mechanisms to hypoxia is still limited. Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) is a widely cultivated marine economical flatfish, whose hypoxic responsive mechanisms are not fully researched. In this study, responses to hypoxia were investigated at blood physiological, biochemical, hormonal, and molecular levels. Responsive mechanisms of the HIF-1/LDH-A signaling pathway in epigenetic modification and transcriptional regulation were also researched. These results are important for enriching the theory of environmental responsive mechanisms and guiding aquaculture. Abstract Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) responsive mechanisms to hypoxia are still not fully understood. Therefore, we performed an acute hypoxic treatment (dissolved oxygen at 2.07 ± 0.08 mg/L) on Japanese flounder. It was confirmed that the hypoxic stress affected the physiological phenotype through changes in blood physiology (RBC, HGB, WBC), biochemistry (LDH, ALP, ALT, GLU, TC, TG, ALB), and hormone (cortisol) indicators. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), an essential oxygen homeostasis mediator in organisms consisting of an inducible HIF-1α and a constitutive HIF-1β, and its target gene LDH-A were deeply studied. Results showed that HIF-1α and LDH-A genes were co-expressed and significantly affected by hypoxic stress. The dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that transcription factor HIF-1 transcriptionally regulated the LDH-A gene, and its transcription binding sequence was GGACGTGA located at −2343~−2336. The DNA methylation status of HIF-1α and LDH-A genes were detected to understand the mechanism of environmental stress on genes. It was found that hypoxia affected the HIF-1α gene and LDH-A gene methylation levels. The study uncovered HIF-1/LDH-A signaling pathway responsive mechanisms of Japanese flounder to hypoxia in epigenetic modification and transcriptional regulation. Our study is significant to further the understanding of environmental responsive mechanisms as well as providing a reference for aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binghua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Haishen Wen
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Guangling Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Jingru Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Shuxian Wu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Ian AE Butts
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Feng He
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, China
- Correspondence:
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11
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Dvoran M, Nemcova L, Kalous J. An Interplay between Epigenetics and Translation in Oocyte Maturation and Embryo Development: Assisted Reproduction Perspective. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071689. [PMID: 35884994 PMCID: PMC9313063 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cell quality is a key prerequisite for successful fertilization and early embryo development. The quality is determined by the fine regulation of transcriptomic and proteomic profiles, which are prone to alteration by assisted reproduction technology (ART)-introduced in vitro methods. Gaining evidence shows the ART can influence preset epigenetic modifications within cultured oocytes or early embryos and affect their developmental competency. The aim of this review is to describe ART-determined epigenetic changes related to the oogenesis, early embryogenesis, and further in utero development. We confront the latest epigenetic, related epitranscriptomic, and translational regulation findings with the processes of meiotic maturation, fertilization, and early embryogenesis that impact the developmental competency and embryo quality. Post-ART embryo transfer, in utero implantation, and development (placentation, fetal development) are influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. The review is emphasizing their epigenetic and ART contribution to fetal development. An epigenetic parallel among mouse, porcine, and bovine animal models and human ART is drawn to illustrate possible future mechanisms of infertility management as well as increase the awareness of the underlying mechanisms governing oocyte and embryo developmental complexity under ART conditions.
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12
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Sciorio R, El Hajj N. Epigenetic Risks of Medically Assisted Reproduction. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082151. [PMID: 35456243 PMCID: PMC9027760 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the birth of Louise Joy Brown, the first baby conceived via in vitro fertilization, more than 9 million children have been born worldwide using assisted reproductive technologies (ART). In vivo fertilization takes place in the maternal oviduct, where the unique physiological conditions guarantee the healthy development of the embryo. During early embryogenesis, a major wave of epigenetic reprogramming takes place that is crucial for the correct development of the embryo. Epigenetic reprogramming is susceptible to environmental changes and non-physiological conditions such as those applied during in vitro culture, including shift in pH and temperature, oxygen tension, controlled ovarian stimulation, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, as well as preimplantation embryo manipulations for genetic testing. In the last decade, concerns were raised of a possible link between ART and increased incidence of imprinting disorders, as well as epigenetic alterations in the germ cells of infertile parents that are transmitted to the offspring following ART. The aim of this review was to present evidence from the literature regarding epigenetic errors linked to assisted reproduction treatments and their consequences on the conceived children. Furthermore, we provide an overview of disease risk associated with epigenetic or imprinting alterations in children born via ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Nady El Hajj
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar;
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13
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Feng W, Zhang D, Fu L, Hu J, Gao S, Song X, Cui L. Temporary Increased LDL-C in Offspring with Extreme Elevation of Maternal Preconception Estradiol: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Clin Epidemiol 2022; 14:453-462. [PMID: 35418784 PMCID: PMC9001024 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s358999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effect of maternal estradiol (E2) elevation on long-term metabolic manifestations in the offspring. Study Design and Setting This was a retrospective cohort study. Overall, 3690 children conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) between July 2014 and December 2017 were recruited and divided into four groups categorized by maternal E2 quartiles (Q1, <2420; Q2, 2420–3839; Q3, 3839–5599; and Q4, ≥5599 pg/mL). The metabolic profiles were measured during childhood. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate the association between maternal E2 elevation and metabolic phenotypes of the offspring. Results Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was significantly higher in the highest quartile group than in the lowest quartile group during infancy (adjusted mean difference [95% confidence interval, CI]): 0.11 [0.02, 0.20], P = 0.005), but the difference disappeared in the later childhood phase. In children born after fresh embryo transfer, LDL-C showed an increasing trend with the increase in maternal E2 level (adjusted mean difference [95% CI]: Q2 vs Q1, −0.01 [−0.11, 0.08], Q3 vs Q1, 0.06 [−0.04, 0.15], Q4 vs Q1, 0.10 [0, 0.20]). Other metabolic variables were comparable across increasing quartiles of maternal E2 levels. Conclusion This study demonstrates a temporary increase in LDL-C levels in infants with higher levels of maternal preconception E2 levels. However, the long-term safety of hyperestrogens after ovarian stimulation in the next generation is favorable. The mechanism underlying the transiently increased metabolic dysfunction risk in infants conceived by IVF/ICSI requires investigation in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanbing Feng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Di Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Linlin Fu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingmei Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaocui Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Linlin Cui
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Linlin Cui; Xiaocui Song, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 157, Jingliu Road, Shizhong District, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China, 250001, Tel +86 531 85651598, Fax +86 531 87068226, Email ;
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14
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Taher L, Israel S, Drexler HCA, Makalowski W, Suzuki Y, Fuellen G, Boiani M. The proteome, not the transcriptome, predicts that oocyte superovulation affects embryonic phenotypes in mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23731. [PMID: 34887460 PMCID: PMC8660899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03054-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Superovulation is the epitome for generating oocytes for molecular embryology in mice, and it is used to model medically assisted reproduction in humans. However, whether a superovulated oocyte is normal, is an open question. This study establishes for the first time that superovulation is associated with proteome changes that affect phenotypic traits in mice, whereas the transcriptome is far less predictive. The proteins that were differentially expressed in superovulated mouse oocytes and embryos compared to their naturally ovulated counterparts were enriched in ontology terms describing abnormal mammalian phenotypes: a thinner zona pellucida, a smaller oocyte diameter, increased frequency of cleavage arrest, and defective blastocyst formation, which could all be verified functionally. Moreover, our findings indicate that embryos with such abnormalities are negatively selected during preimplantation, and ascribe these abnormalities to incomplete ovarian maturation during the time of the conventional superovulation, since they could be corrected upon postponement of the ovulatory stimulus by 24 h. Our data place constraints on the common view that superovulated oocytes are suitable for drawing general conclusions about developmental processes, and underscore the importance of including the proteins in a modern molecular definition of oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Taher
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 16/I, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Steffen Israel
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Roentgenstrasse 20, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Hannes C A Drexler
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Roentgenstrasse 20, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Wojciech Makalowski
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Niels Stensen Str. 14, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Medical Genome Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan
| | - Georg Fuellen
- Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Aging Research (IBIMA), Rostock University Medical Center, Ernst-Heydemann-Strasse 8, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Michele Boiani
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Roentgenstrasse 20, 48149, Muenster, Germany.
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15
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Embryo culture media differentially alter DNA methylating enzymes and global DNA methylation in embryos and oocytes. J Mol Histol 2021; 53:63-74. [PMID: 34741214 PMCID: PMC8570397 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-021-10038-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The effects of culture media on DNA methylation process, which is one of the epigenetic mechanisms, have not been clearly elucidated although it is known that in vitro culture conditions alter epigenetic mechanisms. This study was designed to address the question: does embryo culture media approach, sequential or single step, differentially affect DNA methylating enzymes and global DNA methylation. Mouse zygotes were cultured either in single step or sequential culture media until the blastocyst stage and in vivo developed blastocyst were utilized as control. Similarly, GV stage oocytes were in vitro matured either in single step or first step of sequential culture media. In vivo matured MII oocytes were used as control. The expression levels and cellular localization of Dnmt1 and 3a enzymes were analyzed by immunofluorescence and western blot analysis while global DNA methylation was evaluated by immunofluorescence. We found that signal intensities of Dnmt1 and Dnmt3a enzymes were significantly low in embryos or oocytes cultured in sequential media compared to single step media and control, which were comparable amongst themself. Similarly, global DNA methylation level in single step media and control groups was comparable but both was higher than the sequential media. This study demonstrated that composition of culture media may differentially affect DNA methylation levels in mouse embryos and oocytes. Since abnormal DNA methylation may cause aberrant oocyte or embryo development, we think that further studies are needed to test human embryos and oocyte, and to explain molecular mechanisms.
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16
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Cabrera EM, Lauber MR, Valdes-Arciniega T, El Azzi MS, Martins JPN, Bilby TR, Fricke PM. Replacing the first gonadotropin-releasing hormone treatment in an Ovsynch protocol with human chorionic gonadotropin decreased pregnancies per artificial insemination in lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:8290-8300. [PMID: 33838886 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to compare the effect of treatment with GnRH at the first treatment (G1) of the Breeding-Ovsynch portion of a Double-Ovsynch (DO) protocol with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on pregnancies per artificial insemination (P/AI) in lactating dairy cows. In experiment 1, lactating dairy cows (n = 1,932) submitted to a DO protocol for first timed artificial insemination (TAI) on 2 commercial dairy farms were blocked by parity (primiparous vs. multiparous) and were randomly assigned to receive 100 µg of GnRH versus 2,500 IU of hCG at G1. Overall, P/AI 39 d after TAI for cows inseminated with sexed dairy semen was greater for cows treated with GnRH than for cows treated with hCG within each parity (primiparous: 42.6% vs. 38.2%; multiparous: 39.4% vs. 30.3%). Similarly, P/AI 39 d after TAI for multiparous cows inseminated with conventional beef semen tended to be greater for cows treated with GnRH than for cows treated with hCG (41.1% vs. 34.3%). In experiment 2, lactating Holstein cows (n = 43) were blocked by parity and were randomly assigned to the treatment protocols described for experiment 1. Ovaries were evaluated with transrectal ultrasonography immediately before treatment and 24, 28, 32, 36, and 40 h after treatment to assess time from treatment to ovulation, and blood samples were collected immediately before G1, at the first PGF2α treatment, 8 and 16 h later, at the second PGF2α treatment, 8 and 16 h later, at the second GnRH (G2) treatment, and at TAI to compare luteolysis based on serum progesterone (P4) concentrations. Although mean (± standard error of the mean) time from treatment to ovulation was approximately 2 h greater for cows treated with hCG than for cows treated with GnRH (33.7 ± 0.6 vs. 31.5 ± 0.6 h), P4 concentrations during luteolysis and the proportion of cows with complete luteolysis (P4 <0.4 ng/mL at G2) did not differ between treatments. We conclude that replacing 100 µg of GnRH with 2,500 IU of hCG at G1 of a DO protocol decreased fertility to TAI in lactating dairy cows but did not affect the rate or completeness of luteolysis despite the increased interval from treatment to ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Cabrera
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706
| | - M R Lauber
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706
| | | | - M S El Azzi
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706
| | - J P N Martins
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706
| | - T R Bilby
- Merck Animal Health, Kenilworth, NJ 07033
| | - P M Fricke
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.
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17
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Hegde M, Joshi MB. Comprehensive analysis of regulation of DNA methyltransferase isoforms in human breast tumors. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:937-971. [PMID: 33604794 PMCID: PMC7954751 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03519-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Significant reprogramming of epigenome is widely described during pathogenesis of breast cancer. Transformation of normal cell to hyperplastic cell and to neoplastic phenotype is associated with aberrant DNA (de)methylation, which, through promoter and enhancer methylation changes, activates oncogenes and silence tumor suppressor genes in variety of tumors including breast. DNA methylation, one of the major epigenetic mechanisms is catalyzed by evolutionarily conserved isoforms namely, DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B in humans. Over the years, studies have demonstrated intricate and complex regulation of DNMT isoforms at transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels. The recent findings of allosteric regulation of DNMT isoforms and regulation by other interacting chromatin modifying proteins emphasizes functional integrity and their contribution for the development of breast cancer and progression. DNMT isoforms are regulated by several intrinsic and extrinsic parameters. In the present review, we have extensively performed bioinformatics analysis of expression of DNMT isoforms along with their transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators such as transcription factors, interacting proteins, hormones, cytokines and dietary elements along with their significance during pathogenesis of breast tumors. Our review manuscript provides a comprehensive understanding of key factors regulating DNMT isoforms in breast tumor pathology and documents unsolved issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mangala Hegde
- Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Planetarium Complex, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Manjunath B Joshi
- Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Planetarium Complex, Manipal, 576104, India.
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18
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Uysal F, Kosebent EG, Toru HS, Ozturk S. Decreased expression of TERT and telomeric proteins as human ovaries age may cause telomere shortening. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:429-441. [PMID: 32856217 PMCID: PMC7884544 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01932-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Telomeres are repetitive sequences localized at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes comprising noncoding DNA and telomere-binding proteins. TRF1 and TRF2 both bind to the double-stranded telomeric DNA to regulate its length throughout the lifespan of eukaryotic cells. POT1 interacts with single-stranded telomeric DNA and contributes to protecting genomic integrity. Previous studies have shown that telomeres gradually shorten as ovaries age, coinciding with fertility loss. However, the molecular background of telomere shortening with ovarian aging is not fully understood. METHODS The present study aimed to determine the spatial and temporal expression levels of the TERT, TRF1, TRF2, and POT1 proteins in different groups of human ovaries: fetal (n = 11), early postnatal (n = 10), premenopausal (n = 12), and postmenopausal (n = 14). Also, the relative telomere signal intensity of each group was measured using the Q-FISH method. RESULTS We found that the telomere signal intensities decreased evenly and significantly from fetal to postmenopausal groups (P < 0.05). The TERT, TRF1, TRF2, and POT1 proteins were localized in the cytoplasmic and nuclear regions of the oocytes, granulosa and stromal cells. Furthermore, the expression levels of these proteins reduced significantly from fetal to postmenopausal groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that decreased TERT and telomere-binding protein expression may underlie the telomere shortening of ovaries with age, which may be associated with female fertility loss. Further investigations are required to elicit the molecular mechanisms regulating the gradual decrease in the expression of TERT and telomere-binding proteins in human oocytes and granulosa cells during ovarian aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Uysal
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Esra Gozde Kosebent
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Havva Serap Toru
- Department of Pathology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey.
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19
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Wiegel RE, Jan Danser AH, Steegers-Theunissen RPM, Laven JSE, Willemsen SP, Baker VL, Steegers EAP, von Versen-Höynck F. Determinants of Maternal Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone-System Activation in Early Pregnancy: Insights From 2 Cohorts. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5898239. [PMID: 32853347 PMCID: PMC7494245 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The corpus luteum (CL) secretes prorenin, renin's inactive precursor. It may thus contribute to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) activation that is required for maternal adaptation in pregnancy. Whether this activation is disturbed in pregnancies lacking a CL is unknown. OBJECTIVE The objective of this work is to investigate maternal RAAS determinants in early pregnancy. DESIGN AND SETTING Two observational prospective cohort studies. TOOK PLACE AT 2 tertiary referral hospitals. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION(S) Pregnancies (n = 277) were stratified by CL number and in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocol: 0 CL (programmed cycle frozen embryo transfer [FET], n = 28), 1 CL (natural cycle FET, n = 41 and spontaneous conceptions, n = 139), and more than 1 CL (ovarian stimulation and fresh embryo transfer, n = 69). METHODS Quantification was performed for maternal prorenin, renin, and aldosterone blood levels at 5, 9, and 11 weeks of gestation. RESULTS Prorenin and renin were lower in the absence of a CL at all time points when compared to 1 CL, whereas prorenin, renin, and aldosterone were higher in the presence of more than 1 CL vs 1 CL (P < .05). Ovarian stimulation with menopausal gonadotropin resulted in higher prorenin, renin, and aldosterone concentrations during the late first trimester than recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (P < .05). Prorenin, and to a lesser degree renin, correlated positively with serum progesterone and relaxin, but not serum estradiol. Total follicle diameter, body mass index (BMI), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and antimüllerian hormone (AMH) were additional determinants of circulating prorenin. Finally, pregnancies conceived in the absence of a CL were more disposed to develop preeclampsia. CONCLUSIONS CL number, IVF protocol, BMI, PCOS, and AMH affect maternal RAAS activation in early pregnancy, and may thus contribute to pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalieke E Wiegel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A H Jan Danser
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Régine P M Steegers-Theunissen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: R.P.M. Steegers-Theunissen, MD, PhD, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Room EE-2271a, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands. E-mail:
| | - Joop S E Laven
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sten P Willemsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Valerie L Baker
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Lutherville, Maryland, USA
| | - Eric A P Steegers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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20
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Lafontaine S, Labrecque R, Palomino JM, Blondin P, Sirard MA. Specific imprinted genes demethylation in association with oocyte donor's age and culture conditions in bovine embryos assessed at day 7 and 12 post insemination. Theriogenology 2020; 158:321-330. [PMID: 33010654 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The production of bovine embryos through in vitro maturation and fertilization is an important tool of the genomic revolution in dairy cattle. Gene expression analysis of these embryos revealed differences according to the culture conditions or oocyte donor's pubertal status compared to in vivo derived embryos. We hypothesized that some of the methylation patterns in oocytes are acquired in the last step of folliculogenesis and could be influenced by the environment created in the follicles containing these oocytes. These altered patterns may not be erased during the first week of embryonic development in culture or may be sensitive to the conditions during that time. To quantify the changes related to culture conditions, an in vivo control group consisting of embryos (Day 12 post fertilization for all groups) obtained from superovulated and artificially inseminated cows was compared to in vitro produced (IVP) embryos cultured with or without Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS). To measure the effect of the oocytes donor's age, we also compared a fourth group consisting of IVP embryos produced with oocytes collected following ovarian stimulation of pre-pubertal animals. Embryonic disk and trophoblast cells were processed separately and the methylation status of ten imprinted genes (H19, MEST, KCNQ1, SNRPN, PEG3, NNAT, GNASXL, IGF2R, PEG10, and PLAGL1) was assessed by pyrosequencing. Next, ten Day 7 blastocysts were produced following the same methodology as for the D12 embryos (four groups) to observe the most interesting genes (KCNQ1, SNRPN, IGF2R and PLAGL1) at an earlier developmental stage. For all samples, we observed overall lower methylation levels and greater variability in the three in vitro groups compared to the in vivo group. The individual embryo analysis indicated that some embryos were deviant from the others and some were not affected. We concluded that IGF2R, SNRPN, and PEG10 were particularly sensitive to culture conditions and the presence of FBS, while KCNQ1 and PLAGL1 were more affected in embryos derived from pre-pubertal donors. This work provides markers at the single imprinted control region (ICR) resolution to assess the culture environment required to minimize epigenetic perturbations in bovine embryos generated by assisted reproduction techniques, thus laying the groundwork for a better comprehension of the complex interplay between in vitro conditions and imprinted genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lafontaine
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animals, Faculté des Sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Rémi Labrecque
- SEMEX Boviteq, 3450 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S, Canada
| | | | - Patrick Blondin
- SEMEX Boviteq, 3450 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S, Canada
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animals, Faculté des Sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
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21
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Lamas S, Franquinho F, Morgado M, Mesquita JR, Gärtner F, Amorim I. C57BL/6J and B6129F1 Embryo Transfer: Unilateral and Bilateral Transfer, Embryo Number and Recipient Female Background Control for the Optimization of Embryo Survival and Litter Size. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10081424. [PMID: 32824021 PMCID: PMC7459990 DOI: 10.3390/ani10081424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Embryo transfer is a common procedure in rodent facilities related to rederivation protocols, recovery of cryopreserved embryos and production of genetically engineered animals. This procedure consists of the transfer of mouse embryos into the oviduct of a pseudopregnant recipient female in order to obtain live pups. The aim of this study is to further characterize the optimal conditions to perform embryo transfer using wild type strains and particularly the bilateral transfer. C57BL/6J and B6129F1 embryos were freshly collected and transferred to recipient females, after overnight culture to a 2-cell stage and tested for different conditions (unilateral and bilateral surgical procedures, variable number of embryos and reciprocity between recipient mother and embryo’s genetic background). The results achieved show that C57BL/6J transfers with a low number of embryos provide higher success rates when using unilateral transfers, but for bilateral transfers a minimum number of embryos seems to be necessary. B6129F1 presented similar results, but bilateral transfers were more effective with low number of embryos. These results allow a better planning of the embryo transfer procedure, considering low number of embryos and the choice of unilateral transfers as the ideal condition for an optimal outcome. This optimization has a positive impact on the 3R’s application: it can help to reduce the number of recipient and donor females and to improve recipient female’s welfare through the use of a less invasive technique. Abstract Embryo transfer (ET) is a common procedure in rodent facilities. Optimizing this technique may help to reduce the number of animals, but little information is available regarding wild type strains and the conditions that affect embryo transfer. To explore this theme, 2-cell C57BL/6J embryos were transferred after overnight culture of freshly collected zygotes using different conditions: unilateral transfers using a total of 6, 8, 12, 15, 20 and 25 embryos were performed initially; then, this strain was also used for bilateral transfers using a total of 6, 12 and 20 embryos equally divided by the two oviducts. Groups of 25 embryos were not tested for the bilateral technique, since this condition produced the lower success rate when using the unilateral technique and 20 embryos would still represent a large number of embryos. A group of 2-cell B6129F1 embryos was also transferred using unilateral and bilateral ET with 6, 12 and 20 embryos. Crl:CD1(ICR) were used as recipient females for non-reciprocal transfers and C57BL/6J were used to test reciprocal transfers (only tested for six C57BL/6J unilateral transfers). Unilateral transfers using C57BL/6J mice produced higher success rates using six embryos, compared to the other groups transferred unilaterally (p-values between 0.0001 and 0.0267), but the mean number of pups per litter was not different among groups. Bilateral transfer produced higher number of pups when 20 embryos were divided by the two oviducts compared to six (p = 0.0012) or 12 (p = 0.0148) embryos, but with no differences in success rates. No statistical differences were found between the groups of B6129F1, but better results were obtained on bilateral transfers using a total of six embryos. For the strain tested (C57BL/6J), the uterine environment (Crl:CD1(ICR) or C57BL/6J recipient) does not impact the outcome of the technique. These results complement previous work published using genetically engineered mice strains and show that unilateral transfers using low number of embryos (6), produce better outcomes when compared to bilateral or unilateral transfers using more embryos. It also highlights differences between the outcome of bilateral transfers in the two strains tested. A set of historical data of genetically engineered mice at a C57BL/6J background was also included, confirming that lower embryo numbers are related to higher success rates. Together, the outcome of these experiments can be important to reduce the number of recipient and donor females, optimize embryo transfers and improve animal welfare discouraging the use of a more invasive technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Lamas
- Animal Facility, i3S/ IBMC, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (F.F.); (M.M.); (F.G.)
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular—IBMC, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Filipa Franquinho
- Animal Facility, i3S/ IBMC, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (F.F.); (M.M.); (F.G.)
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular—IBMC, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marlene Morgado
- Animal Facility, i3S/ IBMC, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (F.F.); (M.M.); (F.G.)
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular—IBMC, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - João R. Mesquita
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Institute of Biomedical Science Abel Salazar—ICBAS, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Fátima Gärtner
- Animal Facility, i3S/ IBMC, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (F.F.); (M.M.); (F.G.)
- Institute of Biomedical Science Abel Salazar—ICBAS, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Glycobiology in Cancer, IPATIMUP, R. Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Irina Amorim
- Institute of Biomedical Science Abel Salazar—ICBAS, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Glycobiology in Cancer, IPATIMUP, R. Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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22
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Huo Y, Yan ZQ, Yuan P, Qin M, Kuo Y, Li R, Yan LY, Feng HL, Qiao J. Single-cell DNA methylation sequencing reveals epigenetic alterations in mouse oocytes superovulated with different dosages of gonadotropins. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:75. [PMID: 32487258 PMCID: PMC7268365 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00866-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic abnormalities caused by superovulation have recently attracted increasing attention. Superovulation with exogenous hormones may prevent oocytes from establishing an appropriate epigenetic state, and this effect may extend to the methylation programming in preimplantation embryos, as de novo DNA methylation is a function of developmental stage of follicles and oocyte size. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) are common gonadotropins used for superovulation, and appropriate concentrations of these gonadotropins might be necessary. However, no systematic study on the effects of DNA methylation alterations in oocytes associated with superovulation with different dosages of FSH/hMG at the single-cell level has yet been reported. In the current study, different dosages of FSH/hMG combined with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were used in female mice to generate experimental groups, while naturally matured oocytes and oocytes superovulated with only hCG were respectively used as controls. Single-cell level DNA methylation sequencing was carried out on all these matured oocytes. RESULTS In this study, we revealed that the genome-wide methylation pattern and CG methylation level of the maternal imprinting control regions of all mature oocytes were globally conserved and stable. However, methylation alterations associated with superovulation were found at a specific set of loci, and the differentially methylated regions (DMRs) mainly occurred in regions other than promoters. Furthermore, some of the annotated genes in the DMRs were involved in biological processes such as glucose metabolism, nervous system development, cell cycle, cell proliferation, and embryo implantation and were altered in all dosages of FSH/hMG group (for example, Gfod2 and SYF2). Other genes were impaired only after high gonadotropin dosages (for instance, Sox17 and Phactr4). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the current study addressed the effects of superovulation on DNA methylation from the perspective of different dosages of gonadotropins at the single-cell level. We found that the genome-wide DNA methylation landscape was globally preserved irrespective of superovulation or of the kind and dosage of gonadotropins used, whereas the methylation alterations associated with superovulation occurred at a specific set of loci. These observed effects reflect that superovulation recruits oocytes that would not normally be ovulated or that have not undergone complete epigenetic maturation. Our results provide an important reference for the safety assessment of superovulation with different dosages of gonadotropins. However, it should be noted that this study has some limitations, as the sample number and library coverage of analyzed oocytes were relatively low. Future studies with larger sample sizes and high-coverage libraries that examine the effects of superovulation on embryo development and offspring health as well as the underlying mechanisms are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Huo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, No. 38 XueYuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhi Qiang Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Peng Yuan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Meng Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ying Kuo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,National Clinical Research Center of Obstetrics and Gynecology, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Li Ying Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,National Clinical Research Center of Obstetrics and Gynecology, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Huai Liang Feng
- The New York Fertility Center, New York Hospital Queens, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, No. 38 XueYuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China. .,National Clinical Research Center of Obstetrics and Gynecology, No. 49 North HuaYuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
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23
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Karakida S, Ezoe K, Fukuda J, Yabuuchi A, Kobayashi T, Kato K. Effects of gonadotropin administration on clinical outcomes in clomiphene citrate-based minimal stimulation cycle IVF. Reprod Med Biol 2020; 19:128-134. [PMID: 32273817 PMCID: PMC7138936 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Exogenous gonadotropins (EGn) have been used occasionally in clomiphene citrate (CC)-based minimal stimulation cycles to compensate insufficient secretion of endogenous gonadotropin; however, the effectiveness of EGn supplementation remains unknown. In the present study, we assessed whether EGn improved pregnancy outcomes in CC-based minimal stimulation cycles. METHODS A total of 223 patients treated with CC and EGn (CC-EGn group) were matched one to one to patients treated with CC only (CC group) by propensity score matching. Embryonic and pregnancy outcomes were retrospectively compared between the groups. RESULTS The numbers of retrieved oocytes, fertilized oocytes, cleaved embryos, and cryopreserved blastocysts were increased in the CC-EGn group compared with the CC group. However, the cumulative live birthrate was comparable between the two groups. Although the increased number of retrieved oocytes was correlated significantly with improvement of the cumulative live birthrate in both groups, the correlation tended to be lower in the CC-EGn group than in the CC group (odds ratio, 1.193 vs 1.553). CONCLUSIONS In CC-based minimal stimulation cycles, the stimulation should be started with CC only, and EGn administration should be scheduled only if insufficient secretion of endogenous gonadotropin is observed in the late follicular phase.
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24
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Li Q, Cai M, Wang J, Gao Q, Guo X, Jia X, Xu S, Zhu H. Decreased ovarian function and autophagy gene methylation in aging rats. J Ovarian Res 2020; 13:12. [PMID: 32014030 PMCID: PMC6998822 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-020-0615-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Degeneration of ovarian function is an obvious feature of female aging. In addition, studies have shown that autophagy decreases with age, and DNA methylation is a hallmark epigenetic pattern during aging. However, it is not clear whether the expression and DNA methylation of autophagy genes are involved in the declines in ovarian function that occur during aging. Results Three groups of rats were used: 6-month-old (6 M) rats, 12-month-old (12 M) rats and 24-month-old (24 M) rats. Serum E2 levels and the mRNA and protein expression levels of Atg5, Atg12, Atg16L, Beclin1 and Lc3B were significantly decreased in aged rats. In addition, the methylation levels of the Atg5 gene were significantly increased in aged rats. The expression of the Dnmt1 and Dnmt2 genes decreased with aging; however, the expression of the Dnmt3A and Dnmt3B genes gradually increased with aging. Conclusions Decreased autophagic activity was involved in the declines in ovarian function in aging rats. Upregulation of the DNA methyltransferases Dnmt3A and Dnmt3B may have led to methylation of the autophagy genes Atg5 and Lc3B to ultimately cause the observed decreases in autophagic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyuan Li
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Minghui Cai
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Xiaocheng Guo
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Xiaotong Jia
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Shanshan Xu
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China.
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Lin E, Li Z, Huang Y, Ru G, He P. High Dosages of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin Exert Adverse Effects on the Developmental Competence of IVF-Derived Mouse Embryos and Cause Oxidative Stress-Induced Aneuploidy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:609290. [PMID: 33634101 PMCID: PMC7900142 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.609290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropins play vital roles in the regulation of female reproductive ability and fertility. Our study aimed to determine the effects of superovulation induced by increasing doses of equine chorionic gonadotropin [eCG; also referred to as pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG)] on the developmental competence of mouse embryos and on aneuploidy formation during in vitro fertilization (IVF). eCG dose-dependently enhanced the oocyte yield from each mouse. Administration of 15 IU eCG significantly reduced the fertilization rate and the formation of four-cell embryos and blastocysts and increased the risk of chromosome aneuploidy. The IVF-derived blastocysts in the 15 IU eCG treatment group had the fewest total cells, inner cell mass (ICM) cells and trophectoderm (TE) cells. Moreover, more blastocysts and fewer apoptotic cells were observed in the 0, 5, and 10 IU eCG treatment groups than in the 15 IU eCG treatment group. We also investigated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and variations in several variables: mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP); active mitochondria; mitochondrial superoxide production; adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content; spindle structures; chromosome karyotypes; microfilament distribution; and the expression of Aurora B [an important component of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC)], the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) protein mitotic arrest deficient 2 like 1 (MAD2L1), and the DNA damage response (DDR) protein γH2AX. Injection of 15 IU eCG increased ROS levels, rapidly reduced MMP, increased active mitochondria numbers and mitochondrial superoxide production, reduced ATP content, increased abnormal spindle formation rates, and induced abnormalities in chromosome number and microfilament distribution, suggesting that a high dose of eCG might alter developmental competence and exert negative effects on IVF-obtained mouse embryos. Additionally, the appearance of γH2AX and the significantly increased expression of Aurora B and MAD2L1 suggested that administration of relatively high doses of eCG caused Aurora B-mediated SAC activation triggered by ROS-induced DNA damage in early mouse IVF-derived embryos for self-correction of aneuploidy formation. These findings improve our understanding of the application of gonadotropins and provide a theoretical basis for gonadotropin treatment.
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Abstract
The first crucial step in the developmental program occurs during pre-implantation, the time after the oocyte has been fertilized and before the embryo implants in the uterus. This period represents a vulnerable window as the epigenome undergoes dynamic changes in DNA methylation profiles. Alterations in the early embryonic reprogramming wave can impair DNA methylation patterns and induce permanent changes to the developmental program, leading to the onset of adverse health outcomes in offspring. Although there is an increasing body of evidence indicating that harmful exposures during pre-implantation embryo development can trigger lasting epigenetic alterations in offspring, the mechanisms are still not fully understood. Since physiological or pathological changes in DNA methylation can occur as a response to environmental cues, proper environmental milieu plays a critical role in the success of embryonic development. In this review, we depict the mechanisms behind the embryonic epigenetic reprogramming of DNA methylation and highlight how maternal environmental stressors (e.g., alcohol, heat stress, nutrient availability) during pre-implantation and assisted reproductive technology procedures affect development and DNA methylation marks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Breton-Larrivée
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Research Center of the CHU Sainte-Justine. Montreal, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Elder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Research Center of the CHU Sainte-Justine. Montreal, Canada
| | - Serge McGraw
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Research Center of the CHU Sainte-Justine. Montreal, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Research Center of the CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Canada
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27
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Franchi FF, Satrapa RA, Fontes PK, Santos PH, Razza EM, Emanuelli IP, Ereno RL, Mareco EA, Nogueira MFG, Barros CM, de Souza Castilho AC. Equine chorionic gonadotropin drives the transcriptional profile of immature cumulus-oocyte complexes and in vitro-produced blastocysts of superstimulated Nelore cows. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1639-1651. [PMID: 31389116 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Studies have shown that the use of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), which binds both follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors, could modify the female reproductive tract. We, thus, aimed to quantify the messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance of genes related to cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and embryo quality in Nelore cows (Bos taurus indicus) submitted to ovarian superstimulation using only FSH (FSH group; n = 10) or replacement of the last two doses of FSH by eCG (FSH/eCG group; n = 10). All animals were slaughtered and the ovarian antral follicles from both groups (10-14 mm in diameter) were aspirated for cumulus, oocyte and in vitro embryo production gene expression analysis. The relative mRNA abundance of 96 genes related to COCs development and embryo quality was measured by RT-qPCR. We found that oocytes are more affected by eCG use and that 35 genes involved in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, transcriptional control, and cellular development were upregulated in the FSH/eCG group. In blastocysts, lipid metabolism seems to be the main pathway regulated by eCG use. We suggest that these multiple effects could be due to the ability of eCG to bind LHR and FSHR, which could activate multiple signal transduction pathways in the superstimulated ovary, further impacting the transcriptional profile of COCs and blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Fagali Franchi
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Augusto Satrapa
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Kubo Fontes
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila Helena Santos
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Montanari Razza
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabele Picada Emanuelli
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Luiz Ereno
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ciro Moraes Barros
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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Epigenetic changes in mammalian gametes throughout their lifetime: the four seasons metaphor. Chromosoma 2019; 128:423-441. [DOI: 10.1007/s00412-019-00704-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Ramos-Ibeas P, Heras S, Gómez-Redondo I, Planells B, Fernández-González R, Pericuesta E, Laguna-Barraza R, Pérez-Cerezales S, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Embryo responses to stress induced by assisted reproductive technologies. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1292-1306. [PMID: 30719806 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has led to the birth of millions of babies. In cattle, thousands of embryos are produced annually. However, since the introduction and widespread use of ART, negative effects on embryos and offspring are starting to emerge. Knowledge so far, mostly provided by animal models, indicates that suboptimal conditions during ART can affect embryo viability and quality, and may induce embryonic stress responses. These stress responses take the form of severe gene expression alterations or modifications in critical epigenetic marks established during early developmental stages that can persist after birth. Unfortunately, while developmental plasticity allows the embryo to survive these stressful conditions, such insult may lead to adult health problems and to long-term effects on offspring that could be transmitted to subsequent generations. In this review, we describe how in mice, livestock, and humans, besides affecting the development of the embryo itself, ART stressors may also have significant repercussions on offspring health and physiology. Finally, we argue the case that better control of stressors during ART will help improve embryo quality and offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Ramos-Ibeas
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Heras
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Gómez-Redondo
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Benjamín Planells
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Fernández-González
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Pericuesta
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Laguna-Barraza
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Serafín Pérez-Cerezales
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
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Uysal F, Ozturk S. Embryonic poly(A)‐binding protein is differently expressed and interacts with the messenger RNAs in the mouse oocytes and early embryos. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:4694-4709. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Uysal
- Department of Histology and Embryology Akdeniz University School of Medicine Antalya Turkey
- Department of Histology and Embryology Ankara University School of Medicine Ankara Turkey
| | - Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology Akdeniz University School of Medicine Antalya Turkey
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