1
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Homer HA. Understanding oocyte ageing. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2024; 76:284-292. [PMID: 38536027 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.24.05343-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Females are born with a finite and non-renewable reservoir of oocytes, which therefore decline both in number and quality with advancing age. A striking characteristic of oocyte quality is that "ageing" effects manifest whilst women are in their thirties and are therefore still chronologically and physically young. Furthermore, this decline is unrelenting and not modifiable to any great extent by lifestyle or diet. Since oocyte quality is rate-limiting for pregnancy success, as the proportion of good-quality oocytes progressively deteriorate, the chance of successful pregnancy during each 6-12-month period also decreases, becoming exponential after 37 years. Unlike oocyte quality, age-related attrition in the size of the ovarian reservoir is less impactful for natural fertility since only one mature oocyte is typically ovulated per menstrual cycle. In contrast, oocyte numbers are pivotal for in-vitro fertilization success, since larger numbers enable better-quality oocytes to be found and is important for buffering the inefficiencies of the IVF process. The ageing trajectory is accelerated in ~10% of women, so-called premature ovarian ageing, with ~1% of women at the extreme end of this spectrum with loss of ovarian function occurring before 40 years of age, termed premature ovarian insufficiency. The aim of this review was to analyze how ageing impacts the size and quality of the oocyte pool along with emerging interventions for combating low oocyte numbers and improving quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden A Homer
- Queensland Fertility Group, Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, UQ Center for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia -
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2
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Ferreira AF, Soares M, Almeida-Santos T, Ramalho-Santos J, Sousa AP. Aging and oocyte competence: A molecular cell perspective. WIREs Mech Dis 2023; 15:e1613. [PMID: 37248206 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Follicular microenvironment is paramount in the acquisition of oocyte competence, which is dependent on two interconnected and interdependent processes: nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. Extensive research conducted in human and model systems has provided evidence that those processes are disturbed with female aging. In fact, advanced maternal age (AMA) is associated with a lower chance of pregnancy and live birth, explained by the age-related decline in oocyte quality/competence. This decline has largely been attributed to mitochondria, essential for oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development; with mitochondrial dysfunction leading to oxidative stress, responsible for nuclear and mitochondrial damage, suboptimal intracellular energy levels, calcium disturbance, and meiotic spindle alterations, that may result in oocyte aneuploidy. Nuclear-related mechanisms that justify increased oocyte aneuploidy include deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, loss of chromosomal cohesion, spindle assembly checkpoint dysfunction, meiotic recombination errors, and telomere attrition. On the other hand, age-dependent cytoplasmic maturation failure is related to mitochondrial dysfunction, altered mitochondrial biogenesis, altered mitochondrial morphology, distribution, activity, and dynamics, dysmorphic smooth endoplasmic reticulum and calcium disturbance, and alterations in the cytoskeleton. Furthermore, reproductive somatic cells also experience the effects of aging, including mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage, compromising the crosstalk between granulosa/cumulus cells and oocytes, also affected by a loss of gap junctions. Old oocytes seem therefore to mature in an altered microenvironment, with changes in metabolites, ribonucleic acid (RNA), proteins, and lipids. Overall, understanding the mechanisms implicated in the loss of oocyte quality will allow the establishment of emerging biomarkers and potential therapeutic anti-aging strategies. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Filipa Ferreira
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Soares
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- PhD Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Almeida-Santos
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Ramalho-Santos
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Sousa
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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3
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Liu Y, Gao J. Reproductive aging: biological pathways and potential interventive strategies. J Genet Genomics 2023; 50:141-150. [PMID: 35840100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2022.07.002] [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: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive aging is a natural process conserved across species and is well-known in females. It shows age-related follicle depletion and reduction of oocyte quality, eventually causing reproductive senescence and menopause. Although reproductive aging in males is not well noticed as in females, it also causes infertility and has deleterious consequences on the offspring. Various factors have been suggested to contribute to reproductive aging, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial defects, telomere shortening, meiotic chromosome segregation errors and genetic alterations. With the increasing trend of pregnancy age, it is particularly crucial to find interventions to preserve or extend human fertility. Studies in humans and model organisms have provided insights into the biological pathways associated with reproductive aging, and a series of potential interventive strategies have been tested. Here, we review factors affecting reproductive aging in females and males and summarize interventive strategies that may help delay or rescue the aging phenotypes of reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Liu
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
| | - Jinmin Gao
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China.
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4
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Blengini CS, Nguyen AL, Aboelenain M, Schindler K. Age-dependent integrity of the meiotic spindle assembly checkpoint in females requires Aurora kinase B. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13489. [PMID: 34704342 PMCID: PMC8590096 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of advanced maternal age is a significant increase in meiotic chromosome segregation errors, resulting in early miscarriages and congenital disorders. These errors most frequently occur during meiosis I (MI). The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) prevents chromosome segregation errors by arresting the cell cycle until proper chromosome alignment is achieved. Unlike in mitosis, the SAC in oocytes is desensitized, allowing chromosome segregation in the presence of improperly aligned chromosomes. Whether SAC integrity further deteriorates with advancing maternal age, and if this decline contributes to increased segregation errors remains a fundamental question. In somatic cells, activation of the SAC depends upon Aurora kinase B (AURKB), which functions to monitor kinetochore–microtubule attachments and recruit SAC regulator proteins. In mice, oocyte‐specific deletion of AURKB (Aurkb cKO) results in an increased production of aneuploid metaphase II‐arrested eggs and premature age‐related infertility. Here, we aimed to understand the cause of the short reproductive lifespan and hypothesized that SAC integrity was compromised. In comparing oocytes from young and sexually mature Aurkb cKO females, we found that SAC integrity becomes compromised rapidly with maternal age. We show that the increased desensitization of the SAC is driven by reduced expression of MAD2, ZW10 and Securin proteins, key contributors to the SAC response pathway. The reduced expression of these proteins is the result of altered protein homeostasis, likely caused by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Taken together, our results demonstrate a novel function for AURKB in preserving the female reproductive lifespan possibly by protecting oocytes from oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia S. Blengini
- Department of Genetics; Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Piscataway NJ USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey Piscataway NJ USA
| | - Alexandra L. Nguyen
- Department of Genetics; Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Piscataway NJ USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey Piscataway NJ USA
| | - Mansour Aboelenain
- Department of Genetics; Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Piscataway NJ USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey Piscataway NJ USA
- Department of Theriogenology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Mansoura University Mansoura Egypt
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics; Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Piscataway NJ USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey Piscataway NJ USA
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5
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Chen Q, Ke H, Luo X, Wang L, Wu Y, Tang S, Li J, Jin L, Zhang F, Qin Y, Chen X. Rare deleterious BUB1B variants induce premature ovarian insufficiency and early menopause. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:2698-2707. [PMID: 32716490 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Losing of ovarian functions prior to natural menopause age causes female infertility and early menopause. Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is defined as the loss of ovarian activity before 40 years of age. Known genetic causes account for 25-30% of POI cases, demonstrating the high genetic heterogeneity of POI and the necessity for further genetic explorations. Here we conducted genetic analyses using whole-exome sequencing in a Chinese non-syndromic POI family with the affected mother and at least four affected daughters. Intriguingly, a rare missense variant of BUB1B c.273A>T (p.Gln91His) was shared by all the cases in this family. Furthermore, our replication study using targeted sequencing revealed a novel stop-gain variant of BUB1B c.1509T>A (p.Cys503*) in one of 200 sporadic POI cases. Both heterozygous BUB1B variants were evaluated to be deleterious by multiple in silico tools. BUB1B encodes BUBR1, a crucial spindle assembly checkpoint component involved in cell division. BUBR1 insufficiency may induce vulnerability to oxidative stress. Therefore, we generated a mouse model with a loss-of-function mutant of Bub1b, and also employed D-galactose-induced aging assays for functional investigations. Notably, Bub1b+/- female mice presented late-onset subfertility, and they were more sensitive to oxidative stress than wild-type female controls, mimicking the clinical phenotypes of POI cases affected by deleterious BUB1B variants. Our findings in human cases and mouse models consistently suggest, for the first time, that heterozygous deleterious variants of BUB1B are involved in late-onset POI and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Chen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Hanni Ke
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan 250021, China.,The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Shandong University, Ministry of Education, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Xuezhen Luo
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Lingbo Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yanhua Wu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Shuyan Tang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Li Jin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan 250021, China.,The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Shandong University, Ministry of Education, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
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6
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Greaney J, Subramanian GN, Ye Y, Homer H. Isolation and in vitro Culture of Mouse Oocytes. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4104. [PMID: 34458398 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4104] [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: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Females are endowed at birth with a fixed reserve of oocytes, which declines both in quantity and quality with advancing age. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating oocyte quality is crucial for improving the chances of pregnancy success in fertility clinics. In vitro culture systems enable researchers to analyse important molecular and genetic regulators of oocyte maturation and fertilisation. Here, we describe in detail a highly reproducible technique for the isolation and culture of fully grown mouse oocytes. We include the considerations and precautionary measures required for minimising the detrimental effects of in vitro culture conditions. This technique forms the starting point for a wide range of experimental approaches such as post-transcriptional gene silencing, immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, high-resolution 4D time-lapse imaging, and in vitro fertilization, which are instrumental in dissecting the molecular determinants of oocyte quality. Hence, this protocol serves as a useful, practical guide for any oocyte researcher beginning experiments aimed at investigating important oocyte molecular factors. Graphic abstract: A step-by-step protocol for the isolation and in vitro culture of oocytes from mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Greaney
- The Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Goutham Narayanan Subramanian
- The Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Yunan Ye
- The Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Hayden Homer
- The Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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7
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Homer HA. Senataxin: A New Guardian of the Female Germline Important for Delaying Ovarian Aging. Front Genet 2021; 12:647996. [PMID: 33995483 PMCID: PMC8118517 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.647996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Early decline in ovarian function known as premature ovarian aging (POA) occurs in around 10% of women and is characterized by a markedly reduced ovarian reserve. Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) affects ~1% of women and refers to the severe end of the POA spectrum in which, accelerated ovarian aging leads to menopause before 40 years of age. Ovarian reserve refers to the total number of follicle-enclosed oocytes within both ovaries. Oocyte DNA integrity is a critical determinant of ovarian reserve since damage to DNA of oocytes within primordial-stage follicles triggers follicular apoptosis leading to accelerated follicle depletion. Despite the high prevalence of POA, very little is known regarding its genetic causation. Another little-investigated aspect of oocyte DNA damage involves low-grade damage that escapes apoptosis at the primordial follicle stage and persists throughout oocyte growth and later follicle development. Senataxin (SETX) is an RNA/DNA helicase involved in repair of oxidative stress-induced DNA damage and is well-known for its roles in preventing neurodegenerative disease. Recent findings uncover an important role for SETX in protecting oocyte DNA integrity against aging-induced increases in oxidative stress. Significantly, this newly identified SETX-mediated regulation of oocyte DNA integrity is critical for preventing POA and early-onset female infertility by preventing premature depletion of the ovarian follicular pool and reducing the burden of low-grade DNA damage both in primordial and fully-grown oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden A Homer
- The Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
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8
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Homer HA. Understanding oocyte ageing: can we influence the process as clinicians? Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2021; 33:218-224. [PMID: 33769423 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Oocyte quality is rate-limiting for pregnancy success and declines with age. Here, I review animal-study evidence showing dramatic reversal of oocyte ageing with mitochondrial nutrients and explore clinical evidence related to their usage. RECENT FINDINGS Oocyte ageing is strongly tied to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Quality-defining events occur over a protracted period (2-3 months in humans) when oocyte volume increases over 100-fold. Treating mice during the growth phase with mitochondrial modifiers such as CoQ10 combats oocyte ageing. Exciting new work shows that raising oocyte NAD+ levels also dramatically rejuvenate aged oocytes. However, evidence that any of these agents can reproducibly improve quality in humans is lacking. This is largely because there has been a focus on patients with poor ovarian response during IVF and/or low ovarian follicular pool size, rather than patients with poor oocyte quality. In addition, studies have used short-term treatment during ovarian stimulation after oocyte growth is already complete. SUMMARY Mitochondrial therapeutics such as NAD+-boosting used during the oocyte's growth phase markedly improve oocyte quality in mice. Evaluating them in humans should focus on patients with poor oocyte quality and utilise per-oocyte (rather than per-cycle) endpoints after adequate treatment that captures the growth phase when quality is defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden Anthony Homer
- Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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9
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Bertoldo MJ, Listijono DR, Ho WHJ, Riepsamen AH, Goss DM, Richani D, Jin XL, Mahbub S, Campbell JM, Habibalahi A, Loh WGN, Youngson NA, Maniam J, Wong ASA, Selesniemi K, Bustamante S, Li C, Zhao Y, Marinova MB, Kim LJ, Lau L, Wu RM, Mikolaizak AS, Araki T, Le Couteur DG, Turner N, Morris MJ, Walters KA, Goldys E, O'Neill C, Gilchrist RB, Sinclair DA, Homer HA, Wu LE. NAD + Repletion Rescues Female Fertility during Reproductive Aging. Cell Rep 2021; 30:1670-1681.e7. [PMID: 32049001 PMCID: PMC7063679 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.01.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive aging in female mammals is an irreversible process associated with declining oocyte quality, which is the rate-limiting factor to fertility. Here, we show that this loss of oocyte quality with age accompanies declining levels of the prominent metabolic cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Treatment with the NAD+ metabolic precursor nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) rejuvenates oocyte quality in aged animals, leading to restoration in fertility, and this can be recapitulated by transgenic overexpression of the NAD+-dependent deacylase SIRT2, though deletion of this enzyme does not impair oocyte quality. These benefits of NMN extend to the developing embryo, where supplementation reverses the adverse effect of maternal age on developmental milestones. These findings suggest that late-life restoration of NAD+ levels represents an opportunity to rescue female reproductive function in mammals. Declining oocyte quality is considered an irreversible feature of aging and is rate limiting for human fertility. Bertoldo et al. show that reversing an age-dependent decline in NAD(P)H restores oocyte quality, embryo development, and functional fertility in aged mice. These findings may be relevant to reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Bertoldo
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dave R Listijono
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wing-Hong Jonathan Ho
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Dale M Goss
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dulama Richani
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xing L Jin
- Human Reproduction Unit, Kolling Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Saabah Mahbub
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Nanoscale Biophotonics, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jared M Campbell
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Nanoscale Biophotonics, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Abbas Habibalahi
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Nanoscale Biophotonics, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Neil A Youngson
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jayanthi Maniam
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ashley S A Wong
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kaisa Selesniemi
- Paul F. Glenn Laboratories for the Biological Mechanisms of Aging, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA; Jumpstart Fertility Pty Ltd., Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sonia Bustamante
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Catherine Li
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yiqing Zhao
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria B Marinova
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lynn-Jee Kim
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Laurin Lau
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachael M Wu
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Republic of Ireland
| | | | - Toshiyuki Araki
- Department of Peripheral Nervous System Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - David G Le Couteur
- ANZAC Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord, NSW, Australia
| | - Nigel Turner
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Kirsty A Walters
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ewa Goldys
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Nanoscale Biophotonics, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher O'Neill
- Human Reproduction Unit, Kolling Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David A Sinclair
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Paul F. Glenn Laboratories for the Biological Mechanisms of Aging, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA.
| | - Hayden A Homer
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Laboratory, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia.
| | - Lindsay E Wu
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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10
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Abstract
Infertility is described as unexplained when pregnancy does not occur despite ovulation, patent Fallopian tubes, and normal semen parameters. Oocyte developmental competence (or quality) is rate-limiting for pregnancy success as oocytes provide virtually all the cellular building blocks including mitochondria required during embryogenesis. However, available tests estimate oocyte numbers (anti-Müllerian hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and antral follicle count) and ovulation (luteal phase serum progesterone) but not the third, and most pivotal, oocyte-specific parameter, quality. Severe depletion of the follicular reserve manifests as premature ovarian insufficiency and is an obvious cause of anovulation with overt symptoms and clear diagnostic criteria. In contrast, there are no biomarkers of poor oocyte quality other than through in vitro fertilization when readouts of oocyte quality such as preimplantation embryo development can be assessed. The most common cause of poor oocyte quality is natural aging, which is strongly tied to reduced oocyte mitochondrial efficiency and increased oxidative stress. In younger women, quality may also be impaired due to accelerated aging or sporadic genetic mutations which cause severe defects during oocyte and embryo development. Thus, poor oocyte quality often provides an explanation for infertility, but because it cannot be measured using conventional tests, many cases of infertility are often incorrectly labeled "unexplained." Since female age remains the best predictor of oocyte quality, age over 37 years should be considered an independent diagnostic criterion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden Anthony Homer
- Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Herston 4029, Queensland, Australia
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11
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Mikwar M, MacFarlane AJ, Marchetti F. Mechanisms of oocyte aneuploidy associated with advanced maternal age. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2020; 785:108320. [PMID: 32800274 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2020.108320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that maternal age is associated with a rapid decline in the production of healthy and high-quality oocytes resulting in reduced fertility in women older than 35 years of age. In particular, chromosome segregation errors during meiotic divisions are increasingly common and lead to the production of oocytes with an incorrect number of chromosomes, a condition known as aneuploidy. When an aneuploid oocyte is fertilized by a sperm it gives rise to an aneuploid embryo that, except in rare situations, will result in a spontaneous abortion. As females advance in age, they are at higher risk of infertility, miscarriage, or having a pregnancy affected by congenital birth defects such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), and Turner syndrome (monosomy X). Here, we review the potential molecular mechanisms associated with increased chromosome segregation errors during meiosis as a function of maternal age. Our review shows that multiple exogenous and endogenous factors contribute to the age-related increase in oocyte aneuploidy. Specifically, the weight of evidence indicates that recombination failure, cohesin deterioration, spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) disregulation, abnormalities in post-translational modification of histones and tubulin, and mitochondrial dysfunction are the leading causes of oocyte aneuploidy associated with maternal aging. There is also growing evidence that dietary and other bioactive interventions may mitigate the effect of maternal aging on oocyte quality and oocyte aneuploidy, thereby improving fertility outcomes. Maternal age is a major concern for aneuploidy and genetic disorders in the offspring in the context of an increasing proportion of mothers having children at increasingly older ages. A better understanding of the mechanisms associated with maternal aging leading to aneuploidy and of intervention strategies that may mitigate these detrimental effects and reduce its occurrence are essential for preventing abnormal reproductive outcomes in the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myy Mikwar
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Nutrition Research Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda J MacFarlane
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Nutrition Research Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Francesco Marchetti
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Mechanistic Studies Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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12
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Luteinizing Hormone Action in Human Oocyte Maturation and Quality: Signaling Pathways, Regulation, and Clinical Impact. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:1223-1252. [PMID: 32046451 PMCID: PMC7190682 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-019-00137-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The ovarian follicle luteinizing hormone (LH) signaling molecules that regulate oocyte meiotic maturation have recently been identified. The LH signal reduces preovulatory follicle cyclic nucleotide levels which releases oocytes from the first meiotic arrest. In the ovarian follicle, the LH signal reduces cyclic nucleotide levels via the CNP/NPR2 system, the EGF/EGF receptor network, and follicle/oocyte gap junctions. In the oocyte, reduced cyclic nucleotide levels activate the maturation promoting factor (MPF). The activated MPF induces chromosome segregation and completion of the first and second meiotic divisions. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the current understanding of human LH signaling regulation of oocyte meiotic maturation by identifying and integrating the human studies on this topic. We found 89 human studies in the literature that identified 24 LH follicle/oocyte signaling proteins. These studies show that human oocyte meiotic maturation is regulated by the same proteins that regulate animal oocyte meiotic maturation. We also found that these LH signaling pathway molecules regulate human oocyte quality and subsequent embryo quality. Remarkably, in vitro maturation (IVM) prematuration culture (PMC) protocols that manipulate the LH signaling pathway improve human oocyte quality of cultured human oocytes. This knowledge has improved clinical human IVM efficiency which may become a routine alternative ART for some infertile patients.
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13
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Simonetti G, Bruno S, Padella A, Tenti E, Martinelli G. Aneuploidy: Cancer strength or vulnerability? Int J Cancer 2018; 144:8-25. [PMID: 29981145 PMCID: PMC6587540 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aneuploidy is a very rare and tissue‐specific event in normal conditions, occurring in a low number of brain and liver cells. Its frequency increases in age‐related disorders and is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Aneuploidy has been associated with defects in the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). However, the relationship between chromosome number alterations, SAC genes and tumor susceptibility remains unclear. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of SAC gene alterations at genomic and transcriptional level across human cancers and discuss the oncogenic and tumor suppressor functions of aneuploidy. SAC genes are rarely mutated but frequently overexpressed, with a negative prognostic impact on different tumor types. Both increased and decreased SAC gene expression show oncogenic potential in mice. SAC gene upregulation may drive aneuploidization and tumorigenesis through mitotic delay, coupled with additional oncogenic functions outside mitosis. The genomic background and environmental conditions influence the fate of aneuploid cells. Aneuploidy reduces cellular fitness. It induces growth and contact inhibition, mitotic and proteotoxic stress, cell senescence and production of reactive oxygen species. However, aneuploidy confers an evolutionary flexibility by favoring genome and chromosome instability (CIN), cellular adaptation, stem cell‐like properties and immune escape. These properties represent the driving force of aneuploid cancers, especially under conditions of stress and pharmacological pressure, and are currently under investigation as potential therapeutic targets. Indeed, promising results have been obtained from synthetic lethal combinations exploiting CIN, mitotic defects, and aneuploidy‐tolerating mechanisms as cancer vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Simonetti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna and Institute of Hematology "L. e A. Seràgnoli", Bologna, Italy
| | - Samantha Bruno
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna and Institute of Hematology "L. e A. Seràgnoli", Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonella Padella
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna and Institute of Hematology "L. e A. Seràgnoli", Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Tenti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna and Institute of Hematology "L. e A. Seràgnoli", Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinelli
- Scientific Directorate, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
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14
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Akison LK, Andraweera PH, Bertoldo MJ, Brown HM, Cuffe JSM, Fullston T, Holland O, Schjenken JE. The current state of reproductive biology research in Australia and New Zealand: core themes from the Society for Reproductive Biology Annual Meeting, 2016. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:1883-1889. [PMID: 27918727 DOI: 10.1071/rd16382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Because reproduction is essential for all life, it is central to our understanding of all aspects of biology. The Society for Reproductive Biology (SRB) 2016 conference held on the Gold Coast (Qld, Australia) displayed the current breadth of reproductive research in Australia and New Zealand, with additional insights from world leaders in the field. This conference review provides a focused summary of the key questions, emerging ideas and novel technologies that were presented in the symposia. Presented research demonstrated key advances in how stem cell biology may allow us to better understand pluripotency, as well as how environmental and lifestyle factors, such as circadian disruption, smoking, alcohol and diet, affect gametogenesis, embryo implantation, placental function and reproductive capacity. Sessions also highlighted the role of reproductive biology in providing insight into the mechanisms and processes governing a wide range of biological science disciplines, including cancer research and therapies, oncofertility, conservation of native species and chronic non-communicable diseases. Recurring themes included the importance of male and female gamete quality for reproductive potential and the critical and varied roles of the placenta in the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy. Dysregulation of reproductive processes can contribute to a variety of pathological states that affect future health, fertility and fecundity. Research being conducted by the SRB has the potential to shape not only the fertility of the current generation, but also the health and reproductive viability of future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L K Akison
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Sir William MacGregor Building, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - P H Andraweera
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Medical School North, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - M J Bertoldo
- School of Women's and Children's Health, The University of New South Wales, Wallace Wurth Building, Botany Street, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - H M Brown
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Medical School North, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - J S M Cuffe
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Dve, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia
| | - T Fullston
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Medical School North, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - O Holland
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Dve, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia
| | - J E Schjenken
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Medical School North, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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15
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Qiu D, Hou X, Han L, Li X, Ge J, Wang Q. Sirt2-BubR1 acetylation pathway mediates the effects of advanced maternal age on oocyte quality. Aging Cell 2018; 17:e12698. [PMID: 29067790 PMCID: PMC5770883 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The level of Sirt2 protein is reduced in oocytes from aged mice, while exogenous expression of Sirt2 could ameliorate the maternal age-associated meiotic defects. To date, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we confirmed that specific depletion of Sirt2 disrupts maturational progression and spindle/chromosome organization in mouse oocytes, with compromised kinetochore-microtubule attachments. Candidate screening revealed that acetylation state of lysine 243 on BubR1 (BubR1-K243, an integral part of the spindle assembly checkpoint complex) functions during oocyte meiosis, and acetylation-mimetic mutant BubR1-K243Q results in the very similar phenotypes as Sirt2-knockdown oocytes. Furthermore, we found that nonacetylatable-mimetic mutant BubR1-K243R partly prevents the meiotic deficits in oocytes depleted of Sirt2. Importantly, BubR1-K243R overexpression in oocytes derived from aged mice markedly suppresses spindle/chromosome anomalies and thereupon lowers the incidence of aneuploid eggs. In sum, our data suggest that Sirt2-dependent BubR1 deacetylation involves in the regulation of meiotic apparatus in normal oocytes and mediates the effects of advanced maternal age on oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danhong Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xiaojing Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Longsen Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- College of Animal Science & TechnologyNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Juan Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
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16
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Greaney J, Wei Z, Homer H. Regulation of chromosome segregation in oocytes and the cellular basis for female meiotic errors. Hum Reprod Update 2017; 24:135-161. [PMID: 29244163 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmx035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meiotic chromosome segregation in human oocytes is notoriously error-prone, especially with ageing. Such errors markedly reduce the reproductive chances of increasing numbers of women embarking on pregnancy later in life. However, understanding the basis for these errors is hampered by limited access to human oocytes. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Important new discoveries have arisen from molecular analyses of human female recombination and aneuploidy along with high-resolution analyses of human oocyte maturation and mouse models. Here, we review these findings to provide a contemporary picture of the key players choreographing chromosome segregation in mammalian oocytes and the cellular basis for errors. SEARCH METHODS A search of PubMed was conducted using keywords including meiosis, oocytes, recombination, cohesion, cohesin complex, chromosome segregation, kinetochores, spindle, aneuploidy, meiotic cell cycle, spindle assembly checkpoint, anaphase-promoting complex, DNA damage, telomeres, mitochondria, female ageing and female fertility. We extracted papers focusing on mouse and human oocytes that best aligned with the themes of this review and that reported transformative and novel discoveries. OUTCOMES Meiosis incorporates two sequential rounds of chromosome segregation executed by a spindle whose component microtubules bind chromosomes via kinetochores. Cohesion mediated by the cohesin complex holds chromosomes together and should be resolved at the appropriate time, in a specific step-wise manner and in conjunction with meiotically programmed kinetochore behaviour. In women, the stage is set for meiotic error even before birth when female-specific crossover maturation inefficiency leads to the formation of at-risk recombination patterns. In adult life, multiple co-conspiring factors interact with at-risk crossovers to increase the likelihood of mis-segregation. Available evidence support that these factors include, but are not limited to, cohesion deterioration, uncoordinated sister kinetochore behaviour, erroneous microtubule attachments, spindle instability and structural chromosomal defects that impact centromeres and telomeres. Data from mice indicate that cohesin and centromere-specific histones are long-lived proteins in oocytes. Since these proteins are pivotal for chromosome segregation, but lack any obvious renewal pathway, their deterioration with age provides an appealing explanation for at least some of the problems in older oocytes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Research in the mouse model has identified a number of candidate genes and pathways that are important for chromosome segregation in this species. However, many of these have not yet been investigated in human oocytes so it is uncertain at this stage to what extent they apply to women. The challenge for the future involves applying emerging knowledge of female meiotic molecular regulation towards improving clinical fertility management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Greaney
- Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital Campus, Herston QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Zhe Wei
- Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital Campus, Herston QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Hayden Homer
- Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital Campus, Herston QLD 4029, Australia
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Loss of Centromere Cohesion in Aneuploid Human Oocytes Correlates with Decreased Kinetochore Localization of the Sac Proteins Bub1 and Bubr1. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44001. [PMID: 28287092 PMCID: PMC5347135 DOI: 10.1038/srep44001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In human eggs, aneuploidy increases with age and can result in infertility and genetic diseases. Studies in mouse oocytes suggest that reduced centromere cohesion and spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) activity could be at the origin of chromosome missegregation. Little is known about these two features in humans. Here, we show that in human eggs, inter-kinetochore distances of bivalent chromosomes strongly increase with age. This results in the formation of univalent chromosomes during metaphase I (MI) and of single chromatids in metaphase II (MII). We also investigated SAC activity by checking the localization of BUB1 and BUBR1. We found that they localize at the kinetochore with a similar temporal timing than in mitotic cells and in a MPS1-dependent manner, suggesting that the SAC signalling pathway is active in human oocytes. Moreover, our data also suggest that this checkpoint is inactivated when centromere cohesion is lost in MI and consequently cannot inhibit premature sister chromatid separation. Finally, we show that the kinetochore localization of BUB1 and BUBR1 decreases with the age of the oocyte donors. This could contribute to oocyte aneuploidy.
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18
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El Yakoubi W, Wassmann K. Meiotic Divisions: No Place for Gender Equality. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1002:1-17. [PMID: 28600780 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-57127-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In multicellular organisms the fusion of two gametes with a haploid set of chromosomes leads to the formation of the zygote, the first cell of the embryo. Accurate execution of the meiotic cell division to generate a female and a male gamete is required for the generation of healthy offspring harboring the correct number of chromosomes. Unfortunately, meiosis is error prone. This has severe consequences for fertility and under certain circumstances, health of the offspring. In humans, female meiosis is extremely error prone. In this chapter we will compare male and female meiosis in humans to illustrate why and at which frequency errors occur, and describe how this affects pregnancy outcome and health of the individual. We will first introduce key notions of cell division in meiosis and how they differ from mitosis, followed by a detailed description of the events that are prone to errors during the meiotic divisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warif El Yakoubi
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), UMR7622, Paris, 75252, France.,CNRS, IBPS, UMR7622 Developmental Biology Lab, Paris, 75252, France
| | - Katja Wassmann
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), UMR7622, Paris, 75252, France. .,CNRS, IBPS, UMR7622 Developmental Biology Lab, Paris, 75252, France.
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19
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DNA damage-induced metaphase I arrest is mediated by the spindle assembly checkpoint and maternal age. Nat Commun 2015; 6:8706. [PMID: 26522734 PMCID: PMC4667640 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian oocytes DNA damage can cause chromosomal abnormalities that potentially lead to infertility and developmental disorders. However, there is little known about the response of oocytes to DNA damage. Here we find that oocytes with DNA damage arrest at metaphase of the first meiosis (MI). The MI arrest is induced by the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) because inhibiting the SAC overrides the DNA damage-induced MI arrest. Furthermore, this MI checkpoint is compromised in oocytes from aged mice. These data lead us to propose that the SAC is a major gatekeeper preventing the progression of oocytes harbouring DNA damage. The SAC therefore acts to integrate protection against both aneuploidy and DNA damage by preventing production of abnormal mature oocytes and subsequent embryos. Finally, we suggest escaping this DNA damage checkpoint in maternal ageing may be one of the causes of increased chromosome anomalies in oocytes and embryos from older mothers.
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20
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Touati SA, Wassmann K. How oocytes try to get it right: spindle checkpoint control in meiosis. Chromosoma 2015; 125:321-35. [PMID: 26255654 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-015-0536-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The generation of a viable, diploid organism depends on the formation of haploid gametes, oocytes, and spermatocytes, with the correct number of chromosomes. Halving the genome requires the execution of two consecutive specialized cell divisions named meiosis I and II. Unfortunately, and in contrast to male meiosis, chromosome segregation in oocytes is error prone, with human oocytes being extraordinarily "meiotically challenged". Aneuploid oocytes, that are with the wrong number of chromosomes, give rise to aneuploid embryos when fertilized. In humans, most aneuploidies are lethal and result in spontaneous abortions. However, some trisomies survive to birth or even adulthood, such as the well-known trisomy 21, which gives rise to Down syndrome (Nagaoka et al. in Nat Rev Genet 13:493-504, 2012). A staggering 20-25 % of oocytes ready to be fertilized are aneuploid in humans. If this were not bad enough, there is an additional increase in meiotic missegregations as women get closer to menopause. A woman above 40 has a risk of more than 30 % of getting pregnant with a trisomic child. Worse still, in industrialized western societies, child birth is delayed, with women getting their first child later in life than ever. This trend has led to an increase of trisomic pregnancies by 70 % in the last 30 years (Nagaoka et al. in Nat Rev Genet 13:493-504, 2012; Schmidt et al. in Hum Reprod Update 18:29-43, 2012). To understand why errors occur so frequently during the meiotic divisions in oocytes, we review here the molecular mechanisms at works to control chromosome segregation during meiosis. An important mitotic control mechanism, namely the spindle assembly checkpoint or SAC, has been adapted to the special requirements of the meiotic divisions, and this review will focus on our current knowledge of SAC control in mammalian oocytes. Knowledge on how chromosome segregation is controlled in mammalian oocytes may help to identify risk factors important for questions related to human reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra A Touati
- Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), UMR7622, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Paris, France.,CNRS, IBPS, UMR7622 Developmental Biology Lab, Paris, France.,Chromosome Segregation Laboratory, Lincoln's Inn Fields Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Katja Wassmann
- Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), UMR7622, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Paris, France. .,CNRS, IBPS, UMR7622 Developmental Biology Lab, Paris, France.
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21
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Touati SA, Buffin E, Cladière D, Hached K, Rachez C, van Deursen JM, Wassmann K. Mouse oocytes depend on BubR1 for proper chromosome segregation but not for prophase I arrest. Nat Commun 2015; 6:6946. [PMID: 25897860 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian female meiosis is error prone, with rates of meiotic chromosome missegregations strongly increasing towards the end of the reproductive lifespan. A strong reduction of BubR1 has been observed in oocytes of women approaching menopause and in ovaries of aged mice, which led to the hypothesis that a gradual decline of BubR1 contributes to age-related aneuploidization. Here we employ a conditional knockout approach in mouse oocytes to dissect the meiotic roles of BubR1. We show that BubR1 is required for diverse meiotic functions, including persistent spindle assembly checkpoint activity, timing of meiosis I and the establishment of robust kinetochore-microtubule attachments in a meiosis-specific manner, but not prophase I arrest. These data reveal that BubR1 plays a multifaceted role in chromosome segregation during the first meiotic division and suggest that age-related decline of BubR1 is a key determinant of the formation of aneuploid oocytes as women approach menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra A Touati
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), UMR7622, 75005 Paris, France.,CNRS, IBPS, UMR7622 Developmental Biology Lab, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Eulalie Buffin
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), UMR7622, 75005 Paris, France.,CNRS, IBPS, UMR7622 Developmental Biology Lab, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Damien Cladière
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), UMR7622, 75005 Paris, France.,CNRS, IBPS, UMR7622 Developmental Biology Lab, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Khaled Hached
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), UMR7622, 75005 Paris, France.,CNRS, IBPS, UMR7622 Developmental Biology Lab, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Christophe Rachez
- Departement de Biologie du Développement et Cellules Souches, CNRS URA2578, Unité de Régulation Epigénétique, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Jan M van Deursen
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Katja Wassmann
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), UMR7622, 75005 Paris, France.,CNRS, IBPS, UMR7622 Developmental Biology Lab, 75005 Paris, France
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22
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Homer HA. How separated sisters get bad connections. Cell Cycle 2014; 13:1222-3. [PMID: 24642833 PMCID: PMC4049956 DOI: 10.4161/cc.28567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hayden A Homer
- School of Women's & Children's Health; University of New South Wales; Sydney, Australia
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