1
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Yang G, Wang Y, Hu S, Chen J, Chen L, Miao H, Li N, Luo H, He Y, Qian Y, Miao C, Feng R. Inhibition of neddylation disturbs zygotic genome activation through histone modification change and leads to early development arrest in mouse embryos. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167292. [PMID: 38871031 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167292] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Post-translational modification and fine-tuned protein turnover are of great importance in mammalian early embryo development. Apart from the classic protein degradation promoting ubiquitination, new forms of ubiquitination-like modification are yet to be fully understood. Here, we demonstrate the function and potential mechanisms of one ubiquitination-like modification, neddylation, in mouse preimplantation embryo development. Treated with specific inhibitors, zygotes showed a dramatically decreased cleavage rate and almost all failed to enter the 4-cell stage. Transcriptional profiling showed genes were differentially expressed in pathways involving cell fate determination and cell differentiation, including several down-regulated zygotic genome activation (ZGA) marker genes. A decreased level of phosphorylated RNA polymerase II was detected, indicating impaired gene transcription inside the embryo cell nucleus. Proteomic data showed that differentially expressed proteins were enriched in histone modifications. We confirmed the lowered in methyltransferase (KMT2D) expression and a decrease in histone H3K4me3. At the same time, acetyltransferase (CBP/p300) reduced, while deacetylase (HDAC6) increased, resulting in an attenuation in histone H3K27ac. Additionally, we observed the up-regulation in YAP1 and RPL13 activities, indicating potential abnormalities in the downstream response of Hippo signaling pathway. In summary, we found that inhibition of neddylation induced epigenetic changes in early embryos and led to abnormalities in related downstream signaling pathways. This study sheds light upon new forms of ubiquitination regulating mammalian embryonic development and may contribute to further investigation of female infertility pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangping Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Yangzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, China
| | - Yingnan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Saifei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Jianhua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Liangliang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Hui Miao
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Heping Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Engineer of Shanxi Health Committee, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Heping Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Engineer of Shanxi Health Committee, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, China
| | - Hui Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yanni He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yun Qian
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Congxiu Miao
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Heping Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Engineer of Shanxi Health Committee, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, China.
| | - Ruizhi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China; Innovation Center of Suzhou Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215005, China.
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2
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Lüttmann FF, Kim KP, Kim J. Spliceosomal repression: unleashing human cell totipotency. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:251. [PMID: 39313520 PMCID: PMC11420212 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01966-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe F Lüttmann
- The Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration and Immunology at TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kee-Pyo Kim
- Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Johnny Kim
- The Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration and Immunology at TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz gGmbH, Mainz, Germany.
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program and Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Xu LK, Ma CY, Zhang FY, Wang W, Zhao M, Jin X, Yin JJ, Ma LB, Chen W, Xu JY, Ma KY, Liu ZQ. Embryonic Genome Activation (EGA) Occurred at 1-Cell Stage of Embryonic Development in the Mud Crab, Scylla paramamosain, Revealed by RNA-Seq. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024:10.1007/s10126-024-10369-x. [PMID: 39249630 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-024-10369-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
As a prerequisite for the success of embryo development, embryonic genome activation (EGA) is an important biological event in which zygotic gene products in the embryo are activated to replace maternal-derived transcripts. Although EGA has been extensively studied in a large number of vertebrates and invertebrates, there is a lack of information regarding this event in crustacean crab. In this study, the timing of EGA was confirmed by examining a transcriptomic dataset of early embryonic development, including mature oocytes and embryos through six early developmental stages, and signaling pathways associated with EGA were identified in the mud crab, S. paramamosain. The comprehensive transcriptomic data identified a total of 53,915 transcripts from these sequencing samples. Notable transcriptomic change was evident at the 1-cell stage, indicated by a 36% transcript number shift and a reduction in transcript fragment length, compared to those present in the mature oocytes. Concurrently, a substantial increase in the expression of newly transcribed transcripts was observed, with gene counts reaching 3485 at the 1-cell stage, indicative of the onset of EGA. GO functional enrichment revealed key biological processes initiated at the 1-cell stage, such as protein complex formation, protein metabolism, and various biosynthetic processes. KEGG analysis identified several critical signaling pathways activated during EGA, including the "cell cycle," "spliceosome," "RNA degradation", and "RNA polymerase", pathways. Furthermore, transcription factor families, including zinc finger, T-box, Nrf1, and Tub were predominantly enriched at the 1-cell stage, suggesting their pivotal roles in regulating embryonic development through the targeting of specific DNA sequences during the EGA process. This groundbreaking study not only addresses a significant knowledge gap regarding the developmental biology of S. paramamosain, especially for the understanding of the mechanism underlying EGA, but also provides scientific data crucial for the research on the individual synchronization of seed breeding within S. paramamosain aquaculture. Additionally, it serves as a reference basis for the study of early embryonic development in other crustacean species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Kun Xu
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, No.300 Jungong Road, Yangpu Area, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Yan Ma
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, No.300 Jungong Road, Yangpu Area, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng-Ying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, No.300 Jungong Road, Yangpu Area, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, No.300 Jungong Road, Yangpu Area, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, No.300 Jungong Road, Yangpu Area, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Jin
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, No.300 Jungong Road, Yangpu Area, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Ju Yin
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, No.300 Jungong Road, Yangpu Area, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Bo Ma
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, No.300 Jungong Road, Yangpu Area, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Chen
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, No.300 Jungong Road, Yangpu Area, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Yuan Xu
- Ninghai Fishery Innovation Research Center, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke-Yi Ma
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, No.300 Jungong Road, Yangpu Area, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhi-Qiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, No.300 Jungong Road, Yangpu Area, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China.
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Morikawa K, Nagasaki A, Sun L, Kawase E, Ebihara T, Shirayoshi Y. Optogenetic control of early embryos labeling using photoactivatable Cre recombinase 3.0. FEBS Open Bio 2024. [PMID: 39223831 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Establishing a highly efficient photoactivatable Cre recombinase PA-Cre3.0 can allow spatiotemporal control of Cre recombinase activity. This technique may help to elucidate cell lineages, as well as facilitate gene and cell function analysis during development. This study examined the blue light-mediated optical regulation of Cre-loxP recombination using PA-Cre3.0 transgenic early mouse pre-implantation embryos. We found that inducing PA-Cre3.0 expression in the heterozygous state did not show detectable recombination activation with blue light. Conversely, in homozygous embryos, DNA recombination by PA-Cre3.0 was successfully induced by blue light and resulted in the activation of the red fluorescent protein reporter gene, while almost no leaks of Cre recombination activity were detected in embryos without light illumination. Thus, we characterize the conditions under which the PA-Cre3.0 system functions efficiently in early mouse embryos. These results are expected to provide a new optogenetic tool for certain biological studies, such as developmental process analysis and lineage tracing in early mouse embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumi Morikawa
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Akira Nagasaki
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Lue Sun
- Health and Medical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Eihachiro Kawase
- Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Ebihara
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Shirayoshi
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
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Hurton MD, Miller JM, Lee MT. H3K4me2 distinguishes a distinct class of enhancers during the maternal-to-zygotic transition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.26.609713. [PMID: 39253505 PMCID: PMC11383010 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.26.609713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
After egg fertilization, an initially silent embryonic genome is transcriptionally activated during the maternal-to-zygotic transition. In zebrafish, maternal vertebrate pluripotency factors Nanog, Pou5f3 (OCT4 homolog), and Sox19b (SOX2 homolog) (NPS) play essential roles in orchestrating embryonic genome activation, acting as "pioneers" that open condensed chromatin and mediate acquisition of activating histone modifications. However, some embryonic gene transcription still occurs in the absence of these factors, suggesting the existence of other mechanisms regulating genome activation. To identify chromatin signatures of these unknown pathways, we profiled the histone modification landscape of zebrafish embryos using CUT&RUN. Our regulatory map revealed two subclasses of enhancers distinguished by presence or absence of H3K4me2. Enhancers lacking H3K4me2 tend to require NPS factors for de novo activation, while enhancers bearing H3K4me2 are epigenetically bookmarked by DNA hypomethylation to recapitulate gamete activity in the embryo, independent of NPS pioneering. Thus, parallel enhancer activation pathways combine to induce transcriptional reprogramming to pluripotency in the early embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Hurton
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA 15213 U.S.A
| | - Jennifer M Miller
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA 15213 U.S.A
| | - Miler T Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA 15213 U.S.A
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6
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Cecalev D, Viçoso B, Galupa R. Compensation of gene dosage on the mammalian X. Development 2024; 151:dev202891. [PMID: 39140247 PMCID: PMC11361640 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Changes in gene dosage can have tremendous evolutionary potential (e.g. whole-genome duplications), but without compensatory mechanisms, they can also lead to gene dysregulation and pathologies. Sex chromosomes are a paradigmatic example of naturally occurring gene dosage differences and their compensation. In species with chromosome-based sex determination, individuals within the same population necessarily show 'natural' differences in gene dosage for the sex chromosomes. In this Review, we focus on the mammalian X chromosome and discuss recent new insights into the dosage-compensation mechanisms that evolved along with the emergence of sex chromosomes, namely X-inactivation and X-upregulation. We also discuss the evolution of the genetic loci and molecular players involved, as well as the regulatory diversity and potentially different requirements for dosage compensation across mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Cecalev
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCD) Unit, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Beatriz Viçoso
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Am Campus 1, Klosterneuburg 3400, Austria
| | - Rafael Galupa
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCD) Unit, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31062, Toulouse, France
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7
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Guo Y, Kitano T, Inoue K, Murano K, Hirose M, Li TD, Sakashita A, Ishizu H, Ogonuki N, Matoba S, Sato M, Ogura A, Siomi H. Obox4 promotes zygotic genome activation upon loss of Dux. eLife 2024; 13:e95856. [PMID: 38856708 PMCID: PMC11196112 DOI: 10.7554/elife.95856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Once fertilized, mouse zygotes rapidly proceed to zygotic genome activation (ZGA), during which long terminal repeats (LTRs) of murine endogenous retroviruses with leucine tRNA primer (MERVL) are activated by a conserved homeodomain-containing transcription factor, DUX. However, Dux-knockout embryos produce fertile mice, suggesting that ZGA is redundantly driven by an unknown factor(s). Here, we present multiple lines of evidence that the multicopy homeobox gene, Obox4, encodes a transcription factor that is highly expressed in mouse two-cell embryos and redundantly drives ZGA. Genome-wide profiling revealed that OBOX4 specifically binds and activates MERVL LTRs as well as a subset of murine endogenous retroviruses with lysine tRNA primer (MERVK) LTRs. Depletion of Obox4 is tolerated by embryogenesis, whereas concomitant Obox4/Dux depletion markedly compromises embryonic development. Our study identified OBOX4 as a transcription factor that provides genetic redundancy to preimplantation development.
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Grants
- Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research in Innovative Areas,19H05753 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- Project to Elucidate and Control Mechanisms of Aging and Longevity Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
- Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research in Innovative Areas,19H05758 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research KAKENHI,20K21507 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research KAKENHI,22H02534 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- Student Grant-in-Aid Program Keio University
- Doctoral Program Student Support Fellowship Japan Science and Technology Agency
- Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research in Innovative Areas 19H05753 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research in Innovative Areas 19H05758 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research KAKENHI 20K21507 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research KAKENHI 22H02534 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- Mochida Memorial Foundation for Medical and Pharmaceutical Research
- Sumitomo Foundation
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjia Guo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Tomohiro Kitano
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Kimiko Inoue
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Center, RIKENTsukubaJapan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
| | - Kensaku Murano
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Michiko Hirose
- Human Biology Microbiome Quantum Research Center (WPI-Bio2Q), Keio UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Ten D Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Akihiko Sakashita
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
| | - Hirotsugu Ishizu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Narumi Ogonuki
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Center, RIKENTsukubaJapan
| | - Shogo Matoba
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Center, RIKENTsukubaJapan
| | - Masayuki Sato
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Center, RIKENTsukubaJapan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
| | - Haruhiko Siomi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
- Human Biology Microbiome Quantum Research Center (WPI-Bio2Q), Keio UniversityTokyoJapan
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Loseva PA, Gladyshev VN. The beginning of becoming a human. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:8378-8395. [PMID: 38713165 PMCID: PMC11131989 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205824] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
According to birth certificates, the life of a child begins once their body comes out of the mother's womb. But when does their organismal life begin? Science holds a palette of answers-depending on how one defines a human life. In 1984, a commission on the regulatory framework for human embryo experimentation opted not to answer this question, instead setting a boundary, 14 days post-fertilization, beyond which any experiments were forbidden. Recently, as the reproductive technologies developed and the demand for experimentation grew stronger, this boundary may be set aside leaving the ultimate decision to local oversight committees. While science has not come closer to setting a zero point for human life, there has been significant progress in our understanding of early mammalian embryogenesis. It has become clear that the 14-day stage does in fact possess features, which make it a foundational time point for a developing human. Importantly, this stage defines the separation of soma from the germline and marks the boundary between rejuvenation and aging. We explore how different levels of life organization emerge during human development and suggest a new meaning for the 14-day stage in organismal life that is grounded in recent mechanistic advances and insights from aging studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina A. Loseva
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vadim N. Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Sakamoto M, Ito A, Wakayama S, Sasaki H, Wakayama T, Ishiuchi T. Detection of newly synthesized RNA reveals transcriptional reprogramming during ZGA and a role of Obox3 in totipotency acquisition. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114118. [PMID: 38619966 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) after fertilization enables the maternal-to-zygotic transition. However, the global view of ZGA, particularly at initiation, is incompletely understood. Here, we develop a method to capture and sequence newly synthesized RNA in early mouse embryos, providing a view of transcriptional reprogramming during ZGA. Our data demonstrate that major ZGA gene activation begins earlier than previously thought. Furthermore, we identify a set of genes activated during minor ZGA, the promoters of which show enrichment of the Obox factor motif, and find that Obox3 or Obox5 overexpression in mouse embryonic stem cells activates ZGA genes. Notably, the expression of Obox factors is severely impaired in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos, and restoration of Obox3 expression corrects the ZGA profile and greatly improves SCNT embryo development. Hence, our study reveals dynamic transcriptional reprogramming during ZGA and underscores the crucial role of Obox3 in facilitating totipotency acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Sakamoto
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Aoi Ito
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Sayaka Wakayama
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sasaki
- Division of Epigenomics and Development, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Teruhiko Wakayama
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Takashi Ishiuchi
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan.
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10
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Hou W, Chen L, Ji J, Xiao S, Linghu H, Zhang L, Ping Y, Wang C, Kong Q, Cai W, Yang X. Maternal factor Trim75 contributes to zygotic genome activation program in mouse early embryos. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:560. [PMID: 38643284 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09349-0] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is an important event in the early embryo development, and human embryo developmental arrest has been highly correlated with ZGA failure in clinical studies. Although a few studies have linked maternal factors to mammalian ZGA, more studies are needed to fully elucidate the maternal factors that are involved in ZGA. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, we utilized published single-cell RNA sequencing data from a Dux-mediated mouse embryonic stem cell to induce a 2-cell-like transition state and selected potential drivers for the transition according to an RNA velocity analysis. CONCLUSIONS An overlap of potential candidate markers of 2-cell-like-cells identified in this research with markers generated by various data sets suggests that Trim75 is a potential driver of minor ZGA and may recruit EP300 and establish H3K27ac in the gene body of minor ZGA genes, thereby contributing to mammalian preimplantation embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weibo Hou
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lijun Chen
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jingzhang Ji
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Songling Xiao
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hongye Linghu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lixin Zhang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yue Ping
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, No. 26, hexing Road, Harbin, China
| | - Chunsheng Wang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, No. 26, hexing Road, Harbin, China
| | - Qingran Kong
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Wenpin Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wenzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xu Yang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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11
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Liu Z, Wang W, Xia Y, Gao Y, Wang Z, Li M, Presicce GA, An L, Du F. Overcoming the H4K20me3 epigenetic barrier improves somatic cell nuclear transfer reprogramming efficiency in mice. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13519. [PMID: 37322828 PMCID: PMC10771106 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13519] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic reprogramming during fertilization and somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT) is required for cell plasticity and competent development. Here, we characterize the epigenetic modification pattern of H4K20me3, a repressive histone signature in heterochromatin, during fertilization and NT reprogramming. Importantly, the dynamic H4K20me3 signature identified during preimplantation development in fertilized embryos differed from NT and parthenogenetic activation (PA) embryos. In fertilized embryos, only maternal pronuclei carried the canonical H4K20me3 peripheral nucleolar ring-like signature. H4K20me3 disappeared at the 2-cell stage and reappeared in fertilized embryos at the 8-cell stage and in NT and PA embryos at the 4-cell stage. H4K20me3 intensity in 4-cell, 8-cell, and morula stages of fertilized embryos was significantly lower than in NT and PA embryos, suggesting aberrant regulation of H4K20me3 in PA and NT embryos. Indeed, RNA expression of the H4K20 methyltransferase Suv4-20h2 in 4-cell fertilized embryos was significantly lower than NT embryos. Knockdown of Suv4-20h2 in NT embryos rescued the H4K20me3 pattern similar to fertilized embryos. Compared to control NT embryos, knockdown of Suv4-20h2 in NT embryos improved blastocyst development ratios (11.1% vs. 30.5%) and full-term cloning efficiencies (0.8% vs. 5.9%). Upregulation of reprogramming factors, including Kdm4b, Kdm4d, Kdm6a, and Kdm6b, as well as ZGA-related factors, including Dux, Zscan4, and Hmgpi, was observed with Suv4-20h2 knockdown in NT embryos. Collectively, these are the first findings to demonstrate that H4K20me3 is an epigenetic barrier of NT reprogramming and begin to unravel the epigenetic mechanisms of H4K20 trimethylation in cell plasticity during natural reproduction and NT reprogramming in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Weiguo Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yuhan Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yuan Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhisong Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Mingyang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
| | | | - Liyou An
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and TechnologyXinjiang UniversityUrumqiChina
| | - Fuliang Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
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12
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Song S, Wang N, Huang XW, Jiang Q, Cheng XR, Pang N, Lei L. Daxx knockdown promoted rDNA transcription without impairing H3.3 expression in mouse preimplantation embryos. Anat Histol Embryol 2024; 53:e12974. [PMID: 37767699 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
During fertilization, DAXX (death domain-associated protein) mediates histone variant H3.3 incorporation into heterochromatin, which plays an important role in the maintenance of genomic integrity. rDNA, the ribosomal gene, is included in the first wave of gene activation after fertilization. Our and other studies indicated that loss of Daxx disturbs rDNA heterochromatinization and promotes rDNA transcription without change in protein expression of H3.3. However, maternal and zygotic deletion of Daxx impairs blastocyst development. Whether Daxx knockdown affects H3.3 expression and improves the rDNA transcription in preimplantation development has not been reported. In the present study, we injected HA-labelled H3.3 (H3.3-HA) into oocytes during ICSI procedure, and detected H3.3 and DAXX by immunofluorescent staining. Then, we knockdowned Daxx and detected the gene expression levels of Daxx, H3.3, 18s and 47s rRNA. We also performed immunofluorescent staining of B23, γH2A and EdU incorporation to demonstrate nuclear structure, DNA damage and replication. We found injection of H3.3-HA did not impair preimplantation development. Daxx siRNA did not change expression of H3.3 mRNA, and the development of two-cell embryos and blastocysts, but the overall replication and expression levels of rRNA were increased compared with that in the control group. Finally, knockdown of DAXX did not aggravate the DNA damage but loosened the nucleolus. We concluded that Daxx knockdown promoted DNA replication and rDNA transcription, but did not affect H3.3 expression and subsequent preimplantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihang Song
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xing-Wei Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qi Jiang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiang-Rong Cheng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Nan Pang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lei Lei
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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13
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Guo Y, Li TD, Modzelewski AJ, Siomi H. Retrotransposon renaissance in early embryos. Trends Genet 2024; 40:39-51. [PMID: 37949723 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite being the predominant genetic elements in mammalian genomes, retrotransposons were often dismissed as genomic parasites with ambiguous biological significance. However, recent studies reveal their functional involvement in early embryogenesis, encompassing crucial processes such as zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and cell fate decision. This review underscores the paradigm shift in our understanding of retrotransposon roles during early preimplantation development, as well as their rich functional reservoir that is exploited by the host to provide cis-regulatory elements, noncoding RNAs, and functional proteins. The rapid advancement in long-read sequencing, low input multiomics profiling, advanced in vitro systems, and precise gene editing techniques encourages further dissection of retrotransposon functions that were once obscured by the intricacies of their genomic footprints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjia Guo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ten D Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4539, USA
| | - Andrew J Modzelewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4539, USA.
| | - Haruhiko Siomi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Human Biology Microbiome Quantum Research Center (WPI-Bio2Q), Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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14
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He T, Peng J, Yang S, Liu D, Gao S, Zhu Y, Chai Z, Lee BC, Wei R, Wang J, Liu Z, Jin J. SINE-Associated LncRNA SAWPA Regulates Porcine Zygotic Genome Activation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307505. [PMID: 37984872 PMCID: PMC10787077 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
In mice, retrotransposon-associated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) play important regulatory roles in pre-implantation development; however, it is largely unknown whether they function in the pre-implantation development in pigs. The current study aims to screen for retrotransposon-associated lncRNA in porcine early embryos and identifies a porcine 8-cell embryo-specific SINE-associated nuclear long noncoding RNA named SAWPA. SAWPA is essential for porcine embryonic development as depletion of SAWPA results in a developmental arrest at the 8-cell stage, accompanied by the inhibition of the JNK-MAPK signaling pathway. Mechanistically, SAWPA works in trans as a transcription factor for JNK through the formation of an RNA-protein complex with HNRNPA1 and MED8 binding the SINE elements upstream of JNK. Therefore, as the first functional SINE-associated long noncoding RNAs in pigs, SAWPA provides novel insights for the mechanism research on retrotransposons in mammalian pre-implantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyao He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang ProvinceCollege of Life ScienceNortheast Agricultural UniversityHarbin150030P. R. China
| | - Jinyu Peng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang ProvinceCollege of Life ScienceNortheast Agricultural UniversityHarbin150030P. R. China
| | - Shu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang ProvinceCollege of Life ScienceNortheast Agricultural UniversityHarbin150030P. R. China
| | - Dongsong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang ProvinceCollege of Life ScienceNortheast Agricultural UniversityHarbin150030P. R. China
| | - Shuang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang ProvinceCollege of Life ScienceNortheast Agricultural UniversityHarbin150030P. R. China
| | - Yanlong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang ProvinceCollege of Life ScienceNortheast Agricultural UniversityHarbin150030P. R. China
| | - Zhuang Chai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang ProvinceCollege of Life ScienceNortheast Agricultural UniversityHarbin150030P. R. China
| | - Byeong Chun Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and BiotechnologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineSeoul National UniversitySeoul08826South Korea
| | - Renyue Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang ProvinceCollege of Life ScienceNortheast Agricultural UniversityHarbin150030P. R. China
| | - Jiaqiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang ProvinceCollege of Life ScienceNortheast Agricultural UniversityHarbin150030P. R. China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang ProvinceCollege of Life ScienceNortheast Agricultural UniversityHarbin150030P. R. China
| | - Jun‐Xue Jin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang ProvinceCollege of Life ScienceNortheast Agricultural UniversityHarbin150030P. R. China
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15
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Sun MH, Jiang WJ, Li XH, Lee SH, Heo G, Zhou D, Guo J, Cui XS. High Temperature-Induced m6A Epigenetic Changes Affect Early Porcine Embryonic Developmental Competence in Pigs. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2023; 29:2174-2183. [PMID: 38066680 DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozad131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA), plays a key role in various developmental processes in mammals. Three proteins that affect RNA m6A modification have been identified: methyltransferases, demethylases, and m6A-binding proteins, known as "writer," "eraser," and "reader" proteins, respectively. However, changes in the m6A modification when early porcine embryos are exposed to stress remain unclear. In this study, we exposed porcine oocytes to a high temperature (HT, 41°C) for 10 h, after which the mature oocytes were parthenogenetically activated and cultured for 7 days to the blastocyst stage. HT significantly decreased the rates of the first polar body extrusion and blastocyst formation. Further detection of m6A modification found that HT can lead to increased expression levels of "reader," YTHDF2, and "writer," METTL3, and decreased expression levels of "eraser," FTO, resulting in an increased level of m6A modification in the embryos. Additionally, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is upregulated under HT conditions. Our study demonstrated that HT exposure alters m6A modification levels, which further affects early porcine embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hong Sun
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-ro 1, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, South Korea
| | - Wen-Jie Jiang
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-ro 1, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, South Korea
| | - Xiao-Han Li
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-ro 1, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, South Korea
| | - Song-Hee Lee
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-ro 1, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, South Korea
| | - Geun Heo
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-ro 1, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, South Korea
| | - Dongjie Zhou
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-ro 1, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, South Korea
| | - Jing Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin, 130118, China
| | - Xiang-Shun Cui
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-ro 1, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, South Korea
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16
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Iyyappan R, Aleshkina D, Ming H, Dvoran M, Kakavand K, Jansova D, del Llano E, Gahurova L, Bruce AW, Masek T, Pospisek M, Horvat F, Kubelka M, Jiang Z, Susor A. The translational oscillation in oocyte and early embryo development. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:12076-12091. [PMID: 37950888 PMCID: PMC10711566 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Translation is critical for development as transcription in the oocyte and early embryo is silenced. To illustrate the translational changes during meiosis and consecutive two mitoses of the oocyte and early embryo, we performed a genome-wide translatome analysis. Acquired data showed significant and uniform activation of key translational initiation and elongation axes specific to M-phases. Although global protein synthesis decreases in M-phases, translation initiation and elongation activity increases in a uniformly fluctuating manner, leading to qualitative changes in translation regulation via the mTOR1/4F/eEF2 axis. Overall, we have uncovered a highly dynamic and oscillatory pattern of translational reprogramming that contributes to the translational regulation of specific mRNAs with different modes of polysomal occupancy/translation that are important for oocyte and embryo developmental competence. Our results provide new insights into the regulation of gene expression during oocyte meiosis as well as the first two embryonic mitoses and show how temporal translation can be optimized. This study is the first step towards a comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms that not only control translation during early development, but also regulate translation-related networks employed in the oocyte-to-embryo transition and embryonic genome activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajan Iyyappan
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburska 89, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Daria Aleshkina
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburska 89, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Hao Ming
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Michal Dvoran
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburska 89, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Kianoush Kakavand
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburska 89, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Denisa Jansova
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburska 89, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Edgar del Llano
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburska 89, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Gahurova
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburska 89, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Alexander W Bruce
- Laboratory of Early Mammalian Developmental Biology, Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branisovšká 31a, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Masek
- Laboratory of RNA Biochemistry, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 5, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Pospisek
- Laboratory of RNA Biochemistry, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 5, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Horvat
- Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulations, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
- Bioinformatics Group, Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Michal Kubelka
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburska 89, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Andrej Susor
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburska 89, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
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17
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Tscherner AK, McClatchie T, Macaulay AD, Baltz JM. Relationship of quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to RNA Sequencing (RNAseq) transcriptome identifies mouse preimplantation embryo reference genes†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:601-617. [PMID: 37669129 PMCID: PMC10651071 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous reference genes for use with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) have been used for oocytes, eggs, and preimplantation embryos. However, none are actually suitable because of their large variations in expression between developmental stages. To address this, we produced a standardized and merged RNA sequencing (RNAseq) data set by combining multiple publicly available RNAseq data sets that spanned mouse GV oocytes, MII eggs, and 1-cell, 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, morula, and blastocyst stage embryos to identify transcripts with essentially constant expression across all stages. Their expression was then measured using RT-qPCR, with which they did not exhibit constant expression but instead revealed a fixed quantitative relationship between measurements by the two techniques. From this, the relative amounts of total messenger RNA at each stage from the GV oocyte through blastocyst stages were calculated. The quantitative relationship between measurements by RNAseq and RT-qPCR was then used to find genes predicted to have constant expression across stages in RT-qPCR. Candidates were assessed by RT-qPCR to confirm constant expression, identifying Hmgb3 and Rb1cc1 or the geometric mean of those plus either Taf1d or Cd320 as suitable reference genes. This work not only identified transcripts with constant expression from mouse GV oocytes to blastocysts, but also determined a general quantitative relationship between expression measured by RNAseq and RT-qPCR across stages that revealed the relative levels of total mRNA at each stage. The standardized and merged RNA data set should also prove useful in determining transcript expression in mouse oocytes, eggs, and embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison K Tscherner
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Taylor McClatchie
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jay M Baltz
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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18
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Ishiuchi T, Sakamoto M. Molecular mechanisms underlying totipotency. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302225. [PMID: 37666667 PMCID: PMC10480501 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous efforts to understand pluripotency in mammals, using pluripotent stem cells in culture, have enabled the generation of artificially induced pluripotent stem cells, which serve as a valuable source for regenerative medicine and the creation of disease models. In contrast to these tremendous successes in the pluripotency field in the past few decades, our understanding of totipotency, which is highlighted by its broader plasticity than pluripotency, is still limited. This is largely attributable to the scarcity of available materials and the lack of in vitro models. However, recent technological advances have unveiled molecular features that characterize totipotent cells. Single-cell or low-input sequencing technologies allow the dissection of pre- and post-fertilization developmental processes at the molecular level with high resolution. In this review, we describe some of the key findings in understanding totipotency and discuss how totipotency is acquired at the beginning of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Ishiuchi
- https://ror.org/059x21724 Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Mizuki Sakamoto
- https://ror.org/059x21724 Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
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19
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Knoblochova L, Duricek T, Vaskovicova M, Zorzompokou C, Rayova D, Ferencova I, Baran V, Schultz RM, Hoffmann ER, Drutovic D. CHK1-CDC25A-CDK1 regulate cell cycle progression and protect genome integrity in early mouse embryos. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e56530. [PMID: 37694680 PMCID: PMC10561370 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202256530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
After fertilization, remodeling of the oocyte and sperm genomes is essential to convert these highly differentiated and transcriptionally quiescent cells into early cleavage-stage blastomeres that are transcriptionally active and totipotent. This developmental transition is accompanied by cell cycle adaptation, such as lengthening or shortening of the gap phases G1 and G2. However, regulation of these cell cycle changes is poorly understood, especially in mammals. Checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) is a protein kinase that regulates cell cycle progression in somatic cells. Here, we show that CHK1 regulates cell cycle progression in early mouse embryos by restraining CDK1 kinase activity due to CDC25A phosphatase degradation. CHK1 kinase also ensures the long G2 phase needed for genome activation and reprogramming gene expression in two-cell stage mouse embryos. Finally, Chk1 depletion leads to DNA damage and chromosome segregation errors that result in aneuploidy and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Knoblochova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesLibechovCzech Republic
- Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Tomas Duricek
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesLibechovCzech Republic
| | - Michaela Vaskovicova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesLibechovCzech Republic
| | - Chrysoula Zorzompokou
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesLibechovCzech Republic
| | - Diana Rayova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesLibechovCzech Republic
| | - Ivana Ferencova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesLibechovCzech Republic
| | - Vladimir Baran
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of SciencesKosiceSlovakia
| | - Richard M Schultz
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
| | - Eva R Hoffmann
- DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - David Drutovic
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesLibechovCzech Republic
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20
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Phelps WA, Hurton MD, Ayers TN, Carlson AE, Rosenbaum JC, Lee MT. Hybridization led to a rewired pluripotency network in the allotetraploid Xenopus laevis. eLife 2023; 12:e83952. [PMID: 37787392 PMCID: PMC10569791 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
After fertilization, maternally contributed factors to the egg initiate the transition to pluripotency to give rise to embryonic stem cells, in large part by activating de novo transcription from the embryonic genome. Diverse mechanisms coordinate this transition across animals, suggesting that pervasive regulatory remodeling has shaped the earliest stages of development. Here, we show that maternal homologs of mammalian pluripotency reprogramming factors OCT4 and SOX2 divergently activate the two subgenomes of Xenopus laevis, an allotetraploid that arose from hybridization of two diploid species ~18 million years ago. Although most genes have been retained as two homeologous copies, we find that a majority of them undergo asymmetric activation in the early embryo. Chromatin accessibility profiling and CUT&RUN for modified histones and transcription factor binding reveal extensive differences in predicted enhancer architecture between the subgenomes, which likely arose through genomic disruptions as a consequence of allotetraploidy. However, comparison with diploid X. tropicalis and zebrafish shows broad conservation of embryonic gene expression levels when divergent homeolog contributions are combined, implying strong selection to maintain dosage in the core vertebrate pluripotency transcriptional program, amid genomic instability following hybridization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley A Phelps
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of PittsburghPittsburghUnited States
| | - Matthew D Hurton
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of PittsburghPittsburghUnited States
| | - Taylor N Ayers
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of PittsburghPittsburghUnited States
| | - Anne E Carlson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of PittsburghPittsburghUnited States
| | - Joel C Rosenbaum
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of PittsburghPittsburghUnited States
| | - Miler T Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of PittsburghPittsburghUnited States
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21
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Schmidhauser M, Hankele AK, Ulbrich SE. Reconsidering "low-dose"-Impacts of oral estrogen exposure during preimplantation embryo development. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:445-458. [PMID: 36864780 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23675] [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: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Perturbations of estrogen signaling during developmental stages of high plasticity may lead to adverse effects later in life. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) are compounds that interfere with the endocrine system by particularly mimicking the action of endogenous estrogens as functional agonists or antagonists. EDCs compose synthetic and naturally occurring compounds discharged into the environment, which may be taken up via skin contact, inhalation, orally due to contaminated food or water, or via the placenta during in utero development. Although estrogens are efficiently metabolized by the liver, the role of circulating glucuro- and/or sulpho-conjugated estrogen metabolites in the body has not been fully addressed to date. Particularly, the role of intracellular cleavage to free functional estrogens could explain the hitherto unknown mode of action of adverse effects of EDC at very low concentrations currently considered safe. We summarize and discuss findings on estrogenic EDC with a focus on early embryonic development to highlight the need for reconsidering low dose effects of EDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meret Schmidhauser
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Susanne E Ulbrich
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
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22
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Yu L, Sun Q, Huang Z, Bu G, Yu Z, Wu L, Zhang J, Zhang X, Zhou J, Liu X, Miao YL. Arsenite exposure disturbs maternal-to-zygote transition by attenuating H3K27ac during mouse preimplantation development. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121856. [PMID: 37211227 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Arsenite is commonly used as an insecticide, antiseptic and herbicide. It can enter the food chain via through soil contamination, and harm human health, including the reproductive systems. Early embryos, as the initial stage of mammalian life, are very sensitive to the environmental toxins and pollutants. However, whether and how arsenite disturbs the early embryo development remains unclear. Our study used mouse early embryos as a model and revealed that arsenite exposure did not cause reactive oxygen species production, DNA damage or apoptosis. However, arsenite exposure arrested embryonic development at the 2-cell stage by altering gene expression patterns. The transcriptional profile in the disrupted embryos showed abnormal maternal-to-zygote transition (MZT). More importantly, arsenite exposure attenuated H3K27ac modification enrichment at the promoter region of Brg1, a key gene for MZT, which inhibited its transcription, and further affected MZT and early embryonic development. In conclusion our study highlights arsenite exposure affects MZT by reducing the enrichment of H3K27ac on the embryonic genome, and ultimately induces early embryonic development arrest at the 2-cell stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longtao Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Qiaoran Sun
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ziying Huang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Guowei Bu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhisheng Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Linhui Wu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jilong Zhou
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yi-Liang Miao
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China; Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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23
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Baran V, Mayer A. Checkpoint Kinase 1 Is a Key Signal Transducer of DNA Damage in the Early Mammalian Cleavage Embryo. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076778. [PMID: 37047751 PMCID: PMC10095474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
After fertilization, remodeling of the oocyte and sperm genome is essential for the successful initiation of mitotic activity in the fertilized oocyte and subsequent proliferative activity of the early embryo. Despite the fact that the molecular mechanisms of cell cycle control in early mammalian embryos are in principle comparable to those in somatic cells, there are differences resulting from the specific nature of the gene totipotency of the blastomeres of early cleavage embryos. In this review, we focus on the Chk1 kinase as a key transduction factor in monitoring the integrity of DNA molecules during early embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimír Baran
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4, 040 00 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Alexandra Mayer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 12000 Prague, Czech Republic
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24
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Hawke DC, Watson AJ, Betts DH. Selecting Normalizers for MicroRNA RT-qPCR Expression Analysis in Murine Preimplantation Embryos and the Associated Conditioned Culture Media. J Dev Biol 2023; 11:jdb11020017. [PMID: 37092479 PMCID: PMC10123758 DOI: 10.3390/jdb11020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Normalizing RT-qPCR miRNA datasets that encompass numerous preimplantation embryo stages requires the identification of miRNAs that may be used as stable reference genes. A need has also arisen for the normalization of the accompanying conditioned culture media as extracellular miRNAs may serve as biomarkers of embryo developmental competence. Here, we evaluate the stability of six commonly used miRNA normalization candidates, as well as small nuclear U6, using five different means of evaluation (BestKeeper, NormFinder, geNorm, the comparative Delta Ct method and RefFinder comprehensive analysis) to assess their stability throughout murine preimplantation embryo development from the oocyte to the late blastocyst stages, both in whole embryos and the associated conditioned culture media. In descending order of effectiveness, miR-16, miR-191 and miR-106 were identified as the most stable individual reference miRNAs for developing whole CD1 murine preimplantation embryos, while miR-16, miR-106 and miR-103 were ideal for the conditioned culture media. Notably, the widely used U6 reference was among the least appropriate for normalizing both whole embryo and conditioned media miRNA datasets. Incorporating multiple reference miRNAs into the normalization basis via a geometric mean was deemed beneficial, and combinations of each set of stable miRNAs are further recommended, pending validation on a per experiment basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Hawke
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology & Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute—Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Watson
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology & Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute—Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Dean H. Betts
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology & Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute—Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
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25
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Karcz A, Van Soom A, Smits K, Van Vlierberghe S, Verplancke R, Pascottini OB, Van den Abbeel E, Vanfleteren J. Development of a Microfluidic Chip Powered by EWOD for In Vitro Manipulation of Bovine Embryos. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13040419. [PMID: 37185494 PMCID: PMC10136516 DOI: 10.3390/bios13040419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Digital microfluidics (DMF) holds great potential for the alleviation of laboratory procedures in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). The electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) technology provides dynamic culture conditions in vitro that may better mimic the natural embryo microenvironment. Thus far, EWOD microdevices have been proposed for in vitro gamete and embryo handling in mice and for analyzing the human embryo secretome. This article presents the development of the first microfluidic chip utilizing EWOD technology designed for the manipulation of bovine embryos in vitro. The prototype sustains the cell cycles of embryos manipulated individually on the chips during in vitro culture (IVC). Challenges related to the chip fabrication as well as to its application during bovine embryo IVC in accordance with the adapted on-chip protocol are thoroughly discussed, and future directions for DMF in ARTs are indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Karcz
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Campus Sterre, Building S4, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rik Verplancke
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Etienne Van den Abbeel
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Vanfleteren
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
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26
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Deluao JC, Winstanley Y, Robker RL, Pacella-Ince L, Gonzalez MB, McPherson NO. OXIDATIVE STRESS AND REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION: Reactive oxygen species in the mammalian pre-implantation embryo. Reproduction 2022; 164:F95-F108. [PMID: 36111646 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief Reactive oxygen species are generated throughout the pre-implantation period and are necessary for normal embryo formation. However, at pathological levels, they result in reduced embryo viability which can be mediated through factors delivered by sperm and eggs at conception or from the external environment. Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) occur naturally in pre-implantation embryos as a by-product of ATP generation through oxidative phosphorylation and enzymes such as NADPH oxidase and xanthine oxidase. Biological concentrations of ROS are required for crucial embryonic events such as pronuclear formation, first cleavage and cell proliferation. However, high concentrations of ROS are detrimental to embryo development, resulting in embryo arrest, increased DNA damage and modification of gene expression leading to aberrant fetal growth and health. In vivo embryos are protected against oxidative stress by oxygen scavengers present in follicular and oviductal fluids, while in vitro, embryos rely on their own antioxidant defence mechanisms to protect against oxidative damage, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione and glutamylcysteine synthestase. Pre-implantation embryonic ROS originate from eggs, sperm and embryos themselves or from the external environment (i.e. in vitro culture system, obesity and ageing). This review examines the biological and pathological roles of ROS in the pre-implantation embryo, maternal and paternal origins of embryonic ROS, and from a clinical perspective, we comment on the growing interest in combating increased oxidative damage in the pre-implantation embryo through the addition of antioxidants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua C Deluao
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Adelaide Health and Medical School, School of Biomedicine, Discipline of Reproduction and Development, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Yasmyn Winstanley
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Adelaide Health and Medical School, School of Biomedicine, Discipline of Reproduction and Development, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Robker
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Adelaide Health and Medical School, School of Biomedicine, Discipline of Reproduction and Development, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leanne Pacella-Ince
- Adelaide Health and Medical School, School of Biomedicine, Discipline of Reproduction and Development, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Repromed, Dulwich, Australia
| | - Macarena B Gonzalez
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Adelaide Health and Medical School, School of Biomedicine, Discipline of Reproduction and Development, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Nicole O McPherson
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Adelaide Health and Medical School, School of Biomedicine, Discipline of Reproduction and Development, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Repromed, Dulwich, Australia
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27
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Lee H, You SY, Han DW, La H, Park C, Yoo S, Kang K, Kang MH, Choi Y, Hong K. Dynamic Change of R-Loop Implicates in the Regulation of Zygotic Genome Activation in Mouse. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214345. [PMID: 36430821 PMCID: PMC9699122 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In mice, zygotic genome activation (ZGA) occurs in two steps: minor ZGA at the one-cell stage and major ZGA at the two-cell stage. Regarding the regulation of gene transcription, minor ZGA is known to have unique features, including a transcriptionally permissive state of chromatin and insufficient splicing processes. The molecular characteristics may originate from extremely open chromatin states in the one-cell stage zygotes, yet the precise underlying mechanism has not been well studied. Recently, the R-loop, a triple-stranded nucleic acid structure of the DNA/RNA hybrid, has been implicated in gene transcription and DNA replication. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the changes in R-loop dynamics during mouse zygotic development, and its roles in zygotic transcription or DNA replication. Our analysis revealed that R-loops persist in the genome of metaphase II oocytes and preimplantation embryos from the zygote to the blastocyst stage. In particular, zygotic R-loop levels dynamically change as development proceeds, showing that R-loop levels decrease as pronucleus maturation occurs. Mechanistically, R-loop dynamics are likely linked to ZGA, as inhibition of either DNA replication or transcription at the time of minor ZGA decreases R-loop levels in the pronuclei of zygotes. However, the induction of DNA damage by treatment with anticancer agents, including cisplatin or doxorubicin, does not elicit genome-wide changes in zygotic R-loop levels. Therefore, our study suggests that R-loop formation is mechanistically associated with the regulation of mouse ZGA, especially minor ZGA, by modulating gene transcription and DNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonji Lee
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Yeob You
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Wook Han
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Hyeonwoo La
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanhyeok Park
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Seonho Yoo
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kiye Kang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Hee Kang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngsok Choi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwonho Hong
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence:
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28
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Zhang J, Pi SB, Zhang N, Guo J, Zheng W, Leng L, Lin G, Fan HY. Translation regulatory factor BZW1 regulates preimplantation embryo development and compaction by restricting global non-AUG Initiation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6621. [PMID: 36333315 PMCID: PMC9636173 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34427-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein synthesis is an essential step in gene expression during the development of mammalian preimplantation embryos. This is a complex and highly regulated process. The accuracy of the translation initiation codon is important in various gene expression programs. However, the mechanisms that regulate AUG and non-AUG codon initiation in early embryos remain poorly understood. BZW1 is a key factor in determining the mRNA translation start codon. Here, we show that BZW1 is essential for early embryonic development in mice. Bzw1-knockdown embryos fail to undergo compaction, and show decreased blastocyst formation rates. We also observe defects in the differentiation capacity and implantation potential after Bzw1 interference. Further investigation revealed that Bzw1 knockdown causes the levels of translation initiation with CUG as the start codon to increase. The decline in BZW1 levels result in a decrease in protein synthesis in preimplantation embryos, whereas the total mRNA levels are not altered. Therefore, we concluded that BZW1 contributes to protein synthesis during early embryonic development by restricting non-AUG translational initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Zhang
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, 410078, Changsha, China
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, 410006, Changsha, China
| | - Shuai-Bo Pi
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, 410078, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, 410078, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Lizhi Leng
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, 410078, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, 410078, Changsha, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.
| | - Heng-Yu Fan
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China.
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29
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Dynamic and aberrant patterns of H3K4me3, H3K9me3, and H3K27me3 during early zygotic genome activation in cloned mouse embryos. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:903-909. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Summary
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT) is associated with aberrant changes in epigenetic reprogramming that impede the development of embryos, particularly during zygotic genome activation. Here, we characterized epigenetic patterns of H3K4me3, H3K9me3, and H3K27me3 in mouse NT embryos up to the second cell cycle (i.e. four-celled stage) during zygotic genome activation. In vivo fertilized and parthenogenetically activated (PA) embryos served as controls. In fertilized embryos, maternal and paternal pronuclei exhibited asymmetric H3K4me3, H3K9me3, and H3K27me3 modifications, with the paternal pronucleus showing delayed epigenetic modifications. Higher levels of H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 were observed in NT and PA embryos than in fertilized embryos. However, NT embryos exhibited a lower level of H3K27me3 than PA and fertilized embryos from pronuclear stage 3 to the four-celled stage. Our finding that NT embryos exhibited aberrant H3K4me3, H3K9me3, and H3K27me3 modifications in comparison with fertilized embryos during early zygotic genome activation help to unravel the epigenetic mechanisms of methylation changes in early NT reprogramming and provide an insight into the role of histone H3 in the regulation of cell plasticity during natural reproduction and somatic cell NT.
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30
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Bauer M, Payer B, Filion GJ. Causality in transcription and genome folding: Insights from X inactivation. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2200105. [PMID: 36028473 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200105] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The spatial organization of genomes is becoming increasingly understood. In mammals, where it is most investigated, this organization ties in with transcription, so an important research objective is to understand whether gene activity is a cause or a consequence of genome folding in space. In this regard, the phenomena of X-chromosome inactivation and reactivation open a unique window of investigation because of the singularities of the inactive X chromosome. Here we focus on the cause-consequence nexus between genome conformation and transcription and explain how recent results about the structural changes associated with inactivation and reactivation of the X chromosome shed light on this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Bauer
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bernhard Payer
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillaume J Filion
- Dept. Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada
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31
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Özgüç Ö, de Plater L, Kapoor V, Tortorelli AF, Clark AG, Maître JL. Cortical softening elicits zygotic contractility during mouse preimplantation development. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001593. [PMID: 35324889 PMCID: PMC8982894 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Actomyosin contractility is a major engine of preimplantation morphogenesis, which starts at the 8-cell stage during mouse embryonic development. Contractility becomes first visible with the appearance of periodic cortical waves of contraction (PeCoWaCo), which travel around blastomeres in an oscillatory fashion. How contractility of the mouse embryo becomes active remains unknown. We have taken advantage of PeCoWaCo to study the awakening of contractility during preimplantation development. We find that PeCoWaCo become detectable in most embryos only after the second cleavage and gradually increase their oscillation frequency with each successive cleavage. To test the influence of cell size reduction during cleavage divisions, we use cell fusion and fragmentation to manipulate cell size across a 20- to 60-μm range. We find that the stepwise reduction in cell size caused by cleavage divisions does not explain the presence of PeCoWaCo or their accelerating rhythm. Instead, we discover that blastomeres gradually decrease their surface tensions until the 8-cell stage and that artificially softening cells enhances PeCoWaCo prematurely. We further identify the programmed down-regulation of the formin Fmnl3 as a required event to soften the cortex and expose PeCoWaCo. Therefore, during cleavage stages, cortical softening, mediated by Fmnl3 down-regulation, awakens zygotic contractility before preimplantation morphogenesis. During preimplantation morphogenesis, the mouse embryo relies on forces generated by the actomyosin cytoskeleton. This study uncovers how periodic actomyosin contractions increase in frequency during cleavage stages as blastomeres soften with each cleavage division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özge Özgüç
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
| | - Ludmilla de Plater
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
| | - Varun Kapoor
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
| | - Anna Francesca Tortorelli
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
| | - Andrew G. Clark
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jean-Léon Maître
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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32
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Fenclová T, Řimnáčová H, Chemek M, Havránková J, Klein P, Králíčková M, Nevoral J. Nursing Exposure to Bisphenols as a Cause of Male Idiopathic Infertility. Front Physiol 2022; 13:725442. [PMID: 35283775 PMCID: PMC8908107 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.725442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic infertility is a serious problem, which can be caused and explained by exposure to endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenols. In our study, we studied transactional exposure to bisphenol and its effects on newborn male mice throughout their reproductive life. Newborn male mice were exposed to bisphenol S and bisphenol F through maternal milk from post-natal day 0 to post-natal day 15 at concentrations of 0.1 ng.g/bw/day and 10 ng.g/bw/day, respectively. Although there were minimal differences between the control and experimental groups in testicular tissue quality and spermatozoa quality, we discovered an interesting influence on early embryonic development. Moderate doses of bisphenol negatively affected cleavage of the early embryo and subsequently, the blastocyst rate, as well as the number of blastomeres per blastocyst. In our study, we focused on correlations between particular stages from spermatogenesis to blastocyst development. We followed epigenetic changes such as dimethylation of histone H3 and phosphorylation of histone H2 from germ cells to blastocysts; we discovered the transfer of DNA double-strand breaks through the paternal pronucleus from spermatozoa to blastomeres in the blastocyst. We elucidated the impact of sperm DNA damage on early embryonic development, and our results indicate that idiopathic infertility in adulthood may have causes related to the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Fenclová
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Tereza Fenclová,
| | - Hedvika Řimnáčová
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Marouane Chemek
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Jiřina Havránková
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pavel Klein
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Milena Králíčková
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jan Nevoral
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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33
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Cao W, Zhao J, Qu P, Liu E. Current Progress and Prospects in Rabbit Cloning. Cell Reprogram 2022; 24:63-70. [PMID: 35167365 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2021.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) shows great value in the generation of transgenic animals, protection of endangered animals, and stem cell therapy. The combination of SCNT and gene editing has produced a variety of genetically modified animals for life science and medical research. Rabbits have unique advantages as transgenic bioreactors and human disease models; however, the low SCNT efficiency severely impedes the application of this technology. The difficulty in SCNT may be attributable to the abnormal reprogramming of somatic cells in rabbits. This review focuses on the abnormal reprogramming of cloned mammalian embryos and evaluates the progress and prospects of rabbit somatic cell cloning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Cao
- Laboratory Animal Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Jinpeng Zhao
- Laboratory Animal Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Pengxiang Qu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Enqi Liu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
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34
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Yang CX, Liang H, Wu ZW, Huo LJ, Du ZQ. Identification of lncRNAs involved in maternal-to-zygotic transition of in vitro-produced porcine embryos by single-cell RNA-seq. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 57:111-122. [PMID: 34725864 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) function through multiple tiers of molecular circuits and are vital to gamete maturation and early embryo development. However, in pig early embryos, identification and expression dynamics of lncRNAs remain less studied. Here, we systematically analysed the expression dynamics of lncRNAs based on our previously published single-cell RNA-seq data from pig mature oocytes (GSE160334), and single blastomeres biopsied from pig in vitro fertilized (IVF) and early parthenogenetically activated (PA) embryos (1- to 8-cell stages; GSE164812). With the progression of embryo development, the total number of expressed lncRNAs gradually decreased and showed great variation at each developmental stage for both IVF and PA groups. Consecutive stage pairwise comparison of MII oocytes, 1-cell zygotes, 2-cell, 4-cell and 8-cell IVF embryos identified 151, 245, 1119 and 188 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs, including 119, 80, 867, 77 up-regulated and 32, 165, 252, 111 down-regulated, while 289, 437, 895 and 495 DE lncRNAs (141, 89, 768, 97 up-regulated and 148, 348, 127, 398 down-regulated) were identified in PA embryos at the same stages. The DE lncRNAs identified within IVF embryos were much different from that identified within PA embryos, showing embryo type-specific manner. Further cross-comparison between PA and IVF embryos identified 184, 656, 2502 and 266 DE lncRNAs for the 1- to 8-cell embryo stages, respectively. Further GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of DE mRNAs targeted by DELs indicated that different signalling pathways were involved in maternal-only and bi-parental embryo development. Collectively, comparative profiling of lncRNA expression dynamics between pig IVF and PA embryos provides a valuable resource, to investigate further regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs associated with ZGA and maternal RNA decay during early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai-Xia Yang
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Hao Liang
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Zi-Wei Wu
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Li-Jun Huo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Du
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
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35
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Bilmez Y, Talibova G, Ozturk S. Dynamic changes of histone methylation in mammalian oocytes and early embryos. Histochem Cell Biol 2021; 157:7-25. [PMID: 34599660 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-021-02036-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Histone methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism and plays a major role in regulating gene expression during oocyte maturation and early embryogenesis. This mechanism can be briefly defined as the process by which methyl groups are transferred to lysine and arginine residues of histone tails extending from nucleosomes. While methylation of the lysine residues is catalyzed by histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs), protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) add methyl groups to the arginine residues. When necessary, the added methyl groups can be reversibly removed by histone demethylases (HDMs) by a process called histone demethylation. The spatiotemporal regulation of methylation and demethylation in histones contributes to modulating the expression of genes required for proper oocyte maturation and early embryonic development. In this review, we comprehensively evaluate and discuss the functional importance of dynamic histone methylation in mammalian oocytes and early embryos, regulated by KMTs, PRMTs, and HDMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesim Bilmez
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gunel Talibova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey.
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36
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Ben Maamar M, Nilsson EE, Skinner MK. Epigenetic transgenerational inheritance, gametogenesis and germline development†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:570-592. [PMID: 33929020 PMCID: PMC8444706 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most important developing cell types in any biological system is the gamete (sperm and egg). The transmission of phenotypes and optimally adapted physiology to subsequent generations is in large part controlled by gametogenesis. In contrast to genetics, the environment actively regulates epigenetics to impact the physiology and phenotype of cellular and biological systems. The integration of epigenetics and genetics is critical for all developmental biology systems at the cellular and organism level. The current review is focused on the role of epigenetics during gametogenesis for both the spermatogenesis system in the male and oogenesis system in the female. The developmental stages from the initial primordial germ cell through gametogenesis to the mature sperm and egg are presented. How environmental factors can influence the epigenetics of gametogenesis to impact the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of phenotypic and physiological change in subsequent generations is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millissia Ben Maamar
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Eric E Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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37
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Liu Y, Sun J, Su Y, Lin J, Lv C, Mo K, Xu S, Wang S. Nuclear-localized eukaryotic translation initiation factor 1A is involved in mouse preimplantation embryo development. J Mol Histol 2021; 52:965-973. [PMID: 34405343 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-021-10014-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Preimplantation embryo development is characterized by drastic nuclear reprogramming and dynamic stage-specific gene expression. Key regulators of this earliest developmental stage have not been revealed. In the present study, a "non-classical" nuclear-localization pattern of eIF1A was observed during early developmental stages of mouse preimplantation embryo before late-morula. In particular, eIF1A is most highly expressed in the nuclear of 2-cell embryo. Knockdown eIF1A by siRNA microinjection affected the development of mouse preimplantation embryo, resulted in decreased blastocyst formation rate. CDX2 protein expression level significantly down-regulated after eIF1A knockdown in morula stage. In addition, the mRNA expression level of Hsp70.1 was also decreased in 2-cell embryo. The results indicate an indispensable role of eIF1A in mouse preimplantation embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Fujian Province University, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, People's Republic of China.,Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiandong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Fujian Province University, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Su
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Fujian Province University, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianmin Lin
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Fujian Province University, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengyu Lv
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Fujian Province University, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaien Mo
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Fujian Province University, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, People's Republic of China
| | - Songhua Xu
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Fujian Province University, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, People's Republic of China.,Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, People's Republic of China
| | - Shie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Fujian Province University, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, People's Republic of China.
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38
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Munisha M, Schimenti JC. Genome maintenance during embryogenesis. DNA Repair (Amst) 2021; 106:103195. [PMID: 34358805 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2021.103195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Genome maintenance during embryogenesis is critical, because defects during this period can be perpetuated and thus have a long-term impact on individual's health and longevity. Nevertheless, genome instability is normal during certain aspects of embryonic development, indicating that there is a balance between the exigencies of timely cell proliferation and mutation prevention. In particular, early embryos possess unique cellular and molecular features that underscore the challenge of having an appropriate balance. Here, we discuss genome instability during embryonic development, the mechanisms used in various cell compartments to manage genomic stress and address outstanding questions regarding the balance between genome maintenance mechanisms in key cell types that are important for adulthood and progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mumingjiang Munisha
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States
| | - John C Schimenti
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States.
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39
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Turner KJ, Watson EM, Skinner BM, Griffin DK. Telomere Distribution in Human Sperm Heads and Its Relation to Sperm Nuclear Morphology: A New Marker for Male Factor Infertility? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147599. [PMID: 34299219 PMCID: PMC8306796 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a problem affecting an increasing number of couples worldwide. Currently, marker tests for male factor infertility are complex, highly technical and relatively subjective. Up to 40% of cases of male factor infertility are currently diagnosed as idiopathic therefore, there is a clear need for further research into better ways of diagnosing it. Changes in sperm telomere length have been associated with infertility and closely linked to DNA damage and fragmentation, which are also known to be related to infertility. However, telomere distribution is a parameter thus far underexplored as an infertility marker. Here, we assessed morphological parameters of sperm nuclei in fertile control and male factor infertile cohorts. In addition, we used 2D and 3D fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to compare telomere distribution between these two groups. Our findings indicate that the infertile cohort sperm nuclei were, on average, 2.9% larger in area and showed subtle differences in sperm head height and width. Telomeres were mainly distributed towards the periphery of the nuclei in the control cohort, with diminishing telomere signals towards the center of the nuclei. Sperm nuclei of infertile males, however, had more telomere signals towards the center of the nuclei, a finding supported by 3D imaging. We conclude that, with further development, both morphology and telomere distribution may prove useful investigative tools in the fertility clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara J. Turner
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Canterbury CT2 7NH, UK;
| | - Eleanor M. Watson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK; (E.M.W.); (B.M.S.)
| | - Benjamin M. Skinner
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK; (E.M.W.); (B.M.S.)
| | - Darren K. Griffin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Canterbury CT2 7NH, UK;
- Correspondence:
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40
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Zhou S, Guo Y, Sun H, Liu L, Yao L, Liu C, He Y, Cao S, Zhou C, Li M, Cao Y, Wang C, Lu Q, Li W, Guo X, Huo R. Maternal RNF114-mediated target substrate degradation regulates zygotic genome activation in mouse embryos. Development 2021; 148:269079. [PMID: 34104941 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Zygotic genomic activation (ZGA) is a landmark event in the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT), and the regulation of ZGA by maternal factors remains to be elucidated. In this study, the depletion of maternal ring finger protein 114 (RNF114), a ubiquitin E3 ligase, led to developmental arrest of two-cell mouse embryos. Using immunofluorescence and transcriptome analysis, RNF114 was proven to play a crucial role in major ZGA. To study the underlying mechanism, we performed protein profiling in mature oocytes and found a potential substrate for RNF114, chromobox 5 (CBX5), ubiquitylation and degradation of which was regulated by RNF114. The overexpression of CBX5 prevented embryonic development and impeded major ZGA. Furthermore, TAB1 was abnormally accumulated in mutant two-cell embryos, which was consistent with the result of in vitro knockdown of Rnf114. Knockdown of Cbx5 or Tab1 in maternal RNF114-depleted embryos partially rescued developmental arrest and the defect of major ZGA. In summary, our study reveals that maternal RNF114 plays a precise role in degrading some important substrates during the MZT, the misregulation of which may impede the appropriate activation of major ZGA in mouse embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Haifeng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Lu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Liping Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yuanlin He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Shanren Cao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Mingrui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yumeng Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Congjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Qianneng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ran Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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Li Y, Tang J, Ji X, Hua MM, Liu M, Chang L, Gu Y, Shi C, Ni W, Liu J, Shi HJ, Huang X, O'Neill C, Jin X. Regulation of the mammalian maternal-to-embryonic transition by eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E. Development 2021; 148:268308. [PMID: 34013332 PMCID: PMC8254863 DOI: 10.1242/dev.190793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) mediates cap-dependent translation. Genetic and inhibitor studies show that eIF4E expression is required for the successful transition from maternal to embryonic control of mouse embryo development. eIF4E was present in the oocyte and in the cytoplasm soon after fertilization and during each stage of early development. Functional knockout (Eif4e−/−) by PiggyBac [Act-RFP] transposition resulted in peri-implantation embryonic lethality because of the failure of normal epiblast formation. Maternal stores of eIF4E supported development up to the two- to four-cell stage, after which new expression occurred from both maternal and paternal inherited alleles. Inhibition of the maternally acquired stores of eIF4E (using the inhibitor 4EGI-1) resulted in a block at the two-cell stage. eIF4E activity was required for new protein synthesis in the two-cell embryo and Eif4e−/− embryos had lower translational activity compared with wild-type embryos. eIF4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) is a hypophosphorylation-dependent negative regulator of eIF4E. mTOR activity was required for 4E-BP1 phosphorylation and inhibiting mTOR retarded embryo development. Thus, this study shows that eIF4E activity is regulated at key embryonic transitions in the mammalian embryo and is essential for the successful transition from maternal to embryonic control of development. Summary: Combined use of a PB [Act-RFP] transgenesis model, selective pharmacological inhibition and expression analyses verified the essential role of eIF4E in the transition from maternal to embryonic control of mouse development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China
| | - Jianan Tang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xu Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 211816, China
| | - Min-Min Hua
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lu Chang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 211816, China
| | - Yihua Gu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Changgen Shi
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wuhua Ni
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 211816, China
| | - Hui-Juan Shi
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xuefeng Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China
| | - Christopher O'Neill
- Human Reproduction Unit, Sydney Center for Regenerative and Developmental Medicine, Kolling Institute for Medical Research, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, New South Wales, 2065, Australia
| | - Xingliang Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China.,Human Reproduction Unit, Sydney Center for Regenerative and Developmental Medicine, Kolling Institute for Medical Research, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, New South Wales, 2065, Australia
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42
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Mizushima S, Sasanami T, Ono T, Matsuzaki M, Kansaku N, Kuroiwa A. Cyclin D1 gene expression is essential for cell cycle progression from the maternal-to-zygotic transition during blastoderm development in Japanese quail. Dev Biol 2021; 476:249-258. [PMID: 33905721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Embryogenesis proceeds by a highly regulated series of events. In animals, maternal factors that accumulate in the egg cytoplasm control cell cycle progression at the initial stage of cleavage. However, cell cycle regulation is switched to a system governed by the activated nuclear genome at a specific stage of development, referred to as maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT). Detailed molecular analyses have been performed on maternal factors and activated zygotic genes in MZT in mammals, fishes and chicken; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear in quail. In the present study, we demonstrated that MZT occurred at blastoderm stage V in the Japanese quail using novel gene targeting technology in which the CRISPR/Cas9 and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) systems were combined. At blastoderm stage V, we found that maternal retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) protein expression was down-regulated, whereas the gene expression of cyclin D1 (CCND1) was initiated. When a microinjection of sgRNA containing CCND1-targeted sequencing and Cas9 mRNA was administered at the pronuclear stage, blastoderm development stopped at stage V and the down-regulation of RB1 did not occur. This result indicates the most notable difference from mammals in which CCND-knockout embryos are capable of developing beyond MZT. We also showed that CCND1 induced the phosphorylation of the serine/threonine residues of the RB1 protein, which resulted in the degradation of this protein. These results suggest that CCND1 is one of the key factors for RB1 protein degradation at MZT, and the elimination of RB1 may contribute to cell cycle progression after MZT during blastoderm development in the Japanese quail. Our novel technology, which combined the CRISPR/Cas9 system and ICSI, has the potential to become a powerful tool for avian-targeted mutagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shusei Mizushima
- Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan.
| | - Tomohiro Sasanami
- Department of Applied Life Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Tamao Ono
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, Kamiina, Nagano, 399-4598, Japan
| | - Mei Matsuzaki
- Program of Food and AgriLife Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan
| | - Norio Kansaku
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Fuchinobe, Sagamihara, 229-8501, Japan
| | - Asato Kuroiwa
- Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan
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Lin JC, Van Eenennaam AL. Electroporation-Mediated Genome Editing of Livestock Zygotes. Front Genet 2021; 12:648482. [PMID: 33927751 PMCID: PMC8078910 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.648482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of genome editing reagents into mammalian zygotes has traditionally been accomplished by cytoplasmic or pronuclear microinjection. This time-consuming procedure requires expensive equipment and a high level of skill. Electroporation of zygotes offers a simplified and more streamlined approach to transfect mammalian zygotes. There are a number of studies examining the parameters used in electroporation of mouse and rat zygotes. Here, we review the electroporation conditions, timing, and success rates that have been reported for mice and rats, in addition to the few reports about livestock zygotes, specifically pigs and cattle. The introduction of editing reagents at, or soon after, fertilization can help reduce the rate of mosaicism, the presence of two of more genotypes in the cells of an individual; as can the introduction of nuclease proteins rather than mRNA encoding nucleases. Mosaicism is particularly problematic in large livestock species with long generation intervals as it can take years to obtain non-mosaic, homozygous offspring through breeding. Gene knockouts accomplished via the non-homologous end joining pathway have been more widely reported and successfully accomplished using electroporation than have gene knock-ins. Delivering large DNA plasmids into the zygote is hindered by the zona pellucida (ZP), and the majority of gene knock-ins accomplished by electroporation have been using short single stranded DNA (ssDNA) repair templates, typically less than 1 kb. The most promising approach to deliver larger donor repair templates of up to 4.9 kb along with genome editing reagents into zygotes, without using cytoplasmic injection, is to use recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) in combination with electroporation. However, similar to other methods used to deliver clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat (CRISPR) genome-editing reagents, this approach is also associated with high levels of mosaicism. Recent developments complementing germline ablated individuals with edited germline-competent cells offer an approach to avoid mosaicism in the germline of genome edited founder lines. Even with electroporation-mediated delivery of genome editing reagents to mammalian zygotes, there remain additional chokepoints in the genome editing pipeline that currently hinder the scalable production of non-mosaic genome edited livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason C Lin
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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Zygotic Genome Activation: Critical Prelude to the Most Important Time of Your Life. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2218:319-329. [PMID: 33606242 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0970-5_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Activation of the embryonic genome during development represents a major developmental transition in all species. The history of its exploration began in the 1950s-1960s, when this idea was put forward and proven experimentally by Alexander Neyfakh. He observed the aberrant development of fish embryos upon X-ray irradiation and noted the different developmental outcomes depending on the stage when fertilized eggs were subjected to irradiation. Neyfakh also discriminated a regional difference of X-irradiation between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. By selecting the X-ray dose causing nuclear damage, he determined the beginning of zygotic transcription, which at that time became known as the morphogenetic function of nuclei. His team defined the link of zygotic transcription with the asynchronization of cell division and cell migration, the two other hallmarks, which along with the morphogenetic function (or the zygotic genome activation), are at the core of the mid-blastula transition during development. Within this framework, current studies using maternal mutants and application of modern methods of whole-embryo and single-cell transcriptomics begin to decipher the molecular mechanisms of the mid-blastula transition (or the maternal-zygotic transition).
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45
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Zhang X, Zhou C, Cheng W, Tao R, Xu H, Liu H. Vitamin C protects early mouse embryos against juglone toxicity. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 98:200-208. [PMID: 33010468 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Juglone, a naphthoquinone isolated from many species of the Juglandaceae (walnut) family, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for its various pharmacological effects. Our previous research found its toxic effects on oocytes maturation. But we still know a little about its toxic effects on embryo development. Here, we used mouse embryo as a model to explore the effects of juglone on early mammalian embryo development. Exposure to juglone significantly decreased the development rate in early mouse embryos in vitro. Moreover, juglone exposure led to developmental arrest by disturbing mitochondrial function, producing abnormal epigenetic modifications, inducing high levels of oxidative stress and DNA damage, and increasing the rate of embryonic cell apoptosis. However, vitamin C (VC) ameliorated the toxic effects of juglone to a certain extent. Overall, juglone has a toxic effect on early embryo development through the generation of ROS and apoptosis. But VC was able to protect against these juglone-induced defects. These results not only give a new perspective on juglone's pharmacological effects on early mammalian embryo development, but also provide ideas for the better application of this agent in traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Changyin Zhou
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Wenxiu Cheng
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Ruixin Tao
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Hongxia Xu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Honglin Liu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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ATAC-seq footprinting unravels kinetics of transcription factor binding during zygotic genome activation. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4267. [PMID: 32848148 PMCID: PMC7449963 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18035-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
While footprinting analysis of ATAC-seq data can theoretically enable investigation of transcription factor (TF) binding, the lack of a computational tool able to conduct different levels of footprinting analysis has so-far hindered the widespread application of this method. Here we present TOBIAS, a comprehensive, accurate, and fast footprinting framework enabling genome-wide investigation of TF binding dynamics for hundreds of TFs simultaneously. We validate TOBIAS using paired ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq data, and find that TOBIAS outperforms existing methods for bias correction and footprinting. As a proof-of-concept, we illustrate how TOBIAS can unveil complex TF dynamics during zygotic genome activation in both humans and mice, and propose how zygotic Dux activates cascades of TFs, binds to repeat elements and induces expression of novel genetic elements.
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47
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Gu B. Light up the embryos: knock-in reporter generation for mouse developmental biology. Anim Reprod 2020; 17:e20200055. [PMID: 33029220 PMCID: PMC7534580 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental biology seeks to understand the sophisticated regulated process through which a single cell – a fertilized egg – generates a highly organized organism. The most effective way to reveal the nature of these processes is to follow single cells and cell lineages in real-time. Recent advances in imaging equipment, fluorescent tags and computational tools have made long term multi-color imaging of cells and embryos possible. However, there is still one major challenging for achieving live imaging of mammalian embryos- the generation of embryos carrying reporters that recapitulate the endogenous expression pattern of marker genes. Recent developments of genome editing technology played important roles in enabling efficient generation of reporter mouse models. This mini review discusses recent developments of technologies for efficiently generate knock-in reporter mice and the application of these models in live imaging development. With these developments, we are starting to realize the long-sought promises of realtime analysis of mammalian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Gu
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Michigan, USA.,Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, Michigan, USA
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48
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van der Kuyl AC, Berkhout B. Viruses in the reproductive tract: On their way to the germ line? Virus Res 2020; 286:198101. [PMID: 32710926 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Studies of vertebrate genomes have indicated that all species contain in their chromosomes stretches of DNA with sequence similarity to viral genomes. How such 'endogenous' viral elements (EVEs) ended up in host genomes is usually explained in general terms such as 'they entered the germ line at some point during evolution'. This seems a correct statement, but is also rather imprecise. The vast number of endogenous viral sequences suggest that common routes to the 'germ line' may exist, as relying on chance alone may not easily explain the abundance of EVEs in modern mammalian genomes. An increasing number of virus types have been detected in human semen and a growing number of studies have reported on viral infections that cause male infertility or subfertility and on viral infections that threaten in vitro fertilisation practices. Thus, it is timely to survey the pathway(s) that viruses can use to gain access to the human germ line. Embryo transfer and semen quality studies in livestock form another source of relevant information because virus infection during reproduction is clearly unwanted, as is the case for the human situation. In this review, studies on viruses in the male and female reproductive tract and in the early embryo will be discussed to propose a plausible viral route to the mammalian germ line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette Cornelia van der Kuyl
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ben Berkhout
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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49
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Deng M, Zhang G, Cai Y, Liu Z, Zhang Y, Meng F, Wang F, Wan Y. DNA methylation dynamics during zygotic genome activation in goat. Theriogenology 2020; 156:144-154. [PMID: 32731098 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a crucial element in the epigenetic regulation of mammalian embryonic development. However, the subtle changes in DNA methylation differ in species, and, little information is known regarding the dynamics of DNA methylation at the single-base resolution in goat. In the present study, we studied the DNA methylation dynamics during goat zygotic genome activation (ZGA) at global and single-base resolution using immunostaining and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing, respectively. We showed that DNA methylation was decreased both at global and single-base resolution, and the expression of TET1 was increased while DNMT1 was decreased during ZGA in goat. We identified 51058 tiles of differential methylation regions (DMRs), which were enriched in the developmental process, the regulation of developmental process, AMPK signaling pathway, mTOR signaling pathway, autophagy, and lysosome, as revealed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. Furthermore, we found an association between the methylation level and the expression of imprinted genes (IGF2R, PEG3, and ZFP64), maternal genes (TRIM28, SETD1A, SIN3A, and NPM2), and zygotic genes (DUXA, IGF2BP1, WT1, and ZIM3), suggesting that DNA methylation is in the tight control of ZGA in goat by regulating the expression of the critical genes. Our data will help to understand the stochastic ZGA events to achieve better development of goat embryos in vitro and provide an excellent source for further ZGA studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingtian Deng
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Guomin Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yu Cai
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zifei Liu
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Fanxing Meng
- National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yongjie Wan
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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50
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Alda-Catalinas C, Bredikhin D, Hernando-Herraez I, Santos F, Kubinyecz O, Eckersley-Maslin MA, Stegle O, Reik W. A Single-Cell Transcriptomics CRISPR-Activation Screen Identifies Epigenetic Regulators of the Zygotic Genome Activation Program. Cell Syst 2020; 11:25-41.e9. [PMID: 32634384 PMCID: PMC7383230 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is an essential transcriptional event in embryonic development that coincides with extensive epigenetic reprogramming. Complex manipulation techniques and maternal stores of proteins preclude large-scale functional screens for ZGA regulators within early embryos. Here, we combined pooled CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) with single-cell transcriptomics to identify regulators of ZGA-like transcription in mouse embryonic stem cells, which serve as a tractable, in vitro proxy of early mouse embryos. Using multi-omics factor analysis (MOFA+) applied to ∼200,000 single-cell transcriptomes comprising 230 CRISPRa perturbations, we characterized molecular signatures of ZGA and uncovered 24 factors that promote a ZGA-like response. Follow-up assays validated top screen hits, including the DNA-binding protein Dppa2, the chromatin remodeler Smarca5, and the transcription factor Patz1, and functional experiments revealed that Smarca5’s regulation of ZGA-like transcription is dependent on Dppa2. Together, our single-cell transcriptomic profiling of CRISPRa-perturbed cells provides both system-level and molecular insights into the mechanisms that orchestrate ZGA. Large-scale pooled CRISPR-activation screen with single-cell RNA-seq for 230 genes MOFA+ identified 24 screen hits that induced a ZGA-like signature Nine genes were independently validated as regulators of ZGA-like transcription Smarca5 regulates ZGA-like transcription in a Dppa2-dependent manner
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Alda-Catalinas
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Danila Bredikhin
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | | | - Fátima Santos
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Oana Kubinyecz
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | | | - Oliver Stegle
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg 69117, Germany; Division of Computational Genomics and Systems Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany; European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
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