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McElhinney KL, Rowell EE, Laronda MM. Encapsulation of Bovine Primordial Follicles in Rigid Alginate Does Not Affect Growth Dynamics. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:734. [PMID: 39061816 PMCID: PMC11273846 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11070734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The only fertility preservation and subsequent restoration option for many patients facing gonadotoxic treatments is ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation. While this process is successful for some, there is significant room for improvement to extend the life of the transplant and to make it safe for patients that may have metastatic disease within their ovarian tissue. We need a deeper understanding of how the physical properties of the ovarian microenvironment may affect folliculogenesis to engineer an environment that supports isolated follicles and maintains primordial follicle quiescence. Bovine ovaries were used here as a monovulatory model of folliculogenesis to examine the effects of primordial follicle activation and growth under different physical conditions. We found that there were no differences in activation, growth or survival when primordial follicles were cultured in isolation or in situ (remaining in the tissue) under two significantly differently rigid alginate gels. To determine if the extra rigid environment did not affect activation in isolated follicles due to an immediate activation event, we used 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) to track follicle activation during the isolation process. We identified EdU incorporation in granulosa cells after primordial follicles were isolated from the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). These findings support that isolation of primordial follicles from the ECM is an activating event and that the differentially rigid environments assessed here had no effect on follicle growth. Further work is needed to suppress activation in primordial follicles to maintain the ovarian reserve and extend the life of an ovarian tissue transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L. McElhinney
- Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (K.L.M.)
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Erin E. Rowell
- Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (K.L.M.)
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Monica M. Laronda
- Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (K.L.M.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Znachorova T, Dudko N, Ming H, Jiang Z, Fulka H. The timing of pronuclear transfer critically affects the developmental competence and quality of embryos. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae024. [PMID: 38991843 PMCID: PMC11262804 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae024] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Pronuclear transfer has been successfully used in human-assisted reproduction to suppress the adverse effects of a defective oocyte cytoplasm or to bypass an idiopathic developmental arrest. However, the effects of the initial parental genome remodelling in a defective cytoplasm on the subsequent development after pronucleus transfer have not been systematically studied. By performing pronuclear transfer in pre-replication and post-replication mouse embryos, we show that the timing of the procedure plays a critical role. Although apparently morphologically normal blastocysts were obtained in both pre- and post-replication pronuclear transfer groups, post-replication pronuclear transfer led to a decrease in developmental competence and profound changes in embryonic gene expression. By inhibiting the replication in the abnormal cytoplasm before pronuclear transfer into a healthy cytoplasm, the developmental potential of embryos could be largely restored. This shows that the conditions under which the first embryonic replication occurs strongly influence developmental potential. Although pronuclear transfer is the method of choice for mitigating the impact of a faulty oocyte cytoplasm on early development, our results show that the timing of this intervention should be restricted to the pre-replication phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Znachorova
- Department of Cell Nucleus Plasticity, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nataliia Dudko
- Department of Cell Nucleus Plasticity, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hao Ming
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Helena Fulka
- Department of Cell Nucleus Plasticity, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czech Republic
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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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Ferreira AF, Machado-Simões J, Moniz I, Soares M, Carvalho A, Diniz P, Ramalho-Santos J, Sousa AP, Lopes-da-Costa L, Almeida-Santos T. Chemical reversion of age-related oocyte dysfunction fails to enhance embryo development in a bovine model of postovulatory aging. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024:10.1007/s10815-024-03151-4. [PMID: 38822989 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03151-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There are no clinical treatments to prevent/revert age-related alterations associated with oocyte competence decline in the context of advanced maternal age. Those alterations have been attributed to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Our study aimed to test the hypothesis that in vitro maturation (IVM) medium supplementation with antioxidants (resveratrol or phloretin) may revert age-related oocyte competence decline. METHODS Bovine immature oocytes were matured in vitro for 23 h (young) and 30 h (aged). Postovulatory aged oocytes (control group) and embryos obtained after fertilization were examined and compared with oocytes supplemented with either 2 μM of resveratrol or 6 μM phloretin (treatment groups) during IVM. RESULTS Aged oocytes had a significantly lower mitochondrial mass and proportion of mitochondrial clustered pattern, lower ooplasmic volume, higher ROS, lower sirtuin-1 protein level, and a lower blastocyst rate in comparison to young oocytes, indicating that postovulatory oocytes have a lower quality and developmental competence, thus validating our experimental model. Supplementation of IVM medium with antioxidants prevented the generation of ROS and restored the active mitochondrial mass and pattern characteristic of younger oocytes. Moreover, sirtuin-1 protein levels were also restored but only following incubation with resveratrol. Despite these findings, the blastocyst rate of treatment groups was not significantly different from the control group, indicating that resveratrol and phloretin could not restore the oocyte competence of postovulatory aged oocytes. CONCLUSION Resveratrol and phloretin can both revert the age-related oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction during postovulatory aging but were insufficient to enhance embryo developmental rates under our experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Filipa Ferreira
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Gynecology, Obstetrics, Reproduction and Neonatology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Praceta, R. Prof. Mota Pinto, Coimbra, 3004-561, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Celas, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal.
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- EUGIN Coimbra, Filipe Hodart N° 12, 3000-185, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Juliana Machado-Simões
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Doctoral Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês Moniz
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Doctoral Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Soares
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Doctoral Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Carvalho
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Gynecology, Obstetrics, Reproduction and Neonatology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Praceta, R. Prof. Mota Pinto, Coimbra, 3004-561, Portugal
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Diniz
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Ramalho-Santos
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Sousa
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Gynecology, Obstetrics, Reproduction and Neonatology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Praceta, R. Prof. Mota Pinto, Coimbra, 3004-561, Portugal
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- EUGIN Coimbra, Filipe Hodart N° 12, 3000-185, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Lopes-da-Costa
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
- AL4AnimalS - Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Teresa Almeida-Santos
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Gynecology, Obstetrics, Reproduction and Neonatology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Praceta, R. Prof. Mota Pinto, Coimbra, 3004-561, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Celas, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- EUGIN Coimbra, Filipe Hodart N° 12, 3000-185, Coimbra, Portugal
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McGraw MS, Bishman JA, Daigneault BW. Efficiency of embryo complementation and pluripotency maintenance following multiple passaging of in vitro-derived bovine embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD24018. [PMID: 38902907 DOI: 10.1071/rd24018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Current methods to obtain bovine embryos of high genetic merit include approaches that require skilled techniques for low-efficiency cloning strategies. Aims The overall goal herein was to identify the efficacy of alternative methods for producing multiple embryos through blastomere complementation while determining maintenance of cell pluripotency. Methods Bovine oocytes were fertilised in vitro to produce 4-cell embryos from which blastomeres were isolated and cultured as 2-cell aggregates using a well-of-the-well system. Aggregates were returned to incubation up to 7days (Passage 1). A second passage of complement embryos was achieved by splitting 4-cell Passage 1 embryos. Passaged embryos reaching the blastocyst stage were characterised for cell number and cell lineage specification in replicate with non-reconstructed zona-intact embryos. Key results Passage 1 and 2 embryo complements yielded 29% and 25% blastocyst development, respectively. Passage 1 embryos formed blastocysts, but with a reduction in expression of SOX2 and decreased size compared to non-reconstructed zona-intact embryos. Passage 2 embryos had a complete lack of SOX2 expression and a reduction in transcript abundance of SOX2 and SOX17, suggesting loss of pluripotency markers that primarily affected inner cell mass (ICM) and hypoblast formation. Conclusions In vitro fertilised bovine embryos can be reconstructed with multiple passaging to generate genetically identical embryos. Increased passaging drives trophectoderm cell lineage specification while compromising ICM formation. Implications These results may provide an alternative strategy for producing genetically identical bovine embryos through blastomere complementation with applications towards the development of trophoblast and placental models of early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura S McGraw
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, 2250 Shealy Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jordan A Bishman
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, 2250 Shealy Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Bradford W Daigneault
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, 2250 Shealy Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Travaglione A, Candela A, De Gregorio V, Genovese V, Cimmino M, Barbato V, Talevi R, Gualtieri R. Individually Cultured Bovine Zygotes Successfully Develop to the Blastocyst Stage in an Extremely Confined Environment. Cells 2024; 13:868. [PMID: 38786090 PMCID: PMC11119105 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100868] [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: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The possibility of detecting the developmental competence of individually cultured embryos through analysis of spent media is a major current trend in an ART setting. However, individual embryo culture is detrimental compared with high-density group culture due to the reduced concentration of putative embryotropins. The main aim of this study was to identify an individual culture system that is not detrimental over high-density group culture in the bovine model. Blastocyst rates and competence were investigated in a conventional (GC) group, semi-confined group (MG), and individual culture (MS) in a commercial microwell device. Main findings showed that: (1) individual embryos can be continuously cultured for 7 days in ~70 nL microwells (MS) without detrimental effects compared with the GC and MG; (2) MS and MG blastocysts had a reduced number of TUNEL-positive cells compared to GC blastocysts; (3) though blastocyst mean cell numbers, mitochondrial activity, and lipid content were not different among the three culture conditions, MS blastocysts had a higher frequency of small-sized lipid droplets and a reduced mean droplet diameter compared with GC and MG blastocysts. Overall, findings open the way to optimize the development and competence of single embryos in an ART setting.
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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; (A.T.); (A.C.); (V.D.G.); (V.G.); (M.C.); (V.B.); (R.T.)
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de Castro RCF, Buranello TW, Recchia K, de Souza AF, Pieri NCG, Bressan FF. Emerging Contributions of Pluripotent Stem Cells to Reproductive Technologies in Veterinary Medicine. J Dev Biol 2024; 12:14. [PMID: 38804434 PMCID: PMC11130827 DOI: 10.3390/jdb12020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The generation of mature gametes and competent embryos in vitro from pluripotent stem cells has been successfully achieved in a few species, mainly in mice, with recent advances in humans and scarce preliminary reports in other domestic species. These biotechnologies are very attractive as they facilitate the understanding of developmental mechanisms and stages that are generally inaccessible during early embryogenesis, thus enabling advanced reproductive technologies and contributing to the generation of animals of high genetic merit in a short period. Studies on the production of in vitro embryos in pigs and cattle are currently used as study models for humans since they present more similar characteristics when compared to rodents in both the initial embryo development and adult life. This review discusses the most relevant biotechnologies used in veterinary medicine, focusing on the generation of germ-cell-like cells in vitro through the acquisition of totipotent status and the production of embryos in vitro from pluripotent stem cells, thus highlighting the main uses of pluripotent stem cells in livestock species and reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raiane Cristina Fratini de Castro
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 01001-010, SP, Brazil; (R.C.F.d.C.); (T.W.B.); (K.R.)
| | - Tiago William Buranello
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 01001-010, SP, Brazil; (R.C.F.d.C.); (T.W.B.); (K.R.)
| | - Kaiana Recchia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 01001-010, SP, Brazil; (R.C.F.d.C.); (T.W.B.); (K.R.)
| | - Aline Fernanda de Souza
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Naira Caroline Godoy Pieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Fabiana Fernandes Bressan
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 01001-010, SP, Brazil; (R.C.F.d.C.); (T.W.B.); (K.R.)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil;
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Deligiannis SP, Kask K, Modhukur V, Boskovic N, Ivask M, Jaakma Ü, Damdimopoulou P, Tuuri T, Velthut-Meikas A, Salumets A. Investigating the impact of vitrification on bovine ovarian tissue morphology, follicle survival, and transcriptomic signature. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1035-1055. [PMID: 38358432 PMCID: PMC11052753 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03038-4] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is vital for fertility preservation, yet its effect on ovarian tissue follicle survival and transcriptomic signature requires further investigation. This study delves into the effects of vitrification on tissue morphology, function, and transcriptomic changes, helping to find possibilities for vitrification protocol improvements. METHODS Ovarian cortex from 19 bovine animals were used to conduct pre- and post-vitrification culture followed by histological assessment, immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL assay. Follicles' functionality was assessed for viability and growth within the tissue and in isolated cultures. RNA-sequencing of ovarian tissue was used to explore the transcriptomic alterations caused by vitrification. RESULTS Follicle density, cell proliferation, and DNA damage in ovarian stroma were unaffected by vitrification. However, vitrified cultured tissue exhibited reduced follicle density of primordial/primary and antral follicles, while freshly cultured tissue manifested reduction of antral follicles. Increased stromal cell proliferation and DNA damage occurred in both groups post-culture. Isolated follicles from vitrified tissue exhibited similar viability to fresh follicles until day 4, after which the survival dropped. RNA-sequencing revealed minor effects of vitrification on transcriptomic signatures, while culture induced significant gene expression changes in both groups. The altered expression of WNT and hormonal regulation pathway genes post-vitrification suggests the molecular targets for vitrification protocol refinement. CONCLUSION Vitrification minimally affects tissue morphology, follicle density, and transcriptomic signature post-thawing. However, culture revealed notable changes in vitrified tissue samples, including reduced follicle density, decreased isolated follicle survival, and alteration in WNT signalling and ovarian hormonal regulation pathways, highlighted them as possible limitations of the current vitrification protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon P Deligiannis
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, 14186, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 14186, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406, Tartu, Estonia.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Keiu Kask
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre of Health Technologies, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Vijayachitra Modhukur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre of Health Technologies, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Nina Boskovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 14183, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Marilin Ivask
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ülle Jaakma
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, 14186, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 14186, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Timo Tuuri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Agne Velthut-Meikas
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, 14186, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 14186, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406, Tartu, Estonia.
- Competence Centre of Health Technologies, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
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Verruma CG, Santos RS, Marchesi JAP, Sales SLA, Vila RA, Rios ÁFL, Furtado CLM, Ramos ES. Dynamic methylation pattern of H19DMR and KvDMR1 in bovine oocytes and preimplantation embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:333-345. [PMID: 38231285 PMCID: PMC10894807 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-03011-7] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the epigenetic reprogramming of ICR1 (KvDMR1) and ICR2 (H19DMR) and expression of genes controlled by them as well as those involved in methylation, demethylation, and pluripotency. METHODS We collected germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase II (MII) oocytes, and preimplantation embryos at five stages [zygote, 4-8 cells, 8-16 cells, morula, and expanded blastocysts (ExB)]. DNA methylation was assessed by BiSeq, and the gene expression was evaluated using qPCR. RESULTS H19DMR showed an increased DNA methylation from GV to MII oocytes (68.04% and 98.05%, respectively), decreasing in zygotes (85.83%) until morula (61.65%), and ExB (63.63%). H19 and IGF2 showed increased expression in zygotes, which decreased in further stages. KvDMR1 was hypermethylated in both GV (71.82%) and MII (69.43%) and in zygotes (73.70%) up to morula (77.84%), with a loss of methylation at the ExB (36.64%). The zygote had higher expression of most genes, except for CDKN1C and PHLDA2, which were highly expressed in MII and GV oocytes, respectively. DNMTs showed increased expression in oocytes, followed by a reduction in the earliest stages of embryo development. TET1 was downregulated until 4-8-cell and upregulated in 8-16-cell embryos. TET2 and TET3 showed higher expression in oocytes, and a downregulation in MII oocytes and 4-8-cell embryo. CONCLUSION We highlighted the heterogeneity in the DNA methylation of H19DMR and KvDMR1 and a dynamic expression pattern of genes controlled by them. The expression of DNMTs and TETs genes was also dynamic owing to epigenetic reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina G Verruma
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Renan S Santos
- Postgraduate Program in Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, 60430-275, Brazil
| | - Jorge A P Marchesi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Sarah L A Sales
- Postgraduate Program in Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, 60430-275, Brazil
| | - Reginaldo A Vila
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Álvaro F L Rios
- Biotechnology Laboratory, Center of Bioscience and Biotechnology, State University of North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Goitacazes Campus, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristiana L M Furtado
- Experimental Biology Center, Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, University of Fortaleza - UNIFOR, Fortaleza, CE, 60811-905, Brazil
- Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Postgraduate Program in Translational Medicine, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, 60430-275, Brazil
| | - Ester S Ramos
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.
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10
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Zeng Y, Hoshino Y, Susami K, Honda S, Minami N, Ikeda S. Evaluating histone modification analysis of individual preimplantation embryos. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:75. [PMID: 38238676 PMCID: PMC10795292 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-09984-8] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously reported a modification of the CUT&Tag method (NTU-CAT) that allows genome-wide histone modification analysis in individual preimplantation embryos. In the present study, NTU-CAT was further simplified by taking advantage of the Well-of-the-Well (WOW) system, which enables the processing of multiple embryos in a shorter time with less reagent and cell loss during the procedure (WOW-CUT&Tag, WOW-CAT). RESULTS WOW-CAT allowed histone modification profiling from not only a single blastocyst but also from a portion of it. WOW-CAT generated similar H3K4me3 profiles as NTU-CAT, but they were closer to the profiles produced by chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing, such as a valley-like trend and relatively lower false positive rates, indicating that WOW-CAT may attenuate the bias of Tn5 transposase to cut open chromatin regions. Simultaneous WOW-CAT of two halves of single blastocysts was conducted to analyze two different histone modifications (H3K4me3 and H3K27ac) within the same embryo. Furthermore, trophectoderm cells were biopsied and subjected to WOW-CAT in anticipation of preimplantation diagnosis of histone modifications. WOW-CAT allowed the monitoring of epigenetic modifications in the main body of the embryo. For example, analysis of H3K4me3 modifications of XIST and DDX3Y in trophectoderm biopsies could be used to sex embryos in combination with quantitative PCR, but without the need for deep sequencing. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the applicability of WOW-CAT for flexible epigenetic analysis of individual embryos in preimplantation epigenetic diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiren Zeng
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Hoshino
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Kazuki Susami
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Shinnosuke Honda
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Naojiro Minami
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Shuntaro Ikeda
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan.
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11
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Brown AM, McCarthy HE. The Effect of CoQ10 supplementation on ART treatment and oocyte quality in older women. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1544-1552. [PMID: 37102567 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2194554] [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: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
A significant problem associated with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is recurrent treatment failure which can be attributed to the age-associated decline in oocyte quality. Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant and essential component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. It is reported that de novo CoQ10 production declines with ageing and coincides with age-related decline in fertility, leading to CoQ10 supplementation being advocated to enhance response to ovarian stimulation and improve oocyte quality. CoQ10 supplementation was found to improve fertilization rates, embryo maturation rates and embryo quality when used before and during in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro maturation (IVM) treatment in women aged 31 and over. Regarding oocyte quality, CoQ10 was able to reduce high rates of chromosomal abnormalities and oocyte fragmentation, as well as improve mitochondrial function. Proposed mechanisms of CoQ10 function include restoration of reactive oxygen species imbalance, preventing DNA damage and oocyte apoptosis, as well as restoration of Krebs cycle downregulation from ageing. In this literature review, we provide an overview of the use of CoQ10 in improving the success of IVF and IVM in older women, and additionally assess the impact of CoQ10 on oocyte quality and discuss potential mechanisms of action by CoQ10 on the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria M Brown
- Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Helen E McCarthy
- Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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12
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Abdelhady AW, Mittan-Moreau DW, Crane PL, McLeod MJ, Cheong SH, Thorne RE. Ice formation and its elimination in cryopreservation of bovine oocytes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.15.567270. [PMID: 38014098 PMCID: PMC10680738 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.15.567270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Damage from ice and potential toxicity of ice-inhibiting cryoprotective agents (CPAs) are key issues in assisted reproduction using cryopreserved oocytes and embryos. We use synchrotron-based time-resolved x-ray diffraction and tools from protein cryocrystallography to characterize ice formation within bovine oocytes after cooling at rates between ∼1000 °C/min and ∼600,000°C /min and during warming at rates between 20,000 and 150,000 °C /min. Maximum crystalline ice diffraction intensity, maximum ice volume, and maximum ice grain size are always observed during warming. All decrease with increasing CPA concentration, consistent with the decreasing free water fraction. With the cooling rates, warming rates and CPA concentrations of current practice, oocytes may show no ice after cooling but always develop substantial ice fractions on warming, and modestly reducing CPA concentrations causes substantial ice to form during cooling. With much larger cooling and warming rates achieved using cryocrystallography tools, oocytes soaked as in current practice remain essentially ice free during both cooling and warming, and when soaked in half-strength CPA solution oocytes remain ice free after cooling and develop small grain ice during warming. These results clarify the roles of cooling, warming, and CPA concentration in generating ice in oocytes, establish the character of ice formed, and suggest that substantial further improvements in warming rates are feasible. Ice formation can be eliminated as a factor affecting post-thaw oocyte viability and development, allowing other deleterious effects of the cryopreservation cycle to be studied, and osmotic stress and CPA toxicity reduced. Significance Statement Cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos is critical in assisted reproduction of humans and domestic animals and in preservation of endangered species. Success rates are limited by damage from crystalline ice, toxicity of cryoprotective agents (CPAs), and damage from osmotic stress. Time-resolved x-ray diffraction of bovine oocytes shows that ice forms much more readily during warming than during cooling, that maximum ice fractions always occur during warming, and that the tools and large CPA concentrations of current protocols can at best only prevent ice formation during cooling. Using tools from cryocrystallography that give dramatically larger cooling and warming rates, ice formation can be completely eliminated and required CPA concentrations substantially reduced, expanding the scope for species-specific optimization of post-thaw reproductive outcomes.
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13
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Belda-Perez R, Heras S, Cimini C, Romero-Aguirregomezcorta J, Valbonetti L, Colosimo A, Colosimo BM, Santoni S, Barboni B, Bernabò N, Coy P. Advancing bovine in vitro fertilization through 3D printing: the effect of the 3D printed materials. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1260886. [PMID: 37929185 PMCID: PMC10621798 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1260886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays there is an increasing demand for assisted reproductive technologies due to the growth of infertility problems. Naturally, fertilization occurs in the oviduct, where the oviductal epithelial cells (OECs) secrete many molecules that affect the embryo's metabolism and protect it from oxidative stress. When the OECs are grown in 3D culture systems, they maintain a great part of their functional characteristics, making them an excellent model for in vitro fertilization (IVF) studies. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the suitability of different 3D-printing processes in conjunction with the corresponding set of commercially available biomaterials: extrusion-based processing using polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) and stereolithography or digital-light processing using polyethylene-glycol-diacrylate (PEGDA) with different stiffness (PEGDA500, PEGDA200, PEGDA PhotoInk). All the 3D-printed scaffolds were used to support IVF process in a bovine embryo assay. Following fertilization, embryo development and quality were assessed in terms of cleavage, blastocyst rate at days 7 and 8, total cell number (TCN), inner cell mass/trophectoderm ratio (ICN/TE), and apoptotic cell ratio (ACR). We found a detrimental effect on cleavage and blastocyst rates when the IVF was performed on any medium conditioned by most of the materials available for digital-light processing (PEGDA200, PEGDA500). The observed negative effect could be possibly due to some leaked compound used to print and stabilize the scaffolds, which was not so evident however with PEGDA PhotoInk. On the other hand, all the extrusion-based processable materials did not cause any detrimental effect on cleavage or blastocyst rates. The principal component analysis reveals that embryos produced in presence of 3D-printed scaffolds produced via extrusion exhibit the highest similarity with the control embryos considering cleavage, blastocyst rates, TCN, ICN/TE and ACR per embryo. Conversely, all the photo-cross linkable materials or medium conditioned by PLA, lead to the highest dissimilarities. Since the use of PCL scaffolds, as well as its conditioned medium, bring to embryos that are more similar to the control group. Our results suggest that extrusion-based 3D printing of PCL could be the best option to be used for new IVF devices, possibly including the support of OECs, to enhance bovine embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramses Belda-Perez
- Department of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Sonia Heras
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Costanza Cimini
- Department of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Jon Romero-Aguirregomezcorta
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Luca Valbonetti
- Department of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNRIBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Colosimo
- Department of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Santoni
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Department of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Nicola Bernabò
- Department of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNRIBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Pilar Coy
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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14
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Amonkar DDB, Genovese V, De Gregorio V, Travaglione A, Uppangala S, Vani Lakshmi R, Kalthur G, Gualtieri R, Talevi R, Adiga SK. Impact of prepubertal bovine ovarian tissue pre-freeze holding duration on follicle quality. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100794. [PMID: 37531931 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100794] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation prior to gonadotoxic treatment is the only recommended option for fertility preservation in prepubertal girls. Due to the technical complexity of this technique, limited number of centres across the world are equipped to offer the facility. Hence, the retrieved ovarian tissue needs to be maintained at hypothermic temperature (4 °C) for long time during shipment. The time taken between tissue retrieval and cryopreservation could influence the functionality of cells during fertility restoration. This study explored the tissue integrity and follicle quality of ovarian cortical slices subjected to pre-freeze holding for various time durations in vitro. Prepubertal bovine ovarian tissue from < 12 months old animals were handled at hypothermic holding (4 °C) for 0, 24, 48 and 72 h. The tissues were assessed for follicle viability through confocal analysis of live-dead labelled samples, and follicle quality and tissue integrity through histology. Results have shown that follicle viability, and overall follicle quality were not significantly affected at the end of 72 h hypothermic holding. Though, the observation reassures extended hypothermic holding prior to freezing, findings need to be validated in human tissue prior to use in clinical fertility preservation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Deeleep Bhagat Amonkar
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576 104, India
| | - Vincenzo Genovese
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Complesso Universitario di Monte S Angelo, Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenza De Gregorio
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Complesso Universitario di Monte S Angelo, Napoli, Italy
| | - Angela Travaglione
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Complesso Universitario di Monte S Angelo, Napoli, Italy
| | - Shubhashree Uppangala
- Division of Reproductive Genetics, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576 104, India
| | - R Vani Lakshmi
- Department of Data Science, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576 104, India
| | - Roberto Gualtieri
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Complesso Universitario di Monte S Angelo, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Talevi
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Complesso Universitario di Monte S Angelo, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576 104, India.
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15
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Barbato V, Genovese V, De Gregorio V, Di Nardo M, Travaglione A, De Napoli L, Fragomeni G, Zanetti EM, Adiga SK, Mondrone G, D'Hooghe T, Zheng W, Longobardi S, Catapano G, Gualtieri R, Talevi R. Dynamic in vitro culture of bovine and human ovarian tissue enhances follicle progression and health. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11773. [PMID: 37479791 PMCID: PMC10361967 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37086-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro ovarian cortical tissue culture, followed by culture of isolated secondary follicles, is a promising future option for production of mature oocytes. Although efforts have been made to improve the culture outcome by changing the medium composition, so far, most studies used static culture systems. Here we describe the outcome of 7 days cultures of bovine and human ovarian cortical tissue in a dynamic system using a novel perifusion bioreactor in comparison to static culture in conventional and/or gas permeable dishes. Findings show that dynamic culture significantly improves follicle quality and viability, percentage and health of secondary follicles, overall tissue health, and steroid secretion in both species. Model predictions suggest that such amelioration can be mediated by an enhanced oxygen availability and/or by fluid-mechanical shear stresses and solid compressive strains exerted on the tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Barbato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Genovese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
- IVF Research, Education, Development S.R.L., Via Josemaria Escrivà, 68, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Vincenza De Gregorio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Maddalena Di Nardo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies ITB, National Research Council CNR, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Angela Travaglione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi De Napoli
- Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87030, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Gionata Fragomeni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Viale Europa - Loc. Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Satish K Adiga
- Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India
| | - Giuseppe Mondrone
- IVF Research, Education, Development S.R.L., Via Josemaria Escrivà, 68, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Unit Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (Leuven University), Gasthuisberg Campus, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wengijng Zheng
- Global Medical Unit Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Salvatore Longobardi
- Global Medical Unit Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Gerardo Catapano
- Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87030, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Roberto Gualtieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Talevi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy.
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16
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Wu J, Larreategui-Aparicio A, Lambers MLA, Bodor DL, Klaasen SJ, Tollenaar E, de Ruijter-Villani M, Kops GJPL. Microtubule nucleation from the fibrous corona by LIC1-pericentrin promotes chromosome congression. Curr Biol 2023; 33:912-925.e6. [PMID: 36720222 PMCID: PMC10017265 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Error-free chromosome segregation in mitosis and meiosis relies on the assembly of a microtubule-based spindle that interacts with kinetochores to guide chromosomes to the cell equator before segregation in anaphase. Microtubules sprout from nucleation sites such as centrosomes, but kinetochores can also promote microtubule formation. It is unclear, however, how kinetochore-derived microtubules are generated and what their role is in chromosome segregation. Here, we show that the transient outer-kinetochore meshwork known as the fibrous corona serves as an autonomous microtubule nucleation platform. The fibrous corona is essential for the nucleation of kinetochore-derived microtubules, and when dissociated from the core kinetochore, it retains microtubule nucleation capacity. Nucleation relies on a fibrous-corona-bound pool of the LIC1 subunit of the dynein motor complex, which interacts with the γ-tubulin-tethering protein pericentrin (PCNT). PCNT is essential for microtubule nucleation from fibrous coronas, and in centrosome-depleted cells, where nearly all mitotic nucleation occurs at fibrous coronas, chromosome congression is fully dependent on PCNT. We further show that chromosomes in bovine oocytes, which naturally lack centrosomes, have highly expanded fibrous coronas that drive chromosome-derived microtubule nucleation. Preventing fibrous corona expansion in these cells impairs chromosome congression and causes spindle assembly defects. Our results show that fibrous coronas are autonomous microtubule-organizing centers that are important for spindle assembly, which may be especially relevant in acentrosomal cells such as oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchao Wu
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Jaarbeursplein 6, 3521AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ainhoa Larreategui-Aparicio
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike L A Lambers
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Jaarbeursplein 6, 3521AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dani L Bodor
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Jaarbeursplein 6, 3521AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd J Klaasen
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Jaarbeursplein 6, 3521AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Eveline Tollenaar
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marta de Ruijter-Villani
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584CL Utrecht, the Netherlands; Division of Woman and Baby, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Geert J P L Kops
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Jaarbeursplein 6, 3521AL Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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17
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Sapanidou V, Tsantarliotou MP, Lavrentiadou SN. A review of the use of antioxidants in bovine sperm preparation protocols. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 251:107215. [PMID: 37001221 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress (OS), the imbalance between the production of free radicals and the cellular antioxidant defenses, are discussed in relation to their role in bovine sperm physiology. Oxidative stress has been associated to male infertility and low fertility rates in Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART). Antioxidant supplementation is an interesting approach to overcome OS-related infertility and assisted reproduction drawbacks. Several studies have been conducted to identify the potential sources of ROS in a typical ART setting and the impact of antioxidant supplementation on semen quality and pregnancy outcome. Procedures such as freezing and thawing, centrifugation and incubation are thought to produce significant amounts of ROS with a negative impact on sperm quality parameters and reproductive competence. Given the important role of ROS in sperm function, the addition of antioxidants in sperm media to prevent OS and to improve the reproductive outcome requires attention. Currently, there is limited evidence to support the ameliorative effect of antioxidant supplementation on fertilization and embryo development in farm animals. This review summarizes the different types and concentrations of antioxidants used in sperm preparation media of bovine species and their effectiveness in neutralizing excessive ROS production while preserving physiological sperm function.
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18
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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: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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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19
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Paulino LRFM, de Assis EIT, Azevedo VAN, Silva BR, da Cunha EV, Silva JRV. Why Is It So Difficult To Have Competent Oocytes from In vitro Cultured Preantral Follicles? Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3321-3334. [PMID: 35084715 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00840-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The developmental competence of oocytes is acquired gradually during follicular development, mainly through oocyte accumulation of RNA molecules and proteins that will be used during fertilization and early embryonic development. Several attempts to develop in vitro culture systems to support preantral follicle development up to maturation are reported in the literature, but oocyte competence has not yet been achieved in human and domestic animals. The difficulties to have fertilizable oocytes are related to thousands of mRNAs and proteins that need to be synthesized, long-term duration of follicular development, size of preovulatory follicles, composition of in vitro culture medium, and the need of multi-step culture systems. The development of a culture system that maintains bidirectional communication between the oocyte and granulosa cells and that meets the metabolic demands of each stage of follicle growth is the key to sustain an extended culture period. This review discusses the physiological and molecular mechanisms that determine acquisition of oocyte competence in vitro, like oocyte transcriptional activity, follicle and oocyte sizes, and length and regulation of follicular development in murine, human, and domestic animal species. The state of art of in vitro follicular development and the challenges to have complete follicular development in vitro are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laís R F M Paulino
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceara, Av. Comandante Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, Sobral, CE, CEP 62041-040, Brazil
| | - Ernando I T de Assis
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceara, Av. Comandante Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, Sobral, CE, CEP 62041-040, Brazil
| | - Venância A N Azevedo
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceara, Av. Comandante Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, Sobral, CE, CEP 62041-040, Brazil
| | - Bianca R Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceara, Av. Comandante Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, Sobral, CE, CEP 62041-040, Brazil
| | - Ellen V da Cunha
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceara, Av. Comandante Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, Sobral, CE, CEP 62041-040, Brazil
| | - José R V Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceara, Av. Comandante Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, Sobral, CE, CEP 62041-040, Brazil.
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20
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Yao Y, Liu S, Xia C, Gao Y, Pan Z, Canela-Xandri O, Khamseh A, Rawlik K, Wang S, Li B, Zhang Y, Pairo-Castineira E, D’Mellow K, Li X, Yan Z, Li CJ, Yu Y, Zhang S, Ma L, Cole JB, Ross PJ, Zhou H, Haley C, Liu GE, Fang L, Tenesa A. Comparative transcriptome in large-scale human and cattle populations. Genome Biol 2022; 23:176. [PMID: 35996157 PMCID: PMC9394047 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-022-02745-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cross-species comparison of transcriptomes is important for elucidating evolutionary molecular mechanisms underpinning phenotypic variation between and within species, yet to date it has been essentially limited to model organisms with relatively small sample sizes. RESULTS Here, we systematically analyze and compare 10,830 and 4866 publicly available RNA-seq samples in humans and cattle, respectively, representing 20 common tissues. Focusing on 17,315 orthologous genes, we demonstrate that mean/median gene expression, inter-individual variation of expression, expression quantitative trait loci, and gene co-expression networks are generally conserved between humans and cattle. By examining large-scale genome-wide association studies for 46 human traits (average n = 327,973) and 45 cattle traits (average n = 24,635), we reveal that the heritability of complex traits in both species is significantly more enriched in transcriptionally conserved than diverged genes across tissues. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our study provides a comprehensive comparison of transcriptomes between humans and cattle, which might help decipher the genetic and evolutionary basis of complex traits in both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuelin Yao
- MRC Human Genetics Unit at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, EH4 2XU Edinburgh, UK
- School of Informatics, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9AB UK
| | - Shuli Liu
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Maryland 20705 USA
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Charley Xia
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG UK
- Department of Psychology, 7 George Square, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ UK
| | - Yahui Gao
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Maryland 20705 USA
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MA 20742 USA
| | - Zhangyuan Pan
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 USA
- Present address: Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Oriol Canela-Xandri
- MRC Human Genetics Unit at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, EH4 2XU Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ava Khamseh
- MRC Human Genetics Unit at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, EH4 2XU Edinburgh, UK
- School of Informatics, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9AB UK
| | - Konrad Rawlik
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG UK
| | - Sheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223 Yunnan China
| | - Bingjie Li
- Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Roslin Institute Building, Midlothian, EH25 9RG UK
| | - Yi Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Erola Pairo-Castineira
- MRC Human Genetics Unit at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, EH4 2XU Edinburgh, UK
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG UK
| | - Kenton D’Mellow
- MRC Human Genetics Unit at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, EH4 2XU Edinburgh, UK
| | - Xiujin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225 Guangdong China
| | - Ze Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Cong-jun Li
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Maryland 20705 USA
| | - Ying Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Shengli Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MA 20742 USA
| | - John B. Cole
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Maryland 20705 USA
| | - Pablo J. Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Huaijun Zhou
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Chris Haley
- MRC Human Genetics Unit at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, EH4 2XU Edinburgh, UK
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG UK
| | - George E. Liu
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Maryland 20705 USA
| | - Lingzhao Fang
- MRC Human Genetics Unit at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, EH4 2XU Edinburgh, UK
- Present address: Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Albert Tenesa
- MRC Human Genetics Unit at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, EH4 2XU Edinburgh, UK
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG UK
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21
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Genome-wide profiling of histone H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 modifications in individual blastocysts by CUT&Tag without a solid support (NON-TiE-UP CUT&Tag). Sci Rep 2022; 12:11727. [PMID: 35821505 PMCID: PMC9276795 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15417-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual analysis of the epigenome of preimplantation embryos is useful for characterizing each embryo and for investigating the effects of environmental factors on their epigenome. However, it is difficult to analyze genome-wide epigenetic modifications, especially histone modifications, in a large number of single embryos due to the small number of cells and the complexity of the analysis methods. To solve this problem, we further modified the CUT&Tag method, which can analyze histone modifications in a small number of cells, such that the embryo is handled as a cell mass in the reaction solutions in the absence of the solid-phase magnetic beads that are used for antibody and enzyme reactions in the conventional method (NON-TiE-UP CUT&Tag; NTU-CAT). By using bovine blastocysts as a model, we showed that genome-wide profiles of representative histone modifications, H3K4me3 and H3K27me3, could be obtained by NTU-CAT that are in overall agreement with the conventional chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) method, even from single embryos. However, this new approach has limitations that require attention, including false positive and negative peaks and lower resolution for broad modifications. Despite these limitations, we consider NTU-CAT a promising replacement for ChIP-seq with the great advantage of being able to analyze individual embryos.
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22
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Zhou S, Wu H, Zhang J, He X, Liu S, Zhou P, Hua R, Cao Y, Liu M. Bi-allelic variants in human TCTE1/DRC5 cause asthenospermia and male infertility. Eur J Hum Genet 2022; 30:721-729. [PMID: 35388187 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01095-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia (AZS) is a common male infertility phenotype, accounting for 18% of infertile patients. The N-DRC (Nexin-dynein Regulatory Complex) complex is the motor regulating device in the flagellum, which is found in most eukaryotic organisms with flagellum. The deletion of TCTE1 (T-Complex-Associated Testis-Expressed 1), a component of the N-DRC complex also known as DRC5 (Dynein regulatory complex subunit 5), has been shown to cause asthenospermia in mice. This study mainly introduces a clinical case of male infertility with normal sperm count, normal morphological structure, but low motility and weak forward movement. By whole-exome sequencing, we found that TCTE1 became a frameshift mutant, ENST00000371505.5: c.396_397insTC (p.Arg133Serfs*33), resulting in the rapid degradation of TCTE1 protein and male infertility. This phenotype is similar to the Tcte1-/- (Tcte1 knockout) mice, which showed structural integrity but reduced motility. Further, different from mice, in vitro Fertilization (IVF) could successfully solve the patient's problem of infertility. Our data provides a better understanding of the biological functions of TCTE1 in human flagellum assembly and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shushu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jintao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Siyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Rong Hua
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, China. .,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, China. .,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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23
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Asimaki K, Vazakidou P, van Tol HTA, Oei CHY, Modder EA, van Duursen MBM, Gadella BM. Bovine In Vitro Oocyte Maturation and Embryo Production Used as a Model for Testing Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Eliciting Female Reproductive Toxicity With Diethylstilbestrol as a Showcase Compound. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:811285. [PMID: 35686045 PMCID: PMC9171015 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.811285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can interfere with normal hormonal action and regulation. Exposure of women to EDCs has been associated with adverse reproductive health outcomes. The assays currently used to identify EDCs that elicit female reproductive toxicity lack screening tests that address effects on the maturation of oocytes, a process that enables them to be fertilized and develop into embryos. Here, a screening method employing the bovine model of in vitro oocyte maturation and embryo production is described. Endpoints explored address important events in oocyte maturation and developmental competence acquisition. To test the method, the effects of the known human EDC diethylstilbestrol (DES; an estrogen receptor agonist) were evaluated in a range of concentrations (10–9 M, 10–7 M, 10–5 M). Bovine oocytes were exposed to DES during in vitro maturation (IVM) or embryos were exposed during in vitro embryo culture (IVC). The endpoints evaluated included nuclear maturation, mitochondrial redistribution, cumulus cell expansion, apoptosis, and steroidogenesis. DES-exposed oocytes were fertilized to record embryo cleavage and blastocyst rates to uncover effects on developmental competence. Similarly, the development of embryos exposed to DES during IVC was monitored to assess the impact on early embryo development. Exposure to 10–9 M or 10–7 M DES did not affect the endpoints addressing oocyte maturation or embryo development. However, there were considerable detrimental effects observed in oocytes exposed to 10–5 M DES. Specifically, compared to vehicle-treated oocytes, there was a statistically significant reduction in nuclear maturation (3% vs 84%), cumulus expansion (2.8-fold vs 3.6-fold) and blastocyst rate (3% vs 32%). Additionally, progesterone and pregnenolone concentrations measured in IVM culture media were increased. The screening method described here shows that bovine oocytes were sensitive to the action of this particular chemical (i.e., DES), albeit at high concentrations. In principle, this method provides a valuable tool to assess the oocyte maturation process and early embryo development that can be used for reproductive toxicity screening and possibly EDC identification. Further studies should include EDCs with different mechanisms of action and additional endpoints to further demonstrate the applicability of the bovine oocyte model for chemical risk assessment purposes and EDC identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Asimaki
- Division of Farm Animal Health, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Section Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: K. Asimaki,
| | - P. Vazakidou
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Section Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - H. T. A. van Tol
- Division of Farm Animal Health, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - C. H. Y. Oei
- Division of Farm Animal Health, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - E. A. Modder
- Division of Farm Animal Health, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - M. B. M. van Duursen
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Section Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - B. M. Gadella
- Division of Farm Animal Health, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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24
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Banliat C, Mahé C, Lavigne R, Com E, Pineau C, Labas V, Guyonnet B, Mermillod P, Saint-Dizier M. Dynamic Changes in the Proteome of Early Bovine Embryos Developed In Vivo. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:863700. [PMID: 35386205 PMCID: PMC8979002 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.863700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Early embryo development is a dynamic process involving important molecular and structural changes leading to the embryonic genome activation (EGA) and early cell lineage differentiation. Our aim was to elucidate proteomic changes in bovine embryos developed in vivo. Eleven females were used as embryo donors and pools of embryos at the 4–6 cell, 8–12 cell, morula, compact morula and blastocyst stages were analyzed by nanoliquid chromatography coupled with label free quantitative mass spectrometry. A total of 2,757 proteins were identified, of which 1,950 were quantitatively analyzed. Principal component analysis of data showed a clear separation of embryo pools according to their developmental stage. The hierarchical clustering of differentially abundant proteins evidenced a first cluster of 626 proteins that increased in abundance during development and a second cluster of 400 proteins that decreased in abundance during development, with most significant changes at the time of EGA and blastocyst formation. The main pathways and processes overrepresented among upregulated proteins were RNA metabolism, protein translation and ribosome biogenesis, whereas Golgi vesicle transport and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum were overrepresented among downregulated proteins. The pairwise comparison between stages allowed us to identify specific protein interaction networks and metabolic pathways at the time of EGA, morula compaction and blastocyst formation. This is the first comprehensive study of proteome dynamics in non-rodent mammalian embryos developed in vivo. These data provide a number of protein candidates that will be useful for further mechanistic and functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Banliat
- CNRS, INRAE, Université de Tours, IFCE, UMR PRC, Nouzilly, France.,Union Evolution, Noyal-sur-Vilaine, France
| | - Coline Mahé
- CNRS, INRAE, Université de Tours, IFCE, UMR PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Régis Lavigne
- Irset-UMRS 1085, Inserm, University of Rennes, Rennes, France.,Protim, Univ Rennes, Biosit-UMS 3480, US-S 018, Rennes, France
| | - Emmanuelle Com
- Irset-UMRS 1085, Inserm, University of Rennes, Rennes, France.,Protim, Univ Rennes, Biosit-UMS 3480, US-S 018, Rennes, France
| | - Charles Pineau
- Irset-UMRS 1085, Inserm, University of Rennes, Rennes, France.,Protim, Univ Rennes, Biosit-UMS 3480, US-S 018, Rennes, France
| | - Valérie Labas
- CNRS, INRAE, Université de Tours, IFCE, UMR PRC, Nouzilly, France.,Pixanim, INRAE, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Pascal Mermillod
- CNRS, INRAE, Université de Tours, IFCE, UMR PRC, Nouzilly, France
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25
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Ferreira AF, Machado-Simões J, Soares M, Sousa AP, Ramalho-Santos J, Almeida-Santos T. Spatiotemporal dynamics of SIRT 1, 2 and 3 during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes. Theriogenology 2022; 186:60-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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26
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Misner MJ, Taborek A, Dufour J, Sharifi L, Khokhar JY, Favetta LA. Effects of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on Oocyte Competence and Early Embryonic Development. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 3:647918. [PMID: 35295104 PMCID: PMC8915882 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.647918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent changes in legal status and public perception of cannabis have contributed to an increase use amongst women of reproductive age. Concurrently, there is inadequate evidence-based knowledge to guide clinical practice regarding cannabis and its effects on fertility and early embryonic development. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), during oocyte maturation, and its impact on the developing embryo. Bovine oocytes were matured in vitro for 24 h under clinically relevant doses of THC mimicking plasma levels achieved after therapeutic (0.032 μM) and recreational (0.32 and 3.2 μM) cannabis use. THC-treated oocytes were assessed for development and quality parameters at both the oocyte and embryo level. Characteristics of oocytes treated with cannabinoid receptor antagonists were also assessed. Oocytes treated with 0.32 and 3.2 μM THC, were significantly less likely to reach metaphase II (p < 0.01) and consequently had lower cleavage rates at day 2 post-fertilization (p < 0.0001). Treatment with cannabinoid receptor antagonists restored this effect (p < 0.05). Oocytes that did reach MII showed no differences in spindle morphology. Oocytes treated with 0.032 μM THC had significantly lower connexin mRNA (p < 0.05) (correlated with decreased quality), but this was not confirmed at the protein level. At the blastocyst stage there were no significant differences in developmental rates or the proportion of trophectoderm to inner cell mass cells between the control and treatment groups. These blastocysts, however, displayed an increased level of apoptosis in the 0.32 and 3.2 μM groups (p < 0.0001). Our findings suggest a possible disruptive effect of cannabis on oocyte maturation and early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J Misner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Afton Taborek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jaustin Dufour
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Lea Sharifi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jibran Y Khokhar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Laura A Favetta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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27
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Amat S, Dahlen CR, Swanson KC, Ward AK, Reynolds LP, Caton JS. Bovine Animal Model for Studying the Maternal Microbiome, in utero Microbial Colonization and Their Role in Offspring Development and Fetal Programming. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:854453. [PMID: 35283808 PMCID: PMC8916045 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.854453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent developments call for further research on the timing and mechanisms involved in the initial colonization of the fetal/infant gut by the maternal microbiome and its role in Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD). Although progress has been made using primarily preterm infants, ethical and legal constraints hinder research progress in embryo/fetal-related research and understanding the developmental and mechanistic roles of the maternal microbiome in fetal microbial imprinting and its long-term role in early-life microbiome development. Rodent models have proven very good for studying the role of the maternal microbiome in fetal programming. However, some inherent limitations in these animal models make it challenging to study perinatal microbial colonization from a biomedical standpoint. In this review, we discuss the potential use of bovine animals as a biomedical model to study the maternal microbiome, in utero microbial colonization of the fetal gut, and their impact on offspring development and DOHaD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samat Amat
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Carl R Dahlen
- Department of Animal Sciences, and Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Kendall C Swanson
- Department of Animal Sciences, and Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Alison K Ward
- Department of Animal Sciences, and Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Lawrence P Reynolds
- Department of Animal Sciences, and Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Joel S Caton
- Department of Animal Sciences, and Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
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Campbell JM, Mahbub SB, Bertoldo MJ, Habibalahi A, Goss DM, Ledger WL, Gilchrist RB, Wu LE, Goldys EM. Multispectral autofluorescence characteristics of reproductive aging in old and young mouse oocytes. Biogerontology 2022; 23:237-249. [PMID: 35211812 PMCID: PMC9023381 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-022-09957-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Increasing age has a major detrimental impact on female fertility, which, with an ageing population, has major sociological implications. This impact is primarily mediated through deteriorating quality of the oocyte. Deteriorating oocyte quality with biological age is the greatest rate-limiting factor to female fertility. Here we have used label-free, non-invasive multi-spectral imaging to identify unique autofluorescence profiles of oocytes from young and aged animals. Discriminant analysis demonstrated that young oocytes have a distinct autofluorescent profile which accurately distinguishes them from aged oocytes. We recently showed that treatment with the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) precursor nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) restored oocyte quality and fertility in aged animals, and when our analysis was applied to oocytes from aged animals treated with NMN, 85% of these oocytes were classified as having the autofluorescent signature of young animals. Spectral unmixing using the Robust Dependent Component Analysis (RoDECA) algorithm demonstrated that NMN treatment altered the metabolic profile of oocytes, increasing free NAD(P)H, protein bound NAD(P)H, redox ratio and the ratio of bound to free NAD(P)H. The frequency of oocytes with simultaneously high NAD(P)H and flavin content was also significantly increased in mice treated with NMN. Young and Aged + NMN oocytes had a smoother spectral distribution, with the distribution of NAD(P)H in young oocytes specifically differing from that of aged oocytes. Identifying the multispectral profile of oocyte autofluorescence during aging could have utility as a non-invasive and sensitive measure of oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared M Campbell
- ARC Centre of Excellence Centre for Nanoscale Biophotonics, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Saabah B Mahbub
- ARC Centre of Excellence Centre for Nanoscale Biophotonics, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Michael J Bertoldo
- Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Abbas Habibalahi
- ARC Centre of Excellence Centre for Nanoscale Biophotonics, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Dale M Goss
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - William L Ledger
- Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lindsay E Wu
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ewa M Goldys
- ARC Centre of Excellence Centre for Nanoscale Biophotonics, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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The effect of Propofol versus Dexmedetomidine as anesthetic agents for oocyte pick-up on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23922. [PMID: 34907217 PMCID: PMC8671473 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03177-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of propofol and dexmedetomidine over different timescales on the IVF outcomes for transvaginal oocyte retrieval (TVOR). Twenty-four rats included in the study were divided into two main groups and three subgroups were subjected to the ovulation induction process. Group 1 was administered propofol (100 mg/kg i.v.) and group 2 were administered dexmedetomidine (25 µg/kg i.p.) The oviduct collection procedure was completed within 15 min for subgroup Pro15min, Dex15min (n = 4), within 16 to 30 min for subgroup Pro30min, Dex30min (n = 4) and within 31 to 60 min for subgroup Pro60min, Dex60min (n = 4) after euthanasia. The total number of oocytes was counted. After in vitro fertilization, the number and quality of embryos were evaluated. The number of pups born were evaluated after embryo transfer. The embryo number, quality and pup count decreased as the administration time for propofol increased (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the dexmedetomidine subgroups for embryo number, quality and pup count(p > 0.05). As the exposure time to propofol increased, the number and quality of embryos obtained, and the pup count, decreased. The use of dexmedetomidine had no negative impacts on the number of embryos, their quality or the number of pups.
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Hallberg I, Persson S, Olovsson M, Sirard MA, Damdimopoulou P, Rüegg J, Sjunnesson YCB. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exposure of bovine oocytes affects early embryonic development at human-relevant levels in an in vitro model. Toxicology 2021; 464:153028. [PMID: 34762985 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.153028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) has been added to Stockholm Convention for global phase out, but will continue to contribute to the chemical burden in humans for a long time to come due to extreme persistence in the environment. In the body, PFOS is transferred into to the ovarian follicular fluid that surrounds the maturing oocyte. In the present study, bovine cumulus oocyte complexes were exposed to PFOS during 22 h in vitro maturation. Concentrations of 2 ng g-1 (PFOS-02) representing average human exposure and 53 ng g-1 (PFOS-53) relevant to highly exposed groups were used. After exposure, developmental competence was recorded until day 8 after fertilisation. Blastocysts were fixed and either stained to evaluate blastomere number and lipid distribution using confocal microscopy or frozen and pooled for microarray-based gene expression and DNA methylation analyses. PFOS-53 delayed the first cleavage to two-cell stage and beyond at 44 h after fertilisation (p < .01). No reduction of proportion blastocysts were seen at day 8 in either of the groups, but PFOS-53 exposure resulted in delayed development into more advanced stages of blastocysts seen as both reduced developmental stage (p = .001) and reduced number of blastomeres (p = .04). Blastocysts showed an altered lipid distribution that was more pronounced after exposure to PFOS-53 (increased total lipid volume, p=.0003, lipid volume/cell p < .0001) than PFOS-02, where only decreased average lipid droplet size (p=.02) was observed. Gene expression analyses revealed pathways differently regulated in the PFOS-treated groups compared to the controls, which were related to cell death and survival through e.g., P38 mitogen-activated protein kinases and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, which in turn activates tumour protein 53 (TP53). Transcriptomic changes were also associated with metabolic stress response, differentiation and proliferation, which could help to explain the phenotypic changes seen in the blastocysts. The gene expression changes were more pronounced after exposure to PFOS-53 compared to PFOS-02. DNA-methylation changes were associated with similar biological functions as the transcriptomic data, with the most significantly associated pathway being TP53. Collectively, these results reveal that brief PFOS exposure during oocyte maturation alters the early embryo development at concentrations relevant to humans. This study adds to the evidence that PFOS has the potential to affect female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Hallberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Sara Persson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Matts Olovsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Department of Animal Sciences, Laval University, QC G1V 0A6, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Department of Organismal Biology, Program of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, SE-752 36, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ylva C B Sjunnesson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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Panagiotou EM, Ojasalo V, Damdimopoulou P. Phthalates, ovarian function and fertility in adulthood. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 35:101552. [PMID: 34238683 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2021.101552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Phthalates are a family of high-production volume industrial chemicals used in the manufacture of plastics. Some phthalates are regulated as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and reproductive toxicants based on adverse effects in the male. Potential effects in females are less understood although exposure levels can be higher in women compared to men. Here, we review the literature on the effects of phthalate exposures in adulthood on ovarian function and fertility in women. Experimental studies using cell cultures and rodents combined with human evidence from epidemiological studies suggest that phthalates pose a hazard to ovaries. Phthalates can disrupt follicle growth pattern, increase oxidative stress and cause follicle death. These effects could lead to infertility, faster depletion of ovarian reserve, and earlier reproductive senescence. However, more studies using more realistic exposure levels will be needed to properly assess the risks in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftheria M Panagiotou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Venla Ojasalo
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku FI-20520, Finland; Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku FI-20520, Finland.
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden.
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32
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Kuzma-Hunt AG, Truong VB, Favetta LA. Glucocorticoids, Stress and Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during Early Embryonic Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7289. [PMID: 34298908 PMCID: PMC8307766 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated molecular stress in women is known to have negative impacts on the reproductive development of oocytes and the embryos prior to implantation. In recent years, the prevalence of cannabis use among women of reproductive age has risen due to its ability to relieve psychological stress and nausea, which are mediated by its psychoactive component, ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Although cannabis is the most popular recreational drug of the 21st century, much is unknown about its influence on molecular stress in reproductive tissues. The current literature has demonstrated that THC causes dose- and time-dependent alterations in glucocorticoid signaling, which have the potential to compromise morphology, development, and quality of oocytes and embryos. However, there are inconsistencies across studies regarding the mechanisms for THC-dependent changes in stress hormones and how either compounds may drive or arrest development. Factors such as variability between animal models, physiologically relevant doses, and undiscovered downstream gene targets of both glucocorticoids and THC could account for such inconsistencies. This review evaluates the results of studies which have investigated the effects of glucocorticoids on reproductive development and how THC may alter stress signaling in relevant tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura A. Favetta
- Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (A.G.K.-H.); (V.B.T.)
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33
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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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34
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Desmet KLJ, Marei WFA, Richard C, Sprangers K, Beemster GTS, Meysman P, Laukens K, Declerck K, Vanden Berghe W, Bols PEJ, Hue I, Leroy JLMR. Oocyte maturation under lipotoxic conditions induces carryover transcriptomic and functional alterations during post-hatching development of good-quality blastocysts: novel insights from a bovine embryo-transfer model. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:293-307. [PMID: 32112081 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does oocyte maturation under lipolytic conditions have detrimental carry-over effects on post-hatching embryo development of good-quality blastocysts after transfer? SUMMARY ANSWER Surviving, morphologically normal blastocysts derived from bovine oocytes that matured under lipotoxic conditions exhibit long-lasting cellular dysfunction at the transcriptomic and metabolic levels, which coincides with retarded post-hatching embryo development. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY There is increasing evidence showing that following maturation in pathophysiologically relevant lipotoxic conditions (as in obesity or metabolic syndrome), surviving blastocysts of good (transferable) morphological quality have persistent transcriptomic and epigenetic alteration even when in vitro embryo culture takes place under standard conditions. However, very little is known about subsequent development in the uterus after transfer. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Bovine oocytes were matured in vitro in the presence of pathophysiologically relevant, high non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations (HIGH PA), or in basal NEFA concentrations (BASAL) as a physiological control. Eight healthy multiparous non-lactating Holstein cows were used for embryo transfers. Good-quality blastocysts (pools of eight) were transferred per cow, and cows were crossed over for treatments in the next replicate. Embryos were recovered 7 days later and assessed for post-hatching development, phenotypic features and gene expression profile. Blastocysts from solvent-free and NEFA-free maturation (CONTROL) were also tested for comparison. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Recovered Day 14 embryos were morphologically assessed and dissected into embryonic disk (ED) and extraembryonic tissue (EXT). Samples of EXT were cultured for 24 h to assess cellular metabolic activity (glucose and pyruvate consumption and lactate production) and embryos' ability to signal for maternal recognition of pregnancy (interferon-τ secretion; IFN-τ). ED and EXT samples were subjected to RNA sequencing to evaluate the genome-wide transcriptome patterns. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The embryo recovery rate at Day 14 p.i. was not significantly different among treatment groups (P > 0.1). However, higher proportions of HIGH PA embryos were retarded in growth (in spherical stage) compared to the more elongated tubular stage embryos in the BASAL group (P < 0.05). Focusing on the normally developed tubular embryos in both groups, HIGH PA exposure resulted in altered cellular metabolism and altered transcriptome profile particularly in pathways related to redox-regulating mechanisms, apoptosis, cellular growth, interaction and differentiation, energy metabolism and epigenetic mechanisms, compared to BASAL embryos. Maturation under BASAL conditions did not have any significant effects on post-hatching development and cellular functions compared to CONTROL. LARGE-SCALE DATA The datasets of RNA sequencing analysis are available in the NCBI's Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository, series accession number GSE127889 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE127889). Datasets of differentially expressed genes and their gene ontology functions are available in the Mendeley datasets at http://dx.doi.org/10.17632/my2z7dvk9j.2. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The bovine model was used here to allow non-invasive embryo transfer and post-hatching recovery on Day 14. There are physiological differences in some characteristics of post-hatching embryo development between human and cows, such as embryo elongation and trophoblastic invasion. However, the main carry-over effects of oocyte maturation under lipolytic conditions described here are evident at the cellular level and therefore may also occur during post-hatching development in other species including humans. In addition, post-hatching development was studied here under a healthy uterine environment to focus on carry-over effects originating from the oocyte, whereas additional detrimental effects may be induced by maternal metabolic disorders due to adverse changes in the uterine microenvironment. RNA sequencing results were not verified by qPCR, and no solvent control was included. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our observations may increase the awareness of the importance of maternal metabolic stress at the level of the preovulatory oocyte in relation to carry-over effects that may persist in the transferrable embryos. It should further stimulate new research about preventive and protective strategies to optimize maternal metabolic health around conception to maximize embryo viability and thus fertility outcome. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the Flemish Research Fund (FWO grant 11L8716N and FWO project 42/FAO10300/6541). The authors declare there are no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolien L J Desmet
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Waleed F A Marei
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, 12211 Giza, Egypt
| | - Christophe Richard
- UMR Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alford, Université Paris-Saclay, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Katrien Sprangers
- Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research Group (IMPRES), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gerrit T S Beemster
- Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research Group (IMPRES), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pieter Meysman
- Biomedical Informatics Research Center Antwerp, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Kris Laukens
- Biomedical Informatics Research Center Antwerp, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Ken Declerck
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter E J Bols
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Hue
- UMR Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alford, Université Paris-Saclay, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Jo L M R Leroy
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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Schall PZ, Latham KE. Essential shared and species-specific features of mammalian oocyte maturation-associated transcriptome changes impacting oocyte physiology. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C3-C16. [PMID: 33881934 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00105.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Oogenesis is a complex process resulting in the production of a truly remarkable cell-the oocyte. Oocytes execute many unique processes and functions such as meiotic segregation of maternal genetic material, and essential life-generating functions after fertilization including posttranscriptional support of essential homeostatic and metabolic processes, and activation and reprogramming of the embryonic genome. An essential goal for understanding female fertility and infertility in mammals is to discover critical features driving the production of quality oocytes, particularly the complex regulation of oocyte maternal mRNAs. We report here the first in-depth meta-analysis of oocyte maturation-associated transcriptome changes, using eight datasets encompassing 94 RNAseq libraries for human, rhesus monkey, mouse, and cow. A majority of maternal mRNAs are regulated in a species-restricted manner, highlighting considerable divergence in oocyte transcriptome handling during maturation. We identified 121 mRNAs changing in relative abundance similarly across all four species (92 of high homology), and 993 (670 high homology) mRNAs regulated similarly in at least three of the four species, corresponding to just 0.84% and 6.9% of mRNAs analyzed. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) revealed an association of these shared mRNAs with many shared pathways and functions, most prominently oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial function. These shared functions were reinforced further by primate-specific and species-specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Thus, correct downregulation of mRNAs related to oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial function is a major shared feature of mammalian oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Z Schall
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Keith E Latham
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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36
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Sharma J, Antenos M, Madan P. A Comparative Analysis of Hippo Signaling Pathway Components during Murine and Bovine Early Mammalian Embryogenesis. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:281. [PMID: 33669396 PMCID: PMC7920285 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The time required for successful blastocyst formation varies among multiple species. The formation of a blastocyst is governed by numerous molecular cell signaling pathways, such as the Hippo signaling pathway. The Hippo signaling pathway is initiated by increased cell-cell contact and via apical polarity proteins (AMOT, PARD6, and NF2) during the period of preimplantation embryogenesis. Cell-cell contact and cell polarity activate (phosphorylates) the core cascade components of the pathway (mammalian sterile twenty like 1 and 2 (MST1/2) and large tumor suppressor 1 and 2 (LATS1/2)), which in turn phosphorylate the downstream effectors of the pathway (YAP1/TAZ). The Hippo pathway remains inactive with YAP1 (Yes Associated protein 1) present inside the nucleus in the trophectoderm (TE) cells (polar blastomeres) of the mouse blastocyst. In the inner cell mass (ICM) cells (apolar blastomeres), the pathway is activated with p-YAP1 present in the cytoplasm. On the contrary, during bovine embryogenesis, p-YAP1 is exclusively present in the nucleus in both TE and ICM cells. Contrary to mouse embryos, transcription co activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) (also known as WWTR1) is also predominantly present in the cytoplasm in all the blastomeres during bovine embryogenesis. This review outlines the major differences in the localization and function of Hippo signaling pathway components of murine and bovine preimplantation embryos, suggesting significant differences in the regulation of this pathway in between the two species. The variance observed in the Hippo signaling pathway between murine and bovine embryos confirms that both of these early embryonic models are quite distinct. Moreover, based on the similarity of the Hippo signaling pathway between bovine and human early embryo development, bovine embryos could be an alternate model for understanding the regulation of the Hippo signaling pathway in human embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pavneesh Madan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (J.S.); (M.A.)
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Blaschka C, Diers S, Aravina M, Geisler S, Schuler G, Tetens J. Evaluation of a small volume oil-free in vitro production system for bovine embryos. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:868-875. [PMID: 33502126 PMCID: PMC8136954 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.428] [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: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Embryos are usually produced in culture systems with an oil overlay, which conveys protection against the evaporation of water and microbial contamination. The oil can also release toxic substances and absorb essential components, such as hormones, which adversely affect the quality of the oocytes and the development of embryos in vitro. Objective: The aim of this study was to validate an oil‐free bovine in vitro production (IVP) system. Method: Cumulus–oocyte complexes collected from abattoir‐derived ovaries were matured, fertilized and cultured employing a standard system. The quantity of medium in both groups (with and without an oil overlay) and throughout all stages of IVP was maintained at a volume of 100 μl. The oil group was covered with paraffin oil. The maturation stage of oocytes was assessed using fluorescence staining after 24 hr and developmental stages of embryos were evaluated on day 8. The expanded day 8 blastocysts were assessed by live–dead staining. Results: Oocytes matured in the absence of an oil overlay had significantly higher maturation rates when compared against matured oocytes in medium with an oil overlay. Steroid concentration is higher in medium after maturation without oil cover. The developmental rate was significantly higher after culture without oil overlay. The total cell number and the live–dead ratio was not significantly different. The osmolality did not differ between both groups during maturation and slightly decreased during culture without oil. Conclusion: Based on the current study, bovine oil‐free IVP systems can be suggested as an alternative to oil‐covered medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Blaschka
- Division of Biotechnology and Livestock Reproduction, Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Sophie Diers
- Division of Biotechnology and Livestock Reproduction, Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Mariya Aravina
- Division of Biotechnology and Livestock Reproduction, Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Swantje Geisler
- Division of Biotechnology and Livestock Reproduction, Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Gerhard Schuler
- Clinic for Veterinary Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jens Tetens
- Division of Biotechnology and Livestock Reproduction, Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Goettingen, Germany
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Aquaporin 4 expression is downregulated in large bovine ovarian follicles. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL REPRODUCTION AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.12750/jarb.35.4.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Ménézo Y, Elder K. Epigenetic remodeling of chromatin in human ART: addressing deficiencies in culture media. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1781-1788. [PMID: 32676929 PMCID: PMC7468041 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01884-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yves Ménézo
- Laboratoire Clément, 17 Avenue d’Eylau, 75016 Paris, France
| | - Kay Elder
- Bourn Hall Clinic, Bourn, Cambridge, CB232TN UK
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Zhao ZH, Meng TG, Li A, Schatten H, Wang ZB, Sun QY. RNA-Seq transcriptome reveals different molecular responses during human and mouse oocyte maturation and fertilization. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:475. [PMID: 32650721 PMCID: PMC7350670 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-06885-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female infertility is a worldwide concern and the etiology of infertility has not been thoroughly demonstrated. Although the mouse is a good model system to perform functional studies, the differences between mouse and human also need to be considered. The objective of this study is to elucidate the different molecular mechanisms underlying oocyte maturation and fertilization between human and mouse. RESULTS A comparative transcriptome analysis was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes and associated biological processes between human and mouse oocytes. In total, 8513 common genes, as well as 15,165 and 6126 uniquely expressed genes were detected in human and mouse MII oocytes, respectively. Additionally, the ratios of non-homologous genes in human and mouse MII oocytes were 37 and 8%, respectively. Functional categorization analysis of the human MII non-homologous genes revealed that cAMP-mediated signaling, sister chromatid cohesin, and cell recognition were the major enriched biological processes. Interestingly, we couldn't detect any GO categories in mouse non-homologous genes. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that human and mouse oocytes exhibit significant differences in gene expression profiles during oocyte maturation, which probably deciphers the differential molecular responses to oocyte maturation and fertilization. The significant differences between human and mouse oocytes limit the generalizations from mouse to human oocyte maturation. Knowledge about the limitations of animal models is crucial when exploring a complex process such as human oocyte maturation and fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tie-Gang Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China
| | - Ang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China.
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Abstract
Many factors influence the final oocyte maturation, fertilisation, and early embryo development, and there are both similarities and differences between species. When comparing the advancement of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), the development in the bovine species is not far behind the medical front, with around one million in vitro-produced bovine embryos each year. This rate of progress is not seen in the other domestic species. This review aims to give an overview of the development and specific difficulties of in vitro embryo production in various domestic animal species, with the main focus on cows, pigs, and cats. In production animals, the aim of ARTs is commonly to increase the genetic progress, not to treat reproductive failure. The ARTs are also used for preservation of genetic diversity for the future. However, specifically for oocyte maturation, fertilisation, and early embryonic development, domestic mammals such as the cow and pig can be used as models for humans. This is particularly attractive from an animal welfare point of view since bovine and porcine oocytes are available in large numbers from discarded slaughterhouse material, thereby decreasing the need for research animals. Both for researchers on the animal and human medical fronts, we aim for the development of in vitro production systems that will produce embryos and offspring that are no different from those conceived and developed in vivo. Species-comparative research and development can provide us with crucial knowledge to achieve this aim and hopefully help us avoid unnecessary problems in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylva Sjunnesson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala (CRU), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
- CONTACT Ylva Sjunnesson Department of Clinical Sciences, Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala (CRU), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), PO Box 7054, SE-750 07Uppsala, Sweden
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Esfandiari N, Gubista A. Mouse embryo assay for human in vitro fertilization quality control: a fresh look. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1123-1127. [PMID: 32281036 PMCID: PMC7244663 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01768-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse embryo assay (MEA) has been used in the field of human in vitro fertilization (IVF) for multiple purposes such as developing embryo culture media, quality control within the laboratory, and procedural training and proficiency testing for embryology staff. In addition, manufacturing companies use the MEA as a means of quality control for the development of embryo culture media and medical devices and to meet the standards of testing for FDA approval of new products. It has long been considered by embryologists and laboratory scientists whether the MEA is an accurate or sensitive test in the quality assessment of culture media and medical devices or if use of this testing is more an obligation. There is no uniformly accepted gold standard method for IVF lab quality control or FDA approval. This review aims to revisit the role of the use of mouse embryos in the formulation of IVF media for clinical use and the different methods of employing the mouse embryo assay for quality control. In addition, we will review the use of the MEA as an important adjunct in the training for embryology staff and fellows in training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI), as well as alternatives to the use of the MEA for these purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Esfandiari
- IVF and Andrology Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, 05401, USA.
| | - Ashley Gubista
- IVF and Andrology Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, 05401, USA
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Pinto Y, Alves KA, Alves BG, Souza SS, Brandão FAS, Lima LF, Freitas VJF, Rodrigues APR, Figueiredo JR, Gastal EL, Teixeira DIA. Heterotopic ovarian allotransplantation in goats: Preantral follicle viability and tissue remodeling. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 215:106310. [PMID: 32216933 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
An appropriate implantation site favors angiogenesis and avoids ovarian tissue damage after tissue grafting. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) sites for ovarian grafts in goats by evaluating follicular morphology and activation, preantral follicle and stromal cell densities, tissue DNA fragmentation, collagen types I and III depositions, and graft revascularizations. Ovarian cortical tissue was transplanted in IM or SC sites and recovered 7 or 15 days post-transplantation. There was a greater percentage of developing follicles and lesser follicular and stromal cell densities in all grafted tissues as compared to ovarian tissues of the control group. The stromal cell density and percentage of normal follicles were positively associated. At 15 days post-transplantation, tissues at the SC and IM sites had similar amounts of DNA fragmentation and type III collagen content. In contrast, tissues at the SC, as compared with IM site, had greater abundances of collagen type I. Furthermore, there was a positive association between collagen type I and percentage of morphologically normal follicles post-transplantation. In addition to a marked decrease in follicular density 15 days post-transplantation in ovarian grafts at the SC and IM sites, low percentages of normal follicles and follicular activation were observed similarly in both transplantation sites. There were also positive associations of stromal cell density and abundance of type I collagen fibers with the percentage of intact follicles in grafted ovarian tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yago Pinto
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Kele A Alves
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Benner G Alves
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Samara S Souza
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Fabiana A S Brandão
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Laritza F Lima
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Vicente J F Freitas
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula R Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - José R Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Eduardo L Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA.
| | - Dárcio I A Teixeira
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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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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Bahrami M, Morris MB, Day ML. Amino acid supplementation of a simple inorganic salt solution supports efficient in vitro maturation (IVM) of bovine oocytes. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11739. [PMID: 31409817 PMCID: PMC6692353 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48038-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Defining oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) conditions allows for improved reproducibility and efficiency of bovine embryo production. IVM conditions for bovine oocytes have been extensively studied, but beneficial effects of individual supplements remain controversial. This study compared methods of cumulus oocyte complex (COC) isolation, and culture medium requirements, for IVM in order to define optimal conditions. Antral follicles in ovaries were sliced or aspirated to isolate COCs. Brilliant cresyl blue staining of COCs was used to determine the most effective collection technique and the effect of hormones and groups of amino acids in the culture medium was investigated. Our results showed COCs isolated through aspiration had greater meiotic competency to reach MII. Oocyte maturation was achieved with the addition of 1 µg/mL FSH, while estrogen and human chorionic gonadotrophin did not increase the number of MII oocytes. We also provide novel data, that supplementation of a simple inorganic salt solution with L-proline, L-glutamine and essential amino acids in combination, but not individually, resulted in nuclear maturation comparable to TCM199, a more complex medium containing all 20 common amino acids, vitamins, inorganic salts and FBS. Replacement of FBS with BSA in this simplified medium creates a defined medium which provides conditions for IVM that enable reproducible maturation rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Bahrami
- Discipline of Physiology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael B Morris
- Discipline of Physiology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Margot L Day
- Discipline of Physiology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Abstract
SummaryStudies have shown that daily exposure to different products, whether chemical or natural, can cause irreversible damage to women’s reproductive health. Therefore it is necessary to use tests that evaluate the safety and efficacy of these products. Most reproductive toxicology tests are performedin vivo. However, in recent years, various cell culture methods, including embryonic stem cells and tissues have been developed with the aim of reducing the use of animals in toxicological tests. This is a major advance in the area of toxicology, as these systems have the potential to become a widely used tool compared within vivotests routinely used in reproductive biology and toxicology. The present review describes and highlights data onin vitroculture processes used to evaluate reproductive toxicity as an alternative to traditional methods usingin vivotests.
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Camargo LSA, Munk M, Sales JN, Wohlres-Viana S, Quintão CCR, Viana JHM. Differential gene expression between in vivo and in vitro maturation: a comparative study with bovine oocytes derived from the same donor pool. JBRA Assist Reprod 2019; 23:7-14. [PMID: 30614236 PMCID: PMC6364282 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20180084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: In vitro maturation has been shown to influence gene
expression in oocytes, but a common shortcoming in reports on the matter has
been the use of different donors in each experimental group thus
disregarding donor effects. This study aimed to investigate the abundance of
mRNA in oocytes matured in vivo and in
vitro obtained from the same group of donors. Methods: A bovine model was used to assess the relative abundance of specific
transcripts in in vitro-matured (IN VITRO-OPU) and in
vivo-matured (IN VIVO-OPU) oocytes collected from the same donors
by transvaginal ovum pick-up (OPU). Transcript abundance in oocytes from the
IN VIVO-OPU group and oocytes matured in vitro but
retrieved from different cows slaughtered at a commercial abattoir (IN
VITRO-Abattoir group) was also compared. Total RNA was extracted from
denuded oocytes and cDNA was produced via reverse transcription using an
oligo(dT) primer for relative quantification of eight target transcripts by
real-time PCR. Results: Oocytes in the IN VITRO-OPU group had lower (p<0.05)
abundance of peroxiredoxin 1 (Prdx1), heat shock protein
70.1 (Hsp70.1), growth and differentiation factor 9
(Gdf9), and maternal antigen that embryo requires
(Mater) transcripts than the oocytes in the IN VIVO-OPU
group, all obtained from the same pool of donor cows. Similar results were
seen in the comparisons involving the IN VIVO-OPU and IN VITRO-Abattoir
groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: In vitro maturation affected the abundance of polyadenylated
transcripts in the oocyte cytoplasm when compared to in
vivo maturation induced by exogenous hormones in oocytes
collected from the same donor pool.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michele Munk
- Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
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Kadarmideen HN, Mazzoni G. Transcriptomics-genomics data integration and expression quantitative trait loci analyses in oocyte donors and embryo recipients for improving invitro production of dairy cattle embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:55-67. [PMID: 32188542 DOI: 10.1071/rd18338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper we first provide a brief review of main results from our previously published studies on genome-wide gene expression (transcriptomics) in donor and recipient cattle used in invitro production (IVP) of embryos and embryo transfer (ET). Then, we present novel results from applying integrative systems genomics and biological analyses where transcriptomics data are combined with genomic data in both donor and recipient cattle to map expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). The eQTLs are genetic markers that can regulate or control the expression of genes in the entire genome, via complex molecular mechanisms, and thus can act as a powerful tool for genomic and gene-assisted selection. We identified significant eQTLs potentially controlling the expression of 13 candidate genes for donor cow quality (IVP parameters; e.g. cyclin B1 (CCNB1), outer dense fiber of sperm tails 2 like (ODF2L)) and 19 candidate genes for recipient cows quality (endometrial receptivity; e.g. ER membrane protein complex subunit 9 (EMC9), mannosidase beta (MANBA), peptidase inhibitor 16 (PI16)). Annotation and colocation of detected eQTLs show that some of the eQTLs are in the same genomic regions previously reported as QTLs for reproduction-related traits. However, eQTLs and the candidate genes identified should be further validated in larger populations before implementation as genetic markers or used in genomic selection for improving IVP and ET performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- H N Kadarmideen
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 208, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - G Mazzoni
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 208, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Antonino DDC, Soares MM, Júnior JDM, de Alvarenga PB, Mohallem RDFF, Rocha CD, Vieira LA, de Souza AG, Beletti ME, Alves BG, Jacomini JO, Goulart LR, Alves KA. Three-dimensional levitation culture improves in-vitro growth of secondary follicles in bovine model. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 38:300-311. [PMID: 30639159 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does a three-dimensional culture system based on magnetic levitation with nanoparticles assembly maintain the follicular structure and viability with adequate growth rates leading to oocyte maturation after long-term culture? DESIGN Randomized-controlled trial of treatments in a bovine model. Secondary follicles (n = 213) isolated from bovine ovaries were cultured in a two-dimensional system (two-dimensional control) or three-dimensional levitation system with different concentrations (three-dimensional 50 µl/ml, 100 µl/ml and 200 µl/ml) of magnetic nanoparticles. Follicular growth (diameter, daily growth and growth patterns), morphology (normal, degenerated and extruded follicles), antrum formation, oocyte viability and chromatin configuration were assessed. RESULTS Secondary follicles of three-dimensional 200-µl/ml treatment showed higher viability, antrum formation and lower degeneration rates than two-dimensional control. Also, follicles cultured in the three-dimensional 200-µl/ml treatment presented a most homogenous daily growth rate as shown by the lowest variance and standard deviation. Compared with the two-dimensional control, the proportion of non-growing and slow-growing follicles were 3.8-fold lower and 1.6-fold higher, respectively, in the three-dimensional 200-µl/ml treatment. After in-vitro maturation, the three-dimensional 200-µl/ml had a greater proportion of viable oocytes (1.7-fold) and meiotic resumption rates (2.4-fold) than the two-dimensional control treatment. CONCLUSION The three-dimensional levitation culture system improves the viability of in-vitro development of bovine secondary follicles, antrum formation and lower extrusion and degeneration rates and adequate growth rate leading to relevant oocyte viability and meiotic resumption after in-vitro maturation. This approach does not require a specific medium, and has the potential as an alternative method to in-vitro follicle culture in several species, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deize de Cássia Antonino
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, 38400-902, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mayara Mafra Soares
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, 38400-902, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jairo de Melo Júnior
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, 38400-902, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Paula Batista de Alvarenga
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, 38400-902, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renata de Freitas Ferreira Mohallem
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, 38400-902, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carina Diniz Rocha
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, 38400-902, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Aline Gomes de Souza
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Emílio Beletti
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Benner Geraldo Alves
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Octavio Jacomini
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, 38400-902, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luiz Ricardo Goulart
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia Minas Gerais, Brazil; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis CA, USA
| | - Kele Amaral Alves
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, 38400-902, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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An oviduct-on-a-chip provides an enhanced in vitro environment for zygote genome reprogramming. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4934. [PMID: 30467383 PMCID: PMC6250703 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07119-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide over 5 million children have been conceived using assisted reproductive technology, and research has concentrated on increasing the likelihood of ongoing pregnancy. However, studies using animal models have indicated undesirable effects of in vitro embryo culture on offspring development and health. In vivo, the oviduct hosts a period in which the early embryo undergoes complete reprogramming of its (epi)genome in preparation for the reacquisition of (epi)genetic marks. We designed an oviduct-on-a-chip platform to better investigate the mechanisms related to (epi)genetic reprogramming and the degree to which they differ between in vitro and in vivo embryos. The device supports more physiological (in vivo-like) zygote genetic reprogramming than conventional IVF. This approach will be instrumental in identifying and investigating factors critical to fertilization and pre-implantation development, which could improve the quality and (epi)genetic integrity of IVF zygotes with likely relevance for early embryonic and later fetal development.
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