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Zhang Y, Tang L, Liu H, Cheng Y. The Multiple Functions of HB-EGF in Female Reproduction and Related Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Targeting Strategies. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01454-6. [PMID: 38424408 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01454-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Heparin-binding growth factor (HB-EGF) is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) ligand family which has a crucial role in women's health. However, there is a lack of comprehensive review to summarize the significance of HB-EGF. Therefore, this work first described the expression patterns of HB-EGF in the endometrium and ovary of different species and gestational time. Then, the focus was on exploring how it promotes the successful implantation and regulates the process of decidualization and the function of ovarian granulosa cells as an intermediate molecule. Otherwise, we also focused on the clinical and prognostic significance of HB-EGF in female-related cancers (including ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer) and breast cancer. Lastly, the article also summarizes the current drugs targeting HB-EGF in the treatment of ovarian cancer and breast cancer. Overall, these studies found that the expression of HB-EGF in the endometrium is spatiotemporal and species-specific. And it mediates the dialogue between the blastocyst and endometrium, promoting synchronous development of the blastocyst and endometrium as an intermediate molecule. HB-EGF may serve as a potentially valuable prognostic clinical indicator in tumors. And the specific inhibitor of HB-EGF (CRM197) has a certain anti-tumor ability, which can exert synergistic anti-tumor effects with conventional chemotherapy drugs. However, it also suggests that more research is needed in the future to elucidate its specific mechanisms and to accommodate clinical studies with a larger sample size to clarify its clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Lujia Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanxiang Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Ma M, Zhang L, Liu Z, Teng Y, Li M, Peng X, An L. Effect of blastocyst development on hatching and embryo implantation. Theriogenology 2024; 214:66-72. [PMID: 37857152 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian zygote, formed after a sperm fertilizes an egg, undergoes several rounds of mitosis and morphogenesis to form the blastocyst. During the peri-implantation period, the blastocyst hatches out of the zona pellucida (ZP) and invades the receptive uterine endometrium. This process promotes maternal-fetal dialogue at the physiological and molecular level, thereby initiating the implantation process. Blastocyst hatching is a consequence of elevated osmotic pressure due to active Na+/K+ ion transporter in the blastocyst cavity, as well as proteases produced by trophectoderm (TE) that hydrolyze the ZP. This review summarizes the process underpinning blastocyst hatching, such as the hatching schedule, the location of TEs during initial hatching out of the ZP, the molecules involved in blastocyst hatching, and how these processes affect implantation events. Additionally, we focus on identifying crucial molecules that may influence the quality of implantation and predict the outcome of embryo implantation. Further understanding the mechanism of these molecules may help us to improve the efficiency of Assisted reproductive technology (ART) in livestock breeding. This review provides insight into embryonic development, specifically during the short-term process of blastocyst hatching and its effects on the following implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixiang Ma
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Zihan Liu
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Yadi Teng
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Miaolong Li
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Xinrong Peng
- Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, 830011, China.
| | - Liyou An
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China.
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3
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Pathak M, Vani V, Seshagiri PB. Expression and function of interleukin-1β is required for hamster blastocyst hatching: Involvement of hatching-associated cathepsin proteases. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:274-286. [PMID: 33719101 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, the phenomenon of blastocyst hatching is an essential prerequisite for successful implantation. Blastocyst hatching is regulated by various molecules. Of them, cytokines, expressed by preimplantation embryos, are thought to be functionally important in blastocyst development and hatching, but their mechanistic roles are not clearly understood. Here, we examined the involvement of two cytokines, namely, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and its natural antagonist, IL-1ra, in blastocyst hatching in the golden hamster. Blastocysts expressed both cytokines and their receptor, IL-1rt1. Supplementation of IL-1β to cultured eight-cell embryos improved blastocyst hatching (84.1% ± 4.2% vs. 66.6% ± 6.8%; treated vs. control). This improvement was diminished by IL-1ra treatment (23.6% ± 12.9% vs. 76.4% ± 12.9%; treated vs. control). Interestingly, IL-1β-treated embryos showed increased messenger RNA expression of zonalytic proteases, that is, cathepsin-L and -B by 1.9 ± 0.5- and 3.5 ± 0.1-folds, respectively. This was accompanied by their increased enzyme activities; cathepsin-L by 2.8 ± 0.7 fold and -B by 2.3 ± 0.7-fold. Strikingly, proteases and IL-1β were intensely colocalized to trophectodermal projections of hatching blastocysts. This is the first report to show the involvement of embryonic IL-1β in regulating hatching-associated proteases required for blastocyst hatching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhulika Pathak
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development, and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Venkatappa Vani
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development, and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Polani B Seshagiri
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development, and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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4
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Dolebo AT, Khayatzadeh N, Melesse A, Wragg D, Rekik M, Haile A, Rischkowsky B, Rothschild MF, Mwacharo JM. Genome-wide scans identify known and novel regions associated with prolificacy and reproduction traits in a sub-Saharan African indigenous sheep (Ovis aries). Mamm Genome 2019; 30:339-352. [PMID: 31758253 PMCID: PMC6884434 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-019-09820-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Maximizing the number of offspring born per female is a key functionality trait in commercial- and/or subsistence-oriented livestock enterprises. Although the number of offspring born is closely associated with female fertility and reproductive success, the genetic control of these traits remains poorly understood in sub-Saharan Africa livestock. Using selection signature analysis performed on Ovine HD BeadChip data from the prolific Bonga sheep in Ethiopia, 41 candidate regions under selection were identified. The analysis revealed one strong selection signature on a candidate region on chromosome X spanning BMP15, suggesting this to be the primary candidate prolificacy gene in the breed. The analysis also identified several candidate regions spanning genes not reported before in prolific sheep but underlying fertility and reproduction in other species. The genes associated with female reproduction traits included SPOCK1 (age at first oestrus), GPR173 (mediator of ovarian cyclicity), HB-EGF (signalling early pregnancy success) and SMARCAL1 and HMGN3a (regulate gene expression during embryogenesis). The genes involved in male reproduction were FOXJ1 (sperm function and successful fertilization) and NME5 (spermatogenesis). We also observed genes such as PKD2L2, MAGED1 and KDM3B, which have been associated with diverse fertility traits in both sexes of other species. The results confirm the complexity of the genetic mechanisms underlying reproduction while suggesting that prolificacy in the Bonga sheep, and possibly African indigenous sheep is partly under the control of BMP15 while other genes that enhance male and female fertility are essential for reproductive fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asrat Tera Dolebo
- Southern Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), P.O. Box 06, Hawassa, Ethiopia
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Negar Khayatzadeh
- Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Division of Livestock Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Gregor-Mendel-Strasse, 1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aberra Melesse
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - David Wragg
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, The Roslin Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mourad Rekik
- Small Ruminant Genomics, International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Aynalem Haile
- Small Ruminant Genomics, International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Barbara Rischkowsky
- Small Ruminant Genomics, International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Max F Rothschild
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, 2255 Kildee Hall, Ames, IA, 50011-3150, USA
| | - Joram M Mwacharo
- Small Ruminant Genomics, International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Abstract
Development of preimplantation embryos, from fertilization to hatched-blastocyst stage, has been a challenging task, regardless of the mammalian species being studied. While the mouse model has been versatile for studying in vitro development of early embryos, other rodent species are important to gain insights into comparative early embryogenesis. The golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) offers unique advantages to study cellular and molecular regulation of gamete maturation, fertilization and preimplantation development, including the phenomenon of blastocyst hatching. Achieving in vitro fertilization and first cleavage division is relatively easy; however, subsequent development past the two-/four-cell stage had been difficult in hamsters. Pioneering research, carried out over three decades has markedly enabled successful in vitro development of one-cell embryos to blastocysts. This article provides a comprehensive perspective (historical and current) on the embryo culture systems and details an optimized culture protocols to achieve normal and viable development of preimplantation embryos in the golden hamster.
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Piccirilli D, Baldini E, Massimiani M, Camaioni A, Salustri A, Bernardini R, Centanni M, Ulisse S, Moretti C, Campagnolo L. Thyroid hormone regulates protease expression and activation of Notch signaling in implantation and embryo development. J Endocrinol 2018; 236:1-12. [PMID: 28993437 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A clinical association between thyroid dysfunction and pregnancy complications has been extensively reported; however, the molecular mechanisms through which TH might regulate key events of pregnancy have not been elucidated yet. In this respect, we performed in vivo studies in MMI-induced hypothyroid pregnant mice, evaluating the effect of hypothyroidism on the number of implantation sites, developing embryos/resorptions and pups per litter, at 4.5, 10.5, 18.5 days post-coitum (dpc) and at birth. We also studied the expression of major molecules involved in implantation and placentation, such as the proteases ISPs, MMPs, TIMPs and Notch pathway-related genes. Our results demonstrate that hypothyroidism may have a dual effect on pregnancy, by initially influencing implantation and by regulating placental development at later stages of gestation. To further elucidate the role of TH in implantation, we performed in vitro studies by culturing 3.5 dpc blastocysts in the presence of TH, with or without endometrial cells used as the feeder layer, and studied their ability to undergo hatching and outgrowth. We observed that, in the presence of endometrial feeder cells, TH is able to anticipate blastocyst hatching by upregulating the expression of blastocyst-produced ISPs, and to enhance blastocyst outgrowth by upregulating endometrial ISPs and MMPs. These results clearly indicate that TH is involved in the bidirectional crosstalk between the competent blastocyst and the receptive endometrium at the time of implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diletta Piccirilli
- Department of Biomedicine and PreventionUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Enke Baldini
- Department of Surgical Sciences'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Micol Massimiani
- Department of Biomedicine and PreventionUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Camaioni
- Department of Biomedicine and PreventionUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Salustri
- Department of Biomedicine and PreventionUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Centanni
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies'Sapienza' University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ulisse
- Department of Surgical Sciences'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Costanzo Moretti
- Department of Systems' Medicine University of Rome Tor VergataUOC of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Section of Reproductive Endocrinology Fatebenefratelli Hospital, 'Isola Tiberina', Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and PreventionUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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7
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Shafei RA, Syrkasheva AG, Romanov AY, Makarova NP, Dolgushina NV, Semenova ML. Blastocyst hatching in humans. Russ J Dev Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360417010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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8
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Roy SS, Seshagiri PB. The NF-κB signaling system is required for blastocyst hatching in the golden hamster: Mediated by the expression of hatching-promoting cathepsins. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrhm.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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9
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Jasmin, Peters VM, Spray DC, Mendez-Otero R. Effect of mesenchymal stem cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts on the development of preimplantation mouse embryos. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2016; 52:497-506. [PMID: 26744031 PMCID: PMC5140089 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-015-9997-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in assisted reproduction techniques, the poor quality and failures in embryo in vitro development remain as drawbacks resulting in low pregnancy rate. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) have been widely used to support embryonic stem cells. Mesenchymal cells (MSCs) have also been shown to release bioactive factors. In the present study, we have evaluated the ability of MSCs and MEFs to support early development of mouse embryos. The embryos were cultivated alone or in coculture with inactivated MSC or MEF for 4 d. After 4 d in culture, the percentage of blastocyst formation in coculture with MSC (91.7 ± 4.3%) or MEF (95.1 ± 3.3%) was higher than in the control group (72.2 ± 9.0%). We did not observe any difference in proliferation or apoptosis. However, the blastocysts cocultured with MSC or MEF presented a significantly higher number of cells within the inner cell mass per embryo when compared to the controls. The MSC and MEF groups presented also a higher cell number and diameter when compared to the control (CTRL). In summary, our data indicate that coculture with MSC or MEF improves early embryonic development and quality in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Centro de Biologia da Reprodução, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Vera Maria Peters
- Centro de Biologia da Reprodução, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - David C Spray
- Dept. of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Rosalia Mendez-Otero
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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10
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Lian C, Ruan L, Shang D, Wu Y, Lu Y, Lü P, Yang Y, Wei Y, Dong X, Ren D, Chen K, Liu H, Tu Z. Heparin-Binding Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Growth Factor as a Potent Target for Breast Cancer Therapy. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2016; 31:85-90. [DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2015.1956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Lian
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Lingling Ruan
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Dongsheng Shang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yanfang Wu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yongjin Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Peng Lü
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yuhua Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yajun Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiaojing Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Dewan Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Keping Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Hanqing Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zhigang Tu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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11
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Seshagiri PB, Vani V, Madhulika P. Cytokines and Blastocyst Hatching. Am J Reprod Immunol 2015; 75:208-17. [PMID: 26706391 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocyst implantation into the uterine endometrium establishes early pregnancy. This event is regulated by blastocyst- and/or endometrium-derived molecular factors which include hormones, growth factors, cell adhesion molecules, cytokines and proteases. Their coordinated expression and function are critical for a viable pregnancy. A rate-limiting event that immediately precedes implantation is the hatching of blastocyst. Ironically, blastocyst hatching is tacitly linked to peri-implantation events, although it is a distinct developmental phenomenon. The exact molecular network regulating hatching is still unclear. A number of implantation-associated molecular factors are expressed in the pre-implanting blastocyst. Among others, cytokines, expressed by peri-implantation blastocysts, are thought to be important for hatching, making blastocysts implantation competent. Pro-inflammatory (IL-6, LIF, GM-CSF) and anti-inflammatory (IL-11, CSF-1) cytokines improve hatching rates; they modulate proteases (MMPs, tPAs, cathepsins and ISP1). However, functional involvement of cytokines and their specific mediation of hatching-associated proteases are unclear. There is a need to understand mechanistic roles of cytokines and proteases in blastocyst hatching. This review will assess the available knowledge on blastocyst-derived pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and their role in potentially regulating blastocyst hatching. They have implications in our understanding of early embryonic loss and infertility in mammals, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polani B Seshagiri
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Venkatappa Vani
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Pathak Madhulika
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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12
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Sen Roy S, Seshagiri PB. Expression and function of cyclooxygenase-2 is necessary for hamster blastocyst hatching. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 19:838-51. [PMID: 24043695 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocyst hatching is critical for successful implantation leading to pregnancy. Its failure causes infertility. The phenomenon of blastocyst hatching in humans is poorly understood and the available information on this stems from studies of rodents such as mice and hamsters. We and others showed that hamster blastocyst hatching is characterized by firstly blastocyst deflation followed by a dissolution of the zona pellucida (zona) and accompanied by trophectodermal projections (TEPs). We also showed that embryo-derived cathepsins (Cat) proteases, specifically Cat-L, -B and -P act as zonalysins and are responsible for hatching. In this study, we show the expression and function of one of the potential regulators of embryogenesis, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 during blastocyst development and hatching. The expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein was observed in 8-cell through hatched blastocyst stages and it was also localized to blastocyst's TEPs. Specific COX-2 inhibitors, NS-398 and CAY-10404, inhibited blastocyst hatching; percentages achieved were only 28.4 ± 5.3 and 32.3 ± 5.4%, respectively, compared with >90% with untreated embryos. Interestingly, inhibitor-treated blastocysts failed to deflate, normally observed during hatching. Supplementation of prostaglandins (PGs)-E2 or -I2 to cultured embryos reversed the inhibitors' effect on hatching and also the deflation behavior. Importantly, the levels of mRNA and protein of Cat-L, -B and -P showed a significant reduction in the inhibitor-treated embryos compared with untreated embryos, although its mechanism remains to be examined. These data provide the first evidence that COX-2 is critical for blastocyst hatching in the golden hamster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhendu Sen Roy
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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13
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Wang H, Luan L, Ding T, Brown N, Reese J, Paria BC. Dynamics of zonula occludens-2 expression during preimplantation embryonic development in the hamster. Theriogenology 2011; 76:678-86. [PMID: 21601268 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Revised: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The objective was to study the expression of zonula occludens-2, a tight junction protein, during preimplantation hamster embryonic development, to predict its possible localization, source, and roles in trophectoderm differentiation and blastocyst formation in this species. Comparison of zonula occludens-2 expression pattern between the hamster and mouse preimplantation embryos from the zygote up to the blastocyst stage was also an objective of this study. Zonula occludens-2 localization was noted in nuclei of blastomeres in all stages of hamster and mouse embryonic development. Compared to mice, where zonula occludens-2 was first localized in the interblastomere membrane at the morula stage, hamster embryos had membranous zonula occludens-2 localization from the 2-cell stage onwards. Based on combined results of immunolocalization study in parthenogenic embryos and ovarian and epididymal sections, and quantitative PCR done in oocytes and all developmental stages of preimplantation embryos, perhaps there was a carry-over of zonula occludens-2 proteins or mRNA from the dam to the embryo. Based on these findings, we inferred that maternally derived zonula occludens-2 was involved in nuclear functions, as well as differentiation of blastomeres and blastocoel formation during preimplantation embryonic development in the hamster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hehai Wang
- Children Memorial Research Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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14
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Abstract
The establishment of pregnancy requires an intimate physical interaction and a molecular dialogue between the conceptus and the maternal reproductive tract that commences at implantation and continues until the placenta is formed and fully functional. Failure of the regulatory processes that ensure the fidelity of this relationship can precipitate a catastrophic pregnancy loss. One of the earliest identified molecular mediators of blastocyst implantation is heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (HBEGF), which signals between the endometrium and implanting trophoblast cells to synchronize their corresponding developmental programs. HBEGF expression by trophoblast cells of the developing placenta appears to regulate extravillous differentiation and provide cytoprotection in a sometimes-hostile environment. This versatile member of the EGF signaling system will be examined in light of its associations with key events during early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Jessmon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201-1405, USA
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15
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Seshagiri PB, Sen Roy S, Sireesha G, Rao RP. Cellular and molecular regulation of mammalian blastocyst hatching. J Reprod Immunol 2009; 83:79-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2009.06.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2009] [Revised: 05/07/2009] [Accepted: 06/21/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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16
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Sireesha G, Mason R, Hassanein M, Tonack S, Navarrete Santos A, Fischer B, Seshagiri P. Role of cathepsins in blastocyst hatching in the golden hamster. Mol Hum Reprod 2008; 14:337-46. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gan026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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17
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Schneider MR, Wolf E. The epidermal growth factor receptor and its ligands in female reproduction: Insights from rodent models. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2008; 19:173-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2008.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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18
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Reese J, Wang H, Ding T, Paria BC. The hamster as a model for embryo implantation: insights into a multifaceted process. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2007; 19:194-203. [PMID: 18178492 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2007.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2007] [Revised: 11/21/2007] [Accepted: 11/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Defects in preimplantation embryonic development, uterine receptivity, and implantation are the leading cause of infertility, pregnancy problems and birth defects. Significant progress has been made in our basic understanding of these processes using the mouse model, where implantation is ovarian estrogen-dependent in the presence of progesterone. However, an animal model where implantation is progesterone-dependent must also be studied to gain a full understanding of the embryo and uterine events that are required for implantation. In this regard, the hamster is a useful model and this review summarizes the information currently available regarding mechanisms involved in synchronous preimplantation embryo and uterine development for implantation in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Reese
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232-0656, USA
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Singh N, Malaviya B. Kinetics of bromhexine-mediated down-regulation of focal adhesive molecules of uterus and trophectoderm affecting conception in the rat. Contraception 2006; 73:645-53. [PMID: 16730500 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2005.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2005] [Revised: 11/04/2005] [Accepted: 11/04/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Quantitative evaluation of properties of bromhexine (B) for expression of uterine proteins in ovariectomized (OVX) and pregnant rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Expression of proteins through SDS-PAGE, along with incorporation of glycosidic moieties, was conducted in pregnant and OVX rats under B influence. These findings were corroborated with other tests such as implantation sites, fetal and litter sizes in pregnant rats. RESULTS In OVX animals, even under the influence of estradiol dipropionate and progesterone, the B recreated a condition akin to OVX animals. It also induced 50-80% inhibition in the incorporation of glycosidic moieties to polypeptide chain. Distinct reduction in implantation sites, fetal sizes and interference in the conception (16/46) in pregnant rats substantiated the results of the action of B as an antiimplantation agent. CONCLUSION Bromhexine has shown interference in blastocyst attachment, conception, reduction in number of implantation sites and dwarfing of fetuses; hence, it is a potential candidate for antiimplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neetu Singh
- Genotoxicity laboratory, Toxicology Division, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226001, UP, India.
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Lee GS, Kim HS, Hyun SH, Jeon HY, Nam DH, Jeong YW, Kim S, Kim JH, Kang SK, Lee BC, Hwang WS. Effect of epidermal growth factor in preimplantation development of porcine cloned embryos. Mol Reprod Dev 2005; 71:45-51. [PMID: 15736135 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we determined the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFr) gene, and the effect of exogenous EGF supplementation on preimplantation development of porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos. In vitro matured gilt oocytes were fertilized with frozen-thawed semen in vitro or reconstructed with fetal fibroblasts by SCNT. In Experiment 1, total RNA was isolated from oocytes, preimplantation SCNT, or in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos. The expression of EGF and EGFr mRNA was determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In SCNT and IVF embryos, the EGF mRNA was detected in oocytes, 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, morulae, and blastocysts, while EGFr mRNA was detected in oocytes, 2-cell, morulae, and blastocysts. In Experiment 2, SCNT embryos at 1-cell stage were cultured in North Carolina State University (NCSU)-23 medium supplemented with different concentrations of EGF (0.1, 1, or 10 ng/ml). Supplementing with 10 ng/ml EGF improved cleavage rate (82.8% vs. 76.8%, P<0.05), but not the rate of blastocyst formation compared to the control. At all concentrations, EGF increased (P<0.05) the total cell number in blastocysts (range 50.5-53.7 vs. 43.9). In Experiment 3, EGF (10 ng/ml) was added to NCSU-23 medium at the morula stage. The EGF did not affect blastocyst formation, total cell number in blastocysts or the ratio of inner cell mass (ICM) to total cell number. In conclusion, we demonstrated that EGF and EGFr mRNA are expressed in porcine IVF and SCNT preimplantation embryos, and that EGF increased the quality of blastocysts by increasing total cell numbers in porcine SCNT embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gab Sang Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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Wang X, Wang H, Matsumoto H, Roy SK, Das SK, Paria BC. Dual source and target of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor during the onset of implantation in the hamster. Development 2002; 129:4125-34. [PMID: 12163414 DOI: 10.1242/dev.129.17.4125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Heparin binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), encoded by the Hegfl gene, is considered as an important mediator of embryo-uterine interactions during implantation in mice. However, it is unknown whether HB-EGF is important for implantation in species with different steroid hormonal requirements. In mice and rats, maternal ovarian estrogen and progesterone (P4) are essential to implantation. In contrast, blastocyst implantation can occur in hamsters in the presence of P4 alone. To ascertain whether HB-EGF plays any role in implantation in hamsters, we examined the expression, regulation and signaling of HB-EGF in the hamster embryo and uterus during the periimplantation period. We demonstrate that both the blastocyst and uterus express HB-EGF during implantation. Hegfl is expressed solely in the uterine luminal epithelium surrounding the blastocyst prior to and during the initiation of implantation. Hypophysectomized P4-treated pregnant hamsters also showed a similar pattern of implantation-specific Hegfl expression. These results suggest that uterine Hegfl expression at the implantation site is driven by either signals emanating from the blastocyst or maternal P4, but not by maternal estrogen. However, in ovariectomized hamsters, uterine induction of Hegfl requires the presence of estrogen and activation of its nuclear receptor (ER), but not P4. This observation suggests an intriguing possibility that an estrogenic or unidentified signal from the blastocyst is the trigger for uterine HB-EGF expression. An auto-induction of Hegfl in the uterus by blastocyst-derived HB-EGF is also a possibility. We further observed that HB-EGF induces autophosphorylation of ErbB1 and ErbB4 in the uterus and blastocyst. Taken together, we propose that HB-EGF production and signaling by the blastocyst and uterus orchestrate the ‘two-way’ molecular signaling to initiate the process of implantation in hamsters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Ralph L. Smith Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City 66160-7338, USA
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Seshagiri PB, Mishra A, Ramesh G, Rao RP. Regulation of peri-attachment embryo development in the golden hamster: role of growth factors. J Reprod Immunol 2002; 53:203-13. [PMID: 11730917 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0378(01)00086-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The molecular regulation of mammalian peri-implantation development is complex and difficult to study in vivo. We successfully cultured hamster blastocysts through hatching and peri-attachment stages, using a chemically defined medium, HECM-2h. Using this system, we showed that a species-specific, embryonic cysteine-like protease is involved in blastocyst hatching and that the process is modulated by growth factors. In particular, heparin binding-epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) or leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) enhance blastocyst hatching, and the former also improves attachment and trophoblast outgrowth. We observed interesting changing patterns of expression of mRNA and/or immunoreactive protein for EGF, HB-EGF, LIF and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in the embryo and/or endometrial tissue, during peri-implantation development. Together, it appears that hamster blastocyst hatching, attachment and trophoblast outgrowth are regulated by autocrine and/or paracrine growth factors, produced by the embryo-endometrial tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- P B Seshagiri
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, India.
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