1
|
Wang L, Liu HR, Wang T, Feng ML, Jiang ZY, Yang Q, Sun D, Song CR, Zhang XJ, Liang CG. C-phycocyanin improves the developmental potential of cryopreserved human oocytes by minimizing ROS production and cell apoptosis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300538. [PMID: 38558076 PMCID: PMC10984518 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The cryopreservation process damages oocytes and impairs development potential. As a potent antioxidant, C-phycocyanin (PC) regulates reproductive performance. However, its beneficial effects on vitrified human oocytes remain unknown. METHODS In this study, human GV-stage oocytes obtained from controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycles were randomly allocated to three groups: fresh oocyte without freezing (F group), vitrification in medium supplemented with PC (P group), and vitrification in medium without PC as control group (C group). After warming, viable oocytes underwent in vitro maturation. RESULTS Our results showed that 3 μg/mL PC treatment increased the oocyte maturation rate after cryopreservation. We also found that PC treatment maintains the regular morphological features of oocytes. After PC treatment, confocal fluorescence staining showed a significant increase in the mitochondrial membrane potential of the vitrified oocytes, along with a notable decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen species and the early apoptosis rate. Finally, after in vitro maturation and parthenogenetic activation, vitrified oocytes had a higher potential for cleavage and blastocyst formation after PC treatment. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that PC improves the developmental potential of cryopreserved human GV-stage oocytes by attenuating oxidative stress and early apoptosis and increasing the mitochondrial membrane potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Inner Mongolia Baogang Hospital, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao-Ran Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Teng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng-Lei Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhao-Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-Ru Song
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiu-Juan Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Science and Technology, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Guang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gordon CE, Combelles CM, Lanes A, Patel J, Racowsky C. Cumulus cell co-culture in media drops does not improve rescue in vitro maturation of vitrified-warmed immature oocytes. F&S SCIENCE 2023; 4:185-192. [PMID: 37201752 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether co-culture with vitrified-warmed cumulus cells (CCs) in media drops improves rescue in vitro maturation (IVM) of previously vitrified immature oocytes. Previous studies have shown improved rescue IVM of fresh immature oocytes when cocultured with CCs in a three-dimensional matrix. However, the scheduling and workload of embryologists would benefit from a simpler IVM approach, particularly in the setting of time-sensitive oncofertility oocyte cryopreservation (OC) cases. Although the yield of developmentally competent mature metaphase II (MII) oocytes is increased when rescue IVM is performed before cryopreservation, it is unknown whether maturation of previously vitrified immature oocytes is improved after coculture with CCs in a simple system not involving a three-dimensional matrix. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTING Academic hospital. PATIENTS A total of 320 (160 germinal vesicles [GVs] and 160 metaphase I [MI]) immature oocytes and autologous CC clumps were vitrified from patients who were undergoing planned OC or intracytoplasmic sperm injection from July 2020 until September 2021. INTERVENTIONS On warming, the oocytes were randomized to culture in IVM media with CCs (+CC) or without CCs (-CC). Germinal vesicles and MI oocytes were cultured in 25 μL (SAGE IVM medium) for 32 hours and 20-22 hours, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Oocytes with a polar body (MII) were randomized to confocal microscopy for analysis of spindle integrity and chromosomal alignment to assess nuclear maturity or to parthenogenetic activation to assess cytoplasmic maturity. Wilcoxon rank sum tests for continuous variables and the chi square or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables assessed statistical significance. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS Patient demographic characteristics were similar for both the GV and MI groups after randomization to +CC vs. -CC. No statistically significant differences were observed between +CC vs. -CC groups regarding the percentage of MII from either GV (42.5% [34/80] vs. 52.5% [42/80]; RR 0.81; 95% CI: 0.57-1.15]) or MI (76.3% [61/80]; vs. 72.5% [58/80]; RR 1.05; 95% CI: 0.88-1.26]) oocytes. An increased percentage of GV-matured MIIs underwent parthenogenetic activation in the +CC group (92.3% [12/13] vs. 70.8% [17/24]), but the difference was not statistically significant (RR 1.30; 95% CI: 0.97-1.75), whereas the activation rate was identical for MI-matured oocytes (74.3% [26/35] vs. 75.0% [18/24], CC+ vs. CC-; RR 0.99; 95% CI: 0.74-1.32). No significant differences were observed between +CC vs. -CC groups for cleavage of parthenotes from GV-matured oocytes (91.7% [11/12] vs. 82.4% [14/17]) or blastulation (0 for both) or for MI-matured oocytes (cleavage: 80.8% [21/26] vs. 94.4% [17/18]; blastulation: 0 [0/26] vs. 16.7% [3/18]). Further, no significant differences were observed between +CC vs. -CC for GV-matured oocytes regarding incidence of bipolar spindles (38.9% [7/18] vs. 33.3% [5/15]) or aligned chromosomes (22.2% [4/18] vs. 0.0 [0/15]); or for MI-matured oocytes (bipolar spindle: 38.9% [7/18] vs. 42.9% [2/28]); aligned chromosomes (35.3% [6/17] vs. 24.1% [7/29]). CONCLUSIONS Cumulus cell co-culture in this simple two-dimensional system does not improve rescue IVM of vitrified, warmed immature oocytes, at least by the markers assessed here. Further work is required to assess the efficacy of this system given its potential to provide flexibility in a busy, in vitro fertilization clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Gordon
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | | | - Andrea Lanes
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jay Patel
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Catherine Racowsky
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Quintana-Vehí A, Martínez M, Zamora MJ, Rodríguez A, Vassena R, Miguel-Escalada I, Popovic M. Significant differences in efficiency between two commonly used ionophore solutions for assisted oocyte activation (AOA): a prospective comparison of ionomycin and A23187. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1661-1668. [PMID: 37247099 PMCID: PMC10352473 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02833-9] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the success of ICSI in treating severe male factor infertile patients, total fertilization failure (FF) still occurs in around 1-3% of ICSI cycles. To overcome FF, the use of calcium ionophores has been proposed to induce oocyte activation and restore fertilization rates. However, assisted oocyte activation (AOA) protocols and ionophores vary between laboratories, and the morphokinetic development underlying AOA remains understudied. METHODS A prospective single-center cohort study involving 81 in vitro matured metaphase-II oocytes from 66 oocyte donation cycles artificially activated by A23187 (GM508 CultActive, Gynemed) (n=42) or ionomycin (n=39). Parthenogenesis was induced, and morphokinetic parameters (tPNa, tPNf, t2-t8, tSB, and tB) were compared between the 2 study groups and a control group comprising 39 2PN-zygotes from standard ICSI cycles. RESULTS Ionomycin treatment resulted in higher activation rates compared to A23187 (38.5% vs 23.8%, p=0.15). Importantly, none of the A23187-activated parthenotes formed blastocysts. When evaluating the morphokinetic dynamics between the two ionophores, we found that tPNa and tPNf were significantly delayed in the group treated by A23187 (11.84 vs 5.31, p=0.002 and 50.15 vs 29.69, p=0.005, respectively). t2 was significantly delayed in A23187-activated parthenotes when compared to the double heterologous control embryo group. In contrast, the morphokinetic development of ionomycin-activated parthenotes was comparable to control embryos (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that A23187 leads to lower oocyte activation rates and profoundly affects morphokinetic timings and preimplantation development in parthenotes. Despite our limited sample size and low parthenote competence, standardization and further optimization of AOA protocols may allow wider use and improved outcomes for FF cycles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - M Martínez
- Clínica EUGIN, C/ Balmes 236, 08006, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M J Zamora
- Clínica EUGIN, C/ Balmes 236, 08006, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - R Vassena
- Eugin Group, 08006, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - M Popovic
- Eugin Group, 08006, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Potential Development of Vitrified Immature Human Oocytes: Influence of the Culture Medium and the Timing of Vitrification. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010417. [PMID: 36613863 PMCID: PMC9820260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
How does the in vitro maturation (IVM) medium and the vitrification procedure affect the survival of germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes obtained from stimulated cycles and their development to the blastocyst stage? In total, 1085 GV human oocytes were obtained after women underwent a cycle of controlled ovarian stimulation, and these oocytes were subjected to IVM before or after their vitrification. IVM was carried out in two commercial culture media not specifically designed for maturation. MII oocytes were then activated and embryo development until day 6 was evaluated. According to the results, a higher percentage of oocytes reach the MII stage if they are vitrified before they undergo IVM. Nevertheless, the medium used and the sample size determine whether these differences become significant or not. Similar survival rates and development to blastocysts were observed in all the conditions studied.
Collapse
|
5
|
Yuan LM, Chen YL, Shi XH, Wu XX, Liu XJ, Liu SP, Chen N, Sai WJF. PLCζ can stably regulate Ca2+ fluctuations in early embryo. Theriogenology 2022; 191:16-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
6
|
Avidor-Reiss T, Achinger L, Uzbekov R. The Centriole's Role in Miscarriages. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:864692. [PMID: 35300410 PMCID: PMC8922021 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.864692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Centrioles are subcellular organelles essential for normal cell function and development; they form the cell’s centrosome (a major cytoplasmic microtubule organization center) and cilium (a sensory and motile hair-like cellular extension). Centrioles with evolutionarily conserved characteristics are found in most animal cell types but are absent in egg cells and exhibit unexpectedly high structural, compositional, and functional diversity in sperm cells. As a result, the centriole’s precise role in fertility and early embryo development is unclear. The centrioles are found in the spermatozoan neck, a strategic location connecting two central functional units: the tail, which propels the sperm to the egg and the head, which holds the paternal genetic material. The spermatozoan neck is an ideal site for evolutionary innovation as it can control tail movement pre-fertilization and the male pronucleus’ behavior post-fertilization. We propose that human, bovine, and most other mammals–which exhibit ancestral centriole-dependent reproduction and two spermatozoan centrioles, where one canonical centriole is maintained, and one atypical centriole is formed–adapted extensive species-specific centriolar features. As a result, these centrioles have a high post-fertilization malfunction rate, resulting in aneuploidy, and miscarriages. In contrast, house mice evolved centriole-independent reproduction, losing the spermatozoan centrioles and overcoming a mechanism that causes miscarriages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomer Avidor-Reiss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States.,Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Luke Achinger
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Rustem Uzbekov
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Tours, Tours, France.,Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Amargant F, Pujol A, Ferrer-Vaquer A, Durban M, Martínez M, Vassena R, Vernos I. The human sperm basal body is a complex centrosome important for embryo preimplantation development. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6377343. [PMID: 34581808 PMCID: PMC8561016 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of conversion of the human sperm basal body to a centrosome after fertilization, and its role in supporting human early embryogenesis, has not been directly addressed so far. Using proteomics and immunofluorescence studies, we show here that the human zygote inherits a basal body enriched with centrosomal proteins from the sperm, establishing the first functional centrosome of the new organism. Injection of human sperm tails containing the basal body into human oocytes followed by parthenogenetic activation, showed that the centrosome contributes to the robustness of the early cell divisions, increasing the probability of parthenotes reaching the compaction stage. In the absence of the sperm-derived centrosome, pericentriolar material (PCM) components stored in the oocyte can form de novo structures after genome activation, suggesting a tight PCM expression control in zygotes. Our results reveal that the sperm basal body is a complex organelle which converts to a centrosome after fertilization, ensuring the early steps of embryogenesis and successful compaction. However, more experiments are needed to elucidate the exact molecular mechanisms of centrosome inheritance in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farners Amargant
- Clínica EUGIN-Eugin Group, Barcelona, Spain.,Cell and Developmental Biology Programme, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aïda Pujol
- Centro de Infertilidad y Reproducción Humana (CIRH)-Eugin Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Isabelle Vernos
- Cell and Developmental Biology Programme, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cantatore C, George JS, Depalo R, D'Amato G, Moravek M, Smith GD. Mouse oocyte vitrification with and without dimethyl sulfoxide: influence on cryo-survival, development, and maternal imprinted gene expression. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2129-2138. [PMID: 34021463 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02221-1] [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: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Oocytes and embryos can be vitrified with and without dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Objectives were to compare no vitrification (No-Vitr), vitrification with DMSO (Vitr + DMSO), and vitrification without DMSO (Vitr - DMSO) on fresh/warmed oocyte survival, induced parthenogenetic activation, parthenogenetic embryo development, and embryonic maternal imprinted gene expression. METHODS In this prospective controlled laboratory study, mature B6C3F1 female mouse metaphase II oocytes were treated as: i) No-Vitr, ii) Vitr + DMSO/warmed, and iii) Vitr - DMSO/warmed with subsequent parthenogenetic activation and culture to the blastocyst stage. Oocyte cryo-survival, parthenogenetic activation and embryo development, parthenogenetic embryo maternal imprinted gene expression were outcome measures. RESULTS Oocyte cryo-survival was significantly improved in Vitr + DMSO versus Vitr - DMSO at initial warming and 2 h after warming. Induced parthenogenetic activation was similar between all three intervention groups. While early preimplantation parthenogenetic embryo development was similar between control, Vitr + DMSO, Vitr - DMSO oocytes, the development to blastocysts was significantly inferior in the Vitr - DMSO oocytes group compared to the control and Vitr + DMSO oocyte groups. Finally, maternal imprinted gene expression was similar between intervention groups at both the 2-cell and blastocyst parthenogenetic embryo stage. CONCLUSION(S) Inclusion of DMSO in oocyte vitrification solutions improved cryo-survival and developmental potential of parthenogenetic embryos to the blastocyst stage without significantly altering maternal imprinted gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clementina Cantatore
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Reproductive and IVF Unit, Asl Bari, Conversano (BA), Italy
| | - Jenny S George
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Michigan, 6422A Medical Sciences I, 1301 E. Catherine Street, SPC5617, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-056171500, USA
| | - Raffaella Depalo
- Institutional BioBank, Experimental Oncology and Biobank Management Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe D'Amato
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Reproductive and IVF Unit, Asl Bari, Conversano (BA), Italy
| | - Molly Moravek
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Michigan, 6422A Medical Sciences I, 1301 E. Catherine Street, SPC5617, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-056171500, USA
| | - Gary D Smith
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Michigan, 6422A Medical Sciences I, 1301 E. Catherine Street, SPC5617, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-056171500, USA. .,Departments of Physiology and Urology and Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pennarossa G, Paffoni A, Ragni G, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Rho Signaling-Directed YAP/TAZ Regulation Encourages 3D Spheroid Colony Formation and Boosts Plasticity of Parthenogenetic Stem Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1237:49-60. [PMID: 31376140 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2019_423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation are essential processes from the early phases of embryogenesis to adult tissue formation and maintenance. These mechanisms also play a key role in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) that are able to proliferate maintaining pluripotency and, at the same time, to give rise to all populations belonging to the three germ layers, in response to specific stimuli. ESCs are, therefore, considered a well-established in vitro model to study the complexity of these processes. In this perspective, we previously generated parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (ParthESC), that showed many features and regulatory pathways common to bi-parental ESCs. However, we observed that mono-parental cells demonstrate a high ability to form outgrowths and generate 3D spheroid colonies, which are distinctive signs of high-plasticity. Furthermore, preliminary evidence obtained by WTA, revealed the presence of several differentially expressed genes belonging to the Rho and Hippo signaling pathways. In the present study, we compare bi-parental ESCs and ParthESC and analyze by Real-Time PCR the differentially expressed genes. We demonstrate up-regulation of the Rho signaling pathway and an increased expression of YAP and TAZ in ParthESC. We also show that YAP remains in a dephosphorylated form. This allows its nuclear translocation and its direct binding to TEADs and SMADs, that are up-regulated in ParthESC. Altogether, these complex regulatory interactions result in overexpression of pluripotency related genes, in a global DNA hypomethylation and a histone-dependent chromatin high permissive state that may account for ParthESC high potency, possibly related to their exclusive maternal origin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety - VESPA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Paffoni
- Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Milan, Italy
- Infertility Unit, ASST Lariana, Cantù, Italy
| | - Guido Ragni
- Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Milan, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety - VESPA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Paffoni A, Bolis V, Ferrari S, Benaglia L, Vercellini P, Somigliana E. The Gametotoxic Effects of the Endometrioma Content: Insights From a Parthenogenetic Human Model. Reprod Sci 2018; 26:573-579. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719118777637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Paffoni
- Fondazione Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Bolis
- Fondazione Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Ferrari
- Fondazione Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Benaglia
- Fondazione Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Vercellini
- Fondazione Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Fondazione Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
In-vitro development of vitrified–warmed bovine oocytes after activation may be predicted based on mathematical modelling of cooling and warming rates during vitrification, storage and sample removal. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 36:500-507. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
|
12
|
Pourmoghadam Z, Aghebati‐Maleki L, Motalebnezhad M, Yousefi B, Yousefi M. Current approaches for the treatment of male infertility with stem cell therapy. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:6455-6469. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Pourmoghadam
- Stem Cell Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Immunology Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Drug Applied Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Student Research Committee Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Leili Aghebati‐Maleki
- Immunology Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Department of Immunology Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | | | - Bahman Yousefi
- Drug Applied Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Drug Applied Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Department of Immunology Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lee SH, Oh HJ, Kim MJ, Setyawan EMN, Choi YB, Lee BC. Effect of co-culture human endothelial progenitor cells with porcine oocytes during maturation and subsequent embryo development of parthenotes in vitro. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:336-347. [PMID: 29442425 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been applied to regenerative medicine for their roles in angiogenesis as well as neovascularization, and these angiogenetic functions have beneficial effects on maturation of ovarian follicles. However, little information is available on whether EPCs on culture systems affect oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo development. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of EPC co-culture on porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation (IVM) and subsequent embryo development, and to examine gene expression in cumulus cells, oocytes and blastocysts. The effect of co-culture using EPC on porcine oocyte IVM was investigated. Oocytes were activated using electrical stimulation and embryo developmental competence was estimated. The expression of the genes related to cumulus expansion, oocyte maturation, embryo development, and apoptosis were analyzed. In result, there was a significantly increased maturation rate in EPC group compared with control (p < 0.05). Also, oocytes co-cultured with EPCs exhibited significantly improved blastocyst formation rates (p < 0.05). The expression of mRNAs associated with cumulus expansion and apoptosis in cumulus cells was significantly up-regulated in EPC group. Also, markedly increased levels of GDF9, BMP15, and BCL2 were observed in oocytes from the EPC group. Blastocysts in the co-culture group showed significantly higher SOX2, OCT4, and NANOG levels. In conclusion, co-culturing porcine oocytes with EPCs improves their maturation by regulating genes involved in cumulus cell expansion, oocyte maturation, and apoptosis. Moreover, EPC co-culture during IVM enhanced embryo development as shown by increased blastocyst formation rate and pluripotency-related gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seok Hee Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Oh
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jung Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Erif M N Setyawan
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Bin Choi
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong Chun Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Effect of Kisspeptin on the Developmental Competence and Early Transcript Expression in Porcine Oocytes Parthenogenetically Activated with Different Methods. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:3693602. [PMID: 29682539 PMCID: PMC5841116 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3693602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies showed the modulatory effect of kisspeptin (KP) on calcium waves through the cell membrane and inside the cell. Spermatozoon can induce similar ooplasmic calcium oscillations at fertilization to trigger meiosis II. Here, we evaluated the effect of KP supplementation with 6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DMAP) for 4 h on embryonic development after oocyte activation with single electric pulse, 5 µM ionomycin, or 8% ethanol. Compared to control nonsupplemented groups, KP significantly improved embryo developmental competence electric- and ethanol-activated oocytes in terms of cleavage (75.3% and 58.6% versus 64% and 48%, respectively, p < 0.05) and blastocyst development (31.3% and 10% versus 19.3% and 4%, respectively, p < 0.05). MOS expression was increased in electrically activated oocytes in presence of KP while it significantly reduced CCNB1 expression. In ionomycin treated group, both MOS and CCNB1 showed significant increase with no difference between KP and control groups. In ethanol-treated group, KP significantly reduced CCNB1 but no effect was observed on MOS expression. The early alterations in MOS and CCNB1 mRNA transcripts caused by KP may explain the significant differences in the developmental competence between the experimental groups. Kisspeptin supplementation may be adopted in protocols for porcine oocyte activation through electric current and ethanol to improve embryonic developmental competence.
Collapse
|
15
|
Riparbelli MG, Gottardo M, Callaini G. Parthenogenesis in Insects: The Centriole Renaissance. Results Probl Cell Differ 2017; 63:435-479. [PMID: 28779329 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-60855-6_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Building a new organism usually requires the contribution of two differently shaped haploid cells, the male and female gametes, each providing its genetic material to restore diploidy of the new born zygote. The successful execution of this process requires defined sequential steps that must be completed in space and time. Otherwise, development fails. Relevant among the earlier steps are pronuclear migration and formation of the first mitotic spindle that promote the mixing of parental chromosomes and the formation of the zygotic nucleus. A complex microtubule network ensures the proper execution of these processes. Instrumental to microtubule organization and bipolar spindle assembly is a distinct non-membranous organelle, the centrosome. Centrosome inheritance during fertilization is biparental, since both gametes provide essential components to build a functional centrosome. This model does not explain, however, centrosome formation during parthenogenetic development, a special mode of sexual reproduction in which the unfertilized egg develops without the contribution of the male gamete. Moreover, whereas fertilization is a relevant example in which the cells actively check the presence of only one centrosome, to avoid multipolar spindle formation, the development of parthenogenetic eggs is ensured, at least in insects, by the de novo assembly of multiple centrosomes.Here, we will focus our attention on the assembly of functional centrosomes following fertilization and during parthenogenetic development in insects. Parthenogenetic development in which unfertilized eggs are naturally depleted of centrosomes would provide a useful experimental system to investigate centriole assembly and duplication together with centrosome formation and maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Gottardo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuliano Callaini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Molina I, Gómez J, Balasch S, Pellicer N, Novella-Maestre E. Osmotic-shock produced by vitrification solutions improves immature human oocytes in vitro maturation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2016; 14:27. [PMID: 27170005 PMCID: PMC4866294 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-016-0161-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During cytoplasmic oocyte maturation, Ca(2+) currents are vital for regulating a broad range of physiological processes. Recent studies have demonstrated that DMSO and EG cause large transient increases in intracellular Ca(2+) in mouse oocytes. The CP used in vitrifying protocols also increases the intracellular calcium transient. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of vitrifying time (before and after IVM) and exposure to the vitrification solutions and ionomycin on oocyte quality and embryonic development. METHODS 221 GV-oocytes unsuitable for IVF-ICSI cycles were randomly distributed into one of the following three groups. G1 (control group): 41 GV-oocytes IVM until MII; G2: 43 oocytes vitrified at GV stage and IVM until MII stage; and G3: 53 GV-oocytes IVM until MII and then vitrified. In order to clarify the effect of vitrification solutions (VS) on human oocyte IVM through the intracellular Ca(2+) oscillation, the following two groups were also included. G4: 43 GV-oocytes exposed to VS and IVM until MII; and G5: 41 GV-oocytes exposed to ionomycin and IVM until MII. All GV-oocytes that reached MII-stage were parthenogenetically activated to assess oocyte viability. IVM was performed in IVF-medium (24-48 h). Chemical treatment (ionomycin) and osmotic treatment (vitrification solutions) were performed without liquid-N2 immersion. The following rates were evaluated: survival (SR), in-vitro maturation (IVMR), activation (AR), development to 2-cell (DRC), development to morula (DRCM) and development to blastocyst (DRB). Ratios between the different treatment groups were compared using contingency tables analysis (chi-square test). RESULTS A high survival rate was obtained in G2 (95.5 %) and G4 (96.6 %). In-vitro maturation rate was significantly higher for G4 (86 %) and G2 (83.7 %) compared to G1 (63.4 %), G3 (56.6 %) and G5 (48.8 %). DRCM was significantly higher for G1 and G2 compared to G3 (G1: 15.8 %, G2: 20.7 % and G3: 0 %). DRB was only obtained for the oocytes vitrified before IVM (G2: 3.4 %). AR was also significantly higher for G2 and G4 compared to G5 (G2: 80.5 %, G4: 86.5 % and G5: 55 %). DRCM and DRB were only obtained in G2 and G4. DRCM was significantly higher for oocytes vitrified at GV stage (G2) and for oocytes exposed to the VS in G4 compared to the oocytes exposed to the ionomycin in G5 (G2: 20.7 %; G4: 37.5 % and G5: 0 %). CONCLUSIONS Vitrifying GV-oocytes improves their IVM. Further investigation could look to increase the oocyte pool and improve fertility preservation options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Molina
- Unidad de Reproducción Humana, Área de Salud de la Mujer, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Judith Gómez
- Unidad de Reproducción Humana, Área de Salud de la Mujer, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sebastián Balasch
- Departamento de Estadística e Investigación Operativa Aplicadas y Calidad, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nuria Pellicer
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Instituto Universitario IVI, Valencia, Spain
| | - Edurne Novella-Maestre
- Unidad de Genética, Torre A planta 4º, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Avenida de Fernando Abril Martorell, nº 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain.
- Grupo de investigación de Medicina Reproductiva, Instituto de Investigación Sanitario La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Escribá MJ, Escrich L, Galiana Y, Grau N, Galán A, Pellicer A. Kinetics of the early development of uniparental human haploid embryos. Fertil Steril 2016; 105:1360-1368.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.12.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
18
|
Goswami G, Singh S, Devi MG. Successful fertilization and embryo development after spermatid injection: A hope for nonobstructive azoospermic patients. J Hum Reprod Sci 2015; 8:175-7. [PMID: 26538862 PMCID: PMC4601178 DOI: 10.4103/0974-1208.165147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatids are the earliest male germ cells with haploid set of chromosomes. Spermatid injection was introduced in human assisted reproduction for the treatment of men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Spermatozoa can be recovered in half of patients with nonobstructive azoospermia. The use of spermatids for intracytoplasmic injection (ICSI) has been proposed for cases in which no spermatozoa can be retrieved. However, there are low pregnancy rates following ICSI using round spermatids from men with no elongated spermatids or spermatozoa in their testes. The in vitro culture of immature germ cells has been proposed as a means to improve this poor outcome. Oocyte activation rarely occurs when injected with a spermatid. Therefore, spermatid injection requires use of calcium ionophores for oocyte activation which is otherwise carried out by PLC zeta from mature sperms. This is the only option available for the nonobstructive azoospermic patients to have their own biological child.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geeta Goswami
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ridge IVF Private Limited, Delhi, India
| | - Sarabjeet Singh
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ridge IVF Private Limited, Delhi, India
| | - M Gouri Devi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ridge IVF Private Limited, Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Epsztejn-Litman S, Cohen-Hadad Y, Aharoni S, Altarescu G, Renbaum P, Levy-Lahad E, Schonberger O, Eldar-Geva T, Zeligson S, Eiges R. Establishment of Homozygote Mutant Human Embryonic Stem Cells by Parthenogenesis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138893. [PMID: 26473610 PMCID: PMC4608834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We report on the derivation of a diploid 46(XX) human embryonic stem cell (HESC) line that is homozygous for the common deletion associated with Spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA) from a pathenogenetic embryo. By characterizing the methylation status of three different imprinted loci (MEST, SNRPN and H19), monitoring the expression of two parentally imprinted genes (SNRPN and H19) and carrying out genome-wide SNP analysis, we provide evidence that this cell line was established from the activation of a mutant oocyte by diploidization of the entire genome. Therefore, our SMA parthenogenetic HESC (pHESC) line provides a proof-of-principle for the establishment of diseased HESC lines without the need for gene manipulation. As mutant oocytes are easily obtained and readily available during preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) cycles, this approach should provide a powerful tool for disease modelling and is especially advantageous since it can be used to induce large or complex mutations in HESCs, including gross DNA alterations and chromosomal rearrangements, which are otherwise hard to achieve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvina Epsztejn-Litman
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Shaare Zedek Medical Center affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yaara Cohen-Hadad
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Shaare Zedek Medical Center affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shira Aharoni
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Shaare Zedek Medical Center affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gheona Altarescu
- Zohar PGD Lab, Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Paul Renbaum
- Zohar PGD Lab, Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ephrat Levy-Lahad
- Zohar PGD Lab, Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oshrat Schonberger
- IVF Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Talia Eldar-Geva
- IVF Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sharon Zeligson
- Zohar PGD Lab, Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rachel Eiges
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Shaare Zedek Medical Center affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Avidor-Reiss T, Khire A, Fishman EL, Jo KH. Atypical centrioles during sexual reproduction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2015; 3:21. [PMID: 25883936 PMCID: PMC4381714 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2015.00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Centrioles are conserved, self-replicating, microtubule-based, 9-fold symmetric subcellular organelles that are essential for proper cell division and function. Most cells have two centrioles and maintaining this number of centrioles is important for animal development and physiology. However, how animals gain their first two centrioles during reproduction is only partially understood. It is well established that in most animals, the centrioles are contributed to the zygote by the sperm. However, in humans and many animals, the sperm centrioles are modified in their structure and protein composition, or they appear to be missing altogether. In these animals, the origin of the first centrioles is not clear. Here, we review various hypotheses on how centrioles are gained during reproduction and describe specialized functions of the zygotic centrioles. In particular, we discuss a new and atypical centriole found in sperm and zygote, called the proximal centriole-like structure (PCL). We also discuss another type of atypical centriole, the "zombie" centriole, which is degenerated but functional. Together, the presence of centrioles, PCL, and zombie centrioles suggests a universal mechanism of centriole inheritance among animals and new causes of infertility. Since the atypical centrioles of sperm and zygote share similar functions with typical centrioles in somatic cells, they can provide unmatched insight into centriole biology.
Collapse
|
21
|
Pennarossa G, Maffei S, Tettamanti G, Congiu T, deEguileor M, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Intercellular bridges are essential for human parthenogenetic cell survival. Mech Dev 2015; 136:30-9. [PMID: 25700933 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Parthenogenetic cells, obtained from in vitro activated mammalian oocytes, display multipolar spindles, chromosome malsegregation and a high incidence of aneuploidy, probably due to the lack of paternal contribution. Despite this, parthenogenetic cells do not show high rates of apoptosis and are able to proliferate in a way comparable to their biparental counterpart. We hypothesize that a series of adaptive mechanisms are present in parthenogenetic cells, allowing a continuous proliferation and ordinate cell differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Here we identify the presence of intercellular bridges that contribute to the establishment of a wide communication network among human parthenogenetic cells, providing a mutual exchange of missing products. Silencing of two molecules essential for intercellular bridge formation and maintenance demonstrates the key function played by these cytoplasmic passageways that ensure normal cell functions and survival, alleviating the unbalance in cellular component composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, UniStem, Center For Stem Cell Research, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Maffei
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, UniStem, Center For Stem Cell Research, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tettamanti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Terenzio Congiu
- Department of Surgical and Morphological Science, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Magda deEguileor
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, UniStem, Center For Stem Cell Research, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, UniStem, Center For Stem Cell Research, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Assessment of nuclear transfer techniques to prevent the transmission of heritable mitochondrial disorders without compromising embryonic development competence in mice. Mitochondrion 2014; 18:27-33. [PMID: 25229667 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate and compare mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) carry-over and embryonic development potential between different nuclear transfer techniques we performed germinal vesicle nuclear transfer (GV NT), metaphase-II spindle-chromosome-complex (MII-SCC) transfer and pronuclear transfer (PNT) in mice. No detectable mtDNA carry-over was seen in most of the reconstructed oocytes and embryos. No significant differences were seen in mtDNA carry-over rate between GV NT (n=20), MII-SCC transfer (0.29 ± 0.63; n=21) and PNT (0.29 ± 0.75; n=25). Blastocyst formation was not compromised after either PNT (88%; n=18) or MII-SCC transfer (86%; n=27). Further analysis of blastomeres from cleaving embryos (n=8) demonstrated undetectable mtDNA carry-over in all but one blastomere. We show that NT in the germ line is potent to prevent transmission of heritable mtDNA disorders with the applicability for patients attempting reproduction.
Collapse
|
23
|
Liu Y, Han XJ, Liu MH, Wang SY, Jia CW, Yu L, Ren G, Wang L, Li W. Three-day-old human unfertilized oocytes after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection can be activated by calcium ionophore a23187 or strontium chloride and develop to blastocysts. Cell Reprogram 2014; 16:276-80. [PMID: 24960285 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2013.0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Our objective was to observe the effectiveness of the calcium ionophore A23187 or strontium chloride on the activation and subsequent embryonic development of 3-day-old human unfertilized oocytes after in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). A total of 279 3-day-old unfertilized oocytes after IVF or ICSI were randomized to be activated by the calcium ionophore A23187 (n=138) or strontium chloride (n=141). The activated oocytes were cultured in vitro for 3-5 days. Activation rate, pronucleus formation, cleavage rate, and developmental potential of parthenotes during culture were evaluated. A total of 170 unfertilized oocytes were activated; 65 developed to cleavage stage, 19 developed to greater than the eight-cell stage, and five blastocysts were obtained. The activation rate of the calcium ionophore A23187 group was higher than that of the strontium chloride group (75.4% and 46.8%, respectively; p<0.05); there was significant difference between two groups (p<0.05). Among the 44 cleaved oocytes in the calcium ionophore A23187 group, eight developed to the two- to four-cell stage, 17 developed to the five- to eight-cell stage, 15 developed to greater than the eight-cell stage, and four blastocysts were obtained. Among the 21 cleaved oocytes in the strontium chloride group, six developed to the two- to four- cell stage, 10 developed to the five- to eight-cell stage, four developed to greater than the eight-cell stage, and one blastocyst was obtained. Three-day-old unfertilized human oocytes after IVF or ICSI could be activated by the calcium ionophore A23187 or strontium chloride, and a small part of parthenogenetic embryos developed into blastocysts. The treatment with the calcium ionophore A23187 was better than that of strontium chloride in respect to the activation rate of 3-day-old unfertilized human oocytes after IVF or ICSI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Parmegiani L, Tatone C, Cognigni GE, Bernardi S, Troilo E, Arnone A, Maccarini AM, Di Emidio G, Vitti M, Filicori M. Rapid warming increases survival of slow-frozen sibling oocytes: a step towards a single warming procedure irrespective of the freezing protocol? Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 28:614-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
25
|
Clift D, Schuh M. Restarting life: fertilization and the transition from meiosis to mitosis. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2013; 14:549-62. [PMID: 23942453 PMCID: PMC4021448 DOI: 10.1038/nrm3643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fertilization triggers a complex cellular programme that transforms two highly specialized meiotic germ cells, the oocyte and the sperm, into a totipotent mitotic embryo. Linkages between sister chromatids are remodelled to support the switch from reductional meiotic to equational mitotic divisions; the centrosome, which is absent from the egg, is reintroduced; cell division shifts from being extremely asymmetric to symmetric; genomic imprinting is selectively erased and re-established; and protein expression shifts from translational control to transcriptional control. Recent work has started to reveal how this remarkable transition from meiosis to mitosis is achieved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dean Clift
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology (MRC LMB), Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Brevini TAL, Pennarossa G, Maffei S, Tettamanti G, Vanelli A, Isaac S, Eden A, Ledda S, de Eguileor M, Gandolfi F. Centrosome amplification and chromosomal instability in human and animal parthenogenetic cell lines. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2013; 8:1076-87. [PMID: 22661117 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-012-9379-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Parthenotes have been proposed as a source of embryonic stem cells but they lack the centriole which is inherited through the sperm in all mammalian species, except for rodents. We investigated the centrosome of parthenotes and parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells using parthenogenetic and biparental pig pre-implantation embryos, human and pig parthenogenetic and biparental embryonic stem cells, sheep fibroblasts derived from post implantation parthenogenetic and biparental embryos developed in vivo. We also determined the level of aneuploidy in parthenogenetic cells. Oocytes of all species were activated using ionomycin and 6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DMAP). Over 60% of parthenogenetic blastomeres were affected by an excessive number of centrioles. Centrosome amplification, was observed by microscopical and ultrastructural analysis also in parthenogenetic cell lines of all three species. Over expression of PLK2 and down regulation of CCNF, respectively involved in the stimulation and inhibition of centrosome duplication, were present in all species. We also detected down regulation of spindle assembly checkpoint components such as BUB1, CENPE and MAD2. Centrosome amplification was accompanied by multipolar mitotic spindles and all cell lines were affected by a high rate of aneuploidy. These observations indicate a link between centrosome amplification and the high incidence of aneuploidy and suggest that parthenogenetic stem cells may be a useful model to investigate how aneuploidy can be compatible with cell proliferation and differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Centre for Stem Cell Research (UniStem), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Imesch P, Scheiner D, Xie M, Fink D, Macas E, Dubey R, Imthurn B. Developmental potential of human oocytes matured in vitro followed by vitrification and activation. J Ovarian Res 2013; 6:30. [PMID: 23597104 PMCID: PMC3710234 DOI: 10.1186/1757-2215-6-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) and cryopreservation at the time of routine ovarian tissue freezing may be offered to cancer patients as an additional option for fertility preservation. This study aimed to investigate the developmental capacity of oocytes isolated from unstimulated ovaries. Methods Immature oocytes (n = 63) from seven consenting premenopausal patients were analysed. Oocytes were collected during routine laparoscopic examination with biopsy of an ovary (cystic adnexal mass, n = 3; cervical adenocarcinoma, n = 2) or oophorectomy (sex reassignment surgery, n = 2) without previous stimulation of the ovaries. The stage of the patient’s menstrual cycle was not considered. Oocytes in all visible antral follicles were aspirated from ovaries, cultured in IVM medium and vitrified at the MII stage before being kept in liquid nitrogen for at least one month. After warming, oocytes were subjected to parthenogenetic activation by chemical stimulus. Their further development was recorded at intervals of 24 hours for up to 6 days of culture. Results 61.9% of oocytes matured in vitro within 48 hours. The survival rate after vitrification and warming was 61.5%. A total of 75% of surviving oocytes were able to respond to artificial activation, 44.4% of the parthenotes developed to early embryonic stage. However, only 1 in 18 (5.6%) of the resulting embryos reached blastocyst stage. Conclusions Oocytes matured in vitro from unstimulated ovaries seem to have limited developmental potential after cryopreservation and artificial activation. Although the outcome of IVM for non-stimulated oocytes is poor, it is currently the only chance besides cryopreservation of ovarian tissue for women for whom ovarian stimulation is not possible due to life circumstances. Based on our preliminary results, we suggest that the use of cryopreserved ovaries for fertility preservation in women with cancer warrants further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Imesch
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, Zurich, CH-8091, Switzerland
| | - David Scheiner
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, Zurich, CH-8091, Switzerland
| | - Min Xie
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, CH-8091, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Fink
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, Zurich, CH-8091, Switzerland
| | - Erwin Macas
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, CH-8091, Switzerland
| | - Raghvendra Dubey
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, CH-8091, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Imthurn
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, CH-8091, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
The use of parthenotegenetic and IVF bovine blastocysts as a model for the creation of human embryonic stem cells under defined conditions. J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 29:1039-43. [PMID: 23054358 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9866-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSES Clinical application of human embryonic stem cells will be possible, when cell lines are created under xeno-free and defined conditions. We aimed to establish methodologies for parthenogenetic activation, culture to blastocyst and mechanical isolation of the inner cell mass (ICM) using bovine oocytes, as a model for derivation and proliferation of human embryonic stem cells under defined xeno-free culture conditions. METHODS Cumulus-oocyte-complexes were in vitro matured and activated using Ca(2+)Ionophore and 6-DMAP or in vitro fertilized (IVF). Parthenotes and biparental embryos were cultured to blastocysts, when their ICM was mechanically isolated and placed onto a substrate of fibronectin in StemPro medium. After attachment, primary colonies were left to proliferate and stained for pluripotency markers, alkaline phosphatase and Oct-4. RESULTS Parthenogenesis and fertilization presented significantly different success rates (91 and 79 %, respectively) and blastocyst formation (40 and 43 %, respectively). ICMs from parthenogenetic and IVF embryos formed primary and expanded colonies at similar rates (39 % and 33 %, respectively). Six out of eight parthenogenetic colonies tested positive for alkaline phosphatase. Three colonies were analyzed for Oct-4 and they all tested positive for this pluripotency marker. CONCLUSION Our data show that Ca(2+) Ionophore, and 6-DMAP are efficient in creating large numbers of blastocysts to be employed as a model for human oocyte activation and embryo development. After mechanical isolation, parthenogetic derived ICMs showed a good rate of derivation in fibronectin and Stem-Pro forming primary and expanded colonies of putative embryonic stem cells. This methodology may be a good strategy for parthenogenetic activation of discarded human oocytes and derivation in defined conditions for future therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
|
29
|
Escrich L, Grau N, de los Santos MJ, Romero JL, Pellicer A, Escribá MJ. The dynamics of in vitro maturation of germinal vesicle oocytes. Fertil Steril 2012; 98:1147-51. [PMID: 22901848 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.07.1116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Revised: 07/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the dynamics of the nuclear maturation (NM) of in vitro-matured (IVM) oocytes and to determine the most favorable duration of meiosis II (MII) arrest in relation to the normal activation response. DESIGN Experimental. SETTING University-affiliated infertility clinic. PATIENT(S) Donated immature germinal vesicle oocytes (GV). INTERVENTION(S) The GV underwent spontaneous IVM and the dynamics of NM studied by real-time monitoring. The IVM oocytes were parthenogenetically activated at different MII arrest points and their response assessed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Moment of GV breakdown; extrusion of the first polar body; duration of MI and MII arrest; activation rate (AR) and type. RESULT(S) Two GV populations-early (E-IVM, 18.4 ± 2.7 hours) and late (L-IVM, 26.3 ± 3.8 hours) maturing-were defined according to the time required for extrusion of the first polar body. Significantly more E-IVM than L-IVM exhibited a normal activation response (61.3% vs. 34.6%), but AR were similar (average, 88.6%) in both groups. Duration of the GV stage differed between the two groups, but MI arrest (14.0 ± 0.3 hours) was constant. The E-IVM arrested at MII for at least 4.3 hours displayed significantly lower AR and similar normal activation rates (61.3%) to E-IVM arrested for a shorter time (83.9% vs. 100%). The L-IVM displayed a similar AR (80.8%), but lower normal activation rates than E-IVM (34.6%), regardless of when activation took place. CONCLUSION(S) The success of IVM depends on the NM timing rather than on the length of MII arrest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Escrich
- Instituto Universitario IVI Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Courtois A, Schuh M, Ellenberg J, Hiiragi T. The transition from meiotic to mitotic spindle assembly is gradual during early mammalian development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 198:357-70. [PMID: 22851319 PMCID: PMC3413348 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201202135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The transition from a meiotic-like spindle formation characterized by lack of centrioles to a typical mitotic spindle occurs gradually in embryos during the preimplantation stage. The transition from meiosis to mitosis, classically defined by fertilization, is a fundamental process in development. However, its mechanism remains largely unexplored. In this paper, we report a surprising gradual transition from meiosis to mitosis over the first eight divisions of the mouse embryo. The first cleavages still largely share the mechanism of spindle formation with meiosis, during which the spindle is self-assembled from randomly distributed microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs) without centrioles, because of the concerted activity of dynein and kinesin-5. During preimplantation development, the number of cellular MTOCs progressively decreased, the spindle pole gradually became more focused, and spindle length progressively scaled down with cell size. The typical mitotic spindle with centrin-, odf2-, kinesin-12–, and CP110-positive centrosomes was established only in the blastocyst. Overall, the transition from meiosis to mitosis progresses gradually throughout the preimplantation stage in the mouse embryo, thus providing a unique system to study the mechanism of centrosome biogenesis in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Courtois
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Toxic effects of Hoechst staining and UV irradiation on preimplantation development of parthenogenetically activated mouse oocytes. ZYGOTE 2012; 22:32-40. [PMID: 22784634 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199412000251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Parthenogenetic activation of oocytes is a helpful tool to obtain blastocysts, of which the inner cell mass may be used for derivation of embryonic stem cells. In order to improve activation and embryonic development after parthenogenesis, we tried to use sperm injection and subsequent removal of the sperm head to mimic the natural Ca2+ increases by release of the oocyte activating factor. Visualization of the sperm could be accomplished by Hoechst staining and ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. To exclude negative effects of this treatment, we examined toxicity on activated mouse oocytes. After activation, oocytes were incubated in Hoechst 33342 or 33258 stain and exposed to UV irradiation. The effects on embryonic development were evaluated. Our results showed that both types of Hoechst combined with UV irradiation have toxic effects on parthenogenetically activated mouse oocytes. Although activation and cleavage rate were not affected, blastocyst formation was significantly reduced. Secondly, we used MitoTracker staining for removal of the sperm. Sperm heads were stained before injection and removed again after 1 h. However, staining was not visible anymore in all oocytes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In case the sperm could be removed, most oocytes died after 1 day. As MitoTracker was also not successful, alternative methods for sperm identification should be investigated.
Collapse
|
32
|
Vassena R, Montserrat N, Carrasco Canal B, Aran B, de Oñate L, Veiga A, Izpisua Belmonte JC. Accumulation of instability in serial differentiation and reprogramming of parthenogenetic human cells. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:3366-73. [PMID: 22547223 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen-homozygous parthenogenetic stem cells (pSC) could provide a source of progenitors for regenerative medicine, lowering the need for immune suppression in patients. However, the high level of homozygosis and the lack of a paternal genome might pose a safety challenge for their therapeutic use, and no study so far has evaluated the spread and significance of gene expression changes across serial potency changes in these cells. We performed serial rounds of differentiation and reprogramming to assess pSC gene expression stability, likely of epigenetic source. We first derived pSC from activated MII oocytes, and differentiated them to parthenogenetic mesenchymal stem cells (pMSC). We then proceeded to induce pluripotency in pMSC by over expression of the four transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc. pMSC-derived iPS (piPS) were further differentiated into secondary pMSC (pMSC-II). At every potency change, we characterized the obtained lines both molecularly and by functional differentiation, and performed an extensive genome-wide expression study by microarray analysis. Although overall gene expression of parthenogenetic cells resembled that of potency-matched biparental lines, significantly broader changes were brought about upon secondary differentiation of piPS to pMSC-II compared with matched biparental controls; our results highlight the effect of the interplay of epigenetic reprogramming on a monoparental background, as well as the importance of heterozygosis and biparental imprinting for stable epigenetic reprogramming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Vassena
- Stem Cell Bank, Center for Regenerative Medicine in Barcelona, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Yu Y, Yan J, Liu ZC, Yan LY, Li M, Zhou Q, Qiao J. Optimal timing of oocyte maturation and its relationship with the spindle assembly and developmental competence of in vitro matured human oocytes. Fertil Steril 2011; 96:73-78.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.04.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2010] [Revised: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 04/10/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
34
|
Sneddon SF, DeSousa PA, Arnesen RE, Lieberman BA, Kimber SJ, Brison DR. Gene expression analysis of a new source of human oocytes and embryos for research and human embryonic stem cell derivation. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:1410-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2010] [Revised: 07/29/2010] [Accepted: 08/20/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
35
|
Paffoni A, Paracchini V, Ferrari S, Scarduelli C, Seia M, Coviello DA, Ragni G. Use of parthenogenetic activation of human oocytes as an experimental model for evaluation of polar body based PGD assay performance. J Assist Reprod Genet 2011; 28:461-70. [PMID: 21360136 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-011-9540-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2010] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop an experimental model to assess the feasibility of polar body preimplantation genetic diagnosis without requiring oocyte fertilization. METHODS First polar body was removed from donated oocytes and second polar body was biopsied after parthenogenetic activation. Molecular analysis on both polar bodies involved a fluorescent multiplex polymerase chain reaction of short-tandem repeat markers, closely linked to genes of interest. Main outcome measures were: allele segregation through polar bodies and haploid nucleus, recombination rates between alleles and frequency of Allele Drop Out. RESULTS Twenty-six out of 39 oocytes extruded a second polar body after activation. Ninety-two percent of the first polar bodies and 20 out of 26 (77%) second polar bodies were successfully amplified. Eighty percent of first polar bodies were heterozygous for CFTR and 55% for HBB. Analysis of second polar bodies predicted the genotype of the oocytes in case of heterozygous first polar body, and validated results in homozygous cases. Frequency of allele drop out was 4%. CONCLUSIONS Our model confirms that polar body preimplantation genetic diagnosis for single gene disorders can be evaluated using parthenogenetic oocytes and offers an option to set up procedures without requiring oocyte fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Paffoni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via M. Fanti 6, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Rodriguez S, Campo-Engelstein L, Tingen C, Woodruff T. An obscure rider obstructing science: the conflation of parthenotes with embryos in the Dickey-Wicker amendment. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2011; 11:20-28. [PMID: 21400380 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2010.546472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In 1996 Congress passed the Dickey-Wicker Amendment (DWA) as part of an appropriations bill; it has been renewed every year since. The DWA bans federal funding for research using embryos and parthenotes. In this paper, we call for a public discussion on parthenote research and a questioning of its inclusion in the DWA. We begin by explaining what parthenotes are and why they are useful for research on reproduction, cancer, and stem cells. We then argue that the scientific difference between embryos and parthenotes translates into ethical differences, and claim that research on parthenotes is much less ethically problematic. Finally, we contextualize the original passage of the DWA to provide an explanation for why the two were possibly conflated in this law. We conclude by calling for a public discussion on reconsidering the DWA in its entirety, starting with the removal of parthenogenesis from this prohibition of National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Rodriguez
- Oncofertility Consortium, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Master Z, Crozier GKD. Symbolism and sacredness of human parthenotes. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2011; 11:37-39. [PMID: 21400385 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2011.552692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zubin Master
- Health Law Institute, Law Centre, University of Alberta, 89 Avenue and 111 Street, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Combelles CMH, Kearns WG, Fox JH, Racowsky C. Cellular and genetic analysis of oocytes and embryos in a human case of spontaneous oocyte activation. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:545-52. [PMID: 21224285 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deq363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Unusual and consistent defects in infertility patients merit attention as these may indicate an underlying genetic abnormality, in turn necessitating tailored management strategies. We describe a case of repeated early pregnancy loss from in vivo conceptions, followed by cancelled embryo transfers after one IVF and one ICSI/PGD cycle. Following the unexpected presence of cleaved embryos at the fertilization check in the first IVF attempt, oocytes and embryos were subsequently analyzed in an ICSI/PGD case. Part of the oocyte cohort was fixed at retrieval for a cellular evaluation of microtubules, microfilaments and chromatin. The remaining oocytes were injected with sperm, and resultant embryos were biopsied for genetic analysis by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray for 23 chromosome pairs, as well as with PCR for sex chromosomes. The presence of interphase microtubule networks and pronuclear structures indicated that oocytes were spontaneously activated by the time of retrieval. FISH revealed aneuploidy in all seven blastomeres analyzed, with all but two lacking Y chromosomes. Microarray SNP analysis showed an exclusively maternal origin of all blastomeres analyzed, which was further confirmed by PCR. From our multi-faceted analyses, we conclude that spontaneous activation, or parthenogenesis, was probably the pathology underlying our patient's recurrent inability to maintain a normal pregnancy. Such analyses may prove beneficial not only in diagnosing case-specific aberrations for other patients with similar or related failures, but also for furthering our general understanding of oocyte activation.
Collapse
|
39
|
Versieren K, Heindryckx B, Lierman S, Gerris J, De Sutter P. Developmental competence of parthenogenetic mouse and human embryos after chemical or electrical activation. Reprod Biomed Online 2010; 21:769-75. [PMID: 21051286 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2010.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2010] [Revised: 06/24/2010] [Accepted: 07/01/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Parthenogenetic reconstruction is one major strategy to create patient-specific stem cells. The aim of this study was to find the best artificial activation protocol for parthenogenetic activation of mouse and human oocytes comparing different methods. In a first set of experiments, in-vivo matured mouse oocytes and human failed-fertilized, in-vitro and in-vivo matured oocytes were artificially activated by a chemical (ionomycin) or electrical stimulus. In a second set of experiments, a combination of activating agents (electrical pulses followed by ionomycin or SrCl(2)) was applied in an aim to improve developmental competence. All embryos were evaluated daily until day 6 after activation. Mouse blastocysts were differentially stained to evaluate blastocyst quality. For mouse oocytes and human failed-fertilized oocytes, blastocyst development was significantly higher after electrical activation (P<0.05). For human in-vitro and in-vivo matured oocytes, blastocyst formation was only obtained after electrical activation of in-vitro matured oocytes. After combining activating agents, no differences in development could be observed. In conclusion, this study revealed that for both mouse and human oocytes development to the blastocyst stage was significantly better after electrical activation compared with chemical activation. Combining activating agents had no further positive effect on developmental potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Versieren
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Paffoni A, Alagna F, Somigliana E, Restelli L, Brevini TAL, Gandolfi F, Ragni G. Developmental potential of human oocytes after slow freezing or vitrification: a randomized in vitro study based on parthenogenesis. Reprod Sci 2010; 15:1027-33. [PMID: 19088372 DOI: 10.1177/1933719108322437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the this study was to compare the in vitro developmental competence of parthenogenetically activated oocytes cryopreserved with slow-freezing or vitrification. Supernumerary metaphase II oocytes obtained during in vitro fertilization procedures were randomized to slow freezing or vitrification procedure. After thawing or devitrification, oocytes were parthenogenetically activated and cultured. Survival, activation, development rate, and cell number during culture were compared. The 2 groups showed no significant differences between the rates of parthenogenetic activation, development, good quality parthenotes and blastomere number on day 2 of culture. However, parthenotes from the devitrified oocytes continued cleaving till day 3 in a significantly low proportion (27% vs. 42%). On day 3, the mean number of blastomeres was also lower in vitrification group compared to slow-freezing (4.8 + 1.9 vs. 5.8 + 1.7). In conclusion, parthenogenesis highlights a reduced potential of vitrified oocytes to cleave on day 3 compared with oocytes from slow-freezing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Paffoni
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Neonatology, Infertility Unit, Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Milan, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Escrich L, Grau N, Mercader A, Rubio C, Pellicer A, Escribá MJ. Spontaneous in vitro maturation and artificial activation of human germinal vesicle oocytes recovered from stimulated cycles. J Assist Reprod Genet 2010; 28:111-7. [PMID: 20967497 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-010-9493-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2010] [Accepted: 10/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To define germinal vesicles (GV) by morphometric and morphologic examination and by chromatin compaction and to assess their spontaneous nuclear and cytoplasmic competence. MATERIALS 131 GV were cultured for 42.7 ± 2.4 h. Nuclear maturation was evaluated at four time points. Sixty-seven in vitro and twenty-five in vivo metaphase II (MII) were activated. Parthenotes with 2 PB and one pronucleus (NA) were studied for ploidy. RESULTS A total of 74.8% GV matured to MII: 55% at 21.4 ± 2.4 h and 47.3% in the following 24 h. Artificial activation induced NA in 79.2% of in vivo-MII and in 22.4% of in vitro-MII. All NA were haploid. CONCLUSIONS GV spontaneously mature at the nuclear level. Their NA are haploid, but their cytoplasmic competence is compromised. Variables were not found to be predictors of oocyte competence, probably due to our population being homogeneous with respect to most of the variables studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Escrich
- Universitary Institute IVI Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kashir J, Heindryckx B, Jones C, De Sutter P, Parrington J, Coward K. Oocyte activation, phospholipase C zeta and human infertility. Hum Reprod Update 2010; 16:690-703. [PMID: 20573804 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmq018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammalian oocytes are activated by intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) oscillations following gamete fusion. Recent evidence implicates a sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta, PLCζ, which is introduced into the oocyte following membrane fusion, as the responsible factor. This review summarizes the current understanding of human oocyte activation failure and describes recent discoveries linking certain cases of male infertility with defects in PLCζ expression and activity. How these latest findings may influence future diagnosis and treatment options are also discussed. METHODS Systematic literature searches were performed using PubMed, ISI-Web of Knowledge and The Cochrane Library. We also scrutinized material from the United Nations and World Health Organization databases (UNWHO) and the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Although ICSI results in average fertilization rates of 70%, complete or virtually complete fertilization failure still occurs in 1-5% of ICSI cycles. While oocyte activation failure can, in some cases, be overcome by artificial oocyte activators such as calcium ionophores, a more physiological oocyte activation agent might release Ca(2+) within the oocyte in a more efficient and controlled manner. As PLCζ is now widely considered to be the physiological agent responsible for activating mammalian oocytes, it represents both a novel diagnostic biomarker of oocyte activation capability and a possible mode of treatment for certain types of male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Kashir
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Anderson RA, Bayne RA, Gardner J, De Sousa PA. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a regulator of human oocyte maturation and early embryo development. Fertil Steril 2010; 93:1394-406. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2009] [Revised: 03/24/2009] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
44
|
Terada Y, Schatten G, Hasegawa H, Yaegashi N. Essential Roles of the Sperm Centrosome in Human Fertilization: Developing the Therapy for Fertilization Failure due to Sperm Centrosomal Dysfunction. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2010; 220:247-58. [DOI: 10.1620/tjem.220.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yukihiro Terada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine
| | - Gerald Schatten
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Hisataka Hasegawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine
| | - Nobuo Yaegashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Brevini TAL, Pennarossa G, Antonini S, Paffoni A, Tettamanti G, Montemurro T, Radaelli E, Lazzari L, Rebulla P, Scanziani E, de Eguileor M, Benvenisty N, Ragni G, Gandolfi F. Cell lines derived from human parthenogenetic embryos can display aberrant centriole distribution and altered expression levels of mitotic spindle check-point transcripts. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2009; 5:340-52. [PMID: 20058199 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-009-9086-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2009] [Accepted: 08/04/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Human parthenogenetic embryos have recently been proposed as an alternative, less controversial source of embryonic stem cell (ESC) lines; however many aspects related to the biology of parthenogenetic embryos and parthenogenetic derived cell lines still need to be elucidated. We present here results on human cell lines (HP1 and HP3) derived from blastocysts obtained by oocyte parthenogenetic activation. Cell lines showed typical ESC morphology, expressed Oct-4, Nanog, Sox-2, Rex-1, alkaline phosphatase, SSEA-4, TRA 1-81 and had high telomerase activity. Expression of genes specific for different embryonic germ layers was detected from HP cells differentiated upon embryoid body (EBs) formation. Furthermore, when cultured in appropriate conditions, HP cell lines were able to differentiate into mature cell types of the neural and hematopoietic lineages. However, the injection of undifferentiated HP cells in immunodeficient mice resulted either in poor differentiation or in tumour formation with the morphological characteristics of myofibrosarcomas. Further analysis of HP cells indicated aberrant levels of molecules related to spindle formation as well as the presence of an abnormal number of centrioles and autophagic activity. Our results confirm and extend the notion that human parthenogenetic stem cells can be derived and can differentiate in mature cell types, but also highlight the possibility that, alteration of the proliferation mechanisms may occur in these cells, suggesting great caution if a therapeutic use of this kind of stem cells is considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Centre for Stem Cell Research, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Lee HJ, Teixeira J. Parthenogenesis in human oocytes that were collected from resected ovarian tissue and matured in vitro. Stem Cells Dev 2009; 18:941-6. [PMID: 19249941 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2009.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, a major hurdle in the progress of human embryonic stem (hES) cell research is the lack of human oocytes with which to perform experiments. The collection process is a logistical and ethical challenge and usually involves the use of excess oocytes donated after assisted reproduction procedures. We collected resected human ovarian tissue after routine surgical procedures. Oocytes were isolated from the tissue and matured in vitro to the meiosis II (MII) stage, when the first polar body is extruded. With the large antral and smaller preantral follicles, the efficiencies of the maturation were nearly 50% and 25%, respectively. The quality of the matured oocytes was assessed by inducing parthenogenesis and >50% of the in vitro matured oocytes were competent enough to develop pronuclei and 33% developed at least to the two-cell stage 48 h after activation. Parthenotes continued to develop by 72 h but with significant blastomere fragmentation. These results provide evidence that resected ovarian tissue, which is normally discarded, may be a suitable alternative source for oocytes in hES cell research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Joon Lee
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Vincent Memorial Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Artificial oocyte activation using calcium ionophore in ICSI cycles with spermatozoa from different sources. Reprod Biomed Online 2009; 18:45-52. [DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60423-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
48
|
Mansour R, Fahmy I, Tawab NA, Kamal A, El-Demery Y, Aboulghar M, Serour G. Electrical activation of oocytes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a controlled randomized study. Fertil Steril 2009; 91:133-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2007] [Revised: 08/07/2007] [Accepted: 08/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
49
|
Paffoni A, Brevini T, Gandolfi F, Ragni G. Parthenogenetic Activation: Biology and Applications in the ART Laboratory. Placenta 2008; 29 Suppl B:121-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2008] [Revised: 08/07/2008] [Accepted: 08/07/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
50
|
Terada Y, Hasegawa H, Ugajin T, Murakami T, Yaegashi N, Okamura K. Microtubule organization during human parthenogenesis. Fertil Steril 2008; 91:1271-2. [PMID: 18706544 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2008] [Revised: 05/13/2008] [Accepted: 05/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In human fertilization, the sperm centrosome plays a crucial role as a microtubule organizing center (MTOC). We studied microtubule organization during human parthenogenesis, which occurs when a human egg undergoes cleavage without a sperm centrosome. Multiple cytoplasmic asters were organized in the human oocyte after parthenogenetic activation, indicating that multiple MTOC are present in the human oocyte cytoplasm and function like a human sperm centrosome during parthenogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukihiro Terada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|