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Mercier A, Johnson J, Kallen AN. Prospective solutions to ovarian reserve damage during the ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation procedure. Fertil Steril 2024:S0015-0282(24)01961-7. [PMID: 39181229 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.08.330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Birth rates continue to decline as more women experience fertility issues. Assisted reproductive technologies are available for patients seeking fertility treatment, including cryopreservation techniques. Cryopreservation can be performed on gametes, embryos, or gonadal tissue and can be used for patients who desire to delay in vitro fertilization treatment. This review focuses on ovarian tissue cryopreservation, the freezing of ovarian cortex containing immature follicles. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is the only available treatment for the restoration of ovarian function in patients who undergo gonadotoxic treatments, and its wide adoption has led to its recent designation as "no longer experimental" by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. and subsequent transplantation can restore native endocrine function and can support the possibility of pregnancy and live birth for the patient. Importantly, there are multiple steps in the procedure that put the ovarian reserve at risk of damage. The graft is highly susceptible to ischemic reperfusion injury and mass primordial follicle growth activation, resulting in a "burnout", phenomenon. In this review, we summarize current efforts to combat the loss of primordial follicles in grafts through improvements in freeze and thaw protocols, transplantation techniques, and pharmacologic adjuvant treatments. We conducted a review of the literature, with emphasis on emergent research in the last 5 years. Regarding freeze and thaw protocols, we discuss the widely accepted slow freezing approach and newer vitrification protocols. Discussion of improved transplantation techniques includes consideration of the transplantation location of the ovarian tissue and the importance of graft sites in promoting neovascularization. Finally, we discuss pharmacologic treatments being studied to improve tissue performance postgraft. Of note, there is significant research into the efficacy of adjuvants used to reduce ischemic injury, improve neovascularization, and inhibit hyperactivation of primordial follicle growth activations. Although the "experimental" label has been removed from ovarian tissue cryopreservation and subsequent transplantation, there is a significant need for further research to better understand sources of ovarian reserve damage to improve outcomes. Future research directions are provided as we consider how to reach the most hopeful results for women globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Mercier
- Divisions of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Joshua Johnson
- Divisions of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Amanda N Kallen
- Divisions of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont.
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Chen C, Huang Z, Dong S, Ding M, Li J, Wang M, Zeng X, Zhang X, Sun X. Calcium signaling in oocyte quality and functionality and its application. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1411000. [PMID: 39220364 PMCID: PMC11361953 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1411000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) is a second messenger for many signal pathways, and changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) are an important signaling mechanism in the oocyte maturation, activation, fertilization, function regulation of granulosa and cumulus cells and offspring development. Ca2+ oscillations occur during oocyte maturation and fertilization, which are maintained by Ca2+ stores and extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]e). Abnormalities in Ca2+ signaling can affect the release of the first polar body, the first meiotic division, and chromosome and spindle morphology. Well-studied aspects of Ca2+ signaling in the oocyte are oocyte activation and fertilization. Oocyte activation, driven by sperm-specific phospholipase PLCζ, is initiated by concerted intracellular patterns of Ca2+ release, termed Ca2+ oscillations. Ca2+ oscillations persist for a long time during fertilization and are coordinately engaged by a variety of Ca2+ channels, pumps, regulatory proteins and their partners. Calcium signaling also regulates granulosa and cumulus cells' function, which further affects oocyte maturation and fertilization outcome. Clinically, there are several physical and chemical options for treating fertilization failure through oocyte activation. Additionally, various exogenous compounds or drugs can cause ovarian dysfunction and female infertility by inducing abnormal Ca2+ signaling or Ca2+ dyshomeostasis in oocytes and granulosa cells. Therefore, the reproductive health risks caused by adverse stresses should arouse our attention. This review will systematically summarize the latest research progress on the aforementioned aspects and propose further research directions on calcium signaling in female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zefan Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shijue Dong
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Mengqian Ding
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jinran Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaoli Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Arroyo-Salvo C, Río S, Bogetti ME, Plaza J, Miragaya M, Yaneff A, Davio C, Fissore R, Gervasi MG, Gambini A, Perez-Martinez S. Effect of bicarbonate and polyvinyl alcohol on in vitro capacitation and fertilization ability of cryopreserved equine spermatozoa. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38804843 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Factors contributing to the limited success of in vitro fertilization in horses remain to be studied. In this work, we elucidated the effect of different essential capacitation media components, bicarbonate, and bovine serum albumin or polyvinyl-alcohol, and the incubation microenvironment on sperm parameters associated with capacitation, acrosome reaction, and their ability to activate oocytes via heterologous intracytoplasmic spermatozoa injection in equine cryopreserved spermatozoa. METHODS Frozen-thawed spermatozoa underwent incubation at different time intervals in either Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate medium (non-capacitating; NC) or Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate supplemented with bicarbonate, bicarbonate and polyvinyl-alcohol, bicarbonate and bovine serum albumin, polyvinyl-alcohol and bovine serum albumin alone. Protein kinase A-phosphorylated substrates and tyrosine phosphorylation levels, sperm motility, and acrosome reaction percentages were evaluated. After determining the best condition media (capacitating; CAP), heterologous intracytoplasmic spermatozoa injection on pig oocytes was performed and the phospholipase C zeta sperm localization pattern was evaluated. RESULTS Incubation of frozen-thawed equine spermatozoa with bicarbonate and polyvinyl-alcohol in atmospheric air for 45 min induced an increase in protein kinase A-phosphorylated substrates and tyrosine phosphorylation levels compared to NC condition. Sperm incubation in bicarbonate and polyvinyl-alcohol medium showed an increase in total motility and progressive motility with respect to NC (p ≤ 0.05). Interestingly, three parameters associated with sperm hyperactivation were modulated under bicarbonate and polyvinyl-alcohol conditions. The kinematic parameters curvilinear velocity and amplitude of lateral head displacement significantly increased, while straightness significantly diminished (curvilinear velocity: bicarbonate and polyvinyl-alcohol = 120.9 ± 2.9 vs. NC = 76.91 ± 6.9 µm/s) (amplitude of lateral head displacement: bicarbonate and polyvinyl-alcohol = 1.15 ± 0.02 vs. NC = 0.77 ± 0.03 µm) (straightness: bicarbonate and polyvinyl-alcohol = 0.76 ± 0.01 vs. NC = 0.87 ± 0.02) (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, the spontaneous acrosome reaction significantly increased in spermatozoa incubated in this condition. Finally, bicarbonate and polyvinyl-alcohol medium was established as CAP medium. Although no differences were found in phospholipase C zeta localization pattern in spermatozoa incubated under CAP, equine spermatozoa pre-incubated in CAP condition for 45 min showed higher fertilization rates when injected into matured pig oocytes (NC: 47.6% vs. CAP 76.5%; p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION These findings underscore the importance of bicarbonate and polyvinyl-alcohol in supporting critical events associated with in vitro sperm capacitation in the horse, resulting in higher oocyte activation percentages following heterologous intracytoplasmic spermatozoa injection. This protocol could have an impact on reproductive efficiency in the equine breeding industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Arroyo-Salvo
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), CONICET-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sofía Río
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), CONICET-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Eugenia Bogetti
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), CONICET-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jessica Plaza
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, INITRA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Miragaya
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, INITRA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Yaneff
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Davio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rafael Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - María Gracia Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Andrés Gambini
- School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Silvina Perez-Martinez
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), CONICET-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Bellido-Quispe DK, Mujica Lengua FR, Contreras Huamani M, Palomino JM. Effect of chemical activators after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on embryo development in alpacas. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 263:107432. [PMID: 38401395 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Low motility and low sperm concentration are characteristics of alpaca semen. Thus, the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique represents an alternative to improve the reproductive capacity of the male. However, the effect of post-ICSI activation in alpaca is not yet known. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of chemical activators on alpaca embryo development after ICSI. Alpaca ovaries were collected from a local slaughterhouse and transported to the laboratory. Category I, II and III oocytes were matured for 30 h at 38.5 °C. After ICSI, injected oocytes were randomly divided and activated as follows: i) 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min, ii) 7% ethanol for 4 min, iii) 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min, window period 3 h plus 7% ethanol for 4 min, iv) 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min, window period 3 h, a second ionomycin treatment for 5 min, followed by 1.9 mM 6-DMAP for 3 h, v) 10 mM SrCl2 for 3 h. Culture was carried out for 5 days in SOFaa at 38.5 °C. The cleavage rate was the lowest in the SrCl2 group, morula development was the lowest in the SrCl2 and without activation groups, and blastocyst stage was not different between groups (P<0.05). The rates with SrCl2 were lower in total embryos produced, whereas in transferable embryos they were lower with 2Io/6-DMAP and with SrCl2 (P<0.05). In conclusion, alpaca oocyte activation is more efficient with ionomycin and ethanol to produce transferable embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionet Keny Bellido-Quispe
- Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Estación Experimental Agraria Canaán, Laboratorio de Biotecnología Reproductiva, Ayacucho, Peru.
| | - Fidel Rodolfo Mujica Lengua
- Universidad Nacional de San Cristóbal de Huamanga, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Ayacucho, Peru
| | - Mijaíl Contreras Huamani
- Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Estación Experimental Agraria Canaán, Laboratorio de Biotecnología Reproductiva, Ayacucho, Peru
| | - J Manuel Palomino
- Universidad Científica del Sur, Carrera de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnica, Lima, Peru
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Cheng J, Wang X, Luo C, Mao X, Qin J, Chi Y, He B, Hao Y, Niu X, Huang B, Liu L. Effects of intracellular Ca 2+ on developmental potential and ultrastructure of cryopreserved-warmed oocyte in mouse. Cryobiology 2024; 114:104834. [PMID: 38065230 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2023.104834] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining appropriate intracellular calcium of oocytes is necessary to prevent ultrastructure and organelle damage caused by freezing and cryoprotectants. The present study aimed to investigate whether cryoprotectant-induced changes in the calcium concentrations of oocytes can be regulated to reduce damage to developmental potential and ultrastructure. A total of 33 mice and 1381 oocytes were used to explore the effects of intracellular calcium on the development and ultrastructures of oocytes subjected to 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) inhibition or thapsigargin (TG) stimulation. Results suggested that high levels intracellular calcium interfered with TG compromised oocyte survival (84.4 % vs. 93.4 %, p < 0.01) and blastocyst formation in fresh and cryopreservation oocytes (78.1 % vs. 86.4 %, and 60.5 % vs. 72.5 %, p < 0.05) compared with that of 2-APB pretreated oocytes in which Ca2+ was stabilized even though no differences in fertilization and cleavage was detected (p > 0.05). Examination by transmission electron microscopy indicated that the microvilli decreased and shortened, cortical granules considerably decreased in the cortex area, mitochondrial vesicles and vacuoles increased, and the proportion of vacuole mitochondria increased after oocytes were exposed to cryoprotectants. The cryopreservation-warming process deteriorated the negative effects on organelles of survival oocytes. By contrast, a low level of intracellular calcium mediated with 2-APB was supposed to contribute to the protection of organelles. These findings suggested oocyte injuries induced by cryoprotectants and low temperatures can be alleviated. More studies are necessary to confirm the relationship among Ca2+ concentration of the cytoplasm, ultrastructural injuries, and disrupted developmental potential in oocytes subjected to cryopreservation and warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junping Cheng
- Reproductive Medical and Genetic Center, Academy of Medical Sciences of Guangxi Autonomous Region, People's Hospital of Guangxi Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China; College of Animal Science and Technology of Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China.
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology of Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Chan Luo
- College of Animal Science and Technology of Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Xianbao Mao
- Reproductive Medical and Genetic Center, Academy of Medical Sciences of Guangxi Autonomous Region, People's Hospital of Guangxi Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jie Qin
- Reproductive Medical and Genetic Center, Academy of Medical Sciences of Guangxi Autonomous Region, People's Hospital of Guangxi Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Yan Chi
- Reproductive Medical and Genetic Center, Academy of Medical Sciences of Guangxi Autonomous Region, People's Hospital of Guangxi Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Bing He
- Reproductive Medical and Genetic Center, Academy of Medical Sciences of Guangxi Autonomous Region, People's Hospital of Guangxi Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Yanrong Hao
- Reproductive Medical and Genetic Center, Academy of Medical Sciences of Guangxi Autonomous Region, People's Hospital of Guangxi Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiangli Niu
- Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Ben Huang
- Reproductive Medical and Genetic Center, Academy of Medical Sciences of Guangxi Autonomous Region, People's Hospital of Guangxi Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China; College of Animal Science and Technology of Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Liling Liu
- Reproductive Medical and Genetic Center, Academy of Medical Sciences of Guangxi Autonomous Region, People's Hospital of Guangxi Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China.
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Najafi A, Asadi E, Benson JD. Comparative effects of a calcium chelator (BAPTA-AM) and melatonin on cryopreservation-induced oxidative stress and damage in ovarian tissue. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22911. [PMID: 38129642 PMCID: PMC10739950 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49892-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncology treatments cause infertility, and ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation (OTCT) is the only option for fertility preservation in prepubertal girls with cancer. However, OTCT is associated with massive follicle loss. Here, we aimed to determine the effect of supplementation of slow freezing and vitrification media with BAPTA-AM and melatonin alone and in combination on ovarian tissue viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and follicular morphology and viability. Our results indicated that BAPTA-AM and melatonin can significantly improve ovarian tissue viability and the TAC/ROS ratio and reduce ROS generation in frozen-thawed ovarian tissues in slow freezing and vitrification procedures. BAPTA-AM was also found to be less effective on TAC compared to melatonin in vitrified ovarian tissue. While supplementation of slow freezing and vitrification media with BAPTA-AM and/or melatonin could increase the percentage of morphologically intact follicles in cryopreserved ovarian tissues, the differences were not significant. In conclusion, supplementation of cryopreservation media with BAPTA-AM or melatonin improved the outcome of ovarian tissue cryopreservation in both vitrification and slow freezing methods. Our data provide some insight into the importance of modulating redox balance and intracellular Ca2+ levels during ovarian tissue cryopreservation to optimize the current cryopreservation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Najafi
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Ebrahim Asadi
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - James D Benson
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada.
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Akizawa H, Lopes EM, Fissore RA. Zn 2+ is essential for Ca 2+ oscillations in mouse eggs. eLife 2023; 12:RP88082. [PMID: 38099643 PMCID: PMC10723796 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88082] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in the intracellular concentration of free calcium (Ca2+) underpin egg activation and initiation of development in animals and plants. In mammals, the Ca2+ release is periodical, known as Ca2+ oscillations, and mediated by the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R1). Another divalent cation, zinc (Zn2+), increases exponentially during oocyte maturation and is vital for meiotic transitions, arrests, and polyspermy prevention. It is unknown if these pivotal cations interplay during fertilization. Here, using mouse eggs, we showed that basal concentrations of labile Zn2+ are indispensable for sperm-initiated Ca2+ oscillations because Zn2+-deficient conditions induced by cell-permeable chelators abrogated Ca2+ responses evoked by fertilization and other physiological and pharmacological agonists. We also found that chemically or genetically generated eggs with lower levels of labile Zn2+ displayed reduced IP3R1 sensitivity and diminished ER Ca2+ leak despite the stable content of the stores and IP3R1 mass. Resupplying Zn2+ restarted Ca2+ oscillations, but excessive Zn2+ prevented and terminated them, hindering IP3R1 responsiveness. The findings suggest that a window of Zn2+ concentrations is required for Ca2+ responses and IP3R1 function in eggs, ensuring optimal response to fertilization and egg activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Akizawa
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
| | - Emily M Lopes
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of MassachusettsAmherstUnited States
| | - Rafael A Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
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8
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Akizawa H, Lopes E, Fissore RA. Zn 2+ is Essential for Ca 2+ Oscillations in Mouse Eggs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.13.536745. [PMID: 37131581 PMCID: PMC10153198 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.13.536745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Changes in the intracellular concentration of free calcium (Ca2+) underpin egg activation and initiation of development in animals and plants. In mammals, the Ca2+ release is periodical, known as Ca2+ oscillations, and mediated by the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R1). Another divalent cation, zinc (Zn2+), increases exponentially during oocyte maturation and is vital for meiotic transitions, arrests, and polyspermy prevention. It is unknown if these pivotal cations interplay during fertilization. Here, using mouse eggs, we showed that basal concentrations of labile Zn2+ are indispensable for sperm-initiated Ca2+ oscillations because Zn2+-deficient conditions induced by cell-permeable chelators abrogated Ca2+ responses evoked by fertilization and other physiological and pharmacological agonists. We also found that chemically- or genetically generated eggs with lower levels of labile Zn2+ displayed reduced IP3R1 sensitivity and diminished ER Ca2+ leak despite the stable content of the stores and IP3R1 mass. Resupplying Zn2+ restarted Ca2+ oscillations, but excessive Zn2+ prevented and terminated them, hindering IP3R1 responsiveness. The findings suggest that a window of Zn2+ concentrations is required for Ca2+ responses and IP3R1 function in eggs, ensuring optimal response to fertilization and egg activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Akizawa
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, United States
| | - Emily Lopes
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, United States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, United States
| | - Rafael A. Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, United States
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Do serum biochemistry parameters affect the embryo yield in goats? Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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10
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Ogushi S, Rattani A, Godwin J, Metson J, Schermelleh L, Nasmyth K. Loss of sister kinetochore co-orientation and peri-centromeric cohesin protection after meiosis I depends on cleavage of centromeric REC8. Dev Cell 2021; 56:3100-3114.e4. [PMID: 34758289 PMCID: PMC8629431 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Protection of peri-centromeric (periCEN) REC8 cohesin from Separase and sister kinetochore (KT) attachment to microtubules emanating from the same spindle pole (co-orientation) ensures that sister chromatids remain associated after meiosis I. Both features are lost during meiosis II, resulting in sister chromatid disjunction and the production of haploid gametes. By transferring spindle-chromosome complexes (SCCs) between meiosis I and II in mouse oocytes, we discovered that both sister KT co-orientation and periCEN cohesin protection depend on the SCC, and not the cytoplasm. Moreover, the catalytic activity of Separase at meiosis I is necessary not only for converting KTs from a co- to a bi-oriented state but also for deprotection of periCEN cohesion, and cleavage of REC8 may be the key event. Crucially, selective cleavage of REC8 in the vicinity of KTs is sufficient to destroy co-orientation in univalent chromosomes, albeit not in bivalents where resolution of chiasmata may also be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sugako Ogushi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK; The Hakubi Center for Advanced Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Ahmed Rattani
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Jonathan Godwin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Jean Metson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | | | - Kim Nasmyth
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK.
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Factors associated with severe sepsis in diarrheal adults and their outcome at an urban hospital, Bangladesh: A retrospective analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257596. [PMID: 34543323 PMCID: PMC8452033 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To describe factors associated with severe sepsis in diarrheal adults and their outcomes and offender in blood and stool to understand their interplay as clinical features of sepsis and severe diarrhea often overlap. Methods and results We used this retrospective chart analysis employing an unmatched case-control design to study critically ill diarrheal adults aged ≥18 years treated in ICU of Dhaka hospital, icddr,b between January 2011 to December 2015. Of 8,863 in-patient diarrheal adults, 350 having severe sepsis were cases and an equal number of randomly selected non-septic patients were the controls. Cases died significantly more (14.9% vs 4.6%, p = <0.001) than controls. 69% of the cases progressed to septic shock. In logistic regression analysis, steroid intake, ileus, acute kidney injury (AKI), metabolic acidosis, and hypocalcemia were significantly associated with severe sepsis in diarrheal adults (all, p<0.05). 12% of cases (40/335) had bacteremia. Streptococcus pneumoniae [9 (22.5%)] was the single most common pathogen and gram-negatives [27 (67.5%)] were prevailing as a group. Conclusion Diarrheal adults who had ileus, AKI, metabolic acidosis, hypocalcemia, and also took steroids were found to have an association with severe sepsis. Strikingly, gram-negative were the predominant bacteria among the diarrheal adults having severe sepsis.
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12
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Wang F, Fan LH, Li A, Dong F, Hou Y, Schatten H, Sun QY, Ou XH. Effects of various calcium transporters on mitochondrial Ca 2+ changes and oocyte maturation. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:6548-6558. [PMID: 33704771 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Ca2+ participates in many important cellular processes, but the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood, especially during oocyte maturation. First, we confirmed that calcium in the culture medium was essential for oocyte maturation. Next, various inhibitors of Ca2+ channels were applied to investigate their roles in mitochondrial Ca2+ changes and oocyte maturation. Our results showed that Trmp7, Orai, T-type Ca2+ channels and Na+ /Ca2+ exchanger complex (NCLX) were important for oocyte maturation. Trmp7 inhibition delayed germinal vesicle breakdown. Orai and NCLX inhibition significantly weakened the distribution of mitochondrial Ca2+ around the nucleus compared to the Ctrl group. Interestingly, even T-type Ca2+ channels-specific inhibitor Mibefradil blocked germinal vesicle breakdown; mitochondrial Ca2+ surrounding the nucleus still was maintained at a high level without spindle formation. Two calcium transporter inhibitors, Thapsigargin and Ruthenium Red, which have been confirmed to inhibit oocyte activation, did not significantly affect oocyte maturation. Increasing the knowledge of calcium transport may provide a basis to build on for improving oocyte in vitro maturation in human assisted reproduction clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Hua Fan
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Ou
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Mehregan A, Ardestani G, Akizawa H, Carvacho I, Fissore R. Deletion of TRPV3 and CaV3.2 T-type channels in mice undermines fertility and Ca2+ homeostasis in oocytes and eggs. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:jcs257956. [PMID: 34313315 PMCID: PMC8313860 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.257956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ca2+ influx during oocyte maturation and after sperm entry is necessary to fill the internal Ca2+ stores and for complete egg activation. We knocked out the transient receptor potential vanilloid member 3 (TRPV3) and the T-type channel, CaV3.2, to determine their necessity for maintaining these functions in mammalian oocytes/eggs. Double-knockout (dKO) females were subfertile, their oocytes and eggs showed reduced internal Ca2+ stores, and, following sperm entry or Plcz (also known as Plcz1) cRNA injection, fewer dKO eggs displayed Ca2+ responses compared to wild-type eggs, which were also of lower frequency. These parameters were rescued and/or enhanced by removing extracellular Mg2+, suggesting that the residual Ca2+ influx could be mediated by the TRPM7 channel, consistent with the termination of divalent-cation oscillations in dKO eggs by a TRPM7 inhibitor. In total, we demonstrated that TRPV3 and CaV3.2 mediate the complete filling of the Ca2+ stores in mouse oocytes and eggs. We also showed that they are required for initiating and maintaining regularly spaced-out oscillations, suggesting that Ca2+ influx through PM ion channels dictates the periodicity and persistence of Ca2+ oscillations during mammalian fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aujan Mehregan
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Goli Ardestani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Hiroki Akizawa
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Ingrid Carvacho
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, 3480112 Talca, Chile
| | - Rafael Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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14
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Liu H, Zhou D, Liu C, Zhuan Q, Luo Y, Mo X, Fu X, Hou Y. The Calcium-Sensing Receptor Is Involved in Follicle-Stimulating Hormone-Induced Cumulus Expansion in in vitro Cultured Porcine Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:625036. [PMID: 34095106 PMCID: PMC8173154 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.625036] [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: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The Calcium-Sensing Receptor (CASR) is a G protein-coupled receptor of the C family that reportedly promotes maturation of porcine oocytes. However, its role in cumulus expansion of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) is not well known. This study was conducted to determine the role of CASR and potential mechanisms involved during in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine COCs. After culture of COCs in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-supplement maturation medium for 24 h, the time of breakdown of the germinal vesicle (GVBD), indicative of initiation of meiotic maturation, resulted in an increased (p < 0.05) CASR mRNA expression level in cumulus cells. Moreover, IVM of COCs in 10 μM of the CASR agonist NPS R-568 promoted (p < 0.05) cumulus expansion but only in FSH-containing medium. Conversely, 20 μM of the CASR inhibitor NPS2390 precluded cumulus expansion. We next tested the effect of the CASR agonist/inhibitor on the expression of cumulus expansion-related genes. The CASR agonist significantly upregulated the expression of hyaluronan acid synthase 2 (HAS2), whereas the CASR inhibitor downregulated the expression of all HAS2, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), and tumor necrosis factor a-induced protein 6 (TNFAIP6). Altogether, these results suggest that CASR activity is involved in FSH-stimulated porcine cumulus expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huage Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingrui Zhuan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xianhong Mo
- College of Life Sciences, Chifeng University, Chifeng, China
| | - Xiangwei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunpeng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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15
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Maturation conditions, post-ovulatory age, medium pH, and ER stress affect [Ca 2+]i oscillation patterns in mouse oocytes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1373-1385. [PMID: 33914207 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02100-9] [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: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Insufficiency of oocyte activation impairs the subsequent embryo development in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) oscillations switch the oocytes to resume the second meiosis and initiate embryonic development. However, the [Ca2+]i oscillation patterns in oocytes are poorly characterized. In this study, we investigated the effects of various factors, such as the oocytes age, pH, cumulus cells, in vitro or in vivo maturation, and ER stress on [Ca2+]i oscillation patterns and pronuclear formation after parthenogenetic activation of mouse oocytes. Our results showed that the oocytes released to the oviduct at 17 h post-human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) displayed a significantly stronger [Ca2+]i oscillation, including higher frequency, shorter cycle, and higher peak, compared with oocytes collected at earlier or later time points. [Ca2+]i oscillations in acidic conditions (pH 6.4 and 6.6) were significantly weaker than those in neutral and mildly alkaline conditions (pH from 6.8 to 7.6). In vitro-matured oocytes showed reduced frequency and peak of [Ca2+]i oscillations compared with those matured in vivo. In vitro-matured oocytes from the cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) showed a significantly higher frequency, shorter cycle, and higher peak compared with the denuded oocytes (DOs). Finally, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) severely affected the parameters of [Ca2+]i oscillations, including elongated cycles and lower frequency. The pronuclear (PN) rate of oocytes after parthenogenetic activation was correlated with [Ca2+]i oscillation pattern, decreasing with oocyte aging, cumulus removal, acidic pH, and increasing ER stress. These results provide fundamental but critical information for the mechanism of how these factors affect oocyte activation.
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16
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Lodde V, Morandini P, Costa A, Murgia I, Ezquer I. cROStalk for Life: Uncovering ROS Signaling in Plants and Animal Systems, from Gametogenesis to Early Embryonic Development. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:525. [PMID: 33916807 PMCID: PMC8067062 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review explores the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS)/Ca2+ in communication within reproductive structures in plants and animals. Many concepts have been described during the last years regarding how biosynthesis, generation products, antioxidant systems, and signal transduction involve ROS signaling, as well as its possible link with developmental processes and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. In this review, we first addressed classic key concepts in ROS and Ca2+ signaling in plants, both at the subcellular, cellular, and organ level. In the plant science field, during the last decades, new techniques have facilitated the in vivo monitoring of ROS signaling cascades. We will describe these powerful techniques in plants and compare them to those existing in animals. Development of new analytical techniques will facilitate the understanding of ROS signaling and their signal transduction pathways in plants and mammals. Many among those signaling pathways already have been studied in animals; therefore, a specific effort should be made to integrate this knowledge into plant biology. We here discuss examples of how changes in the ROS and Ca2+ signaling pathways can affect differentiation processes in plants, focusing specifically on reproductive processes where the ROS and Ca2+ signaling pathways influence the gametophyte functioning, sexual reproduction, and embryo formation in plants and animals. The study field regarding the role of ROS and Ca2+ in signal transduction is evolving continuously, which is why we reviewed the recent literature and propose here the potential targets affecting ROS in reproductive processes. We discuss the opportunities to integrate comparative developmental studies and experimental approaches into studies on the role of ROS/ Ca2+ in both plant and animal developmental biology studies, to further elucidate these crucial signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Piero Morandini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alex Costa
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (I.M.)
| | - Irene Murgia
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (I.M.)
| | - Ignacio Ezquer
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (I.M.)
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17
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Chimote BN, Chimote NM. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) concentrations stringently regulate fertilisation, embryo development and IVF outcomes: are we looking at a potentially compelling 'oocyte-related factor' in oocyte activation? J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 38:193-202. [PMID: 33161515 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-02001-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bindu N Chimote
- IVF Embryology Laboratory, Vaunshdhara Fertility Centre, 9, Dr. Munje Marg, Congress Nagar, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Natachandra M Chimote
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Vaunshdhara Fertility Centre, 9, Dr. Munje Marg, Congress Nagar, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
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18
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Gorbatyuk MS, Starr CR, Gorbatyuk OS. Endoplasmic reticulum stress: New insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of retinal degenerative diseases. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 79:100860. [PMID: 32272207 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Physiological equilibrium in the retina depends on coordinated work between rod and cone photoreceptors and can be compromised by the expression of mutant proteins leading to inherited retinal degeneration (IRD). IRD is a diverse group of retinal dystrophies with multifaceted molecular mechanisms that are not fully understood. In this review, we focus on the contribution of chronically activated unfolded protein response (UPR) to inherited retinal pathogenesis, placing special emphasis on studies employing genetically modified animal models. As constitutively active UPR in degenerating retinas may activate pro-apoptotic programs associated with oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory signaling, dysfunctional autophagy, free cytosolic Ca2+ overload, and altered protein synthesis rate in the retina, we focus on the regulatory mechanisms of translational attenuation and approaches to overcoming translational attenuation in degenerating retinas. We also discuss current research on the role of the UPR mediator PERK and its downstream targets in degenerating retinas and highlight the therapeutic benefits of reprogramming PERK signaling in preclinical animal models of IRD. Finally, we describe pharmacological approaches targeting UPR in ocular diseases and consider their potential applications to IRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina S Gorbatyuk
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry, USA.
| | - Christopher R Starr
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry, USA
| | - Oleg S Gorbatyuk
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry, USA
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19
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Wakai T, Mehregan A, Fissore RA. Ca 2+ Signaling and Homeostasis in Mammalian Oocytes and Eggs. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2019; 11:a035162. [PMID: 31427376 PMCID: PMC6886447 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a035162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Changes in the intracellular concentration of calcium ([Ca2+]i) represent a vital signaling mechanism enabling communication between and among cells as well as with the environment. Cells have developed a sophisticated set of molecules, "the Ca2+ toolkit," to adapt [Ca2+]i changes to specific cellular functions. Mammalian oocytes and eggs, the subject of this review, are not an exception, and in fact the initiation of embryo devolvement in all species is entirely dependent on distinct [Ca2+]i responses. Here, we review the components of the Ca2+ toolkit present in mammalian oocytes and eggs, the regulatory mechanisms that allow these cells to accumulate Ca2+ in the endoplasmic reticulum, release it, and maintain basal and stable cytoplasmic concentrations. We also discuss electrophysiological and genetic studies that have uncovered Ca2+ influx channels in oocytes and eggs, and we analyze evidence supporting the role of a sperm-specific phospholipase C isoform as the trigger of Ca2+ oscillations during mammalian fertilization including its implication in fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Wakai
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Aujan Mehregan
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Rafael A Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
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20
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Bonte D, Thys V, De Sutter P, Boel A, Leybaert L, Heindryckx B. Vitrification negatively affects the Ca 2+-releasing and activation potential of mouse oocytes, but vitrified oocytes are potentially useful for diagnostic purposes. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 40:13-25. [PMID: 31740224 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION To what extent does vitrification affect the Ca2+-releasing and activation potential of mouse oocytes, which are commonly used to determine the oocyte activation potential of human spermatozoa? DESIGN The effect of mouse oocyte vitrification on Ca2+ dynamics and developmental competence after oocyte activation was assessed and compared with fresh mouse oocytes. Moreover, the Ca2+ store content of the endoplasmic reticulum was determined at different time points during the vitrification-warming procedure. Finally, the Ca2+ pattern induced by cryoprotectant exposure was determined. RESULTS After human sperm injection into mouse oocytes, Ca2+ dynamics but not fertilization rates were significantly altered by vitrification warming (P < 0.05). Ca2+ dynamics in response to SrCl2 or ionomycin were also altered by oocyte vitrification. In contrast, activation and blastocyst rates after SrCl2 exposure were not affected (P > 0.05), whereas activation rates after ionomycin exposure were significantly lower in vitrified-warmed oocytes (P < 0.05); blastocyst rates were not affected (P > 0.05). Cryoprotectant exposure was associated with a strong drop in endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ store content. Oocytes rapidly recovered during warming and recovery in Ca2+-containing media; a threshold area under the curve of Ca2+ dynamics to obtain activation rates above 90% was determined. CONCLUSIONS Vitrified-warmed mouse oocytes display reduced Ca2+-releasing potential upon oocyte activation, caused by cryoprotectant exposure. With adapted classification criteria, these oocytes could be used for diagnosing oocyte activation deficiencies in patients. Evaluating the Ca2+-signalling machinery in vitrified-warmed human oocytes is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davina Bonte
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
| | - Vanessa Thys
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Annekatrien Boel
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Physiology group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaagn 10, GhentGhent 9000, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium
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21
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Wakai T, Fissore RA. Constitutive IP 3R1-mediated Ca 2+ release reduces Ca 2+ store content and stimulates mitochondrial metabolism in mouse GV oocytes. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.225441. [PMID: 30659110 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.225441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, fertilization initiates Ca2+ oscillations in metaphase II oocytes, which are required for the activation of embryo development. Germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes also display Ca2+ oscillations, although these unfold spontaneously in the absence of any known agonist(s) and their function remains unclear. We found that the main intracellular store of Ca2+ in GV oocytes, the endoplasmic reticulum ([Ca2+]ER), constitutively 'leaks' Ca2+ through the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor. The [Ca2+]ER leak ceases around the resumption of meiosis, the GV breakdown (GVBD) stage, which coincides with the first noticeable accumulation of Ca2+ in the stores. It also concurs with downregulation of the Ca2+ influx and termination of the oscillations, which seemed underpinned by the inactivation of the putative plasma membrane Ca2+ channels. Lastly, we demonstrate that mitochondria take up Ca2+ during the Ca2+ oscillations, mounting their own oscillations that stimulate the mitochondrial redox state and increase the ATP levels of GV oocytes. These distinct features of Ca2+ homeostasis in GV oocytes are likely to underpin the acquisition of both maturation and developmental competence, as well as fulfill stage-specific cellular functions during oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Wakai
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Rafael A Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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22
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Wang F, Yuan RY, Li L, Meng TG, Fan LH, Jing Y, Zhang RR, Li YY, Liang QX, Dong F, Hou Y, Schatten H, Sun QY, Ou XH. Mitochondrial regulation of [Ca 2+]i oscillations during cell cycle resumption of the second meiosis of oocyte. Cell Cycle 2018; 17:1471-1486. [PMID: 29965788 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2018.1489179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte is arrested at metaphase of the second meiosis until fertilization switching on [Ca2+]i oscillations. Oocyte activation inefficiency is the most challenging problem for failed fertilization and embryonic development. Mitochondrial function and intracellular [Ca2+]i oscillations are two critical factors for the oocyte's developmental potential. We aimed to understand the possible correlation between mitochondrial function and [Ca2+]i oscillations in oocytes. To this end, mitochondrial uncoupler CCCP which damages mitochondrial function and two small molecule mitochondrial agonists, L-carnitine (LC) and BGP-15, were used to examine the regulation of [Ca2+]i by mitochondrial functions. With increasing CCCP concentrations, [Ca2+]i oscillations were gradually diminished and high concentrations of CCCP led to oocyte death. LC enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential and [Ca2+]i oscillations and even improved the damage induced by CCCP, however, BGP-15 had no beneficial effect on oocyte activation. We have found that mitochondrial function plays a vital role in the generation of [Ca2+]i oscillations in oocytes, and thus mitochondria may interact with the ER to generate [Ca2+]i oscillations during oocyte activation. Improvement of mitochondrial functions with small molecules can be expected to improve oocyte activation and embryonic development in infertile patients without invasive micromanipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- a Fertility Preservation Lab , Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital , Guangzhou , China.,b State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology , Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Rui-Ying Yuan
- a Fertility Preservation Lab , Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital , Guangzhou , China
| | - Li Li
- b State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology , Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Tie-Gang Meng
- b State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology , Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Li-Hua Fan
- b State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology , Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Ying Jing
- b State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology , Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Ren-Ren Zhang
- b State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology , Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Yuna-Yuan Li
- b State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology , Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Qiu-Xia Liang
- b State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology , Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Feng Dong
- b State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology , Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Yi Hou
- b State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology , Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Heide Schatten
- c Department of Veterinary Pathobiology , University of Missouri , Columbia , MO , USA
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- b State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology , Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China.,d University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Xiang-Hong Ou
- a Fertility Preservation Lab , Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital , Guangzhou , China
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23
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Águila L, Felmer R, Arias ME, Navarrete F, Martin-Hidalgo D, Lee HC, Visconti P, Fissore R. Defective sperm head decondensation undermines the success of ICSI in the bovine. Reproduction 2018; 154:307-318. [PMID: 28751536 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The efficiency of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in the bovine is low compared to other species. It is unknown whether defective oocyte activation and/or sperm head decondensation limit the success of this technique in this species. To elucidate where the main obstacle lies, we used homologous and heterologous ICSI and parthenogenetic activation procedures. We also evaluated whether in vitro maturation negatively impacted the early stages of activation after ICSI. Here we showed that injected bovine sperm are resistant to nuclear decondensation by bovine oocytes and this is only partly overcome by exogenous activation. Remarkably, when we used heterologous ICSI, in vivo-matured mouse eggs were capable of mounting calcium oscillations and displaying normal PN formation following injection of bovine sperm, although in vitro-matured mouse oocytes were unable to do so. Together, our data demonstrate that bovine sperm are especially resistant to nuclear decondensation by in vitro-matured oocytes and this deficiency cannot be simply overcome by exogenous activation protocols, even by inducing physiological calcium oscillations. Therefore, the inability of a suboptimal ooplasmic environment to induce sperm head decondensation limits the success of ICSI in the bovine. Studies aimed to improve the cytoplasmic milieu of in vitro-matured oocytes and to replicate the molecular changes associated with in vivo capacitation and acrosome reaction will deepen our understanding of the mechanism of fertilization and improve the success of ICSI in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Águila
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Department of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor Sede Temuco, Temuco, Chile
| | - Ricardo Felmer
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Department of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - María Elena Arias
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Department of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Felipe Navarrete
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Martin-Hidalgo
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction, Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain.,Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hoi Chang Lee
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pablo Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rafael Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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24
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Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Its Sulfate (DHEA-S) in Mammalian Reproduction: Known Roles and Novel Paradigms. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 108:223-250. [PMID: 30029728 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Steroid hormones form an integral part of normal development in mammalian organisms. Cholesterol is the parent compound from which all steroid hormones are synthesized. The product pregnenolone formed from cholesterol serves as precursor for mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, as well as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its derived sexual hormones. DHEA assumes the prohormone status of a predominant endogenous precursor and a metabolic intermediate in ovarian follicular steroidogenesis. DHEA supplementation has been used to enhance ovarian reserve. Steroids like estradiol and testosterone have long been contemplated to play important roles in regulating meiotic maturation of oocytes in conjunction with gonadotropins. It is known that oocyte priming with estrogen is necessary to develop calcium (Ca2+) oscillations during maturation. Accruing evidence from diverse studies suggests that DHEA and its sulfate (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, DHEA-S) play significantly vital role not only as intermediates in androgen and estrogen formation, but may also be the probable 'oocyte factor' and behave as endogenous agonists triggering calcium oscillations for oocyte activation. DHEA/DHEA-S have been reported to regulate calcium channels for the passage of Ca2+ through the oocyte cytoplasm and for maintaining required threshold of Ca2+ oscillations. This role of DHEA/DHEA-S assumes critical significance in assisted reproductive technology and in-vitro fertilization treatment cycles where physical, chemical, and mechanical methods are employed for artificial oocyte activation to enhance fertilization rates. However, since these methods are invasive and may also cause adverse epigenetic modifications; oral or culture-media supplementation with DHEA/DHEA-S provides a noninvasive innate mechanism of in-vitro oocyte activation based on physiological metabolic pathway.
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25
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Berridge MJ. Vitamin D deficiency: infertility and neurodevelopmental diseases (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, and schizophrenia). Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2017; 314:C135-C151. [PMID: 29070492 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00188.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The process of development depends on a number of signaling systems that regulates the progressive sequence of developmental events. Infertility and neurodevelopmental diseases, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and schizophrenia, are caused by specific alterations in these signaling processes. Calcium signaling plays a prominent role throughout development beginning at fertilization and continuing through early development, implantation, and organ differentiation such as heart and brain development. Vitamin D plays a major role in regulating these signaling processes that control development. There is an increase in infertility and an onset of neurodevelopmental diseases when vitamin D is deficient. The way in which vitamin D deficiency acts to alter development is a major feature of this review. One of the primary functions of vitamin D is to maintain the phenotypic stability of both the Ca2+ and redox signaling pathways that play such a key role throughout development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Berridge
- Laboratory of Molecular Signalling, The Babraham Institute , Cambridge , United Kingdom
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26
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Calcium ion regulation by BAPTA-AM and ruthenium red improved the fertilisation capacity and developmental ability of vitrified bovine oocytes. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10652. [PMID: 28878377 PMCID: PMC5587528 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10907-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitrification reduces the fertilisation capacity and developmental ability of mammalian oocytes; this effect is closely associated with an abnormal increase of cytoplasmic free calcium ions ([Ca2+]i). However, little information about the mechanism by which vitrification increases [Ca2+]i levels or a procedure to regulate [Ca2+]i levels in these oocytes is available. Vitrified bovine oocytes were used to analyse the effect of vitrification on [Ca2+]i, endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ (ER Ca2+), and mitochondrial Ca2+ (mCa2+) levels. Our results showed that vitrification, especially with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), can induce ER Ca2+ release into the cytoplasm, consequently increasing the [Ca2+]i and mCa2+ levels. Supplementing the cells with 10 μM 1,2-bis (o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA-AM or BAPTA) significantly decreased the [Ca2+]i level and maintained the normal distribution of cortical granules in the vitrified bovine oocytes, increasing their fertilisation ability and cleavage rate after in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Treating vitrified bovine oocytes with 1 μM ruthenium red (RR) significantly inhibited the Ca2+ flux from the cytoplasm into mitochondria; maintained normal mCa2+ levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP content; and inhibited apoptosis. Treating vitrified oocytes with a combination of BAPTA and RR significantly improved embryo development and quality after IVF.
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27
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Cui J, Xie X. Non-coding RNAs: emerging regulatory factors in the derivation and differentiation of mammalian parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells. Cell Biol Int 2017; 41:476-483. [PMID: 28220611 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (PESCs) are ESCs derived from early parthenogenetic embryos. Haploid PESCs, containing haploid DNA, originate from a single sperm or occyte, while, diploid PESCs originate from two fused occytes. Most PESC lines used so far are diploid. PESCs exhibit representative pluripotent stem cell features, such as the capacity for self-renewal and the pariticular molecular signatures. Whereas, PESCs display distinctive properties, such as differential regulation of X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) and divergent monitor of genes involved in multiple biological processes. PESCs are considered promising in the regeneration medicine and developmental biology. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially miRNAs and lncRNAs, have garnered increasing attention over the past 2 decades. They are now known to be involved in almost all cellular processes due to their full-range regulation of gene expression. Numerous studies have indicated that embryonic stem cells (ESCs) displayed distinct signatures of ncRNA genes, which play key roles in the pluripotency and self renewal of ESCs. However, the expression pattern of ncRNAs in PESCs and their roles in the derivation and differentiation of PESCs were rarely reported. In this paper, we reviewed recent research on the derivation and differentiation of PESCs and describe the emerging role of ncRNAs in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Cui
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Northwest University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710069, China.,College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xin Xie
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Northwest University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710069, China.,College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.,Institute for Integrated Medical Information (IIMI), Xi'an, 710018, China
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28
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Bernhardt ML, Padilla-Banks E, Stein P, Zhang Y, Williams CJ. Store-operated Ca 2+ entry is not required for fertilization-induced Ca 2+ signaling in mouse eggs. Cell Calcium 2017; 65:63-72. [PMID: 28222911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive oscillations in cytoplasmic Ca2+ due to periodic Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) drive mammalian embryo development following fertilization. Influx of extracellular Ca2+ to support the refilling of ER stores is required for sustained Ca2+ oscillations, but the mechanisms underlying this Ca2+ influx are controversial. Although store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is an appealing candidate mechanism, several groups have arrived at contradictory conclusions regarding the importance of SOCE in oocytes and eggs. To definitively address this question, Ca2+ influx was assessed in oocytes and eggs lacking the major components of SOCE, the ER Ca2+ sensor STIM proteins, and the plasma membrane Ca2+ channel ORAI1. We generated oocyte-specific conditional knockout (cKO) mice for Stim1 and Stim2, and also generated Stim1/2 double cKO mice. Females lacking one or both STIM proteins were fertile and their ovulated eggs displayed normal patterns of Ca2+ oscillations following fertilization. In addition, no impairment was observed in ER Ca2+ stores or Ca2+ influx following store depletion. Similar studies were performed on eggs from mice globally lacking ORAI1; no abnormalities were observed. Furthermore, spontaneous Ca2+ influx was normal in oocytes from Stim1/2 cKO and ORAI1-null mice. Finally, we tested if TRPM7-like channels could support spontaneous Ca2+ influx, and found that it was largely prevented by NS8593, a TRPM7-specific inhibitor. Fertilization-induced Ca2+ oscillations were also impaired by NS8593. Combined, these data robustly show that SOCE is not required to support appropriate Ca2+ signaling in mouse oocytes and eggs, and that TRPM7-like channels may contribute to Ca2+ influx that was previously attributed to SOCE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda L Bernhardt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Elizabeth Padilla-Banks
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Paula Stein
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Yingpei Zhang
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Carmen J Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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29
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Tiwari M, Prasad S, Shrivastav TG, Chaube SK. Calcium Signaling During Meiotic Cell Cycle Regulation and Apoptosis in Mammalian Oocytes. J Cell Physiol 2016; 232:976-981. [PMID: 27791263 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Calcium (Ca++ ) is one of the major signal molecules that regulate various aspects of cell functions including cell cycle progression, arrest, and apoptosis in wide variety of cells. This review summarizes current knowledge on the differential roles of Ca++ in meiotic cell cycle resumption, arrest, and apoptosis in mammalian oocytes. Release of Ca++ from internal stores and/or Ca++ influx from extracellular medium causes moderate increase of intracellular Ca++ ([Ca++ ]i) level and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Increase of Ca++ as well as ROS levels under physiological range trigger maturation promoting factor (MPF) destabilization, thereby meiotic resumption from diplotene as well as metaphase-II (M-II) arrest in oocytes. A sustained increase of [Ca++ ]i level beyond physiological range induces generation of ROS sufficient enough to cause oxidative stress (OS) in aging oocytes. The increased [Ca++ ]i triggers Fas ligand-mediated oocyte apoptosis. Further, OS triggers mitochondria-mediated oocyte apoptosis in several mammalian species. Thus, Ca++ exerts differential roles on oocyte physiology depending upon its intracellular concentration. A moderate increase of [Ca++ ]i as well as ROS mediate spontaneous resumption of meiosis from diplotene as well as M-II arrest, while their high levels cause meiotic cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by operating both mitochondria- as well as Fas ligand-mediated apoptotic pathways. Indeed, Ca++ regulates cellular physiology by modulating meiotic cell cycle and apoptosis in mammalian oocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 976-981, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Tiwari
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shilpa Prasad
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tulsidas G Shrivastav
- Department of Reproductive Biomedicine, National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Munirka, New Delhi, India
| | - Shail K Chaube
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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30
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Berridge MJ. The Inositol Trisphosphate/Calcium Signaling Pathway in Health and Disease. Physiol Rev 2016; 96:1261-96. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00006.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 377] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cellular functions are regulated by calcium (Ca2+) signals that are generated by different signaling pathways. One of these is the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate/calcium (InsP3/Ca2+) signaling pathway that operates through either primary or modulatory mechanisms. In its primary role, it generates the Ca2+ that acts directly to control processes such as metabolism, secretion, fertilization, proliferation, and smooth muscle contraction. Its modulatory role occurs in excitable cells where it modulates the primary Ca2+ signal generated by the entry of Ca2+ through voltage-operated channels that releases Ca2+ from ryanodine receptors (RYRs) on the internal stores. In carrying out this modulatory role, the InsP3/Ca2+ signaling pathway induces subtle changes in the generation and function of the voltage-dependent primary Ca2+ signal. Changes in the nature of both the primary and modulatory roles of InsP3/Ca2+ signaling are a contributory factor responsible for the onset of a large number human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Berridge
- Laboratory of Molecular Signalling, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
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31
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Sanders JR, Swann K. Molecular triggers of egg activation at fertilization in mammals. Reproduction 2016; 152:R41-50. [PMID: 27165049 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, the sperm activates the development of the egg by triggering a series of oscillations in the cytosolic-free Ca(2+) concentration (Ca(2+) i). The sperm triggers these cytosolic Ca(2+i) oscillations after sperm-egg membrane fusion, as well as after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). These Ca(2+) i oscillations are triggered by a protein located inside the sperm. The identity of the sperm protein has been debated over many years, but all the repeatable data now suggest that it is phospholipase Czeta (PLCζ). The main downstream target of Ca(2+) i oscillations is calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMKII (CAMK2A)), which phosphorylates EMI2 and WEE1B to inactivate the M-phase promoting factor protein kinase activity (MPF) and this ultimately triggers meiotic resumption. A later decline in the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) then leads to the completion of activation which is marked by the formation of pronuclei and entry into interphase of the first cell cycle. The early cytosolic Ca(2+) increases also trigger exocytosis via a mechanism that does not involve CAMKII. We discuss some recent developments in our understanding of these triggers for egg activation within the framework of cytosolic Ca(2+) signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karl Swann
- School of BiosciencesCardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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32
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The zinc spark is an inorganic signature of human egg activation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:24737. [PMID: 27113677 PMCID: PMC4845039 DOI: 10.1038/srep24737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Egg activation refers to events required for transition of a gamete into an embryo, including establishment of the polyspermy block, completion of meiosis, entry into mitosis, selective recruitment and degradation of maternal mRNA, and pronuclear development. Here we show that zinc fluxes accompany human egg activation. We monitored calcium and zinc dynamics in individual human eggs using selective fluorophores following activation with calcium-ionomycin, ionomycin, or hPLCζ cRNA microinjection. These egg activation methods, as expected, induced rises in intracellular calcium levels and also triggered the coordinated release of zinc into the extracellular space in a prominent “zinc spark.” The ability of the gamete to mount a zinc spark response was meiotic-stage dependent. Moreover, chelation of intracellular zinc alone was sufficient to induce cell cycle resumption and transition of a meiotic cell into a mitotic one. Together, these results demonstrate critical functions for zinc dynamics and establish the zinc spark as an extracellular marker of early human development.
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33
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Haverfield J, Nakagawa S, Love D, Tsichlaki E, Nomikos M, Lai FA, Swann K, FitzHarris G. Ca(2+) dynamics in oocytes from naturally-aged mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19357. [PMID: 26785810 PMCID: PMC4726220 DOI: 10.1038/srep19357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of human metaphase-II arrested eggs to activate following fertilisation declines with advancing maternal age. Egg activation is triggered by repetitive increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the ooplasm as a result of sperm-egg fusion. We therefore hypothesised that eggs from older females feature a reduced ability to mount appropriate Ca2+ responses at fertilisation. To test this hypothesis we performed the first examination of Ca2+ dynamics in eggs from young and naturally-aged mice. Strikingly, we find that Ca2+ stores and resting [Ca2+]i are unchanged with age. Although eggs from aged mice feature a reduced ability to replenish intracellular Ca2+ stores following depletion, this difference had no effect on the duration, number, or amplitude of Ca2+ oscillations following intracytoplasmic sperm injection or expression of phospholipase C zeta. In contrast, we describe a substantial reduction in the frequency and duration of oscillations in aged eggs upon parthenogenetic activation with SrCl2. We conclude that the ability to mount and respond to an appropriate Ca2+ signal at fertilisation is largely unchanged by advancing maternal age, but subtle changes in Ca2+ handling occur that may have more substantial impacts upon commonly used means of parthenogenetic activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Haverfield
- Centre Recherche Centre Hospitalier Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada, H2X 0A9.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3T 1J4
| | - Shoma Nakagawa
- Centre Recherche Centre Hospitalier Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada, H2X 0A9
| | - Daniel Love
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, UK, CF14 4XN
| | - Elina Tsichlaki
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK, WC1E 6BT
| | - Michail Nomikos
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, UK, CF14 4XN
| | - F Anthony Lai
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, UK, CF14 4XN
| | - Karl Swann
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, UK, CF14 4XN
| | - Greg FitzHarris
- Centre Recherche Centre Hospitalier Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada, H2X 0A9.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3T 1J4.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK, WC1E 6BT
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34
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Bernhardt ML, Zhang Y, Erxleben CF, Padilla-Banks E, McDonough CE, Miao YL, Armstrong DL, Williams CJ. CaV3.2 T-type channels mediate Ca²⁺ entry during oocyte maturation and following fertilization. J Cell Sci 2015; 128:4442-52. [PMID: 26483387 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.180026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Initiation of mouse embryonic development depends upon a series of fertilization-induced rises in intracellular Ca(2+). Complete egg activation requires influx of extracellular Ca(2+); however, the channels that mediate this influx remain unknown. Here, we tested whether the α1 subunit of the T-type channel CaV3.2, encoded by Cacna1h, mediates Ca(2+) entry into oocytes. We show that mouse eggs express a robust voltage-activated Ca(2+) current that is completely absent in Cacna1h(-/-) eggs. Cacna1h(-/-) females have reduced litter sizes, and careful analysis of Ca(2+) oscillation patterns in Cacna1h(-/-) eggs following in vitro fertilization (IVF) revealed reductions in first transient length and oscillation persistence. Total and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) stores were also reduced in Cacna1h(-/-) eggs. Pharmacological inhibition of CaV3.2 in wild-type CF-1 strain eggs using mibefradil or pimozide reduced Ca(2+) store accumulation during oocyte maturation and reduced Ca(2+) oscillation persistence, frequency and number following IVF. Overall, these data show that CaV3.2 T-type channels have prev8iously unrecognized roles in supporting the meiotic-maturation-associated increase in ER Ca(2+) stores and mediating Ca(2+) influx required for the activation of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda L Bernhardt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Yingpei Zhang
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Christian F Erxleben
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Elizabeth Padilla-Banks
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Caitlin E McDonough
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Yi-Liang Miao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - David L Armstrong
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Carmen J Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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35
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Caglar Aytac P, Kilicdag EB, Haydardedeoglu B, Simsek E, Cok T, Parlakgumus HA. Can calcium ionophore "use" in patients with diminished ovarian reserve increase fertilization and pregnancy rates? A randomized, controlled study. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:1168-74. [PMID: 26342247 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.07.1163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether calcium ionophore solution can improve the fertilization rate in patients with diminished ovarian reserve whose partners have normal sperm parameters. DESIGN Between January 2014 and August 2014, patients with diminished ovarian reserve were randomized to make artificial oocyte activation with calcium ionophore solution. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) A total of 296 patients who had diminished ovarian reserve and partners with normal sperm parameters were included in the study. INTERVENTION(S) Metaphase 2 oocytes were treated with calcium ionophore solution (GM508 Cult-Active) for 15 minutes just after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Fertilization rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate. RESULT(S) Fertilization, implantation, pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy rates for the calcium ionophore and control groups were 60.7% and 55.4%, 12.8% and 10.7%, 21% and 12.8%, and 10.9% and 6.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION(S) This is the first prospective, randomized, controlled study to analyze the effect of calcium ionophore solution on fertilization rate in patients with diminished ovarian reserve. We did not observe any differences in fertilization, clinical pregnancy, or ongoing pregnancy rates between the groups. We propose that fertilization ratios could not be increased by artificial oocyte activation via application of calcium ionophore solution in patients with diminished ovarian reserve. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02045914.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Caglar Aytac
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Adana, Turkey.
| | - Esra Bulgan Kilicdag
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Bulent Haydardedeoglu
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Erhan Simsek
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Tayfun Cok
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Huriye Ayse Parlakgumus
- Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Adana, Turkey
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36
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Wang C, Zhang L, Jaeger LA, Machaty Z. Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry Sustains the Fertilization Ca2+ Signal in Pig Eggs. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:25. [PMID: 26063872 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.126151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) in the maintenance of sperm-induced Ca(2+) oscillations was investigated in porcine eggs. We found that 10 μM gadolinium (Gd(3+)), which is known to inhibit SOCE, blocked Ca(2+) entry that was triggered by thapsigargin-induced store depletion and also caused an abrupt cessation of the fertilization Ca(2+) signal. In a similar manner 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazole 2 (20 μM), and tetrapandin-2 (10 μM), potent SOCE inhibitors, also blocked thapsigargin-stimulated Ca(2+) entry and disrupted the Ca(2+) oscillations after sperm-egg fusion. The downregulation of Stim1 or Orai1 in the eggs did not alter the Ca(2+) content of the intracellular stores, whereas co-overexpression of these proteins led to the generation of irregular Ca(2+) transients after fertilization that stopped prematurely. We also found that thapsigargin completely emptied the endoplasmic reticulum, and that the series of Ca(2+) transients stopped abruptly after the addition of thapsigargin to the fertilized eggs, indicating that the proper reloading of the intracellular stores is a prerequisite for the maintenance of the Ca(2+) oscillations. These data strengthen our previous findings that in porcine eggs SOCE is a major signaling cascade that is responsible for sustaining the repetitive Ca(2+) signal at fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmin Wang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Laurie A Jaeger
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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Coticchio G, Dal Canto M, Mignini Renzini M, Guglielmo MC, Brambillasca F, Turchi D, Novara PV, Fadini R. Oocyte maturation: gamete-somatic cells interactions, meiotic resumption, cytoskeletal dynamics and cytoplasmic reorganization. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:427-54. [PMID: 25744083 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a growth phase occurring during most of folliculogenesis, the oocyte produces and accumulates molecules and organelles that are fundamental for the development of the preimplantation embryo. At ovulation, growth is followed by a phase of maturation that, although confined within a short temporal window, encompasses modifications of the oocyte chromosome complement and rearrangements of cytoplasmic components that are crucial for the achievement of developmental competence. Cumulus cells (CCs) are central to the process of maturation, providing the oocyte with metabolic support and regulatory cues. METHODS PubMed was used to search the MEDLINE database for peer-reviewed original articles and reviews concerning oocyte maturation in mammals. Searches were performed adopting 'oocyte' and 'maturation' as main terms, in association with other keywords expressing concepts relevant to the subject. The most relevant publications, i.e. those concerning major phenomena occurring during oocyte maturation in established experimental models and the human species, were assessed and discussed critically to offer a comprehensive description of the process of oocyte maturation. RESULTS By applying the above described search criteria, 6165 publications were identified, of which 543 were review articles. The number of publications increased steadily from 1974 (n = 7) to 2013 (n = 293). In 2014, from January to the time of submission of this manuscript, 140 original manuscripts and reviews were published. The studies selected for this review extend previous knowledge and shed new and astounding knowledge on oocyte maturation. It has long been known that resumption of meiosis and progression to the metaphase II stage is intrinsic to oocyte maturation, but novel findings have revealed that specific chromatin configurations are indicative of a propensity of the oocyte to resume the meiotic process and acquire developmental competence. Recently, genetic integrity has also been characterized as a factor with important implications for oocyte maturation and quality. Changes occurring in the cytoplasmic compartment are equally fundamental. Microtubules, actin filaments and chromatin not only interact to finalize chromosome segregation, but also crucially co-operate to establish cell asymmetry. This allows polar body extrusion to be accomplished with minimal loss of cytoplasm. The cytoskeleton also orchestrates the rearrangement of organelles in preparation for fertilization. For example, during maturation the distribution of the endoplasmic reticulum undergoes major modifications guided by microtubules and microfilaments to make the oocyte more competent in the generation of intracellular Ca(2+) oscillations that are pivotal for triggering egg activation. Cumulus cells are inherent to the process of oocyte maturation, emitting regulatory signals via direct cell-to-cell contacts and paracrine factors. In addition to nurturing the oocyte with key metabolites, CCs regulate meiotic resumption and modulate the function of the oocyte cytoskeleton. CONCLUSIONS Although the importance of oocyte maturation for the achievement of female meiosis has long been recognized, until recently much less was known of the significance of this process in relation to other fundamental developmental events. Studies on chromatin dynamics and integrity have extended our understanding of female meiosis. Concomitantly, cytoskeletal and organelle changes and the ancillary role of CCs have been better appreciated. This is expected to inspire novel concepts and advances in assisted reproduction technologies, such as the development of novel in vitro maturation systems and the identification of biomarkers of oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Coticchio
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Via Zucchi 24, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Mariabeatrice Dal Canto
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Via Zucchi 24, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Mario Mignini Renzini
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Via Zucchi 24, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Guglielmo
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Via Zucchi 24, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Fausta Brambillasca
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Via Zucchi 24, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Diana Turchi
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Via Zucchi 24, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Paola Vittoria Novara
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Via Zucchi 24, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Rubens Fadini
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Via Zucchi 24, 20900 Monza, Italy
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Armant DR. Intracellular Ca2+ signaling and preimplantation development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 843:151-71. [PMID: 25956298 PMCID: PMC10412982 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2480-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The key, versatile role of intracellular Ca2+ signaling during egg activation after fertilization has been appreciated for several decades. More recently, evidence has accumulated supporting the concept that cytoplasmic Ca2+ is also a major signaling nexus during subsequent development of the fertilized ovum. This chapter will review the molecular reactions that regulate intracellular Ca2+ levels and cell function, the role of Ca2+ signaling during egg activation and specific examples of repetitive Ca2+ signaling found throughout pre- and peri-implantation development. Many of the upstream and downstream pathways utilized during egg activation are also critical for specific processes that take place during embryonic development. Much remains to be done to elucidate the full complexity of Ca2+ signaling mechanisms in preimplantation embryos to the level of detail accomplished for egg activation. However, an emerging concept is that because this second messenger can be modulated downstream of numerous receptors and is able to bind and activate multiple cytoplasmic signaling proteins, it can help the coordination of development through up- and downstream pathways that change with each embryonic stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Randall Armant
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, 275 E. Hancock Street, 48201-1405, Detroit, MI, USA,
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Zhang Z, Chen K, Ni H. Calcium supplementation improves clinical outcome in intensive care unit patients: a propensity score matched analysis of a large clinical database MIMIC-II. SPRINGERPLUS 2015; 4:594. [PMID: 26543729 PMCID: PMC4627965 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-015-1387-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Observational studies have linked hypocalcemia with adverse clinical outcome in critically ill patients. However, calcium supplementation has never been formally investigated for its beneficial effect in critically ill patients. To investigate whether calcium supplementation can improve 28-day survival in adult critically ill patients. Secondary analysis of a large clinical database consisting over 30,000 critical ill patients was performed. Multivariable analysis was performed to examine the independent association of calcium supplementation and 28-day morality. Furthermore, propensity score matching technique was employed to investigate the role of calcium supplementation in improving survival. INTERVENTION none. Primary outcome was the 28-day mortality. 90-day mortality was used as secondary outcome. A total of 32,551 adult patients, including 28,062 survivors and 4489 non-survivors (28-day mortality rate: 13.8 %) were included. Calcium supplementation was independently associated with improved 28-day mortality after adjusting for confounding variables (hazard ratio: 0.51; 95 % CI 0.47-0.56). Propensity score matching was performed and the after-matching cohort showed well balanced covariates. The results showed that calcium supplementation was associated with improved 28- and 90-day mortality (p < 0.05 for both Log-rank test). In adult critically ill patients, calcium supplementation during their ICU stay improved 28-day survival. This finding supports the use of calcium supplementation in critically ill patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongheng Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, Jinhua Hospital of Zhejiang University, 351#, Mingyue Road, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321000 China
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, Jinhua Hospital of Zhejiang University, 351#, Mingyue Road, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321000 China
| | - Hongying Ni
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, Jinhua Hospital of Zhejiang University, 351#, Mingyue Road, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321000 China
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The effects of extracellular ATP and its receptor antagonists on pig oocytes during in vitro maturation. ZYGOTE 2014; 23:885-92. [PMID: 25438974 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199414000598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We measured the ATP concentrations in the porcine follicular fluid derived from three sizes of follicles (small: 6 mm in diameter). Then, the effects of pre-treatment (100 μM each for 30 min before maturation) with antagonists for extracellular ATP receptor P2X or P2Y on the nuclear maturation rate of cumulus-cell-enclosed (COs) or -denuded oocytes (DOs) up to the preovulatory stage in the presence or absence of 20 nM ATP (a similar concentration to that of medium-sized follicle fluid) were investigated. The antagonists used were pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS) or reactive blue 2 (RB2), for extracellular ATP receptor P2X and P2Y, respectively. In addition, the embryonic development rates of COs pre-treated with RB2 were also evaluated. It was found that when the follicular sizes increased, the ATP concentrations significantly decreased (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in the nuclear maturation rates among all COs, regardless of pre-treatment with (+) or without (-) PPADS and in the presence (+) or absence (-) of ATP during maturation. In contrast, the nuclear maturation rate of the COs, but not DOs, in the ATP(-) RB2(+) group was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of the ATP(-) RB2(-) and ATP(+)RB2(-) groups. The pronuclear formation and blastocyst formation rates by parthenogenetic activation in the ATP(-) RB2(+) and ATP(+) RB2(+) groups were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those in the ATP(-) RB2(-) group. In conclusion, it is suggested that the nuclear maturation of porcine oocytes may be influenced by the ATP receptor P2Y present in the cumulus cells.
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Excess cholesterol induces mouse egg activation and may cause female infertility. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:E4972-80. [PMID: 25368174 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1418954111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The HDL receptor scavenger receptor, class B type I (SR-BI) controls the structure and fate of plasma HDL. Female SR-BI KO mice are infertile, apparently because of their abnormal cholesterol-enriched HDL particles. We examined the growth and meiotic progression of SR-BI KO oocytes and found that they underwent normal germinal vesicle breakdown; however, SR-BI KO eggs, which had accumulated excess cholesterol in vivo, spontaneously activated, and they escaped metaphase II (MII) arrest and progressed to pronuclear, MIII, and anaphase/telophase III stages. Eggs from fertile WT mice were activated when loaded in vitro with excess cholesterol by a cholesterol/methyl-β-cyclodextrin complex, phenocopying SR-BI KO oocytes. In vitro cholesterol loading of eggs induced reduction in maturation promoting factor and MAPK activities, elevation of intracellular calcium, extrusion of a second polar body, and progression to meiotic stages beyond MII. These results suggest that the infertility of SR-BI KO females is caused, at least in part, by excess cholesterol in eggs inducing premature activation and that cholesterol can activate WT mouse eggs to escape from MII arrest. Analysis of SR-BI KO female infertility raises the possibility that abnormalities in cholesterol metabolism might underlie some cases of human female infertility of unknown etiology.
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Wakai T, Harada Y, Miyado K, Kono T. Mitochondrial dynamics controlled by mitofusins define organelle positioning and movement during mouse oocyte maturation. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:1090-1100. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
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Zhang N, Fissore RA. Role of caspase-3 cleaved IP3 R1 on Ca(2+) homeostasis and developmental competence of mouse oocytes and eggs. J Cell Physiol 2014; 229:1842-54. [PMID: 24692207 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis in most cell types is accompanied by altered Ca(2+) homeostasis. During apoptosis, caspase-3 mediated cleavage of the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3 R1) generates a 95-kDa C-terminal fragment (C-IP3 R1), which represents the channel domain of the receptor. Aged mouse eggs display abnormal Ca(2+) homeostasis and express C-IP3 R1, although whether or not C-IP3 R1 expression contributes to Ca(2+) misregulation or a decrease in developmental competency is unknown. We sought to answer these questions by injecting in mouse oocytes and eggs cRNAs encoding C-IP3 R1. We found that: (1) expression of C-IP3 R1 in eggs lowered the Ca(2+) content of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), although, as C-IP3 R1 is quickly degraded at this stage, its expression did not impair pre-implantation embryo development; (2) expression of C-IP3 R1 in eggs enhanced fragmentation associated with aging; (3) endogenous IP3 R1 is required for aging associated apoptosis, as its down-regulation prevented fragmentation, and expression of C-IP3 R1 in eggs with downregulated IP3 R1 partly restored fragmentation; (4) C-IP3 R1 expression in GV oocytes resulted in persistent levels of protein, which abolished the increase in the ER releasable Ca(2+) pool that occurs during maturation, undermined the Ca(2+) oscillatory ability of matured eggs and their activation potential. Collectively, this study supports a role for IP3 R1 and C-IP3 R1 in regulating Ca(2+) homeostasis and the ER Ca(2+) content during oocyte maturation. Nevertheless, the role of C-IP3 R1 on Ca(2+) homeostasis in aged eggs seems minor, as in MII eggs the majority of endogenous IP3 R1 remains intact and C-IP3 R1 undergoes rapid turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts
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Vanden Meerschaut F, Nikiforaki D, Heindryckx B, De Sutter P. Assisted oocyte activation following ICSI fertilization failure. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 28:560-71. [PMID: 24656559 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2013] [Revised: 01/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The capacity of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to permit almost any type of spermatozoa to fertilize oocytes has made it the most successful treatment for male factor infertility. Despite its high success rates, fertilization failure following ICSI still occurs in 1-3% of couples. Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) is being increasingly applied in human assisted reproduction to restore fertilization and pregnancy rates in couples with a history of ICSI fertilization failure. However, controversy still exists mainly because the artificial activating agents do not mimic precisely the initial physiological processes of mammalian oocyte activation, which has led to safety concerns. This review addresses the mechanism of human oocyte activation and the relatively rare phenomenon of fertilization failure after ICSI. Next, it describes the current diagnostic approaches and focuses on the application, efficiency and safety of AOA in human assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frauke Vanden Meerschaut
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan 185 - 1P4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dimitra Nikiforaki
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan 185 - 1P4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan 185 - 1P4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan 185 - 1P4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Takeo S, Sato D, Kimura K, Monji Y, Kuwayama T, Kawahara-Miki R, Iwata H. Resveratrol improves the mitochondrial function and fertilization outcome of bovine oocytes. J Reprod Dev 2013; 60:92-9. [PMID: 24390595 PMCID: PMC3999399 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2013-102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to address the effect of resveratrol-mediated upregulation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) during oocyte maturation on mitochondrial function, the developmental ability of oocytes and on mechanisms responsible for blockage of polyspermic fertilization. Oocytes collected from slaughterhouse-derived ovaries were cultured in TCM-199 medium supplemented with 10% FCS and 0 or 20 µM resveratrol (Res). We examined the effect of Res on SIRT1 expression in in vitro-matured oocytes (Exp 1); fertilization and developmental ability (Exp 2); mitochondrial DNA copy number (Mt number), ATP content and mitochondrial membrane potential in matured oocytes (Exp 3); and the time required for proteinase to dissolve the zona pellucida following in vitro fertilization (as a marker of zona pellucida hardening), as well as on the distribution of cortical granules before and after fertilization (Exp 4). In Exp 1, the 20 µM Res treatment upregulated protein expression of SIRT1 in oocytes. In Exp 2, Res treatment improved the ratio of normal fertilization and the total cell number of blastocysts. In Exp 3, Res treatment significantly increased the ATP content in matured oocytes. Additionally, Res increased the overall Mt number and mitochondrial membrane potential, but the effect was donor-dependent. In Exp 4, Res-induced zona hardening improved the distribution and exocytosis of cortical granules after in vitro fertilization. In conclusion, Res improved the quality of oocytes by improving mitochondrial quantity and quality. In addition, Res added to the maturation medium enhanced SIRT1 protein expression in oocytes and improved fertilization via reinforcement of the mechanisms responsible for blockage of polyspermic fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Takeo
- Tokyo University of Agriculture, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
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Carvacho I, Lee HC, Fissore RA, Clapham DE. TRPV3 channels mediate strontium-induced mouse-egg activation. Cell Rep 2013; 5:1375-86. [PMID: 24316078 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, calcium influx is required for oocyte maturation and egg activation. The molecular identities of the calcium-permeant channels that underlie the initiation of embryonic development are not established. Here, we describe a transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel current activated by TRP agonists that is absent in TrpV3(-/-) eggs. TRPV3 current is differentially expressed during oocyte maturation, reaching a peak of maximum density and activity at metaphase of meiosis II (MII), the stage of fertilization. Selective activation of TRPV3 channels provokes egg activation by mediating massive calcium entry. Widely used to activate eggs, strontium application is known to yield normal offspring in combination with somatic cell nuclear transfer. We show that TRPV3 is required for strontium influx, because TrpV3(-/-) eggs failed to conduct Sr(2+) or undergo strontium-induced activation. We propose that TRPV3 is a major mediator of calcium influx in mouse eggs and is a putative target for artificial egg activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Carvacho
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hoi Chang Lee
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Rafael A Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - David E Clapham
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Wakai T, Zhang N, Vangheluwe P, Fissore RA. Regulation of endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) oscillations in mammalian eggs. J Cell Sci 2013; 126:5714-24. [PMID: 24101727 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.136549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in the intracellular concentration of free calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) regulate diverse cellular processes including fertilization. In mammalian eggs, the [Ca(2+)]i changes induced by the sperm unfold in a pattern of periodical rises, also known as [Ca(2+)]i oscillations. The source of Ca(2+) during oscillations is the endoplasmic reticulum ([Ca(2+)]ER), but it is presently unknown how [Ca(2+)]ER is regulated. Here, we show using mouse eggs that [Ca(2+)]i oscillations induced by a variety of agonists, including PLCζ, SrCl2 and thimerosal, provoke simultaneous but opposite changes in [Ca(2+)]ER and cause differential effects on the refilling and overall load of [Ca(2+)]ER. We also found that Ca(2+) influx is required to refill [Ca(2+)]ER, because the loss of [Ca(2+)]ER was accelerated in medium devoid of Ca(2+). Pharmacological inactivation of the function of the mitochondria and of the Ca(2+)-ATPase pumps PMCA and SERCA altered the pattern of oscillations and abruptly reduced [Ca(2+)]ER, especially after inactivation of mitochondria and SERCA functions. We also examined the expression of SERCA2b protein and found that it was expressed throughout oocyte maturation and attained a conspicuous cortical cluster organization in mature eggs. We show that its overexpression reduces the duration of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced [Ca(2+)]i rises, promotes initiation of oscillations and enhances refilling of [Ca(2+)]ER. Collectively, our results provide novel insights on the regulation of [Ca(2+)]ER oscillations, which underlie the unique Ca(2+)-signalling system that activates the developmental program in mammalian eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Wakai
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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