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Moses RM, Stenhouse C, Halloran KM, Sah N, Newton MG, Hoskins EC, Washburn SE, Johnson GA, Wu G, Bazer FW. Metabolic pathways of glucose and fructose: II Spatiotemporal expression of genes involved in synthesis and transport of lactate in ovine conceptuses†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:159-173. [PMID: 38531778 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae047] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Lactate, an abundant molecule in fetal fluids and blood of mammalian species, is often overlooked as a metabolic waste product generated during pregnancy. Most of the glucose and fructose consumed by ovine conceptuses is converted to lactate, but proteins involved in lactate metabolism and transport have not been investigated. This study characterized total lactate produced by ovine conceptuses throughout gestation, as well as expression of mRNAs and proteins involved in lactate metabolism. Lactate increased in abundance in the uterine lumen during the preimplantation period and was more abundant than pyruvate. The abundance of lactate in allantoic and amniotic fluids increased with advancing days of gestation and most abundant on Day 125 of pregnancy (P < 0.05). Lactate dehydrogenase subunits A (converts pyruvate to lactate) and B (converts lactate to pyruvate) were expressed by conceptuses throughout gestation. Lactate is transported via monocarboxylic acid transporters SLC16A1 and SLC16A3, both of which were expressed by the conceptus throughout gestation. Additionally, the interplacentomal chorioallantois from Day 126 expressed SLC16A1 and SLC16A3 and transported lactate across the tissue. Hydrocarboxylic acid receptor 1 (HCAR1), a receptor for lactate, was localized to the uterine luminal and superficial glandular epithelia of pregnant ewes throughout gestation and conceptus trophectoderm during the peri-implantation period of gestation. These results provide novel insights into the spatiotemporal profiles of enzymes, transporters, and receptor for lactate by ovine conceptuses throughout pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn M Moses
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Claire Stenhouse
- Department of Animal Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Katherine M Halloran
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI, USA
| | - Nirvay Sah
- Department of Pathology, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Makenzie G Newton
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Emily C Hoskins
- College of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Shannon E Washburn
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Gregory A Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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2
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Moses RM, Stenhouse C, Halloran KM, Sah N, Hoskins EC, Washburn SE, Johnson GA, Wu G, Bazer FW. Metabolic pathways for glucose and fructose: I synthesis and metabolism of fructose by ovine conceptuses†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:148-158. [PMID: 38501845 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae043] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Fructose, the most abundant hexose sugar in fetal fluids and the blood of sheep and other ungulates and cetaceans, is synthesized from glucose via the polyol pathway in trophectoderm and chorion. However, the cell-specific and temporal expression of enzymes for the synthesis and metabolism of fructose in sheep conceptuses (embryo and placental membranes) and placentomes has not been characterized. This study characterized key enzymes involved in fructose synthesis and metabolism by ovine conceptuses throughout pregnancy. Day 17 conceptuses expressed mRNAs for the polyol pathway (SORD and AKR1B1) and glucose and fructose metabolism (HK1, HK2, G6PD, OGT, and FBP), but not those required for gluconeogenesis (G6Pase or PCK). Ovine placentomes also expressed mRNAs for SORD, AKR1B1, HK1, and OGT. Fructose can be metabolized via the ketohexokinase (KHK) pathway, and isoforms, KHK-A and KHK-C, were expressed in ovine conceptuses from Day 16 of pregnancy and placentomes during pregnancy in a cell-specific manner. The KHK-A protein was more abundant in the trophectoderm and cotyledons of placentomes, while KHK-C protein was more abundant in the endoderm of Day 16 conceptuses and the chorionic epithelium in placentomes. Expression of KHK mRNAs in placentomes was greatest at Day 30 of pregnancy (P < 0.05), but not different among days later in gestation. These results provide novel insights into the synthesis and metabolism of fructose via the uninhibited KHK pathway in ovine conceptuses to generate ATP via the tricarboxylic cycle, as well as substrates for the pentose cycle, hexosamine biosynthesis pathway, and one-carbon metabolism required for conceptus development throughout pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn M Moses
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Claire Stenhouse
- Department of Animal Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katherine M Halloran
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nirvay Sah
- Department of Pathology, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Emily C Hoskins
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Shannon E Washburn
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pathology, Texas A&M University, College Station Texas, USA
| | - Gregory A Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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3
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Gualtieri R, De Gregorio V, Candela A, Travaglione A, Genovese V, Barbato V, Talevi R. In Vitro Culture of Mammalian Embryos: Is There Room for Improvement? Cells 2024; 13:996. [PMID: 38920627 PMCID: PMC11202082 DOI: 10.3390/cells13120996] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Preimplantation embryo culture, pivotal in assisted reproductive technology (ART), has lagged in innovation compared to embryo selection advancements. This review examines the persisting gap between in vivo and in vitro embryo development, emphasizing the need for improved culture conditions. While in humans this gap is hardly estimated, animal models, particularly bovines, reveal clear disparities in developmental competence, cryotolerance, pregnancy and live birth rates between in vitro-produced (IVP) and in vivo-derived (IVD) embryos. Molecular analyses unveil distinct differences in morphology, metabolism, and genomic stability, underscoring the need for refining culture conditions for better ART outcomes. To this end, a deeper comprehension of oviduct physiology and embryo transport is crucial for grasping embryo-maternal interactions' mechanisms. Research on autocrine and paracrine factors, and extracellular vesicles in embryo-maternal tract interactions, elucidates vital communication networks for successful implantation and pregnancy. In vitro, confinement, and embryo density are key factors to boost embryo development. Advanced dynamic culture systems mimicking fluid mechanical stimulation in the oviduct, through vibration, tilting, and microfluidic methods, and the use of innovative softer substrates, hold promise for optimizing in vitro embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gualtieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘’Federico II’’, Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (V.D.G.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (V.G.); (V.B.); (R.T.)
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Capodanno F, Anastasi A, Cinti M, Bonesi F, Gallinelli A. Current and future methods for embryo selection: on a quest for reliable strategies to reduce time to pregnancy. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2024; 76:80-88. [PMID: 37162493 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.23.05257-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to analyze the usefulness of the principal embryological strategies to reduce time to pregnancy. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A systematic search of publications in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus databases from inception to present including "IVF," "blastocyst," "embryo colture," "competent embryo," "time to pregnancy," "aneuploid," "euploid," "vitrification," "preimplantation genetic," "IVF strategies" and "embryo selection" alone or in combinations has been done. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS We have selected 230 articles and 9 of them have been included in this mini-review. CONCLUSIONS Several embryological strategies aimed to select the most competent embryo and reduce time to pregnancy have been proposed, even if few publications on this specific topic are available. preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) represents the unique method able to assess the embryonic chromosomal status, but this does not mean that PGT-A is a reliable strategy to reduce time to pregnancy. There is no consensus on a specific method to reduce time to pregnancy, nevertheless this final goal could be probably reached through a harmonious combination of procedures. Thus, a reliable strategy to reduce time to pregnancy could be achieved when embryo culture, embryo cryopreservation and PGT-A are perfectly integrated and appropriately offered to selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Capodanno
- Center of Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, "Delta" Hospital, AUSL Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Attilio Anastasi
- Center of Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, "Delta" Hospital, AUSL Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy -
| | - Marialuisa Cinti
- Center of Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, "Delta" Hospital, AUSL Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Bonesi
- Center of Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, "Delta" Hospital, AUSL Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Gallinelli
- Center of Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, "Delta" Hospital, AUSL Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Hardy MLM, Lakhiani D, Morris MB, Day ML. Proline and Proline Analogues Improve Development of Mouse Preimplantation Embryos by Protecting Them against Oxidative Stress. Cells 2023; 12:2640. [PMID: 37998375 PMCID: PMC10670569 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222640] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The culture of embryos in the non-essential amino acid L-proline (Pro) or its analogues pipecolic acid (PA) and L-4-thiazolidine carboxylic acid (L4T) improves embryo development, increasing the percentage that develop to the blastocyst stage and hatch. Staining of 2-cell and 4-cell embryos with tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate showed that the culture of embryos in the presence of Pro, or either of these analogues, reduced mitochondrial activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS), respectively, indicating potential mechanisms by which embryo development is improved. Inhibition of the Pro metabolism enzyme, proline oxidase, by tetrahydro-2-furoic-acid prevented these reductions and concomitantly prevented the improved development. The ways in which Pro, PA and L4T reduce mitochondrial activity and ROS appear to differ, despite their structural similarity. Specifically, the results are consistent with Pro reducing ROS by reducing mitochondrial activity while PA and L4T may be acting as ROS scavengers. All three may work to reduce ROS by contributing to the GSH pool. Overall, our results indicate that reduction in mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress are potential mechanisms by which Pro and its analogues act to improve pre-implantation embryo development.
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Sun H, Zhang Z, Li T, Li T, Chen W, Pan T, Fang S, Liu C, Zhang Y, Wang L, Feng G, Li W, Zhou Q, Zhao Y. Live-cell imaging reveals redox metabolic reprogramming during zygotic genome activation. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:2039-2049. [PMID: 37334430 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31054] [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: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic programming is deeply intertwined with early embryonic development including zygotic genome activation (ZGA), the polarization of zygotic cells, and cell fate commitment. It is crucial to establish a noninvasive imaging technology that spatiotemporally illuminates the cellular metabolism pathways in embryos to track developmental metabolism in situ. In this study, we used two high-quality genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors, SoNar for NADH/NAD+ and iNap1 for NADPH, to characterize the dynamic regulation of energy metabolism and redox homeostasis during early zygotic cleavage. Our imaging results showed that NADH/NAD+ levels decreased from the early to the late two-cell stage, whereas the levels of the reducing equivalent NADPH increased. Mechanistically, transcriptome profiling suggested that during the two-cell stage, zygotic cells downregulated the expression of genes involved in glucose uptake and glycolysis, and upregulated the expression of genes for pyruvate metabolism in mitochondria and oxidative phosphorylation, with a decline in the expression of two peroxiredoxin genes, Prdx1 and Prdx2. Collectively, with the establishment of in situ metabolic monitoring technology, our study revealed the programming of redox metabolism during ZGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of New Techniques for Live-Cell Metabolic Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianda Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Li
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of New Techniques for Live-Cell Metabolic Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weicai Chen
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of New Techniques for Live-Cell Metabolic Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianshi Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Sen Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Leyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guihai Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuzheng Zhao
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of New Techniques for Live-Cell Metabolic Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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7
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Alpha-lipoic acid improves bovine preimplantation blastocyst quality and cryotolerance. Theriogenology 2023; 198:61-68. [PMID: 36563629 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.12.025] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In vitro embryo production has grown in recent decades due to its great potential for cattle production. However, the quality of in vitro-produced embryos is lower compared with those produced in vivo. The postfertilization culture environment has a major influence on bovine embryo quality. We hypothesize that the inclusion of the inclusion of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in the in vitro culture (IVC) medium during the first 24 h would have positive effects on embryo development in vitro and cryotolerance. The aims of this study were to evaluate the antioxidant effect of ALA in IVC medium for 24 h on bovine zygotes (21 h post in vitro fertilization, IVF), day 2 cleaved embryos (46 h post-IVF), and to assess embryo quality, developmental competence, and cryotolerance after vitrification. In all experiments, IVC medium was the Control, and 2.5 μM ALA was the treatment implemented. Viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in zygotes and day 2 embryos did not differ from the Control (P > 0.05). Supplementation with ALA increased total blastocyst and hatching rates (P < 0.05). It also improved embryo quality, evidenced by the increased blastocyst total cell number and the percentage of excellent-quality embryos observed (P < 0.05). In embryos cultured with ALA and then vitrified, ALA reduced intracellular ROS levels in warmed blastocysts (P < 0.05). In conclusion, ALA supplementation to IVC medium during 24 h is a new advantage in improving embryo quality for assisted bovine reproduction.
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Niu H, Lei A, Tian H, Yao W, Liu Y, Li C, An X, Chen X, Zhang Z, Wu J, Yang M, Huang J, Cheng F, Zhao J, Hua J, Liu S, Luo J. Scd1 Deficiency in Early Embryos Affects Blastocyst ICM Formation through RPs-Mdm2-p53 Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021750. [PMID: 36675264 PMCID: PMC9864350 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryos contain a large number of lipid droplets, and lipid metabolism is gradually activated during embryonic development to provide energy. However, the regulatory mechanisms remain to be investigated. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (Scd1) is a fatty acid desaturase gene that is mainly involved in intracellular monounsaturated fatty acid production, which takes part in many physiological processes. Analysis of transcripts at key stages of embryo development revealed that Scd1 was important and expressed at an increased level during the cleavage and blastocyst stages. Knockout Scd1 gene by CRISPR/Cas9 from zygotes revealed a decrease in lipid droplets (LDs) and damage in the inner cell mass (ICM) formation of blastocyst. Comparative analysis of normal and knockout embryo transcripts showed a suppression of ribosome protein (RPs) genes, leading to the arrest of ribosome biogenesis at the 2-cell stage. Notably, the P53-related pathway was further activated at the blastocyst stage, which eventually caused embryonic development arrest and apoptosis. In summary, Scd1 helps in providing energy for embryonic development by regulating intra-embryonic lipid droplet formation. Moreover, deficiency activates the RPs-Mdm2-P53 pathway due to ribosomal stress and ultimately leads to embryonic development arrest. The present results suggested that Scd1 gene is essential to maintain healthy development of embryos by regulating energy support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Niu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Anmin Lei
- Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Huibin Tian
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Weiwei Yao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Cong Li
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xuetong An
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xiaoying Chen
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Zhifei Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jiao Wu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Min Yang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jiangtao Huang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Fei Cheng
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jianqing Zhao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jinlian Hua
- Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Shimin Liu
- UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6018, Australia
| | - Jun Luo
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Correspondence:
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Pallisco R, Lazzarino G, Bilotta G, Marroni F, Mangione R, Saab MW, Brundo MV, Pittalà A, Caruso G, Capoccia E, Lazzarino G, Tavazzi B, Bilotta P, Amorini AM. Metabolic Signature of Energy Metabolism Alterations and Excess Nitric Oxide Production in Culture Media Correlate with Low Human Embryo Quality and Unsuccessful Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24010890. [PMID: 36614333 PMCID: PMC9821643 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Notwithstanding the great improvement of ART, the overall rate of successful pregnancies from implanted human embryos is definitely low. The current routine embryo quality assessment is performed only through morphological criteria, which has poor predictive capacity since only a minor percentage of those in the highest class give rise to successful pregnancy. Previous studies highlighted the potentiality of the analysis of metabolites in human embryo culture media, useful for the selection of embryos for implantation. In the present study, we analyzed in blind 66 human embryo culture media at 5 days after in vitro fertilization with the aim of quantifying compounds released by cell metabolism that were not present as normal constituents of the human embryo growth media, including purines, pyrimidines, nitrite, and nitrate. Only some purines were detectable (hypoxanthine and uric acid) in the majority of samples, while nitrite and nitrate were always detectable. When matching biochemical results with morphological evaluation, it was found that low grade embryos (n = 12) had significantly higher levels of all the compounds of interest. Moreover, when matching biochemical results according to successful (n = 17) or unsuccessful (n = 25) pregnancy, it was found that human embryos from the latter group released higher concentrations of hypoxanthine, uric acid, nitrite, and nitrate in the culture media. Additionally, those embryos that developed into successful pregnancies were all associated with the birth of healthy newborns. These results, although carried out on a relatively low number of samples, indicate that the analysis of the aforementioned compounds in the culture media of human embryos is a potentially useful tool for the selection of embryos for implantation, possibly leading to an increase in the overall rate of ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Pallisco
- Alma Res Fertility Center, Laboratory of Andrology and Embriology, Via Parenzo 12, 00198 Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Lazzarino
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, UniCamillus—Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Bilotta
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, UniCamillus—Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Marroni
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, UniCamillus—Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Renata Mangione
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of Rome, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Miriam Wissam Saab
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Violetta Brundo
- Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pittalà
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Elena Capoccia
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, UniCamillus—Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
- LTA-Biotech srl, Viale Don Orione 3D, 95047 Paternò, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Barbara Tavazzi
- Alma Res Fertility Center, Laboratory of Andrology and Embriology, Via Parenzo 12, 00198 Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Bilotta
- Alma Res Fertility Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Via Parenzo 12, 00198 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Maria Amorini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
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10
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Whatley EG, Truong TT, Harvey AJ, Gardner DK. Acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate reduce mouse embryo viability via differential metabolic and epigenetic mechanisms. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:20-33. [PMID: 36283935 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.09.018] [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: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does the ketone acetoacetate (AcAc) alone, or combined with β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB), impact mouse embryo development, metabolism, histone acetylation and viability? DESIGN Pronucleate mouse oocytes were cultured in vitro in G1/G2 media supplemented with ketones (AcAc or AcAc + βOHB) at concentrations representing those in maternal serum during pregnancy (0.04 mmol/l AcAc, 0.1 mmol/l βOHB), standard diet consumption (0.1 mmol/l AcAc, 0.25 mmol/l βOHB), ketogenic diet consumption (0.8 mmol/l AcAc, 2 mmol/l βOHB) and diabetic ketoacidosis (2 mmol/l AcAc, 4 mmol/l βOHB). Day 5 blastocysts were assessed for cell allocation, glucose metabolism and histone acetylation. Day 4 blastocysts exposed to 0.8 mmol/l AcAc + 2 mmol/l βOHB were transferred to standard-fed recipient females, and E14.5 fetal and placental development assessed. RESULTS Exposure to 2 mmol/l AcAc or 0.8 mmol/l AcAc + 2 mmol/l βOHB did not impair blastocyst development, but significantly increased glucose consumption (P = 0.001 each), lowered glycolytic flux (P = 0.01, P < 0.001) and elevated trophectoderm (TE) histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac; P < 0.001 each) compared with unexposed controls. Preimplantation AcAc + βOHB exposure reduced post-implantation fetal development by 25% (P = 0.037), and delayed female-specific fetal limb development (P = 0.019) and estimated fetal age (P = 0.019) compared with controls. CONCLUSION Preimplantation exposure to ketones affects underlying metabolism and histone acetylation in blastocysts that are associated with persistent, female-specific perturbations in fetal development. A periconceptional diet that elevates ketone concentrations may impair human embryonic viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma G Whatley
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria, Australia
| | - Thi T Truong
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexandra J Harvey
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria, Australia.
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11
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Banliat C, Mahé C, Lavigne R, Com E, Pineau C, Labas V, Guyonnet B, Mermillod P, Saint-Dizier M. The proteomic analysis of bovine embryos developed in vivo or in vitro reveals the contribution of the maternal environment to early embryo. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:839. [PMID: 36536309 PMCID: PMC9764490 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-09076-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite many improvements with in vitro culture systems, the quality and developmental ability of mammalian embryos produced in vitro are still lower than their in vivo counterparts. Though previous studies have evidenced differences in gene expression between in vivo- and in vitro-derived bovine embryos, there is no comparison at the protein expression level. RESULTS A total of 38 pools of grade-1 quality bovine embryos at the 4-6 cell, 8-12 cell, morula, compact morula, and blastocyst stages developed either in vivo or in vitro were analyzed by nano-liquid chromatography coupled with label-free quantitative mass spectrometry, allowing for the identification of 3,028 proteins. Multivariate analysis of quantified proteins showed a clear separation of embryo pools according to their in vivo or in vitro origin at all stages. Three clusters of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were evidenced according to embryo origin, including 463 proteins more abundant in vivo than in vitro across development and 314 and 222 proteins more abundant in vitro than in vivo before and after the morula stage, respectively. The functional analysis of proteins found more abundant in vivo showed an enrichment in carbohydrate metabolism and cytoplasmic cellular components. Proteins found more abundant in vitro before the morula stage were mostly localized in mitochondrial matrix and involved in ATP-dependent activity, while those overabundant after the morula stage were mostly localized in the ribonucleoprotein complex and involved in protein synthesis. Oviductin and other oviductal proteins, previously shown to interact with early embryos, were among the most overabundant proteins after in vivo development. CONCLUSIONS The maternal environment led to higher degradation of mitochondrial proteins at early developmental stages, lower abundance of proteins involved in protein synthesis at the time of embryonic genome activation, and a global upregulation of carbohydrate metabolic pathways compared to in vitro production. Furthermore, embryos developed in vivo internalized large amounts of oviductin and other proteins probably originated in the oviduct as soon as the 4-6 cell stage. These data provide new insight into the molecular contribution of the mother to the developmental ability of early embryos and will help design better in vitro culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Banliat
- grid.12366.300000 0001 2182 6141INRAE, CNRS, Tours University, IFCE, UMR PRC, Nouzilly, France ,Union Evolution, Rue Eric Tabarly, Noyal-Sur-Vilaine, France
| | - Coline Mahé
- grid.12366.300000 0001 2182 6141INRAE, CNRS, Tours University, IFCE, UMR PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Régis Lavigne
- grid.410368.80000 0001 2191 9284Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France ,grid.410368.80000 0001 2191 9284Univ Rennes, CNRS, Inserm, Biosit UAR 3480 US_S 018, Protim Core Facility, Rennes, France
| | - Emmanuelle Com
- grid.410368.80000 0001 2191 9284Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France ,grid.410368.80000 0001 2191 9284Univ Rennes, CNRS, Inserm, Biosit UAR 3480 US_S 018, Protim Core Facility, Rennes, France
| | - Charles Pineau
- grid.410368.80000 0001 2191 9284Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France ,grid.410368.80000 0001 2191 9284Univ Rennes, CNRS, Inserm, Biosit UAR 3480 US_S 018, Protim Core Facility, Rennes, France
| | - Valérie Labas
- grid.12366.300000 0001 2182 6141INRAE, CNRS, Tours University, IFCE, UMR PRC, Nouzilly, France ,Pixanim, INRAE, Tours University, CHU of Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Benoit Guyonnet
- Union Evolution, Rue Eric Tabarly, Noyal-Sur-Vilaine, France
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- grid.12366.300000 0001 2182 6141INRAE, CNRS, Tours University, IFCE, UMR PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Marie Saint-Dizier
- grid.12366.300000 0001 2182 6141INRAE, CNRS, Tours University, IFCE, UMR PRC, Nouzilly, France
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12
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Rebsamen M, Girardi E, Sedlyarov V, Scorzoni S, Papakostas K, Vollert M, Konecka J, Guertl B, Klavins K, Wiedmer T, Superti-Furga G. Gain-of-function genetic screens in human cells identify SLC transporters overcoming environmental nutrient restrictions. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:e202201404. [PMID: 36114003 PMCID: PMC9481932 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Solute carrier (SLC) transporters control fluxes of nutrients and metabolites across membranes and thereby represent a critical interface between the microenvironment and cellular and subcellular metabolism. Because of substantial functional overlap, the interplay and relative contributions of SLCs in response to environmental stresses remain poorly elucidated. To infer functional relationships between SLCs and metabolites, we developed a strategy to identify SLCs able to sustain cell viability and proliferation under growth-limiting concentrations of essential nutrients. One-by-one depletion of 13 amino acids required for cell proliferation enabled gain-of-function genetic screens using a SLC-focused CRISPR/Cas9-based transcriptional activation approach to uncover transporters relieving cells from growth-limiting metabolic bottlenecks. Among the transporters identified, we characterized the cationic amino acid transporter SLC7A3 as a gene that, when up-regulated, overcame low availability of arginine and lysine by increasing their uptake, whereas SLC7A5 was able to sustain cellular fitness upon deprivation of several neutral amino acids. Moreover, we identified metabolic compensation mediated by the glutamate/aspartate transporters SLC1A2 and SLC1A3 under glutamine-limiting conditions. Overall, this gain-of-function approach using human cells uncovered functional transporter-nutrient relationships and revealed that transport activity up-regulation may be sufficient to overcome environmental metabolic restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuele Rebsamen
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Enrico Girardi
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vitaly Sedlyarov
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefania Scorzoni
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Konstantinos Papakostas
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuela Vollert
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Justyna Konecka
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bettina Guertl
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristaps Klavins
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tabea Wiedmer
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giulio Superti-Furga
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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13
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Whatley EG, Truong TT, Wilhelm D, Harvey AJ, Gardner DK. β-hydroxybutyrate reduces blastocyst viability via trophectoderm-mediated metabolic aberrations in mice. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1994-2011. [PMID: 35856159 PMCID: PMC9433850 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the effect of the ketone β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB) on preimplantation mouse embryo development, metabolism, epigenetics and post-transfer viability? SUMMARY ANSWER In vitro βOHB exposure at ketogenic diet (KD)-relevant serum concentrations significantly impaired preimplantation mouse embryo development, induced aberrant glycolytic metabolism and reduced post-transfer fetal viability in a sex-specific manner. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A maternal KD in humans elevates gamete and offspring βOHB exposure during conception and gestation, and in rodents is associated with an increased time to pregnancy, and altered offspring organogenesis, post-natal growth and behaviour, suggesting a developmental programming effect. In vitro exposure to βOHB at supraphysiological concentrations (8–80 mM) perturbs preimplantation mouse embryo development. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A mouse model of embryo development and viability was utilized for this laboratory-based study. Embryo culture media were supplemented with βOHB at KD-relevant concentrations, and the developmental competence, physiology, epigenetic state and post-transfer viability of in vitro cultured βOHB-exposed embryos was assessed. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Mouse embryos were cultured in vitro with or without βOHB at concentrations representing serum levels during pregnancy (0.1 mM), standard diet consumption (0.25 mM), KD consumption (2 mM) and diabetic ketoacidosis (4 mM). The impact of βOHB exposure on embryo development (blastocyst formation rate, morphokinetics and blastocyst total, inner cell mass and trophectoderm (TE) cell number), physiology (redox state, βOHB metabolism, glycolytic metabolism), epigenetic state (histone 3 lysine 27 β-hydroxybutyrylation, H3K27bhb) and post-transfer viability (implantation rate, fetal and placental development) was assessed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE All βOHB concentrations tested slowed embryo development (P < 0.05), and βOHB at KD-relevant serum levels (2 mM) delayed morphokinetic development, beginning at syngamy (P < 0.05). Compared with unexposed controls, βOHB exposure reduced blastocyst total and TE cell number (≥0.25 mM; P < 0.05), reduced blastocyst glucose consumption (2 mM; P < 0.01) and increased lactate production (0.25 mM; P < 0.05) and glycolytic flux (0.25 and 2 mM; P < 0.01). Consumption of βOHB by embryos, mediated via monocarboxylate transporters, was detected throughout preimplantation development. Supraphysiological (20 mM; P < 0.001), but not physiological (0.25–4 mM) βOHB elevated H3K27bhb levels. Preimplantation βOHB exposure at serum KD levels (2 mM) reduced post-transfer viability. Implantation and fetal development rates of βOHB-treated embryos were 50% lower than controls (P < 0.05), and resultant fetuses had a shorter crown-rump length (P < 0.01) and placental diameter (P < 0.05). A strong sex-specific effect of βOHB was detected, whereby female fetuses from βOHB-treated embryos weighed less (P < 0.05), had a shorter crown-rump length (P < 0.05), and tended to have accelerated ear development (P < 0.08) compared with female control fetuses. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study only assessed embryo development, physiology and viability in a mouse model utilizing in vitro βOHB exposure; the impact of in vivo exposure was not assessed. The concentrations of βOHB utilized were modelled on blood/serum levels as the true oviduct and uterine concentrations are currently unknown. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings indicate that the development, physiology and viability of mouse embryos is detrimentally impacted by preimplantation exposure to βOHB within a physiological range. Maternal diets which increase βOHB levels, such as a KD, may affect preimplantation embryo development and may therefore impair subsequent viability and long-term health. Consequently, our initial observations warrant follow-up studies in larger human populations. Furthermore, analysis of βOHB concentrations within human and rodent oviduct and uterine fluid under different nutritional states is also required. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by the University of Melbourne and the Norma Hilda Schuster (nee Swift) Scholarship. The authors have no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma G Whatley
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thi T Truong
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dagmar Wilhelm
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexandra J Harvey
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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14
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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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15
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Developmental energetics: Energy expenditure, budgets and metabolism during animal embryogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 138:83-93. [PMID: 35317962 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Developing embryos are metabolically active, open systems that constantly exchange matter and energy with their environment. They function out of thermodynamic equilibrium and continuously use metabolic pathways to obtain energy from maternal nutrients, in order to fulfill the energetic requirements of growth and development. While an increasing number of studies highlight the role of metabolism in different developmental contexts, the physicochemical basis of embryogenesis, or how cellular processes use energy and matter to act together and transform a zygote into an adult organism, remains unknown. As we obtain a better understanding of metabolism, and benefit from current technology development, it is a promising time to revisit the energetic cost of development and how energetic principles may govern embryogenesis. Here, we review recent advances in methodology to measure and infer energetic parameters in developing embryos. We highlight a potential common pattern in embryonic energy expenditure and metabolic strategy across animal embryogenesis, and discuss challenges and open questions in developmental energetics.
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16
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Anagnostopoulou C, Rosas IM, Gugnani N, Desai D, Manoharan M, Singh N, Leonardi Diaz SI, Singh K, Wirka KA, Gupta S, Darbandi S, Chockalingam A, Darbandi M, Boitrelle F, Finelli R, Sallam HN, Agarwal A. An expert commentary on essential equipment, supplies and culture media in the ART laboratory. Panminerva Med 2022; 64:140-155. [PMID: 35146990 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.22.04671-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The ART laboratory is a complex system designed to sustain the fertilization, survival, and culture of the preimplantation embryo to the blastocyst stage. ART outcomes depend on numerous factors, among which are the equipment, supplies and culture media used. The number and type of incubators also may affect ART results. While large incubators may be more suitable for media equilibration, bench-top incubators may provide better embryo culture conditions in separate or smaller chambers and may be coupled with time-lapse systems that allow continuous embryo monitoring. Microscopes are essential for observation, assessment, and micromanipulation. Workstations provide a controlled environment for gamete and embryo handling and their quantity should be adjusted according to the number of ART cycles treated in order to provide a steady and efficient workflow. Continuous maintenance, quality control and monitoring of equipment is essential and quality control devices such as the thermometer, and pH-meter are necessary to maintain optimal culture conditions. Tracking, appropriate delivery and storage conditions, and quality control of all consumables is recommended so that the adequate quantity and quality is available for use. Embryo culture media have evolved: preimplantation embryos are cultured either by sequential media or single-step media that can be used for interrupted or uninterrupted culture. There is currently no sufficient evidence that any individual commercially-available culture system is better than others in terms of embryo viability. In this review, we aim to analyse the various parameters that should be taken into account when choosing the essential equipment, consumables and culture media systems that will create optimal culture conditions and provide the most effective patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Israel M Rosas
- Citmer Reproductive Medicine, IVF LAB, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nivita Gugnani
- BabySoon Fertility and IVF Center, New Delhi, India India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Dimple Desai
- DPU IVF & ENDOSCOPY CENTER, Dr. D. Y. Patil Hospital & Research Centre, Pune, India
| | | | | | | | - Keerti Singh
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados
| | - Kelly A Wirka
- Fertility & Endocrinology, Medical Affairs, EMD Serono, USA
| | - Sajal Gupta
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sara Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran.,Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahsa Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran.,Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France.,Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment and Development, Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Hassan N Sallam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA -
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17
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Li P, Zhang H, Yan K, Sui L, Du Y, Hu J, Xu H, Yang X, Liang X. Insufficient pyruvate in culture medium arrests mouse embryos at the first cleavage stage associated with abnormal epigenetic modifications. Theriogenology 2022; 181:119-125. [PMID: 35078124 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Energy is essential for early embryogenesis, and fertilized eggs can successfully develop to blastocyst in in vitro culture medium with an appropriate energy supply. Conversely, embryonic development is negatively affected by a suboptimal energy supply. We previously observed that a low level of pyruvate greatly arrests mouse embryos at the 2-cell stage. However, how methylation modifications are affected at this specific stage remains unknown. In this study, we found that mouse embryos could timely develop to the 4-cell stage in K+simplex optimized medium (KSOM) with control level of pyruvate, but embryos were significantly arrested at the 2-cell stage when pyruvate was reduced to 0.2-fold of the control level. Moreover, the fluorescence intensities of 5 mC, H3K4me2, H3K9me2 and H3K27me2 in the 2-cell stage embryos of the 0.2-fold pyruvate group were notedly lower than those of the control group, but N6-methyladenosine (m6A) fluorescence intensity was higher, suggesting that global genomic DNA, histone and m6A methylation modifications are disrupted with low levels of pyruvate. Consistently, the mRNA levels of genes related to DNA methylation, histone methylation and m6A modifications were also disturbed in the 2-cell stage embryos cultured with low levels of pyruvate. In summary, our findings demonstrate that insufficient pyruvate in culture medium results in mouse embryonic developmental arrest, at least in part due to defects in methylation modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Hengye Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Ke Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Lumin Sui
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Ya Du
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Jiahao Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Huiyan Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Xiaogan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Xingwei Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China.
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18
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Huang X, Hong L, Wu Y, Chen M, Kong P, Ruan J, Teng X, Wei Z. Raman Spectrum of Follicular Fluid: A Potential Biomarker for Oocyte Developmental Competence in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:777224. [PMID: 34858993 PMCID: PMC8632455 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.777224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder in reproductive women where abnormal folliculogenesis is considered as a common characteristic. Our aim is to evaluate the potential of follicular fluid (FF) Raman spectra to predict embryo development and pregnancy outcome, so as to prioritize the best promising embryo for implantation, reducing both physiological and economical burdens of PCOS patients. In addition, the altered metabolic profiles will be identified to explore the aetiology and pathobiology of PCOS. In this study, follicular fluid samples obtained from 150 PCOS and 150 non-PCOS women were measured with Raman spectroscopy. Individual Raman spectrum was analyzed to find biologic components contributing to the occurrence of PCOS. More importantly, the Raman spectra of follicular fluid from the 150 PCOS patients were analyzed via machine-learning algorithms to evaluate their predictive value for oocyte development potential and clinical pregnancy. Mean-centered Raman spectra and principal component analysis (PCA) showed global differences in the footprints of follicular fluid between PCOS and non-PCOS women. Two Raman zones (993-1,165 cm-1 and 1,439-1,678 cm-1) were identified for describing the largest variances between the two groups, with the former higher and the latter lower in PCOS FF. The tentative assignments of corresponding Raman bands included phenylalanine and β -carotene. Moreover, it was found that FF, in which oocytes would develop into high-quality blastocysts and obtain high clinical pregnancy rate, were detected with lower quantification of the integration at 993-1,165 cm-1 and higher quantification of the integration at 1,439-1,678 cm-1 in PCOS. In addition, based on Raman spectra of PCOS FF, the machine-learning algorithms via the fully connected artificial neural network (ANN) achieved the overall accuracies of 90 and 74% in correctly assigning oocyte developmental potential and clinical pregnancy, respectively. The study suggests that the PCOS displays unique metabolic profiles in follicular fluid which could be detected by Raman spectroscopy. Specific bands in Raman spectra have the biomarker potential to predict the embryo development and pregnancy outcome for PCOS patients. Importantly, these data may provide some valuable biochemical information and metabolic signatures that will help us to understand the abnormal follicular development in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Huang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Hong
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miaoxin Chen
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengcheng Kong
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingling Ruan
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Teng
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyun Wei
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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19
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Lu V, Roy IJ, Teitell MA. Nutrients in the fate of pluripotent stem cells. Cell Metab 2021; 33:2108-2121. [PMID: 34644538 PMCID: PMC8568661 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells model certain features of early mammalian development ex vivo. Medium-supplied nutrients can influence self-renewal, lineage specification, and earliest differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. However, which specific nutrients support these distinct outcomes, and their mechanisms of action, remain under active investigation. Here, we evaluate the available data on nutrients and their metabolic conversion that influence pluripotent stem cell fates. We also discuss key questions open for investigation in this rapidly expanding area of increasing fundamental and practical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Lu
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Irena J Roy
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Michael A Teitell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, California NanoSystems Institute, and Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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20
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Malhotra J, Malhotra K, Kamat S, Mishra A, Chatterjee C, Nair S, Ghosh P, Mehta R, Bhadraka H, Srinivas S, Kumar L, Mistry R, Goenka D, Kant G. ISAR Consensus Guidelines on Add-Ons Treatment in In vitro Fertilization. J Hum Reprod Sci 2021; 14:S3-S30. [PMID: 34975243 PMCID: PMC8656316 DOI: 10.4103/0974-1208.330501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the good practices for the use of ADD-ON Treatments in IVF cycles in INDIA? WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN Add on treatments in IVF are procedures and technologies which are offered to patients in hope of improving the success rates. A lot of add on treatments exist; most of them have limited evidence and data for the Indian patient population is miniscule. These interventions may have limited effects, so it is imperative that any new technology that is offered is evaluated properly and has enough evidence to suggest that it is safe and effective. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION This is the report of a 2-day consensus meeting where two moderators were assigned to a group of experts to collate information on Add on treatments in IVF in INDIA. This meeting utilised surveys, available scientific evidence and personal laboratory experience into various presentations by experts on pre-decided specific topics. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Expert professionals from ISAR representing clinical and embryology fields. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The report is divided in various components including the health of the Offspring, the various ADD ons available to an ART center, consensus points for each technology & qualifications and trainings for embryologists, the report and recommendations of the expert panel reflect the discussion on each of the topics and try to lay down good practice points for labs to follow. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The recommendations are solely based on expert opinion. Future availability of data may warrant an update of the same. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These guidelines can help labs across the country to standardise their ART services and improve clinical outcomes, it will also motivate clinics to collect data and report the use of Add ons to the national registry. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The consensus meeting and writing of the paper was supported by funds from CooperSurgical India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaideep Malhotra
- Managing Director, Rainbow IVF, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, President ISAR (2019), India
| | - Keshav Malhotra
- MBBS, MCE, Chief Embryologist & Director-Rainbow IVF, Agra (Uttar Pradesh), India
| | - Sudesh Kamat
- M.Sc., Laboratory Director, Bloom IVF Group, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Charulata Chatterjee
- Scentific Head and Consultant Embryologist Ferty9 Fertility Center, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Seema Nair
- Senior Embryologist, Coopersurgical India Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pranay Ghosh
- Director and Chief Embryologist, Elixir Fertility Centre, Delhi, India
| | - Rajvi Mehta
- PhD, Consultant, Cooper Surgicals, Scientific Consultant, Trivector Biomed, Mumbai, India
| | - Harsha Bhadraka
- Director - IVF lab., Chief Embryologist, Akanksha Hospital and Research Institute, Anand, Gujarat; Lab Director - ZIVYA IVF, Mumbai, Maharashtra; Secretory - SKHPL Institutional Ethics Committee, Anand, Gujarat, India
| | - Sapna Srinivas
- Lab Director, Mamta Fertility Hospital, Hyderabad, India
| | - Lalith Kumar
- Senior Scientist, Department of Women and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rushika Mistry
- Senior Embryologist at Lilavati Hospital and Research Center (IVF Department), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Deepak Goenka
- Director, Institute of Human Reproduction, Guwahati, India
| | - Gaurav Kant
- Director - IVF Lab, Akanksha IVF Center New Delhi, India
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21
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Lee YSL, Gardner DK. Early cleaving embryos result in blastocysts with increased aspartate and glucose consumption, which exhibit different metabolic gene expression that persists in placental and fetal tissues. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:3099-3111. [PMID: 34705191 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02341-8] [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: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Using time-lapse microscopy, previous research has shown that IVF mouse embryos that cleave earlier at the first division ('fast') develop into blastocysts with increased glucose consumption and lower likelihood of post-implantation loss as compared to slower cleaving embryos ('slow'). Further, metabolomics analysis employing LC-MS conducted on groups of 'fast' blastocysts revealed that more aspartate was consumed. With the worldwide adoption of single blastocyst transfer as the standard of care, the need for quantifiable biomarkers of viability, such as metabolism of specific nutrients, would greatly assist in embryo selection for transfer. METHODS Here we describe the development of a targeted enzymatic assay to quantitate aspartate uptake of single blastocysts. RESULTS Results demonstrate that the rates of aspartate and glucose consumption were significantly higher in individual 'fast' blastocysts. Blastocysts, together with placental and fetal liver tissue collected following transfer, were analysed for the expression of genes involved in aspartate and carbohydrate metabolism. In 'fast' blastocysts, expressions of B3gnt5, Slc2a1, Slc2a3, Got1 and Pkm2 were found to be significantly higher. In placental tissue derived from 'fast' blastocysts, expression of Slc2a1, Got1 and Pkm2 were significantly higher, while levels of Got1 and Pkm2 were lower in fetal liver tissue compared to tissue from 'slow' blastocysts. CONCLUSIONS Importantly, this study shows that genes regulating aspartate and glucose metabolism were increased in blastocysts that have higher viability, with differences maintained in resultant placentae and fetuses. Consequently, the analysis of aspartate uptake in combination with glucose represents biomarkers of development and may improve embryo selection efficacy and pregnancy rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y S L Lee
- Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - D K Gardner
- Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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22
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Chen X, Zhou Y, Wu D, Shu C, Wu R, Li S, Huang Q, Shu J. Iron overload compromises preimplantation mouse embryo development. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 105:156-165. [PMID: 34481919 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We and others have previously shown that abnormal pelvic environment plays an important role in the unexplained infertility of endometriosis. However, whether iron overload caused by ectopic periodic bleeding found in patients with endometriosis participates in endometriosis-associated reproductive failure is unknown. This study aimed to investigate effects of iron at level relevant to pelvic iron overload on the development of preimplantation mouse embryo. Two-cell embryos were collected, and cultured to blastocysts in G1/G2 medium supplemented with iron alone or in combination with iron chelator. The development rates, ATP level, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species level (ROS), and apoptotic and ferroptotic indices were compared between control and iron treatments across each specific developmental stage. Prolonged exposure to iron remarkably impaired early embryo development in vitro by hampering blastocyst formation (P < 0.001), which could be partly restored by iron chelator (P < 0.001). The arrest of embryo development was linked with iron-initiated mitochondrial dysfunction with reduction of ATP generation and MMP (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Impaired mitochondria altered ROS accumulation post-iron exposure at morula stage and blastocyst stage (P < 0.05). Moreover, Iron-exposed blastocyst stage embryos showed higher apoptotic and ferroptotic rates (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). Our results highlight that pathologically relevant level of iron compromises preimplantation mouse embryo development by disrupting mitochondrial function and triggering both apoptosis and ferroptosis, which implicates that excess iron found in peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis likely participates in endometriosis-associated reproductive failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopan Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Yier Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Dandan Wu
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Chongyi Shu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ruifang Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shishi Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qiongxiao Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jing Shu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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23
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Zhao J, Yao K, Yu H, Zhang L, Xu Y, Chen L, Sun Z, Zhu Y, Zhang C, Qian Y, Ji S, Pan H, Zhang M, Chen J, Correia C, Weiskittel T, Lin DW, Zhao Y, Chandrasekaran S, Fu X, Zhang D, Fan HY, Xie W, Li H, Hu Z, Zhang J. Metabolic remodelling during early mouse embryo development. Nat Metab 2021; 3:1372-1384. [PMID: 34650276 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-021-00464-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
During early mammalian embryogenesis, changes in cell growth and proliferation depend on strict genetic and metabolic instructions. However, our understanding of metabolic reprogramming and its influence on epigenetic regulation in early embryo development remains elusive. Here we show a comprehensive metabolomics profiling of key stages in mouse early development and the two-cell and blastocyst embryos, and we reconstructed the metabolic landscape through the transition from totipotency to pluripotency. Our integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis shows that while two-cell embryos favour methionine, polyamine and glutathione metabolism and stay in a more reductive state, blastocyst embryos have higher metabolites related to the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle, and present a more oxidative state. Moreover, we identify a reciprocal relationship between α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) and the competitive inhibitor of α-KG-dependent dioxygenases, L-2-hydroxyglutarate (L-2-HG), where two-cell embryos inherited from oocytes and one-cell zygotes display higher L-2-HG, whereas blastocysts show higher α-KG. Lastly, increasing 2-HG availability impedes erasure of global histone methylation markers after fertilization. Together, our data demonstrate dynamic and interconnected metabolic, transcriptional and epigenetic network remodelling during early mouse embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhao
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ke Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Yu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems & Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuyan Xu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lang Chen
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Sun
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Zhu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems & Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuli Qian
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuyan Ji
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, THU-PKU Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongru Pan
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cristina Correia
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Taylor Weiskittel
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Da-Wei Lin
- Center of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yuzheng Zhao
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, Research Unit of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Sriram Chandrasekaran
- Center of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xudong Fu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems & Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Heng-Yu Fan
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, THU-PKU Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hu Li
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Zeping Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jin Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems & Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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24
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Neblett MF, Kim T, Jones TL, Baumgarten SC, Coddington CC, Zhao Y, Shenoy CC. Is there still a role for a cleavage-stage embryo transfer? F S Rep 2021; 2:269-274. [PMID: 34553150 PMCID: PMC8441559 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine whether pregnancy outcomes are poor or futile when an intended day 5 transfer is converted to a cleavage-stage transfer because of poor embryo development or a lower number of embryos. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) Women with a limited number of embryos, defined as ≤6 two pronuclear embryos, after in vitro fertilization. Intervention(s) Patients who had a cleavage-stage transfer were age matched with patients who had a day 5 transfer. Main Outcome Measure(s) Live birth rate. Result(s) A total of 146 women were included in the study with 73 women in each group. Cleavage-stage transfer was associated with significantly lower implantation and clinical pregnancy rates compared with those of day 5 transfer. Although the live birth rate of the cleavage-stage transfer group was lower than that of the day 5 transfer group (25% vs. 40%, respectively), the cleavage-stage transfer still resulted in a live birth rate of 25%. A subanalysis comparing women who did and did not achieve live birth after cleavage-stage transfer demonstrated a live birth rate of 27% when at least one grade A embryo was transferred vs. 17% when a lesser quality embryo (grade B or C) was transferred. Conclusion(s) As expected, the live birth rate after cleavage-stage transfer was lower than that after day 5 transfer. However, the live birth rate of cleavage-stage transfer still fell into acceptable practice, >5%, for patients who were otherwise at very high risk of having no day 5 embryo transfer. Extended culture may not be necessary for all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Neblett
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Tana Kim
- Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Associates, Woodbury, Minnesota
| | | | - Sarah C Baumgarten
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Charles C Coddington
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Yulian Zhao
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Chandra C Shenoy
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
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25
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Gurner KH, Evans J, Hutchison JC, Harvey AJ, Gardner DK. A microenvironment of high lactate and low pH created by the blastocyst promotes endometrial receptivity and implantation. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:14-26. [PMID: 34810095 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is the blastocyst's idiosyncratic metabolic production of lactate, and creation of a specialized microenvironment at the implatation site, an important mediator of maternal-fetal signalling to promote endometrial receptivity and implantation? DESIGN Hormonally primed ECC-1 and Ishikawa cells were used to assess functional changes to the endometrial epithelium after exposure to lactic acid (LA), LA with neutralized pH (nLA) or acidic pH (pHL). Tight junction integrity (transepithelial resistance [TER]), cellular proliferation or changes to gene expression by RT-PCR were analysed. The effect of LA on Endometrial stromal cells decidualization and migratory capacity, and HUVEC endothelial tube formation and angiogenesis, were also assessed. RESULTS Treatment of ECC-1 cells with 2.5 mM (P = 0.0037), 5 mM (P = 0.0044), 7.5 mM and 10 mM (P = 0.003) (P = 0.0021) LA significantly decreased the rate of cellular proliferation while TER was decreased with exposure to 2.5 mM LA (P = 0.024), 5 mM LA (P = 0.021) and 7.5 mM LA (P = 0.033). Exposure to nLA or pHL had no effect on proliferation or TER. Upregulation of GLUT4 (P = 0.002), GPR81 (P = 0.048), VEGF, SNAI1 (both P < 0.001) and RELA (P = 0.023) mRNA expression was observed after exposure of Ishikawa cells to combined LA plus pHL. Lactic acid increased the migratory capacity of decidualized stromal cells (P = 0.047) without changing the extent of decidualization. HUVEC tube formation was significantly increased by 5 mM LA exposure (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS The identification of LA as an important mediator in the maternal-fetal dialogue underpinning implantation is supported. Further examination of the role of LA within the infertile or compromised endometrium could improve natural and assisted pregnancy success and needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn H Gurner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne VIC 3010, Australia; Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Jemma Evans
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Jennifer C Hutchison
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
| | | | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne VIC 3010, Australia; Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia.
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26
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Tao P, Zhou W, Yan X, Wu R, Cheng L, Ye Y, Wang Z, Li Y. Effect of sequential versus single-step culture medium on IVF treatments, including embryo and clinical outcomes: a prospective randomized study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2021; 305:757-765. [PMID: 34510243 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-021-06219-z] [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: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sequential media G5 series (Vitrolife) and single-step medium Continuous Single Culture Complete (CSC-C) (Irvine Scientific) are two different culture media. We want to examine difference between culturing effects of the two media. METHODS To compare the fertilization and early embryo development, a prospective randomized controlled trial with sibling oocytes in infertile patients, aged ≤ 45 years with ≥ 8 oocytes (226 cycles) was conducted. Each half of the retrieved oocytes from the same patient were randomly allocated to two culture media separately. The remaining fresh cycles were randomly assigned to two culture media during the same period (179 cycles). We compared the clinical outcomes based on the total fresh ET cycles in this periods, in which the transferred embryos were only from one culture medium. RESULTS Embryo outcomes: 226 cycles, included 176 IVF and 50 ICSI cycles, were analyzed, which correspond to 3518 inseminated or micro-injected oocytes. Clinical outcomes: 71 (CSC-C) and 71 (G5 series) fresh ET cycles were compared. There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes and general fertilization rate. However, the fertilization rate was superior in the CSC-C when compared with G5 in ICSI cycles (76.51% vs. 67.25%, P = 0.008). In addition, the compacted embryo development rate was significantly higher in CSC-C on day 3. The cycles that had compacted embryos on day 3 demonstrated better outcomes both in embryos as well as clinically. CONCLUSIONS CSC-C had higher fertilization rates than G5 series in ICSI cycles. In addition, the compaction rates of day 3 embryos were significantly higher in CSC-C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Tao
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, 55# Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Weidong Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, 55# Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, 55# Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongfeng Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, 55# Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Cheng
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, 55# Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Ye
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, 55# Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhanxiang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, 55# Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
| | - Youzhu Li
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, 55# Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
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Brom-de-Luna JG, Salgado RM, Felix MR, Canesin HS, Stefanovski D, Diaw M, Hinrichs K. Culture protocols for horse embryos after ICSI: Effect of myo-inositol and time of media change. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 233:106819. [PMID: 34481215 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In vitro production of horse embryos via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a useful clinical and research technique. Current rates of blastocyst production are typically sub-optimal, and few methods to increase the rate of equine blastocyst development have been reported. Factors that might improve blastocyst production in a horse embryo culture system were explored. Myo-inositol is found in the horse oviduct and improves blastocyst development in other species, thus Experiment 1 was conducted to assess the effect of 10 mM myo-inositol added to Day 0-5 embryo culture medium, using horse oocytes recovered by transvaginal aspiration. Experiment 2 was conducted to investigate effects of exclusion of a standard post-ICSI holding step (culture for 30-60 min in M199-based medium). Experiment 3 was conducted using oocytes recovered from abattoir-derived ovaries, to evaluate effects of earlier transition (Day 4 vs. Day 5) to the second-step medium and of media refreshment at different time points (Day 3 and/or Day 7) during embryo culture. In Experiments 1 and 2, there were no differences (P > 0.05) between groups in blastocyst development (Exp. 1, 36.7 % and 39.2 %; Exp. 2, 41.5 % and 44.6 %). In Experiment 3, blastocyst development was not different (P > 0.05) for embryos refreshed at both Day 3 and 7 (10.8 %) or only at Day 7 (26.6 %), or those transferred to second-step medium on Day 4 or Day 5 (20.6 % and 18.5 %). Knowledge of culture procedures compatible with blastocyst formation in vitro is valuable to laboratories starting to develop procedures for ICSI in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao G Brom-de-Luna
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Renato M Salgado
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Matheus R Felix
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Department of Clinical Studies - New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, USA
| | - Heloísa S Canesin
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Darko Stefanovski
- Department of Clinical Studies - New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, USA
| | - Mouhamadou Diaw
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Katrin Hinrichs
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Department of Clinical Studies - New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, USA.
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Gurner KH, Richardson JJ, Harvey AJ, Gardner DK. A pilot study investigating a novel particle-based growth factor delivery system for preimplantation embryo culture. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1776-1783. [PMID: 33975346 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-loaded silica supraparticles (V-SPs) be used as a novel mode of delivering VEGF to the developing preimplantation embryo in vitro? SUMMARY ANSWER Supplementation of embryo culture media with V-SPs promoted embryonic development in a manner equivalent to media supplemented with free VEGF. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY VEGF is a maternally derived growth factor that promotes preimplantation embryonic development in vitro. However, its use in clinical media has limitations due to its low stability in solution. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study was a laboratory-based analysis utilising a mouse model. V-SPs were prepared in vitro and supplemented to embryonic culture media. The bioactivity of V-SPs was determined by analysis of blastocyst developmental outcomes (blastocyst development rate and total cell number). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS SPs were loaded with fluorescently labelled VEGF and release kinetics were characterised. Bioactivity of unlabelled VEGF released from V-SPs was determined by analysis of embryo developmental outcomes (blastocyst developmental rate and total cell number) following individual mouse embryo culture in 20 µl of G1/G2 media at 5% oxygen, supplemented with 10 ng/ml recombinant mouse VEGF in solution or with V-SPs. The bioactivity of freeze-dried V-SPs was also assessed to determine the efficacy of cryostorage. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE VEGF release kinetics were characterised by an initial burst of VEGF from loaded spheres followed by a consistent lower level of VEGF release over 48 h. VEGF released from V-SPs resulted in significant increases in total blastocyst cell number relative to the control (P < 0.001), replicating the effects of medium freely supplemented with fresh VEGF (P < 0.001). Similarly, freeze dried V-SPs exerted comparable effects on embryonic development (P < 0.05). LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In this proof of principle study, the effects of V-SPs on embryonic development were only analysed in a mouse model. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings suggest that SPs represent a novel method by which a targeted dose of therapeutic agents (e.g. bioactive VEGF) can be delivered to the developing in vitro embryo to promote embryonic development, an approach that negates the breakdown of VEGF associated with storage in solution. As such, V-SPs may be an alternative and effective method of delivering bioactive VEGF to the developing in vitro embryo; however, the potential use of V-SPs in clinical IVF requires further investigation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by the University of Melbourne. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn H Gurner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Joseph J Richardson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Alexandra J Harvey
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Insogna IG, Lanes A, Ginsburg ES, Racowsky C. Quality of embryos on day 7 after medium refreshment on day 6: a prospective trial. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1253-1259. [PMID: 33615379 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab038] [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: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are embryos that fail to meet biopsy or freezing criteria on day 6 (D6) more likely to meet these criteria on day 7 (D7) if cultured in fresh medium from D6 to D7? SUMMARY ANSWER Refreshment of medium on D6 did not increase the proportion of usable embryos on D7, with an adverse effect for women ≥40 years old. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Embryo development in continuous single-step medium, from fertilization to the blastocyst stage, is equivalent to that using a sequential media protocol. However, there remains a theoretical benefit of refreshing the culture environment by transitioning slowly developing D6 embryos to a fresh medium droplet of the same composition, with a renewed source of nutrients and a milieu free of metabolic toxins. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a prospective trial of culture media exposure in which embryos were randomized on D6 to remain in the same culture medium from D3 to D7 (continuous, n = 620) or be moved to fresh medium (fresh, n = 603) on D6, with re-evaluation on D7. Data were collected from IVF cycles, with or without ICSI, between 29 March 2019 and 17 February 2020. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Embryos from 298 women, aged 18-44 years, from cycles with or without preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) that did not meet criteria for biopsy and/or freeze on D6 were included in the study. Embryos were only included if there was a minimum of two embryos meeting the inclusion criteria in any cohort. Only the first cycle undertaken by each woman in the study period from which embryos were randomized was included. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 1254 embryos were randomized from 312 cycles (209 non-PGT and 103 PGT) including 200 women undergoing IVF without PGT and 98 women who underwent PGT. The proportion of usable blastocysts on D7 did not differ between groups: 10.1% (61/603) in fresh versus 9.7% (60/620) in continuous medium (relative risk (RR) 1.05, 95% CI 0.74-1.47)). Embryos from women ≥40 years old had a significantly decreased likelihood of achieving a usable blastocyst on D7 after culture in fresh versus continuous medium: 3.5% versus 12.2%; RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.08-0.98. In total, 9.9% of embryos otherwise discarded on D6 met the criteria for biopsy and/or freeze on D7. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Future work investigating implantation, clinical pregnancy and miscarriage rates with D7 embryos is still needed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Refreshment of medium on D6 did not increase the proportion of usable embryos on D7 overall. Younger women were more likely to develop D7 embryos after refreshment of medium on D6, while an adverse effect was seen in women ≥40 years old. However, by extending the culture of embryos to D7, additional blastocysts become available for clinical use. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Funding was provided through the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Brigham and Women's Hospital. I.G.I. works with Teladoc Health. A.L. has no disclosures. E.S.G. works as a consultant for Teladoc Health, and a writer and editor for UpToDate and BioMed Central. C.R. is a board member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and works with UpToDate. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris G Insogna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea Lanes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Ginsburg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine Racowsky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Mancini V, Schrimpe-Rutledge AC, Codreanu SG, Sherrod SD, McLean JA, Picton HM, Pensabene V. Metabolomic Analysis Evidences That Uterine Epithelial Cells Enhance Blastocyst Development in a Microfluidic Device. Cells 2021; 10:1194. [PMID: 34068340 PMCID: PMC8153284 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we report the use of a microfluidic system to assess the differential metabolomics of murine embryos cultured with endometrial cells-conditioned media (CM). Groups of 10, 1-cell murine B6C3F1 × B6D2F1 embryos were cultured in the microfluidic device. To produce CM, mouse uterine epithelial cells were cultured in potassium simplex optimized medium (KSOM) for 24 h. Media samples were collected from devices after 5 days of culture with KSOM (control) and CM, analyzed by reverse phase liquid chromatography and untargeted positive ion mode mass spectrometry analysis. Blastocyst rates were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in CM (71.8%) compared to control media (54.6%). We observed significant upregulation of 341 compounds and downregulation of 214 compounds in spent media from CM devices when compared to control. Out of these, 353 compounds were identified showing a significant increased abundance of metabolites involved in key metabolic pathways (e.g., arginine, proline and pyrimidine metabolism) in the CM group, suggesting a beneficial effect of CM on embryo development. The metabolomic study carried out in a microfluidic environment confirms our hypothesis on the potential of uterine epithelial cells to enhance blastocyst development. Further investigations are required to highlight specific pathways involved in embryo development and implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Mancini
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
| | - Alexandra C. Schrimpe-Rutledge
- Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, 7300 Stevenson Center Lane, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; (A.C.S.-R.); (S.G.C.); (S.D.S.); (J.A.M.)
| | - Simona G. Codreanu
- Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, 7300 Stevenson Center Lane, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; (A.C.S.-R.); (S.G.C.); (S.D.S.); (J.A.M.)
| | - Stacy D. Sherrod
- Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, 7300 Stevenson Center Lane, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; (A.C.S.-R.); (S.G.C.); (S.D.S.); (J.A.M.)
| | - John A. McLean
- Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, 7300 Stevenson Center Lane, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; (A.C.S.-R.); (S.G.C.); (S.D.S.); (J.A.M.)
| | - Helen M. Picton
- Reproduction and Early Development Research Group, Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
| | - Virginia Pensabene
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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Ferrick L, Lee YSL, Gardner DK. Metabolic activity of human blastocysts correlates with their morphokinetics, morphological grade, KIDScore and artificial intelligence ranking. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:2004-2016. [PMID: 32829415 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there a relationship between blastocyst metabolism and biomarkers of embryo viability? SUMMARY ANSWER Blastocysts with higher developmental potential and a higher probability of resulting in a viable pregnancy consume higher levels of glucose and exhibit distinct amino acid profiles. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Morphological and morphokinetic analyses utilized in embryo selection provide insight into developmental potential, but alone are unable to provide a direct measure of embryo physiology and inherent health. Glucose uptake is a physiological biomarker of viability and amino acid utilization is different between embryos of varying qualities. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Two hundred and nine human preimplantation embryos from 50 patients were cultured in a time-lapse incubator system in both freeze all and fresh transfer cycles. A retrospective analysis of morphokinetics, morphology (Gardner grade), KIDScore, artificial intelligence grade (EmbryoScore), glucose and amino acid metabolism, and clinical pregnancies was conducted. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS ICSI was conducted in all patients, who were aged ≤37 years and previously had no more than two IVF cycles. Embryos were individually cultured in a time-lapse incubator system, and those reaching the blastocyst stage had their morphokinetics annotated and were each assigned a Gardner grade, KIDScore and EmbryoScore. Glucose and amino acid metabolism were measured. Clinical pregnancies were confirmed by the presence of a fetal heartbeat at 6 weeks of gestation. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Glucose consumption was at least 40% higher in blastocysts deemed of high developmental potential using either the Gardner grade (P < 0.01, n = 209), KIDScore (P < 0.05, n = 207) or EmbryoScore (P < 0.05, n = 184), compared to less viable blastocysts and in blastocysts that resulted in a clinical pregnancy compared to those that failed to implant (P < 0.05, n = 37). Additionally, duration of cavitation was inversely related to glucose consumption (P < 0.05, n = 200). Total amino acid consumption was significantly higher in blastocysts with an EmbryoScore higher than the cohort median score (P < 0.01, n = 185). Furthermore, the production of amino acids was significantly lower in blastocysts with a high Gardner grade (P < 0.05, n = 209), KIDScore (P < 0.05, n = 207) and EmbryoScore (P < 0.01, n = 184). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Samples were collected from patients who had ICSI treatment and from only one clinic. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These results confirm that metabolites, such as glucose and amino acids, are valid biomarkers of embryo viability and could therefore be used in conjunction with other systems to aid in the selection of a healthy embryo. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Work was supported by Virtus Health. D.K.G is contracted with Virtus Health. The other authors have no conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ferrick
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | | | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.,Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
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Nisin and non-essential amino acids: new perspective in differentiation of neural progenitors from human-induced pluripotent stem cells in vitro. Hum Cell 2021; 34:1142-1152. [PMID: 33899160 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-021-00537-9] [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: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, stem cell therapy has been investigated as a promising approach towards various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. Stem cells show the capability to differentiate into neuronal progenitor cells in vitro. In the present study, the differentiation potential of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into neural lineages was examined under the efficient induction media containing forskolin and 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine (IBMX) in the presence of nisin (Ni), non-essential amino acids (NEAA) and combination of those (NEAA-Ni) in vitro. The optimum concentrations of these factors were obtained by MTT assay and acridine orange (AO) staining. The effect of Ni and NEAA on the expression rate of neural-specific markers including NSE, MAP2, and ß-tubulin III was studied via immunocytochemistry (ICC) and real-time RT-PCR analyses. Our results indicated that the induction medium containing Ni or NEAA increased the gene and protein expression of NSE, MAP2, and β-tubulin III on the 14th differentiation day. On the other hand, NEAA-Ni showed a less-differentiated hiPSCs compared to Ni and NEAA alone. In conclusion, the obtained results illustrated that Ni and NEAA could be applied as effective factors for neural differentiation of hiPSCs in the future.
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Euploidy rates are not affected when embryos are cultured in a continuous (CCM) or sequential culture medium (SCM): a sibling oocyte study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2199-2207. [PMID: 33834327 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02187-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine if euploidy rates and embryo development differ when blastocysts are cultured in CCM or SCM. METHOD A single-center retrospective observational study was performed from September 2018 to March 2019. Patients [23-46 years] with at least four fresh mature oocytes (MII) without severe male factor infertility were included. Sibling MII were injected and cultured in Global®Total®LP (CCM) or Sage Quinn's Advantage® Cleavage and Blastocyst media (SCM) under 6% CO2, 5% O2, and 89% N2. Fertilization, cleavage, day (D) 5 blastulation, usable blastocyst (blastocysts biopsied/normally fertilized oocytes), and euploidy rates were recorded. Blastocysts were graded prior to trophectoderm (TE) biopsy on D5, 6, or 7 for genetic testing and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) quantification. RESULTS According to clinical practice, 1452 MII were randomly distributed: 751 in CCM and 701 in SCM. No differences were observed in fertilization and cleavages rates for CCM and SCM (77.4% vs 75.5%, p = 0.429 and 97.6% vs 99.1%, p = 0.094, respectively). Blastulation rate on D5 was higher in CCM (70.6% vs 62.2, p = 0.009); however, usable blastocyst rates were comparable (CCM: 58.3% vs SCM: 56.7%, p = 0.625). From a Poisson regression model adjusted for confounding factors, euploidy rates were not different between media (aOR = 1.18, [0.94-1.48], p = 0.157). Euploid blastocyst's mtDNA values were similar (CCM: 32.2, [30.5, 34.1] and SCM: 33.5, [31.8, 35.2], p = 0.345) and top-quality blastocysts (AA/BA) were increased in SCM (OR=1.04, [1.00-1.09], p = 0.037). CONCLUSION Under controlled in vitro conditions, euploidy rates and embryo development are comparable when embryos are cultured in CCM or SCM.
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Zhang H, Yan K, Sui L, Li P, Du Y, Hu J, Li M, Yang X, Liang X. Low-level pyruvate inhibits early embryonic development and maternal mRNA clearance in mice. Theriogenology 2021; 166:104-111. [PMID: 33721681 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Energy homeostasis and accomplishment of maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT), which involves the timed processes of maternal mRNA clearance and zygotic genome activation (ZGA), are essential for mammalian embryogenesis. However, how energy substrates regulate maternal mRNA clearance and the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we found that mouse embryos were arrested at the 2-cell stage when the pyruvate level was reduced to one-fifth of the control level. Moreover, we observed that the mitochondrial contents and ROS levels were reduced. Interestingly, some maternal mRNA, including transcripts involved in the maternal factor-mediated mRNA decay (M-decay) pathway, was vastly degraded from 1-cell to 2-/4-cell embryos when cultured with control pyruvate levels, but the clearance of these transcripts was hindered when the pyruvate level was reduced. In contrast, some transcripts involved in the zygotic factor-mediated mRNA decay (Z-decay) pathway were vastly downregulated by the reduction in pyruvate. This effect was possibly due to a reduction in global transcription, as the embryos cultured with low-level pyruvate had lower transcription activity than embryos cultured with control pyruvate level. In summary, our findings demonstrate that low-level pyruvate inhibits maternal mRNA clearance, possibly by disrupting the M- and Z-decay pathways, extending our current understanding of the energy requirements of embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengye Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Ke Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Lumin Sui
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Pan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Ya Du
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Jiahao Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Mengqi Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Xiaogan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China.
| | - Xingwei Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China.
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Stirparo GG, Kurowski A, Yanagida A, Bates LE, Strawbridge SE, Hladkou S, Stuart HT, Boroviak TE, Silva JCR, Nichols J. OCT4 induces embryonic pluripotency via STAT3 signaling and metabolic mechanisms. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2008890118. [PMID: 33452132 PMCID: PMC7826362 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2008890118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OCT4 is a fundamental component of the molecular circuitry governing pluripotency in vivo and in vitro. To determine how OCT4 establishes and protects the pluripotent lineage in the embryo, we used comparative single-cell transcriptomics and quantitative immunofluorescence on control and OCT4 null blastocyst inner cell masses at two developmental stages. Surprisingly, activation of most pluripotency-associated transcription factors in the early mouse embryo occurs independently of OCT4, with the exception of the JAK/STAT signaling machinery. Concurrently, OCT4 null inner cell masses ectopically activate a subset of trophectoderm-associated genes. Inspection of metabolic pathways implicates the regulation of rate-limiting glycolytic enzymes by OCT4, consistent with a role in sustaining glycolysis. Furthermore, up-regulation of the lysosomal pathway was specifically detected in OCT4 null embryos. This finding implicates a requirement for OCT4 in the production of normal trophectoderm. Collectively, our findings uncover regulation of cellular metabolism and biophysical properties as mechanisms by which OCT4 instructs pluripotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliano G Stirparo
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AW Cambridge, United Kingdom;
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Agata Kurowski
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AW Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Ayaka Yanagida
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AW Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrence E Bates
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AW Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, CB2 1GA Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Stanley E Strawbridge
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AW Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Siarhei Hladkou
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AW Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, CB2 1GA Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah T Stuart
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AW Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Thorsten E Boroviak
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, CB2 3EG Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, CB2 3EG Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jose C R Silva
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AW Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, CB2 1GA Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AW Cambridge, United Kingdom;
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, CB2 3EG Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, CB2 3EG Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Carreiro LE, Santos GSD, Luedke FE, Goissis MD. Cell differentiation events in pre-implantation mouse and bovine embryos. Anim Reprod 2021; 18:e20210054. [PMID: 35035540 PMCID: PMC8747937 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2021-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Early mammal embryogenesis starts with oocyte fertilization, giving rise to the zygote. The events that the newly formed zygote surpasses are crucial to the embryo developmental success. Shortly after activation of its genome, cells of the embryo segregate into the inner cell mass (ICM) or the trophectoderm (TE). The first will give rise to the embryo while the latter will become the placenta. This first segregation involves cellular and molecular processes that include cell polarity linked to intracellular pathway activation, which will regulate the transcription of trophectoderm-related genes. Then, cells of the ICM undergo the second event of mammalian cell differentiation, which consists of the separation between epiblast (EPI) and hypoblast or primitive endoderm (PrE). This second segregation involves paracrine signaling, leading to differential expression of key genes that will dictate the fate of the cell. Although these processes are described in detail in the mouse, recent studies suggest that the bovine embryo could also be an interesting model for early development, since there are differences to the mouse and similarities with early human embryogenesis. In this review, we gathered the main data available in the literature upon bovine and mouse early development events, suggesting that both models should be analyzed and studied in a complementary way, to better model early events occurring in human development.
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Ranneva SV, Brusentsev EY, Igonina TN, Ragaeva DS, Rozhkova IN, Ershov NI, Levinson AL, Amstislavsky SY. The Effect of Embryo Culture on Ontogenesis of Mammalian Offspring. Russ J Dev Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360420060077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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38
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Ferrick L, Lee YSL, Gardner DK. Reducing time to pregnancy and facilitating the birth of healthy children through functional analysis of embryo physiology†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:1124-1139. [PMID: 30649216 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An ever-increasing number of couples rely on assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in order to conceive a child. Although advances in embryo culture have led to increases in the success rates of clinical ART, it often takes more than one treatment cycle to conceive a child. Ensuring patients conceive as soon as possible with a healthy embryo is a priority for reproductive medicine. Currently, selection of embryos for transfer relies predominantly on the morphological assessment of the preimplantation embryo; however, morphology is not an absolute link to embryo physiology, nor the health of the resulting child. Non-invasive quantitation of individual embryo physiology, a key regulator of both embryo viability and health, could provide valuable information to assist in the selection of the most viable embryo for transfer, hence reducing the time to pregnancy. Further, according to the Barker Hypothesis, the environment to which a fetus is exposed to during gestation affects subsequent offspring health. If the environment of the preimplantation period is capable of affecting metabolism, which in turn will affect gene expression through the metaboloepigenetic link, then assessment of embryo metabolism should represent an indirect measure of future offspring health. Previously, the term viable embryo has been used in association with the potential of an embryo to establish a pregnancy. Here, we propose the term healthy embryo to reflect the capacity of that embryo to lead to a healthy child and adult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ferrick
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Desai N, Yao M, Richards EG, Goldberg JM. Randomized study of G-TL and global media for blastocyst culture in the EmbryoScope: morphokinetics, pregnancy, and live births after single-embryo transfer. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:1207-1215. [PMID: 32861442 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.06.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of two different in vitro fertilization culture media for blastocyst development, pregnancy, and live birth rate. Global (GB) medium (used without refreshment) and G-TL medium (designed specifically for culture in time-lapse incubators) were compared. DESIGN Prospective randomized study of sibling embryo culture in two culture media. SETTING In vitro fertilization clinic. PATIENT(S) Women undergoing fresh or frozen cycles using autologous or donor oocytes. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The primary endpoints were implantation, pregnancy, and live birth rate (LBR) after single blastocyst transfer. Secondary endpoints included embryo morphokinetics, development of good-quality blastocysts, and euploidy rate. RESULT(S) Kinetic data from 10,768 sibling pronucleate embryos cultured in the EmbryoScope were compared. GB embryos initiated compaction earlier and formed morula sooner than their G-TL counterparts. The mean timing for start of blastulation did not differ. The interval between start of blastulation and time of blastocyst formation was observed to be <12 hours for proportionately more GB compared with G-TL-cultured embryos. Despite a higher rate of observed dysmorphisms in GB embryos, the euploidy rate among biopsied blastocysts did not differ between media. A total of 820 single-embryo transfer cycles were performed. Implantation rates were similar between media, independent of whether the embryo transferred was fresh (GB 58.7% vs. G-TL 61.7%) or frozen (GB 64.1% vs. G-TL 60.5%). Live birth rates were also not different. With GB medium, the LBR for fresh and frozen transfers was 54.2% and 53.1%, respectively, as compared with 51.1% and 50%, respectively, with G-TL. CONCLUSION(S) Uninterrupted culture in a time-lapse incubator without medium refreshment was well supported by both media tested. Differences in morphokinetics did not necessarily dictate the superiority of one media over the other. Both pregnancy and LBR were not significantly influenced by choice of culture medium. The euploidy rate was also independent of culture medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Desai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Beachwood, Ohio.
| | - Meng Yao
- Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Elliott G Richards
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Beachwood, Ohio
| | - Jeffrey M Goldberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Beachwood, Ohio
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Crouse MS, McLean KJ, Greseth NP, Ward AK, Reynolds LP, Dahlen CR, Neville BW, Borowicz PP, Caton JS. The effects of maternal nutrient restriction and day of early pregnancy on the location and abundance of neutral amino acid transporters in beef heifer utero-placental tissues. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:skaa197. [PMID: 32564078 PMCID: PMC7350978 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We hypothesized that maternal nutrition and day of gestation would influence the abundance of the neutral amino acid transporters SLC1A1, SLC1A5, SLC7A5, SLC38A2, and SLC38A7 in heifer utero-placental tissues. Angus-cross heifers (n = 43) were estrus synchronized and bred via AI. At breeding, heifers were assigned to one of two dietary intake groups (CON = 100% of requirements to achieve 0.45 kg/d gain or restricted heifers (RES) = 60% of CON intake) and ovariohysterectomized on day 16, 34, or 50 of gestation (n = 6 to 9/d). Thus, the experimental design was a completely randomized design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Uterine cross sections were taken from the horn ipsilateral to the CL, fixed in 10% NBF, sectioned at 5 µm, and stained for transporters. For each image, the areas of fetal membrane (FM; chorioallantois), endometrium (ENDO), superficial glands (SG), deep glands (DG), and myometrium (MYO) were analyzed separately for relative intensity of fluorescence as an indicator of transporter abundance. Analysis of FM was only conducted on days 34 and 50. In ENDO, SLC7A5 was greater (P < 0.01) in CON compared with RES heifers. In SG, SLC1A1 was greater (P = 0.02) in day 16 RES compared with day 16 CON and days 34 and 50 RES. In DG, SLC1A1 was greater (P = 0.02) on day 16 compared with 50 of gestation. In MYO, SLC1A1 was greater (P = 0.02) in day 50 CON compared with day 16 CON and day 50 RES. Additionally, in MYO SLC38A2 was greater (P = 0.02) in day 16 RES compared with day 16 CON and day 34 RES. In FM, SLC7A5 tended (P = 0.08) to be greater in CON vs RES. Analysis of all uterine tissues on day 16 determined that expression of SLC1A1, SLC1A5, SL38A2, and SL38A7 differed across uterine tissue type (P < 0.01); however, only SLC7A5 tended (P = 0.10) to differ and be greater in CON compared with RES heifers. Analysis of all utero-placental tissues on days 34 and 50 determined that SLC1A1, SLC7A5, SLC38A2, and SLC38A7 were greater (P ≤ 0.03) in CON compared with RES heifers. Furthermore, abundance of all transporters investigated on days 34 and 50 differed across utero-placental tissue types (P < 0.01). These data support our hypothesis that maternal nutrition and day of gestation influence the abundance of neutral amino acid transporters in utero-placental tissues from days 16 to 50 of gestation. Additionally, these data combined with previously published works help further elucidate nutrient supply and demands of the maternal and fetal system during early gestation in beef heifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Crouse
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | - Kyle J McLean
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
| | - Nathaniel P Greseth
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | - Alison K Ward
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | - Lawrence P Reynolds
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | - Carl R Dahlen
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | | | - Pawel P Borowicz
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | - Joel S Caton
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
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41
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Harvey AJ. Mitochondria in early development: linking the microenvironment, metabolism and the epigenome. Reproduction 2020; 157:R159-R179. [PMID: 30870807 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria, originally of bacterial origin, are highly dynamic organelles that have evolved a symbiotic relationship within eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria undergo dynamic, stage-specific restructuring and redistribution during oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development, necessary to support key developmental events. Mitochondria also fulfil a wide range of functions beyond ATP synthesis, including the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and calcium regulation, and are active participants in the regulation of signal transduction pathways. Communication between not only mitochondria and the nucleus, but also with other organelles, is emerging as a critical function which regulates preimplantation development. Significantly, perturbations and deficits in mitochondrial function manifest not only as reduced quality and/or poor oocyte and embryo development but contribute to post-implantation failure, long-term cell function and adult disease. A growing body of evidence indicates that altered availability of metabolic co-factors modulate the activity of epigenetic modifiers, such that oocyte and embryo mitochondrial activity and dynamics have the capacity to establish long-lasting alterations to the epigenetic landscape. It is proposed that preimplantation embryo development may represent a sensitive window during which epigenetic regulation by mitochondria is likely to have significant short- and long-term effects on embryo, and offspring, health. Hence, mitochondrial integrity, communication and metabolism are critical links between the environment, the epigenome and the regulation of embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra J Harvey
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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42
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Lundin K, Park H. Time-lapse technology for embryo culture and selection. Ups J Med Sci 2020; 125:77-84. [PMID: 32096675 PMCID: PMC7720962 DOI: 10.1080/03009734.2020.1728444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Culturing of human embryos in optimal conditions is crucial for a successful in vitro fertilisation (IVF) programme. In addition, the capacity to assess and rank embryos correctly for quality will allow for transfer of the potentially 'best' embryo first, thereby shortening the time to pregnancy, although not improving cumulative pregnancy and live birth rates. It will also encourage and facilitate the implementation of single embryo transfers, thereby increasing safety for mother and offspring. Time-lapse technology introduces the concept of stable culture conditions, in connection with the possibility of continuous viewing and documenting of the embryo throughout development. However, so far, even when embryo quality scoring is based on large datasets, or when using the time-lapse technology, the morphokinetic scores are still mainly based on subjective and intermittent annotations of morphology and timings. Also, the construction of powerful algorithms for widespread use is hampered by large variations in culture conditions between individual IVF laboratories. New methodology, involving machine learning, where every image from the time-lapse documentation is analysed by a computer programme, looking for patterns that link to outcome, may in the future provide a more accurate and non-biased embryo selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kersti Lundin
- Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Hannah Park
- Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
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43
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Ferré LB, Kjelland ME, Taiyeb AM, Campos-Chillon F, Ross PJ. Recent progress in bovine in vitro-derived embryo cryotolerance: Impact of in vitro culture systems, advances in cryopreservation and future considerations. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:659-676. [PMID: 32144939 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of in vitro-derived bovine embryos is a crucial step for the widespread reproduction and conservation of valuable high-merit animals. Given the current popularity of bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP), there is a demand for a highly efficient ultra-low temperature storage method in order to maximize donor ovum pickup (OPU) turn-over, recipient availability/utilization and domestic/overseas commercial trading opportunities. However, IVP bovine embryos are still very sensitive to chilling and cryopreservation, and despite recent progress, a convenient (simple and robust) protocol has not yet been developed. At the moment, there are two methods for bovine IVP embryo cryopreservation: slow programmable freezing and vitrification. Both of the aforementioned techniques have pros and cons. While controlled-rate slow cooling can easily be adapted for direct transfer (DT), ice crystal formation remains an issue. On the other hand, vitrification solved this problem but the possibility of successful DT commercial incorporation remains to be determined. Moreover, simplification of the vitrification protocol (including warming) through the use of an in-straw dilution without the use of a microscope is a prerequisite for its use under farm conditions. This review summarizes the bovine IVP embryo cryopreservation achievements, strengths and limitations of both freezing systems and prospective improvements to enhance cryosurvival, as well as perspectives on future directions of this assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis B Ferré
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Michael E Kjelland
- Conservation, Genetics & Biotech, LLC, Valley City, ND, USA.,Mayville State University, Mayville, ND, USA
| | - Ahmed M Taiyeb
- Conservation, Genetics & Biotech, LLC, Valley City, ND, USA.,Barz IVF Center for Embryo Research and Infertility Treatment, Kurdistan, Iraq
| | - Fernando Campos-Chillon
- Animal Science Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
| | - Pablo J Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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44
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Tsogtbaatar E, Landin C, Minter-Dykhouse K, Folmes CDL. Energy Metabolism Regulates Stem Cell Pluripotency. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:87. [PMID: 32181250 PMCID: PMC7059177 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are characterized by their unique capacity for both unlimited self-renewal and their potential to differentiate to all cell lineages contained within the three primary germ layers. While once considered a distinct cellular state, it is becoming clear that pluripotency is in fact a continuum of cellular states, all capable of self-renewal and differentiation, yet with distinct metabolic, mitochondrial and epigenetic features dependent on gestational stage. In this review we focus on two of the most clearly defined states: “naïve” and “primed” PSCs. Like other rapidly dividing cells, PSCs have a high demand for anabolic precursors necessary to replicate their genome, cytoplasm and organelles, while concurrently consuming energy in the form of ATP. This requirement for both anabolic and catabolic processes sufficient to supply a highly adapted cell cycle in the context of reduced oxygen availability, distinguishes PSCs from their differentiated progeny. During early embryogenesis PSCs adapt their substrate preference to match the bioenergetic requirements of each specific developmental stage. This is reflected in different mitochondrial morphologies, membrane potentials, electron transport chain (ETC) compositions, and utilization of glycolysis. Additionally, metabolites produced in PSCs can directly influence epigenetic and transcriptional programs, which in turn can affect self-renewal characteristics. Thus, our understanding of the role of metabolism in PSC fate has expanded from anabolism and catabolism to include governance of the pluripotent epigenetic landscape. Understanding the roles of metabolism and the factors influencing metabolic pathways in naïve and primed pluripotent states provide a platform for understanding the drivers of cell fate during development. This review highlights the roles of the major metabolic pathways in the acquisition and maintenance of the different states of pluripotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enkhtuul Tsogtbaatar
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Metabolism Laboratory, Departments of Cardiovascular Diseases and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Chelsea Landin
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Metabolism Laboratory, Departments of Cardiovascular Diseases and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Katherine Minter-Dykhouse
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Metabolism Laboratory, Departments of Cardiovascular Diseases and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Clifford D L Folmes
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Metabolism Laboratory, Departments of Cardiovascular Diseases and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
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45
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Prieto J, Ponsoda X, Izpisua Belmonte JC, Torres J. Mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism in induced pluripotency. Exp Gerontol 2020; 133:110870. [PMID: 32045634 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.110870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Somatic cells can be reprogrammed to pluripotency by either ectopic expression of defined factors or exposure to chemical cocktails. During reprogramming, somatic cells undergo dramatic changes in a wide range of cellular processes, such as metabolism, mitochondrial morphology and function, cell signaling pathways or immortalization. Regulation of these processes during cell reprograming lead to the acquisition of a pluripotent state, which enables indefinite propagation by symmetrical self-renewal without losing the ability of reprogrammed cells to differentiate into all cell types of the adult. In this review, recent data from different laboratories showing how these processes are controlled during the phenotypic transformation of a somatic cell into a pluripotent stem cell will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Prieto
- Departamento Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Calle Dr. Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Xavier Ponsoda
- Departamento Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Calle Dr. Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (INCLIVA), Avenida de Menéndez y Pelayo 4, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Josema Torres
- Departamento Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Calle Dr. Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (INCLIVA), Avenida de Menéndez y Pelayo 4, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
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46
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Lees JG, Gardner DK, Harvey AJ. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide induces a bivalent metabolism and maintains pluripotency in human embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells 2020; 38:624-638. [PMID: 32003519 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+ ) and its precursor metabolites are emerging as important regulators of both cell metabolism and cell state. Interestingly, the role of NAD+ in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) metabolism and the regulation of pluripotent cell state is unresolved. Here we show that NAD+ simultaneously increases hESC mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and partially suppresses glycolysis and stimulates amino acid turnover, doubling the consumption of glutamine. Concurrent with this metabolic remodeling, NAD+ increases hESC pluripotent marker expression and proliferation, inhibits BMP4-induced differentiation and reduces global histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation, plausibly inducing an intermediate naïve-to-primed bivalent metabolism and pluripotent state. Furthermore, maintenance of NAD+ recycling via malate aspartate shuttle activity is identified as an absolute requirement for hESC self-renewal, responsible for 80% of the oxidative capacity of hESC mitochondria. Our findings implicate NAD+ in the regulation of cell state, suggesting that the hESC pluripotent state is dependent upon cellular NAD+ .
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarmon G Lees
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,O'Brien Institute Department, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine at St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexandra J Harvey
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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47
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Systematic Development, Validation and Optimization of a Human Embryo Culture System. REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/reprodmed1010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To develop and validate a reliable in vitro culture system for human embryos. Design: Retrospective analyses of a series of four studies were conducted between 2006 and 2010 to assess the effect of incubator type (CO2 box versus Tri-gas minibox), media type, oil type, and hyaluronate supplementation. Optimization of in vitro blastocyst development was verified by assessing our National CDC/ART Surveillance reports between 2010 and 2016. Material and Methods: All patients experienced controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, followed by egg retrieval 35 h post-hCG. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were temporarily cultured in P1 or LG Fert medium plus HSA. Eggs were moved to a more complex media (G-medium or Global®-LG medium) containing a synthetic protein and embryo adhesion supplement (SPS and EAS, respectively; mLG) post-ICSI insemination. Zygotes were assigned to group culture in 25 µl droplets under oil (light mineral oil or paraffin oil; 37 °C) and embryo development was evaluated on Days 3, 5, and 6 and transferred on Day 3 to 5 depending on the number/quality of embryos available and the IVF history of the patient. Transfers were performed under ultrasound guidance, primarily using a Sureview-Wallace catheter, and enriched ET medium containing 500 µg/mL EAS. Results: Pilot study results (Expt. 1) showed that a mLG single-step medium could be effectively used in combination with Sanyo MCO-5 tri-gas (TG) incubators. Once adapted to SCIRS Lab in 2007 (Expt. 2), the latter culture system yielded improved blastocyst production and pregnancy outcomes compared to CO2 in air sequential incubation in P1/Multi-blast medium. In Expt. 3, the mLG/TG system yielded high levels of ≥2BB quality blastocysts (51 to 66%) across all age groups, and greater (p < 0.05) pregnancy success/live birth rates using fewer embryos transferred on Day 5 versus Day 3. After validating its clinical effectiveness, mLG was then prospectively compared to a new generation G-media (1.5 & 2.5; Expt. 4) and determined that the crossover treatment using paraffin oil (Ovoil™) allowed the mLG system to be optimized. Subsequently, a compilation of our Annual CDC/ART reported data over six years verified the overall viability of in vitro cultured and vitrified blastocysts produced in the mLG/TG system. Conclusion: By systematically evaluating and implementing various components of an embryo culture system we were able to optimize blastocyst development over the last decade. Our mLG/TG culture system modified an exceptionally well designed KSOMAA LG medium using endotoxin-free EAS and SPS additives to support cellular membrane wellness under stressful in vitro conditions (e.g., culture, cell biopsy, vitrification). Our use of the mLG/TG culture system has proven to be effective, creating reliably high blastocyst production, implantation, and healthy live births.
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Walsh SC, Miles JR, Yao L, Broeckling CD, Rempel LA, Wright‐Johnson EC, Pannier AK. Metabolic compounds within the porcine uterine environment are unique to the type of conceptus present during the early stages of blastocyst elongation. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:174-190. [PMID: 31840336 PMCID: PMC7003770 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify metabolites within the porcine uterine milieu during the early stages of blastocyst elongation. At Days 9, 10, or 11 of gestation, reproductive tracts of White cross-bred gilts (n = 38) were collected immediately following harvest and flushed with Roswell Park Memorial Institute-1640 medium. Conceptus morphologies were assessed from each pregnancy and corresponding uterine flushings were assigned to one of five treatment groups based on these morphologies: (a) uniform spherical (n = 8); (b) heterogeneous spherical and ovoid (n = 8); (c) uniform ovoid (n = 8); (d) heterogeneous ovoid and tubular (n = 8); and (e) uniform tubular (n = 6). Uterine flushings from these pregnancies were submitted for nontargeted profiling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-MS techniques. Unsupervised multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) was performed using pcaMethods and univariate analysis of variance was performed in R with false discovery rate (FDR) adjustment. PCA analysis of the GC-MS and UPLC-MS data identified 153 and 104 metabolites, respectively. After FDR adjustment of the GC-MS and UPLC-MS data, 38 and 59 metabolites, respectively, differed (p < .05) in uterine flushings from pregnancies across the five conceptus stages. Some metabolites were greater (p < .05) in abundance for uterine flushings containing earlier stage conceptuses (i.e., spherical), such as uric acid, tryptophan, and tyrosine. In contrast, some metabolites were greater (p < .05) in abundance for uterine flushings containing later stage conceptuses (i.e., tubular), such as creatinine, serine, and urea. These data illustrate several putative metabolites that change within the uterine milieu during early porcine blastocyst elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie C. Walsh
- Department of Biological Systems EngineeringUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNebraska
| | - Jeremy R. Miles
- United States Department of AgricultureU.S. Meat Animal Research CenterClay CenterNebraska
| | - Linxing Yao
- Proteomics and Metabolomics FacilityColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Corey D. Broeckling
- Proteomics and Metabolomics FacilityColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Lea A. Rempel
- United States Department of AgricultureU.S. Meat Animal Research CenterClay CenterNebraska
| | | | - Angela K. Pannier
- Department of Biological Systems EngineeringUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNebraska
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Amino Acid-Mediated Metabolism: A New Power to Influence Properties of Stem Cells. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:6919463. [PMID: 31885621 PMCID: PMC6915148 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6919463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The self-renewal and differentiation potentials of stem cells are dependent on amino acid (AA) metabolism. We review the literature on the metabolic preference of both cancer and noncancer stem cells. The balance in AA metabolism is responsible for maintaining the functionality of noncancer stem cells, and altering the levels of AAs can influence the malignant biological behavior of cancer stem cells. AAs are considered nutrients participating in metabolism and playing a critical role in maintaining the activity of normal stem cells and the effect of therapy of cancer stem cells. Targeting AA metabolism helps inhibit the stemness of cancer stem cells and remodels the function of normal stem cells. This review summarizes the metabolic characteristics and regulation pathways of AA in different stem cells, not only from the nutritional perspective but also from the genomic perspective that have been reported in the recent five years. In addition, we briefly survey new therapeutic modalities that may help eradicate cancer stem cells by exploiting nutrient deprivation. Understanding AA uptake characteristics helps researchers define the preference for AA in different stem cells and enables clinicians make timely interventions to specifically target the cell behavior.
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Zhao DC, Li YM, Ma JL, Yi N, Yao ZY, Li YP, Quan Y, Li XN, Xu CL, Qiu Y, Wu LQ. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals distinct gene expression patterns in glucose metabolism of human preimplantation embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:237-247. [PMID: 30017025 DOI: 10.1071/rd18178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise regulation of glucose metabolism-related genes is essential for early embryonic development. Although previous research has yielded detailed information on the biochemical processes, little is yet known of the dynamic gene expression profiles in glucose metabolism of preimplantation embryos at a single-cell resolution. In the present study, we performed integrated analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of human preimplantation embryos that had been cultured in sequential medium. Different cells in the same embryo have similar gene expression patterns in glucose metabolism. During the switch from the cleavage to morula stage, the expression of glycolysis-related genes, such as glucose transporter genes (solute carrier family 2 (facilitated glucose transporter), member 1 (SLC2A1) and solute carrier family 2 (facilitated glucose transporter), member 3 (SLC2A3) and genes encoding hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, is increased. The genes involved in the pentose phosphate pathway are highly expressed at the cleavage stage, generating the reducing power to balance oxidative stress derived from biosynthesis. Expression of the genes involved in the biosynthesis of glycerophospholipids is increased after the morula stage. Nevertheless, the expression of tricarboxylic acid-related genes remains relatively unchanged during the preimplantation stages. In conclusion, we discovered that the gene expression profiles are dynamic according to glucose utilisation in the embryos at different stages, which contributes to our understanding of regulatory mechanisms of glucose metabolism-related genes in human preimplantation embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di-Cheng Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics of China, Central South University, 72 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yu-Mei Li
- The Reproductive Medical Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jie-Liang Ma
- Translational Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji Hospital, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Ning Yi
- Translational Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji Hospital, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Zhong-Yuan Yao
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics of China, Central South University, 72 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yan-Ping Li
- The Reproductive Medical Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yi Quan
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics of China, Central South University, 72 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Xin-Ning Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics of China, Central South University, 72 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Chang-Long Xu
- The Reproductive Medical Center of Nanning Second People's Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, 13 Dancun Road, Nanning, 530031, China
| | - Ying Qiu
- The Reproductive Medical Center of Nanning Second People's Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, 13 Dancun Road, Nanning, 530031, China
| | - Ling-Qian Wu
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics of China, Central South University, 72 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
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