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Gualtieri R, De Gregorio V, Candela A, Travaglione A, Genovese V, Barbato V, Talevi R. In Vitro Culture of Mammalian Embryos: Is There Room for Improvement? Cells 2024; 13:996. [PMID: 38920627 PMCID: PMC11202082 DOI: 10.3390/cells13120996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Preimplantation embryo culture, pivotal in assisted reproductive technology (ART), has lagged in innovation compared to embryo selection advancements. This review examines the persisting gap between in vivo and in vitro embryo development, emphasizing the need for improved culture conditions. While in humans this gap is hardly estimated, animal models, particularly bovines, reveal clear disparities in developmental competence, cryotolerance, pregnancy and live birth rates between in vitro-produced (IVP) and in vivo-derived (IVD) embryos. Molecular analyses unveil distinct differences in morphology, metabolism, and genomic stability, underscoring the need for refining culture conditions for better ART outcomes. To this end, a deeper comprehension of oviduct physiology and embryo transport is crucial for grasping embryo-maternal interactions' mechanisms. Research on autocrine and paracrine factors, and extracellular vesicles in embryo-maternal tract interactions, elucidates vital communication networks for successful implantation and pregnancy. In vitro, confinement, and embryo density are key factors to boost embryo development. Advanced dynamic culture systems mimicking fluid mechanical stimulation in the oviduct, through vibration, tilting, and microfluidic methods, and the use of innovative softer substrates, hold promise for optimizing in vitro embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gualtieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘’Federico II’’, Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (V.D.G.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (V.G.); (V.B.); (R.T.)
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Budrewicz J, Chavez SL. Insights into embryonic chromosomal instability: mechanisms of DNA elimination during mammalian preimplantation development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1344092. [PMID: 38374891 PMCID: PMC10875028 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1344092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian preimplantation embryos often contend with aneuploidy that arose either by the inheritance of meiotic errors from the gametes, or from mitotic mis-segregation events that occurred following fertilization. Regardless of the origin, mis-segregated chromosomes become encapsulated in micronuclei (MN) that are spatially isolated from the main nucleus. Much of our knowledge of MN formation comes from dividing somatic cells during tumorigenesis, but the error-prone cleavage-stage of early embryogenesis is fundamentally different. One unique aspect is that cellular fragmentation (CF), whereby small subcellular bodies pinch off embryonic blastomeres, is frequently observed. CF has been detected in both in vitro and in vivo-derived embryos and likely represents a response to chromosome mis-segregation since it only appears after MN formation. There are multiple fates for MN, including sequestration into CFs, but the molecular mechanism(s) by which this occurs remains unclear. Due to nuclear envelope rupture, the chromosomal material contained within MN and CFs becomes susceptible to double stranded-DNA breaks. Despite this damage, embryos may still progress to the blastocyst stage and exclude chromosome-containing CFs, as well as non-dividing aneuploid blastomeres, from participating in further development. Whether these are attempts to rectify MN formation or eliminate embryos with poor implantation potential is unknown and this review will discuss the potential implications of DNA removal by CF/blastomere exclusion. We will also extrapolate what is known about the intracellular pathways mediating MN formation and rupture in somatic cells to preimplantation embryogenesis and how nuclear budding and DNA release into the cytoplasm may impact overall development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Budrewicz
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States
| | - Shawn L. Chavez
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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Jochems R, Canedo-Ribeiro C, Silvestri G, Derks MFL, Hamland H, Zak LJ, Knol EF, Handyside AH, Grindflek E, Griffin DK. Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) Reveals High Levels of Chromosomal Errors in In Vivo-Derived Pig Embryos, with an Increased Incidence When Produced In Vitro. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050790. [PMID: 36899925 PMCID: PMC10000658 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is widespread, but controversial, in humans and improves pregnancy and live birth rates in cattle. In pigs, it presents a possible solution to improve in vitro embryo production (IVP), however, the incidence and origin of chromosomal errors remains under-explored. To address this, we used single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based PGT-A algorithms in 101 in vivo-derived (IVD) and 64 IVP porcine embryos. More errors were observed in IVP vs. IVD blastocysts (79.7% vs. 13.6% p < 0.001). In IVD embryos, fewer errors were found at blastocyst stage compared to cleavage (4-cell) stage (13.6% vs. 40%, p = 0.056). One androgenetic and two parthenogenetic embryos were also identified. Triploidy was the most common error in IVD embryos (15.8%), but only observed at cleavage, not blastocyst stage, followed by whole chromosome aneuploidy (9.9%). In IVP blastocysts, 32.8% were parthenogenetic, 25.0% (hypo-)triploid, 12.5% aneuploid, and 9.4% haploid. Parthenogenetic blastocysts arose from just three out of ten sows, suggesting a possible donor effect. The high incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in general, but in IVP embryos in particular, suggests an explanation for the low success of porcine IVP. The approaches described provide a means of monitoring technical improvements and suggest future application of PGT-A might improve embryo transfer success.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Martijn F. L. Derks
- Topigs Norsvin Research Center, 6641 SZ Beuningen, The Netherlands
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Louisa J. Zak
- Topigs Norsvin Research Center, 6641 SZ Beuningen, The Netherlands
| | - Egbert F. Knol
- Topigs Norsvin Research Center, 6641 SZ Beuningen, The Netherlands
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Turner KJ, Silvestri G, Black DH, Dobson G, Smith C, Handyside AH, Sinclair KD, Griffin DK. Karyomapping for simultaneous genomic evaluation and aneuploidy screening of preimplantation bovine embryos: The first live-born calves. Theriogenology 2018; 125:249-258. [PMID: 30476758 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In cattle breeding, the development of genomic selection strategies based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) interrogation has led to improved rates of genetic gain. Additionally, the application of genomic selection to in-vitro produced (IVP) embryos is expected to bring further benefits thanks to the ability to test a greater number of individuals before establishing a pregnancy and to ensure only carriers of desirable traits are born. However, aneuploidy, a leading cause of developmental arrest, is known to be common in IVP embryos. Karyomapping is a comprehensive screening test based on SNP typing that can be used for simultaneous genomic selection and aneuploidy detection, offering the potential to maximize pregnancy rates. Moreover, Karyomapping can be used to characterize the frequency and parental origin of aneuploidy in bovine IVP embryos, which have remained underexplored to date. Here, we report the use of Karyomapping to characterize the frequency and parental origin of aneuploidy in IVP bovine embryos in order to establish an estimate of total aneuploidy rates in each parental germline. We report an estimate of genome wide recombination rate in cattle and demonstrate, for the first time, a proof of principle for the application of Karyomapping to cattle breeding, with the birth of five calves after screening. This combined genomic selection and aneuploidy screening approach was highly reliable, with calves showing 98% concordance with their respective embryo biopsies for SNP typing and 100% concordance with their respective biopsies for aneuploidy screening. This approach has the potential to simultaneously improve pregnancy rates following embryo transfer and the rate of genetic gain in cattle breeding, and is applicable to basic research to investigate meiosis and aneuploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara J Turner
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NH, UK; School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK
| | - Giuseppe Silvestri
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NH, UK
| | - David H Black
- Paragon Veterinary Group, Townhead Road, Dalston, Carlisle, CA5 7JF, UK
| | - Gemma Dobson
- Paragon Veterinary Group, Townhead Road, Dalston, Carlisle, CA5 7JF, UK
| | - Charlotte Smith
- Paragon Veterinary Group, Townhead Road, Dalston, Carlisle, CA5 7JF, UK
| | - Alan H Handyside
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NH, UK; The Bridge Centre, One St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RY, UK
| | - Kevin D Sinclair
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Darren K Griffin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NH, UK.
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