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Bafleh WS, Abdulsamad HMR, Al-Qaraghuli SM, El Khatib RY, Elbahrawi RT, Abdukadir AM, Alsawae SM, Dimassi Z, Hamdan H, Kashir J. Applications of advances in mRNA-based platforms as therapeutics and diagnostics in reproductive technologies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1198848. [PMID: 37305677 PMCID: PMC10250609 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1198848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic led to many drastic changes in not only society, law, economics, but also in science and medicine, marking for the first time when drug regulatory authorities cleared for use mRNA-based vaccines in the fight against this outbreak. However, while indeed representing a novel application of such technology in the context of vaccination medicine, introducing RNA into cells to produce resultant molecules (proteins, antibodies, etc.) is not a novel principle. It has been common practice to introduce/inject mRNA into oocytes and embryos to inhibit, induce, and identify several factors in a research context, while such aspects have also been proposed as potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications to combat infertility in humans. Herein, we describe key areas where mRNA-based platforms have thus far represented potential areas of clinical applications, describing the advantages and limitations of such applications. Finally, we also discuss how recent advances in mRNA-based platforms, driven by the recent pandemic, may stand to benefit the treatment of infertility in humans. We also present brief future directions as to how we could utilise recent and current advancements to enhance RNA therapeutics within reproductive biology, specifically with relation to oocyte and embryo delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wjdan S. Bafleh
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Haia M. R. Abdulsamad
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sally M. Al-Qaraghuli
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Riwa Y. El Khatib
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rawdah Taha Elbahrawi
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Azhar Mohamud Abdukadir
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Zakia Dimassi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamdan Hamdan
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center (HEIC), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Junaid Kashir
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Alfradique VAP, Alves SVP, Netto DLS, Machado AF, Penitente-Filho JM, da Silva W, Brandão FZ, Lopes MS, Guimarães SEF. The effect of age and FSH stimulation on the ovarian follicular response, nuclear maturation, and gene expression of cumulus-oocyte complexes in prepubertal gilts. Theriogenology 2023; 199:57-68. [PMID: 36696770 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.01.015] [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: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of age and FSH treatment on the ovarian response, follicular fluid (FF) biochemical composition, nuclear maturation, and molecular profile of cumulus-oocytes complexes (COCs) recovered from prepubertal gilts. Thirty-five prepubertal gilts were separated according to age [140 (n = 20) or 160 (n = 15) days], and within each age, the gilts were allotted to receive either 100 mg of FSH [treated; G140+FSH (n = 10) and G160+FSH (n = 7)] or saline solution [control; G140+control (n = 10) and G160+control (n = 8)]. Thus, four experimental groups were included in this study. In the FSH-treated gilts, the percentage of medium follicles increased (P < 0.0001) in the same proportion with which the percentage of small follicles decreased (P < 0.0001). In addition, the glucose concentration in the FF obtained from medium follicles increased (P < 0.05), while that of triglycerides decreased (P < 0.05) in the FSH-treated gilts. The FSH stimulation also improved (P < 0.05) the number of grade I COCs obtained from medium follicles and the meiotic maturation and BCB + rates. FSH treatment only upregulated (P < 0.05) HMGCR expression in immature COCs from prepubertal gilts. The metaphase II and BCB + rates, FF glucose and plasma IGF-1 levels were greater (P < 0.05) in prepubertal gilts at 160 than at 140 days of age. Age had no effect (P > 0.05) on the transcript abundance of the target genes in immature COCs. Hence, oocytes obtained from 140-day-old prepubertal gilts appeared less meiotically competent than those of 160-day-old prepubertal gilts. Our study suggests a possible strategy of using FSH treatment to improve oocyte quantity, quality, and nuclear maturation in 140 and 160-day-old prepubertal gilts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Angélico Pereira Alfradique
- Departamento de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, Campus Universitário, CEP 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
| | - Saullo Vinícius Pereira Alves
- Departamento de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, Campus Universitário, CEP 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Domingos Lollobrigida Souza Netto
- Departamento de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, Campus Universitário, CEP 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Andréia Ferreira Machado
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, Campus Universitário, CEP 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Jurandy Mauro Penitente-Filho
- Departamento de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, Campus Universitário, CEP 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Walmir da Silva
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, Campus Universitário, CEP 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Felipe Zandonadi Brandão
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil, 64, CEP 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcos Soares Lopes
- Topigs Norsvin Brasil, Rua Visconde do Rio Branco, 1310, CEP 80420-210, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Simone Eliza Facioni Guimarães
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, Campus Universitário, CEP 36570-900, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
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Lechniak D, Sell-Kubiak E, Warzych E. The metabolic profile of bovine blastocysts is affected by in vitro culture system and the pattern of first zygotic cleavage. Theriogenology 2022; 188:43-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Relative expression of the developmentally important candidate genes in immature oocytes and in vitro-produced embryos of buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis). ZYGOTE 2022; 30:509-515. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199421000976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Summary
The study was undertaken to examine the relative abundance (RA) of the major developmental important candidate genes in different grades of immature oocytes (A-grade, B-grade, C-grade and D-grade) and various stages of in vitro-produced embryos (2-cell, 4-cell, 8–16-cell, morula, and blastocyst) of buffalo using RT-qPCR. Results showed that the RA of GLUT1, CX43, HSP70.1 and GDF9 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the A-grade of oocytes than the C-grade and D-grade but did not differ significantly from the B-grade of oocytes. Similarly, RA of BMP15 and Survivin were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in A-grade than the other grades of oocytes, however, poly(A) polymerase expression was not significantly different (P > 0.05) among the immature oocytes. The expression of GLUT1 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the blastocysts, but the expression of CX43 (P < 0.05; P > 0.05), HSP70.1 (P < 0.05; P > 0.05) and GDF9 (P > 0.05) was higher at the 2-cell stage than the other stages of embryos. Interestingly, the expression levels of poly(A) polymerase (P < 0.05), BMP15 (P < 0.05; P > 0.05) and Survivin (P > 0.05) were higher at the 8–16-cell stage than the other stages of embryos. It is concluded that A-grade of immature oocytes has shown more mRNA abundance for the major developmental important genes; therefore A-grade oocytes may be considered as the most developmentally competent and suitable for handmade cloning research in buffalo.
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Paternal effect does not affect in vitro embryo morphokinetics but modulates molecular profile. Theriogenology 2022; 178:30-39. [PMID: 34775199 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The use of different sires influences in vitro embryo production (IVP) outcome. Paternal effects are observed from the first cleavages until after embryonic genome activation (EGA). Little is known about the mechanisms that promote in vitro fertility differences, even less about the consequences on embryo development. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the paternal effect at fertilization, embryo developmental kinetics, gene expression and quality from high and low in vitro fertility bulls. A retrospective analysis for bull selection was performed using the In vitro Brazil company database from 2012 to 2015. The dataset was edited employing cleavage and blastocyst rates ranking a total of 140 bulls. Subsequently, the dataset was restricted by embryo development rate (blastocyst/cleaved rate) and ten bulls were selected as high (HF; n = 5) and low (LF; n = 5) in vitro fertility groups. IVP embryos derived from high and low fertility bulls were classified according to their stage of development (2 cells, 3-4 cells, 6 cells, 8-16 cells), at 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 hpi, respectively, to evaluate embryo kinetics. Pronuclei formation (24 hpi), cleavage rate (Day 3), development rate, and blastocyst morphology (Grade I and II - Day 7) were also assessed, as well as the abundance of 96 transcripts at 8-16 cell stage and blastocysts. There was no difference in early embryo kinetics (P > 0.05), and cleavage rate (HF = 86.7%; LF = 84.9%; P = 0.25). Nevertheless, the fertilization rate was higher on HF (72%) than LF (62%) and the polyspermy rate was lower on HF compared to LF (HF:16.2% LF:29.2%). As expected, blastocyst rate (HF = 29.4%; LF = 16.0%; P < 0.0001) and development rate (HF = 33.9% LF = 18.9%; P < 0.0001) were higher in HF than LF. At the 8-16 cell stage, 22 transcripts were differentially represented (P ≤ 0.05) between the two groups. Only PGK1 and TFAM levels were higher in HF while transcripts related to stress (6/22, ∼27%), cell proliferation (6/22, ∼27%), lipid metabolism genes (5/22, ∼23%), and other cellular functions (5/22, ∼23%) were higher on LF embryos. Blastocysts had 9 differentially represented transcripts (P ≤ 0.05); being only ACSL3 and ELOV1 higher in the HF group. Lipid metabolism genes (3/9, 33%) and other cellular functions (6/9, 67%) were higher in the LF group. In conclusion, the timing of the first cleavages is not affected by in vitro bull fertility. However, low in vitro fertility bulls presented higher polyspermy rates and produced 8-16 cells embryos with higher levels of transcripts related to apoptosis and cell damage pathways compared to high in vitro fertility ones. Evidence such as polyspermy and increase in apoptotic and oxidative stress genes at the EGA stage suggest that embryo development is impaired in the LF group leading to the reduction of blastocyst rate.
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Musson R, Gąsior Ł, Bisogno S, Ptak GE. DNA damage in preimplantation embryos and gametes: specification, clinical relevance and repair strategies. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:376-399. [PMID: 35021196 PMCID: PMC9071077 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA damage is a hazard that affects all cells of the body. DNA-damage repair (DDR) mechanisms are in place to repair damage and restore cellular function, as are other damage-induced processes such as apoptosis, autophagy and senescence. The resilience of germ cells and embryos in response to DNA damage is less well studied compared with other cell types. Given that recent studies have described links between embryonic handling techniques and an increased likelihood of disease in post-natal life, an update is needed to summarize the sources of DNA damage in embryos and their capacity to repair it. In addition, numerous recent publications have detailed novel techniques for detecting and repairing DNA damage in embryos. This information is of interest to medical or scientific personnel who wish to obtain undamaged embryos for use in offspring generation by ART. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to thoroughly discuss sources of DNA damage in male and female gametes and preimplantation embryos. Special consideration is given to current knowledge and limits in DNA damage detection and screening strategies. Finally, obstacles and future perspectives in clinical diagnosis and treatment (repair) of DNA damaged embryos are discussed. SEARCH METHODS Using PubMed and Google Scholar until May 2021, a comprehensive search for peer-reviewed original English-language articles was carried out using keywords relevant to the topic with no limits placed on time. Keywords included ‘DNA damage repair’, ‘gametes’, ‘sperm’, ‘oocyte’, ‘zygote’, ‘blastocyst’ and ‘embryo’. References from retrieved articles were also used to obtain additional articles. Literature on the sources and consequences of DNA damage on germ cells and embryos was also searched. Additional papers cited by primary references were included. Results from our own studies were included where relevant. OUTCOMES DNA damage in gametes and embryos can differ greatly based on the source and severity. This damage affects the development of the embryo and can lead to long-term health effects on offspring. DDR mechanisms can repair damage to a certain extent, but the factors that play a role in this process are numerous and altogether not well characterized. In this review, we describe the multifactorial origin of DNA damage in male and female gametes and in the embryo, and suggest screening strategies for the selection of healthy gametes and embryos. Furthermore, possible therapeutic solutions to decrease the frequency of DNA damaged gametes and embryos and eventually to repair DNA and increase mitochondrial quality in embryos before their implantation is discussed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Understanding DNA damage in gametes and embryos is essential for the improvement of techniques that could enhance embryo implantation and pregnancy success. While our knowledge about DNA damage factors and regulatory mechanisms in cells has advanced greatly, the number of feasible practical techniques to avoid or repair damaged embryos remains scarce. Our intention is therefore to focus on strategies to obtain embryos with as little DNA damage as possible, which will impact reproductive biology research with particular significance for reproductive clinicians and embryologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Musson
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Łukasz Gąsior
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Simona Bisogno
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Grażyna Ewa Ptak
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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7
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Wrenzycki C. Parameters to identify good quality oocytes and embryos in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:190-202. [PMID: 35231232 DOI: 10.1071/rd21283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte/embryo selection methodologies are either invasive or noninvasive and can be applied at various stages of development from the oocyte to cleaved embryos and up to the blastocyst stage. Morphology and the proportion of embryos developing to the blastocyst stage are important criteria to assess developmental competence. Evaluation of morphology remains the method of choice for selecting viable oocytes for IVP or embryos prior to transfer. Although non-invasive approaches are improving, invasive ones have been extremely helpful in finding candidate genes to determine oocyte/embryo quality. There is still a strong need for further refinement of existing oocyte and embryo selection methods and quality parameters. The development of novel, robust and non-invasive procedures will ensure that only embryos with the highest developmental potential are chosen for transfer. In the present review, various methods for assessing the quality of oocytes and preimplantation embryos, particularly in cattle, are considered. These methods include assessment of morphology including different staining procedures, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, metabolic profiling, as well as the use of artificial intelligence technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Wrenzycki
- Chair for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Veterinary Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Frankfurter Straße 106, Giessen 35392, Germany
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8
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Korzekwa AJ, Kotlarczyk AM. Artificial Reproductive Technology (ART) Applied to Female Cervids Adapted from Domestic Ruminants. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102933. [PMID: 34679954 PMCID: PMC8532601 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102933] [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: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There are about 150 Cervidae species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Only a small part is counted among farm animals, and most of them are free roaming. The universality and large numbers of representatives of cervids such as red deer (Cervus elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) may predispose these species to be used as models for research on reintroduction or assisted reproduction of deer at risk of extinction. We outlined the historical fluctuation of cervids in Europe and the process of domestication, which led to breeding management. Consequently, the reproductive techniques used in domestic ruminants were adapted for use in female deer which we reviewed based on our results and other available results. We focused on stress susceptibility in cervids depending on habitat and antropopression and proposed copeptin as a novel diagnostic parameter suitable for stress determination. Some reproductive biotechniques have been adopted for female cervids with satisfactory results, e.g., in vitro fertilization, while others still require methodological refinement, e.g., cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos.
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Carrillo-González DF, Hernández-Herrera DY, Maldonado-Estrada JG. The role of L-carnitine in bovine embryo metabolism. A review of the effect of supplementation with a metabolic modulator on in vitro embryo production. Anim Biotechnol 2021; 34:413-423. [PMID: 34154517 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2021.1938593] [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: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Early embryo development is driven first by the maternal RNAs and proteins accumulated during the oocyte's cytoplasmic maturation and then after the embryo genome activation. In mammalian cells, ATP generation occurs via oxidative pathways or by glycolysis, whereas in embryonic stem cells, the consumption of glucose, pyruvate, lipids, and amino acids results in ATP synthesis. Although the bovine embryo has energy reserves in glycogen and lipids, the glycogen concentration is deficient. Conversely, lipids represent the most abundant energy reservoir of bovine embryos, where lipid droplets-containing triacylglycerols are the main fatty acid stores. Oocytes of many mammalian species contain comparatively high amounts of lipids stored as droplets in the ooplasm. L-carnitine has been described as a cofactor that facilitates the mobilization of fatty acids present in the oocyte's cytoplasm into the mitochondria to facilitate β-oxidation processes. However, the L-carnitine effects by addition to media in the in vitro produced embryos on the quality are highly disputed and contradictory by different researchers. This review's objective was to explore the effect that the addition of L-carnitine on culture media could have on the overall bovine embryo production in vitro, from the oocyte metabolism to the modulation of gene expression in the developing embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Carrillo-González
- OHVRI Research Group, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.,Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, School of Zootechny, University of Sucre, Sincelejo, Colombia
| | | | - Juan G Maldonado-Estrada
- OHVRI Research Group, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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Relative abundance of pluripotency-associated candidate genes in immature oocytes and in vitro-produced buffalo embryos ( Bubalus bubalis). ZYGOTE 2021; 29:459-467. [PMID: 33818346 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199421000101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to analyze the relative abundance (RA) of pluripotency-associated genes (NANOG, OCT4, SOX2, c-MYC, and FOXD3) in different grades of immature oocytes and various stages of in vitro-produced buffalo embryos using RT-qPCR. Results showed that the RA of NANOG, OCT4, and FOXD3 transcripts was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in A grade oocytes compared with the other grades of oocytes. The RA of the c-MYC transcript was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in A grade compared with the C and D grades of oocytes, but the values did not differ significantly from the B grade of oocytes. The RA of the SOX2 transcript was almost similar in all grades of the oocytes. The expression levels of NANOG (P > 0.05), OCT4 (P > 0.05), c-MYC (P > 0.05) and SOX2 (P < 0.05) were higher in the blastocysts compared with the other stages of the embryos. Markedly, FOXD3 expression was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in 8-16-cell embryos compared with the 2-cell and 4-cell embryos and blastocyst, but did not differ significantly from the morula stage of the embryos. In the study, the majority of pluripotency-associated genes showed higher expression in A grade immature oocytes. Therefore, it is concluded that the A grade oocytes appeared to be more developmental competent and are suitable candidates for nuclear cloning research in buffalo. In buffalo, NANOG, OCT4, SOX2, and c-MYC are highly expressed in blastocysts compared with the other stages of embryos.
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Amoushahi M, Sunde L, Lykke-Hartmann K. The pivotal roles of the NOD-like receptors with a PYD domain, NLRPs, in oocytes and early embryo development†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:284-296. [PMID: 31201414 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors with a pyrin domain (PYD), NLRPs, are pattern recognition receptors, well recognized for their important roles in innate immunity and apoptosis. However, several NLRPs have received attention for their new, specialized roles as maternally contributed genes important in reproduction and embryo development. Several NLRPs have been shown to be specifically expressed in oocytes and preimplantation embryos. Interestingly, and in line with divergent functions, NLRP genes reveal a complex evolutionary divergence. The most pronounced difference is the human-specific NLRP7 gene, not identified in rodents. However, mouse models have been extensively used to study maternally contributed NLRPs. The NLRP2 and NLRP5 proteins are components of the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC), which was recently identified as essential for mouse preimplantation development. The SCMC integrates multiple proteins, including KHDC3L, NLRP5, TLE6, OOEP, NLRP2, and PADI6. The NLRP5 (also known as MATER) has been extensively studied. In humans, inactivating variants in specific NLRP genes in the mother are associated with distinct phenotypes in the offspring, such as biparental hydatidiform moles (BiHMs) and preterm birth. Maternal-effect recessive mutations in KHDC3L and NLRP5 (and NLRP7) are associated with reduced reproductive outcomes, BiHM, and broad multilocus imprinting perturbations. The precise mechanisms of NLRPs are unknown, but research strongly indicates their pivotal roles in the establishment of genomic imprints and post-zygotic methylation maintenance, among other processes. Challenges for the future include translations of findings from the mouse model into human contexts and implementation in therapies and clinical fertility management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lone Sunde
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Karin Lykke-Hartmann
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Is it possible to alter the embryo lipid accumulation with reduction of fetal bovine serum and use of l-carnitine for in vitro maturation of bubaline oocytes? ZYGOTE 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s096719941900073x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SummaryIn vitro embryo production (IVEP) is a procedure that can promote genetic improvement in a short time frame. However, the success rates obtained with this biotechnology in water buffaloes are still inconsistent, and can be associated with the high concentration of lipids in the cytoplasm of oocytes and embryos. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of reduced concentration of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and/or use of l-carnitine during in vitro maturation (IVM) on the preimplantation development and lipid accumulation in bubaline embryos. In a first experiment, the lowest concentration of FBS in the IVM medium (0%, 2.5%, 5% or 10%) was determined, and the lowest concentration that maintained good embryo development rates was 5%. In a second experiment, the addition of 5 mM of l-carnitine into the maturation medium was evaluated. The blastocysts produced were submitted to lipid evaluation involving staining followed by observation using optical (Oil Red O) and confocal (BODIPY 493/503) microscopy. No difference was observed between the 5% and 10% FBS groups, which were superior to the 0% and 2.5% groups. Furthermore, the performance of the groups treated with 5% and 10% FBS was better than the groups supplemented with l-carnitine. There was no difference regarding embryo lipid accumulation. The results indicated that it is possible to reduce the FBS concentration to 5% in in vitro maturation medium for production of bubaline embryos, and supplementation with 5 mM l-carnitine does not increase embryo production.
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13
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Mishra A, Ganesan RK, Dhali A, Reddy IJ. Interaction of apoptosis and pluripotency related transcripts for developmental potential of ovine embryos produced in vitro at different oxygen concentrations. Anim Biotechnol 2020; 32:470-478. [PMID: 32011969 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2020.1721513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The present study in sheep model was to find out the interaction of apoptotic transcripts, that is, Bcl2, Bax, Casp3, PCNA and p53 and pluripotency related transcripts, that is, Sox2, Nanog and Oct4 in ovine embryos produced in vitro at different O2 concentrations (20% and 5% O2) to compare their developmental potential. Oxygen concentrations did not influence the maturation and cleavage rate but the percentage of morula and blastocysts was significantly more at 5% as compared to 20% O2. A significant upregulated expression of Bcl2 and PCNA genes and significantly downregulated expression of Casp3 and p53 were observed in the blastocysts at 5% than those at 20% O2. The expression of Bax was not influenced by the O2 concentration. Among the pluripotency related transcripts, the expression of Oct4 was significantly upregulated and the expression of Sox2 and Nanog was significantly downregulated in embryos at 5% than at 20% O2. The study concluded that the embryos produced in vitro at low O2 (5%) concentration regulate the expression of developmental genes related to apoptosis and pluripotency to improve the developmental potential of embryos as compared to high O2 (20%) concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Mishra
- Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bangalore, India
| | - Ramesh Kumar Ganesan
- Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bangalore, India
| | - Arindam Dhali
- Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bangalore, India
| | - Ippala Janardhan Reddy
- Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bangalore, India
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14
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G. RK, Mishra A, Reddy IJ, Dhali A, Roy SC. Low oxygen tension activates glucose metabolism, improves antioxidant capacity and augment developmental potential of ovine embryos in vitro. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/an18713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context Oxygen (O2) is one of the most powerful regulators of embryo function. Nevertheless, most in vitro embryo production studies do not consider O2 as a determining factor. Aim The present study was designed to assess the effect of different O2 (5 and 20%) concentrations on the developmental ability and expression of genes related to cellular antioxidant functions and glucose metabolism in the in vitro produced ovine embryos. Methods In vitro sheep embryos were produced at different O2 (5 and 20%) concentrations as per the laboratory protocol. Developmental stages of embryos at different O2 concentrations were compared. Messenger RNA abundance of antioxidant and glucose metabolism genes in embryos produced at different O2 concentrations were compared. Key results No significant (P < 0.05) effect of different O2 concentrations on oocyte maturation and cleavage rate was observed. In contrast, significantly (P < 0.05) more number of morula and blastocysts were observed at 5 compared with 20%O2. The expression level of the genes related to antioxidant functions (GPX, SOD1, SOD2 and CAT) and glucose metabolism (G6PD and HPRT) were found significantly (P < 0.05) greater in the embryos generated with 5 compared with 20% O2. In contrast, the expression of GAPDH did not differ significantly (P < 0.05) between the groups. Conclusions Ovine embryos at 5%O2 generated low ROS and synthesised more GSH due to the activation of G6PD and GPX that in turn increased the antioxidant capability and developmental potential of the embryos. Implications Embryos at higher O2 concentration (20%) generated more reactive oxygen species (ROS) that caused oxidative damage to the embryos and in turn reduced their developmental ability and alter gene expression.
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15
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Cooling of in vitro-produced bovine embryos: Effects of medium and time on gene expression, DNA fragmentation and embryonic survival. Livest Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Huang J, Ma Y, Wei S, Pan B, Qi Y, Hou Y, Meng Q, Zhou G, Han H. Dynamic changes in the global transcriptome of bovine germinal vesicle oocytes after vitrification followed by in vitro maturation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 30:1298-1313. [PMID: 29661269 DOI: 10.1071/rd17535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of vitrification on the dynamics of the global transcriptome in bovine germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes and their in vitro-derived metaphase II (MII) oocytes. The GV oocytes were vitrified using the open-pulled straw method. After warming, GV oocytes and the resulting MII-stage oocytes were cultured in vitro for 2h and 24h respectively and were then collected. The fresh GV oocytes and their in vitro-derived MII oocytes were used as controls. Then, each pool (fresh GV, n=3; vitrified GV, n=4; fresh MII, n=1 and MII derived from vitrified GV, n=2) from the different stages was used for mRNA transcriptome sequencing. The results showed that the in vitro maturation rates of GV oocytes were significantly decreased (32.36% vs 53.14%) after vitrification. Bovine GV oocyte vitrification leads to 12 significantly upregulated and 19 downregulated genes. After culturing in vitro, the vitrification-derived MII oocytes showed 47 significantly upregulated and six downregulated genes when compared with those from fresh GV oocytes. Based on molecular function-gene ontology terms analysis and the Kyoto encyclopaedia of genes (KEGG) pathway database, the differentially expressed genes were associated with the pathways of cell differentiation and mitosis, transcription regulation, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, apoptosis and so on, which potentially result in the lower in vitro development of GV bovine oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - YongShun Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Shao Wei
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Bo Pan
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, PR China
| | - Yu Qi
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - YunPeng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of AgroBiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - QingYong Meng
- State Key Laboratory of AgroBiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - GuangBin Zhou
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, PR China
| | - HongBing Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
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Boruszewska D, Grycmacher K, Kowalczyk-Zieba I, Sinderewicz E, Staszkiewicz-Chodor J, Woclawek-Potocka I. Expression of enzymes involved in the synthesis of prostaglandin E 2 in early- and late-cleaved bovine embryos at different stages of preimplantation development. Theriogenology 2019; 133:45-55. [PMID: 31059928 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Prostaglandin (PG) E2 plays a role in numerous aspects of mammalian reproduction, such as oviductal transport of gametes, hatching from the zona pellucida in blastocysts and early embryonic development. Despite the evident role of PGE2 in the regulation of female reproductive processes, in the literature, there is very little information concerning the expression of PGE2 synthesizing enzymes and the exact amount of PGE2 produced by bovine embryos in vitro. In the present study, we aimed to determine the mRNA levels and immunolocalization of the enzymes responsible for PGE2 synthesis (PTGS2, mPGES1, mPGES2 and cPGES) in embryos at the 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, 16-cell, morula, early blastocyst, blastocyst, expanded blastocyst and hatched blastocyst stages, using a well-defined bovine model of oocyte developmental competence based on the time of first cleavage. PTGS2, mPGES2 and cPGES transcripts and proteins were detected in all stages of embryos, whereas the mPGES1 transcript and protein were not detected in embryos from the 2- to 16-cell stage. The results showed different transcription profiles of the enzymes involved in PGE2 synthesis in early- and late-cleaved embryos during the early stages of their in vitro preimplantation development. We also found that all the analysed stages of bovine preimplantation embryos released PGE2, with the highest concentration on Day 7 of culture in both the early- and late-cleaved groups. The present study is the first to demonstrate PGE2 synthesis and production by bovine early- and late-cleaved embryos at different stages of preimplantation development. Bovine embryos can produce PGE2, which may exert paracrine regulation during development. The transcription levels of PGE2 synthases were affected by the embryonic stage of development and quality. Our results indicate that the different transcription profiles of PTGS2, mPGES1, mPGES2 and cPGES, as well as PGE2 concentration, in early-versus late-cleaved embryos are dependent on the quality of the oocytes from which the embryos were obtained, which could reveal the association of PGE2 production during bovine preimplantation development with more advanced stages of embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Boruszewska
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Grycmacher
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Ilona Kowalczyk-Zieba
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Emilia Sinderewicz
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Joanna Staszkiewicz-Chodor
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Izabela Woclawek-Potocka
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland.
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Bennemann J, Grothmann H, Wrenzycki C. Reduced oxygen concentration during in vitro oocyte maturation alters global DNA methylation in the maternal pronucleus of subsequent zygotes in cattle. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:849-857. [PMID: 30307668 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Preimplantation epigenetic reprogramming is sensitive to the environment of the gametes and the embryo. In vitro maturation (IVM) of bovine oocytes is a critical step of embryo in vitro production procedures and several factors influence its efficiency, including atmospheric oxygen tension. The possibility that the IVM environment can alter this process is tested by determining whether the global DNA methylation pattern (measured via immunofluorescent labeling of 5-methylcytosine [5meC]) in the parental pronuclei of bovine zygotes produced from cumulus-oocyte complexes matured under low (5%) and atmospheric (~20%) oxygen tension. Normalized 5meC signals differed significantly between maternal and paternal pronuclei of oocytes matured in vitro at 5% oxygen (p ≤ 0.05). There was a significant difference of 5meC between maternal pronuclei of oocytes matured at 5% oxygen and 20% oxygen ( p ≤ 0.05). The relative methylation level (normalized fluorescence intensity of paternal pronucleus divided by the normalized fluorescence intensity of maternal pronucleus) subsequent to maturation in vitro at 5% and 20% oxygen was also significantly altered ( p ≤ 0.05). Our results show that the pattern of global DNA methylation in the maternal pronucleus of bovine zygotes is affected by maturing the oocytes under low oxygen tension which may have an impact on early embryonic development. These data may contribute to the understanding of possible effects of IVM conditions on pronucleus reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Bennemann
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), Hannover, Germany.,Clinic for Veterinary Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Chair for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Hanna Grothmann
- Clinic for Veterinary Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Chair for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christine Wrenzycki
- Clinic for Veterinary Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Chair for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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19
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Wrenzycki C. Gene expression analysis and in vitro production procedures for bovine preimplantation embryos: Past highlights, present concepts and future prospects. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53 Suppl 2:14-19. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Wrenzycki
- Chair for Molecular Reproductive Medicine; Clinic for Veterinary Obstetrics; Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Giessen Germany
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20
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Algarra B, Maillo V, Avilés M, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Rizos D, Jiménez-Movilla M. Effects of recombinant OVGP1 protein on in vitro bovine embryo development. J Reprod Dev 2018; 64:433-443. [PMID: 30078833 PMCID: PMC6189566 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2018-058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, our group demonstrated that recombinant porcine oviductin (pOVGP1) binds to the zona pellucida (ZP) of in vitro-matured (IVM) porcine oocytes with a positive effect on in vitro fertilization (IVF). The fact that pOVGP1 was detected inside IVM oocytes suggested that this protein had a biological role during embryo development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pOVGP1 on bovine in vitro embryo development. We applied 10 or 50 µg/ml of pOVGP1 during IVF, embryonic in vitro culture (IVC), or both, to evaluate cleavage and embryo development. Blastocyst quality was assessed by analyzing the expression of important developmental genes and the survival rates after vitrification/warming. pOVGP1 was detected in the ZP, perivitelline space, and plasma membrane of blastocysts. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in cleavage or blastocyst yield when 10 or 50 µg/ml of pOVGP1 was used during IVF or IVC. However, when 50 µg/ml pOVGP1 was used during IVF + IVC, the number of blastocysts obtained was half that obtained with the control and 10 µg/ml pOVGP1 groups. The survival rates after vitrification/warming of expanded blastocysts cultured with pOVGP1 showed no significant differences between groups (P > 0.05). The use of pOVGP1 during IVF, IVC, or both, increased the relative abundance of mRNA of DSC2, ATF4, AQP3, and DNMT3A, the marker-genes of embryo quality. In conclusion, the use of pOVGP1 during bovine embryo in vitro culture does not affect embryo developmental rates but produces embryos of better quality in terms of the relative abundance of specific genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Algarra
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Verónica Maillo
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - María Jiménez-Movilla
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
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21
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Lopera-Vasquez R, Hamdi M, Maillo V, Lloreda V, Coy P, Gutierrez-Adan A, Bermejo-Alvarez P, Rizos D. Effect of bovine oviductal fluid on development and quality of bovine embryos produced in vitro. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:621-629. [PMID: 26462440 DOI: 10.1071/rd15238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the effect of bovine oviductal fluid (OF) supplementation during in vitro culture of bovine embryos on their development and quality, in vitro-produced zygotes were cultured in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF; negative control; C-) supplemented with OF or 5% fetal calf serum (positive control; C+). Embryo development was recorded on Days 7-9 after insemination and blastocyst quality was assessed through cryotolerance, differential cell counting of the inner cell mass and trophectoderm, and gene expression. OF was added to the culture medium at concentrations ranging from 0.625% to 25%. The higher OF concentrations (5%, 10% and 25%) had a detrimental effect on embryo development. Lower OF concentrations (1.25% and 0.625%) supported embryo development until Day 9 (27.5%) and produced higher-quality blastocysts, as reflected by their cryotolerance (53.6% and 57.7% survival at 72h, respectively, vs 25.9% in C+) and total cell number (mean (± s.e.m.) 165.1±4.7 and 156.2±4.2, respectively, vs 127.7±4.9 in C- and 143.1±4.9 in C+). Consistent with these data, upregulation of the water channel aquaporin 3 (AQP3) mRNA was observed in blastocysts supplemented with 1.25% OF compared with C- and C+. Serum supplementation resulted in a reduction in the expression of glucose and lipid metabolism-related genes and downregulation of the epigenetic-related genes DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) and insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R). In conclusion, in vitro culture with low concentrations of OF has a positive effect on the development and quality of bovine embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricaurte Lopera-Vasquez
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna Km 5.9, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Meriem Hamdi
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna Km 5.9, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Veronica Maillo
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna Km 5.9, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Valeriano Lloreda
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna Km 5.9, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Pilar Coy
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, 30071, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutierrez-Adan
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna Km 5.9, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Pablo Bermejo-Alvarez
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna Km 5.9, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna Km 5.9, Madrid, 28040, Spain
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l-Ergothioneine improves the developmental potential of in vitro sheep embryos without influencing OCTN1-mediated cross-membrane transcript expression. ZYGOTE 2018; 26:149-161. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199418000047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
SummaryThe objective of the study was to investigate the effect of l-ergothioneine (l-erg) (5 mM or 10 mM) supplementation in maturation medium on the developmental potential and OCTN1-dependant l-erg-mediated (10 mM) change in mRNA abundance of apoptotic (Bcl2, Bax, Casp3 and PCNA) and antioxidant (GPx, SOD1, SOD2 and CAT) genes in sheep oocytes and developmental stages of embryos produced in vitro. Oocytes matured with l-erg (10 mM) reduced their embryo toxicity by decreasing intracellular ROS and increasing intracellular GSH in matured oocytes that in turn improved developmental potential, resulting in significantly (P < 0.05) higher percentages of cleavage (53.72% vs 38.86, 46.56%), morulae (34.36% vs 20.62, 25.84%) and blastocysts (14.83% vs 6.98, 9.26%) compared with other lower concentrations (0 mM and 5 mM) of l-erg without change in maturation rate. l-Erg (10 mM) treatment did not influence the mRNA abundance of the majority of apoptotic and antioxidant genes studied in the matured oocytes and developmental stages of embryo. A gene expression study found that the SLC22A4 gene that encodes OCTN1, an integral membrane protein and specific transporter of l-erg was not expressed in oocytes and developmental stages of embryos. Therefore it was concluded from the study that although there was improvement in the developmental potential of sheep embryos by l-erg supplementation in maturation medium, there was no change in the expression of the majority of the genes studied due to the absence of the SLC22A4 gene in oocytes and embryos that encode OCTN1, which is responsible for transportation of l-erg across the membrane to alter gene expression.
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23
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Zare Z, Abouhamzeh B, Masteri Farahani R, Salehi M, Mohammadi M. Supplementation of L-carnitine during in vitro maturation of mouse oocytes affects expression of genes involved in oocyte and embryo competence:An experimental study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2017. [DOI: 10.29252/ijrm.15.12.779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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24
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Reversible meiotic arrest of bovine oocytes by EGFR inhibition and follicular hemisections. Theriogenology 2017; 99:53-62. [PMID: 28708500 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of inhibiting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway on meiosis blockage and resumption, mRNA expression of genes involved in oocyte maturation and cumulus expansion, and embryo development. Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured for 15 h in the presence of the EGFR inhibitor (AG1478) and follicular hemisections (FHS). Most of the oocytes (89.3%) remained at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage when cultured in the presence of FHS and 5 μM AG1478. The inhibitory effect was reversible as most oocytes (83.8%) completed meiosis after additional 20 h maturation. Embryo development to the blastocyst stage was similar (P > 0.05) between FHS and 5 μM AG1478 treated (39.3%) and control (41.1%) groups. In cumulus cells, mRNA abundance of early growth response protein 1 (EGR1), tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 6 (TNFAIP6) and hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) genes, and phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase (p-ERK1/2) protein were lower in COCs treated with AG1478 plus FHS compared with FHS alone (P < 0.05). In granulosa cells of FHS, AG1478 treatment reduced transcript levels of PGR and ADAMTS1 (P < 0.05). The inhibitory effect of AG1478 on meiotic progression was not reverted by treatment with angiotensin II (ANG II) or prostaglandins (PGF2α or PGE2). This study demonstrates that inhibition of EGFR in the presence of FHS is a reliable approach to promote reversible arrest of bovine oocytes at the GV stage.
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Leroy JLMR, Valckx SDM, Jordaens L, De Bie J, Desmet KLJ, Van Hoeck V, Britt JH, Marei WF, Bols PEJ. Nutrition and maternal metabolic health in relation to oocyte and embryo quality: critical views on what we learned from the dairy cow model. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 27:693-703. [PMID: 25690396 DOI: 10.1071/rd14363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although fragmented and sometimes inconsistent, the proof of a vital link between the importance of the physiological status of the mother and her subsequent reproductive success is building up. High-yielding dairy cows are suffering from a substantial decline in fertility outcome over past decades. For many years, this decrease in reproductive output has correctly been considered multifactorial, with factors including farm management, feed ratios, breed and genetics and, last, but not least, ever-rising milk production. Because the problem is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach, it is hard to formulate straightforward conclusions leading to improvements on the 'work floor'. However, based on remarkable similarities on the preimplantation reproductive side between cattle and humans, there is a growing tendency to consider the dairy cow's negative energy balance and accompanying fat mobilisation as an interesting model to study the impact of maternal metabolic disorders on human fertility and, more specifically, on oocyte and preimplantation embryo quality. Considering the mutual interest of human and animal scientists studying common reproductive problems, this review has several aims. First, we briefly introduce the 'dairy cow case' by describing the state of the art of research into metabolic imbalances and their possible effects on dairy cow reproduction. Second, we try to define relevant in vitro models that can clarify certain mechanisms by which aberrant metabolite levels may influence embryonic health. We report on recent advances in the assessment of embryo metabolism and meantime critically elaborate on advantages and major limitations of in vitro models used so far. Finally, we discuss hurdles to be overcome to successfully translate the scientific data to the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo L M R Leroy
- Gamete Research Centre, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Departement of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sara D M Valckx
- Gamete Research Centre, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Departement of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Lies Jordaens
- Gamete Research Centre, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Departement of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jessie De Bie
- Gamete Research Centre, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Departement of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Karolien L J Desmet
- Gamete Research Centre, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Departement of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Veerle Van Hoeck
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Endocrinologia Molecular, University SaoPaulo Pirassununga, CEP 13-3565-4220 Pirassununga, Sao Paulo, Brasil
| | - Jack H Britt
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7621, USA
| | - Waleed F Marei
- Gamete Research Centre, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Departement of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter E J Bols
- Gamete Research Centre, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Departement of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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Satellite DNA methylation status and expression of selected genes in Bos indicus blastocysts produced in vivo and in vitro. ZYGOTE 2017; 25:131-140. [PMID: 28137339 DOI: 10.1017/s096719941600040x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Bovine embryos produced in vivo and in vitro differ with respect to molecular profiles, including epigenetic marks and gene expression profiles. This study investigated the CpG methylation status in bovine testis satellite I (BTS) and Bos taurus alpha satellite I (BTαS) DNA sequences, and concomitantly the relative abundance of transcripts, critically involved in DNA methylation (DNMT1 and DNMT3A), growth and development (IGF2R) and pluripotency (POU5F1) in Bos indicus embryos produced in vitro or in vivo. Results revealed that methylation of BTS were higher (P < 0.05) in embryos produced in vitro compared with their in vivo produced counterparts, while the methylation status of BTαS was similar in both groups. There were no significant differences in transcript abundance for DNMT3A, IGF2R and POU5F1 between blastocysts produced in vivo and in vitro. However, a significantly lower amount of DNMT1 transcripts was found in the in vitro cultured embryos (P < 0.05) compared with their in vivo derived counterparts. In conclusion, this study reported only minor changes in the expression of developmentally important genes and satellite DNA methylation related to the in vitro embryo production system.
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Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the regulation of many post-transcriptional processes in reproductive cells. Regulation of maternal mRNA translation and activation of zygotic mRNA are essential to successful embryonic development. Moreover, the precise development of embryonic cell and/or tissue lineages requires temporal and spatial control of gene expression, mRNA abundance, and translation into proteins, which is in part regulated via miRNA. Here, we describe some key protocols that can be utilized to detect and quantify miRNA in in vitro produced oocytes and embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malavika K Adur
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, 2356 Kildee Hall, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Benjamin J Hale
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, 2356 Kildee Hall, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Jason W Ross
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, 2356 Kildee Hall, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.
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Rizos D, Maillo V, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, Lonergan P. The Consequences of Maternal-Embryonic Cross Talk During the Periconception Period on Subsequent Embryonic Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1014:69-86. [PMID: 28864985 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-62414-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The periconception period comprises the final maturation of sperm and the processes of fertilization and early embryonic development, which take place in the oviduct. The final goal of these important events is to lead to establishment of pregnancy leading to the birth of healthy offspring. Studies in rodents and domestic animals have demonstrated that environmental conditions experienced during early development affect critical aspects of future growth, metabolism, gene expression, and physiology. Similarly, in vitro culture of embryos can be associated with changes in fetal growth, gene expression and regulation, and postnatal behavior.In the oviduct, the cross talk between the mother and gametes/embryo begins after ovulation, between the oocyte and the female reproductive tract, and continues with the sperm and the early embryo after successful fertilization. These signals are mainly the result of direct interaction of gametes and embryos with oviductal and endometrial cells, influencing the microenvironment at the specific location. Identifying and understanding the mechanisms involved in this cross talk during the critical period of early reproductive events leading to pregnancy establishment could potentially lead to improvements in current in vitro embryo production systems in domestic mammals and humans. In this review, we discuss current knowledge of the short- and long-term consequences of in vitro embryo production on embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Rizos
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruña Km. 5,9, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Veronica Maillo
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruña Km. 5,9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria-Jesús Sánchez-Calabuig
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruña Km. 5,9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Bovine in vitro embryo production: the effects of fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10). J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 34:383-390. [PMID: 28000057 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0852-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In an attempt to improve in vitro embryo production, we investigated the effect of fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) during in vitro maturation on the developmental capacity of bovine oocytes. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were aspirated from follicles of 3-8 mm diameter. After selection, the COCs were matured in medium with or without 0.5 ng/mL of FGF10. The effect of FGF10 during in vitro maturation (IVM) on nuclear maturation kinetics and expansion of the cumulus cells was investigated. Oocyte competence was assessed by the production and development speed of embryos and the relative expression of genes associated with embryo quality. RESULTS FGF10 delayed the resumption of meiosis from 8 h onwards, but did not affect the percentage of oocytes reaching metaphase II, nor did it increase cumulus expansion at 22 h of maturation. We found no difference between treatments regarding embryo production, developmental speed, and gene expression. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the presence of FGF10 during IVM had no effect on embryo production, developmental speed, and gene expression.
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Differences in developmental competence and gene expression profiles between buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) preimplantation embryos cultured in three different embryo culture media. Cytotechnology 2016; 68:1973-86. [PMID: 27481470 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-016-0010-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare effects of in vitro culture systems on embryonic development and expression patterns of developmentally important genes in preimplantation buffalo embryos. After IVM/IVF presumptive zygotes were cultured in one of three systems: undefined TCM-199, mCR2aa medium supplemented with 10 % FBS and defined PVA-myo-inositol-phosphate-EGF medium. No (P > 0.05) differences at 2-cell, 4-cell and 8-cell to 16- cell stages were observed among the three cultured media used, however, increased (P < 0.05) blastocyst yield, cell number and hatching rate were found in defined medium compared to undefined media. The expression patterns of genes implicated in embryo metabolism (GLUT-1), anti-apoptosis (BCL-2), imprinting (IGF-2R), DNA methylation (DNMT-3A) and maternal recognition of pregnancy (IFNT) were increased (P < 0.05) in hatched blastocysts derived from defined medium compared to undefined media. In conclusion, serum-free, defined medium improved developmental competence of in vitro cultured buffalo embryos. Whether these differences in morphological development and gene expression have long-term effects on buffalo calves born after embryo transfer remains unknown. However, it is possible that early adaptations of the preimplantation embryo to its environment persist during fetal and post-natal development.
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Qi X, Li H, Cong X, Wang X, Jiang Z, Cao R, Tian W. Baicalin increases developmental competence of mouse embryos in vitro by inhibiting cellular apoptosis and modulating HSP70 and DNMT expression. J Reprod Dev 2016; 62:561-569. [PMID: 27478062 PMCID: PMC5177973 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2016-047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Scutellaria baicalensis has been effectively used in Chinese traditional medicine to prevent miscarriages. However, little information is available on its mechanism of action. This study is designed specifically to reveal how baicalin, the main effective ingredient of S. baicalensis, improves developmental competence of embryos in vitro, using the mouse as a model. Mouse pronuclear embryos were cultured in KSOM medium supplemented with (0, 2, 4 and 8 μg/ml) baicalin. The results demonstrated that in vitro culture conditions significantly decreased the blastocyst developmental rate and blastocyst quality, possibly due to increased cellular stress and apoptosis. Baicalin (4 µg/ml) significantly increased 2- and 4-cell cleavage rates, morula developmental rate, and blastocyst developmental rate and cell number of in vitro-cultured mouse embryos. Moreover, baicalin increased the expression of Gja1, Cdh1, Bcl-2, and Dnmt3a genes, decreased the expression of Dnmt1 gene, and decreased cellular stress and apoptosis as it decreased the expression of HSP70, CASP3, and BAX and increased BCL-2 expression in blastocysts cultured in vitro. In conclusion, baicalin improves developmental competence of in vitro-cultured mouse embryos through inhibition of cellular apoptosis and HSP70 expression, and improvement of DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Qi
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, Shandong Province, China
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Labrecque R, Fournier E, Sirard MA. Transcriptome analysis of bovine oocytes from distinct follicle sizes: Insights from correlation network analysis. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:558-69. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rémi Labrecque
- Faculté des sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation; Département des Sciences Animales; Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction; Pavillon INAF; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - Eric Fournier
- Faculté des sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation; Département des Sciences Animales; Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction; Pavillon INAF; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Faculté des sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation; Département des Sciences Animales; Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction; Pavillon INAF; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
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Mishra A, Reddy IJ, Gupta PSP, Mondal S. l-carnitine Mediated Reduction in Oxidative Stress and Alteration in Transcript Level of Antioxidant Enzymes in Sheep Embryos ProducedIn Vitro. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 51:311-21. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Mishra
- Animal Physiology Division; ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology; Bangalore India
| | - IJ Reddy
- Animal Physiology Division; ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology; Bangalore India
| | - PSP Gupta
- Animal Physiology Division; ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology; Bangalore India
| | - S Mondal
- Animal Physiology Division; ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology; Bangalore India
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Differential developmental competence and gene expression patterns in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) nuclear transfer embryos reconstructed with fetal fibroblasts and amnion mesenchymal stem cells. Cytotechnology 2015; 68:1827-48. [PMID: 26660476 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-015-9936-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The developmental ability and gene expression pattern at 8- to 16-cell and blastocyst stages of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) nuclear transfer (NT) embryos from fetal fibroblasts (FFs), amnion mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) and in vitro fertilized (IVF) embryos were compared in the present studies. The in vitro expanded buffalo FFs showed a typical "S" shape growth curve with a doubling time of 41.4 h and stained positive for vimentin. The in vitro cultured undifferentiated AMSCs showed a doubling time of 39.5 h and stained positive for alkaline phosphatase, and these cells also showed expression of pluripotency markers (OCT 4, SOX 2, NANOG), and mesenchymal stem cell markers (CD29, CD44) and were negative for haematopoietic marker (CD34) genes at different passages. Further, when AMSCs were exposed to corresponding induction conditions, these cells differentiated into adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic lineages which were confirmed through oil red O, alcian blue and alizarin staining, respectively. Donor cells at 3-4 passage were employed for NT. The cleavage rate was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in IVF than in FF-NT and AMSC-NT embryos (82.6 ± 8.2 vs. 64.6 ± 1.3 and 72.3 ± 2.2 %, respectively). However, blastocyst rates in IVF and AMSC-NT embryos (30.6 ± 2.7 and 28.9 ± 3.1 %) did not differ and were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than FF-NT (19.5 ± 1.8 %). Total cell number did not show significant (P > 0.05) differences between IVF and AMSC-NT embryos (186.7 ± 4.2, 171.2 ± 3.8, respectively) but were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that from FF-NT (151.3 ± 4.1). Alterations in the expression pattern of genes implicated in transcription and pluripotency (OCT4, STAT3, NANOG), DNA methylation (DNMT1, DNMT3A), histone deacetylation (HDAC2), growth factor signaling and imprinting (IGF2, IGF2R), apoptosis (BAX, BCL2), metabolism (GLUT1) and oxidative stress (MnSOD) regulation were observed in cloned embryos. The transcripts or expression patterns in AMSC-NT embryos more closely followed that of the in vitro derived embryos compared with FF-NT embryos. The results demonstrate that multipotent amnion MSCs have a greater potential as donor cells than FFs in achieving enhanced production of cloned buffalo embryos.
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Effect of cortisol on bovine oocyte maturation and embryo development in vitro. Theriogenology 2015; 85:323-9. [PMID: 26456184 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 07/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are important mediators of key cellular events. Herein, we investigated the effect of adding cortisol to the IVM medium on the acquisition of developmental competency in bovine oocytes. Cortisol (0.01, 0.1, or 1 μg/mL) had no effect on cleavage rates or cell numbers of resulting blastocysts; however, supplementation with 0.1 μg/mL during IVM increased blastocyst rates of in vitro-fertilized bovine oocytes as compared to untreated controls (41 ± 10% vs. 21 ± 1.2%, P < 0.05, respectively). This concentration was chosen to assess changes in the relative expression of potential GC target genes. Oocytes matured in the presence of cortisol and their corresponding cumulus cells did not show changes in expression for genes analyzed as compared to untreated controls. Notably, blastocysts from oocytes matured in cortisol-supplemented medium expressed higher relative levels of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). This study supports a role for cortisol in the acquisition of bovine oocyte competence. This is evidenced by increased blastocyst development rates and presumably related to elevated embryonic transcripts with roles in glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as the cellular response to stress.
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A comparative study on expression profile of developmentally important genes during pre-implantation stages in buffalo hand-made cloned embryos derived from adult fibroblasts and amniotic fluid derived stem cells. Cytotechnology 2015. [PMID: 26224482 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-015-9904-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal gene expression in somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos due to aberrant epigenetic modifications of the donor nucleus may account for much of the observed diminished viability and developmental abnormalities. The present study compared the developmentally important gene expression pattern at 4-cell, 8- to 16-cell, morula, and blastocyst stages of buffalo nuclear transfer (NT) embryos from adult fibroblasts (AFs) and amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs). In vitro fertilized embryos were used as control embryos. Alterations in the expression pattern of genes implicated in transcription and pluripotency (OCT4, STAT3, NANOG), DNA methylation (DNMT1, DNMT3A), histone deacetylation (HDAC2), growth factor signaling, and imprinting (IGF2, IGF2R), apoptosis (BAX, BCL2), oxidative stress (MnSOD), metabolism (GLUT1) regulation were observed in cloned embryos. The expression of transcripts in AFSC-NT embryos more closely followed that of the in vitro fertilized embryos compared with AF-NT embryos. It is concluded that AFSCs with a relatively undifferentiated genome may serve as suitable donors which could be reprogrammed more efficiently to reactivate expression of early embryonic genes in buffalo NT.
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Transcript abundance, glutathione and apoptosis levels differ between porcine oocytes collected from prepubertal and cyclic gilts. Theriogenology 2015; 84:86-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Viudes-de-Castro MP, Pomares A, Saenz de Juano I Ribes MD, Marco-Jiménez F, Vicente JS. Effect of luteinizing hormone on rabbit ovarian superstimulation and embryo developmental potential. Theriogenology 2015; 84:446-51. [PMID: 25930731 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproduction technologies require ovarian stimulation to increase the number of oocytes and embryos. Currently, superstimulation is achieved by gonadotropin treatment, but the embryo yield and quality are highly variable. Commonly, commercial preparations derived from pituitary and urinary origin are used to superovulate. Hence, ovarian superstimulation protocols have usually included both FSH and LH. The appearance of recombinant gonadotropins manufactured by genetic engineering techniques has ensured high quality and batch-to-batch consistency. Moreover, this enables us to assess the importance of LH in the ovarian stimulation. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of recombinant human LH supplementation (10%) on embryonic development produced by rabbit does superovulated with low or high concentration (18.75 or 37.50 IU) of recombinant human FSH (rhFSH). Females treated with rhFSH increased the ovulation rate, and it was significantly higher when the high FSH dose was supplemented with LH. The superstimulation treatment used did not significantly affect in vitro development rate until the expanded blastocyst stage. The results of this study seem to suggest that, in terms of superovulatory response, when rabbit does are treated with 37.5-IU rhFSH, the use of LH supplementation allows an increase in the number of follicles recruited and the quality of embryos, in terms of ability to develop in vitro until blastocyst, and the expression profile of OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2 genes is not affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Viudes-de-Castro
- Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Animal (CITA), Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Castellón, Spain.
| | - A Pomares
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - F Marco-Jiménez
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - J S Vicente
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Amiri Roudbar M, Dehghani H, Tahmoorespur M, Zahmatkesh A, Adeldust H, Ansari Majd S, Daliri Joupari M. Quantitative analysis of RNA abondance for CTCF during reprogramming of bovine embryo from oocyte to blastocyst. Arch Anim Breed 2015. [DOI: 10.5194/aab-58-171-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. CTCF is a highly conserved protein among eukaryotes and it is involved in many of regulatory functions including, transcriptional repression and activation, chromatin insulation, imprinting, X chromosome inactivation, higher-order chromatin organization, and alternative splicing. Studies performed on mouse embryos indicate that CTCF can be a maternal-effect gene, and is essential for normal development of embryos. CTCF can be used as a molecular effector for the proper epigenetic establishment of embryonic development. The aim of this study was to determine changes in transcript levels of the CTCF gene in bovine preimplantation embryos. RNA was extracted from immature and mature oocytes and embryos at various developmental stages (two-cell, four-cell, eight-cell, and blastocysts). Results showed that the amounts of CTCF transcripts decreased in mature oocyte in comparison with immature oocytes, but this change was not significant. In addition, the amount of CTCF transcript in embryos at two-cell, four-cell, eight-cell, and blastocyst stages significantly increased in comparison with immature oocytes. These data show that CTCF expression in bovine embryo begins at minor embryonic genome activation.
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Wrenzycki C, Stinshoff H. [Importance of reproductive biotechnology in cattle in Europe]. Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 2015; 43:115-22; quiz 123. [PMID: 25812702 DOI: 10.15653/tpg-140671] [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: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive biotechnology has manifold applications and includes a great innovation potential in livestock. Due to the global changes the new findings and techniques can aid to meet the future challenges. The use of biotechnology in animal production can guarantee enough high quality food for the whole population. Genetic resources of animals can be preserved via sperm and embryo banking. Early diagnosis of hereditary defects, generation of offspring with predetermined sex and the avoidance of animal transports for breeding employing shipment of frozen embryos will improve animal welfare. A special application is the use of animal models for human assisted reproductive technologies. Therefore, not only in Germany research related to the methodologies in reproductive biotechnology and their improvement need to be supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Wrenzycki
- Prof. Dr. med. vet. Christine Wrenzycki, Klinik für Geburtshilfe, Gynäkologie und Andrologie der Groß- und Kleintiere mit Tierärztlicher Ambulanz, Professur für Molekulare Reproduktionsmedizin, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Frankfurter Straße 106, 35392 Gießen, E-Mail:
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Montskó G, Zrínyi Z, Janáky T, Szabó Z, Várnagy Á, Kovács GL, Bódis J. Noninvasive embryo viability assessment by quantitation of human haptoglobin alpha-1 fragment in the in vitro fertilization culture medium: an additional tool to increase success rate. Fertil Steril 2015; 103:687-93. [PMID: 25577461 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To find new candidate molecules to assess embryo viability in a noninvasive manner. DESIGN Prospective, blinded study with randomized sample collection. SETTING University research center. PATIENTS(S) Ninety embryos implanted in 53 randomly selected patients (mean ± SD age, 32.3 ± 5.1 years) were analyzed. INTERVENTION(S) Superovulation treatment was initiated by the administration of the GnRh agonist triptorelin and individual dosages of recombinant FSH. Ovulation was induced by the injection of hCG. Oocytes were fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Liquid chromatography coupled mass spectrometric quantification of the α-1 fragment of human haptoglobin in the culture medium. RESULT(S) A novel polypeptide marker was found that might be helpful to differentiate between potentially viable and nonviable embryos. This molecule was identified with tandem mass spectrometry as the α-1 fragment of human haptoglobin. Significant correlation was found in the amount of the peptide fragment and the outcome of pregnancy. In the culture media of embryos that were assigned in the biochemical assay as nonviable (according to the amount of the haptoglobin fragment), there were no pregnancies detected; this assay revealed a 100% successful selection of the nonviable embryos. In the group assigned as viable, the rate of pregnancy was 54.7%. CONCLUSION(S) Viability of the embryo during the IVF process is assessed by microscopic inspection, resulting in a pregnancy rate of 25%-30%. Detection and quantitation of the α-1 haptoglobin fragment of the culture medium proved to be a useful additional method for identifying nonviable embryos, increasing the success rate to 50%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Montskó
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zita Zrínyi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Janáky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szabó
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ákos Várnagy
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor L Kovács
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - József Bódis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Urrego R, Herrera-Puerta E, Chavarria NA, Camargo O, Wrenzycki C, Rodriguez-Osorio N. Follicular progesterone concentrations and messenger RNA expression of MATER and OCT-4 in immature bovine oocytes as predictors of developmental competence. Theriogenology 2014; 83:1179-87. [PMID: 25662108 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The ability of bovine embryos to develop to the blastocyst stage and to implant and generate healthy offspring depends greatly on the competence of the oocyte. Oocyte competence is attributed to its close communication with the follicular environment and to its capacity to synthesize and store substantial amounts of messenger RNA. Higher developmental competence of bovine oocytes has been associated with both the expression of a cohort of developmental genes and the concentration of sex steroids in the follicular fluid. The aim of this study was to identify differences in the expression of FST in cumulus cells and OCT-4 and MATER in oocytes and the influence of the follicular progesterone and follicular estrogen concentration on the competence of bovine oocytes retrieved 30 minutes or 4 hours after slaughter. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were left in postmortem ovaries for 30 minutes (group I) or 4 hours (group II) at 30 °C. Aspirated oocytes were then subjected to IVM, IVF, and IVC or were evaluated for MATER and OCT-4 messenger RNA abundance by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Total RNA was isolated from pools of 100 oocytes for each experimental replicate. Progesterone and estradiol concentration in follicular fluid was evaluated by immunoassay using an IMMULITE 2000 analyzer. Three repeats of in vitro embryo production were performed with a total of 455 (group I) and 470 (group II) COCs. There were no significant differences between the cleavage rates (72 hours postinsemination [hpi]) between both groups (63.5% vs. 69.1%). However, blastocyst (168 hpi) and hatching (216 hpi) rates were higher (P < 0.05) in group II compared with those of group I (21.3% vs. 30.7% and 27.6% vs. 51.5%, respectively). Group II oocytes exhibited the highest MATER and OCT-4 abundance (P < 0.05). Follicular estradiol concentration was not different between both the groups, whereas the progesterone concentration was lower (P ≤ 0.05) in group II follicles. These results indicate that retrieving COCs 4 hours after slaughter could increase bovine in vitro developmental competence, which is linked to higher levels of oocyte MATER and OCT-4 transcripts and lower follicular progesterone concentration. Moreover, the results of the present study contribute to the identification of factors involved in the developmental competence of immature oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Urrego
- Grupo CENTAURO, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo INCA-CES, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - E Herrera-Puerta
- Grupo INCA-CES, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo Biología CES-EIA, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia
| | - N A Chavarria
- Grupo INCA-CES, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia
| | - O Camargo
- Grupo Genes, Gametos y Embriones, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - C Wrenzycki
- Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Cánepa MJ, Ortega NM, Monteleone MC, Mucci N, Kaiser GG, Brocco M, Mutto A. Expression profile of genes as indicators of developmental competence and quality of in vitro fertilization and somatic cell nuclear transfer bovine embryos. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108139. [PMID: 25269019 PMCID: PMC4182429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive biotechnologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) enable improved reproductive efficiency of animals. However, the birth rate of in vitro-derived embryos still lags behind that of their in vivo counterparts. Thus, it is critical to develop an accurate evaluation and prediction system of embryo competence, both for commercial purposes and for scientific research. Previous works have demonstrated that in vitro culture systems induce alterations in the relative abundance (RA) of diverse transcripts and thus compromise embryo quality. The aim of this work was to analyze the RA of a set of genes involved in cellular stress (heat shock protein 70-kDa, HSP70), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein, Bip; proteasome subunit β5, PSMB5) and apoptosis (BCL-2 associated X protein, Bax; cysteine aspartate protease-3, Caspase-3) in bovine blastocysts produced by IVF or SCNT and compare it with that of their in vivo counterparts. Poly (A) + mRNA was isolated from three pools of 10 blastocysts per treatment and analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. The RA of three of the stress indicators analyzed (Bax, PSMB5 and Bip) was significantly increased in SCNT embryos as compared with that of in vivo-derived blastocysts. No significant differences were found in the RA of HSP70 and Caspase-3 gene transcripts. This study could potentially complement morphological analyses in the development of an effective and accurate technique for the diagnosis of embryo quality, ultimately aiding to improve the efficiency of assisted reproductive techniques (ART).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jesús Cánepa
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologías Reproductivas y Mejoramiento Genético Animal, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, General San Martín, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Matías Ortega
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologías Reproductivas y Mejoramiento Genético Animal, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, General San Martín, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Melisa Carolina Monteleone
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologías Reproductivas y Mejoramiento Genético Animal, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, General San Martín, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolas Mucci
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, INTA Balcarce, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - German Gustavo Kaiser
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, INTA Balcarce, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela Brocco
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologías Reproductivas y Mejoramiento Genético Animal, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, General San Martín, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adrián Mutto
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologías Reproductivas y Mejoramiento Genético Animal, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, General San Martín, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Hoelker M, Held E, Salilew-Wondim D, Schellander K, Tesfaye D. Molecular signatures of bovine embryo developmental competence. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:22-36. [PMID: 24305174 DOI: 10.1071/rd13255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessment of the developmental capacity of early bovine embryos is still an obstacle. Therefore, the present paper reviews all current knowledge with respect to morphological criteria and environmental factors that affect embryo quality. The molecular signature of an oocyte or embryo is considered to reflect its quality and to predict its subsequent developmental capacity. Therefore, the primary aim of the present review is to provide an overview of reported correlations between molecular signatures and developmental competence. A secondary aim of this paper is to present some new strategies to enable concomitant evaluation of the molecular signatures of specific embryos and individual developmental capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hoelker
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, University of Bonn, Endenicher Alle 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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García-López J, Hourcade JDD, Alonso L, Cárdenas DB, del Mazo J. Global characterization and target identification of piRNAs and endo-siRNAs in mouse gametes and zygotes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1839:463-75. [PMID: 24769224 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A set of small RNAs known as rasRNAs (repeat-associated small RNAs) have been related to the down-regulation of Transposable Elements (TEs) to safeguard genome integrity. Two key members of the rasRNAs group are piRNAs and endo-siRNAs. We have performed a comparative analysis of piRNAs and endo-siRNAs present in mouse oocytes, spermatozoa and zygotes, identified by deep sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. The detection of piRNAs and endo-siRNAs in the spermatozoa and revealed also in zygotes, hints to their potential delivery to oocytes during fertilization. However, a comparative assessment of the three cell types indicates that both piRNAs and endo-siRNAs are mainly maternally inherited. Finally, we have assessed the role of the different rasRNA molecules in connection with amplification processes by way of the "ping-pong cycle". Our results suggest that the ping-pong cycle can act on other rasRNAs, such as tRNA- and rRNA-derived fragments, thus not only being restricted to TEs during gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús García-López
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan de Dios Hourcade
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lola Alonso
- Bioinformatics Service, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - David B Cárdenas
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús del Mazo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Urrego R, Rodriguez-Osorio N, Niemann H. Epigenetic disorders and altered gene expression after use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in domestic cattle. Epigenetics 2014; 9:803-15. [PMID: 24709985 DOI: 10.4161/epi.28711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in modern cattle breeding is an important tool for improving the production of dairy and beef cattle. A frequently employed ART in the cattle industry is in vitro production of embryos. However, bovine in vitro produced embryos differ greatly from their in vivo produced counterparts in many facets, including developmental competence. The lower developmental capacity of these embryos could be due to the stress to which the gametes and/or embryos are exposed during in vitro embryo production, specifically ovarian hormonal stimulation, follicular aspiration, oocyte in vitro maturation in hormone supplemented medium, sperm handling, gamete cryopreservation, and culture of embryos. The negative effects of some ARTs on embryo development could, at least partially, be explained by disruption of the physiological epigenetic profile of the gametes and/or embryos. Here, we review the current literature with regard to the putative link between ARTs used in bovine reproduction and epigenetic disorders and changes in the expression profile of embryonic genes. Information on the relationship between reproductive biotechnologies and epigenetic disorders and aberrant gene expression in bovine embryos is limited and novel approaches are needed to explore ways in which ARTs can be improved to avoid epigenetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Urrego
- Grupo CENTAURO; Universidad de Antioquia; Medellín, Colombia; Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia; Grupo INCA-CES; Universidad CES; Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Heiner Niemann
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics; Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI); Mariensee, Germany
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de Souza-Fabjan JMG, Panneau B, Duffard N, Locatelli Y, de Figueiredo JR, Freitas VJDF, Mermillod P. In vitro production of small ruminant embryos: late improvements and further research. Theriogenology 2014; 81:1149-62. [PMID: 24650929 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Beyond the potential use of in vitro production of embryos (IVP) in breeding schemes, embryos are also required for the establishment of new biotechnologies such as cloning and transgenesis. Additionally, the knowledge of oocyte and embryo physiology acquired through IVP techniques may stimulate the further development of other techniques such as marker assisted and genomic selection of preimplantation embryos, and also benefit assisted procreation in human beings. Efficient in vitro embryo production is currently a major objective for livestock industries, including small ruminants. The heterogeneity of oocytes collected from growing follicles by laparoscopic ovum pick up or in ovaries of slaughtered females, remains an enormous challenge for IVM success, and still limits the rate of embryo development. In addition, the lower quality of the IVP embryos, compared with their in vivo-derived counterparts, translates into poor cryosurvival, which restricts the wider use of this promising technology. Therefore, many studies have been reported in an attempt to determine the most suitable conditions for IVM, IVF, and in vitro development to maximize embryo production rate and quality. This review aims to present the current panorama of IVP production in small ruminants, describing important steps for its success, reporting the recent advances and also the main obstacles identified for its improvement and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Maria Gonçalves de Souza-Fabjan
- INRA, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France; Faculty of Veterinary, Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction (LFCR), State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil.
| | - Barbara Panneau
- INRA, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
| | - Nicolas Duffard
- INRA, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France; Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Réserve de la Haute Touche, Obterre, France
| | - Yann Locatelli
- INRA, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France; Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Réserve de la Haute Touche, Obterre, France
| | - José Ricardo de Figueiredo
- Faculty of Veterinary, Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocyte and Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | | | - Pascal Mermillod
- INRA, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
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Effects of different oocyte retrieval and in vitro maturation systems on bovine embryo development and quality. ZYGOTE 2014; 23:367-77. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199413000658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
SummaryCyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) modulators have been used to avoid spontaneous oocyte maturation and concomitantly improve oocyte developmental competence. The current work evaluated the effects of the addition of cAMP modulators forskolin, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) and cilostamide during in vitro maturation on the quality and yields of blastocysts. The following experimental groups were evaluated: (i) slicing or (ii) aspiration and maturation in tissue culture medium (TCM)199 for 24 h (TCM24slicing and TCM24aspiration, respectively), (iii) aspiration and maturation in the presence of cAMP modulators for 30 h (cAMP30aspiration) and in vivo-produced blastocysts. In vitro-matured oocytes were fertilized and presumptive zygotes were cultured in vitro to assess embryo development. Cleavage, blastocyst formation, blastocyst cell number, mRNA abundance of selected genes and global methylation profiles were evaluated. Blastocyst rate/zygotes for the TCM24aspiration protocol was improved (32.2 ± 2.1%) compared with TCM24slicing and cAMP30aspiration (23.4 ± 1.2% and 23.3 ± 2.0%, respectively, P<0.05). No statistical differences were found for blastocyst cell numbers. The mRNA expression for the EGR1 gene was down-regulated eight-fold in blastocysts that had been produced in vitro compared with their in vivo counterparts. Gene expression profiles for IGF2R, SLC2A8, COX2, DNMT3B and PCK2 did not differ among experimental groups. Bovine testis satellite I and Bos taurus alpha satellite methylation profiles from cAMP30aspiration protocol-derived blastocysts were similar to patterns that were observed in their in vivo equivalents (P > 0.05), while those from the other groups were significantly elevated. It is concluded that retrieval, collection systems and addition of cAMP modulators can affect oocyte developmental competence, which is reflected not only in blastocyst rates but also in global DNA methylation and gene expression patterns.
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Machado GM, Ferreira AR, Guardieiro MM, Bastos MR, Carvalho JO, Lucci CM, Diesel TO, Sartori R, Rumpf R, Franco MM, Dode MAN. Morphology, sex ratio and gene expression of day 14 in vivo and in vitro bovine embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2013; 25:600-8. [PMID: 22958400 DOI: 10.1071/rd11282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2011] [Accepted: 05/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to compare Day 14 bovine embryos that were produced entirely in vitro using the post-hatching development (PHD) system with in vivo-derived embryos without or with transient PHD culture from Day 7 to Day 14. Embryos on Day 14 were used for sex determination and gene expression analysis of PLAC8, KRT8, CD9, SLC2A1, SLC2A3, PGK1, HSF1, MNSOD, HSP70 and IFNT using real-time quantitative (q) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). First, Day 7 in vivo- and in vitro-produced embryos were subjected to the PHD system. A higher rate of survival was observed for in vitro embryos on Day 14. Comparing Day 14 embryos produced completely in vivo or completely in vitro revealed that the mean size of the former group was greater than that of the latter (10.29±1.83 vs 2.68±0.33mm, respectively). Expression of the HSP70 and SLC2A1 genes was down- and upregulated, respectively, in the in vitro embryos. The present study shows that in vitro embryos cultured in the PHD system are smaller than in vivo embryos and that of the 10 genes analysed, only two were differentially expressed between the two groups. These findings indicate that, owing to the poor survival rate, the PHD system is not reliable for evaluation of in vitro embryo quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazieli M Machado
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Parque Estação Biológica, Av. W5 Norte final, Caixa Postal 02372, Brasília, DF 70770-917, Brazil
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