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Wei Y, Wang J, Qu R, Zhang W, Tan Y, Sha Y, Li L, Yin T. Genetic mechanisms of fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest: a comprehensive review. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:48-80. [PMID: 37758324 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility and pregnancy loss are longstanding problems. Successful fertilization and high-quality embryos are prerequisites for an ongoing pregnancy. Studies have proven that every stage in the human reproductive process is regulated by multiple genes and any problem, at any step, may lead to fertilization failure (FF) or early embryonic arrest (EEA). Doctors can diagnose the pathogenic factors involved in FF and EEA by using genetic methods. With the progress in the development of new genetic technologies, such as single-cell RNA analysis and whole-exome sequencing, a new approach has opened up for us to directly study human germ cells and reproductive development. These findings will help us to identify the unique mechanism(s) that leads to FF and EEA in order to find potential treatments. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The goal of this review is to compile current genetic knowledge related to FF and EEA, clarifying the mechanisms involved and providing clues for clinical diagnosis and treatment. SEARCH METHODS PubMed was used to search for relevant research articles and reviews, primarily focusing on English-language publications from January 1978 to June 2023. The search terms included fertilization failure, early embryonic arrest, genetic, epigenetic, whole-exome sequencing, DNA methylation, chromosome, non-coding RNA, and other related keywords. Additional studies were identified by searching reference lists. This review primarily focuses on research conducted in humans. However, it also incorporates relevant data from animal models when applicable. The results were presented descriptively, and individual study quality was not assessed. OUTCOMES A total of 233 relevant articles were included in the final review, from 3925 records identified initially. The review provides an overview of genetic factors and mechanisms involved in the human reproductive process. The genetic mutations and other genetic mechanisms of FF and EEA were systematically reviewed, for example, globozoospermia, oocyte activation failure, maternal effect gene mutations, zygotic genome activation abnormalities, chromosome abnormalities, and epigenetic abnormalities. Additionally, the review summarizes progress in treatments for different gene defects, offering new insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The information provided in this review will facilitate the development of more accurate molecular screening tools for diagnosing infertility using genetic markers and networks in human reproductive development. The findings will also help guide clinical practice by identifying appropriate interventions based on specific gene mutations. For example, when an individual has obvious gene mutations related to FF, ICSI is recommended instead of IVF. However, in the case of genetic defects such as phospholipase C zeta1 (PLCZ1), actin-like7A (ACTL7A), actin-like 9 (ACTL9), and IQ motif-containing N (IQCN), ICSI may also fail to fertilize. We can consider artificial oocyte activation technology with ICSI to improve fertilization rate and reduce monetary and time costs. In the future, fertility is expected to be improved or restored by interfering with or supplementing the relevant genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiu Wei
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingxuan Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Qu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiqian Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiling Tan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lin Li
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Guo H, Wu H, Yan Z, Yin M, Wu L, Li B. Novel WEE2 homozygous mutations c.1346C>T and c.949A>T identified in primary infertile women due to unexplained fertilization failure. Clin Genet 2023; 104:700-704. [PMID: 37772619 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of unexplained fertilization failure can have profound psychological and financial consequences for couples struggling with infertility, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. Increasing evidence highlights genetic basis of unexplained fertilization failure occurrence. Here, we identified one novel homozygous nonsense mutation (c.949A>T), one novel homozygous missense mutation (c.1346C>T), and three reported homozygous mutations (c.585G>C, c.1006_1007insTA, c.1221G>A) in six unrelated probands, showing similar manifestations of unexplained fertilization failure. This finding expands the spectrum of WEE2 mutations, highlighting the critical role of WEE2 in fertilization process, and provides a basis for the prognostic value of testing for WEE2 mutations in primary infertile couples with unexplained fertilization failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Guo
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibo Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Yan
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingru Yin
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Kim HM, Kang MK, Seong SY, Jo JH, Kim MJ, Shin EK, Lee CG, Han SJ. Meiotic Cell Cycle Progression in Mouse Oocytes: Role of Cyclins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13659. [PMID: 37686466 PMCID: PMC10487953 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713659] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
All eukaryotic cells, including oocytes, utilize an engine called cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) to drive the cell cycle. Cdks are activated by a co-factor called cyclin, which regulates their activity. The key Cdk-cyclin complex that regulates the oocyte cell cycle is known as Cdk1-cyclin B1. Recent studies have elucidated the roles of other cyclins, such as B2, B3, A2, and O, in oocyte cell cycle regulation. This review aims to discuss the recently discovered roles of various cyclins in mouse oocyte cell cycle regulation in accordance with the sequential progression of the cell cycle. In addition, this review addresses the translation and degradation of cyclins to modulate the activity of Cdks. Overall, the literature indicates that each cyclin performs unique and redundant functions at various stages of the cell cycle, while their expression and degradation are tightly regulated. Taken together, this review provides new insights into the regulatory role and function of cyclins in oocyte cell cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Min Kim
- Department of Biological Science, Inje University, Gimhae 50834, Republic of Korea; (H.M.K.); (E.K.S.)
- Department of Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Busan 46033, Republic of Korea; (M.K.K.); (C.G.L.)
| | - Min Kook Kang
- Department of Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Busan 46033, Republic of Korea; (M.K.K.); (C.G.L.)
| | - Se Yoon Seong
- Institute for Digital Antiaging Healthcare, Inje University, Gimhae 50834, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.S.); (J.H.J.); (M.J.K.)
| | - Jun Hyeon Jo
- Institute for Digital Antiaging Healthcare, Inje University, Gimhae 50834, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.S.); (J.H.J.); (M.J.K.)
| | - Min Ju Kim
- Institute for Digital Antiaging Healthcare, Inje University, Gimhae 50834, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.S.); (J.H.J.); (M.J.K.)
| | - Eun Kyeong Shin
- Department of Biological Science, Inje University, Gimhae 50834, Republic of Korea; (H.M.K.); (E.K.S.)
- Department of Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Busan 46033, Republic of Korea; (M.K.K.); (C.G.L.)
| | - Chang Geun Lee
- Department of Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Busan 46033, Republic of Korea; (M.K.K.); (C.G.L.)
| | - Seung Jin Han
- Department of Biological Science, Inje University, Gimhae 50834, Republic of Korea; (H.M.K.); (E.K.S.)
- Institute for Digital Antiaging Healthcare, Inje University, Gimhae 50834, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.S.); (J.H.J.); (M.J.K.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Inje University, Gimhae 50834, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Basic Science, Inje University, Gimhae 50834, Republic of Korea
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Zhang X, Hu C, Wu L. Advances in the study of genetic factors and clinical interventions for fertilization failure. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023:10.1007/s10815-023-02810-2. [PMID: 37289376 PMCID: PMC10371943 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02810-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization failure refers to the failure in the pronucleus formation, evaluating 16-18 h post in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. It can be caused by sperm, oocytes, and sperm-oocyte interaction and lead to great financial and physical stress to the patients. Recent advancements in genetics, molecular biology, and clinical-assisted reproductive technology have greatly enhanced research into the causes and treatment of fertilization failure. Here, we review the causes that have been reported to lead to fertilization failure in fertilization processes, including the sperm acrosome reaction, penetration of the cumulus and zona pellucida, recognition and fusion of the sperm and oocyte membranes, oocyte activation, and pronucleus formation. Additionally, we summarize the progress of corresponding treatment methods of fertilization failure. This review will provide the latest research advances in the genetic aspects of fertilization failure and will benefit both researchers and clinical practitioners in reproduction and genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjun Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Congyuan Hu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
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Xu M, Wu W, Zhao M, Chung JPW, Li TC, Chan DYL. Common dysmorphic oocytes and embryos in assisted reproductive technology laboratory in association with gene alternations. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 152:106298. [PMID: 36122887 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Amorphic or defected oocytes and embryos are commonly observed in assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories. It is believed that a proper gene expression at each stage of embryo development contributes to the possibility of a decent-quality embryo leading to successful implantation. Many studies reported that several defects in embryo morphology are associated with gene expressions during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. There is lacking literature review on summarizing common morphological defects about gene alternations. In this review, we summarized the current literature. We selected 64 genes that have been reported to be involved in embryo morphological abnormalities in animals and humans, 30 of which were identified in humans and might be the causes of embryonic changes. Five papers focusing on associations of multiple gene expressions and embryo abnormalities using RNA transcriptomes were also included during the search. We have also reviewed our time-lapse image database with over 3000 oocytes/embryos to show morphological defects possibly related to gene alternations reported previously in the literature. This holistic review can better understand the associations between gene alternations and morphological changes. It is also beneficial to select important biomarkers with strong evidence in IVF practice and reveal their potential application in embryo selection. Also, identifying genes may help patients with genetic disorders avoid unnecessary treatments by providing preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic/single gene defects (PGT-M), reduce embryo replacements by less potential, and help scientists develop new methods for oocyte/embryo research in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murong Xu
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Waner Wu
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mingpeng Zhao
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jacqueline Pui Wah Chung
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tin Chiu Li
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - David Yiu Leung Chan
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Solovova OA, Chernykh VB. Genetics of Oocyte Maturation Defects and Early Embryo Development Arrest. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1920. [PMID: 36360157 PMCID: PMC9689903 DOI: 10.3390/genes13111920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Various pathogenic factors can lead to oogenesis failure and seriously affect both female reproductive health and fertility. Genetic factors play an important role in folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation but still need to be clarified. Oocyte maturation is a well-organized complex process, regulated by a large number of genes. Pathogenic variants in these genes as well as aneuploidy, defects in mitochondrial genome, and other genetic and epigenetic factors can result in unexplained infertility, early pregnancy loss, and recurrent failures of IVF/ICSI programs due to poor ovarian response to stimulation, oocyte maturation arrest, poor gamete quality, fertilization failure, or early embryonic developmental arrest. In this paper, we review the main genes, as well as provide a description of the defects in the mitochondrial genome, associated with female infertility.
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Weiner HS, Ulrich ND, Hipp L, Hammoud A, Xu M, Schon SB. Total fertilization failure with in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection related to WEE2 mutation highlights emerging importance of genetic causes of in vitro fertilization failure. F S Rep 2022; 3:355-360. [PMID: 36568932 PMCID: PMC9783144 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2022.08.007] [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: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To report a unique case of total fertilization failure (TFF) after in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection related to homozygous WEE2 gene mutation and summarize the current literature and management of TFF. Design Case report. Setting Academic fertility center. Patients A 25-year-old woman and her 35-year-old partner with a history of near-complete fertilization failure after 2 cycles of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Interventions Consultation with medical and commercial genetic testing for WEE2, PLCZ1, and TLE6. Main Outcome Measures Oocyte fertilization. Results The patient was homozygous for WEE2 pathogenic variant impacting oocyte activation and resulting in infertility. Conclusions In the setting of TFF, early consideration should be given to genetic testing to assist couples in clinical decision-making and help limit the financial and emotional burden associated with unsuccessful fertility intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole D. Ulrich
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan,Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine
| | - Lauren Hipp
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Ahmad Hammoud
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oakland William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, Michigan,IVF Michigan Fertility Centers, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
| | - Min Xu
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan,Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine
| | - Samantha B. Schon
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan,Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine,Reprint requests: Samantha B. Schon, M.D., Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine University of Michigan Medical School, Michigan Medicine, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 4109.
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Human germline nuclear transfer to overcome mitochondrial disease and failed fertilization after ICSI. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:609-618. [PMID: 35064435 PMCID: PMC8995215 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02401-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Providing additional insights on the efficacy of human nuclear transfer (NT). Here, and earlier, NT has been applied to minimize transmission risk of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diseases. NT has also been proposed for treating infertility, but it is still unclear which infertility indications would benefit. In this work, we therefore additionally assess the applicability of NT to overcome failed fertilization. METHODS Patient 1 carries a homoplasmic mtDNA mutation (m.11778G > A). Seventeen metaphase II (MII) oocytes underwent pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), while five MII oocytes were used for spindle transfer (ST), and one in vitro matured (IVM) metaphase I oocyte underwent early pronuclear transfer (ePNT). Patients 2-3 experienced multiple failed intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and ICSI-assisted oocyte activation (AOA) cycles. For these patients, the obtained MII oocytes underwent an additional ICSI-AOA cycle, while the IVM oocytes were subjected to ST. RESULTS For patient 1, PGT-M confirmed mutation loads close to 100%. All ST-reconstructed oocytes fertilized and cleaved, of which one progressed to the blastocyst stage. The reconstructed ePNT-zygote reached the morula stage. These samples showed an average mtDNA carry-over rate of 2.9% ± 0.8%, confirming the feasibility of NT to reduce mtDNA transmission. For patient 2-3 displaying fertilization failure, ST resulted in, respectively, 4/5 and 6/6 fertilized oocytes, providing evidence, for the first time, that NT can enable successful fertilization in this patient population. CONCLUSION Our study showcases the repertoire of disorders for which NT can be beneficial, to overcome either mitochondrial disease transmission or failed fertilization after ICSI-AOA.
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Picchetta L, Caroselli S, Figliuzzi M, Cogo F, Zambon P, Costa M, Pergher I, Patassini C, Cortellessa F, Zuccarello D, Poli M, Capalbo A. Molecular tools for the genomic assessment of oocyte’s reproductive competence. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:847-860. [PMID: 35124783 PMCID: PMC9050973 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02411-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The most important factor associated with oocytes' developmental competence has been widely identified as the presence of chromosomal abnormalities. However, growing application of genome-wide sequencing (GS) in population diagnostics has enabled the identification of multifactorial genetic predispositions to sub-lethal pathologies, including those affecting IVF outcomes and reproductive fitness. Indeed, GS analysis in families with history of isolated infertility has recently led to the discovery of new genes and variants involved in specific human infertility endophenotypes that impact the availability and the functionality of female gametes by altering unique mechanisms necessary for oocyte maturation and early embryo development. Ongoing advancements in analytical and bioinformatic pipelines for the study of the genetic determinants of oocyte competence may provide the biological evidence required not only for improving the diagnosis of isolated female infertility but also for the development of novel preventive and therapeutic approaches for reproductive failure. Here, we provide an updated discussion and review of the progresses made in preconception genomic medicine in the identification of genetic factors associated with oocyte availability, function, and competence.
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Kashir J, Ganesh D, Jones C, Coward K. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2022:hoac003. [PMID: 35261925 PMCID: PMC8894871 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oocyte activation deficiency (OAD) is attributed to the majority of cases underlying failure of ICSI cycles, the standard treatment for male factor infertility. Oocyte activation encompasses a series of concerted events, triggered by sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ), which elicits increases in free cytoplasmic calcium (Ca2+) in spatially and temporally specific oscillations. Defects in this specific pattern of Ca2+ release are directly attributable to most cases of OAD. Ca2+ release can be clinically mediated via assisted oocyte activation (AOA), a combination of mechanical, electrical and/or chemical stimuli which artificially promote an increase in the levels of intra-cytoplasmic Ca2+. However, concerns regarding safety and efficacy underlie potential risks that must be addressed before such methods can be safely widely used. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Recent advances in current AOA techniques warrant a review of the safety and efficacy of these practices, to determine the extent to which AOA may be implemented in the clinic. Importantly, the primary challenges to obtaining data on the safety and efficacy of AOA must be determined. Such questions require urgent attention before widespread clinical utilization of such protocols can be advocated. SEARCH METHODS A literature review was performed using databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, etc. using AOA, OAD, calcium ionophores, ICSI, PLCζ, oocyte activation, failed fertilization and fertilization failure as keywords. Relevant articles published until June 2019 were analysed and included in the review, with an emphasis on studies assessing large-scale efficacy and safety. OUTCOMES Contradictory studies on the safety and efficacy of AOA do not yet allow for the establishment of AOA as standard practice in the clinic. Heterogeneity in study methodology, inconsistent sample inclusion criteria, non-standardized outcome assessments, restricted sample size and animal model limitations render AOA strictly experimental. The main scientific concern impeding AOA utilization in the clinic is the non-physiological method of Ca2+ release mediated by most AOA agents, coupled with a lack of holistic understanding regarding the physiological mechanism(s) underlying Ca2+ release at oocyte activation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The number of studies with clinical relevance using AOA remains significantly low. A much wider range of studies examining outcomes using multiple AOA agents are required. WIDER IMPLICATIONS In addition to addressing the five main challenges of studies assessing AOA safety and efficacy, more standardized, large-scale, multi-centre studies of AOA, as well as long-term follow-up studies of children born from AOA, would provide evidence for establishing AOA as a treatment for infertility. The delivery of an activating agent that can more accurately recapitulate physiological fertilization, such as recombinant PLCζ, is a promising prospect for the future of AOA. Further to PLCζ, many other avenues of physiological oocyte activation also require urgent investigation to assess other potential physiological avenues of AOA. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS D.G. was supported by Stanford University’s Bing Overseas Study Program. J.K. was supported by a Healthcare Research Fellowship Award (HF-14-16) made by Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW), alongside a National Science, Technology, and Innovation plan (NSTIP) project grant (15-MED4186-20) awarded by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Correspondence address. Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OS3 9DU, UK. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3577-4041
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11
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Xue Y, Cheng X, Xiong Y, Li K. Gene mutations associated with fertilization failure after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1086883. [PMID: 36589837 PMCID: PMC9800785 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1086883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization failure during assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is often unpredictable, as this failure is encountered only after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have been performed. The etiology of fertilization failure remains elusive. More and more mutations of genes are found to be involved in human fertilization failure in infertile patients as high throughput sequencing techniques are becoming widely applied. In this review, the mutations of nine important genes expressed in sperm or oocytes, PLCZ1, ACTL7A, ACTL9, DNAH17, WEE2, TUBB8, NLRP5, ZP2, and TLE6, were summarized and discussed. These abnormalities mainly have shown Mendelian patterns of inheritance, including dominant and recessive inheritance, although de novo mutations were present in some cases. The review revealed the crucial roles of each reported gene in the fertilization process and summarized all known mutations and their corresponding phenotypes. The review suggested the mutations might become promising targets for precision treatments in reproductive medicine. Moreover, our work will provide some helpful clues for genetic counseling, risk prediction, and optimizing clinical treatments for human infertility by supplying the useful and timely information on the genetic causes leading to fertilization failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Xue
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Cheng
- Institute for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuping Xiong
- Institute for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kun Li
- Institute for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal’s & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Kun Li,
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Wang A, Huang S, Liu M, Wang B, Wu F, Zhu D, Zhao X. Clinical exome sequencing identifies novel compound heterozygous mutations of the WEE2 gene in primary infertile women with fertilization failure. Gynecol Endocrinol 2021; 37:1096-1101. [PMID: 33904356 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2021.1916458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The genetic basis of fertilization failure after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is largely unknown and the aim of this study is to investigate the genetic causes of fertilization failure in primary infertile women. METHODS Six affected women diagnosed with infertility and fertilization failure were recruited. The genetically pathogenic factor of their fertilization failures were investigated by clinical exome sequencing. One hundred healthy controls were verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS Novel compound heterozygous mutations c.625G > T and c.759-2A > G of WEE2 in one affected individual were revealed by clinical exome sequencing. Trios analysis of the mutations represented an autosomal recessive pattern. The nonsense mutation c.625G > T (p.Glu209*) indicated the truncation of the WEE2 protein and c.759-2A > G was predicted to affect the splicing. CONCLUSIONS The novel variants extend the spectrum of WEE2 mutations, which promotes the prognostic value of testing for WEE2 mutations in infertile women with fertilization failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ancong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, PR China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, PR China
| | - Shan Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Linyi Hospital of traditional Chinese Medicine, Linyi, PR China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, PR China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, PR China
| | - Baosong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, PR China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, PR China
| | - Fengxia Wu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Dongyi Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, PR China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, PR China
| | - Xiangyu Zhao
- Department of Medical Genetics, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, PR China
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Wang J, Zhang J, Sun X, Lin Y, Cai L, Cui Y, Liu J, Liu M, Yang X. Novel bi-allelic variants in ACTL7A are associated with male infertility and total fertilization failure. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:3161-3169. [PMID: 34727571 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the genetic causes of total fertilization failure (TFF) in a proband suffering from male infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER Novel compound heterozygous variants (c.[463C>T];[1084G>A], p.[(Arg155Ter)];[(Gly362Arg)]) in actin-like protein 7A (ACTL7A) were identified as a causative genetic factor for human TFF. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY ACTL7A, an actin-related protein, is essential for spermatogenesis. ACTL7A variants have been reported to cause early embryonic arrest in humans but have not been studied in human TFF. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We recruited a non-consanguineous family whose son was affected by infertility characterized by TFF after ICSI. Whole-exome sequencing was used to identify the potential pathogenic variants. Artificial oocyte activation (AOA) after ICSI was performed to overcome TFF and any resulting pregnancy was followed up. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Sanger sequencing was performed to validate the variants. Pathogenicity of the identified variants was predicted by in silico tools. The ultrastructure of spermatozoa was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were used to investigate the mechanism of the variants on the affected spermatozoa. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Novel compound heterozygous variants in ACTL7A (c.[463C>T];[1084G>A], p.[(Arg155Ter)];[(Gly362Arg)]) were identified in a family with TFF after ICSI. In silico analysis predicted that the variants lead to a disease-causing protein. TEM showed that the ACTL7A variants caused ultrastructural defects in the acrosome and perinuclear theca. Protein expression of ACTL7A and phospholipase C zeta, a key sperm-borne oocyte activation factor, was significantly reduced in the affected sperm compared to healthy controls, suggesting that the ACLT7A variants lead to an oocyte activation deficiency and TFF. AOA by calcium ionophore (A23187) after ICSI successfully rescued the TFF and achieved a live birth for the patient with ACTL7A variants. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Given the rarity of sperm-associated TFF, only one family with an only child carrying the ACTL7A variants was found. In addition, the TFF phenotype was not assessed in two or more ICSI cycles, due to the intervention in ICSI with AOA after one failed ICSI cycle. Further studies should validate the ACTL7A variants and its effect on male infertility in larger independent cohorts. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS : Our findings revealed a critical role of ACTL7A in male fertility and identified bi-allelic variants in ACTL7A associated with human TFF, which expands the genetic spectrum of TFF and supports the genetic diagnosis of TFF patients. We also rescued TFF by AOA and obtained a healthy live birth, which provides a potentially effective intervention for patients with ACTL7A pathogenic variants. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81971374 and 81401267). No conflicts of interest were declared. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jintao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xueping Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuting Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingbo Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yugui Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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14
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Fang J, Gao G, Liu J, Cai L, Cui Y, Yang X. A novel mutation of AMHR2 in two brothers with persistent Müllerian duct syndrome and their intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2021; 9:e1801. [PMID: 34480531 PMCID: PMC8580084 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is defined as the presence of Müllerian duct derivatives in an otherwise normally virilized 46, XY male. It is usually caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in either the anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) or AMH receptor type 2 (AMHR2) genes. The main purpose of the study is to determine the novel mutations of AMHR2 in PMDS patients and their intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes (ICSI). Methods Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was carried out. Sanger sequencing was used to detect mutations in AMHR2. The pathogenicity of the identified variant and its possible effects on the protein were evaluated with in silico tools. The expression level of AMHR2 was determined by Western blotting. The spermatogenic function was evaluated by testicular sperm aspiration and histopathologic examination. The ICSI outcomes were recorded. Results We present two brothers with a history of bilateral cryptorchidism with orchidopexy and infertility due to azoospermia. A novel compound heterozygous mutation of c.1219C>T [p.R407X] and c.1387C>T [p.R463C] in exons 9 and 10 of AMHR2 (NM_020547.2) was detected by whole‐exome sequencing (WES). Spermatozoon could be retrieved from the two patients by testicular aspiration following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) due to azoospermia. Finally, patient 1 had two healthy boys and patient 2 failed to conceive after three ICSI attempts. Conclusion The spermatozoa could obtain from PMDS patients due to azoospermia. For patients with bilateral cryptorchidism, PMDS should be included in the differential diagnosis and that genetic counseling needs to be considered when they seek reproductive help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzheng Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Gao Gao
- The Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinyong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingbo Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yugui Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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15
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Jin J, Tong X, Zhang YL, Yang W, Ma Y, Ren P, Zhou F, Zhang S. Novel WEE2 compound heterozygous mutations identified in patients with fertilization failure or poor fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2861-2869. [PMID: 34476630 PMCID: PMC8608989 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02285-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To study associations between novel WEE2 mutations and patients with fertilization failure or poor fertilization. Methods Thirty-one Chinese patients who underwent treatment with assisted reproductive technology and suffered from repeated (at least two times) total fertilization failure (TFF) or a low fertilization rate were enrolled. Genomic DNA was extracted from patients for whole-exome sequencing. Suspicious mutations were validated by Sanger sequencing. WEE2 protein levels in oocytes from affected patients were examined by immunofluorescence. Disruptive effects of mutations on WEE2 protein stability, subcellular localization, and kinase function were analyzed through western blotting, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry in HeLa cells. Results Three of thirty-one (9.6%) enrolled patients had six compound heterozygous mutations of the WEE2 gene, and three of them were reported here for the first time (c.115_116insT, c.756_758delTGA, and c.C1459T). Oocytes from affected patients showed decreased WEE2 immunofluorescence signals. In vitro experiments showed that the mutant WEE2 gene caused reduced WEE2 protein levels or cellular compartment translocation in HeLa cells, leading to decreased levels of the phosphorylated Cdc2 protein. Compared with the wild-type WEE2 protein, the mutant WEE2 proteins were also found to have different effects on the cell cycle. Conclusion Three novel compound heterozygous WEE2 variants were found in patients with pronucleus formation failure. This study provides new evidence that WEE2 mutations result in loss of function, which could result in fertilization failure. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10815-021-02285-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Jin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Xiaomei Tong
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Yin-Li Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Weijie Yang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Yerong Ma
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Peipei Ren
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
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16
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Tyc KM, El Yakoubi W, Bag A, Landis J, Zhan Y, Treff NR, Scott RT, Tao X, Schindler K, Xing J. Exome sequencing links CEP120 mutation to maternally derived aneuploid conception risk. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:2134-2148. [PMID: 32772081 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the genetic factors that increase the risk of aneuploid egg production? SUMMARY ANSWER A non-synonymous variant rs2303720 within centrosomal protein 120 (CEP120) disrupts female meiosis in vitro in mouse. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The production of aneuploid eggs, with an advanced maternal age as an established contributing factor, is the major cause of IVF failure, early miscarriage and developmental anomalies. The identity of maternal genetic variants contributing to egg aneuploidy irrespective of age is missing. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Patients undergoing fertility treatment (n = 166) were deidentified and selected for whole-exome sequencing. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Patients self-identified their ethnic groups and their ages ranged from 22 to 49 years old. The study was performed using genomes from White, non-Hispanic patients divided into controls (97) and cases (69) according to the number of aneuploid blastocysts derived during each IVF procedure. Following a gene prioritization strategy, a mouse oocyte system was used to validate the functional significance of the discovered associated genetic variants. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Patients producing a high proportion of aneuploid blastocysts (considered aneuploid if they missed any of the 40 chromatids or had extra copies) were found to carry a higher mutational burden in genes functioning in cytoskeleton and microtubule pathways. Validation of the functional significance of a non-synonymous variant rs2303720 within Cep120 on mouse oocyte meiotic maturation revealed that ectopic expression of CEP120:p.Arg947His caused decreased spindle microtubule nucleation efficiency and increased incidence of aneuploidy. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Functional validation was performed using the mouse oocyte system. Because spindle building pathways differ between mouse and human oocytes, the defects we observed upon ectopic expression of the Cep120 variant may alter mouse oocyte meiosis differently than human oocyte meiosis. Further studies using knock-in 'humanized' mouse models and in human oocytes will be needed to translate our findings to human system. Possible functional differences of the variant between ethnic groups also need to be investigated. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Variants in centrosomal genes appear to be important contributors to the risk of maternal aneuploidy. Functional validation of these variants will eventually allow prescreening to select patients that have better chances to benefit from preimplantation genetic testing. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded through R01-HD091331 to K.S. and J.X. and EMD Serono Grant for Fertility Innovation to N.R.T. N.R.T. is a shareholder and an employee of Genomic Prediction. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna M Tyc
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.,Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Warif El Yakoubi
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.,Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Aishee Bag
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jessica Landis
- Foundation for Embryonic Competence, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
| | - Yiping Zhan
- Foundation for Embryonic Competence, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
| | - Nathan R Treff
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
| | - Richard T Scott
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
| | - Xin Tao
- Foundation for Embryonic Competence, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.,Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jinchuan Xing
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.,Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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17
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Sang Q, Zhou Z, Mu J, Wang L. Genetic factors as potential molecular markers of human oocyte and embryo quality. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:993-1002. [PMID: 33895934 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02196-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful human reproduction requires gamete maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Human oocyte maturation includes nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, and abnormalities in the process will lead to infertility and recurrent failure of IVF/ICSI attempts. In addition, the quality of oocytes/embryos in the clinic can only be determined by morphological markers, and there is currently a lack of molecular markers for determining oocyte quality. As the number of patients undergoing IVF/ICSI has increased, many patients have been identified with recurrent IVF/ICSI failure. However, the genetic basis behind this phenotype remains largely unknown. In recent years, a few mutant genes have been identified by us and others, which provide potential molecular markers for determining the quality of oocytes/embryos. In this review, we outline the genetic determinants of abnormalities in the processes of oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Currently, 16 genes (PATL2, TUBB8, TRIP13, ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, PANX1, TLE6, WEE2, CDC20, BTG4, PADI6, NLRP2, NLRP5, KHDC3L, and REC114) have been reported to be the causes of oocyte maturation arrest, fertilization failure, embryonic arrest, and preimplantation embryonic lethality. These abnormalities mainly have Mendelian inheritance patterns, including both dominant inheritance and recessive inheritance, although in some cases de novo mutations have also appeared. In this review, we will introduce the effects of each gene in the specific processes of human early reproduction and will summarize all known variants in these genes and their corresponding phenotypes. Variants in some genes have specific effects on certain steps in the early human reproductive processes, while other variants result in a spectrum of phenotypes. These variants and genetic markers will lay the foundation for individualized genetic counseling and potential treatments for patients and will be the target for precision treatments in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jian Mu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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18
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Wartosch L, Schindler K, Schuh M, Gruhn JR, Hoffmann ER, McCoy RC, Xing J. Origins and mechanisms leading to aneuploidy in human eggs. Prenat Diagn 2021; 41:620-630. [PMID: 33860956 PMCID: PMC8237340 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The gain or loss of a chromosome-or aneuploidy-acts as one of the major triggers for infertility and pregnancy loss in humans. These chromosomal abnormalities affect more than 40% of eggs in women at both ends of the age spectrum, that is, young girls as well as women of advancing maternal age. Recent studies in human oocytes and embryos using genomics, cytogenetics, and in silico modeling all provide new insight into the rates and potential genetic and cellular factors associated with aneuploidy at varying stages of development. Here, we review recent studies that are shedding light on potential molecular mechanisms of chromosome missegregation in oocytes and embryos across the entire female reproductive life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Wartosch
- Department of MeiosisMax Planck Institute for Biophysical ChemistryGöttingenGermany
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of GeneticsRutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Human Genetics Institute of New JerseyRutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Melina Schuh
- Department of MeiosisMax Planck Institute for Biophysical ChemistryGöttingenGermany
| | - Jennifer R. Gruhn
- DNRF Center for Chromosome StabilityDepartment of Cellular and Molecular MedicineFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenDenmark
| | - Eva R. Hoffmann
- DNRF Center for Chromosome StabilityDepartment of Cellular and Molecular MedicineFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenDenmark
| | - Rajiv C. McCoy
- Department of BiologyJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Jinchuan Xing
- Department of GeneticsRutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Human Genetics Institute of New JerseyRutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
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19
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Christodoulaki A, Boel A, Tang M, De Roo C, Stoop D, Heindryckx B. Prospects of Germline Nuclear Transfer in Women With Diminished Ovarian Reserve. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:635370. [PMID: 33692760 PMCID: PMC7937897 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.635370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is associated with a reduced quantity and quality of the retrieved oocytes, usually leading to poor reproductive outcomes which remain a great challenge for assisted reproduction technology (ART). Women with DOR often have to seek for oocyte donation, precluding genetically related offspring. Germline nuclear transfer (NT) is a novel technology in ART that involves the transfer of the nuclear genome from an affected oocyte/zygote of the patient to the cytoplast of an enucleated donor oocyte/zygote. Therefore, it offers opportunities for the generation of genetically related embryos. Currently, although NT is clinically applied only in women with serious mitochondrial DNA disorders, this technology has also been proposed to overcome certain forms of female infertility, such as advanced maternal age and embryo developmental arrest. In this review, we are proposing the NT technology as a future treatment option for DOR patients. Strikingly, the application of different NT strategies will result in an increase of the total number of available reconstituted embryos for DOR patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Christodoulaki
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annekatrien Boel
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maoxing Tang
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chloë De Roo
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dominic Stoop
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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20
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Biswas L, Tyc K, El Yakoubi W, Morgan K, Xing J, Schindler K. Meiosis interrupted: the genetics of female infertility via meiotic failure. Reproduction 2021; 161:R13-R35. [PMID: 33170803 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic or 'unexplained' infertility represents as many as 30% of infertility cases worldwide. Conception, implantation, and term delivery of developmentally healthy infants require chromosomally normal (euploid) eggs and sperm. The crux of euploid egg production is error-free meiosis. Pathologic genetic variants dysregulate meiotic processes that occur during prophase I, meiotic resumption, chromosome segregation, and in cell cycle regulation. This dysregulation can result in chromosomally abnormal (aneuploid) eggs. In turn, egg aneuploidy leads to a broad range of clinical infertility phenotypes, including primary ovarian insufficiency and early menopause, egg fertilization failure and embryonic developmental arrest, or recurrent pregnancy loss. Therefore, maternal genetic variants are emerging as infertility biomarkers, which could allow informed reproductive decision-making. Here, we select and deeply examine human genetic variants that likely cause dysregulation of critical meiotic processes in 14 female infertility-associated genes: SYCP3, SYCE1, TRIP13, PSMC3IP, DMC1, MCM8, MCM9, STAG3, PATL2, TUBB8, CEP120, AURKB, AURKC, andWEE2. We discuss the function of each gene in meiosis, explore genotype-phenotype relationships, and delineate the frequencies of infertility-associated variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leelabati Biswas
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.,Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Katarzyna Tyc
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Warif El Yakoubi
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Katie Morgan
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jinchuan Xing
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.,Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.,Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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21
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Diagnosis and Treatment of Male Infertility-Related Fertilization Failure. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9123899. [PMID: 33271815 PMCID: PMC7761017 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9123899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 15% of reproductive-aged couples worldwide, of which up to 30% of the cases are caused by male factors alone. The origin of male infertility is mostly attributed to sperm abnormalities, of which many are caused by genetic defects. The development of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has helped to circumvent most male infertility conditions. However, there is still a challenging group of infertile males whose sperm, although having normal sperm parameters, are unable to activate the oocyte, even after ICSI treatment. While ICSI generally allows fertilization rates of 70 to 80%, total fertilization failure (FF) still occurs in 1 to 3% of ICSI cycles. Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) has been demonstrated to be a critical sperm oocyte activating factor (SOAF) and the absence, reduced, or altered forms of PLCζ have been shown to cause male infertility-related FF. The purpose of this review is to (i) summarize the current knowledge on PLCζ as the critical sperm factor for successful fertilization, as well as to discuss the existence of alternative sperm-induced oocyte activation mechanisms, (ii) describe the diagnostic tests available to determine the cause of FF, and (iii) summarize the beneficial effect of assisted oocyte activation (AOA) to overcome FF.
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22
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Tian Y, Wang G, Wang J, Mu X, Chen H, Song X, Bai X. Novel compound heterozygous mutation in WEE2 is associated with fertilization failure: case report of an infertile woman and literature review. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2020; 20:246. [PMID: 33148236 PMCID: PMC7643268 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-020-01111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fertilization failure after intracytoplasmic sperm injection continues to affect couples and the etiology is not well-understood. CASE PRESENTATION We characterized a couple with 2-year history of primary unexplained infertility. Three different assisted reproduction attempts (IVF + rescue ICSI, ICSI and ICSI-AOA) showed repeated fertilization failure for MII oocyte retrieval after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. After whole-exome sequencing and sanger sequencing of the couple and their family members, variant pathogenicity was assessed using SIFT, PolyPhen2, Mutation Taster, and Human Splicing Finder software. We identified novel compound heterozygous mutations, c.1535 + 3A > G and c.946C > T (p. Leu316Phe), in WEE2 in the female proband. Trios analysis of the variations revealed an autosomal recessive pattern. c.1535 + 3A > G in WEE2 was predicted to break the wild-type donor site and affect splicing, and the missense mutation c.946C > T (p. Leu316Phe) of WEE2 was predicted to be pathogenic. CONCLUSION A novel compound heterozygous mutation in WEE2 was identified in an infertile female who experienced repeated fertilization failure even after ICSI-AOA. These novel mutations in WEE2 provided genetic evidence for fertilization failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tian
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Guojie Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Xiaohuan Mu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Haixia Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Xueru Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Xiaohong Bai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.
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23
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Hanna CB, Mudaliar D, John K, Allen CL, Sun L, Hawkinson JE, Schönbrunn E, Georg GI, Jensen JT. Development of WEE2 kinase inhibitors as novel non-hormonal female contraceptives that target meiosis†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:368-377. [PMID: 32667031 PMCID: PMC7401407 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
WEE2 oocyte meiosis inhibiting kinase is a well-conserved oocyte specific kinase with a dual regulatory role during meiosis. Active WEE2 maintains immature, germinal vesicle stage oocytes in prophase I arrest prior to the luteinizing hormone surge and facilitates exit from metaphase II arrest at fertilization. Spontaneous mutations at the WEE2 gene locus in women have been linked to total fertilization failure indicating that selective inhibitors to this kinase could function as non-hormonal contraceptives. Employing co-crystallization with WEE1 G2 checkpoint kinase inhibitors, we revealed the structural basis of action across WEE kinases and determined type I inhibitors were not selective to WEE2 over WEE1. In response, we performed in silico screening by FTMap/FTSite and Schrodinger SiteMap analysis to identify potential allosteric sites, then used an allosterically biased activity assay to conduct high-throughput screening of a 26 000 compound library containing scaffolds of known allosteric inhibitors. Resulting hits were validated and a selective inhibitor that binds full-length WEE2 was identified, designated GPHR-00336382, along with a fragment-like inhibitor that binds the kinase domain, GPHR-00355672. Additionally, we present an in vitro testing workflow to evaluate biological activity of candidate WEE2 inhibitors including; (1) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays measuring WEE2 phosphorylation activity of cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1; also known as cell division cycle 2 kinase, CDC2), (2) in vitro fertilization of bovine ova to determine inhibition of metaphase II exit, and (3) cell-proliferation assays to look for off-target effects against WEE1 in somatic (mitotic) cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol B Hanna
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences OR, USA
- Correspondence: Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA. Tel: +1-503-346-5000; Fax: +1-503-346-5585; E-mail:
| | - Deepti Mudaliar
- University of Minnesota, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kristen John
- University of Minnesota, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - C Leigh Allen
- University of Minnesota, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Luxin Sun
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Drug Discovery Department, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jon E Hawkinson
- University of Minnesota, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ernst Schönbrunn
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Drug Discovery Department, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Gunda I Georg
- University of Minnesota, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Jensen
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences OR, USA
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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24
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Okutman Ö, Demirel C, Tülek F, Pfister V, Büyük U, Muller J, Charlet-Berguerand N, Viville S. Homozygous Splice Site Mutation in ZP1 Causes Familial Oocyte Maturation Defect. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11040382. [PMID: 32244758 PMCID: PMC7231235 DOI: 10.3390/genes11040382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using hormones to produce large numbers of oocytes. The success of IVF is tightly linked to the availability of mature oocytes. In most cases, about 70% to 80% of the oocytes are mature at the time of retrieval, however, in rare instances, all of them may be immature, implying that they were not able to reach the metaphase II (MII) stage. The failure to obtain any mature oocytes, despite a well conducted ovarian stimulation in repeated cycles is a very rare cause of primary female infertility, for which the underlying suspected genetic factors are still largely unknown. In this study, we present the whole exome sequencing analysis of a consanguineous Turkish family comprising three sisters with a recurrent oocyte maturation defect. Analysis of the data reveals a homozygous splice site mutation (c.1775-3C>A) in the zona pellucida glycoprotein 1 (ZP1) gene. Minigene experiments show that the mutation causes the retention of the intron 11 sequence between exon 11 and exon 12, resulting in a frameshift and the likely production of a truncated protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Okutman
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle (IPPTS), Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
- Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, UF3472-génétique de l’infertilité, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Cem Demirel
- Memorial Atasehir Hospital, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Andrology and Genetics Center, Kucukbakkalkoy mh.Vedat Gunyol cd No:28-30, 34758 Atasehir/Istanbul, Turkey; (C.D.); (F.T.)
| | - Firat Tülek
- Memorial Atasehir Hospital, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Andrology and Genetics Center, Kucukbakkalkoy mh.Vedat Gunyol cd No:28-30, 34758 Atasehir/Istanbul, Turkey; (C.D.); (F.T.)
| | - Veronique Pfister
- Médecine Translationnelle et Neurogénétique, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Institut National de Santé et de Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U964/Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France; (V.P.); (N.C.-B.)
| | - Umut Büyük
- Hibrigen Biotechnology R&D Industry and Trade Ltd. Co.,Tubitak MAM Teknoloji Serbest Bolgesi, Baris SB Mh 5002.sk Yeni Tek. Binasi ABlok 4, A/101 Gebze/Kocaeli, Turkey;
| | - Jean Muller
- Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale, INSERM U1112, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Nicolas Charlet-Berguerand
- Médecine Translationnelle et Neurogénétique, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Institut National de Santé et de Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U964/Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France; (V.P.); (N.C.-B.)
| | - Stéphane Viville
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle (IPPTS), Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
- Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, UF3472-génétique de l’infertilité, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Correspondence:
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25
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A homozygous nonsense mutation of PLCZ1 cause male infertility with oocyte activation deficiency. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:821-828. [PMID: 32146562 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01719-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the pathogenic PLCZ1 mutation involved in male infertility and fertilization failure. METHODS All coding regions of PLCZ1 were sequenced by Sanger sequencing. The expression and localization of PLCZ1 in sperm was determined by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. To promote the fertilization rate, the infertile man with PLCZ1 mutation was treated with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) accompanied by assisted oocyte activation (AOA) in the following cycle. RESULT We identified a novel homozygous PLCZ1 nonsense mutation, c.588C>A (p.Cys196Ter) in an infertile man from a consanguineous family. No PLCZ1 protein was detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence in ejaculated sperm from the patient. The treatment of ICSI + AOA avoided fertilization failure but did not result in pregnancy in the following cycle. CONCLUSION Our study confirmed the essential role of PLCZ1 in fertilization and male fertility, which indicated the potential prognostic value of testing for PLCZ1 mutations in primary infertile men with sperm-derived fertilization failure.
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27
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Novel compound heterozygous mutations in WEE2 causes female infertility and fertilization failure. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1957-1962. [PMID: 31428887 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01553-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the disease-causing gene in a family with female infertility and fertilization failure. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to identify the disease-causing gene in a female with infertility and fertilization failure. Subcellular localization and western blot analysis were used to check the effect of mutations. RESULTS We identified novel compound heterozygous mutations c.598C>T (p.Arg200Ter) and c.1319G>C (p.Trp440Ser) in WEE2 gene in a female with infertility and fertilization failure. The p.Arg200Ter mutant WEE2 gene produce truncated protein and mainly located in the nucleus, the same as the wild protein, while the p.Trp440Ser mutant WEE2 proteins are located in the nucleus and cytoplasm and the expression level of p.Trp440Ser mutant WEE2 protein is reduced significantly compared with that of wild-type WEE2. CONCLUSIONS We discovered novel compound heterozygous mutations c.598C>T (p.Arg200Ter) and c.1319G>C (p.Trp440Ser) in WEE2 gene in a female whose oocytes could not form pronucleus after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Moreover, mutations in WEE2 gene affect the normal function of WEE2 proteins and cause fertilization failure.
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