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Kim E, Cai L, Choi H, Kim M, Hyun SH. Distinct properties of putative trophoblast stem cells established from somatic cell nuclear-transferred pig blastocysts. Biol Res 2024; 57:35. [PMID: 38812008 PMCID: PMC11137969 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00516-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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetically modified pigs are considered ideal models for studying human diseases and potential sources for xenotransplantation research. However, the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technique utilized to generate these cloned pig models has low efficiency, and fetal development is limited due to placental abnormalities. RESULTS In this study, we unprecedentedly established putative porcine trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) using SCNT and in vitro-fertilized (IVF) blastocysts through the activation of Wing-less/Integrated (Wnt) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) pathways, inhibition of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) and Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) pathways, and supplementation with ascorbic acid. We also compared the transcripts of putative TSCs originating from SCNT and IVF embryos and their differentiated lineages. A total of 19 porcine TSCs exhibiting typical characteristics were established from SCNT and IVF blastocysts (TSCsNT and TSCsIVF). Compared with the TSCsIVF, TSCsNT showed distinct expression patterns suggesting unique TSCsNT characteristics, including decreased mRNA expression of genes related to apposition, steroid hormone biosynthesis, angiopoiesis, and RNA stability. CONCLUSION This study provides valuable information and a powerful model for studying the abnormal development and dysfunction of trophoblasts and placentas in cloned pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhye Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Cell Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Lian Cai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Veterinary Biosecurity and Protection, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyerin Choi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Mirae Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hwan Hyun
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
- Graduate School of Veterinary Biosecurity and Protection, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Lab. of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Sah N, Stenhouse C, Halloran KM, Moses RM, Seo H, Burghardt RC, Johnson GA, Wu G, Bazer FW. Creatine metabolism at the uterine-placental interface throughout gestation in sheep†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:107-118. [PMID: 37171613 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad052] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta requires high levels of adenosine triphosphate to maintain a metabolically active state throughout gestation. The creatine-creatine kinase-phosphocreatine system is known to buffer adenosine triphosphate levels; however, the role(s) creatine-creatine kinase-phosphocreatine system plays in uterine and placental metabolism throughout gestation is poorly understood. In this study, Suffolk ewes were ovariohysterectomized on Days 30, 50, 70, 90, 110 and 125 of gestation (n = 3-5 ewes/per day, except n = 2 on Day 50) and uterine and placental tissues subjected to analyses to measure metabolites, mRNAs, and proteins related to the creatine-creatine kinase-phosphocreatine system. Day of gestation affected concentrations and total amounts of guanidinoacetate and creatine in maternal plasma, amniotic fluid and allantoic fluid (P < 0.05). Expression of mRNAs for arginine:glycine amidinotransferase, guanidinoacetate methyltransferase, creatine kinase B, and solute carrier 16A12 in endometria and for arginine:glycine amidinotransferase and creatine kinase B in placentomes changed significantly across days of gestation (P < 0.05). The arginine:glycine amidinotransferase protein was more abundant in uterine luminal epithelium on Days 90 and 125 compared to Days 30 and 50 (P < 0.01). The chorionic epithelium of placentomes expressed guanidinoacetate methyltransferase and solute carrier 6A13 throughout gestation. Creatine transporter (solute carrier 6A8) was expressed by the uterine luminal epithelium and trophectoderm of placentomes throughout gestation. Creatine kinase (creatine kinase B and CKMT1) proteins were localized primarily to the uterine luminal epithelium and to the placental chorionic epithelium of placentomes throughout gestation. Collectively, these results demonstrate cell-specific and temporal regulation of components of the creatine-creatine kinase-phosphocreatine system that likely influence energy homeostasis for fetal-placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirvay Sah
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Claire Stenhouse
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Robyn M Moses
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Heewon Seo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Robert C Burghardt
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Gregory A Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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3
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Vazquez-Avendaño JR, Cortez-Romero C, Bravo-Vinaja Á, Ambríz-García DA, Trejo-Córdova A, Navarro-Maldonado MDC. Reproduction of Sheep through Nuclear Transfer of Somatic Cells: A Bibliometric Approach. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1839. [PMID: 37889773 PMCID: PMC10251971 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111839] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a reproductive biotechnology with great potential in the reproduction of different species of zootechnical interest, including sheep. This study aimed to carry out a bibliometric analysis of scientific papers published on the application of SCNT in sheep reproduction during the period 1997-2023. The search involved the Science Citation Index Expanded and Social Sciences Citation Index databases of the main collection of the Web of Sciences with different descriptors. A total of 124 scientific papers were analyzed for different bibliometric indicators using the VOSviewer software. Since 2001, the number of SCNT-related papers that have been published concerning sheep reproduction has increased and it has fluctuated in ensuing years. The main authors, research groups, institutions, countries, papers, and journals with the highest number of papers related to the application of SCNT in sheep reproduction were identified, as well as the topics that address the research papers according to the terms: somatic cell, embryo, oocyte, gene expression, SCNT, and sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Roberto Vazquez-Avendaño
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México C.P. 3855, Mexico;
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Division of Biological and Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México C.P. 09310, Mexico; (D.A.A.-G.); (A.T.-C.)
| | - César Cortez-Romero
- Program in Genetic Resources and Productivity-Livestock, Campus Montecillo, Colegio de Postgraduados, Montecillo, Texcoco C.P. 56264, Mexico;
- Program in Innovation in Natural Resources Management, Campus San Luis Potosí, Colegio de Postgraduados, Salinas de Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí C.P. 78600, Mexico;
| | - Ángel Bravo-Vinaja
- Program in Innovation in Natural Resources Management, Campus San Luis Potosí, Colegio de Postgraduados, Salinas de Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí C.P. 78600, Mexico;
| | - Demetrio Alonso Ambríz-García
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Division of Biological and Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México C.P. 09310, Mexico; (D.A.A.-G.); (A.T.-C.)
| | - Alfredo Trejo-Córdova
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Division of Biological and Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México C.P. 09310, Mexico; (D.A.A.-G.); (A.T.-C.)
| | - María del Carmen Navarro-Maldonado
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Division of Biological and Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México C.P. 09310, Mexico; (D.A.A.-G.); (A.T.-C.)
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4
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Goissis MD, Cibelli JB. Early Cell Specification in Mammalian Fertilized and Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Embryos. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2647:59-81. [PMID: 37041329 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3064-8_3] [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
Early cell specification in mammalian preimplantation embryos is an intricate cellular process that leads to coordinated spatial and temporal expression of specific genes. Proper segregation into the first two cell lineages, the inner cell mass (ICM) and the trophectoderm (TE), is imperative for developing the embryo proper and the placenta, respectively. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) allows the formation of a blastocyst containing both ICM and TE from a differentiated cell nucleus, which means that this differentiated genome must be reprogrammed to a totipotent state. Although blastocysts can be generated efficiently through SCNT, the full-term development of SCNT embryos is impaired mostly due to placental defects. In this review, we examine the early cell fate decisions in fertilized embryos and compare them to observations in SCNT-derived embryos, in order to understand if these processes are affected by SCNT and could be responsible for the low success of reproductive cloning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo D Goissis
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Jose B Cibelli
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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5
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Reynolds LP, Diniz WJS, Crouse MS, Caton JS, Dahlen CR, Borowicz PP, Ward AK. Maternal nutrition and developmental programming of offspring. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 35:19-26. [PMID: 36592977 DOI: 10.1071/rd22234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental programming is the concept that 'stressors' during development (i.e. pregnancy, the perinatal period and infancy) can cause long-term changes in gene expression, leading to altered organ structure and function. Such long-term changes are associated with an increased risk of a host of chronic pathologies, or non-communicable diseases including abnormal growth and body composition, behavioural or cognitive dysfunction, metabolic abnormalities, and cardiovascular, gastro-intestinal, immune, musculoskeletal and reproductive dysfunction. Maternal nutrition during the periconceptual period, pregnancy and postnatally can have profound influences on the developmental program. Animal models, including domestic livestock species, have been important for defining the mechanisms and consequences of developmental programming. One of the important observations is that maternal nutritional status and other maternal stressors (e.g. environmental temperature, high altitude, maternal age and breed, multiple fetuses, etc.) early in pregnancy and even periconceptually can affect not only embryonic/fetal development but also placental development. Indeed, altered placental function may underlie the effects of many maternal stressors on fetal growth and development. We suggest that future directions should focus on the consequences of developmental programming during the offspring's life course and for subsequent generations. Other important future directions include evaluating interventions, such as strategic dietary supplementation, and also determining how we can take advantage of the positive, adaptive aspects of developmental programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence P Reynolds
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | | | - Matthew S Crouse
- Nutrition, Growth, and Physiology Research Unit, USDA/Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166, USA
| | - Joel S Caton
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | - Carl R Dahlen
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | - Pawel P Borowicz
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | - Alison K Ward
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
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6
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Vazquez-Avendaño JR, Ambriz-García DA, Cortez-Romero C, Trejo-Córdova A, del Carmen Navarro-Maldonado M. Current state of the efficiency of sheep embryo production through somatic cell nuclear transfer. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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7
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Campbell MLH. Ethics: use and misuse of assisted reproductive techniques across species. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 2:C23-C28. [PMID: 35118394 PMCID: PMC8801020 DOI: 10.1530/raf-21-0004] [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: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The boundaries of what we are able to do using ARTs are fast-moving. In both human and veterinary medicine, this presents a fundamental question: 'Just because we can, should we?' or, to rephrase the same question: 'How can we distinguish between what is a use and a misuse of an ART, across species?' This paper assesses the scientific evidence base for and against the use of ARTs and offers a personal opinion on how we can use such evidence to inform an ethical distinction between justifiable and unjustifiable uses of the techniques. It is argued that the law provides a necessary but insufficient basis for such distinctions. Based on the evidence about harms and benefits, ARTs may be classified into three groups: those which should be rarely used; those for which current evidence supports arguments both for and against their use and those which there is an ethical imperative to use. To which category a particular ART falls into varies depending upon the species to which it is being applied and the reason we are using it. In order to ensure that our ethical oversight keeps up with our technical prowess, the medical and veterinary professions should keep discussing and debating the moral basis of the use of ARTs, not only with each other but also with the lay public. Lay summary The use of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) has become commonplace in both human and veterinary medicine. Technical limitations are rapidly advancing. This raises a fundamental issue: 'How can we distinguish between what is a use and a misuse of an ART, across species?'. 'Misuse' may be defined both in terms of physical and psychological harms and of moral disquiet about 'interfering with nature'. This paper assesses the scientific evidence base for and against the use of ARTs and provides a personal opinion on how we can use such evidence to inform an ethical distinction between justifiable and unjustifiable uses of the techniques. We need to consider not only legal but also non-legal ethical justifications for their use. Based on the evidence about harms and benefits, ARTs may be classified into three groups: those which should be rarely used; those for which current evidence supports arguments both for and against their use and those for which there is an ethical imperative to use. To which category a particular ART falls into varies depending upon the species to which it is being applied and the reason we are using it. Open discussion between the medical and veterinary professions and the public is necessary to ensure that ethical oversight of the use of ARTs across species keeps up with technical developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine L H Campbell
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, South Mymms, UK
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8
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Nutritional Regulation of Embryonic Survival, Growth, and Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1354:63-76. [PMID: 34807437 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-85686-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Maternal nutritional status affects conceptus development and, therefore, embryonic survival, growth, and development. These effects are apparent very early in pregnancy, which is when most embryonic losses occur. Maternal nutritional status has been shown to affect conceptus growth and gene expression throughout the periconceptual period of pregnancy (the period immediately before and after conception). Thus, the periconceptual period may be an important "window" during which the structure and function of the fetus and the placenta are "programmed" by stressors such as maternal malnutrition, which can have long-term consequences for the health and well-being of the offspring, a concept often referred to as Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) or simply developmental programming. In this review, we focus on recent studies, using primarily animal models, to examine the effects of various maternal "stressors," but especially maternal malnutrition and Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART, including in vitro fertilization, cloning, and embryo transfer), during the periconceptual period of pregnancy on conceptus survival, growth, and development. We also examine the underlying mechanisms that have been uncovered in these recent studies, such as effects on the development of both the placenta and fetal organs. We conclude with our view of future research directions in this critical area of investigation.
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9
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McLean ZL, Appleby SJ, Fermin LM, Henderson HV, Wei J, Wells DN, Oback B. Controlled Cytoplast Arrest and Morula Aggregation Enhance Development, Cryoresilience, and In Vivo Survival of Cloned Sheep Embryos. Cell Reprogram 2021; 23:14-25. [PMID: 33529123 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2020.0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Zona-free somatic cell transfer (SCT) and embryo aggregation increase throughput and efficiency of cloned embryo and offspring production, respectively, but both approaches have not been widely adopted. Cloning efficiency is further improved by cell cycle coordination between the interphase donor cell and metaphase-arrested recipient cytoplast. This commonly involves inclusion of caffeine and omission of calcium to maintain high mitotic cyclin-dependent kinase activity and low calcium levels, respectively, in the nonactivated cytoplast. The aim of our study was to integrate these various methodological improvements into a single work stream that increases sheep cloning success. We show that omitting calcium during zona-free SCT improved blastocyst development from 6% to 13%, while caffeine treatment reduced spontaneous oocyte activation from 17% to 8%. In a retrospective analysis, morula aggregation produced high morphological quality blastocysts with better in vivo survival to term than nonaggregated controls (15% vs. 9%), particularly after vitrification (14% vs. 0%). By combining cytoplast cell cycle control with zona-free embryo reconstruction and aggregation, this novel SCT protocol maximizes the benefits of vitrification by producing more cryoresilient blastocysts. The presented cloning methodology is relatively easy to operate and further increases throughput and efficiency of cloned embryo and offspring production. Integration of additional reprogramming steps or alternate donor cells is straightforward, providing a flexible workflow that can be adapted to changing experimental requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachariah Louis McLean
- Reproduction, AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand
- Applied Translational Research Group and Centre for Brain Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Jane Appleby
- Reproduction, AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Jingwei Wei
- Reproduction, AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - David Norman Wells
- Reproduction, AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Björn Oback
- Reproduction, AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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10
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McLean ZL, Appleby SJ, Wei J, Snell RG, Oback B. Testes of DAZL null neonatal sheep lack prospermatogonia but maintain normal somatic cell morphology and marker expression. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 88:3-14. [PMID: 33251684 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Multiplying the germline would increase the number of offspring that can be produced from selected animals, accelerating genetic improvement for livestock breeding. This could be achieved by producing multiple chimaeric animals, each carrying a mix of donor and host germ cells in their gonads. However, such chimaeric germlines would produce offspring from both donor and host genotypes, limiting the rate of genetic improvement. To resolve this problem, we disrupted the RNA-binding protein DAZL and generated germ cell-deficient host animals. Using Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair (HDR), we introduced a DAZL loss-of-function mutation in male ovine fetal fibroblasts. Following manual single cell isolation, 4/48 (8.3%) of donor cell strains were homozygously HDR-edited. Sequence-validated strains were used as nuclear donors for somatic cell cloning to generate three lambs, which died at birth. All DAZL null male neonatal sheep lacked germ cells on histological sections and showed greatly reduced germ cell markers. Somatic cells within their testes were morphologically intact and expressed normal levels of lineage-specific markers, suggesting that the germ cell niche remained intact. This extends the DAZL mutant phenotype beyond mice into agriculturally relevant ruminants, providing a pathway for using absolute germline transmitters in rapid livestock improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachariah L McLean
- Reproduction, AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton.,Applied Translational Research Group and Centre for Brain Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sarah J Appleby
- Reproduction, AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jingwei Wei
- Reproduction, AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton
| | - Russell G Snell
- Applied Translational Research Group and Centre for Brain Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Björn Oback
- Reproduction, AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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11
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Matoba S, Wang H, Jiang L, Lu F, Iwabuchi KA, Wu X, Inoue K, Yang L, Press W, Lee JT, Ogura A, Shen L, Zhang Y. Loss of H3K27me3 Imprinting in Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Embryos Disrupts Post-Implantation Development. Cell Stem Cell 2018; 23:343-354.e5. [PMID: 30033120 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Animal cloning can be achieved through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), although the live birth rate is relatively low. Recent studies have identified H3K9me3 in donor cells and abnormal Xist activation as epigenetic barriers that impede SCNT. Here we overcome these barriers using a combination of Xist knockout donor cells and overexpression of Kdm4 to achieve more than 20% efficiency of mouse SCNT. However, post-implantation defects and abnormal placentas were still observed, indicating that additional epigenetic barriers impede SCNT cloning. Comparative DNA methylome analysis of IVF and SCNT blastocysts identified abnormally methylated regions in SCNT embryos despite successful global reprogramming of the methylome. Strikingly, allelic transcriptomic and ChIP-seq analyses of pre-implantation SCNT embryos revealed complete loss of H3K27me3 imprinting, which may account for the postnatal developmental defects observed in SCNT embryos. Together, these results provide an efficient method for mouse cloning while paving the way for further improving SCNT efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Matoba
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; RIKEN Bioresource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan; Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Huihan Wang
- Life Sciences Institute and Stem Cell Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lan Jiang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Falong Lu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kumiko A Iwabuchi
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xiaoji Wu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kimiko Inoue
- RIKEN Bioresource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Lin Yang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - William Press
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jeannie T Lee
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- RIKEN Bioresource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan; RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Li Shen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Life Sciences Institute and Stem Cell Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Yi Zhang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Abstract
This paper assesses whether cloning horses is ethical by reviewing ethical arguments against cloning of nonequine species and determining whether they apply to horses, analysing ethical arguments about horse cloning which do not apply to noncompetitive species and considering the ethical dilemmas faced by veterinarians involved in horse cloning. The author concludes that concerns about the health and welfare of cloned horses render the technique ethically problematic and that the onus is on those providing commercial equine cloning services to collate data and provide a stronger evidence base for ethical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L H Campbell
- Department of Production and Population Health The Royal Veterinary College North Mymms Herts UK
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13
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Koroghli JA, Floyd E, Regouski M, Rood K, Gash K, Panter K, Stott R, Davies CJ, Polejaeva IA, Rutigliano HM. Gene expression and lymphocyte population at the fetal-maternal interface in sheep pregnancies established by somatic cell nuclear transfer. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:1011-1020. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothesis of this study was that the leukocyte populations and expression levels of genes related to immune response, growth factors and apoptosis would be altered at the fetal-maternal interface in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)-generated sheep pregnancies. Placental and endometrial samples from sheep pregnancies established by SCNT and natural breeding (control) were collected at 45 days and at term. Expression of genes related to growth factors, apoptosis and immune response was examined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Endometrial leukocyte populations and major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) protein expression were examined by immunohistochemistry. At term we observed altered expression of genes related to apoptosis, growth factors and immune response in placental and endometrial tissue of SCNT pregnancies. In Day-45 pregnancies there was less-pronounced abnormal expression and only genes related to apoptosis and growth factors were abnormal in the placenta. Endometrial gene expression profiles were similar to age-matched controls. Placental MHC-I protein expression was similar in SCNT and controls at 45 days but increased in the SCNT at term. The altered gene expression at the fetal-maternal interface likely contributes to the placental dysfunction and overgrowth observed in sheep SCNT pregnancies.
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Ao Z, Liu D, Zhao C, Yue Z, Shi J, Zhou R, Cai G, Zheng E, Li Z, Wu Z. Birth weight, umbilical and placental traits in relation to neonatal loss in cloned pigs. Placenta 2017; 57:94-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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15
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Kaneda M, Watanabe S, Akagi S, Inaba Y, Geshi M, Nagai T. Proper reprogramming of imprinted and non-imprinted genes in cloned cattle gametogenesis. Anim Sci J 2017; 88:1678-1685. [PMID: 28574624 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic abnormalities in cloned animals are caused by incomplete reprogramming of the donor nucleus during the nuclear transfer step (first reprogramming). However, during the second reprogramming step that occurs only in the germline cells, epigenetic errors not corrected during the first step are repaired. Consequently, epigenetic abnormalities in the somatic cells of cloned animals should be erased in their spermatozoa or oocytes. This is supported by the fact that offspring from cloned animals do not exhibit defects at birth or during postnatal development. To test this hypothesis in cloned cattle, we compared the DNA methylation level of two imprinted genes (H19 and PEG3) and three non-imprinted genes (XIST, OCT4 and NANOG) and two repetitive elements (Satellite I and Satellite II) in blood and sperm DNAs from cloned and non-cloned bulls. We found no differences between cloned and non-cloned bulls. We also analyzed the DNA methylation levels of four repetitive elements (Satellite I, Satellite II, Alpha-satellite and Art2) in oocytes recovered from cloned and non-cloned cows. Again, no significant differences were observed between clones and non-clones. These results suggested that imprinted and non-imprinted genes and repetitive elements were properly reprogramed during gametogenesis in cloned cattle; therefore, they contributed to the soundness of cloned cattle offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Kaneda
- Division of Animal Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Japan
| | - Shinya Watanabe
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Satoshi Akagi
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yasushi Inaba
- National Livestock Breeding Center Tottori Station, Tottori, Japan
| | - Masaya Geshi
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO, Tsukuba, Japan
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16
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Czernik M, Toschi P, Zacchini F, Iuso D, Ptak GE. Deregulated Expression of Mitochondrial Proteins Mfn2 and Bcnl3L in Placentae from Sheep Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) Conceptuses. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169579. [PMID: 28076382 PMCID: PMC5226789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In various animal species, the main cause of pregnancy loss in conceptuses obtained by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) are placental abnormalities. Most abnormalities described in SCNT pregnancies (such as placentomegaly, reduced vascularisation, hypoplasia of trophoblastic epithelium) suggest that placental cell degeneration may be triggered by mitochondrial failure. We hypothesized that placental abnormalities of clones obtained by SCNT are related to mitochondrial dysfunction. To test this, early SCNT and control (CTR, from pregnancies obtained by in vitro fertilization) placentae were collected from pregnant ewes (at day 20 and 22 of gestation) and subjected to morphological, mRNA and protein analysis. Here, we demonstrated swollen and fragmented mitochondria and low expression of mitofusin 2 (Mfn2), the protein which plays a crucial role in mitochondrial functionality, in SCNT early placentae. Furthermore, reduced expression of the Bcnl3L/Nix protein, which plays a crucial role in selective elimination of damaged mitochondria, was observed and reflected by the accumulation of numerous damaged mitochondria in SCNT placental cells. Likely, this accumulation of damaged organelles led to uncontrolled apoptosis in SCNT placentae, as demonstrated by the high number of apoptotic bodies, fragmented cytoplasm, condensed chromatin, lack of integrity of the nuclear membrane and the perturbed mRNA expression of apoptotic genes (BCL2 and BAX). In conclusion, our data indicate that deregulated expression of Mfn2 and Bcnl3L is responsible for placental abnormalities in SCNT conceptuses. Our results suggest that some nuclear genes, that are involved in the regulation of mitochondrial function, do not work well and consequently this influence the function of mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Czernik
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Experimental Embryology, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Paola Toschi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Experimental Embryology, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica Zacchini
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Domenico Iuso
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Experimental Embryology, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Grażyna Ewa Ptak
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Experimental Embryology, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, Balice n/Krakow, Poland
- * E-mail:
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17
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Polejaeva IA, Rutigliano HM, Wells KD. Livestock in biomedical research: history, current status and future prospective. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 28:112-24. [PMID: 27062879 DOI: 10.1071/rd15343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Livestock models have contributed significantly to biomedical and surgical advances. Their contribution is particularly prominent in the areas of physiology and assisted reproductive technologies, including understanding developmental processes and disorders, from ancient to modern times. Over the past 25 years, biomedical research that traditionally embraced a diverse species approach shifted to a small number of model species (e.g. mice and rats). The initial reasons for focusing the main efforts on the mouse were the availability of murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and genome sequence data. This powerful combination allowed for precise manipulation of the mouse genome (knockouts, knockins, transcriptional switches etc.) leading to ground-breaking discoveries on gene functions and regulation, and their role in health and disease. Despite the enormous contribution to biomedical research, mouse models have some major limitations. Their substantial differences compared with humans in body and organ size, lifespan and inbreeding result in pronounced metabolic, physiological and behavioural differences. Comparative studies of strategically chosen domestic species can complement mouse research and yield more rigorous findings. Because genome sequence and gene manipulation tools are now available for farm animals (cattle, pigs, sheep and goats), a larger number of livestock genetically engineered (GE) models will be accessible for biomedical research. This paper discusses the use of cattle, goats, sheep and pigs in biomedical research, provides an overview of transgenic technology in farm animals and highlights some of the beneficial characteristics of large animal models of human disease compared with the mouse. In addition, status and origin of current regulation of GE biomedical models is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina A Polejaeva
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Heloisa M Rutigliano
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Kevin D Wells
- Division of Animal Sciences, Animal Sciences Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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18
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Rutigliano HM, Wilhelm A, Hall J, Shi B, Meng Q, Stott R, Bunch TD, White KL, Davies CJ, Polejaeva IA. Cytokine gene expression at the maternal–fetal interface after somatic cell nuclear transfer pregnancies in small ruminants. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:646-657. [DOI: 10.1071/rd15103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The present retrospective study investigated pregnancy rates, the incidence of pregnancy loss and large offspring syndrome (LOS) and immune-related gene expression of sheep and goat somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) pregnancies. We hypothesised that significantly higher pregnancy losses observed in sheep compared with goat SCNT pregnancies are due to the increased amounts of T-helper 1 cytokines and proinflammatory mediators at the maternal–fetal interface. Sheep and goat SCNT pregnancies were generated using the same procedure. Control pregnancies were established by natural breeding. Although SCNT pregnancy rates at 45 days were similar in both species, pregnancy losses between 45 and 60 days of gestation and the incidence of LOS were significantly greater in sheep than in goats. At term, the expression of proinflammatory genes in sheep SCNT placentas was increased, whereas that in goats was similar to that in control animals. Genes with altered expression in sheep SCNT placentas included cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4), interleukin 2 receptor alpha (IL2RA), cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28), interferon gamma (IFNG), interleukin 6 (IL6), interleukin 10 (IL10), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 alpha (IL1A) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL8). Major histocompatibility complex-I protein expression was greater in sheep and goat SCNT placentas at term than in control pregnancies. An unfavourable immune environment is present at the maternal–fetal interface in sheep SCNT pregnancies.
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19
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Czernik M, Iuso D, Toschi P, Khochbin S, Loi P. Remodeling somatic nuclei via exogenous expression of protamine 1 to create spermatid-like structures for somatic nuclear transfer. Nat Protoc 2016; 11:2170-2188. [PMID: 27711052 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2016.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
This protocol describes how to convert the chromatin structure of sheep and mouse somatic cells into spermatid-like nuclei through the heterologous expression of the protamine 1 gene (Prm1). Furthermore, we also provide step-by-step instructions for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) of Prm1-remodeled somatic nuclei in sheep oocytes. There is evidence that changing the organization of a somatic cell nucleus with that which mirrors the spermatozoon nucleus leads to better nuclear reprogramming. The protocol may have further potential application in determining the protamine and histone footprints of the whole genome; obtaining 'gametes' from somatic cells; and furthering understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating the maintenance of DNA methylation in imprinted control regions during male gametogenesis. The protocol is straightforward, and it requires 4 weeks from the establishment of the cell lines to their transfection and the production of cloned blastocysts. It is necessary for researchers to have experience in cell biology and embryology, with basic skills in molecular biology, to carry out the protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Czernik
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Domenico Iuso
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Paola Toschi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Saadi Khochbin
- INSERM, U823, Institut Albert Bonniot, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Pasqualino Loi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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20
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Loi P, Iuso D, Czernik M, Ogura A. A New, Dynamic Era for Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer? Trends Biotechnol 2016; 34:791-797. [PMID: 27118511 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2016.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cloning animals by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has remained an uncontrollable process for many years. High rates of embryonic losses, stillbirths, and postnatal mortality have been typical outcomes. These developmental problems arise from abnormal genomic reprogramming: the capacity of the oocyte to reset the differentiated memory of a somatic cell. However, effective reprogramming strategies are now available. These target the whole genome or single domains such as the Xist gene, and their effectiveness has been validated with the ability of experimental animals to develop to term. Thus, SCNT has become a controllable process that can be used to 'rescue' endangered species, and for biomedical research such as therapeutic cloning and the isolation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasqualino Loi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Campus Sant'Agostino, Via Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Domenico Iuso
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Campus Sant'Agostino, Via Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Marta Czernik
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Campus Sant'Agostino, Via Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
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21
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Grazul-Bilska AT, Johnson ML, Borowicz PP, Bilski JJ, Cymbaluk T, Norberg S, Redmer DA, Reynolds LP. Placental development during early pregnancy in sheep: effects of embryo origin on vascularization. Reproduction 2014; 147:639-48. [PMID: 24472816 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Utero-placental growth and vascular development are critical for pregnancy establishment that may be altered by various factors including assisted reproductive technologies (ART), nutrition, or others, leading to compromised pregnancy. We hypothesized that placental vascularization and expression of angiogenic factors are altered early in pregnancies after transfer of embryos created using selected ART methods. Pregnancies were achieved through natural mating (NAT), or transfer of embryos from NAT (NAT-ET), or IVF or in vitro activation (IVA). Placental tissues were collected on day 22 of pregnancy. In maternal caruncles (CAR), vascular cell proliferation was less (P<0.05) for IVA than other groups. Compared with NAT, density of blood vessels was less (P<0.05) for IVF and IVA in fetal membranes (FM) and for NAT-ET, IVF, and IVA in CAR. In FM, mRNA expression was decreased (P<0.01-0.08) in NAT-ET, IVF, and IVA compared with NAT for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor FLT1, placental growth factor (PGF), neuropilin 1 (NP1) and NP2, angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1) and ANGPT2, endothelial nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3), hypoxia-inducible factor 1A (HIF1A), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), and its receptor FGFR2. In CAR, mRNA expression was decreased (P<0.01-0.05) in NAT-ET, IVF, and IVA compared with NAT for VEGF, FLT1, PGF, ANGPT1, and TEK. Decreased mRNA expression for 12 of 14 angiogenic factors across FM and CAR in NAT-ET, IVF, and IVA pregnancies was associated with reduced placental vascular development, which would lead to poor placental function and compromised fetal and placental growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna T Grazul-Bilska
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, USA
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22
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Hansen PJ. Current and future assisted reproductive technologies for mammalian farm animals. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 752:1-22. [PMID: 24170352 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-8887-3_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction in domestic animals is under control by man and the technologies developed to facilitate that control have a major impact on the efficiency of food production. Reproduction is an energy-intensive process. In beef cattle, for example, over 50 % of the total feed consumption required to produce a unit of meat protein is consumed by the dam of the meat animal (Anim Prod 27:367-379, 1978). Sows are responsible for about 20 % of the total feed needed to produce animals for slaughter (Adv Pork Prod 19:223-237, 2008). Accordingly, energy input to produce food from animal sources is reduced by increasing number of offspring per unit time a breeding female is in the herd. Using beef cattle as an example again, life-cycle efficiency for production of weaned calves is positively related to early age at puberty and short calving intervals (J Anim Sci 57:852-866, 1983). Reproductive technologies also dictate the strategies that can be used to select animals genetically for traits that improve production. Of critical importance has been artificial insemination (AI) (Anim Reprod Sci 62:143-172, 2000; Stud Hist Philos Biol Biomed Sci 38:411-441, 2007; Reprod Domest Anim 43:379-385, 2008; J Dairy Sci 92:5814-5833, 2009) and, as will be outlined in this chapter, emerging technologies offer additional opportunities for improvements in genetic selection. Given the central role of reproduction as a determinant of production efficiency and in genetic selection, improvements in reproductive technologies will be crucial to meeting the challenges created by the anticipated increases in world population (from seven billion people in 2011 to an anticipated nine billion by 2050; World population prospects: the 2010 revision, highlights and advance tables. Working Paper No. ESA/P/WP.220, New York) and by difficulties in livestock production wrought by climate change (SAT eJournal 4:1-23, 2007).The purpose of this chapter will be to highlight current and emerging reproductive technologies that have the potential to improve efficiency of livestock production. The focus will be on technologies that manipulate male and female gametes as well as the stem cells from which they are derived and the preimplantation embryo. While technology is crucial to other interventions in the reproductive process like control of seasonal breeding, hormonal regulation of ovulation, estrous cyclicity and pregnancy establishment, feeding to optimize reproduction, minimizing environmental stress, and selection of genes controlling reproduction, these will not be considered here. Rather the reader is directed to other chapters in this volume as well as some reviews on other aspects of artificial manipulation of reproduction (Reprod Fertil Dev 24:258-266, 2011; Reprod Domest Anim 43:40-47, 2008; Reprod Domest Anim 43:122-128, 2008; Soc Reprod Fertil Suppl 66:87-102, 2009; Comprehensive biotechnology, Amsterdam, pp 477-485; Dairy production medicine, Chichester, pp 153-163; Theriogenology 76:1619-1631, 2011; Theriogenology 76:1568-1582, 2011; Theriogenology 77:1-11, 2012). Given the large number of mammalian species used for production of products useful for man and the diversity in their biology and management, the review will not be comprehensive but instead will use results from species that are most illustrative of the opportunities generated by assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, 110910, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA,
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23
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Hill JR. Incidence of abnormal offspring from cloning and other assisted reproductive technologies. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2013; 2:307-21. [PMID: 25384145 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-022513-114109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In animals produced by assisted reproductive technologies, two abnormal phenotypes have been characterized. Large offspring syndrome (LOS) occurs in offspring derived from in vitro cultured embryos, and the abnormal clone phenotype includes placental and fetal changes. LOS is readily apparent in ruminants, where a large calf or lamb derived from in vitro embryo production or cloning may weigh up to twice the expected body weight. The incidence of LOS varies widely between species. When similar embryo culture conditions are applied to nonruminant species, LOS either is not as dramatic or may even be unapparent. Coculture with serum and somatic cells was identified in the 1990s as a risk factor for abnormal development of ruminant pregnancies. Animals cloned from somatic cells may display a combination of fetal and placental abnormalities that are manifested at different stages of pregnancy and postnatally. In highly interventional technologies, such as nuclear transfer (cloning), the incidence of abnormal offspring continues to be a limiting factor to broader application of the technique. This review details the breadth of phenotypes found in nonviable pregnancies, together with the phenotypes of animals that survive the transition to extrauterine life. The focus is on animals produced using in vitro embryo culture and nuclear transfer in comparison to naturally occurring phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Hill
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia;
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Feliciano M, Cardilli D, Crivelaro R, Garrido E, Silva M, Castanheira T, Vicente W. Hydrallantois in a female dog: a case report. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2013. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-09352013000400021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, ultrasound and histological findings of hydrallantois in a Pug bitch. On the 56th day of pregnancy the patient presented pronounced abdominal distention, lethargy, anorexia and dyspnea. The ultrasound revealed the presence of abnormal fluid accumulation within the fetal membranes, especial in the allantois, which was incompatible with the 8th week of pregnancy in bitches. The macroscopic exam during the C-section, distention of the fetal membranes and accumulation of fluid within the allantois was observed. The precise amount of liquid could not be assessed due to the surgical procedure. All neonates of our case report were normal at the initial physical exam. The histologic exam revealed normal placenta. In conclusion, clinical and ultrasound assessment were able to diagnose hydrallantois in a canine patient.
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Grazul-Bilska AT, Johnson ML, Borowicz PP, Baranko L, Redmer DA, Reynolds LP. Placental development during early pregnancy in sheep: effects of embryo origin on fetal and placental growth and global methylation. Theriogenology 2012; 79:94-102. [PMID: 23117132 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Revised: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The origin of embryos including those created through assisted reproductive technologies might have profound effects on placental and fetal development, possibly leading to compromised pregnancies associated with poor placental development. To determine the effects of embryo origin on fetal size, and maternal and fetal placental cellular proliferation and global methylation, pregnancies were achieved through natural mating (NAT), or transfer of embryos generated through in vivo (NAT-ET), IVF, or in vitro activation (IVA). On Day 22 of pregnancy, fetuses were measured and placental tissues were collected to immunologically detect Ki67 (a marker of proliferating cells) and 5-methyl cytosine followed by image analysis, and determine mRNA expression for three DNA methyltransferases. Fetal length and labeling index (proportion of proliferating cells) in maternal caruncles (maternal placenta) and fetal membranes (fetal placenta) were less (P < 0.001) in NAT-ET, IVF, and IVA than in NAT. In fetal membranes, expression of 5-methyl cytosine was greater (P < 0.02) in IVF and IVA than in NAT. In maternal caruncles, mRNA expression for DNMT1 was greater (P < 0.01) in IVA compared with the other groups, but DNMT3A expression was less (P < 0.04) in NAT-ET and IVA than in NAT. In fetal membranes, expression of mRNA for DNMT3A was greater (P < 0.01) in IVA compared with the other groups, and was similar in NAT, NAT-ET, and IVF groups. Thus, embryo origin might have specific effects on growth and function of ovine uteroplacental and fetal tissues through regulation of tissue growth, DNA methylation, and likely other mechanisms. These data provide a foundation for determining expression of specific factors regulating placental and fetal tissue growth and function in normal and compromised pregnancies, including those achieved with assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna T Grazul-Bilska
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA.
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26
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Vaughan OR, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Coan PM, Fowden AL. Environmental regulation of placental phenotype: implications for fetal growth. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 24:80-96. [PMID: 22394720 DOI: 10.1071/rd11909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental conditions during pregnancy determine birthweight, neonatal viability and adult phenotype in human and other animals. In part, these effects may be mediated by the placenta, the principal source of nutrients for fetal development. However, little is known about the environmental regulation of placental phenotype. Generally, placental weight is reduced during suboptimal conditions like maternal malnutrition or hypoxaemia but compensatory adaptations can occur in placental nutrient transport capacity to help maintain fetal growth. In vivo studies show that transplacental glucose and amino acid transfer adapt to the prevailing conditions induced by manipulating maternal calorie intake, dietary composition and hormone exposure. These adaptations are due to changes in placental morphology, metabolism and/or abundance of specific nutrient transporters. This review examines environmental programming of placental phenotype with particular emphasis on placental nutrient transport capacity and its implications for fetal growth, mainly in rodents. It also considers the systemic, cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in signalling environmental cues to the placenta. Ultimately, the ability of the placenta to balance the competing interests of mother and fetus in resource allocation may determine not only the success of pregnancy in producing viable neonates but also the long-term health of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- O R Vaughan
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
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27
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Schmidt M, Winter KD, Dantzer V, Li J, Kragh PM, Du Y, Lin L, Liu Y, Vajta G, Sangild PT, Callesen H, Agerholm JS. Maternal endometrial oedema may increase perinatal mortality of cloned and transgenic piglets. Reprod Fertil Dev 2011; 23:645-53. [PMID: 21635813 DOI: 10.1071/rd10220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2010] [Accepted: 02/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The perinatal mortality of cloned animals is a well-known problem. In the present retrospective study, we report on mortality of cloned transgenic or non-transgenic piglets produced as part of several investigations. Large White (LW) sows (n = 105) received hand-made cloned LW or minipig blastocysts and delivered either spontaneously or after prostaglandin induction followed by either Caesarean section or vaginal birth. The overall pregnancy rate was 62%, with 26% of pregnancies terminating before term. This resulted in 48 deliveries. The terminated pregnancies consisted of 12 abortions that occurred at 35 ± 2 days gestation and five sows that went to term without returning to heat and then by surgery showed the uterus without fetal content. The gestation length was for sows with LW piglets that delivered by Caesarean section or vaginally was 115.7 ± 0.3 and 117.6 ± 0.4 days, respectively. In sows with minipiglets, the gestation length for those delivered by Caesarean section or vaginally 114.4 ± 0.2 and 115.5 ± 0.3 days, respectively. Of the 34 sows that delivered vaginally, 28 gave birth after induction, whereas 6 farrowed spontaneously. Of the 14 sows that delivered after Caesarean section and in the five empty sows, the endometrium and placenta showed severe oedema. Piglet mortality following vaginal delivery was higher than after Caesarean section (31% v. 10%, respectively; P < 0.001). When vaginal delivery occurred spontaneously, the stillborn rate was greater than after induced delivery (56% v. 24%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Internal organ weights were recorded for seven cloned LW piglets and six normal piglets. The relative weight of the heart, liver, kidneys and small intestine was found to be reduced in the cloned piglets (P < 0.05). The present study demonstrates extensive endometrial oedema in sows pregnant with cloned and transgenic piglets, as well as in empty recipients, at term. The growth of certain organs in some of the cloned piglets was reduced and the rate of stillborn piglets was greater in cloned and transgenic piglets delivered vaginally, possibly because of oedema of the fetal-maternal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Schmidt
- Department of Large Animal Sciences, Section for Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
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Loi P, Modlinski JA, Ptak G. Interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer: a salvage tool seeking first aid. Theriogenology 2011; 76:217-28. [PMID: 21458046 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2010] [Revised: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Much emphasis is currently given to the use of Interspecific Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (ISCNT) as a potential salvage tool for endangered animals. In this short review we present a survey on all data published so far on ISCNT, including abstract communication in international meetings. From the analysis of these data it appears that the results obtained are very preliminary and often confusing on the real stage of the embryonic development obtained. Moreover, the acronym ISCNT is improperly used because in many reports the nuclei and oocyte donor are not within the same species, but belong to different order and sometimes taxa, therefore, we classified all the ISCNT reports by allocating cell and oocyte donors to their respective order/species/class. The efficiency of cloning is low in all species owing to incomplete nuclear reprogramming of differentiated cells under the current procedures. ISCNT, however, poses additional hurdles which are rarely addressed in previously published work, and on which we focus in this review: mt/genomic DNA compatibility; embryonic genome activation of the donor nucleus by the recipient oocyte; availability of suitable foster mothers for ISCNT embryos. All these issues are discussed here, and possible solutions for the successful application of somatic cell nuclear transfer to endangered animals are also put forth.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Loi
- Department of Experimental Embryology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Wolka Kosowska, Poland.
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29
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Rathbone AJ, Fisher PA, Lee JH, Craigon J, Campbell KHS. Reprogramming of ovine somatic cells with Xenopus laevis oocyte extract prior to SCNT improves live birth rate. Cell Reprogram 2011; 12:609-16. [PMID: 20936909 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2010.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The birth of live animals following somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has demonstrated that oocytes can reprogram the genome of differentiated cells. However, in all species the frequency of development of healthy offspring is low; for example, in sheep, approximately only 5% of blastocysts transferred develop to term, and less than 3% develop to adulthood. Such low efficiencies, coupled with the occurrence of developmental abnormalities, have been attributed to incomplete or incorrect reprogramming. Cytoplasmic extracts from both mammalian and amphibian oocytes can alter the epigenetic state of mammalian somatic nuclei and reprogram gene expression to more resemble that of pluripotent cells. Therefore, it may be possible to increase the frequency or success of normal development by pretreating somatic cells to be used as nuclear donors prior to SCNT. In the present study, permeabilized ovine fetal fibroblasts were pretreated with a cytoplasmic extract produced from germinal vesicle (GV) stage Xenopus laevis oocytes. No increase in the frequency of development to blastocyst stage or pregnancy rate was observed; however, live birth and survival rates were significantly improved. Development to term of blastocysts transferred increased from 3.1% in the control group, to 14.7% in the treated group (a 4.7-fold increase), and even though the subsequent survival of lambs produced from treated cells was reduced by 60%, the percentage of lambs surviving to adulthood of blastocysts transferred (5.9%) increased 1.9-fold compared to controls. This study is the first to report the birth of live offspring and an increase in cloning efficiency, after crossspecies pre-reprogramming using Xenopus GV stage oocyte extract.
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Akagi S, Matsukawa K, Mizutani E, Fukunari K, Kaneda M, Watanabe S, Takahashi S. Treatment with a histone deacetylase inhibitor after nuclear transfer improves the preimplantation development of cloned bovine embryos. J Reprod Dev 2010; 57:120-6. [PMID: 20962457 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.10-058a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the effects of treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), trichostatin A (TSA) and scriptaid (SCR), on the blastocyst formation rate in bovine somatic cell nuclear transferred (SCNT) embryos derived from fibroblast cells. Three fibroblast cell lines (L1, L2 and L3) were used as somatic cell donors to produce SCNT embryos (L1, L2 and L3 embryos, respectively). In Experiment 1, we compared the in vitro developmental competence of L1 embryos treated with various concentrations of TSA for different time periods following chemical activation. Embryos treated with 5 nM TSA for 20 h showed a significantly increased blastocyst formation rate compared with untreated controls. In Experiment 2, we examined the effect of TSA (5 nM) treatment of L1, L2 and L3 embryos as well as the effect of treatment of L1, L2 and L3 embryos with various concentrations of SCR on in vitro developmental competence. It was found that 5 nM TSA treatment significantly increased the blastocyst formation rate in L1 and L3 embryos but did not have an influence on the development of L2 embryos. On the other hand, 5 nM SCR treatment significantly increased the blastocyst formation rates of L1 and L2 embryos compared with controls. However, there was no significant increase in the blastocyst formation rate of L3 embryos when they were treated with SCR. In Experiment 3, acetylation of H4K12 was examined in donor cells and pronuclear-stage L1, L2 and L3 embryos treated with 5 nM TSA or 5 nM SCR by immunostaining. The level of H4K12 acetylation was different among donor cells. The staining intensities in the TSA-treated L1 and L3 embryos and SCR-treated L2 embryos were significantly higher than those of untreated embryos. These results suggest that HDACi treatment of bovine SCNT embryos improves the blastocyst formation rate; however, the optimal treatment conditions may differ among donor cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Akagi
- Reproductive Biology and Technology Research Team, National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Ibaraki, Japan.
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31
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Campos DB, Papa PC, Marques JEB, Garbelotti F, Fátima LA, Artoni LP, Birgel EH, Meirelles FV, Buratini J, Leiser R, Pfarrer C. Somatic cell nuclear transfer is associated with altered expression of angiogenic factor systems in bovine placentomes at term. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2010; 9:309-23. [PMID: 20198587 DOI: 10.4238/vol9-1gmr729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Low efficiency of somatic cell cloning by nuclear transfer has been associated with alterations of placental vascular architecture. Placental growth and function depend on the growth of blood vessels; VEGF-A and bFGF are the most important factors controlling neovascularization and vascular permeability in the placenta. We hypothesize that the VEGF-A and bFGF systems are disrupted in placentomes from cloned animals, contributing to the placental abnormalities that are common in these clones. We determined mRNA expression and protein tissue localization of VEGF-A, bFGF, and their receptors in placentomes from cloned and non-cloned bovine fetuses at term. Real-time RT-PCR revealed that VEGFR-2 mRNA was increased in cloned male-derived placentomes, while mRNA of bFGF and its receptors were decreased in placentomes of cloned females. VEGF-A system proteins were found to be located in placentomal endothelial, maternal and fetal epithelial and stromal cells; there was a variable pattern of cellular distribution of these proteins in both cloned and non-cloned animals. Alterations in the expression of VEGF-A and bFGF systems suggest that angiogenic factors are involved in abnormal placental development in cloned gestations, contributing to impaired fetal development and poor survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- D B Campos
- Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Anatomia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
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32
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Reynolds LP, Borowicz PP, Caton JS, Vonnahme KA, Luther JS, Hammer CJ, Maddock Carlin KR, Grazul-Bilska AT, Redmer DA. Developmental programming: the concept, large animal models, and the key role of uteroplacental vascular development. J Anim Sci 2009; 88:E61-72. [PMID: 20023136 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2009-2359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental programming refers to the programming of various bodily systems and processes by a stressor of the maternal system during pregnancy or during the neonatal period. Such stressors include nutritional stress, multiple pregnancy (i.e., increased numbers of fetuses in the gravid uterus), environmental stress (e.g., high environmental temperature, high altitude, prenatal steroid exposure), gynecological immaturity, and maternal or fetal genotype. Programming refers to impaired function of numerous bodily systems or processes, leading to poor growth, altered body composition, metabolic dysfunction, and poor productivity (e.g., poor growth, reproductive dysfunction) of the offspring throughout their lifespan and even across generations. A key component of developmental programming seems to be placental dysfunction, leading to altered fetal growth and development. We discuss various large animal models of developmental programming and how they have and will continue to contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying altered placental function and developmental programming, and, further, how large animal models also will be critical to the identification and application of therapeutic strategies that will alleviate the negative consequences of developmental programming to improve offspring performance in livestock production and human medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- L P Reynolds
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Animal Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA.
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33
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Bressan FF, De Bem THC, Perecin F, Lopes FL, Ambrosio CE, Meirelles FV, Miglino MA. Unearthing the roles of imprinted genes in the placenta. Placenta 2009; 30:823-34. [PMID: 19679348 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2009.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2009] [Accepted: 07/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian fetal survival and growth are dependent on a well-established and functional placenta. Although transient, the placenta is the first organ to be formed during pregnancy and is responsible for important functions during development, such as the control of metabolism and fetal nutrition, gas and metabolite exchange, and endocrine control. Epigenetic marks and gene expression patterns in early development play an essential role in embryo and fetal development. Specifically, the epigenetic phenomenon known as genomic imprinting, represented by the non-equivalence of the paternal and maternal genome, may be one of the most important regulatory pathways involved in the development and function of the placenta in eutherian mammals. A lack of pattern or an imprecise pattern of genomic imprinting can lead to either embryonic losses or a disruption in fetal and placental development. Genetically modified animals present a powerful approach for revealing the interplay between gene expression and placental function in vivo and allow a single gene disruption to be analyzed, particularly focusing on its role in placenta function. In this paper, we review the recent transgenic strategies that have been successfully created in order to provide a better understanding of the epigenetic patterns of the placenta, with a special focus on imprinted genes. We summarize a number of phenotypes derived from the genetic manipulation of imprinted genes and other epigenetic modulators in an attempt to demonstrate that gene-targeting studies have contributed considerably to the knowledge of placentation and conceptus development.
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Affiliation(s)
- F F Bressan
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
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34
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Aston KI, Li GP, Hicks BA, Winger QA, White KL. Genetic reprogramming of transcription factor ap-2gamma in bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer preimplantation embryos and placentomes. CLONING AND STEM CELLS 2009; 11:177-86. [PMID: 19226219 DOI: 10.1089/clo.2008.0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) efficiency remains very low despite a tremendous amount of research devoted to its improvement over the past decade. Frequent early and mid-gestational losses are commonly accompanied by placental abnormalities. A transcription factor, activating protein AP-2gamma, has been shown to be necessary for proper placental development in the mouse. We first evaluated the expression of the gene coding for AP-2gamma (Tfap2c) in several bovine fibroblast donor cell lines and found it was not expressed. Subsequently we determined the expression profile of Tfap2c in oocytes and various stages of preimplantation in vitro fertilized (IVF) embryos. Tfap2c was undetectable in oocytes and early embryos, and was detectable at relatively high levels in morula and blastocyst IVF embryos. The lack of expression in oocytes and donor cells means Tfap2c must be induced in the zygote at the morula stage in properly reprogrammed embryos. SCNT embryos expressed Tfap2c at the eight-cell stage, 2 days earlier than control embryos. Control embryos first expressed Tfap2c at the morula stage, and at this stage Tfap2c was significantly lower in the SCNT embryos. No differences in expression were detected at the blastocyst stage. To determine whether Tfap2c was properly reprogrammed in the placenta of SCNT pregnancies, we evaluated its expression in cotyledons and caruncles of SCNT and control pregnancies between days 55 and 90 gestation. Expression of Tfap2c in caruncles significantly increased between days 55 and 90, while expression in cotyledons was relatively consistent over that same period. Expression levels in SCNT tissues were not different from controls. This data indicates Tfap2c expression is altered in early preimplantation SCNT embryos, which may have developmental consequences resulting from genes influenced by Tfap2c, but expression was not different at the blastocyst stage and in placentomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth I Aston
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences and Center for Integrated Biosystems, Utah State University, Logan, 84322-4815, USA
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35
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Kim M, Seo H, Choi Y, Hwang W, Lee CK, Ka H. Aberrant expression of retinol-binding protein, osteopontin and fibroblast growth factor 7 in the porcine uterine endometrium of pregnant recipients carrying embryos produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer. Anim Reprod Sci 2009; 112:172-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2007] [Revised: 04/11/2008] [Accepted: 04/23/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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36
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Palmieri C, Loi P, Ptak G, Della Salda L. Review Paper: A Review of the Pathology of Abnormal Placentae of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Clone Pregnancies in Cattle, Sheep, and Mice. Vet Pathol 2008; 45:865-80. [DOI: 10.1354/vp.45-6-865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cloning of cattle, sheep, and mice by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) can result in apparently healthy offspring, but the probability of a successful and complete pregnancy is less than 5%. Failures of SCNT pregnancy are associated with placental abnormalities, such as placentomegaly, reduced vascularisation, hypoplasia of trophoblastic epithelium, and altered basement membrane. The pathogenesis of these changes is poorly understood, but current evidence implicates aberrant reprogramming of donor nuclei by the recipient oocyte cytoplast, resulting in epigenetic modifications of key regulatory genes essential for normal placental development. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the anatomic pathology of abnormal placentae of SCNT clones and to summarize current knowledge concerning underlying pathogenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Palmieri
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - P. Loi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - G. Ptak
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - L. Della Salda
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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37
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Ka H, Seo H, Kim M, Moon S, Kim H, Lee CK. Gene expression profiling of the uterus with embryos cloned by somatic cell nuclear transfer on day 30 of pregnancy. Anim Reprod Sci 2008; 108:79-91. [PMID: 17768018 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2007.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2007] [Revised: 07/03/2007] [Accepted: 07/16/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in pigs has great value for research and biomedical applications. However, cloning pigs is inefficient, and cloning procedures often lead to the birth of abnormal offspring because of the inadequate nuclear remodeling of donor cells as well as inadequate subsequent development. To understand the problems of the cloning process, it is necessary to understand how the uterus interacts with cloned embryo during pregnancy and supports placentation and fetal development. In this study, we compared gene expression profiles of the uterus with SCNT embryos to those of the uterus with normal embryos by natural mating. We obtained the uterine endometrial tissues on day 30 of pregnancy and conducted gene expression profiling using the Platinum Pig 13K oligonucleotide microarrays. Of the 13,610 genes analyzed, expression of 351 genes significantly increased or decreased in the uterine tissues with SCNT embryos compared to those with normal embryos. The differentially regulated genes included enzymes involved in steroidogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling and uterine secretory proteins. Analyses of real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization of selected genes confirmed the validity of the gene expression patterns observed in the microarray analysis. Results of this study showed that the transcriptional profile of the genes in the uterus with SCNT embryos was regulated differently indicating that the maternal responsiveness to the SCNT embryos was impaired, resulting in the altered gene expression in the uterus and, in turn, abnormal placental and fetal development and increased embryonic loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakhyun Ka
- Department of Biological Resources and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju 220-710, Republic of Korea.
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Abstract
AbstractA major challenge for reproductive biologists is the development of novel strategies to improve cloning efficiency. Even in species for which cloning is relatively successful, like cattle, the efficiency is still unacceptably low. In this review article we critically analyse all approaches that have been suggested by different laboratories in the field so far. As will be discussed below, so far none of these gives rise to a dramatic increase in cloning efficiency. Possibly, a multi-step approach including a pre-treatment of donor cells to modify their chromatin, along with improved culture system for cloned embryos would be the most promising.
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39
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Food Safety, Animal Health and Welfare and Environmental Impact of Animals derived from Cloning by Somatic Cell Nucleus Transfer (SCNT) and their Offspring and Products Obtained from those Animals. EFSA J 2008; 6:767. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2008.767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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40
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Panarace M, Garnil C, Cané L, Rodríguez E, Medina M. Echo-Doppler ultrasonographic assessment of resistance and velocity of blood flow in the ductus venosus throughout gestation in fetal lambs. Theriogenology 2008; 70:648-54. [PMID: 18508117 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2007] [Revised: 02/26/2008] [Accepted: 04/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
It has been postulated that during fetal hypoxia, the blood flow shunted through the ductus venosus increases and may account for upto 70% of the total umbilical flow. The objectives of the present study were to use ultrasonography to determine the velocities and waveform indices of blood flow in the ductus venosus in the fetal lamb. The ductus venosus of 15 lamb fetuses was evaluated weekly from Days 45 to 143 of gestation (Day 0=day of AI). The Doppler indices measured were: S/D, the systole/diastole ratio; RI, the resistance index; and PI, the pulsatility index. The velocity waveforms studied were: SV, the peak velocity during ventricular systole; D, the peak velocity during ventricular diastole; aV, the lowest forward velocity during atrial contraction; and TAMV, the time-averaged maximum velocity. Doppler indices from Days 52 to 143 were highly correlated: S/D versus PI (r=0.96, P<0.0001), and versus RI (r=0.93, P<0.0001); and PI versus RI (r=0.97, P<0.0001). Velocity indices were also positively correlated: velocity SV versus D (r=0.87, P<0.0001), versus aV (r=0.79, P<0.05), and versus TAMV (r=0.98, P<0.0001); D versus aV (r=0.88, P<0.05), and versus TAMV (r=0.87, P<0.05); and aV versus TAMV (r=0.82, P<0.05). Doppler indices were negatively correlated with SV (r=-0.22, P<0.03); D (r=-0.37, P<0.0001); TAMV (r=-0.32, P<0.05) and with aV (r=-0.67, P<0.05). The mean value of each Doppler index decreased 40% from Days 52 to 73 (e.g., PI from 0.82+/-0.08 to 0.51+/-0.10; P<0.05), with no significant changes thereafter. Mean (+/-S.E.M.) values of velocity indices SV, D, aV, and TAMV rose twofold from Days 60 to 115 of gestation (e.g., SV from 54.4+/-8.8cm/s to 104.9+/-19.7 and aV from 24.8+/-6.9 to 54.9+/-5.9; P<0.05). In conclusion, Doppler ultrasonography facilitated assessment of the blood flow pattern in the ductus venosus in lamb fetuses between Days 52 and 143.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Panarace
- GOYAIKE S.A.A.C.I. y F. Biotechnology Area, Ea San Joaquín CC ,Carmen de Areco CP, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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41
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Kato Y, Li X, Amarnath D, Ushizawa K, Hashizume K, Tokunaga T, Taniguchi M, Tsunoda Y. Comparative gene expression analysis of bovine nuclear-transferred embryos with different developmental potential by cDNA microarray and real-time PCR to determine genes that might reflect calf normality. CLONING AND STEM CELLS 2008; 9:495-511. [PMID: 18154511 DOI: 10.1089/clo.2007.0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Placental abnormalities are the main factor in the high incidence of somatic cell clone abnormalities. The expression of several trophoblast cell-specific molecules is enhanced during gestational days 7 to 14. To determine the possible genes whose expression patterns might reflect calf normality, we first compared the gene expression profiles on day 15 between in vitro-fertilized (IVF) embryos and two types of somatic cell nuclear-transferred embryos with either a high (FNT) or low (CNT) incidence of neonatal abnormalities using a cDNA microarray containing 16 of 21 placenta-specific genes developed from tissues collected across gestation. To identify significant genes from the screening of day 15 embryos, genes with a less than two-fold difference in expression between IVF and CNT embryos, and those with a greater than two-fold difference between IVF and FNT and between CNT and FNT were considered to contribute to clone abnormalities. These two comparisons revealed 18 down-regulated and 18 upregulated genes of the 1722 genes examined. We then examined the expression levels of 10 genes with known functions in eight-cell and blastocyst-stage embryos by real-time PCR. The mRNA expression pattern of interferon (IFN)-tau, a trophectoderm-related gene, differed between IVF, CNT, and FNT eight-cell embryos; few or none of the IVF or CNT eight-cell embryos expressed IFN-tau mRNA, but all eight-cell FNT embryos expressed IFN-tau. IFN-tau mRNA expression was significantly higher in IVF blastocysts, however, than in nuclear-transferred blastocysts. Average IFN-tau mRNA expression in FNT blastocysts was not different from that in CNT blastocysts, due to one CNT blastocyst with high expression. The precise relation between early expression of IFN-tau mRNA and inferior developmental potential in cloned embryos should be examined further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Kato
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, College of Agriculture, Kinki University, Nara 631-8505, Japan
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Dadi TD, Li MW, Lloyd KCK. EGF and TGF-alpha supplementation enhances development of cloned mouse embryos. CLONING AND STEM CELLS 2008; 9:315-26. [PMID: 17907942 DOI: 10.1089/clo.2006.0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we sought to determine the extent to which mitogenic growth factors affect the survival and development of cloned mouse embryos in vitro. Cloned embryos derived by intracytoplasmic nuclear injection (ICNI) of cumulus cell nuclei into enucleated oocytes were incubated in culture media supplemented with EGF and/or TGF-alpha for 4 days. Compared to control, treatment with either growth factor significantly increased the blastocyst formation rate, the total number of cells per blastocyst, the cell ratio of the inner cell mass and the trophectoderm (ICM:TE ratio), and EGF-R protein expression in cloned embryos. In most instances these effects were enhanced in cloned embryos when EGF and TGF-alpha were combined. Although fewer blastocysts developed from cloned than from fertilized one-cell stage embryos, growth factor treatment appeared to have the greatest effect on cloned embryos. These results demonstrate that mitogenic growth factors significantly enhance survival and promote the preimplantation development of cloned mouse embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tedla D Dadi
- Center for Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary, University of California-Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA.
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Everts RE, Chavatte-Palmer P, Razzak A, Hue I, Green CA, Oliveira R, Vignon X, Rodriguez-Zas SL, Tian XC, Yang X, Renard JP, Lewin HA. Aberrant gene expression patterns in placentomes are associated with phenotypically normal and abnormal cattle cloned by somatic cell nuclear transfer. Physiol Genomics 2008; 33:65-77. [DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00223.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription profiling of placentomes derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT, n = 20), in vitro fertilization (IVF, n = 9), and artificial insemination (AI, n = 9) at or near term development was performed to better understand why SCNT and IVF often result in placental defects, hydrops, and large offspring syndrome (LOS). Multivariate analysis of variance was used to distinguish the effects of SCNT, IVF, and AI on gene expression, taking into account the effects of parturition (term or preterm), sex of fetus, breed of dam, breed of fetus, and pathological finding in the offspring (hydrops, normal, or other abnormalities). Differential expression of 20 physiologically important genes was confirmed with quantitative PCR. The largest effect on placentome gene expression was attributable to whether placentas were collected at term or preterm (i.e., whether the collection was because of disease or to obtain stage-matched controls) followed by placentome source (AI, IVF, or SCNT). Gene expression in SCNT placentomes was dramatically different from AI ( n = 336 genes; 276 >2-fold) and from IVF ( n = 733 genes; 162 >2-fold) placentomes. Functional analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEG) showed that IVF has significant effects on genes associated with cellular metabolism. In contrast, DEG associated with SCNT are involved in multiple pathways, including cell cycle, cell death, and gene expression. Many DEG were shared between the gene lists for IVF and SCNT comparisons, suggesting that common pathways are affected by the embryo culture methods used for IVF and SCNT. However, the many unique gene functions and pathways affected by SCNT suggest that cloned fetuses may be starved and accumulating toxic wastes due to placental insufficiency caused by reprogramming errors. Many of these genes are candidates for hydrops and LOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin E. Everts
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- UMR Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Anthony Razzak
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Isabelle Hue
- UMR Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Cheryl A. Green
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Rosane Oliveira
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Xavier Vignon
- UMR Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - X. Cindy Tian
- Center for Regenerative Biology/Department of Animal Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Xiangzhong Yang
- Center for Regenerative Biology/Department of Animal Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Jean-Paul Renard
- UMR Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Harris A. Lewin
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
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Loi P, Beaujean N, Khochbin S, Fulka J, Ptak G. Asymmetric nuclear reprogramming in somatic cell nuclear transfer? Bioessays 2008; 30:66-74. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.20684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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45
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Pannetier M, Feil R. Epigenetic stability of embryonic stem cells and developmental potential. Trends Biotechnol 2007; 25:556-62. [PMID: 17983676 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2007.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2007] [Revised: 09/10/2007] [Accepted: 09/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies highlight the tremendous potential of human embryonic stem (ES) cells and their derivatives as therapeutic tools for degenerative diseases. However, derivation and culture of ES cells can induce epigenetic alterations, which can have long lasting effects on gene expression and phenotype. Research on human and mouse stem cells indicates that developmental, cancer-related genes, and genes regulated by genomic imprinting are particularly susceptible to changes in DNA methylation. Together with the occurrence of genetic alterations, epigenetic instability needs to be monitored when considering human stem cells for therapeutic and technological purposes. Here, we discuss the maintenance of epigenetic information in cultured stem cells and embryos and how this influences their developmental potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëlle Pannetier
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, CNRS, 1919, route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
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Estrada J, Sommer J, Collins B, Mir B, Martin A, York A, Petters RM, Piedrahita JA. Swine generated by somatic cell nuclear transfer have increased incidence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). CLONING AND STEM CELLS 2007; 9:229-36. [PMID: 17579555 DOI: 10.1089/clo.2006.0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
While somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has been successful in several species, many pregnancies are lost and anomalies are found in fetal and perinatal stages. In this study SCNT and artificial inseminations (AI) populations were compared for litter size, average birth weight, piglets alive at birth, stillborn, mummies, dead at the first week, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and large for gestational age (LGA). Twenty-three SCNT litters (143 individuals) were compared to 112 AI litters (1300 individuals). Litter size average was 11.5 for AI and 6.2 for SCNT. Litter weight and average birth weight adjusted by litter size were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in AI than in SCNT litters. The SCNT population had a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the number of IUGRs per litter with LSmeans 7.2 +/- 1.4 versus 19.4 +/- 3.5 and means 8.0 +/- 10.8 versus 15.5 +/- 24.5 for AI and SCNT, respectively. Additionally, there was a trend for higher postnatal mortality and stillbirths in the SCNT population. These findings demonstrate that there are some differences between SCNT-derived and AI litters. SCNT-derived pigs are excellent models to study epigenetic factors and genes involved in IUGRs, and to develop effective means to improve fetal growth in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Estrada
- Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Department, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, USA
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47
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Miglino MA, Pereira FTV, Visintin JA, Garcia JM, Meirelles FV, Rumpf R, Ambrósio CE, Papa PC, Santos TC, Carvalho AF, Leiser R, Carter AM. Placentation in cloned cattle: Structure and microvascular architecture. Theriogenology 2007; 68:604-17. [PMID: 17568663 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.04.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2007] [Accepted: 04/10/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
To elucidate the morphological differences between placentas from normal and cloned cattle pregnancies reaching term, the umbilical cord, placentomes and interplacentomal region of the fetal membranes were examined macroscopically as well as by light and scanning electron microscopy. In pregnancies established by somatic nucleus transfer (NT), the umbilical cord and fetal membranes were edematous. Placentomal fusion was common, resulting in increased size and a decreased number of placentomes. Extensive areas of the chorioallantoic membrane were devoid of placentomes. An increased number of functional or accessory microcotyledons (<1 cm) were present at the maternally oriented surface of fetal membranes. Extensive areas of extravasated maternal blood were present within the placentomes and in the interplacentomal region. The crypts on the caruncular surface were dilated and accommodated complexes of more than one primary villus, as opposed to a single villus in non-cloned placentae. Scanning electron microscopy of blood vessel casts revealed that there was also more than one stem artery per villous tree and that the ramification of the vessels failed to form dense complexes of capillary loops and sinusoidal dilations as in normal pregnancies. At the materno-fetal interface, however, the trophoblast and uterine epithelium had normal histology. In conclusion, the NT placentas had a range of pathomorphological changes; this was likely associated with the poor clinical outcome of NT pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Miglino
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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48
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Katagiri Y, Shibui Y, Nagao K, Miura K, Morita M. Epigenetics in assisted reproductive technology. Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6:69-75. [PMID: 29662404 PMCID: PMC5891775 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0578.2007.00168.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been reported that the rates of epigenetic disorders such as Angelman syndrome (AS) and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) are high in offspring conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART). Angelman Syndrome is characterized by intellectual disability and BWS is known as large offspring syndrome (LOS). Weight abnormalities have also been reported in cloned animals. Possible factors underlying these findings include inherent gamete characteristics, influence of in vitro culture and peculiarity of ART methods. It is important to conclusively determine whether such epigenetic abnormalities are present in children conceived by ART, so as to consider the health of next generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Katagiri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Toho University Medical Center Omori Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Shibui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Toho University Medical Center Omori Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Nagao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Toho University Medical Center Omori Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazukiyo Miura
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Toho University Medical Center Omori Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Palmieri C, Loi P, Reynolds LP, Ptak G, Della Salda L. Placental Abnormalities in Ovine Somatic Cell Clones at Term: A Light and Electron Microscopic Investigation. Placenta 2007; 28:577-84. [PMID: 17056108 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2006.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2006] [Revised: 08/23/2006] [Accepted: 08/23/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the reasons for fetal losses after somatic cell nuclear transfer, an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis of cloned placentae was performed. The main features observed were a marked reduction of villous vascularization, hypoplasia of trophoblastic epithelium, lack of binucleate cells, immaturity of placental vessels and reduced vasculogenesis. By means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), a diffuse thickening and lamination of subtrophoblastic basement membrane (SBM) were noted in cloned placentae. These results led us to hypothesize, through an autoamplification model, that the abnormal vascularization, the ischaemia and the low development of an high specialized trophoblastic epithelium were the primary causes of the fetal loss occurring after somatic cells nuclear transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Palmieri
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teramo University, Piazza Aldo Moro 45, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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50
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Loi P, Galli C, Ptak G. Cloning of endangered mammalian species: any progress? Trends Biotechnol 2007; 25:195-200. [PMID: 17379340 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2007.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2006] [Revised: 01/17/2007] [Accepted: 03/12/2007] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Attempts through somatic cell nuclear transfer to expand wild populations that have shrunk to critical numbers is a logical extension of the successful cloning of mammals. However, although the first mammal was cloned 10 years ago, nuclear reprogramming remains phenomenological, with abnormal gene expression and epigenetic deregulation being associated with the cloning process. In addition, although cloning of wild animals using host oocytes from different species has been successful, little is known about the implication of partial or total mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy in cloned embryos, fetuses and offspring. Finally, there is a need for suitable foster mothers for inter-intra specific cloned embryos. Considering these issues, the limited success achieved in cloning endangered animals is not surprising. However, optimism comes from the rapid gain in the understanding of the molecular clues underlying nuclear reprogramming. If it is possible to achieve a controlled reversal of the differentiated state of a cell then it is probable that other issues that impair the cloning of endangered animals, such as the inter-intra species oocyte or womb donor, will be overcome in the medium term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasqualino Loi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Piazza Aldo Moro 45, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
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