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Manssur TSB, Sebastião TRC, Franchi FF, Dos Santos PH, Razza EM, Nunes SG, Castilho ACDS, Fontes PK. Pre-fertilization approach using α-l-fucosidase modulates zona pellucida hardening during bovine in vitro embryo production. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1135-1147. [PMID: 38191818 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10291-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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The polyspermy occurrence is considerably lower under in vivo compared to in vitro embryo culture conditions, suggesting that the presence of some factors in the maternal environment is responsible for this. The α-L-fucosidase (FUCA) is a natural glycosidase present in the oviductal fluid, therefore, this study aimed at investigating the effect of adding FUCA to the hardening of the zona pellucida (ZP), polyspermy control, and embryonic yield and quality of bovine blastocysts produced in vitro. In the first experiment, the effect of FUCA (0.125 U/mL) was evaluated during the entire in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, it was demonstrated to be embryotoxic by completely inhibiting the blastocyst formation. In the second experiment, the FUCA (0.125 U/mL) was tested as short-term incubation before IVF (pre-fertilization step) for 30 min or 2 h, which demonstrated that FUCA treatment for 30 min resulted in ZP hardening. In the third experiment, a pre-fertilization FUCA treatment (1 h) at different concentrations (0, 0.0625, and 0.125 U/mL) showed that FUCA (0.0625 U/mL) improved pre-fertilization ZP hardening and tended to increase monospermic fertilization rates but did not improve embryo yield and quality. Together, it has been demonstrated that FUCA can induce oocyte pre-fertilization ZP hardening and might improve monospermic fertilization performance, and this effect is dependent on both variables (protein concentration and incubation time).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fernanda Fagali Franchi
- Laboratory of Phytomedicines, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rua Prof. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, S/N, Zip Code: 18618689, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Priscila Helena Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Phytomedicines, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rua Prof. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, S/N, Zip Code: 18618689, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Montanari Razza
- Laboratory of Phytomedicines, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rua Prof. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, S/N, Zip Code: 18618689, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Sarah Gomes Nunes
- Laboratory of Phytomedicines, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rua Prof. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, S/N, Zip Code: 18618689, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | | | - Patricia Kubo Fontes
- Laboratory of Phytomedicines, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rua Prof. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, S/N, Zip Code: 18618689, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil.
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New Insights into the Mammalian Egg Zona Pellucida. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063276. [PMID: 33806989 PMCID: PMC8005149 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes are surrounded by an extracellular coat called the zona pellucida (ZP), which, from an evolutionary point of view, is the most ancient of the coats that envelope vertebrate oocytes and conceptuses. This matrix separates the oocyte from cumulus cells and is responsible for species-specific recognition between gametes, preventing polyspermy and protecting the preimplantation embryo. The ZP is a dynamic structure that shows different properties before and after fertilization. Until very recently, mammalian ZP was believed to be composed of only three glycoproteins, ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3, as first described in mouse. However, studies have revealed that this composition is not necessarily applicable to other mammals. Such differences can be explained by an analysis of the molecular evolution of the ZP gene family, during which ZP genes have suffered pseudogenization and duplication events that have resulted in differing models of ZP protein composition. The many discoveries made in recent years related to ZP composition and evolution suggest that a compilation would be useful. Moreover, this review analyses ZP biosynthesis, the role of each ZP protein in different mammalian species and how these proteins may interact among themselves and with other proteins present in the oviductal lumen.
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González-Brusi L, Algarra B, Moros-Nicolás C, Izquierdo-Rico MJ, Avilés M, Jiménez-Movilla M. A Comparative View on the Oviductal Environment during the Periconception Period. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1690. [PMID: 33348856 PMCID: PMC7766821 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The oviduct plays important roles in reproductive events: sperm reservoir formation, final gamete maturation, fertilization and early embryo development. It is well known that the oviductal environment affects gametes and embryos and, ultimately, the health of offspring, so that in vivo embryos are better in terms of morphology, cryotolerance, pregnancy rates or epigenetic profile than those obtained in vitro. The deciphering of embryo-maternal interaction in the oviduct may provide a better understanding of the embryo needs during the periconception period to improve reproductive efficiency. Here, we perform a comparative analysis among species of oviductal gene expression related to embryonic development during its journey through the oviduct, as described to date. Cross-talk communication between the oviduct environment and embryo will be studied by analyses of the secreted or exosomal proteins of the oviduct and the presence of receptors in the membrane of the embryo blastomeres. Finally, we review the data that are available to date on the expression and characterization of the most abundant protein in the oviduct, oviductin (OVGP1), highlighting its fundamental role in fertilization and embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum and IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.G.-B.); (B.A.); (C.M.-N.); (M.J.I.-R.)
| | - Maria Jiménez-Movilla
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum and IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.G.-B.); (B.A.); (C.M.-N.); (M.J.I.-R.)
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Structural Changes of Zona Pellucida Surface of Immature, In vivo and In Vitro Matured Canine Oocytes Using Scanning Electron Microscopy. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL REPRODUCTION AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.12750/jet.2018.33.4.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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5
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Inhibition of deubiquitinases alters gamete ubiquitination states and sperm-oocyte binding ability in pigs. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 187:64-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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The C-terminal region of OVGP1 remodels the zona pellucida and modifies fertility parameters. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32556. [PMID: 27601270 PMCID: PMC5013273 DOI: 10.1038/srep32556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OVGP1 is the major non-serum glycoprotein in the oviduct fluid at the time of fertilization and early embryo development. Its activity differs among species. Here, we show that the C-terminal region of recombinant OVGP1 regulates its binding to the extracellular zona pellucida and affects its activity during fertilization. While porcine OVGP1 penetrates two-thirds of the thickness of the zona pellucida, shorter OVGP1 glycoproteins, including rabbit OVGP1, are restricted to the outer one-third of the zona matrix. Deletion of the C-terminal region reduces the ability of the glycoprotein to penetrate through the zona pellucida and prevents OVGP1 endocytosis. This affects the structure of the zona matrix and increases its resistance to protease digestion. However, only full-length porcine OVGP1 is able to increase the efficiency rate of in vitro fertilization. Thus, our findings document that the presence or absence of conserved regions in the C-terminus of OVGP1 modify its association with the zona pellucida that affects matrix structure and renders the zona matrix permissive to sperm penetration and OVGP1 endocytosis into the egg.
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Coy P, Yanagimachi R. The Common and Species-Specific Roles of Oviductal Proteins in Mammalian Fertilization and Embryo Development. Bioscience 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biv119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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8
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Desantis S, Accogli G, Silvestre F, Binetti F, Caira M, Lacalandra GM. Modifications of carbohydrate residues in the sheep oviductal ampulla after superovulation. Theriogenology 2015; 83:943-52. [PMID: 25601578 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Epithelium of oviductal ampulla was studied in normal and in superovulated sheep using morphologic analysis and lectin glycohistochemistry. The lining epithelium consisted of two types of cells, ciliated and nonciliated cells. Unlike superovulated samples, the nonciliated cells from control ewes showed apical protrusions indicating an apocrine secretory activity. The ciliated cells showed lectin-binding sites mainly at the level of the cilia which bound all the used lectins except Peanut agglutinin, suggesting the lack of glycans terminating with Galβ1,3GalNAc. In superovulated specimens, the ciliated cells with high mannosylated glycans Concanavalin A (Con A) and GlcNAc and GalNac termini Griffonia simplicifolia agglutinin II (GSA II) and Dolicurus biflorus agglutinin (DBA) decreased. The luminal surface of nonciliated cells showed all investigated sugar residues in controls, whereas it was lacking in high mannosylated (Con A) and terminal GalNAcα1,3(LFucα1,2)Galβ1,3/4GlcNAcβ1 sequence (DBA) in superovulated ewes. Apical protrusions from control ampullae nonciliated cells showed glycans containing mannose, GlcNac, GalNAc, galactose, and α2,3-linked sialic acid (Con A, KOH-sialidase- Wheat germ agglutnin [WGA], GSA II, SBA, Griffonia simplicifolia agglutinin-isolectin B4 [GSA I-B4], Maackia amurensis agglutinin II [MAL II]). The supranuclear cytoplasm of nonciliated cells expressed terminal GlcNAc (GSA II) in all specimens, also O-linked glycans (mucin-type glycans) with GalNAc and sialic acid termini (Helix pomatia agglutinin [HPA] and MAL II) in control animals, and also N-linked glycans with fucose, galactose, lactosamine, and α2,3-linked sialic acid termini (Ulex europaeus agglutinin I [UEA I], GSA I-B4, Ricinus communis agglutinin120 [RCA120], and Sambucus nigra agglutinin [SNA] ) in superovulated ewes. These results report for the first time that the superovulation treatment affects the secretory activity and the glycan pattern of the epithelium lining the sheep oviductal ampulla.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Desantis
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
| | - G Accogli
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - F Silvestre
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - F Binetti
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - M Caira
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - G M Lacalandra
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Veterinary Clinics and Animal Productions Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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Accogli G, Monaco D, El Bahrawy KA, El-Sayed AAEH, Ciannarella F, Beneult B, Lacalandra GM, Desantis S. Morphological and glycan features of the camel oviduct epithelium. Ann Anat 2014; 196:197-205. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Mondéjar I, Martínez-Martínez I, Avilés M, Coy P. Identification of Potential Oviductal Factors Responsible for Zona Pellucida Hardening and Monospermy During Fertilization in Mammals1. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:67. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.111385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
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11
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Development and quality of porcine parthenogenetically activated embryos after removal of zona pellucida. Theriogenology 2013; 80:58-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2012] [Revised: 03/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Tanihara F, Nakai M, Kaneko H, Noguchi J, Otoi T, Kikuchi K. Evaluation of zona pellucida function for sperm penetration during in vitro fertilization in pigs. J Reprod Dev 2013; 59:385-92. [PMID: 23666494 PMCID: PMC3944356 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2013-021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In porcine oocytes, the function of the zona pellucida (ZP) with regard to sperm
penetration or prevention of polyspermy is not well understood. In the present study, we
investigated the effects of the ZP on sperm penetration during in vitro
fertilization (IVF). We collected in vitro-matured oocytes with a first
polar body (ZP+ oocytes). Some of them were freed from the ZP (ZP− oocytes) by two
treatments (pronase and mechanical pipetting), and the effects of these treatments on
sperm penetration parameters (sperm penetration rate and numbers of penetrated sperm per
oocyte) were evaluated. There was no evident difference in the parameters between the two
groups. Secondly, we compared the sperm penetration parameters of ZP+ and ZP− oocytes
using frozen-thawed epididymal spermatozoa from four boars. Sperm penetration into ZP+
oocytes was found to be accelerated relative to ZP− oocytes. Thirdly, we evaluated the
sperm penetration of ZP+ and ZP− oocytes at 1−10 h after IVF (3 h gamete co-incubation).
The proportions of oocytes penetrated by sperm increased significantly with time in both
groups; however, the number of penetrated sperm per oocyte did not increase in ZP−
oocytes. Finally, we performed IVF using ZP− oocytes divided into control (3 h) and
prolonged gamete co-incubation (5 h) groups. Greater numbers of sperm penetrated in the 5
h group than in the control group. These results suggest that the ZP and oolemma are not
competent factors for prevention of polyspermy in our present porcine IVF system. However,
it appears that ZP removal is one of the possibilities for reducing polyspermic
penetration in vitro in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuminori Tanihara
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
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Mondéjar I, Avilés M, Coy P. The human is an exception to the evolutionarily-conserved phenomenon of pre-fertilization zona pellucida resistance to proteolysis induced by oviductal fluid. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:718-28. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Dale B, DeFelice L. Polyspermy prevention: facts and artifacts? J Assist Reprod Genet 2011; 28:199-207. [PMID: 21104196 PMCID: PMC3082659 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-010-9513-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2010] [Accepted: 11/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to open a debate as to whether or not oocytes actively repel supernumerary sperm or in nature final sperm: oocyte ratios are so low that polyspermy preventing mechanisms are not necessary. Before encountering the oocyte, spermatozoa need to be primed, either by environmental factors as in animals exhibiting external fertilization, or by factors from the female reproductive tract, as in mammals. The spermatozoon must then recognize and interact with the outer layers of the oocyte and progression of the fertilizing spermatozoon through these layers is further controlled and modulated by a precise sequence of signals in situ. Removal of these outer coats may not inhibit fertilization, however does interfere with the dynamics of sperm-oocyte interaction. We propose that monospermy in mammals and sea urchins, under natural conditions, is ensured by the controlled and gradual encounter of a minimum number of spermatozoa with the oocyte and that fine tuning is ensured by the structural and molecular organization of the oocyte and its surrounding coats. We suggest that laboratory experiments using oocytes deprived of their investments and exposed to unnaturally high concentrations of spermatozoa are artifactual and argue that the conclusions leading to the hypothesis of a fast electrical block to polyspermy are unfounded. Under laboratory conditions the majority of spermatozoa, although motile and capable of attaching to the oocyte surface, are either physiologically incompetent or attach to areas of the oocyte surface that do not support entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Dale
- Centre for Assisted Fertilization, Naples, Italy.
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Avilés M, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Coy P. Oviductal secretions: will they be key factors for the future ARTs? Mol Hum Reprod 2010; 16:896-906. [PMID: 20584881 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaq056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A variety of evolutionary processes has led to the development of different organs to ensure that internal fertilization occur successfully. Fallopian tubes are a particularly interesting example of such organs. Some of the key events during fertilization and early embryo development occur in the oviduct. Knowledge of the different components described in the oviduct is extensive. Oviductal components include hormones, growth factors and their receptors that have important roles in the physiology of the oviduct and embryo development. Other oviductal factors protect the gamete and the embryos against oxidative stress and pathogens. Different proteins and enzymes are present in the oviductal fluid and have the ability to interact with the oocyte and the sperm before the fertilization occurs. Of special interest is the oviduct-specific glycoprotein (OVGP1), a glycoprotein that is conserved in different mammals, and its association with the zona pellucida (ZP). Interaction of the oocyte with oviductal secretions leads us to emphasize the concept of 'ZP maturation' within the oviduct. The ZP changes produced in the oviduct result in an increased efficiency of the in vitro fertilization technique in some animal models, contributing in particular to the control of polyspermy and suggesting that a similar role could be played by oviductal factors in human beings. Finally, attention should be given to the presence in the oviductal fluid of several embryotrophic factors and their importance in relation to the in vivo versus in vitro developmental ability of the embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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Yacoub AA, Gauly M, Holtz W. Open pulled straw vitrification of goat embryos at various stages of development. Theriogenology 2010; 73:1018-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2009] [Revised: 11/23/2009] [Accepted: 11/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
A block to polyspermy is required for successful fertilisation and embryo survival in mammals. A higher incidence of polyspermy is observed during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) compared with the in vivo situation in several species. Two groups of mechanisms have traditionally been proposed as contributing to the block to polyspermy in mammals: oviduct-based mechanisms, avoiding a massive arrival of spermatozoa in the proximity of the oocyte, and egg-based mechanisms, including changes in the membrane and zona pellucida (ZP) in reaction to the fertilising sperm. Additionally, a mechanism has been described recently which involves modifications of the ZP in the oviduct before the oocyte interacts with spermatozoa, termed "pre-fertilisation zona pellucida hardening". This mechanism is mediated by the oviductal-specific glycoprotein (OVGP1) secreted by the oviductal epithelial cells around the time of ovulation, and is reinforced by heparin-like glycosaminoglycans (S-GAGs) present in oviductal fluid. Identification of the molecules contributing to the ZP modifications in the oviduct will improve our knowledge of the mechanisms of sperm-egg interaction and could help to increase the success of IVF systems in domestic animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Coy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Spain.
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Coy P, Cánovas S, Mondéjar I, Saavedra MD, Romar R, Grullón L, Matás C, Avilés M. Oviduct-specific glycoprotein and heparin modulate sperm-zona pellucida interaction during fertilization and contribute to the control of polyspermy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:15809-14. [PMID: 18838686 PMCID: PMC2572915 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0804422105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyspermy is an important anomaly of fertilization in placental mammals, causing premature death of the embryo. It is especially frequent under in vitro conditions, complicating the successful generation of viable embryos. A block to polyspermy develops as a result of changes after sperm entry (i.e., cortical granule exocytosis). However, additional factors may play an important role in regulating polyspermy by acting on gametes before sperm-oocyte interaction. Most studies have used rodents as models, but ungulates may differ in mechanisms preventing polyspermy. We hypothesize that zona pellucida (ZP) changes during transit of the oocyte along the oviductal ampulla modulate the interaction with spermatozoa, contributing to the regulation of polyspermy. We report here that periovulatory oviductal fluid (OF) from sows and heifers increases (both, con- and heterospecifically) ZP resistance to digestion with pronase (a parameter commonly used to measure the block to polyspermy), changing from digestion times of approximately 1 min (pig) or 2 min (cattle) to 45 min (pig) or several hours (cattle). Exposure of oocytes to OF increases monospermy after in vitro fertilization in both species, and in pigs, sperm-ZP binding decreases. The resistance of OF-exposed oocytes to pronase was abolished by exposure to heparin-depleted medium; in a medium with heparin it was not altered. Proteomic analysis of the content released in the heparin-depleted medium after removal of OF-exposed oocytes allowed the isolation and identification of oviduct-specific glycoprotein. Thus, an oviduct-specific glycoprotein-heparin protein complex seems to be responsible for ZP changes in the oviduct before fertilization, affecting sperm binding and contributing to the regulation of polyspermy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Coy
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30071, Spain.
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Preovulatory follicular fluid during in vitro maturation decreases polyspermic fertilization of cumulus-intact porcine oocytes. Theriogenology 2008; 70:715-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2008] [Revised: 04/02/2008] [Accepted: 04/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Association of four new single-nucleotide polymorphisms in follicle-stimulating hormone receptor and zona pellucida glycoprotein with reproductive traits in pigs. Animal 2007; 1:1249-53. [PMID: 22444880 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731107000651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Two new single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (C1166T and G1190A) were discovered in the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene and two (G261A and T302C) in the zona pellucida glycoprotein (ZP3) gene. These SNPs were genotyped in three Chinese domestic purebred sow lines (42 Small Meishan, 46 Qingping and 41 Jinhua sows) and three European purebred sow lines (225 Duroc, 195 Large White and 65 Landrace sows) by using SNP chips. Phenotypic data including the functional teat number (i.e. milk-producing teats, TN) and number of piglets born alive per litter (NBA). These traits were tested for association with the genotypes of four SNPs. The association analysis revealed genotype of G261A in the ZP3 gene was significantly (P < 0.01) associated with overall NBA and NBA at later parities (NBA2+) but not with NBA at first parity (NBA1). There was a significant (P < 0.05) difference between sows with genotype GG (14.83 ± 0.18) and AA (14.26 ± 0.09) in TN at position 261 in the ZP3 gene. No significant associations were observed for the SNPs in the FSHR gene with NBA or TN in our populations. The results showed that the new SNPs in the ZP3 gene may be an effective potential marker to be used in conjunction with traditional selection methods.
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Yuan JF, Moaeen-ud-Din M, Gong YZ, Peng XL, Yang LG, Feng YP, Liu J, Hu B, Affara NA, Jafer O, Zhang SJ. Identification of mutations of zona pellucida glycoprotein (ZP3) and its association with pig reproductive traits. J Anim Breed Genet 2007; 124:144-9. [PMID: 17550356 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0388.2007.00651.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction is a complex trait, controlled by genetic and environmental factors. Genetic improvement of this trait is important for animal breeders to improve the animal's production efficiency. Apart from genetic factors, animal production can be affected by environmental factors, i.e. the nursing ability of the sow, which is in turn affected directly by effective teat number (teats producing milk normally, TN) and number of piglets born alive (NBA). The objective of this study was to find new mutations, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the Zona Pellucida glycoprotein gene (ZP3) using Single Strand Chain Polymorphism (SSCP) and nucleotide sequencing and to investigate association between genetic variations and sow reproductive traits. We identified 13 new SNPs from exon 1, two new SNPs from intron 2, one SNP from intron 6 and a 18 bp (GCACGTGGTCCTCCTGG)-deletion/insertion from intron 2 of the ZP3 gene. Five out of these mutations were selected to genotype in five different breeds (Small Meishan, Qingping, Duroc, Landrace and Large White) and association with reproductive traits in European breeds (Duroc, Landrace and Large White). The sows with genotype AA had more 1.11 piglets NBA than of the sows with genotype AB (p < 0.05) in the 18 bp deletion/insertion of intron 2, while non-significant associations between the other mutations and reproductive traits (NBA and TN) were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Yuan
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, HuaZhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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