1
|
Ju W, Zhao Y, Yu Y, Zhao S, Xiang S, Lian F. Mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in ovarian aging and potential interventions. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1361289. [PMID: 38694941 PMCID: PMC11061492 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1361289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria plays an essential role in regulating cellular metabolic homeostasis, proliferation/differentiation, and cell death. Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in many age-related pathologies. Evidence supports that the dysfunction of mitochondria and the decline of mitochondrial DNA copy number negatively affect ovarian aging. However, the mechanism of ovarian aging is still unclear. Treatment methods, including antioxidant applications, mitochondrial transplantation, emerging biomaterials, and advanced technologies, are being used to improve mitochondrial function and restore oocyte quality. This article reviews key evidence and research updates on mitochondrial damage in the pathogenesis of ovarian aging, emphasizing that mitochondrial damage may accelerate and lead to cellular senescence and ovarian aging, as well as exploring potential methods for using mitochondrial mechanisms to slow down aging and improve oocyte quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenhan Ju
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yuewen Zhao
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yi Yu
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shan Xiang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Fang Lian
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mayeur A, Magnan F, Mathieu S, Rubens P, Sperelakis Beedham B, Sonigo C, Steffann J, Frydman N. What importance do donors and recipients attribute to the nuclear DNA-related genetic heritage of oocyte donation? Hum Reprod 2024; 39:770-778. [PMID: 38420661 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How do oocyte donors and recipients perceive the genetic link related to the transfer of nuclear DNA between donors and offspring? SUMMARY ANSWER Whether they are donors or recipients, individuals attach great importance to the transmission of their genetic heritage, since 94.5% would opt for the pronuclear transfer method to preserve this genetic link in the context of oocyte donation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Since 1983, the use of oocyte donation has increased worldwide. Performed in France since the late 1980s and initially offered to women with premature ovarian insufficiency, its indications have progressively expanded and now it is proposed in many indications to prevent the transmission of genetically inherited diseases. This has resulted in an increase in the waiting time for access to oocyte donation due to the difficulty in recruiting oocyte donors in French ART centres. Several articles have discussed how to fairly distribute donor oocytes to couples, but few have interviewed women in the general population to record their feelings about oocyte donation, as either the donor or recipient and the importance given to the genetic link between the oocyte donors and the children born. Mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) is a technique originally developed for women at risk of transmitting a mitochondrial DNA mutation. Recently, MRT has been considered for embryo arrest and oocyte rejuvenation as it could help females to reproduce with their own genetic material through the transfer of their oocyte nucleus into a healthy donor oocyte cytoplasm. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We conducted an opinion survey from January 2021 to December 2021, during which 1956 women completed the questionnaire. Thirteen participants were excluded from the analysis due to incomplete responses to all the questions. Consequently, 1943 women were included in the study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We specifically developed a questionnaire for this study, which was created and distributed using the Drag'n Survey® software. The questionnaire consisted of 21 items presented alongside a video created with whiteboard animation software. The aim was to analyse whether certain factors, such as age, education level, marital status, number of children, use of ART for pregnancy, video viewing, and knowledge about oocyte donation, were associated with feelings towards oocyte donation, by using a univariate conditional logistic regression model. This statistical method was also used to assess whether women would be more inclined to consider oocyte donation with the pronuclear transfer technique rather than the whole oocyte donation. All parameters found to be statistically significant in the univariate analysis were subsequently tested in a multivariate model using logistic regression. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Most women were concerned about the biological genetic contribution of the donated oocyte (94.8%). The most common reason for a women's reluctance to donate their oocytes was their unwillingness to pass on their genetic material (33.3%). Nearly 70% of women who were initially hesitant to donate their oocytes indicated that they would reconsider their decision if the oocyte donation was conducted using donated cytoplasm and the pronuclear transfer technique. Concomitantly, >75% of the respondents mentioned that it would be easier to receive a cytoplasm donation. The largest proportion of the population surveyed (94.5%) expressed their support for its legalization. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In this study, a substantial portion of the responses came from individuals with medical or paramedical backgrounds, potentially introducing a recruitment bias among potential donors. The rate of missing responses to the question regarding the desire to become an oocyte donor was 13.6%, while the question about becoming an oocyte cytoplasm donor had a missing response rate of 23%. These missing responses may introduce a bias in the interpretation of the data. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study was the first to demonstrate that, for the French population studied, the combination of oocyte cytoplasm donation with pronuclear transfer could offer a promising approach to enhance the acceptance of oocyte donation for both the donor and the recipient. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No external funding was used for this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Mayeur
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart, France
- Université de Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - F Magnan
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart, France
| | - S Mathieu
- École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), Paris Sciences Lettres (PSL), GSRL UMR8582, Paris, France
| | - P Rubens
- Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies rares, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Groupe Hospitalier Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Imagine, INSERM UMR1163, Paris, France
| | - B Sperelakis Beedham
- Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies rares, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Groupe Hospitalier Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - C Sonigo
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Université Paris Saclay, Service de Médecine de la Reproduction et Préservation de la Fertilité, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart, France
- France Université Paris Saclay, Inserm, Physiologie et physiopathologie endocrinienne, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - J Steffann
- Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies rares, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Groupe Hospitalier Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Imagine, INSERM UMR1163, Paris, France
| | - N Frydman
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart, France
- Université de Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mikhalchenko A, Gutierrez NM, Frana D, Safaei Z, Van Dyken C, Li Y, Ma H, Koski A, Liang D, Lee SG, Amato P, Mitalipov S. Induction of somatic cell haploidy by premature cell division. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk9001. [PMID: 38457500 PMCID: PMC10923512 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk9001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Canonical mitotic and meiotic cell divisions commence with replicated chromosomes consisting of two sister chromatids. Here, we developed and explored a model of premature cell division, where nonreplicated, G0/G1-stage somatic cell nuclei are transplanted to the metaphase cytoplasm of mouse oocytes. Subsequent cell division generates daughter cells with reduced ploidy. Unexpectedly, genome sequencing analysis revealed proper segregation of homologous chromosomes, resulting in complete haploid genomes. We observed a high occurrence of somatic genome haploidization in nuclei from inbred genetic backgrounds but not in hybrids, emphasizing the importance of sequence homology between homologs. These findings suggest that premature cell division relies on mechanisms similar to meiosis I, where genome haploidization is facilitated by homologous chromosome interactions, recognition, and pairing. Unlike meiosis, no evidence of recombination between somatic cell homologs was detected. Our study offers an alternative in vitro gametogenesis approach by directly reprogramming diploid somatic cells into haploid oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei Mikhalchenko
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Nuria Marti Gutierrez
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Daniel Frana
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Zahra Safaei
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Crystal Van Dyken
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Hong Ma
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Amy Koski
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Dan Liang
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui, China
| | - Sang-Goo Lee
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Paula Amato
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Shoukhrat Mitalipov
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Okamoto R, Xiao W, Fukasawa H, Hirata S, Sankai T, Masuyama H, Otsuki J. Aggregated chromosomes/chromatin transfer: a novel approach for mitochondrial replacement with minimal mitochondrial carryover: the implications of mouse experiments for human aggregated chromosome transfer. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad043. [PMID: 38039159 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad043] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear transfer techniques, including spindle chromosome complex (SC) transfer and pronuclear transfer, have been employed to mitigate mitochondrial diseases. Nevertheless, the challenge of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) carryover remains unresolved. Previously, we introduced a method for aggregated chromosome (AC) transfer in human subjects, offering a potential solution. However, the subsequent rates of embryonic development have remained unexplored owing to legal limitations in Japan, and animal studies have been hindered by a lack of AC formation in other species. Building upon our success in generating ACs within mouse oocytes via utilization of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl 1-methylxanthine (IBMX), this study has established a mouse model for AC transfer. Subsequently, a comparative analysis of embryo development rates and mtDNA carryover between AC transfer and SC transfer was conducted. Additionally, the mitochondrial distribution around SC and AC structures was investigated, revealing that in oocytes at the metaphase II stage, the mitochondria exhibited a relatively concentrated arrangement around the spindle apparatus, while the distribution of mitochondria in AC-formed oocytes appeared to be independent of the AC position. The AC transfer approach produced a marked augmentation in rates of fertilization, embryo cleavage, and blastocyst formation, especially as compared to scenarios without AC transfer in IBMX-treated AC-formed oocytes. No significant disparities in fertilization and embryo development rates were observed between AC and SC transfers. However, relative real-time PCR analyses revealed that the mtDNA carryover for AC transfers was one-tenth and therefore significantly lower than that of SC transfers. This study successfully accomplished nuclear transfers with ACs in mouse oocytes, offering an insight into the potential of AC transfers as a solution to heteroplasmy-related challenges. These findings are promising in terms of future investigation with human oocytes, thus advancing AC transfer as an innovative approach in the field of human nuclear transfer methodology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Okamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan
| | - W Xiao
- Department of Applied Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan
| | - H Fukasawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - S Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - T Sankai
- Tsukuba Primate Research Center, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - H Masuyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan
| | - J Otsuki
- Department of Applied Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lundin K, Bentzen JG, Bozdag G, Ebner T, Harper J, Le Clef N, Moffett A, Norcross S, Polyzos NP, Rautakallio-Hokkanen S, Sfontouris I, Sermon K, Vermeulen N, Pinborg A. Good practice recommendations on add-ons in reproductive medicine†. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2062-2104. [PMID: 37747409 PMCID: PMC10628516 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which add-ons are safe and effective to be used in ART treatment? SUMMARY ANSWER Forty-two recommendations were formulated on the use of add-ons in the diagnosis of fertility problems, the IVF laboratory and clinical management of IVF treatment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The innovative nature of ART combined with the extremely high motivation of the patients has opened the door to the wide application of what has become known as 'add-ons' in reproductive medicine. These supplementary options are available to patients in addition to standard fertility procedures, typically incurring an additional cost. A diverse array of supplementary options is made available, encompassing tests, drugs, equipment, complementary or alternative therapies, laboratory procedures, and surgical interventions. These options share the common aim of stating to enhance pregnancy or live birth rates, mitigate the risk of miscarriage, or expedite the time to achieving pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION ESHRE aimed to develop clinically relevant and evidence-based recommendations focusing on the safety and efficacy of add-ons currently used in fertility procedures in order to improve the quality of care for patients with infertility. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS ESHRE appointed a European multidisciplinary working group consisting of practising clinicians, embryologists, and researchers who have demonstrated leadership and expertise in the care and research of infertility. Patient representatives were included in the working group. To ensure that the guidelines are evidence-based, the literature identified from a systematic search was reviewed and critically appraised. In the absence of any clear scientific evidence, recommendations were based on the professional experience and consensus of the working group. The guidelines are thus based on the best available evidence and expert agreement. Prior to publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 46 independent international reviewers. A total of 272 comments were received and incorporated where relevant. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The multidisciplinary working group formulated 42 recommendations in three sections; diagnosis and diagnostic tests, laboratory tests and interventions, and clinical management. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Of the 42 recommendations, none could be based on high-quality evidence and only four could be based on moderate-quality evidence, implicating that 95% of the recommendations are supported only by low-quality randomized controlled trials, observational data, professional experience, or consensus of the development group. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These guidelines offer valuable direction for healthcare professionals who are responsible for the care of patients undergoing ART treatment for infertility. Their purpose is to promote safe and effective ART treatment, enabling patients to make informed decisions based on realistic expectations. The guidelines aim to ensure that patients are fully informed about the various treatment options available to them and the likelihood of any additional treatment or test to improve the chance of achieving a live birth. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) All costs relating to the development process were covered from ESHRE funds. There was no external funding of the development process or manuscript production. K.L. reports speakers fees from Merck and was part of a research study by Vitrolife (unpaid). T.E. reports consulting fees from Gynemed, speakers fees from Gynemed and is part of the scientific advisory board of Hamilton Thorne. N.P.P. reports grants from Merck Serono, Ferring Pharmaceutical, Theramex, Gedeon Richter, Organon, Roche, IBSA and Besins Healthcare, speakers fees from Merck Serono, Ferring Pharmaceutical, Theramex, Gedeon Richter, Organon, Roche, IBSA and Besins Healthcare. S.R.H. declares being managing director of Fertility Europe, a not-for-profit organization receiving financial support from ESHRE. I.S. is a scientific advisor for and has stock options from Alife Health, is co-founder of IVFvision LTD (unpaid) and received speakers' fee from the 2023 ART Young Leader Prestige workshop in China. A.P. reports grants from Gedeon Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Merck A/S, consulting fees from Preglem, Novo Nordisk, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gedeon Richter, Cryos and Merck A/S, speakers fees from Gedeon Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Merck A/S, Theramex and Organon, travel fees from Gedeon Richter. The other authors disclosed no conflicts of interest. DISCLAIMER This Good Practice Recommendations (GPRs) document represents the views of ESHRE, which are the result of consensus between the relevant ESHRE stakeholders and are based on the scientific evidence available at the time of preparation.ESHRE GPRs should be used for information and educational purposes. They should not be interpreted as setting a standard of care or bedeemedinclusive of all proper methods of care, or be exclusive of other methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results.Theydo not replace the need for application of clinical judgement to each individual presentation, or variations based on locality and facility type.Furthermore, ESHRE GPRs do not constitute or imply the endorsement, or favouring, of any of the included technologies by ESHRE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - K Lundin
- Department Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - J G Bentzen
- The Fertility Department, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G Bozdag
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - T Ebner
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University, MedCampus IV, Linz, Austria
| | - J Harper
- Institute for Women’s Health, London, UK
| | - N Le Clef
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - N P Polyzos
- Department Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - K Sermon
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - N Vermeulen
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Pinborg
- The Fertility Department, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Heydari L, Khalili MA, Rahimi AA, Shakeri F. Human embryos derived from first polar body nuclear transfer exhibit comparatively abnormal morphokinetics during development. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2023; 50:177-184. [PMID: 37643831 PMCID: PMC10477411 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2023.05939] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Reconstructed oocytes after polar body genome transfer constitute a potential therapeutic option for patients with a history of embryo fragmentation and advanced maternal age. However, the rescue of genetic material from the first polar body (PB1) through introduction into the donor cytoplasm is not yet ready for clinical application. METHODS Eighty-five oocytes were obtained following in vitro maturation (IVM) and divided into two groups: PB1 nuclear transfer (PB1NT; n=54) and control (n=31). Following enucleation and PB1 genomic transfer, PB1 fusion was assessed. Subsequently, all fused oocytes underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and were cultured in an incubator under a time-lapse monitoring system to evaluate fertilization, embryonic morphokinetic parameters, and cleavage patterns. RESULTS Following enucleation and fusion, 77.14% of oocytes survived, and 92.59% of polar bodies (PBs) fused. However, the normal fertilization rate was lower in the PB1NT group than in the control group (56.41% vs. 92%, p=0.002). No significant differences were observed in embryo kinetics between the groups, but a significant difference was detected in embryo developmental arrest after the four-cell stage, along with abnormal cleavage division in the PB1NT group. This was followed by significant between-group differences in the implantation potential rate and euploidy status. Most embryos in the PB1NT group had at least one abnormal cleavage division (93.3%, p=0.001). CONCLUSION Fresh PB1NT oocytes successfully produced normal zygotes following PB fusion and ICSI in IVM oocytes. However, this was accompanied by low efficiency in developing into cleavage embryos, along with an increase in abnormal cleavage patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Heydari
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Khalili
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Azam Agha Rahimi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Shakeri
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liao Z, Li Y, Li C, Bian X, Sun Q. Nuclear transfer improves the developmental potential of embryos derived from cytoplasmic deficient oocytes. iScience 2023; 26:107299. [PMID: 37520712 PMCID: PMC10372837 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo development after fertilization is largely determined by the oocyte quality, which is in turn dependent on the competence of both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Here, to improve the efficiency of embryo development from developmentally incompetent oocytes, we performed spindle-chromosome complex transfer (ST) between in vitro matured (IVM) and in vivo matured (IVO) oocytes of the non-human primate rhesus monkey. We observed that the blastocyst rate of embryos derived from transferring the spindle-chromosome complex (SCC) of IVM oocytes into enucleated IVO oocytes was comparable with that of embryos derived from IVO oocytes. After transferring the reconstructed embryos into the uterus of surrogate mothers, two live rhesus monkeys were obtained, indicating that the nuclei of IVM oocytes support both the pre-and post-implantation embryo development of non-human primates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaodi Liao
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuzhuo Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xinyan Bian
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu M, Ji W, Zhao X, Liu X, Hu JF, Cui J. Therapeutic potential of engineering the mitochondrial genome. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023:166804. [PMID: 37429560 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases are a group of clinical disorders caused by mutations in the genes encoded by either the nuclear or the mitochondrial genome involved in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Disorders become evident when mitochondrial dysfunction reaches a cell-specific threshold. Similarly, the severity of disorders is related to the degree of gene mutation. Clinical treatments for mitochondrial diseases mainly rely on symptomatic management. Theoretically, replacing or repairing dysfunctional mitochondria to acquire and preserve normal physiological functions should be effective. Significant advances have been made in gene therapies, including mitochondrial replacement therapy, mitochondrial genome manipulation, nuclease programming, mitochondrial DNA editing, and mitochondrial RNA interference. In this paper, we review the recent progress in these technologies by focusing on advancements that overcome limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Cancer Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China
| | - Wei Ji
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Cancer Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Cancer Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China
| | - Xiaoliang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Cancer Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China
| | - Ji-Fan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Cancer Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China; Stanford University Medical School, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Cancer Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Limitations of gene editing assessments in human preimplantation embryos. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1219. [PMID: 36882397 PMCID: PMC9992379 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36820-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Range of DNA repair in response to double-strand breaks induced in human preimplantation embryos remains uncertain due to the complexity of analyzing single- or few-cell samples. Sequencing of such minute DNA input requires a whole genome amplification that can introduce artifacts, including coverage nonuniformity, amplification biases, and allelic dropouts at the target site. We show here that, on average, 26.6% of preexisting heterozygous loci in control single blastomere samples appear as homozygous after whole genome amplification indicative of allelic dropouts. To overcome these limitations, we validate on-target modifications seen in gene edited human embryos in embryonic stem cells. We show that, in addition to frequent indel mutations, biallelic double-strand breaks can also produce large deletions at the target site. Moreover, some embryonic stem cells show copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity at the cleavage site which is likely caused by interallelic gene conversion. However, the frequency of loss of heterozygosity in embryonic stem cells is lower than in blastomeres, suggesting that allelic dropouts is a common whole genome amplification outcome limiting genotyping accuracy in human preimplantation embryos.
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases require customized approaches for reproductive counseling, addressing differences in recurrence risks and reproductive options. The majority of mitochondrial diseases is caused by mutations in nuclear genes and segregate in a Mendelian way. Prenatal diagnosis (PND) or preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) are available to prevent the birth of another severely affected child. In at least 15%-25% of cases, mitochondrial diseases are caused by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations, which can occur de novo (25%) or be maternally inherited. For de novo mtDNA mutations, the recurrence risk is low and PND can be offered for reassurance. For maternally inherited, heteroplasmic mtDNA mutations, the recurrence risk is often unpredictable, due to the mitochondrial bottleneck. PND for mtDNA mutations is technically possible, but often not applicable given limitations in predicting the phenotype. Another option for preventing the transmission of mtDNA diseases is PGT. Embryos with mutant load below the expression threshold are being transferred. Oocyte donation is another safe option to prevent the transmission of mtDNA disease to a future child for couples who reject PGT. Recently, mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) became available for clinical application as an alternative to prevent the transmission of heteroplasmic and homoplasmic mtDNA mutations.
Collapse
|
11
|
Burgstaller JP, Chiaratti MR. Mitochondrial Inheritance Following Nuclear Transfer: From Cloned Animals to Patients with Mitochondrial Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2647:83-104. [PMID: 37041330 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3064-8_4] [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: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are indispensable power plants of eukaryotic cells that also act as a major biochemical hub. As such, mitochondrial dysfunction, which can originate from mutations in the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA), may impair organism fitness and lead to severe diseases in humans. MtDNA is a multi-copy, highly polymorphic genome that is uniparentally transmitted through the maternal line. Several mechanisms act in the germline to counteract heteroplasmy (i.e., coexistence of two or more mtDNA variants) and prevent expansion of mtDNA mutations. However, reproductive biotechnologies such as cloning by nuclear transfer can disrupt mtDNA inheritance, resulting in new genetic combinations that may be unstable and have physiological consequences. Here, we review the current understanding of mitochondrial inheritance, with emphasis on its pattern in animals and human embryos generated by nuclear transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jörg P Burgstaller
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcos R Chiaratti
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pinto da Silva S, de Freitas C, Severo M, Silva S. Gamete and embryo donation for research: what might shape the willingness to donate among gamete donors and recipients? J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2077-2087. [PMID: 35986809 PMCID: PMC9475016 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02569-y] [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: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Research using gametes and embryos donated by reproductive and third-party donors contributed to substantial, albeit contentious achievements. The views of gamete donors and recipients on donation for research and the underpinning role of attitudes towards research have been seldom explored and are yet to be incorporated into ethical, legal, and regulatory landscapes. From a cultural standpoint, this study adapts and explores psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Research Attitudes Questionnaire (RAQ), and analyzes the willingness of gamete donors and recipients to donate gametes and embryos for research and its association with sociodemographic, reproductive characteristics, and attitudes towards research. METHODS Between July 2017 and June 2018, 71 donors and 165 recipients completed a self-administered questionnaire at the Portuguese Public Bank of Gametes. Willingness to donate and attitudes towards research were measured with a 5-point Likert scale. RAQ psychometric characteristics were explored. RESULTS Two RAQ components were identified: "trustworthiness of research" and "critical perspective". Most participants were willing to donate gametes and embryos: donors more willing to donate gametes and male recipients more willing to donate gametes and embryos. Higher RAQ scores, indicating a more positive attitude towards research, were observed on the component "trustworthiness of research" among those willing to donate gametes and embryos and on the component "critical perspective" among those willing to donate embryos. CONCLUSION These findings help foster inclusivity, diversity, and responsiveness of research and call for upstream engagement of male and female gamete donors and recipients, promoting a trustworthy, anticipatory, democratic, and people-centered approach to policies, regulations, and practices in human gamete and embryo research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Pinto da Silva
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas nº135, 4050‑600, Porto, Portugal.
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas nº135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal.
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses e Educação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Cláudia de Freitas
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas nº135, 4050‑600, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas nº135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses e Educação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Research and Studies in Sociology (CIES-IUL), University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE-IUL), Avenida das Forças Armadas, 1649-026, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Milton Severo
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas nº135, 4050‑600, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas nº135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira nº 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Silva
- Department of Sociology, Institute of Social Sciences, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- Centre for Research in Anthropology (CRIA), Avenida das Forças Armadas, 1649-026, Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dvoran M, Nemcova L, Kalous J. An Interplay between Epigenetics and Translation in Oocyte Maturation and Embryo Development: Assisted Reproduction Perspective. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071689. [PMID: 35884994 PMCID: PMC9313063 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cell quality is a key prerequisite for successful fertilization and early embryo development. The quality is determined by the fine regulation of transcriptomic and proteomic profiles, which are prone to alteration by assisted reproduction technology (ART)-introduced in vitro methods. Gaining evidence shows the ART can influence preset epigenetic modifications within cultured oocytes or early embryos and affect their developmental competency. The aim of this review is to describe ART-determined epigenetic changes related to the oogenesis, early embryogenesis, and further in utero development. We confront the latest epigenetic, related epitranscriptomic, and translational regulation findings with the processes of meiotic maturation, fertilization, and early embryogenesis that impact the developmental competency and embryo quality. Post-ART embryo transfer, in utero implantation, and development (placentation, fetal development) are influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. The review is emphasizing their epigenetic and ART contribution to fetal development. An epigenetic parallel among mouse, porcine, and bovine animal models and human ART is drawn to illustrate possible future mechanisms of infertility management as well as increase the awareness of the underlying mechanisms governing oocyte and embryo developmental complexity under ART conditions.
Collapse
|
14
|
Gene Therapy for Mitochondrial Diseases: Current Status and Future Perspective. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061287. [PMID: 35745859 PMCID: PMC9231068 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases (MDs) are a group of severe genetic disorders caused by mutations in the nuclear or mitochondrial genome encoding proteins involved in the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system. MDs have a wide range of symptoms, ranging from organ-specific to multisystemic dysfunctions, with different clinical outcomes. The lack of natural history information, the limits of currently available preclinical models, and the wide range of phenotypic presentations seen in MD patients have all hampered the development of effective therapies. The growing number of pre-clinical and clinical trials over the last decade has shown that gene therapy is a viable precision medicine option for treating MD. However, several obstacles must be overcome, including vector design, targeted tissue tropism and efficient delivery, transgene expression, and immunotoxicity. This manuscript offers a comprehensive overview of the state of the art of gene therapy in MD, addressing the main challenges, the most feasible solutions, and the future perspectives of the field.
Collapse
|
15
|
Role of Mitochondria Transfer in Infertility: A Commentary. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121867. [PMID: 35740996 PMCID: PMC9221194 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria transfer techniques were first designed to prevent the transmission of diseases due to mutations in mtDNA, as these organelles are exclusively transmitted to the offspring by the oocyte. Despite this, given the crucial role of mitochondria in oocyte maturation, fertilization and subsequent embryo development, these approaches have been proposed as new potential strategies to overcome poor oocyte quality in infertile patients. This condition is a very common cause of infertility in patients of advanced maternal age, and patients with previous in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempt failures of oocyte origin. In this context, the enrichment or the replacement of the whole set of the oocyte mitochondria may improve its quality and increase these patients’ chances of success after an IVF treatment. In this short review, we will provide a brief overview of the main human studies using heterologous and autologous mitochondria transfer techniques in the reproductive field, focusing on the etiology of the treated patients and the final outcome. Although there is no current clearly superior mitochondria transfer technique, efforts must be made in order to optimize them and bring them into regular clinical practice, giving these patients a chance to achieve a pregnancy with their own oocytes.
Collapse
|
16
|
Gambini A, Briski O, Canel NG. State of the art of nuclear transfer technologies for assisting mammalian reproduction. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:230-242. [PMID: 35642677 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The transfer of nuclear genomic DNA from a cell to a previously enucleated oocyte or zygote constitutes one of the main tools for studying epigenetic reprogramming, nucleus-cytoplasm compatibility, pluripotency state, and for genetic preservation or edition in animals. More than 50 years ago, the first experiences in nuclear transfer began to reveal that factors stored in the cytoplasm of oocytes could reprogram the nucleus of another cell and support the development of an embryo with new genetic information. Furthermore, when the nuclear donor cell is an oocyte, egg, or a zygote, the implementation of these technologies acquires clinical relevance for patients with repeated failures in ART associated with poor oocyte quality or mitochondrial dysfunctions. This review describes the current state, scope, and future perspectives of nuclear transfer techniques currently available for assisting mammal reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Gambini
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Olinda Briski
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natalia Gabriela Canel
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín," Instituto Universitario de Fertilidad y Reproducción Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Reduction of mtDNA heteroplasmy in mitochondrial replacement therapy by inducing forced mitophagy. Nat Biomed Eng 2022; 6:339-350. [PMID: 35437313 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-022-00881-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) has been used to prevent maternal transmission of disease-causing mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). However, because MRT requires nuclear transfer, it carries the risk of mtDNA carryover and hence of the reversion of mtDNA to pathogenic levels owing to selective replication and genetic drift. Here we show in HeLa cells, mouse embryos and human embryos that mtDNA heteroplasmy can be reduced by pre-labelling the mitochondrial outer membrane of a donor zygote via microinjection with an mRNA coding for a transmembrane peptide fused to an autophagy receptor, to induce the degradation of the labelled mitochondria via forced mitophagy. Forced mitophagy reduced mtDNA carryover in newly reconstructed embryos after MRT, and had negligible effects on the growth curve, reproduction, exercise capacity and other behavioural characteristics of the offspring mice. The induction of forced mitophagy to degrade undesired donor mtDNA may increase the clinical feasibility of MRT and could be extended to other nuclear transfer techniques.
Collapse
|
18
|
Human germline nuclear transfer to overcome mitochondrial disease and failed fertilization after ICSI. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:609-618. [PMID: 35064435 PMCID: PMC8995215 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02401-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Providing additional insights on the efficacy of human nuclear transfer (NT). Here, and earlier, NT has been applied to minimize transmission risk of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diseases. NT has also been proposed for treating infertility, but it is still unclear which infertility indications would benefit. In this work, we therefore additionally assess the applicability of NT to overcome failed fertilization. METHODS Patient 1 carries a homoplasmic mtDNA mutation (m.11778G > A). Seventeen metaphase II (MII) oocytes underwent pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), while five MII oocytes were used for spindle transfer (ST), and one in vitro matured (IVM) metaphase I oocyte underwent early pronuclear transfer (ePNT). Patients 2-3 experienced multiple failed intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and ICSI-assisted oocyte activation (AOA) cycles. For these patients, the obtained MII oocytes underwent an additional ICSI-AOA cycle, while the IVM oocytes were subjected to ST. RESULTS For patient 1, PGT-M confirmed mutation loads close to 100%. All ST-reconstructed oocytes fertilized and cleaved, of which one progressed to the blastocyst stage. The reconstructed ePNT-zygote reached the morula stage. These samples showed an average mtDNA carry-over rate of 2.9% ± 0.8%, confirming the feasibility of NT to reduce mtDNA transmission. For patient 2-3 displaying fertilization failure, ST resulted in, respectively, 4/5 and 6/6 fertilized oocytes, providing evidence, for the first time, that NT can enable successful fertilization in this patient population. CONCLUSION Our study showcases the repertoire of disorders for which NT can be beneficial, to overcome either mitochondrial disease transmission or failed fertilization after ICSI-AOA.
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Increased demand for in vitro fertilization (IVF) due to socio-demographic trends, and supply facilitated by new technologies, converged to transform the way a substantial proportion of humans reproduce. The purpose of this article is to describe the societal and demographic trends driving increased worldwide demand for IVF, as well as to provide an overview of emerging technologies that promise to greatly expand IVF utilization and lower its cost.
Collapse
|
20
|
Therapeutic applications of mitochondrial transplantation. Biochimie 2022; 195:1-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
21
|
van der Reest J, Nardini Cecchino G, Haigis MC, Kordowitzki P. Mitochondria: Their relevance during oocyte ageing. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 70:101378. [PMID: 34091076 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The oocyte is recognised as the largest cell in mammalian species and other multicellular organisms. Mitochondria represent a high proportion of the cytoplasm in oocytes and mitochondrial architecture is different in oocytes than in somatic cells, characterised by a rounder appearance and fragmented network. Although the number of mitochondria per oocyte is higher than in any other mammalian cell, their number and activity decrease with advancing age. Mitochondria integrate numerous processes essential for cellular function, such as metabolic processes related to energy production, biosynthesis, and waste removal, as well as Ca2+ signalling and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. Further, mitochondria are responsible for the cellular adaptation to different types of stressors such as oxidative stress or DNA damage. When these stressors outstrip the adaptive capacity of mitochondria to restore homeostasis, it leads to mitochondrial dysfunction. Decades of studies indicate that mitochondrial function is multifaceted, which is reflected in the oocyte, where mitochondria support numerous processes during oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Dysregulation of mitochondrial processes has been consistently reported in ageing and age-related diseases. In this review, we describe the functions of mitochondria as bioenergetic powerhouses and signal transducers in oocytes, how dysfunction of mitochondrial processes contributes to reproductive ageing, and whether mitochondria could be targeted to promote oocyte rejuvenation.
Collapse
|
22
|
Sfakianoudis K, Rapani A, Grigoriadis S, Retsina D, Maziotis E, Tsioulou P, Giannelou P, Pantos K, Koutsilieris M, Vlahos N, Mastorakos G, Simopoulou M. Novel Approaches in Addressing Ovarian Insufficiency in 2019: Are We There Yet? Cell Transplant 2021; 29:963689720926154. [PMID: 32686983 PMCID: PMC7563844 DOI: 10.1177/0963689720926154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian insufficiency is described as a multifaceted issue typically encountered in the field of assisted reproduction. The three main identified diagnoses of ovarian insufficiency include premature ovarian failure (POF), poor ovarian response (POR), and advanced maternal age (AMA). Patient heterogeneity in the era of individualized medicine drives research forward leading to the emergence of novel approaches. This plethora of innovative treatments in the service of adequately managing ovarian insufficiency is called to undertake the challenge of addressing infertile patients exploring their reproductive options. This review provides an all-inclusive presentation and critical analysis on novel treatments that have not achieved routine clinical practice status yet, but have recently emerged as promising. In light of the lack of randomized controlled trials conveying safety and efficiency, clinicians are left puzzled in addressing the "how" and "for whom" these approaches may be beneficial. From ovarian injection employing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cells to artificial gametes and ovaries, ovarian transplantation, and mitochondrial replacement therapy, this descriptive review provides insight toward assisting the practitioner in decision making regarding these cutting-edge treatments. Biological mechanisms, invasiveness levels, efficiency, as well as possible complications, the current status along with bioethical concerns are discussed in the context of identifying future optimal treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Rapani
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Assisted Reproduction Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sokratis Grigoriadis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Assisted Reproduction Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra Retsina
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Maziotis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Assisted Reproduction Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Petroula Tsioulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Assisted Reproduction Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Polina Giannelou
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Athens, Greece.,Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Michael Koutsilieris
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Vlahos
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Mastorakos
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Mara Simopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Assisted Reproduction Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rodríguez-Varela C, Herraiz S, Labarta E. Mitochondrial enrichment in infertile patients: a review of different mitochondrial replacement therapies. Ther Adv Reprod Health 2021; 15:26334941211023544. [PMID: 34263171 PMCID: PMC8243099 DOI: 10.1177/26334941211023544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Poor ovarian responders exhibit a quantitative reduction in their follicular
pool, and most cases are also associated with poor oocyte quality due to
patient’s age, which leads to impaired in vitro fertilisation
outcomes. In particular, poor oocyte quality has been related to mitochondrial
dysfunction and/or low mitochondrial count as these organelles are crucial in
many essential oocyte processes. Therefore, mitochondrial enrichment has been
proposed as a potential therapy option in infertile patients to improve oocyte
quality and subsequent in vitro fertilisation outcomes.
Nowadays, different options are available for mitochondrial enrichment
treatments that are encompassed in two main approaches: heterologous and
autologous. In the heterologous approach, mitochondria come from an external
source, which is an oocyte donor. These techniques include transferring either a
portion of the donor’s oocyte cytoplasm to the recipient oocyte or nuclear
material from the patient to the donor’s oocyte. In any case, this approach
entails many ethical and safety concerns that mainly arise from the uncertain
degree of mitochondrial heteroplasmy deriving from it. Thus the autologous
approach is considered a suitable potential tool to improve oocyte quality by
overcoming the heteroplasmy issue. Autologous mitochondrial transfer, however,
has not yielded as many beneficial outcomes as initially expected. Proposed
mitochondrial autologous sources include immature oocytes, granulosa cells,
germline stem cells, and adipose-derived stem cells. Presently, it would seem
that these autologous techniques do not improve clinical outcomes in human
infertile patients. However, further trials still need to be performed to
confirm these results. Besides these two main categories, new strategies have
arisen for oocyte rejuvenation by improving patient’s own mitochondrial function
and avoiding the unknown consequences of third-party genetic material. This is
the case of antioxidants, which may enhance mitochondrial activity by
counteracting and/or preventing oxidative stress damage. Among others,
coenzyme-Q10 and melatonin have shown promising results in low-prognosis
infertile patients, although further randomised clinical trials are still
necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elena Labarta
- IVI Foundation – IIS La Fe, Valencia, Spain;
IVIRMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ma H, Van Dyken C, Darby H, Mikhalchenko A, Marti-Gutierrez N, Koski A, Liang D, Li Y, Tippner-Hedges R, Kang E, Lee Y, Sidener H, Ramsey C, Hodge T, Amato P, Mitalipov S. Germline transmission of donor, maternal and paternal mtDNA in primates. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:493-505. [PMID: 33289786 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the long-term developmental, reproductive and genetic consequences of mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) in primates? SUMMARY ANSWER Longitudinal investigation of MRT rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) generated with donor mtDNA that is exceedingly distant from the original maternal counterpart suggest that their growth, general health and fertility is unremarkable and similar to controls. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Mitochondrial gene mutations contribute to a diverse range of incurable human disorders. MRT via spindle transfer in oocytes was developed and proposed to prevent transmission of pathogenic mtDNA mutations from mothers to children. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study provides longitudinal studies on general health, fertility as well as transmission and segregation of parental mtDNA haplotypes to various tissues and organs in five adult MRT rhesus macaques and their offspring. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS MRT was achieved by spindle transfer between metaphase II oocytes from genetically divergent rhesus macaque populations. After fertilization of oocytes with sperm, heteroplasmic zygotes contained an unequal mixture of three parental genomes, i.e. donor (≥97%), maternal (≤3%), and paternal (≤0.1%) mitochondrial (mt)DNA. MRT monkeys were grown to adulthood and their development and general health was regularly monitored. Reproductive fitness of male and female MRT macaques was evaluated by time-mated breeding and production of live offspring. The relative contribution of donor, maternal, and paternal mtDNA was measured by whole mitochondrial genome sequencing in all organs and tissues of MRT animals and their offspring. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Both male and female MRT rhesus macaques containing unequal mixture of three parental genomes, i.e. donor (≥97%), maternal (≤3%), and paternal (≤0.1%) mtDNA reached healthy adulthood, were fertile and most animals stably maintained the initial ratio of parental mtDNA heteroplasmy and donor mtDNA was transmitted from females to offspring. However, in one monkey out of four analyzed, initially negligible maternal mtDNA heteroplasmy levels increased substantially up to 17% in selected internal tissues and organs. In addition, two monkeys showed paternal mtDNA contribution up to 33% in selected internal tissues and organs. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Conclusions in this study were made on a relatively low number of MRT monkeys, and on only one F1 (first generation) female. In addition, monkey MRT involved two wildtype mtDNA haplotypes, but not disease-relevant variants. Clinical trials on children born after MRT will be required to fully determine safety and efficacy of MRT for humans. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our data show that MRT is compatible with normal postnatal development including overall health and reproductive fitness in nonhuman primates without any detected adverse effects. 'Mismatched' donor mtDNA in MRT animals even from the genetically distant mtDNA haplotypes did not cause secondary mitochondrial dysfunction. However, carry-over maternal or paternal mtDNA contributions increased substantially in selected internal tissues / organs of some MRT animals implying the possibility of mtDNA mutation recurrence. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work has been funded by the grants from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, the National Institutes of Health (RO1AG062459 and P51 OD011092), National Research Foundation of Korea (2018R1D1A1B07043216) and Oregon Health & Science University institutional funds. The authors declare no competing interests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Ma
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Crystal Van Dyken
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Hayley Darby
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Aleksei Mikhalchenko
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Nuria Marti-Gutierrez
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Amy Koski
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Dan Liang
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Rebecca Tippner-Hedges
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Eunju Kang
- Stem Cell Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonmi Lee
- Stem Cell Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heather Sidener
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Cathy Ramsey
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Travis Hodge
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Paula Amato
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Shoukhrat Mitalipov
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yuan P, Guo Q, Guo H, Lian Y, Zhai F, Yan Z, Long C, Zhu P, Tang F, Qiao J, Yan L. The methylome of a human polar body reflects that of its sibling oocyte and its aberrance may indicate poor embryo development. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:318-330. [PMID: 33313772 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is it possible to evaluate the methylome of individual oocytes to investigate the DNA methylome alterations in metaphase II (MII) oocytes with reduced embryo developmental potential? SUMMARY ANSWER The DNA methylome of each human first polar body (PB1) closely mirrored that of its sibling MII oocyte; hypermethylated long interspersed nuclear element (LINE) and long terminal repeats (LTRs) and methylation aberrations in PB1 promoter regions may indicate poor embryo development. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The developmental potential of an embryo is determined by the oocyte's developmental competence, and the PB1 is a good substitute to examine the chromosomal status of the corresponding oocyte. However, DNA methylation, a key epigenetic modification, also regulates gene expression and embryo development. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Twelve pairs of PB1s and sibling MII oocytes were biopsied and sequenced to compare their methylomes. To further investigate the methylome of PB1s and the potential epigenetic factors that may affect oocyte quality, MII oocytes (n = 74) were fertilized through ICSI, while PB1s were biopsied and profiled to measure DNA methylation. The corresponding embryos were further cultured to track their development potential. The oocytes and sperm samples used in this study were donated by healthy volunteers with signed informed consent. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Single-cell methylome sequencing was applied to obtain the DNA methylation profiles of PB1s and oocytes. The DNA methylome of PB1s was compared between the respective group of oocytes that progressed to blastocysts and the group of oocytes that failed to develop. DNA methylation levels of corresponding regions and differentially methylated regions were calculated using customized Perl and R scripts. RNA-seq data were downloaded from a previously published paper and reanalysed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The results from PB1-MII oocyte pair validated that PB1 contains nearly the same methylome (average Pearson correlation is 0.92) with sibling MII oocyte. LINE and LTR expression increased markedly after fertilization. Moreover, the DNA methylation levels in LINE (including LINE1 and LINE2) and LTR were significantly higher in the PB1s of embryos that could not reach the blastocyst stage (Wilcoxon-Matt-Whitney test, P < 0.05). DNA methylation in PB1 promoters correlated negatively with gene expression of MII oocyte. Regarding the methylation status of the promoter regions, 66 genes were hypermethylated in the developmental arrested group, with their related functions (significantly enriched in several Gene Ontology terms) including transcription, positive regulation of adenylate cyclase activity, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade and intracellular oestrogen receptor signalling pathway. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Data analysis performed in this study focused on the competence of human oocytes and compared them with maternal genetic and epigenetic profiles. Therefore, data regarding the potential regulatory roles of paternal genomes in embryo development are lacking. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results from PB1-oocyte pairs demonstrated that PB1s shared similar methylomes with their sibling oocytes. The selection of the good embryos for transfer should not only rely on morphology but also consider the DNA methylation of the corresponding PB1 and therefore MII oocyte. The application of early-stage analysis of PB1 offers an option for high-quality oocyte and embryo selection, which provides an additional tool for elective single embryo transfer in assisted reproduction. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFC1004003, 2017YFA0103801), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81730038, 3187144, 81521002) and the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA16020703). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Qianying Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Hongshan Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Biomedical Institute for Pioneering Investigation via Convergence, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Lian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Fan Zhai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Chuan Long
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Biomedical Institute for Pioneering Investigation via Convergence, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Biomedical Institute for Pioneering Investigation via Convergence, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China.,Biomedical Institute for Pioneering Investigation via Convergence, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Christodoulaki A, Boel A, Tang M, De Roo C, Stoop D, Heindryckx B. Prospects of Germline Nuclear Transfer in Women With Diminished Ovarian Reserve. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:635370. [PMID: 33692760 PMCID: PMC7937897 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.635370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is associated with a reduced quantity and quality of the retrieved oocytes, usually leading to poor reproductive outcomes which remain a great challenge for assisted reproduction technology (ART). Women with DOR often have to seek for oocyte donation, precluding genetically related offspring. Germline nuclear transfer (NT) is a novel technology in ART that involves the transfer of the nuclear genome from an affected oocyte/zygote of the patient to the cytoplast of an enucleated donor oocyte/zygote. Therefore, it offers opportunities for the generation of genetically related embryos. Currently, although NT is clinically applied only in women with serious mitochondrial DNA disorders, this technology has also been proposed to overcome certain forms of female infertility, such as advanced maternal age and embryo developmental arrest. In this review, we are proposing the NT technology as a future treatment option for DOR patients. Strikingly, the application of different NT strategies will result in an increase of the total number of available reconstituted embryos for DOR patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Christodoulaki
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annekatrien Boel
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maoxing Tang
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chloë De Roo
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dominic Stoop
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bennett JP, Onyango IG. Energy, Entropy and Quantum Tunneling of Protons and Electrons in Brain Mitochondria: Relation to Mitochondrial Impairment in Aging-Related Human Brain Diseases and Therapeutic Measures. Biomedicines 2021; 9:225. [PMID: 33671585 PMCID: PMC7927033 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult human brains consume a disproportionate amount of energy substrates (2-3% of body weight; 20-25% of total glucose and oxygen). Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a universal energy currency in brains and is produced by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) using ATP synthase, a nano-rotor powered by the proton gradient generated from proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) in the multi-complex electron transport chain (ETC). ETC catalysis rates are reduced in brains from humans with neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Declines of ETC function in NDDs may result from combinations of nitrative stress (NS)-oxidative stress (OS) damage; mitochondrial and/or nuclear genomic mutations of ETC/OXPHOS genes; epigenetic modifications of ETC/OXPHOS genes; or defects in importation or assembly of ETC/OXPHOS proteins or complexes, respectively; or alterations in mitochondrial dynamics (fusion, fission, mitophagy). Substantial free energy is gained by direct O2-mediated oxidation of NADH. Traditional ETC mechanisms require separation between O2 and electrons flowing from NADH/FADH2 through the ETC. Quantum tunneling of electrons and much larger protons may facilitate this separation. Neuronal death may be viewed as a local increase in entropy requiring constant energy input to avoid. The ATP requirement of the brain may partially be used for avoidance of local entropy increase. Mitochondrial therapeutics seeks to correct deficiencies in ETC and OXPHOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Isaac G. Onyango
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic;
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zakirova EG, Muzyka VV, Mazunin IO, Orishchenko KE. Natural and Artificial Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Genome Elimination. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11020076. [PMID: 33498399 PMCID: PMC7909434 DOI: 10.3390/life11020076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The generally accepted theory of the genetic drift of mitochondrial alleles during mammalian ontogenesis is based on the presence of a selective bottleneck in the female germline. However, there is a variety of different theories on the pathways of genetic regulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) dynamics in oogenesis and adult somatic cells. The current review summarizes present knowledge on the natural mechanisms of mitochondrial genome elimination during mammalian development. We also discuss the variety of existing and developing methodologies for artificial manipulation of the mtDNA heteroplasmy level. Understanding of the basics of mtDNA dynamics will shed the light on the pathogenesis and potential therapies of human diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elvira G. Zakirova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.G.Z.); (V.V.M.)
| | - Vladimir V. Muzyka
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.G.Z.); (V.V.M.)
- Department of Genetic Technologies, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ilya O. Mazunin
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 143026 Skolkovo, Russia;
| | - Konstantin E. Orishchenko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.G.Z.); (V.V.M.)
- Department of Genetic Technologies, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sendra L, García-Mares A, Herrero MJ, Aliño SF. Mitochondrial DNA Replacement Techniques to Prevent Human Mitochondrial Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E551. [PMID: 33430493 PMCID: PMC7827455 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diseases are a group of maternally inherited genetic disorders caused by a lack of energy production. Currently, mtDNA diseases have a poor prognosis and no known cure. The chance to have unaffected offspring with a genetic link is important for the affected families, and mitochondrial replacement techniques (MRTs) allow them to do so. MRTs consist of transferring the nuclear DNA from an oocyte with pathogenic mtDNA to an enucleated donor oocyte without pathogenic mtDNA. This paper aims to determine the efficacy, associated risks, and main ethical and legal issues related to MRTs. Methods: A bibliographic review was performed on the MEDLINE and Web of Science databases, along with searches for related clinical trials and news. Results: A total of 48 publications were included for review. Five MRT procedures were identified and their efficacy was compared. Three main risks associated with MRTs were discussed, and the ethical views and legal position of MRTs were reviewed. Conclusions: MRTs are an effective approach to minimizing the risk of transmitting mtDNA diseases, but they do not remove it entirely. Global legal regulation of MRTs is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Sendra
- Unidad de Farmacogenética, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (L.S.); (S.F.A.)
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Alfredo García-Mares
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - María José Herrero
- Unidad de Farmacogenética, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (L.S.); (S.F.A.)
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Salvador F. Aliño
- Unidad de Farmacogenética, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (L.S.); (S.F.A.)
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
- Unidad de Farmacología Clínica, Área del Medicamento, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Chiang JL, Shukla P, Pagidas K, Ahmed NS, Karri S, Gunn DD, Hurd WW, Singh KK. Mitochondria in Ovarian Aging and Reproductive Longevity. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 63:101168. [PMID: 32896666 PMCID: PMC9375691 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the hallmarks of aging. Consistently mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and function decline with age in various tissues. There is increasing evidence to support that mitochondrial dysfunction drives ovarian aging. A decreased mtDNA copy number is also reported during ovarian aging. However, the mitochondrial mechanisms contributing to ovarian aging and infertility are not fully understood. Additionally, investigations into mitochondrial therapies to rejuvenate oocyte quality, select viable embryos and improve mitochondrial function may help enhance fertility or extend reproductive longevity in the future. These therapies include the use of mitochondrial replacement techniques, quantification of mtDNA copy number, and various pharmacologic and lifestyle measures. This review aims to describe the key evidence and current knowledge of the role of mitochondria in ovarian aging and identify the emerging potential options for therapy to extend reproductive longevity and improve fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine L Chiang
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1700 6(th)Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35233, United States
| | - Pallavi Shukla
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Kaul Genetics Building Room 630, 720 20(th)Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, United States; Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Kelly Pagidas
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, TCM University, 9 Jason Drive, Lincoln, RI, 02865, United States
| | - Noha S Ahmed
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Kaul Genetics Building Room 630, 720 20(th)Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, United States; Department of Dermatology, Zagazig University, 44519 Shaibet an Nakareyah, Zagazig 2, Ash Sharqia Governorate, Egypt
| | - Srinivasu Karri
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Kaul Genetics Building Room 630, 720 20(th)Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, United States
| | - Deidre D Gunn
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1700 6(th)Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35233, United States
| | - William W Hurd
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1700 6(th)Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35233, United States
| | - Keshav K Singh
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Kaul Genetics Building Room 630, 720 20(th)Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, United States; UAB Department of Genetics, Center for Women's Reproductive Health, Kaul Genetics Building University of Alabama at Birmingham, Room 620, 720 20(th)Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zou W, Slone J, Cao Y, Huang T. Mitochondria and Their Role in Human Reproduction. DNA Cell Biol 2020; 39:1370-1378. [PMID: 31603716 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2019.4807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zou
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jesse Slone
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Taosheng Huang
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Human Aging Research Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wang Z, Li Y, Yang X, Wang Y, Nie Y, Xu Y, Zhang X, Lu Y, Zhang T, Liu Q, Jing N, Liu Z, Sun Q. Mitochondrial replacement in macaque monkey offspring by first polar body transfer. Cell Res 2020; 31:233-236. [PMID: 32724085 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-020-0381-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhanyang Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yuzhuo Li
- Zhongshan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xianfa Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yanhong Nie
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yuting Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xiaotong Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yong Lu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Tikui Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Qiming Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Naihe Jing
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Qiang Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Bai D, Sun J, Jia Y, Yin J, Zhang Y, Li Y, Gao R, Du X, Li K, Lin J, Tu Z, Wang Y, Pan J, Liang S, Guo Y, Ruan J, Kou X, Zhao Y, Wang H, Jiang C, Wang F, Teng X, Liu W, Gao S. Genome transfer for the prevention of female infertility caused by maternal gene mutation. J Genet Genomics 2020; 47:311-319. [PMID: 32893179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Poor oocyte quality is associated with early embryo developmental arrest and infertility. Maternal gene plays crucial roles in the regulation of oocyte maturation, and its mutation is a common cause of female infertility. However, how to improve oocyte quality and develop effective therapy for maternal gene mutation remains elusive. Here, we use Zar1 as an example to assess the feasibility of genome transfer to cure maternal gene mutation-caused female infertility. We first discover that cytoplasmic deficiency primarily leads to Zar1-null embryo developmental arrest by disturbing maternal transcript degradation and minor zygotic genome activation (ZGA) during the maternal-zygotic transition. We next perform genome transfer at the oocyte (spindle transfer or polar body transfer) and zygote (early pronuclear transfer or late pronuclear transfer) stages to validate the feasibility of preventing Zar1 mutation-caused infertility. We finally demonstrate that genome transfer either at the oocyte or at the early pronuclear stage can support normal preimplantation embryo development and produce live offspring. Moreover, those pups grow to adulthood and show normal fertility. Therefore, our findings provide an effective basis of therapies for the treatment of female infertility caused by maternal gene mutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Bai
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jin Sun
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yanping Jia
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiqing Yin
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yalin Zhang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yanhe Li
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Rui Gao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiling Du
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Kunming Li
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiaming Lin
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhifen Tu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiaping Pan
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Shanshan Liang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jingling Ruan
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiaochen Kou
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yanhong Zhao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Cizhong Jiang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Fengchao Wang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, NIBS, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xiaoming Teng
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Wenqiang Liu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Li J, Chen Q, Wang J, Huang G, Ye H. Does growth hormone supplementation improve oocyte competence and IVF outcomes in patients with poor embryonic development? A randomized controlled trial. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:310. [PMID: 32434490 PMCID: PMC7238549 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03004-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have demonstrated the benefits of the addition of growth hormone (GH) to the controlled ovarian stimulation protocol in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles in poor-respond patients, but the effect of GH on patients with poor embryonic development remain unclear. This paper was designed to investigate the efficacy of GH co-treatment during IVF for the patients with poor embryonic development. METHOD A randomized controlled trial including 158 patients with poor embryo development was conducted between July 2017 and February 2019. One hundred and seven patients were randomized for GH treatment (GH group) and 51 patients for untreated (control group). The primary end-points were the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in the two groups. The oocyte competence were assessed through calculating the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in corresponding cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs). Quantitative PCR were used for calculation of mtDNA copy number. RESULTS Relative to the control group, GH co-treatment resulted in a significantly higher number of retrieved oocytes (10.29 ± 5.92 versus 8.16 ± 4.17, P = 0.023) and cleaved embryos (6.73 ± 4.25 versus 5.29 ± 3.23, P = 0.036). The implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rates per cycle, and live birth rate per cycle were higher in the GH group than in the control group (36.00% versus 17.86%, P = 0.005; 43.93% versus 19.61%, P = 0.005; 41.12% versus 17.65%, P = 0.006). CGCs of the GH group had significantly higher mtDNA copy numbers than CGCs of the control group (252 versus 204, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These data provided further evidence to indicate that GH supplementation may support more live births during IVF, in patients with poor embryonic development. It also appears that oocytes generated under GH co-treatment have a better developmental competence. TRIAL REGISTRATION ChiCTR1900021992 posted March 19, 2019 (retrospectively registered).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing Reproduction and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, No.64 Jin Tang Street, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Qiaoli Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing Reproduction and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, No.64 Jin Tang Street, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Jiang Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing Reproduction and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, No.64 Jin Tang Street, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Guoning Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing Reproduction and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, No.64 Jin Tang Street, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Hong Ye
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing Reproduction and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, No.64 Jin Tang Street, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Farnezi HCM, Goulart ACX, Santos AD, Ramos MG, Penna MLF. Three-parent babies: Mitochondrial replacement therapies. JBRA Assist Reprod 2020; 24:189-196. [PMID: 32073245 PMCID: PMC7169912 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20190086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitochondria are intracellular organelles, and just like the cell nucleus they have their own genome. They are extremely important for normal body functioning and are responsible for ATP production - the main energy source for the cell. Mitochondrial diseases are associated with mutations in mitochondrial DNA and are inherited exclusively from the mother. They can affect organs that depend on energy metabolism, such as skeletal muscles, the cardiac system, the central nervous system, the endocrine system, the retina and liver, causing various incurable diseases. Mitochondrial replacement techniques provide women with mitochondrial defects a chance to have normal biological children. The goal of such treatment is to reconstruct functional oocytes and zygotes, in order to avoid the inheritance of mutated genes; for this the nuclear genome is withdrawn from an oocyte or zygotes, which carries mitochondrial mutations, and is implanted in a normal anucleated cell donor. Currently, the options of a couple to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial diseases are limited, and mitochondrial donation techniques provide women with mitochondrial defects a chance to have normal children. The nuclear genome can be transferred from oocytes or zygotes using techniques such as pronuclear transfer, spindle transfer, polar body transfer and germinal vesicle transfer. This study presents a review of developed mitochondrial substitution techniques, and its ability to prevent hereditary diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adriana Dos Santos
- Faculdade de Ciências Humanas, Universidade FUMEC, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Klucnika A, Ma H. A battle for transmission: the cooperative and selfish animal mitochondrial genomes. Open Biol 2020; 9:180267. [PMID: 30890027 PMCID: PMC6451365 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.180267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial genome is an evolutionarily persistent and cooperative component of metazoan cells that contributes to energy production and many other cellular processes. Despite sharing the same host as the nuclear genome, the multi-copy mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) follows very different rules of replication and transmission, which translate into differences in the patterns of selection. On one hand, mtDNA is dependent on the host for its transmission, so selections would favour genomes that boost organismal fitness. On the other hand, genetic heterogeneity within an individual allows different mitochondrial genomes to compete for transmission. This intra-organismal competition could select for the best replicator, which does not necessarily give the fittest organisms, resulting in mito-nuclear conflict. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms and opposing forces governing mtDNA transmission and selection in bilaterians, and what the implications of these are for mtDNA evolution and mitochondrial replacement therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Klucnika
- 1 Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute , Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN , UK.,2 Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge , Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EH , UK
| | - Hansong Ma
- 1 Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute , Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN , UK.,2 Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge , Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EH , UK
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
The special considerations of gene therapy for mitochondrial diseases. NPJ Genom Med 2020; 5:7. [PMID: 32140258 PMCID: PMC7051955 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-020-0116-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent success of gene therapy across multiple clinical trials has inspired a great deal of hope regarding the treatment of previously intractable genetic diseases. This optimism has been extended to the prospect of gene therapy for mitochondrial disorders, which are not only particularly severe but also difficult to treat. However, this hope must be tempered by the reality of the mitochondrial organelle, which possesses specific biological properties that complicate genetic manipulation. In this perspective, we will discuss some of these complicating factors, including the unique pathways used to express and import mitochondrial proteins. We will also present some ways in which these challenges can be overcome by genetic manipulation strategies tailored specifically for mitochondrial diseases.
Collapse
|
38
|
Cohen IG, Adashi EY, Gerke S, Palacios-González C, Ravitsky V. The Regulation of Mitochondrial Replacement Techniques Around the World. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2020; 21:565-586. [PMID: 31961722 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-111119-101815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial replacement techniques (MRTs, also referred to as mitochondrial replacement therapies) have given hope to many women who wish to have genetically related children but have mitochondrial DNA mutations in their eggs. MRTs have also spurred deep ethical disagreements and led to different regulatory approaches worldwide. In this review, we discuss the current regulation of MRTs across several countries. After discussing the basics of the science, we describe the current law and policy directions in seven countries: the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, Israel, and Singapore. We also discuss the emerging phenomenon of medical tourism (also called medical travel) for MRTs to places like Greece, Spain, Mexico, and Ukraine. We then pull out some key findings regarding similarities and differences in regulatory approaches around the world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Glenn Cohen
- Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA; ,
| | - Eli Y Adashi
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA;
| | - Sara Gerke
- Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA; ,
| | - César Palacios-González
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 1PT, United Kingdom;
| | - Vardit Ravitsky
- Bioethics Programs, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
Reproductive biotechnology has developed rapidly and is now able to overcome many birth difficulties due to infertility or the transmission of genetic diseases. Here we introduce the next generation of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as mitochondrial replacement technique (MRT) or genetic correction in eggs with micromanipulation. Further, we suggest that the transmission of genetic information from somatic cells to subsequent generations without gametes should be useful for people who suffer from infertility or genetic diseases. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can be converted into germ cells such as sperm or oocytes in the laboratory. Notably, germ cells derived from nuclear transfer embryonic stem cells (NT-ESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) inherit the full parental genome. The most important issue in this technique is the generation of a haploid chromosome from diploid somatic cells. We hereby examine current science and limitations underpinning these important developments and provide recommendations for moving forward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeonmi Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine & Stem Cell Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Eunju Kang
- Department of Convergence Medicine & Stem Cell Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wolf DP, Mitalipov PA, Mitalipov SM. Principles of and strategies for germline gene therapy. Nat Med 2019; 25:890-897. [DOI: 10.1038/s41591-019-0473-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
41
|
Labarta E, de Los Santos MJ, Escribá MJ, Pellicer A, Herraiz S. Mitochondria as a tool for oocyte rejuvenation. Fertil Steril 2019; 111:219-226. [PMID: 30611551 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian aging leads to a decrease in the quantity and quality of oocytes. Aged oocytes have significantly reduced amounts of mitochondria, the energy factories of cells, leading to lower fertilization rates and poor embryonic development. Various techniques have tried to use heterologous or autologous sources of mitochondria to reestablish oocyte health by providing more energy. However, heterologous sources are no longer used owing to the known risk of heteroplasmy. Although autologous methods have recently been tested in humans, they have not shown a clear improvement in embryo quality. In this review, we describe the techniques that have been tested in recent years to provide a state of the art on oocyte rejuvenation through extra injection of mitochondria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Labarta
- IVI-RMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain; IVI Foundation, Valencia, Spain.
| | | | | | | | - Sonia Herraiz
- IVI-RMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain; IVI Foundation, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Naeem MM, Sondheimer N. Heteroplasmy Shifting as Therapy for Mitochondrial Disorders. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1158:257-267. [PMID: 31452145 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-8367-0_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial disease can arise due to pathogenic sequence variants in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that prevent cells from meeting their energy demands. Mitochondrial diseases are often fatal and currently there are no treatments directed towards the underlying cause of disease. Pathogenic variants in mtDNA often exist in a state of heteroplasmy, with coexistence of pathogenic and wild type mtDNA. The load of heteroplasmy, defined as the relative amount of pathogenic mtDNA to wild type mtDNA, corresponds to timing and symptom severity. Thus, changing the heteroplasmy load may lead to a shift in disease onset and symptom severity. Here we review techniques aimed at preventing inheritance of pathogenic mtDNA via mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) and strategies geared toward shifting of heteroplasmy in individuals with active mitochondrial disease. MRT strategies seek to create embryos with the nuclear genetic makeup of the intended parents and wild type mtDNA from a donor in order to avoid known maternal pathogenic variants. Heteroplasmy shift approaches in patients are of two categories: nuclease dependent and nuclease independent strategies. Despite initial success in mouse models and patient cells, these techniques have not reached clinical use. Translational attempts in this area are urgently needed to improve therapies for a currently untreatable set of disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mansur M Naeem
- Institute of Medical Science, The University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Neal Sondheimer
- Institute of Medical Science, The University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
Inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diseases were discovered 30 years ago, and their characterization has provided a new perspective on the etiology of the common metabolic and degenerative diseases, cancer, and aging. The maternally inherited mtDNA contains 37 critical bioenergetic genes that are present in hundreds of copies per cell, but the 'mitochondrial genome' encompasses an additional 1,000-2,000 nuclear DNA (nDNA) mitochondrial genes. The interaction between these two mitochondrial genetic systems provides explanations for phenomena such as the non-Mendelian transmission of the common 'complex' diseases, age-related disease risk and progression, variable penetrance and expressivity, and gene-environment interactions. Thus, mtDNA genetics contributes to the quantitative and environmental components of human genetics that cannot be explained by Mendelian genetics. Because mtDNA is maternally inherited and cytoplasmic, it has fostered the first germline gene therapy, nuclear transplantation. However, effective interventions are still lacking for existing patients with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas C Wallace
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Tachibana M, Kuno T, Yaegashi N. Mitochondrial replacement therapy and assisted reproductive technology: A paradigm shift toward treatment of genetic diseases in gametes or in early embryos. Reprod Med Biol 2018; 17:421-433. [PMID: 30377395 PMCID: PMC6194288 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent technological development allows nearly complete replacement of the cytoplasm of egg/embryo, eliminating the transmission of undesired defective mitochondria (mutated mitochondrial DNA: mtDNA) for patients with inherited mitochondrial diseases, which is called mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT). METHODS We review and summarize the mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial diseases, the research milestones and future research agenda of MRT and also discuss MRT-derived potential application in common assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment for subfertile patients. MAIN FINDINGS Emerging techniques, involving maternal spindle transfer (MST) and pronuclear transfer (PNT), have demonstrated in preventing carryover of the unbidden (mutated) mtDNA in egg or in early embryos. The House of Parliament in the United Kingdom passed regulations permitting the use of MST and PNT in 2015. Furthermore, the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) to granted licenses world first use of those techniques in March 2017. However, recent evidence demonstrated gradual loss of donor mtDNA and reversal to the nuclear DNA-matched haplotype in MRT derivatives. CONCLUSION While further studies are needed to clarify mitochondrial biogenesis responsible for reversion, ruling in United Kingdom may shift the current worldwide consensus that prohibits gene modification in human gametes or embryos, toward allowing the correction of altered genes in germline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahito Tachibana
- Department of Obstetrics & GynecologyTohoku University School of MedicineSendaiJapan
| | - Takashi Kuno
- Department of Obstetrics & GynecologyTohoku University School of MedicineSendaiJapan
| | - Nobuo Yaegashi
- Department of Obstetrics & GynecologyTohoku University School of MedicineSendaiJapan
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Cussins J, Lowthorp L. Germline Modification and Policymaking: The Relationship between Mitochondrial Replacement and Gene Editing. New Bioeth 2018. [PMID: 29529982 DOI: 10.1080/20502877.2018.1443409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
'Mitochondrial replacement' and 'germline gene editing' are relatively new techniques that represent a significant moral, technological, and legal threshold, as they would introduce permanent and heritable changes to the human gene pool. This article examines the close relationship between these two technologies over time, considering what regulatory lessons can be learned from the former as attention turns to the latter. It argues that the UK's 'mitochondrial replacement' approval process should not be taken as a model for the wider regulation of germline gene editing, and that policy-making needs to contend with a comprehensive picture of the social and political meaning of these technologies in the world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Leah Lowthorp
- a Center for Genetics and Society , Berkeley , CA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
|
47
|
Advances in methods for reducing mitochondrial DNA disease by replacing or manipulating the mitochondrial genome. Essays Biochem 2018; 62:455-465. [PMID: 29950320 PMCID: PMC6056713 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20170113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a multi-copy genome whose cell copy number varies depending on tissue type. Mutations in mtDNA can cause a wide spectrum of diseases. Mutated mtDNA is often found as a subset of the total mtDNA population in a cell or tissue, a situation known as heteroplasmy. As mitochondrial dysfunction only presents after a certain level of heteroplasmy has been acquired, ways to artificially reduce or replace the mutated species have been attempted. This review addresses recent approaches and advances in this field, focusing on the prevention of pathogenic mtDNA transfer via mitochondrial donation techniques such as maternal spindle transfer and pronuclear transfer in which mutated mtDNA in the oocyte or fertilized embryo is substituted with normal copies of the mitochondrial genome. This review also discusses the molecular targeting and cleavage of pathogenic mtDNA to shift heteroplasmy using antigenomic therapy and genome engineering techniques including Zinc-finger nucleases and transcription activator-like effector nucleases. Finally, it considers CRISPR technology and the unique difficulties that mitochondrial genome editing presents.
Collapse
|
48
|
Kristensen SG, Humaidan P, Coetzee K. Mitochondria and reproduction: possibilities for testing and treatment. Panminerva Med 2018; 61:82-96. [PMID: 29962188 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.18.03510-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria, known as the energy factories in all cells, are key regulators of multiple vital cellular processes and affect all aspects of mammalian reproduction, being essential for oocyte maturation, fertilization and embryonic development. Mitochondrial dysfunction is consequently implicated in disease as well as age-related infertility. Since mitochondria are inherited exclusively from the mother, the female gamete is central to reproductive outcome and therapeutic interventions, such as mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT), and development of new diagnostic tools. The primary purpose of MRT is to improve oocyte quality, embryogenesis and fetal development by correcting the imbalance between mutant and wild-type mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the oocyte or zygote, either by replacing mutant mtDNA or supplementing with wild-type counterparts from heterologous or autologous sources. However, the efficacy and safety of these new technologies have not yet been tested in clinical trials, and various concerns exist. Nonetheless, the perspectives for such procedures are intriguing and include two distinct patient populations that could potentially benefit from the clinical implementation of MRT; 1) patients with mtDNA-disease transmission risk; 2) patients undergoing IVF with recurrent poor embryo outcomes due to advanced maternal age. In this review, we outline the intrinsic roles of mitochondria during oogenesis and early embryogenesis in relation to disease and infertility, and discuss the progress in MRT with the developments in reproductive technologies and the related concerns. In addition, we assess the use of mtDNA as a potential biomarker for embryo viability in assisted reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stine G Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark -
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital and Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Zakarin Safier L, Gumer A, Kline M, Egli D, Sauer MV. Compensating human subjects providing oocytes for stem cell research: 9-year experience and outcomes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:1219-1225. [PMID: 29872942 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1171-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Human oocytes are arguably one of the most important cell types in humans, yet they are one of the least investigated cells. Because oocytes are limited in number, the use of high-quality oocytes is almost entirely in reproduction. Furthermore, regulatory hurdles for research on gametes and regulations on funding related to research on gametes present significant obstacles to research and the advancement of reproductive treatments. Here we report the outcomes of the largest compensated oocyte donation program for research in the USA to date, and probably worldwide. METHODS Women who participated in oocyte donation for research between 2008 and 2017 were contacted in a phone interview and completed a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS Of 114 participants, 98 oocyte donors completed donation, donating 1787 mature MII oocytes and a total of 86 skin biopsies. Complication rate, including minor complications, of oocyte donation was 8/98, or 8.1%, for which two involved follow-up. Fifty-seven donors answered questions about their experience. Participants were incentivized primarily by money and a desire to help others and reported an overall favorable experience. Most, but not all, human subjects recalled that they had donated for research, and approximately half recalled that their oocytes were being used specifically for stem cell research. CONCLUSIONS Compensated oocyte donation provides a reliable path to obtaining high-quality oocytes for research and is reviewed favorably by oocyte donors. The continuation of programs that offer compensation for oocyte donation is invaluable to continued progress and advancements in stem cell research and human embryology, and for the advancement of novel reproductive treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Zakarin Safier
- Center for Women's Reproductive Care, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - A Gumer
- Center for Women's Reproductive Care, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Kline
- Center for Women's Reproductive Care, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - D Egli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - M V Sauer
- Center for Women's Reproductive Care, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Brunswick, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ishii T, Hibino Y. Mitochondrial manipulation in fertility clinics: Regulation and responsibility. REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE & SOCIETY ONLINE 2018; 5:93-109. [PMID: 30094357 PMCID: PMC6076383 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbms.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The clinical uses of cytoplasmic transfer and pronuclear transfer for infertility treatment have raised concerns, leading to restrictive regulatory responses in both the USA and China. In 2015, the UK legalized nuclear transfer from oocytes and zygotes to prevent the onset of serious mitochondrial disease in the children of affected mothers. A research team in the USA then performed egg nuclear transfer, with subsequent embryo transfer in Mexico, to prevent mitochondrial disease. A live birth resulted, but the cross-border activity attracted attention from regulatory authorities. In order to respond appropriately to the likelihood of the wider use of such mitochondrial manipulation techniques (MMT), the present study first surveyed countries where MMT have been clinically implemented or where such experimental procedures are advertised on the internet. Sixteen countries were selected for an analysis of the legal position regarding germline genetic modification and egg donation. It was found that regulation of the clinical use of MMT could be broken down into three categories: (i) largely prohibited (USA and China), (ii) not regulated (Northern Cyprus and Ukraine), and (iii) insufficiently regulated (the remaining 12 countries, including Mexico). The reasons for no or insufficient regulation included no intention to oversee experimental procedures, no consideration of the manipulation in eggs, unclear technical terms and ambiguous medical purposes. To protect future children, this study underscores the pressing need for regulatory frameworks with policies that cover MMT. Wider implications regarding the responsible implementation of procedures in experimental reproductive medicine are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Ishii
- Hokkaido University, Office of Health and Safety, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuri Hibino
- Kanazawa University, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|