1
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Correia LFL, Leal GR, Brandão FZ, Batista RITP, Souza-Fabjan JMG. Effect of antifreeze protein I in the freezing solution on in vivo-derived sheep embryos. Res Vet Sci 2024; 168:105132. [PMID: 38183895 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of different antifreeze protein type I (AFP I) concentrations added to a slow freezing solution in sheep in vivo-derived embryos. Good-quality embryos were allocated into: AFP-free (CONT); 0.1 μg/mL of AFP I (AFP0.1); or 0.5 μg/mL of AFP I (AFP0.5). After thawing, embryos were in vitro cultured (IVC) for 48 h. At 24 h and 48 h of IVC, dead cells and apoptosis, mitochondrial activity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH) evaluations were performed. At 24 h, evaluated embryos were submitted to RT-qPCR for metabolism (SIRT2, PRDX1, OCT4, CDX2) and quality (AQP3, CDH1, HSP70, BAX, BCL2) genes. The in vitro survival rate was 56% (22/39) for CONT, 60% (32/53) for AFP0.1, and 53% (23/43) for AFP0.5 (p > 0.05). A tendency (p = 0.09) for a higher blastocyst hatching rate was noted in AFP0.1 (62%) compared to AFP0.5 (33%), and both groups were similar to CONT (50%). An increased (p < 0.05) mitochondrial activity at 24 h was observed in AFP0.1 compared to CONT. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed in oxidative stress homeostasis and viability between treatments. A downregulation (p < 0.05) of CDH1 in AFP0.1 and a downregulation of AQP3 in AFP0.5 were observed in comparison to the other groups. An upregulation (p < 0.05) was detected in HSP70 and BCL2 on AFP0.5 compared to AFP0.1 group. The addition of AFP I in slow freezing solution can benefit cryopreserved sheep in vivo-derived embryos, without affecting embryonic survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas F L Correia
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brazil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340 Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela R Leal
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brazil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Z Brandão
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brazil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ribrio I T P Batista
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brazil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Joanna M G Souza-Fabjan
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brazil Filho, 64, CEP 24230-340 Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
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2
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Báez F, de Brun V, Rodríguez-Osorio N, Viñoles C. Low oxygen tension during in vitro embryo production improves the yield, quality, and cryotolerance of bovine blastocysts. Anim Sci J 2024; 95:e13941. [PMID: 38549361 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes undergo maturation and fertilization in the low-oxygen (O2) environment of the oviduct. To evaluate the effect of O2 tension during in vitro maturation and fertilization on embryo yield, quality, cryotolerance, and gene expression, we matured and fertilized bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes under low (5%) or high (20%) O2 tension. Presumptive zygotes from both groups were cultured at 5% O2 for 8 days. Blastocysts were vitrified, and then warmed, and cultured for further 24 h to assess their cryotolerance. Our findings indicate that low O2 during maturation and fertilization enhances embryo development and cell count in both fresh and vitrified/warmed blastocysts. In this study, the interaction of O2 tension and status (fresh or vitrified/warmed) affected the transcript abundance of SOD2, AQP3, and BAX in blastocysts. These results highlight the role of low O2 tension during bovine maturation and fertilization and provide support to using 5% O2 throughout all stages of bovine in vitro embryo production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Báez
- Instituto Superior de la Carne, CENUR Noreste, Universidad de la República (UDELAR), Tacuarembó, Uruguay
| | - Victoria de Brun
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Metabolismo Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Nélida Rodríguez-Osorio
- Unidad de Genómica y Bioinformática, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, UDELAR, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Carolina Viñoles
- Centro de Salud Reproductiva de Rumiantes en Sistemas Agroforestales, CENUR Noreste, UDELAR, Cerro Largo, Uruguay
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3
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Zaman T, Fahad TM, Rana M, Hossain MS, Mamun A, Haque MA, Sarker A, Islam MS, Haque MMUL, Naz T, Manik MIN, Ali H, Yamasu K, Khan A. Endosulfan affects embryonic development synergistically under elevated ambient temperature. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27665-z. [PMID: 37188935 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27665-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we determined the developmental toxicity of endosulfan at an elevated ambient temperature using the zebrafish animal model. Zebrafish embryos of various developmental stages were exposed to endosulfan through E3 medium, raised under two selected temperature conditions (28.5 °C and an elevated temperature of 35 °C), and monitored under the microscope. Zebrafish embryos of very early developmental stages (cellular cleavage stages, such as the 64-cell stage) were highly sensitive to the elevated temperature as 37.5% died and 47.5% developed into amorphous type, while only 15.0% of embryos developed as normal embryos without malformation. Zebrafish embryos that were exposed concurrently to endosulfan and an elevated temperature showed stronger developmental defects (arrested epiboly progress, shortened body length, curved trunk) compared to the embryos exposed to either endosulfan or an elevated temperature. The brain structure of the embryos that concurrently were exposed to the elevated temperature and endosulfan was either incompletely developed or malformed. Furthermore, the stress-implicated genes hsp70, p16, and smp30 regulations were synergistically affected by endosulfan treatment under the elevated thermal condition. Overall, the elevated ambient temperature synergistically enhanced the developmental toxicity of endosulfan in zebrafish embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanjeena Zaman
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
- Rajshahi Institute of Bioscience, Maskatadighi, Motihar, Rajshahi, 6212, Bangladesh
| | | | - Masud Rana
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | | | - Al Mamun
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Anwarul Haque
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Ashananda Sarker
- Department of Pharmacy, Jagannath University, Chittaranjan Avenue, Dhaka, 1100, Bangladesh
| | - Md Shariful Islam
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Minhaz-U L Haque
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Islamic University, Kushtia, 7003, Bangladesh
| | - Tarannum Naz
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Imran Nur Manik
- Department of Pharmacy, Northern University Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Hazrat Ali
- Department of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Chittagong, Chittagong, 4318, Bangladesh
| | - Kyo Yamasu
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan
| | - Alam Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh.
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4
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Moya-Jódar M, Ullate-Agote A, Barlabé P, Rodríguez-Madoz JR, Abizanda G, Barreda C, Carvajal-Vergara X, Vilas-Zornoza A, Romero JP, Garate L, Agirre X, Coppiello G, Prósper F, Aranguren XL. Revealing cell populations catching the early stages of human embryo development in naive pluripotent stem cell cultures. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 18:64-80. [PMID: 36563688 PMCID: PMC9860119 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Naive human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are defined as the in vitro counterpart of the human preimplantation embryo's epiblast and are used as a model system to study developmental processes. In this study, we report the discovery and characterization of distinct cell populations coexisting with epiblast-like cells in 5iLAF naive human induced PSC (hiPSC) cultures. It is noteworthy that these populations closely resemble different cell types of the human embryo at early developmental stages. While epiblast-like cells represent the main cell population, interestingly we detect a cell population with gene and transposable element expression profile closely resembling the totipotent eight-cell (8C)-stage human embryo, and three cell populations analogous to trophectoderm cells at different stages of their maturation process: transition, early, and mature stages. Moreover, we reveal the presence of cells resembling primitive endoderm. Thus, 5iLAF naive hiPSC cultures provide an excellent opportunity to model the earliest events of human embryogenesis, from the 8C stage to the peri-implantation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Moya-Jódar
- Program of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Asier Ullate-Agote
- Program of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain,Advanced Genomics Laboratory, Program of Hemato-Oncology, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Paula Barlabé
- Program of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Juan Roberto Rodríguez-Madoz
- Hemato-Oncology Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), IDISNA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gloria Abizanda
- Program of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Carolina Barreda
- Program of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Xonia Carvajal-Vergara
- Program of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Amaia Vilas-Zornoza
- Advanced Genomics Laboratory, Program of Hemato-Oncology, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan Pablo Romero
- Advanced Genomics Laboratory, Program of Hemato-Oncology, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,10x Genomics, 6230 Stoneridge Mall Road, Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA
| | - Leire Garate
- Hemato-Oncology Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), IDISNA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Xabier Agirre
- Hemato-Oncology Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), IDISNA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Giulia Coppiello
- Program of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Felipe Prósper
- Program of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona 31008, Spain; Hemato-Oncology Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), IDISNA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Hematology Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Xabier L. Aranguren
- Program of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona 31008, Spain,Corresponding author
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5
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Kai Y, Mei H, Kawano H, Nakajima N, Takai A, Kumon M, Inoue A, Yamashita N. Transcriptomic signatures in trophectoderm and inner cell mass of human blastocysts classified according to developmental potential, maternal age and morphology. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278663. [PMID: 36455208 PMCID: PMC9715016 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Selection of high-quality embryos is important to achieve successful pregnancy in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Recently, it has been debated whether RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) should be applied to ART to predict embryo quality. However, information on genes that can serve as markers for pregnant expectancy is limited. Furthermore, there is no information on which transcriptome of trophectoderm (TE) or inner cell mass (ICM) is more highly correlated with pregnant expectancy. Here, we performed RNA-Seq analysis of TE and ICM of human blastocysts, the pregnancy expectation of which was retrospectively determined using the clinical outcomes of 1,890 cases of frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer. We identified genes that were correlated with the expected pregnancy rate in ICM and TE, respectively, with a larger number of genes identified in TE than in ICM. Downregulated genes in the TE of blastocysts that were estimated to have lower expectation of pregnancy included tight junction-related genes such as CXADR and ATP1B1, which have been implicated in peri-implantation development. Moreover, we identified dozens of differentially expressed genes by regrouping the blastocysts based on the maternal age and the Gardner score. Additionally, we showed that aneuploidy estimation using RNA-Seq datasets does not correlate with pregnancy expectation. Thus, our study provides an expanded list of candidate genes for the prediction of pregnancy in human blastocyst embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiteru Kai
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, Yamashita Shonan Yume Clinic, Fujisawa, Japan
- * E-mail: (YK); (AI)
| | - Hailiang Mei
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hiroomi Kawano
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, Yamashita Shonan Yume Clinic, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Naotsuna Nakajima
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, Yamashita Shonan Yume Clinic, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Aya Takai
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, Yamashita Shonan Yume Clinic, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Mami Kumon
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Azusa Inoue
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Japan
- * E-mail: (YK); (AI)
| | - Naoki Yamashita
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, Yamashita Shonan Yume Clinic, Fujisawa, Japan
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6
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Pladevall-Morera D, Zylicz JJ. Chromatin as a sensor of metabolic changes during early development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1014498. [PMID: 36299478 PMCID: PMC9588933 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1014498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular metabolism is a complex network of biochemical reactions fueling development with energy and biomass; however, it can also shape the cellular epigenome. Indeed, some intermediates of metabolic reactions exert a non-canonical function by acting as co-factors, substrates or inhibitors of chromatin modifying enzymes. Therefore, fluctuating availability of such molecules has the potential to regulate the epigenetic landscape. Thanks to this functional coupling, chromatin can act as a sensor of metabolic changes and thus impact cell fate. Growing evidence suggest that both metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming are crucial for ensuring a successful embryo development from the zygote until gastrulation. In this review, we provide an overview of the complex relationship between metabolism and epigenetics in regulating the early stages of mammalian embryo development. We report on recent breakthroughs in uncovering the non-canonical functions of metabolism especially when re-localized to the nucleus. In addition, we identify the challenges and outline future perspectives to advance the novel field of epi-metabolomics especially in the context of early development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan J. Zylicz
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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7
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Malkowska A, Penfold C, Bergmann S, Boroviak TE. A hexa-species transcriptome atlas of mammalian embryogenesis delineates metabolic regulation across three different implantation modes. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3407. [PMID: 35710749 PMCID: PMC9203550 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30194-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian embryogenesis relies on glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation to balance the generation of biomass with energy production. However, the dynamics of metabolic regulation in the postimplantation embryo in vivo have remained elusive due to the inaccessibility of the implanted conceptus for biochemical studies. To address this issue, we compiled single-cell embryo profiling data in six mammalian species and determined their metabolic dynamics through glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation associated gene expression. Strikingly, we identify a conserved switch from bivalent respiration in the late blastocyst towards a glycolytic metabolism in early gastrulation stages across species, which is independent of embryo implantation. Extraembryonic lineages followed the dynamics of the embryonic lineage, except visceral endoderm. Finally, we demonstrate that in vitro primate embryo culture substantially impacts metabolic gene regulation by comparison to in vivo samples. Our work reveals a conserved metabolic programme despite different implantation modes and highlights the need to optimise postimplantation embryo culture protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Malkowska
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Henry Wellcome Building of Cancer and Developmental Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher Penfold
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Sophie Bergmann
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Thorsten E Boroviak
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK.
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8
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Liu Y, Jones C, Coward K. An investigation of mechanisms underlying mouse blastocyst hatching: a ribonucleic acid sequencing study. F&S SCIENCE 2022; 3:35-48. [PMID: 35559994 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the regulatory mechanisms and signaling molecules underlying hatching in mouse embryos. DESIGN Experimental laboratory study using a mouse embryo model. SETTING University-based basic scientific research laboratory. ANIMALS A total of 40 B6C3F1 × B6D2F1 mouse embryos were used in this study. INTERVENTION(S) Frozen/thawed mouse embryos, at the 8-cell stage, were cultured in vitro for 2 days. The resulting hatching and prehatching blastocysts were then used for complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) library preparation and ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing analysis (n = 8 for each group). Differentially expressed genes were then used for downstream functional analysis. In addition, a list of genes related to developmental progression in humans was used to identify genes that were potentially related to the hatching of human embryos. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Differentially expressed genes, enriched Gene Ontology terms and canonical pathways, clustered gene networks, activated upstream regulators, and common genes between a gene list of hatching-related genes in mice and a gene list associated with developmental progression in humans. RESULT(S) A total 275 differentially expressed genes were identified between hatching and prehatching blastocysts: 230 up-regulated and 45 down-regulated genes. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that blastocyst hatching in vitro is an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent process that involves protein biosynthesis and organization of the cytoskeleton. Furthermore, by regulating cell motility, the RhoA signaling pathway (including Arpc2, Cfl1, Gsn, Pfn1, Tpi1, Grb2, Tmsb10, Enah, and Rnd3 genes) may be a crucial signaling pathway during hatching. We also identified a cluster of genes (Krt8, Krt7, Cldn4, and Aqp3) that exerted functional roles in cell-cell junctions and water homeostasis during hatching. Moreover, some growth factors (angiotensinogen and fibroblast growth factor 2) and endocrine factors (estrogen receptor and prolactin) were predicted to be involved in the regulation of embryo hatching. In addition, we identified 81 potential genes that are potentially involved in the hatching process in human embryos. CONCLUSION(S) Our analysis identified potential genes and molecular regulatory pathways involved in the blastocyst hatching process in mice; we also identified genes that may potentially regulate hatching in human embryos. Our findings enhance our knowledge of embryo development and provide useful information for further exploring the mechanisms underlying embryo hatching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Liu
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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9
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10
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Hayashi Y, Saito S, Bai H, Takahashi M, Kawahara M. Mitochondrial maturation in the trophectoderm and inner cell mass regions of bovine blastocysts. Theriogenology 2021; 175:69-76. [PMID: 34508968 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cellular differentiation induces various morphological changes, including elongation, in mitochondria. Preimplantation embryos have round-shaped mitochondria, characteristic of undifferentiated cells. However, there is controversy regarding the precise mitochondrial morphology in blastocyst embryos, which are generated from two cell lineages: undifferentiated inner cell mass (ICM) and differentiated trophectoderm (TE). This study attempted to precisely determine mitochondrial morphology in these two blastocyst regions. Transmission electron microscopy analyses were conducted using more than 1000 mitochondria from blastocyst embryos. No significant differences were observed in the configuration of mitochondrial cristae and frequencies of hooded mitochondria, which are specific to embryos of livestock animals, between the ICM and TE. To accurately compare mitochondrial roundness between the ICM and TE, oblateness was calculated based on both the major and minor axes. Average oblateness was significantly greater in the TE than in the ICM (P < 0.01). These results indicate tissue-specific mitochondrial maturation with complete elongation in the TE at the blastocyst stage. Since mitochondrial elongation is closely associated with cellular metabolism and differentiation, the present study provides new insights for better understanding of early embryonic development in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Hayashi
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
| | - Shun Saito
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
| | - Hanako Bai
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
| | - Masashi Takahashi
- Global Station for Food, Land and Water Resources, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Manabu Kawahara
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan.
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11
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Rai A, Poh QH, Fatmous M, Fang H, Gurung S, Vollenhoven B, Salamonsen LA, Greening DW. Proteomic profiling of human uterine extracellular vesicles reveal dynamic regulation of key players of embryo implantation and fertility during menstrual cycle. Proteomics 2021; 21:e2000211. [PMID: 33634576 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202000211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as important players in reproductive biology. However, how their proteome is regulated throughout the menstrual cycle is not known. Such information can provide novel insights into biological processes critical for embryo development, implantation, and successful pregnancy. Using mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics, we show that small EVs (sEVs) isolated from uterine lavage of fertile women (UL-sEV), compared to infertile women, are laden with proteins implicated in antioxidant activity (SOD1, GSTO1, MPO, CAT). Functionally, sEVs derived from endometrial cells enhance antioxidant function in trophectoderm cells. Moreover, there was striking enrichment of invasion-related proteins (LGALS1/3, S100A4/11) in fertile UL-sEVs in the secretory (estrogen plus progesterone-driven, EP) versus proliferative (estrogen-driven, E) phase, with several players downregulated in infertile UL-sEVs. Consistent with this, sEVs from EP- versus E-primed endometrial epithelial cells promote invasion of trophectoderm cells. Interestingly, UL-sEVs from fertile versus infertile women carry known players/predictors of embryo implantation (PRDX2, IDHC), endometrial receptivity (S100A4, FGB, SERPING1, CLU, ANXA2), and implantation success (CAT, YWHAE, PPIA), highlighting their potential to inform regarding endometrial status/pregnancy outcomes. Thus, this study provides novel insights into proteome reprograming of sEVs and soluble secretome in uterine fluid, with potential to enhance embryo implantation and hence fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alin Rai
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Qi Hui Poh
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Monique Fatmous
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Haoyun Fang
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shanti Gurung
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Beverley Vollenhoven
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Monash IVF, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Women's and Newborn Program, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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12
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Sanchez DJD, Vasconcelos FR, Teles-Filho ACA, Viana AGA, Martins AMA, Sousa MV, Castro MS, Ricart CA, Fontes W, Bertolini M, Bustamante-Filho IC, Moura AA. Proteomic profile of pre-implantational ovine embryos produced in vivo. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:586-603. [PMID: 33460477 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to decipher the proteome of in vivo-produced pre-implantation ovine embryos. Ten locally adapted Morana Nova ewes received hormonal treatment and were inseminated 12 hr after ovulation. Six days later, 54 embryos (morula and blastocyst developmental state) were recovered from eight ewes and pooled to obtain sufficient protein for proteomic analysis. Extracted embryo proteins were analysed by LC-MS/MS, followed by identification based on four database searches (PEAKS, Proteome Discoverer software, SearchGUI software, PepExplorer). Identified proteins were analysed for gene ontology terms, protein clusters and interactions. Genes associated with the ovine embryo proteome were screened for miRNA targets using data sets of TargetScan (http://www.targetscan.org) and mIRBase (http://www.mirbase.org) servers. There were 667 proteins identified in the ovine embryos. Biological processes of such proteins were mainly related to cellular process and regulation, and molecular functions, to binding and catalytic activity. Analysis of the embryo proteins revealed 49 enriched functional clusters, linked to energy metabolism (TCA cycle, pyruvate and glycolysis metabolism), zona pellucida (ZP), MAPK signalling pathway, tight junction, binding of sperm to ZP, translation, proteasome, cell cycle and calcium/phospholipid binding. Sixteen miRNAs were related to 25 pre-implantation ovine embryo genes, all conserved in human, bovine and ovine species. The interaction network generated by miRNet showed four key miRNAs (hsa-mir-106b-5p; hsa-mir-30-5p; hsa-mir-103a-5p and hsa-mir-106a-5p) with potential interactions with embryo-expressed genes. Functional analysis of the network indicated that miRNAs modulate genes related to cell cycle, regulation of stem cell and embryonic cell differentiation, among others. Retrieved miRNAs also modulate the expression of genes involved in cell signalling pathways, such as MAPK, Wnt, TGF-beta, p53 and Toll-like receptor. The current study describes the first major proteomic profile of 6-day-old ovine embryos produced in vivo, setting a comprehensive foundation for our understanding of embryo physiology in the ovine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deisy J D Sanchez
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Fabio R Vasconcelos
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Arabela G A Viana
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Aline M A Martins
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Marcelo V Sousa
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Mariana S Castro
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Carlos A Ricart
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Wagner Fontes
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bertolini
- The School of Veterinay Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Arlindo A Moura
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
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13
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Hwang JY, Park JK, Kim TH, Eum JH, Song H, Kim JY, Park HM, Park CW, Lee WS, Lyu SW. The impact of post-warming culture duration on clinical outcomes of vitrified-warmed single blastocyst transfer cycles. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2020; 47:312-318. [PMID: 33181011 PMCID: PMC7711098 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2020.03832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to compare the effects of long-term and short-term embryo culture to assess whether there is a correlation between culture duration and clinical outcomes. METHODS Embryos were divided into two study groups depending on whether their post-warming culture period was long-term (20-24 hours) or short-term (2-4 hours). Embryo morphology was analyzed with a time-lapse monitoring device to estimate the appropriate timing and parameters for evaluating embryos with high implantation potency in both groups. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust the confounding factors across groups. The grades of embryos and blastoceles, morphokinetic parameters, implantation rate, and ongoing pregnancy rate were compared. RESULTS No significant differences were observed in the implantation rate or ongoing pregnancy rate between the two groups (long-term culture group vs. short-term culture group: 56.3% vs. 67.9%, p=0.182; 47.3% vs. 53.6%, p=0.513). After warming, there were more expanded and hatching/hatched blastocysts in the long-term culture group than in the short-term culture group, but there was no significant between-group difference in embryo grade. Regarding pregnancy outcomes, the time to complete blastocyst re-expansion after warming is shorter in women who became pregnant than in those who did not in both culture groups (long-term: 2.19±0.63 vs. 4.11±0.81 hours, p=0.003; short-term: 1.17±0.29 vs. 1.94±0.76 hours, p=0.018, respectively). CONCLUSION The outcomes of short-term culture and long-term culture were not significantly different in vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer. Regardless of the post-warming culture time, the degree of blastocyst re-expansion 3-4 hours after warming is an important marker for embryo selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Young Hwang
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Kyun Park
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Korea.,Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Tae Hyung Kim
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Hee Eum
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Jin Young Kim
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Han Moie Park
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chan Woo Park
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woo Sik Lee
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Woo Lyu
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
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14
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Establishment of day 7 blastocyst freezing criteria using blastocyst diameter for single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer from live birth outcomes: a single-center, large cohort, retrospectively matched study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2327-2335. [PMID: 32691193 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01882-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To establish blastocyst freezing criteria for day 7 blastocyst (day 7 BL) for single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (SVBT) by examining the diameter of blastocysts. METHODS Patients who underwent day 7 BL transfer cycles (1143 cycles, mean age: 38.5 ± 3.5) and randomly selected patients after 1:1 matching who underwent day 6 BL transfer cycles and day 2-single-embryo transfer (SET) cycles were used for analysis. Comparison of the miscarriage (per clinical pregnancy) and live birth rates were made among day 2-SET, day 7 BL, and day 6 BL. These blastocyst groups were stratified into six groups based on blastocyst diameter, namely, 180 μm, 190 μm, 200 μm, 210 μm, over 220 μm, and hatched, for making the freezing criteria. RESULTS For each diameter, 180 μm, 190 μm, 200 μm, 210 μm, over 220 μm, and hatched, the live birth rates of day 7 BL after SVBT were 9.0%, 11.9%, 11.5%, 15.6%, 20.0%, and 19.9%, respectively. Compared with the 14.6% live birth rate of the day 2-SET group, the live birth rate of 220 μm day 7 BL was significantly higher (P < 0.05) and was around the same in other diameter groups. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that sufficient live birth rates can be obtained after SVBT even from blastocysts on day 7 when blastocysts were vitrified at expanded blastocyst stage of over 180 μm of diameter or at hatched blastocyst stage and were transferred at the optimal time. This is the first study to establish a day 7 blastocyst freezing criteria using blastocyst diameter, which is an objective assessment way.
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15
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Coticchio G, Lagalla C, Sturmey R, Pennetta F, Borini A. The enigmatic morula: mechanisms of development, cell fate determination, self-correction and implications for ART. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 25:422-438. [PMID: 30855681 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assisted reproduction technology offers the opportunity to observe the very early stages of human development. However, due to practical constraints, for decades morphological examination of embryo development has been undertaken at a few isolated time points at the stages of fertilisation (Day 1), cleavage (Day 2-3) and blastocyst (Day 5-6). Rather surprisingly, the morula stage (Day 3-4) has been so far neglected, despite its involvement in crucial cellular processes and developmental decisions. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objective of this review is to collate novel and unsuspected insights into developmental processes occurring during formation of the morula, highlighting the key importance of this stage for a better understanding of preimplantation development and an improvement of ART. SEARCH METHODS PubMed was used to search the MEDLINE database for peer-reviewed English-language original articles and reviews concerning the morula stage in mammals. Searches were performed by adopting 'embryo', 'morula', 'compaction', 'cell fate' and 'IVF/assisted reproduction' as main terms, in association with other keywords expressing concepts relevant to the subject (e.g. cell polarity). The most relevant publications, i.e. those concerning major phenomena occurring during formation of the morula in established experimental models and the human species, were assessed and discussed critically. OUTCOMES Novel live cell imaging technologies and cell biology studies have extended our understanding of morula formation as a key stage for the development of the blastocyst and determination of the inner cell mass (ICM) and the trophectoderm (TE). Cellular processes, such as dynamic formation of filopodia and cytoskeleton-mediated zippering cell-to-cell interactions, intervene to allow cell compaction (a geometrical requisite essential for development) and formation of the blastocoel, respectively. At the same time, differential orientation of cleavage planes, cell polarity and cortical tensile forces interact and cooperate to position blastomeres either internally or externally, thereby influencing their cellular fate. Recent time lapse microscopy (TLM) observations also suggest that in the human the process of compaction may represent an important checkpoint for embryo viability, through which chromosomally abnormal blastomeres are sensed and eliminated by the embryo. WIDER IMPLICATIONS In clinical embryology, the morula stage has been always perceived as a 'black box' in the continuum of preimplantation development. This has dictated its virtual exclusion from mainstream ART procedures. Recent findings described in this review indicate that the morula, and the associated process of compaction, as a crucial stage not only for the formation of the blastocyst, but also for the health of the conceptus. This understanding may open new avenues for innovative approaches to embryo manipulation, assessment and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Lagalla
- 9.Baby, Family and Fertility Center, Via Dante 15, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roger Sturmey
- Centre for Cardiovascular Metabolic Research, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrea Borini
- 9.Baby, Family and Fertility Center, Via Dante 15, Bologna, Italy
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16
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Hansen PJ, Tríbulo P. Regulation of present and future development by maternal regulatory signals acting on the embryo during the morula to blastocyst transition - insights from the cow. Biol Reprod 2019; 101:526-537. [PMID: 31220231 PMCID: PMC8127039 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The preimplantation embryo has a remarkable ability to execute its developmental program using regulatory information inherent within itself. Nonetheless, the uterine environment is rich in cell signaling molecules termed embryokines that act on the embryo during the morula-to-blastocyst transition, promoting blastocyst formation and programming the embryo for subsequent developmental events. Programming can not only affect developmental processes important for continuance of development in utero but also affect characteristics of the offspring during postnatal life. Given the importance of embryokines for regulation of embryonic development, it is likely that some causes of infertility involve aberrant secretion of embryokines by the uterus. Embryokines found to regulate development of the bovine embryo include insulin-like growth factor 1, colony stimulating factor 2 (CSF2), and dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1. Embryo responses to CSF2 exhibit sexual dimorphism, suggesting that sex-specific programming of postnatal function is caused by maternal signals acting on the embryo during the preimplantation period that regulate male embryos differently than female embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Paula Tríbulo
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Córdoba (IRAC), Zona Rural General Paz, Córdoba, Argentina
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17
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Moulavi F, Soto-Rodriguez S, Kuwayama M, Asadi-Moghaddam B, Hosseini SM. Survival, re-expansion, and pregnancy outcome following vitrification of dromedary camel cloned blastocysts: A possible role of vitrification in improving clone pregnancy rate by weeding out poor competent embryos. Cryobiology 2019; 90:75-82. [PMID: 31401082 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is a clinical demand for efficient cryopreservation of cloned camel embryos with considerable logistic and economic advantage. Vitrification of in vivo derived embryos has been reported in camels, but there is no study on vitrification of cloned embryos. Moreover, whether characteristic differences between cloned and in vivo derived embryos imply different vitrification requirement is unresolved. Here, we compared survival, re-expansion and pregnancy rates of cloned embryos vitrified using two commercial vitrification kits (Cryotec and Kitazato), developed basically for human embryos, and a vitrification protocol developed for in vivo camel embryos (CVP). Cloned embryos responded dynamically to vitrification-warming steps in commercial kits, with a flat shrinkage in the final vitrification solution and a quick re-expansion to the original volume immediately after transferring to the isotonic warming solution. Contrarily, full shrinkage was not observed in CVP method, and majority of embryos were still collapsed post-warming. The immediate re-expansion was highly associated and predictive of higher survival and total cell number, and also better redox state of embryos vitrified by Cryotec and Kitazato kits compared to CVP method. Importantly, while 30% blastomere loss, verified by differential dye exclusion test, was tolerated in vitrified embryos, >50% blastomeres loss in non-expanded blastocysts implied the minimal essential cell survival rate for blastocoelic cavity re-expansion in vitrified cloned camel blastocysts, irrespective of vitrification method. A protocol-based exposure of embryos to cryoprotectants indicated that cryoprotectant toxicity, per se, may not be involved in lower cryosurvival of embryos in CVP vs. Cryotec and Kitazato. The initial pregnancy rates were numerically higher in Cryotec and Kitazato frozen transfers compared to fresh transfer (56.3, 60 and 33.3%, respectively), and importantly, a higher percentage of established pregnancies in vitrified groups passed the critical 3 months period of early embryonic loss compared to sibling fresh clone pregnancies (50, 40, and 10%, respectively). Results confirmed the suitability of Cryotec and Kitazato kits for vitrification of cloned camel embryos and that vitrification may improve pregnancy outcome by weeding out poor competent embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Moulavi
- Department of Embryology, Camel Advanced Reproductive Technologies Centre, Government of Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | | | - B Asadi-Moghaddam
- Department of Embryology, Camel Advanced Reproductive Technologies Centre, Government of Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sayyed-Morteza Hosseini
- Department of Embryology, Camel Advanced Reproductive Technologies Centre, Government of Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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18
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Sehati R, Kazemi P, Zandi G, Mahdavinezhad F, Sarmadi F, Fayazi S, Hajarian H, Dashtizad M. Different Origin, Different Response: Gene Expression Pattern in Collapsed Vitrified Blastocyst. Reprod Biol 2019; 19:158-164. [PMID: 31196737 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2019.05.001] [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: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There is a large body of animal experimental data about assisted reproductive techniques that could be applied to improve clinical outcomes. The great part of this information was obtained from research on in vivo-derived embryos. But whether these results are always similar with those we expect from embryos having in vitro origin in the clinical cases is a critical question. The present study was designed to compare the effects of vitrification (VIT) and artificial collapse (AC) as two commonly used techniques on in vivo- and in vitro-derived mouse embryos. In this regard, both origins of blastocysts were produced and randomly divided into three experimental groups, including control (non-vitrified), VIT, and AC-VIT. The survival and hatching rates and the expression of development-related genes were assessed in all groups and compared with their control counterpart. According to our results, although in vivo and in vitro origins followed the same pattern in the hatching rate, the real-time PCR data showed two distinct patterns of gene expression. Compared to the control, vitrification increased the expression of pluripotency genes in in vivo group. While in vitro vitrified blastocysts showed a significant reduction in the transcripts of these genes. More interestingly, although AC resulted in a sharp decrease of Gata6 and Grb2 in post warmed in vivo blastocysts, it could not affect the vitrified IVP ones. In conclusion, it seems that vitrification and artificial collapse techniques have different effects on embryo fate depending on in vivo or in vitro origins of the embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronak Sehati
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory (Embio Lab), Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Parinaz Kazemi
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory (Embio Lab), Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ghazaleh Zandi
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory (Embio Lab), Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Forough Mahdavinezhad
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory (Embio Lab), Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sarmadi
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory (Embio Lab), Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Fayazi
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory (Embio Lab), Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadi Hajarian
- Department of Animal Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Dashtizad
- Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory (Embio Lab), Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran.
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19
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Ueno S, Ito M, Uchiyama K, Okimura T, Yabuuchi A, Kobayashi T, Kato K. Closed embryo culture system improved embryological and clinical outcome for single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer: A single-center large cohort study. Reprod Biol 2019; 19:139-144. [PMID: 30948345 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
While some studies have shown that the closed embryo culture system (CCS) is a possible improvement over standard embryo culture systems (STS) in terms of early embryonic development, information on clinical outcomes of culturing blastocysts following single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (SVBT) in the CCS and STS remains limited. Therefore, the objective of this single-center, large-cohort, retrospective study was to compare embryonic development until the blastocyst stage and clinical outcomes following SVBT between CCS and STS. From May 2017 to October 2018, 2420 oocytes from 1402 patients who underwent in vitro fertilization and blastocyst culture after minimal stimulation were divided into two groups (CCS and STS). The main outcome measures in the two groups were embryological (blastocyst formation rates and utilized blastocyst rates) and clinical outcomes (ongoing pregnancy rates) after a single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (SVBT). There were no significant differences in the blastocyst formation rates between the CCS and STS groups (59.6% versus 59.1%, p = 0.81). However, there were significant differences in utilized blastocyst rates (51.0% versus 46.6%, p < 0.05). Ongoing pregnancy rates per SVBT cycle were significantly higher in the CCS group than in the STS group (41.4% versus 34.4%, p < 0.05). Moreover, after applying multivariable logistic regression analysis, the type of embryo culture system (CCS to STS, adjusted odds ratios: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.04-1.91) was correlated with ongoing pregnancy. Our study suggests that compared to STS, CCS could improve utilized blastocyst rates and ongoing pregnancy rates to a greater extent, following SVBT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Ueno
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3, Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Motoki Ito
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3, Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Kazuo Uchiyama
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3, Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Tadashi Okimura
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3, Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Akiko Yabuuchi
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3, Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Kobayashi
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3, Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kato
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3, Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan.
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20
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Frank LA, Rose RD, Anastasi MR, Tan TCY, Barry MF, Thompson JG, Brown HM. Artificial blastocyst collapse prior to vitrification significantly improves Na+/K+-ATPase-dependent post-warming blastocoel re-expansion kinetics without inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress gene expression in the mouse. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:294-305. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocoel expansion during embryo development is known to be reliant on the Na+/K+-ATPase pump, but little is known about the relative contribution of active (Na+/K+-ATPase pump) and facilitated diffusion (aquaporins) water transport during blastocoel re-expansion after vitrification. The aims of this study were to examine potential effects of artificial blastocoel collapse (ABC) on markers of embryo stress and the contribution of active and facilitated diffusion water transport mechanisms to blastocoel re-expansion. Day 5 mouse embryos were vitrified using either a standard protocol, laser pulse ABC, a hyperosmotic sucrose ABC protocol or both laser pulse and sucrose. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction, no differences were found in the gene expression of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers activating transcription factor 4 (Atf4) or heat shock protein 90-alpha (Hsp90α) 2h after warming. Similarly, expression of the Na+/K+-ATPase pump gene, ATPase, Na+/K+ transporting, beta 1 polypeptide (Atp1b1) and protein did not differ between groups. Aquaporin 8 (Aqp8) gene expression was significantly lower in the laser+sucrose ABC group than in fresh controls, and aquaporin 3 (Aqp3) expression significantly higher in standard vitrified embryos compared with all other groups. Ouabain, a potent and specific Na+/K+-ATPase pump inhibitor, inhibited blastocoel re-expansion in both standard protocol- and laser ABC-vitrified embryos, reducing both groups to the same rate of re-expansion 3h after warming. These results demonstrate that ABC before vitrification does not alter mRNA or protein expression of Na+/K+-ATPase, or mRNA levels of ER stress genes Atf4 and Hsp90α. Activity of the pump may be increased in ABC embryos, with potential compensation by AQP3 when it is compromised.
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21
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Câmara DR, Kastelic JP, Thundathil JC. Role of the Na +/K +-ATPase ion pump in male reproduction and embryo development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:1457-1467. [PMID: 27456939 DOI: 10.1071/rd16091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Na+/K+-ATPase was one of the first ion pumps studied because of its importance in maintaining osmotic and ionic balances between intracellular and extracellular environments, through the exchange of three Na+ ions out and two K+ ions into a cell. This enzyme, which comprises two main subunits (α and β), with or without an auxiliary polypeptide (γ), can have specific biochemical properties depending on the expression of associated isoforms (α1β1 and/or α2β1) in the cell. In addition to the importance of Na+/K+-ATPase in ensuring the function of many tissues (e.g. brain, heart and kidney), in the reproductive tract this protein is essential for embryo development because of its roles in blastocoel formation and embryo hatching. In the context of male reproduction, the discovery of a very specific subunit (α4), apparently restricted to male germ cells, only expressed after puberty and able to influence sperm function (e.g. motility and capacitation), opened a remarkable field for further investigations regarding sperm biology. Therefore, the present review focuses on the importance of Na+/K+-ATPase on male reproduction and embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Câmara
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Fazenda São Luiz, s/n, Zona Rural do Município de Viçosa, Viçosa-AL, CEP: 57700-000, Brazil
| | - J P Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr., NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - J C Thundathil
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr., NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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Lima A, Burgstaller J, Sanchez-Nieto JM, Rodríguez TA. The Mitochondria and the Regulation of Cell Fitness During Early Mammalian Development. Curr Top Dev Biol 2017; 128:339-363. [PMID: 29477168 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
From fertilization until the onset of gastrulation the early mammalian embryo undergoes a dramatic series of changes that converts a single fertilized cell into a remarkably complex organism. Much attention has been given to the molecular changes occurring during this process, but here we will review what is known about the changes affecting the mitochondria and how they impact on the energy metabolism and apoptotic response of the embryo. We will also focus on understanding what quality control mechanisms ensure optimal mitochondrial activity in the embryo, and in this way provide an overview of the importance of the mitochondria in determining cell fitness during early mammalian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lima
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Cell Stress Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, United Kingdom
| | - Jörg Burgstaller
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Biotechnology in Animal Production, Department for Agrobiotechnology, IFA Tulln, Tulln, Austria
| | - Juan M Sanchez-Nieto
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tristan A Rodríguez
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Kazemi P, Dashtizad M, Shamsara M, Mahdavinezhad F, Hashemi E, Fayazi S, Hajarian H. Effect of blastocoel fluid reduction before vitrification on gene expression in mouse blastocysts. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:735-42. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Parinaz Kazemi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology; National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB); Tehran Iran
| | - Mojtaba Dashtizad
- Department of Animal Biotechnology; National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB); Tehran Iran
| | - Mehdi Shamsara
- Department of Animal Biotechnology; National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB); Tehran Iran
| | - Forough Mahdavinezhad
- Department of Animal Biotechnology; National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB); Tehran Iran
| | - Ehsan Hashemi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology; National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB); Tehran Iran
| | - Samaneh Fayazi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology; National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB); Tehran Iran
| | - Hadi Hajarian
- Department of Animal Science; Razi University; Kermanshah Iran
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Edwards NA, Watson AJ, Betts DH. P66Shc, a key regulator of metabolism and mitochondrial ROS production, is dysregulated by mouse embryo culture. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 22:634-47. [PMID: 27385725 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do high oxygen tension and high glucose concentrations dysregulate p66Shc (Src homologous-collagen homologue adaptor protein) expression during mouse preimplantation embryo culture? SUMMARY ANSWER Compared with mouse blastocysts in vivo, P66Shc mRNA and protein levels in blastocysts maintained in vitro increased under high oxygen tension (21%), but not high glucose concentration. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Growth in culture adversely impacts preimplantation embryo development and alters the expression levels of the oxidative stress adaptor protein p66Shc, but it is not known if p66Shc expression is linked to metabolic changes observed in cultured embryos. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS We used a standard wild-type CD1 mouse model of preimplantation embryo development and embryo culture with different atmospheric oxygen tension and glucose media concentrations. Changes to p66Shc expression in mouse blastocysts were measured using quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence followed by confocal microscopy. Changes to oxidative phosphorylation metabolism were measured by total ATP content and superoxide production. Statistical analyses were performed on a minimum of three experimental replicates using Students' t-test or one-way ANOVA. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE P66Shc is basally expressed during in vivo mouse preimplantation development. Within in vivo blastocysts, p66Shc is primarily localized to the cell periphery of the trophectoderm. Blastocysts cultured under atmospheric oxygen levels have significantly increased p66Shc mRNA transcript and protein abundances compared to in vivo controls (P < 0.05). However, the ratio of phosphorylated serine 36 (S36) p66Shc to total p66Shc decreased in culture regardless of O2 atmosphere used, supporting a shift in the mitochondrial fraction of p66Shc. Total p66Shc localized to the cell periphery of the blastocyst trophectoderm and phosphorylated S36 p66Shc displayed nuclear and cytoplasmic immunoreactivity, suggesting distinct compartmentalization of phosphorylated S36 p66Shc and the remaining p66Shc fraction. Glucose concentration in the culture medium did not significantly change p66Shc mRNA or protein abundance or its localization. Blastocysts cultured under low or high oxygen conditions exhibited significantly decreased cellular ATP and increased superoxide production compared to in vivo derived embryos (P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS/REASONS FOR CAUTION This study associates embryonic p66Shc expression levels with metabolic abnormalities but does not directly implicate p66Shc in metabolic changes. Additionally, we used one formulation of embryo culture medium that differs from that used in other mouse model studies and from clinical media used to support human blastocyst development. Our findings may, therefore, be limited to this media, or may be a species-specific phenomenon. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This is the first study to show distinct immunolocalization of p66Shc to the trophectoderm of mouse blastocysts and that its levels are abnormally increased in embryos exposed to culture conditions. Changes in p66Shc expression and/or localization could possibly serve as a molecular marker of embryo viability for clinical applications. The outcomes provide insight into the potential metabolic role of p66Shc. Metabolic anomalies are induced even under the current optimal culture conditions, which could negatively impact trophectoderm and placental development. LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTERESTS Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) operating funds, Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS). There are no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Edwards
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew J Watson
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, Canada Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, Canada The Children's Health Research Institute (CHRI), Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5C1
| | - Dean H Betts
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, Canada Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, Canada The Children's Health Research Institute (CHRI), Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5C1
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Hennings JM, Zimmer RL, Nabli H, Davis JW, Sutovsky P, Sutovsky M, Sharpe-Timms KL. Improved Murine Blastocyst Quality and Development in a Single Culture Medium Compared to Sequential Culture Media. Reprod Sci 2015; 23:310-7. [PMID: 26668049 DOI: 10.1177/1933719115618281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Validate single versus sequential culture media for murine embryo development. DESIGN Prospective laboratory experiment. SETTING Assisted Reproduction Laboratory. ANIMALS Murine embryos. INTERVENTIONS Thawed murine zygotes cultured for 3 or 5 days (d3 or d5) in single or sequential embryo culture media developed for human in vitro fertilization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES On d3, zygotes developing to the 8 cell (8C) stage or greater were quantified using 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), and quality was assessed by morphological analysis. On d5, the number of embryos reaching the blastocyst stage was counted. DAPI was used to quantify total nuclei and inner cell mass nuclei. Localization of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L3 (UCHL3) was reference points for evaluating cell quality. RESULTS Comparing outcomes in single versus to sequential media, the odds of embryos developing to the 8C stage on d3 were 2.34 time greater (P = .06). On d5, more embryos reached the blastocyst stage (P = <.0001), hatched, and had significantly more trophoblast cells (P = .005) contributing to the increased total cell number. Also at d5, localization of distinct cytoplasmic UCHL1 and nuclear UCHL3 was found in high-quality hatching blastocysts. Localization of UCHL1 and UCHL3 was diffuse and inappropriately dispersed throughout the cytoplasm in low-quality nonhatching blastocysts. CONCLUSIONS Single medium yields greater cell numbers, an increased growth rate, and more hatching of murine embryos. Cytoplasmic UCHL1 and nuclear UHCL3 localization patterns were indicative of embryo quality. Our conclusions are limited to murine embryos but one might speculate that single medium may also be more beneficial for human embryo culture. Human embryo studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Hennings
- Division of Reproductive and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA Division of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Randall L Zimmer
- Division of Reproductive and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Henda Nabli
- Division of Reproductive and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - J Wade Davis
- Department of Health Management and Informatics, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA Department of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA Biostatistics and Research Design, Galena Hall, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Reproductive and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA Division of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Miriam Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Kathy L Sharpe-Timms
- Division of Reproductive and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA Division of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Columbia, MO, USA
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de Souza DK, Salles LP, Rosa e Silva AAM. Aspects of energetic substrate metabolism of in vitro and in vivo bovine embryos. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 48:191-7. [PMID: 25627805 PMCID: PMC4381938 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20143744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Although the metabolism of early bovine embryos has not been fully elucidated,
several publications have addressed this important issue to improve culture
conditions for cattle reproductive biotechnologies, with the ultimate goal of
producing in vitro embryos similar in quality to those developing
in vivo. Here, we review general aspects of bovine embryo
metabolism in vitro and in vivo, and discuss the
use of metabolic analysis of embryos produced in vitro to assess
viability and predict a viable pregnancy after transference to the female tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- D K de Souza
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - L P Salles
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - A A M Rosa e Silva
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brasil
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27
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Contrasting transcriptome landscapes of rabbit pluripotent stem cells in vitro and in vivo. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 149:67-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Seli E, Babayev E, Collins SC, Nemeth G, Horvath TL. Minireview: Metabolism of female reproduction: regulatory mechanisms and clinical implications. Mol Endocrinol 2014; 28:790-804. [PMID: 24678733 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Female fertility is highly dependent on successful regulation of energy metabolism. Central processes in the hypothalamus monitor the metabolic state of the organism and, together with metabolic hormones, drive the peripheral availability of energy for cellular functions. In the ovary, the oocyte and neighboring somatic cells of the follicle work in unison to achieve successful metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids. Metabolic disturbances such as anorexia nervosa, obesity, and diabetes mellitus have clinically important consequences on human reproduction. In this article, we review the metabolic determinants of female reproduction and their role in infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Seli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences (E.S., E.B., S.C., T.L.H.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.N., T.L.H.), University of Szeged, Faculty of Medicine, Szeged, Hungary 6701; Department of Comparative Medicine (T.L.H.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520; and the Department of Neurobiology (T.L.H.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
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Kaneko KJ, DePamphilis ML. TEAD4 establishes the energy homeostasis essential for blastocoel formation. Development 2013; 140:3680-90. [PMID: 23903192 DOI: 10.1242/dev.093799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that during mouse preimplantation development, the zygotically expressed transcription factor TEAD4 is essential for specification of the trophectoderm lineage required for producing a blastocyst. Here we show that blastocysts can form without TEAD4 but that TEAD4 is required to prevent oxidative stress when blastocoel formation is accompanied by increased oxidative phosphorylation that leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Both two-cell and eight-cell Tead4(-/-) embryos developed into blastocysts when cultured under conditions that alleviate oxidative stress, and Tead4(-/-) blastocysts that formed under these conditions expressed trophectoderm-associated genes. Therefore, TEAD4 is not required for specification of the trophectoderm lineage. Once the trophectoderm was specified, Tead4 was not essential for either proliferation or differentiation of trophoblast cells in culture. However, ablation of Tead4 in trophoblast cells resulted in reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, Tead4 suppressed ROS in embryos and embryonic fibroblasts. Finally, ectopically expressed TEAD4 protein could localize to the mitochondria as well as to the nucleus, a property not shared by other members of the TEAD family. These results reveal that TEAD4 plays a crucial role in maintaining energy homeostasis during preimplantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro J Kaneko
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892-2753, USA.
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Dalton CM, Carroll J. Biased inheritance of mitochondria during asymmetric cell division in the mouse oocyte. J Cell Sci 2013; 126:2955-64. [PMID: 23659999 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.128744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental rule of cell division is that daughter cells inherit half the DNA complement and an appropriate proportion of cellular organelles. The highly asymmetric cell divisions of female meiosis present a different challenge because one of the daughters, the polar body, is destined to degenerate, putting at risk essential maternally inherited organelles such as mitochondria. We have therefore investigated mitochondrial inheritance during the meiotic divisions of the mouse oocyte. We find that mitochondria are aggregated around the spindle by a dynein-mediated mechanism during meiosis I, and migrate together with the spindle towards the oocyte cortex. However, at cell division they are not equally segregated and move instead towards the oocyte-directed spindle pole and are excluded from the polar body. We show that this asymmetrical inheritance in favour of the oocyte is not caused by bias in the spindle itself but is dependent on an intact actin cytoskeleton, spindle-cortex proximity, and cell cycle progression. Thus, oocyte-biased inheritance of mitochondria is a variation on rules that normally govern organelle segregation at cell division, and ensures that essential maternally inherited mitochondria are retained to provide ATP for early mammalian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Dalton
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
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A medium-chain fatty acid as an alternative energy source in mouse preimplantation development. Sci Rep 2012; 2:930. [PMID: 23226596 PMCID: PMC3514685 DOI: 10.1038/srep00930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To further optimize the culturing of preimplantation embryos, we undertook metabolomic analysis of relevant culture media using capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CE-TOFMS). We detected 28 metabolites: 23 embryo-excreted metabolites including 16 amino acids and 5 media-derived metabolites (e.g., octanoate, a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA)). Due to the lack of information on MCFAs in mammalian preimplantation development, this study examined octanoate as a potential alternative energy source for preimplantation embryo cultures. No embryos survived in culture media lacking FAs, pyruvate, and glucose, but supplementation of octanoate rescued the embryonic development. Immunoblotting showed significant expression of acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, important enzymes for ß-oxidation of MCFAs, in preimplantation embryo. Furthermore, CE-TOFMS traced [1-13C8] octanoate added to the culture media into intermediate metabolites of the TCA cycle via ß-oxidation in mitochondria. These results are the first demonstration that octanoate could provide an efficient alternative energy source throughout preimplantation development.
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Abstract
This review considers how our understanding of preimplantation embryo metabolism has progressed since the pioneering work on this topic in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Research has been stimulated by a desire to understand how metabolic events contribute to the development of the zygote into the blastocyst, the need for biomarkers of embryo health with which to improve the success of assisted conception technologies, and latterly by the ‘Developmental Origins of Health and Disease’ (DOHaD) concept. However, arguably, progress has not been as great as it might have been due to methodological difficulties in working with tiny amounts of tissue and the low priority assigned to fundamental research on fertility and infertility, with developments driven more by technical than scientific advances. Nevertheless, considerable progress has been made in defining the roles of the traditional nutrients: pyruvate, glucose, lactate, and amino acids; originally considered as energy sources and biosynthetic precursors, but now recognized as having multiple, overlapping functions. Other nutrients; notably lipids, are beginning to attract the attention they deserve. The pivotal role of mitochondria in early embryo development and the DOHaD concept, and in providing a cellular focus for metabolic events is now recognized. Some unifying ideas are discussed; namely ‘stress–response models’ and the ‘quiet embryo hypothesis’; the latter aiming to relate the metabolism of individual preimplantation embryos to their subsequent viability. The review concludes by updating the state of knowledge of preimplantation embryo metabolism in the early 1970s and listing some future research questions.
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Hur YS, Park JH, Ryu EK, Yoon HJ, Yoon SH, Hur CY, Lee WD, Lim JH. Effect of artificial shrinkage on clinical outcome in fresh blastocyst transfer cycles. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2011; 38:87-92. [PMID: 22384424 PMCID: PMC3283060 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2011.38.2.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2011] [Revised: 06/01/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the safety and clinical effect of artificial shrinkage (AS) in terms of assisted hatching of fresh blastocysts. Also, we evaluated the correlation between patient age and the effect of AS on clinical outcome. METHODS Two AS methods, using a 29-gauge needle and laser pulse, were compared. Seventy-three blastocysts were shrunk using a 29-gauge needle and the same number of other blastocysts were shrunk by a laser pulse. We evaluated the shrunken blastocysts hourly and considered them viable if they re-expanded >70%. Blastocyst transfer cycles (n=134) were divided into two groups: a control group consisted of the cycles whose intact embryos were transferred (n=100), while the AS group consisted of the cycles whose embryos were replaced following AS (n=34). The implantation and pregnancy rates of the control group and AS group were compared (p<0.05). RESULTS The re-expansion rates of the 29-gauge needle and laser pulse AS groups were similar (56 [76.7%] vs. 62 [84.9%], respectively). All of the remaining shrunken blastocysts were re-expanded within 2 hours. There was no degeneration of shrunken blastocysts. The total and clinical pregnancy rate of the AS group (23 [67.6%]; 20 [58.8%], respectively) was significantly higher than that of the control group (47 [47.0%]; 39 [39.0%], respectively). In the older patient group, there was no difference in the clinical outcomes between the AS and control groups. CONCLUSION These results suggest that AS of blastocoele cavity, followed by the transfer, would be a useful approach to improve the clinical outcome in cycles in which fresh blastocyst stage embryos are transferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Soo Hur
- Maria Fertility Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Anatomy, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Jeong Hyun Park
- Department of Anatomy, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
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Iwayama H, Hochi S, Yamashita M. In vitro and in vivo viability of human blastocysts collapsed by laser pulse or osmotic shock prior to vitrification. J Assist Reprod Genet 2010; 28:355-61. [PMID: 21152966 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-010-9522-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2010] [Accepted: 11/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was designed to investigate whether artificial shrinkage, induced by a laser pulse or hyperosmotic sucrose solutions, improves in vitro survival and/or implantation of vitrified-warmed human expanded blastocysts. METHODS Before Cryotop vitrification, the blastocoelic cavity was collapsed either by a laser pulse or sucrose solutions. Non-treated blastocysts were used as control. Post-warm blastocyst survival and implantation after transfer were examined. Implantation rate outcome was retrospectively analyzed by morphological grading and developmental kinetics of post-warm blastocysts. RESULTS Survival rates in the three groups were high. Implantation rates in the laser-pulse group (59.7%) were comparable with those in the sucrose group (49.3%), and were significantly higher than those in the control group (34.2%). The proportion of blastocysts showing fast development tended to be higher when the blastocysts underwent artificial shrinkage treatment before vitrification. There was no clear correlation between morphology of post-warm blastocysts and implantation rate. CONCLUSION Artificial shrinkage treatment before vitrification is associated with an increased probability of fast-developing embryos, resulting in higher implantation rates.
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Romek M, Gajda B, Rolka M, Smorąg Z. Mitochondrial Activity and Morphology in Developing Porcine Oocytes and Pre-implantation Non-Cultured and Cultured Embryos. Reprod Domest Anim 2010; 46:471-80. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01691.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Nelson WJ. Remodeling epithelial cell organization: transitions between front-rear and apical-basal polarity. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2010; 1:a000513. [PMID: 20066074 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a000513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Polarized epithelial cells have a distinctive apical-basal axis of polarity for vectorial transport of ions and solutes across the epithelium. In contrast, migratory mesenchymal cells have a front-rear axis of polarity. During development, mesenchymal cells convert to epithelia by coalescing into aggregates that undergo epithelial differentiation. Signaling networks and protein complexes comprising Rho family GTPases, polarity complexes (Crumbs, PAR, and Scribble), and their downstream effectors, including the cytoskeleton and the endocytic and exocytic vesicle trafficking pathways, together regulate the distributions of plasma membrane and cytoskeletal proteins between front-rear and apical-basal polarity. The challenge is to understand how these regulators and effectors are adapted to regulate symmetry breaking processes that generate cell polarities that are specialized for different cellular activities and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- W James Nelson
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA.
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37
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Ramin N, Thieme R, Fischer S, Schindler M, Schmidt T, Fischer B, Navarrete Santos A. Maternal diabetes impairs gastrulation and insulin and IGF-I receptor expression in rabbit blastocysts. Endocrinology 2010; 151:4158-67. [PMID: 20631000 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-0187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Women with type 1 diabetes are subfertile. Diabetes negatively affects pregnancy by causing early miscarriage and poor prenatal outcomes. In this study we examine consequences of maternal type 1 diabetes on early embryo development, metabolic gene expression, and the pattern of insulin receptor (IR) and IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) distribution in rabbit blastocysts. In female rabbits, type 1 diabetes was induced by alloxan treatment. Six-day-old blastocysts were recovered and assessed for receptor distribution and metabolic gene expression. In vitro culture of blastocysts was performed in medium containing 1 mm, 10 mm, or 25 mm glucose, simulating normo- and hyperglycemic developmental condition in vitro. The fertility rate of the diabetic rabbits clearly mirrored subfertility with a drop in blastocyst numbers by 40% (13.3 blastocysts in diabetic vs. 21.9 in control females). In blastocysts onset and progression of gastrulation was delayed and expression of IR and IGF-IR and their metabolic target genes (hexokinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase), both in vivo and in vitro, was down-regulated. The amount of apoptotic cells in the embryonic disc was increased, correlating closely with the reduced transcription of the bcl-x(L) gene. Blastocyst development is clearly impaired by type 1 diabetes during early pregnancy. Insulin-stimulated metabolic genes and IR and IGF-IR are down-regulated, resulting in reduced insulin and IGF sensitivity and a delay in development. Dysregulation of the IGF system and embryonic glucose metabolism are potential reasons for diabetogenous subfertility and embryopathies and start as soon as during the first days of life.
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MESH Headings
- Alloxan
- Animals
- Apoptosis/physiology
- Blastocyst/cytology
- Blastocyst/metabolism
- Blood Glucose/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/blood
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/chemically induced
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/physiopathology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/blood
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/chemically induced
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/physiopathology
- Embryo Culture Techniques
- Embryo, Mammalian/cytology
- Embryo, Mammalian/embryology
- Embryo, Mammalian/metabolism
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Female
- Gastrulation/genetics
- Gastrulation/physiology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Immunoblotting
- In Situ Nick-End Labeling
- Insulin/blood
- Insulin/genetics
- Insulin/metabolism
- Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (ATP)/genetics
- Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (ATP)/metabolism
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy in Diabetics/blood
- Pregnancy in Diabetics/physiopathology
- Rabbits
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/genetics
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/metabolism
- Receptor, Insulin/genetics
- Receptor, Insulin/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Ramin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, D-06097 Halle (Saale), Germany
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Sturmey RG, Reis A, Leese HJ, McEvoy TG. Role of fatty acids in energy provision during oocyte maturation and early embryo development. Reprod Domest Anim 2009; 44 Suppl 3:50-8. [PMID: 19660080 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2009.01402.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
While much is known about the metabolism of exogenous nutrients such as glucose, lactate, pyruvate, amino acids by oocytes and pre-implantation mammalian embryos, the role of endogenous stores, particularly lipid, has been largely overlooked. The presence of lipid within oocytes and early embryos has been long known, and comparisons between species indicate that the amounts and types of lipid present vary considerably. Large amounts of intracellular lipid can compromise the success of cryopreservation and the removal of such lipid has been the subject of considerable effort. In this review, we present evidence that strongly suggests a metabolic role for lipid, specifically with regard to energy provision, in the late-stage oocyte and the pre-implantation embryo. We focus initially on oxygen consumption as a global indicator of metabolic activity, before reviewing different approaches that either have been designed to investigate directly, or have revealed indirectly the role of endogenous lipid in energy generation. These fall under five headings: (i) fatty acid oxidation; (ii) inhibition of triglyceride oxidation; (iii) culture in the absence of exogenous substrates; (iv) cytoplasmic organization; and (v) delipidation. On the basis of the data derived from these studies, we conclude that there is strong evidence for the utilization of endogenous lipid as an energy substrate by oocytes and early embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Sturmey
- Department of Biology (Area 3), University of York, York, YO10 5YW, UK.
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39
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Gómez E, Caamaño JN, Bermejo-Alvarez P, Díez C, Muñoz M, Martín D, Carrocera S, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Gene expression in early expanded parthenogenetic and in vitro fertilized bovine blastocysts. J Reprod Dev 2009; 55:607-14. [PMID: 19700929 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.09-077m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes can undergo artificial parthenogenesis in vitro and develop to the blastocyst stage. In this study, using real-time PCR, we analyzed the expression of genes representative of essential events in development. In vitro matured oocytes were either fertilized or activated with ionomycin + 6-DMAP and cultured in simple medium. The pluripotency-related gene Oct3/4 was downregulated in parthenotes, while the de novo methylation DNMT3A gene was unchanged. Among the pregnancy recognition genes, IFN-t was upregulated, PGRMC1 was downregulated and PLAC8 was unchanged in parthenotes. Among the metabolism genes, SLC2A1 was downregulated, while AKR1B1, COX2, H6PD and TXN were upregulated in parthenotes; there was no difference in SLC2A5. Among the genes involved in compaction/blastulation, GJA1 expression increased in parthenotes, but no differences were detected within ATP1A1 and CDH1. Expression of p66(shc) and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio were higher in parthenotes, and there was no difference in p53. Parthenotes and embryos may differ in the way they stimulate apoptosis, with a preponderant role for p66(shc) within parthenotes. Differentially affected functions may also include pluripotency, de novo methylation and early embryonic signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Gómez
- Animal Genetics and Reproduction, SERIDA, Gijón, Asturias, Spain.
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40
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Pearson JF, Hughes S, Chambers K, Lang SH. Polarized fluid movement and not cell death, creates luminal spaces in adult prostate epithelium. Cell Death Differ 2008; 16:475-82. [PMID: 19096393 PMCID: PMC2857323 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2008.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There are two predominant theories for lumen formation in tissue morphogenesis; cavitation driven by cell death, and membrane separation driven by epithelial polarity. To define the mechanism of lumen formation in prostate acini we examined both theories in several cell lines grown in 3D Matrigel culture. Lumen formation occurred early in culture and preceded the expression of cell death markers for apoptosis (active caspase 3) and autophagy (LC-3). Active caspase 3 was expressed by very few cells and inhibition of apoptosis did not suppress lumen formation. Despite LC-3 expression in all cells within a spheroid, this was not associated with cell death. However, expression of the prostate secretory protein coincided with lumen formation and subsequent disruption of polarized fluid movement led to significant inhibition of lumen formation. This work indicates that lumen formation is driven by the polarized movement of fluids and proteins in 3D prostate epithelial models and not by cavitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Pearson
- YCR Cancer Research Unit, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5YW, UK
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41
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Gómez E, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Díez C, Bermejo-Alvarez P, Muñoz M, Rodriguez A, Otero J, Alvarez-Viejo M, Martín D, Carrocera S, Caamaño JN. Biological differences between in vitro produced bovine embryos and parthenotes. Reproduction 2008; 137:285-95. [PMID: 19036952 DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Parthenotes may represent an alternate ethical source of stem cells, once biological differences between parthenotes and embryos can be understood. In this study, we analyzed development, trophectoderm (TE) differentiation, apoptosis/necrosis, and ploidy in parthenotes and in vitro produced bovine embryos. Subsequently, using real-time PCR, we analyzed the expression of genes expected to underlie the observed differences at the blastocyst stage. In vitro matured oocytes were either fertilized or activated with ionomycin +6-DMAP and cultured in simple medium. Parthenotes showed enhanced blastocyst development and diploidy and reduced TE cell counts. Apoptotic and necrotic indexes did not vary, but parthenotes evidenced a higher relative proportion of apoptotic cells between inner cell mass and TE. The pluripotence-related POU5F1 and the methylation DNMT3A genes were downregulated in parthenotes. Among pregnancy recognition genes, TP-1 was upregulated in parthenotes, while PGRMC1 and PLAC8 did not change. Expression of p66(shc) and BAX/BCL2 ratio were higher, and p53 lower, in parthenotes. Among metabolism genes, SLC2A1 was downregulated, while AKR1B1, PTGS2, H6PD, and TXN were upregulated in parthenotes, and SLC2A5 did not differ. Among genes involved in compaction/blastulation, GJA1 was downregulated in parthenotes, but no differences were detected within ATP1A1 and CDH1. Within parthenotes, the expression levels of SLC2A1, TP-1, and H6PD, and possibly AKR1B1, resemble patterns described in female embryos. The pro-apoptotic profile is more pronounced in parthenotes than in embryos, which may differ in their way to channel apoptotic stimuli, through p66(shc) and p53 respectively, and in their mechanisms to control pluripotency and de novo methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Gómez
- Genética y Reproducción Animal, SERIDA, Asturias, Spain.
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Eckert JJ, Fleming TP. Tight junction biogenesis during early development. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2008; 1778:717-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2007.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2007] [Revised: 09/13/2007] [Accepted: 09/17/2007] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Eckert JJ, Houghton FD, Hawkhead JA, Balen AH, Leese HJ, Picton HM, Cameron IT, Fleming TP. Human embryos developing in vitro are susceptible to impaired epithelial junction biogenesis correlating with abnormal metabolic activity. Hum Reprod 2007; 22:2214-24. [PMID: 17623723 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dem147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocyst biogenesis occurs over several cell cycles during the preimplantation period comprising the gradual expression and membrane assembly of junctional protein complexes which distinguish the outer epithelial trophectoderm (TE) cells from the inner cell mass (ICM). In the human, TE integrity and the formation of a junctional seal can often be impaired. Embryos likely to result in a successful pregnancy after transfer are mostly selected according to morphological criteria. Recent data suggest that non-invasive measurement of amino acid turnover may be useful to complement such morphological scores. Whether morphological and metabolic criteria can be linked to poor TE differentiation thereby underpinning developmental predictions mechanistically remains unknown. METHODS We examined TE intercellular junction formation in human embryos by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy and correlated this process with morphological criteria and amino acid turnover during late cleavage. RESULTS Our results show that TE differentiation may be compromised by failure of membrane assembly of specific junction constituents. This abnormality relates more closely to metabolic profiles than morphological criteria. CONCLUSION Our data identify that amino acid turnover can predict TE differentiation. These findings are the first to link two mechanisms, metabolism and junction membrane assembly, which contribute to early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith J Eckert
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton, UK.
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Lopes AS, Wrenzycki C, Ramsing NB, Herrmann D, Niemann H, Løvendahl P, Greve T, Callesen H. Respiration rates correlate with mRNA expression of G6PD and GLUT1 genes in individual bovine in vitro-produced blastocysts. Theriogenology 2007; 68:223-36. [PMID: 17559924 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.04.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2007] [Revised: 04/23/2007] [Accepted: 04/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Quantification of embryo respiration is a promising procedure to assess embryonic metabolism and possibly select viable embryos. At the blastocyst stage, ATP is produced by glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, processes that require uptake of oxygen and glucose, which is regulated by the expression of GLUT1 and G6PD. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between respiration rates and relative abundances of G6PD and GLUT1 transcripts in individual bovine blastocysts produced in vitro. Respiration rates of 104 bovine in vitro-produced blastocysts were measured individually using the nanorespirometer technology. Real-time RT-PCR was employed to determine the relative abundance of G6PD and GLUT1 mRNA in individual embryos. The mean respiration rates were similar for male and female blastocysts of the same developmental stage, but the sex ratio was skewed towards males. GLUT1 expression was down-regulated in female versus male embryos. In contrast, a approximately 1.8-fold increase in the expression of G6PD mRNA was observed in female blastocysts when compared to male blastocysts, indicating that dosage compensation for this gene had not yet occurred. Both GLUT1 and G6PD expression levels were affected by morphological quality and stage of development. Expression of GLUT1 and G6PD mRNAs was correlated with respiration rates, indicating that, in metabolically active blastocysts, uptake of oxygen and glucose are jointly increased. These findings suggest that expression of genes for oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis are both involved in oxygen demanding ATP production.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Lopes
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Aahrus, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark.
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45
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Xie Y, Zhong W, Wang Y, Trostinskaia A, Wang F, Puscheck EE, Rappolee DA. Using hyperosmolar stress to measure biologic and stress-activated protein kinase responses in preimplantation embryos. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 13:473-81. [PMID: 17483086 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gam027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We used hyperosmolar stress to test blastocysts for their biologic and enzymatic responses to culture stress. Embryos mount dose- and time-dependent responses to hyperosmolar stress. Biological responses included slowed cavitation and cell accumulation and increased apoptosis at increasing doses. These responses were preceded by stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) phosphorylation and nuclear translocation consistent with its causal role. For cavitation and new cell cycle initiation, 200 mM sorbitol caused stasis. Above 200 mM, sorbitol was ultimately lethal and below 200 mM, its embryos had milder effects. Phosphorylated SAPK was induced rapidly in embryos at 0.5 h in a dose-dependent manner from 0 to 600 mM sorbitol. Higher hyperosmolarity caused a biphasic peak of phosphorylated SAPK, but there was no return to baseline through 3 h. At 24 h, a dose-dependent response persisted that was linear from 0 to 200 mM sorbitol. Hyperosmolar stress rapidly induced, within 0.5 h, phosphorylated, nuclear c-Jun and decreased phosphorylated, nuclear c-Myc in a SAPK-dependent manner. The data suggest that SAPK is induced and functions on down-stream effector molecules in a temporal and quantitative manner consistent with its function in the embryonic homeostatic response to stress. The remarkable resistance of embryos to high concentrations of sorbitol suggests that part of its homeostatic response is different from that of somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Madan P, Rose K, Watson AJ. Na/K-ATPase beta1 subunit expression is required for blastocyst formation and normal assembly of trophectoderm tight junction-associated proteins. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:12127-34. [PMID: 17317668 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m700696200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Na/K-ATPase plays an important role in mediating blastocyst formation. Despite the expression of multiple Na/K-ATPase alpha and beta isoforms during mouse preimplantation development, only the alpha1 and beta1 isoforms have been localized to the basolateral membrane regions of the trophectoderm. The aim of the present study was to selectively down-regulate the Na/K-ATPase beta1 subunit employing microinjection of mouse 1 cell zygotes with small interfering RNA (siRNA) oligos. Experiments comprised of non-injected controls and two groups microinjected with either Stealthtrade mark Na/K-ATPase beta1 subunit oligos or nonspecific Stealthtrade mark siRNA as control. Development to the 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-cell and morula stages did not vary between the three groups. However, only 2.3% of the embryos microinjected with Na/K-ATPase beta1 subunit siRNA oligos developed to the blastocyst stage as compared with 73% for control-injected and 91% for non-injected controls. Na/K-ATPase beta1 subunit down-regulation was validated by employing reverse transcription-PCR and whole-mount immunofluorescence methods to demonstrate that Na/K-ATPase beta1 subunit mRNAs and protein were not detectable in beta1 subunit siRNA-microinjected embryos. Aggregation chimera experiments between beta1 subunit siRNA-microinjected embryos and controls demonstrated that blockade of blastocyst formation was reversible. The distribution of Na/K-ATPase alpha1 and tight junction-associated proteins occludin and ZO-1 were compared among the three treatment groups. No differences in protein distribution were observed between control groups; however, all three polypeptides displayed an aberrant distribution in Na/K-ATPase beta1 subunit siRNA-microinjected embryos. Our results demonstrate that the beta1 subunit of the Na/K-ATPase is required for blastocyst formation and that this subunit is also required to maintain a normal Na/K-ATPase distribution and localization of tight junction-associated polypeptides during preimplantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavneesh Madan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Ontario, Children's Health Research Institute-Victoria Research Laboratories, London, Ontario N6A 4G5, Canada
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Abstract
Mammalian pre-implantation development culminates in the formation of the blastocyst consisting of two distinct cell lineages, approximately a third of the cells comprise the pluripotent inner cell mass (ICM) and the remainder the differentiated trophectoderm (TE). However, the contribution made by these two cell types to the overall energy metabolism of the intact blastocyst has received relatively little attention. In this study, the metabolism of the intact mouse blastocyst and isolated ICMs were determined in terms of total ATP formation (calculated from oxygen consumption and lactate formation), mitochondrial distribution and amino acid turnover to provide an indication of protein synthesis. The TE consumed significantly more oxygen, produced more ATP and contained a greater number of mitochondria than the ICM. Amino acid turnover was significantly greater (p<0.001) in the TE compared with the ICM. Specifically, there was a significant difference in the utilization of aspartate (p=0.020), glutamate (p=0.024), methionine (p=0.037), and serine (p=0.041) between the cells of the ICM and TE. These data suggest that the TE produces approximately 80% of the ATP generated and is responsible for 90% of amino acid turnover compared with the ICM. The major fate of the energy produced by the TE is likely to be the Na(+), K(+)ATPase (sodium pump enzyme) located on the TE basolateral membrane. In conclusion, the pluripotent cells of the ICM display a relatively quiescent metabolism in comparison with that of the TE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franchesca D Houghton
- Division of Human Genetics, University of Southampton, Duthie Building Mailpoint 808, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
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Rodríguez A, Diez C, Ikeda S, Royo LJ, Caamaño JN, Alonso-Montes C, Goyache F, Alvarez I, Facal N, Gomez E. Retinoids during the in vitro transition from bovine morula to blastocyst. Hum Reprod 2006; 21:2149-57. [PMID: 16606641 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/del099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The conversion of retinol (ROH) to retinoic acid (RA) is crucial during development but has been not studied during blastocyst formation. METHODS AND RESULTS In vitro-produced bovine morulae were treated for 24 h with citral (which inhibits the synthesis of RA from ROH), citral + all trans retinoic acid (ATRA), ATRA or no additives. Citral interfered with blastocyst development, whereas exogenous RA had no effect. RA, however, reversed the effect of citral on development and stimulated cell proliferation. Neither citral nor RA changed the apoptotic index, but RA triggered an increase in the apoptotic frequency of the inner cell mass. Citral and RA reduced the necrotic index. Na/K-ATPase alpha1-subunit mRNA concentrations (analysed by real-time PCR) increased after hatching and showed dependence on retinoid activity, but no evidence was found of any retinoid effect on p53 expression. Nevertheless, the p53 mRNA concentration increased in response to proliferation in hatched blastocysts. CONCLUSION The preimplantation bovine embryo metabolizes endogenous ROH to RA, which participates in important cell processes. The true extent of the influence of RA is unknown, although the modulation of retinoid metabolism seems to be a means of increasing cell proliferation. This knowledge might be used to improve embryo quality and the efficiency of stem cell derivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rodríguez
- Genética y Reproducción, SERIDA, Gijón, Asturias, Spain
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Abstract
This commentary on the scientific basis of laboratory procedures in assisted conception discusses the origins of widespread discrepancies in 'standard' laboratory techniques experienced by patients and their embryos. The lack of direct evidence from clinical laboratory trials and the reasons for this will be highlighted using some examples drawn mainly from embryo culture. Inconsistencies and grey areas in the governance framework of this unique field could usefully be eliminated and attention focused on the need for a rational approach to procedural trials and pilot studies necessarily conducted in clinical laboratories. This may help progress towards a consensus on fundamental questions for which the evidence is currently lacking.
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Violette MI, Madan P, Watson AJ. Na+/K+-ATPase regulates tight junction formation and function during mouse preimplantation development. Dev Biol 2006; 289:406-19. [PMID: 16356488 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2005.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2005] [Revised: 10/31/2005] [Accepted: 11/04/2005] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Research applied to the early embryo is required to effectively treat human infertility and to understand the primary mechanisms controlling development to the blastocyst stage. The present study investigated whether the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase regulates tight junction formation and function during blastocyst formation. To investigate this hypothesis, three experimental series were conducted. The first experiments defined the optimal dose and treatment time intervals for ouabain (a potent and specific inhibitor of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase) treatment. The results demonstrated that mouse embryos maintained a normal development to the blastocyst stage following a 6-h ouabain treatment. The second experiments investigated the effects of ouabain treatment on the distribution of ZO-1 and occludin (tight junction associated proteins). Ouabain treatment (up to 6 h) or culture in K(+)-free medium (up to 6 h) resulted in the appearance of a discontinuous ZO-1 protein distribution and a loss of occludin immunofluorescence. The third set of experiments examined the influence of ouabain treatment on tight junction function. Ouabain treatment or culture in K(+)-free medium affected tight junction permeability as indicated by an increase in the proportion of treated embryos accumulating both 4 kDa and 40 kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran into their blastocyst cavities. The results indicate that the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase is a potent regulator of tight junction formation and function during mouse preimplantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle I Violette
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, The Children's Health Research Institute-Victoria Research Laboratories, 800 Commissioners Road, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 4G5
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