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Salilew-Wondim D, Tesfaye D, Rings F, Held-Hoelker E, Miskel D, Sirard MA, Tholen E, Schellander K, Hoelker M. The global gene expression outline of the bovine blastocyst: reflector of environmental conditions and predictor of developmental capacity. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:408. [PMID: 34082721 PMCID: PMC8176733 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07693-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Morphological evaluation of embryos has been used to screen embryos for transfer. However, the repeatability and accuracy of this method remains low. Thus, evaluation of an embryo’s gene expression signature with respect to its developmental capacity could provide new opportunities for embryo selection. Since the gene expression outline of an embryo is considered as an aggregate of its intrinsic characteristics and culture conditions, we have compared transcriptome profiles of in vivo and in vitro derived blastocysts in relation to pregnancy outcome to unravel the discrete effects of developmental competence and environmental conditions on bovine embryo gene expression outlines. To understand whether the gene expression patterns could be associated with blastocyst developmental competency, the global transcriptome profile of in vivo (CVO) and in vitro (CVT) derived competent blastocysts that resulted in pregnancy was investigated relative to that of in vivo (NVO) and in vitro (NVT) derived blastocysts which did not establish initial pregnancy, respectively while to unravel the effects of culture condition on the transcriptome profile of embryos, the transcriptional activity of the CVO group was compared to the CVT group and the NVO group was compared to the NVT ones. Results A total of 700 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between CVO and NVO blastocysts. These gene transcripts represent constitutive regions, indel variants, 3′-UTR sequence variants and novel transcript regions. The majority (82%) of these DEGs, including gene clusters like ATP synthases, eukaryotic translation initiation factors, ribosomal proteins, mitochondrial ribosomal proteins, NADH dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase subunits were enriched in the CVO group. These DEGs were involved in pathways associated with glycolysis/glycogenesis, citrate acid cycle, pyruvate metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation. Similarly, a total of 218 genes were differentially expressed between CVT and NVT groups. Of these, 89%, including TPT1, PDIA6, HSP90AA1 and CALM, were downregulated in the CVT group and those DEGs were overrepresented in pathways related to protein processing, endoplasmic reticulum, spliceasome, ubiquitone mediated proteolysis and steroid biosynthesis. On the other hand, although both the CVT and CVO blastocyst groups resulted in pregnancy, a total of 937 genes were differential expressed between the two groups. Compared to CVO embryos, the CVT ones exhibited downregulation of gene clusters including ribosomal proteins, mitochondrial ribosomal protein, eukaryotic translation initiation factors, ATP synthases, NADH dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidases. Nonetheless, downregulation of these genes could be associated with pre and postnatal abnormalities observed after transfer of in vitro embryos. Conclusion The present study provides a detailed inventory of differentially expressed gene signatures and pathways specifically reflective of the developmental environment and future developmental capacities of bovine embryos suggesting that transcriptome activity observed in blastocysts could be indicative of further pregnancy success but also adaptation to culture environment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07693-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dessie Salilew-Wondim
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dawit Tesfaye
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3105 Rampart Rd, CO, 80521, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Franca Rings
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eva Held-Hoelker
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dennis Miskel
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marc-Andre Sirard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, INAF, Pavillon des services, Université Laval (Québec), G1V 0A6, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Ernst Tholen
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karl Schellander
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hoelker
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany. .,Department of Animal Science, Biotechnology & Reproduction in farm animals, University of Goettingen, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Goettingen, Germany.
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Ferré LB, Kjelland ME, Taiyeb AM, Campos-Chillon F, Ross PJ. Recent progress in bovine in vitro-derived embryo cryotolerance: Impact of in vitro culture systems, advances in cryopreservation and future considerations. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:659-676. [PMID: 32144939 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of in vitro-derived bovine embryos is a crucial step for the widespread reproduction and conservation of valuable high-merit animals. Given the current popularity of bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP), there is a demand for a highly efficient ultra-low temperature storage method in order to maximize donor ovum pickup (OPU) turn-over, recipient availability/utilization and domestic/overseas commercial trading opportunities. However, IVP bovine embryos are still very sensitive to chilling and cryopreservation, and despite recent progress, a convenient (simple and robust) protocol has not yet been developed. At the moment, there are two methods for bovine IVP embryo cryopreservation: slow programmable freezing and vitrification. Both of the aforementioned techniques have pros and cons. While controlled-rate slow cooling can easily be adapted for direct transfer (DT), ice crystal formation remains an issue. On the other hand, vitrification solved this problem but the possibility of successful DT commercial incorporation remains to be determined. Moreover, simplification of the vitrification protocol (including warming) through the use of an in-straw dilution without the use of a microscope is a prerequisite for its use under farm conditions. This review summarizes the bovine IVP embryo cryopreservation achievements, strengths and limitations of both freezing systems and prospective improvements to enhance cryosurvival, as well as perspectives on future directions of this assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis B Ferré
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Michael E Kjelland
- Conservation, Genetics & Biotech, LLC, Valley City, ND, USA.,Mayville State University, Mayville, ND, USA
| | - Ahmed M Taiyeb
- Conservation, Genetics & Biotech, LLC, Valley City, ND, USA.,Barz IVF Center for Embryo Research and Infertility Treatment, Kurdistan, Iraq
| | - Fernando Campos-Chillon
- Animal Science Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
| | - Pablo J Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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3
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Hendriks WK, Colleoni S, Galli C, Paris DBBP, Colenbrander B, Stout TAE. Mitochondrial DNA replication is initiated at blastocyst formation in equine embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:570-578. [PMID: 30423285 DOI: 10.1071/rd17387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is the technique of choice for equine IVF and, in a research setting, 18-36% of injected oocytes develop to blastocysts. However, blastocyst development in clinical programs is lower, presumably due to a combination of variable oocyte quality (e.g. from old mares), suboptimal culture conditions and marginal fertility of some stallions. Furthermore, mitochondrial constitution appears to be critical to developmental competence, and both maternal aging and invitro embryo production (IVEP) negatively affect mitochondrial number and function in murine and bovine embryos. The present study examined the onset of mitochondrial (mt) DNA replication in equine embryos and investigated whether IVEP affects the timing of this important event, or the expression of genes required for mtDNA replication (i.e. mitochondrial transcription factor (TFAM), mtDNA polymerase γ subunit B (mtPOLB) and single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB)). We also investigated whether developmental arrest was associated with low mtDNA copy number. mtDNA copy number increased (P<0.01) between the early and expanded blastocyst stages both invivo and invitro, whereas the mtDNA:total DNA ratio was higher in invitro-produced embryos (P=0.041). Mitochondrial replication was preceded by an increase in TFAM but, unexpectedly, not mtPOLB or SSB expression. There was no association between embryonic arrest and lower mtDNA copy numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Karin Hendriks
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584CM Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Silvia Colleoni
- Avantea, Laboratorio di Technologie della Riproduzione, Via Porcellasco 7f, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Cesare Galli
- Avantea, Laboratorio di Technologie della Riproduzione, Via Porcellasco 7f, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Damien B B P Paris
- Discipline of Biomedical Science, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Solander Drive, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia
| | - Ben Colenbrander
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584CM Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584CM Utrecht, Netherlands
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Dorfeshan P, Ghaffari Novin M, Salehi M, Masteri Farahani R, Fadaei-Fathabadi F, Sehatti R. The Effects of In Vitro Maturation Technique on The Expression of Genes Involved in Embryonic Genome Activation of Human Embryos. CELL JOURNAL 2017; 20:90-97. [PMID: 29308624 PMCID: PMC5759685 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2018.4804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Objective In vitro maturation technique (IVM) is shown to have an effect on full maturation of immature oocytes and
the subsequent embryo development. Embryonic genome activation (EGA) is considered as a crucial and the first
process after fertilization. EGA failure leads to embryo arrest and possible implantation failure. This study aimed to
determine the role of IVM in EGA-related genes expression in human embryo originated from immature oocytes and
recovered from women receiving gonadotrophin treatment for assisted reproduction.
Materials and Methods In this experimental study, germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes were cultured in vitro. After
intracytoplasmic sperm injection of the oocytes, fertilization, cleavage and embryo quality score were assessed in
vitro and in vivo. After 3-4 days, a single blastomere was biopsied from the embryos and then frozen. Afterwards, the
expression of EGA-related genes in embryos was assayed using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain
reaction (PCR).
Results The in vitro study showed reduced quality of embryos. No significant difference was found between embryo
quality scores for the two groups (P=0.754). The in vitro group exhibited a relatively reduced expression of the EGA-
related genes, when compared to the in vivo group (all of them showed P=0.0001).
Conclusion Although displaying the normal morphology, the IVM process appeared to have a negative influence on
developmental gene expression levels of human preimplanted embryos. Based on our results, the embryo normal
morphology cannot be considered as an ideal scale for the successful growth of embryo at implantation and downstream
processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvin Dorfeshan
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Electronic Address:
| | - Mohammad Salehi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Masteri Farahani
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Fadaei-Fathabadi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ronak Sehatti
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Aban Hospital, Tehran, Iran
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5
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Popken J, Brero A, Koehler D, Schmid VJ, Strauss A, Wuensch A, Guengoer T, Graf A, Krebs S, Blum H, Zakhartchenko V, Wolf E, Cremer T. Reprogramming of fibroblast nuclei in cloned bovine embryos involves major structural remodeling with both striking similarities and differences to nuclear phenotypes of in vitro fertilized embryos. Nucleus 2015; 5:555-89. [PMID: 25482066 PMCID: PMC4615760 DOI: 10.4161/19491034.2014.979712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear landscapes were studied during preimplantation development of bovine embryos, generated either by in vitro fertilization (IVF), or generated as cloned embryos by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) of bovine fetal fibroblasts, using 3-dimensional confocal laser scanning microscopy (3D-CLSM) and structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM). Nuclear landscapes of IVF and SCNT embryonic nuclei were compared with each other and with fibroblast nuclei. We demonstrate that reprogramming of fibroblast nuclei in cloned embryos requires changes of their landscapes similar to nuclei of IVF embryos. On the way toward the 8-cell stage, where major genome activation occurs, a major lacuna, enriched with splicing factors, was formed in the nuclear interior and chromosome territories (CTs) were shifted toward the nuclear periphery. During further development the major lacuna disappeared and CTs were redistributed throughout the nuclear interior forming a contiguous higher order chromatin network. At all stages of development CTs of IVF and SCNT embryonic nuclei were built up from chromatin domain clusters (CDCs) pervaded by interchromatin compartment (IC) channels. Quantitative analyses revealed a highly significant enrichment of RNA polymerase II and H3K4me3, a marker for transcriptionally competent chromatin, at the periphery of CDCs. In contrast, H3K9me3, a marker for silent chromatin, was enriched in the more compacted interior of CDCs. Despite these striking similarities, we also detected major differences between nuclear landscapes of IVF and cloned embryos. Possible implications of these differences for the developmental potential of cloned animals remain to be investigated. We present a model, which integrates generally applicable structural and functional features of the nuclear landscape.
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Key Words
- 3D-CLSM, 3-dimensional confocal laser scanning microscopy
- 3D-SIM, 3-dimensional structured illumination microscopy
- B23, nucleophosmin B23
- BTA, Bos taurus
- CDC, chromatin domain cluster
- CT, chromosome territory
- EM, electron microscopy
- ENC, embryonic nuclei with conventional nuclear architecture
- ENP, embryonic nuclei with peripheral CT distribution
- H3K4me3
- H3K4me3, histone H3 with tri-methylated lysine 4
- H3K9me3
- H3K9me3, histone H3 with tri-methylated lysine 9
- H3S10p, histone H3 with phosphorylated serine 10
- IC, interchromatin compartment
- IVF, in vitro fertilization
- MCB, major chromatin body
- PR, perichromatin region
- RNA polymerase II
- RNA polymerase II-S2p, RNA polymerase II with phosphorylated serine 2 of its CTD domain
- RNA polymerase II-S5p, RNA polymerase II with phosphorylated serine 5 of its CTD domain
- SC-35, splicing factor SC-35
- SCNT, somatic cell nuclear transfer.
- bovine preimplantation development
- chromatin domain
- chromosome territory
- embryonic genome activation
- in vitro fertilization (IVF)
- interchromatin compartment
- major EGA, major embryonic genome activation
- somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Popken
- a Division of Anthropology and Human Genetics ; Biocenter; LMU Munich ; Munich , Germany
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6
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Amiri Roudbar M, Dehghani H, Tahmoorespur M, Zahmatkesh A, Adeldust H, Ansari Majd S, Daliri Joupari M. Quantitative analysis of RNA abondance for CTCF during reprogramming of bovine embryo from oocyte to blastocyst. Arch Anim Breed 2015. [DOI: 10.5194/aab-58-171-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. CTCF is a highly conserved protein among eukaryotes and it is involved in many of regulatory functions including, transcriptional repression and activation, chromatin insulation, imprinting, X chromosome inactivation, higher-order chromatin organization, and alternative splicing. Studies performed on mouse embryos indicate that CTCF can be a maternal-effect gene, and is essential for normal development of embryos. CTCF can be used as a molecular effector for the proper epigenetic establishment of embryonic development. The aim of this study was to determine changes in transcript levels of the CTCF gene in bovine preimplantation embryos. RNA was extracted from immature and mature oocytes and embryos at various developmental stages (two-cell, four-cell, eight-cell, and blastocysts). Results showed that the amounts of CTCF transcripts decreased in mature oocyte in comparison with immature oocytes, but this change was not significant. In addition, the amount of CTCF transcript in embryos at two-cell, four-cell, eight-cell, and blastocyst stages significantly increased in comparison with immature oocytes. These data show that CTCF expression in bovine embryo begins at minor embryonic genome activation.
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7
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Cánepa MJ, Ortega NM, Monteleone MC, Mucci N, Kaiser GG, Brocco M, Mutto A. Expression profile of genes as indicators of developmental competence and quality of in vitro fertilization and somatic cell nuclear transfer bovine embryos. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108139. [PMID: 25269019 PMCID: PMC4182429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive biotechnologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) enable improved reproductive efficiency of animals. However, the birth rate of in vitro-derived embryos still lags behind that of their in vivo counterparts. Thus, it is critical to develop an accurate evaluation and prediction system of embryo competence, both for commercial purposes and for scientific research. Previous works have demonstrated that in vitro culture systems induce alterations in the relative abundance (RA) of diverse transcripts and thus compromise embryo quality. The aim of this work was to analyze the RA of a set of genes involved in cellular stress (heat shock protein 70-kDa, HSP70), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein, Bip; proteasome subunit β5, PSMB5) and apoptosis (BCL-2 associated X protein, Bax; cysteine aspartate protease-3, Caspase-3) in bovine blastocysts produced by IVF or SCNT and compare it with that of their in vivo counterparts. Poly (A) + mRNA was isolated from three pools of 10 blastocysts per treatment and analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. The RA of three of the stress indicators analyzed (Bax, PSMB5 and Bip) was significantly increased in SCNT embryos as compared with that of in vivo-derived blastocysts. No significant differences were found in the RA of HSP70 and Caspase-3 gene transcripts. This study could potentially complement morphological analyses in the development of an effective and accurate technique for the diagnosis of embryo quality, ultimately aiding to improve the efficiency of assisted reproductive techniques (ART).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jesús Cánepa
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologías Reproductivas y Mejoramiento Genético Animal, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, General San Martín, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Matías Ortega
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologías Reproductivas y Mejoramiento Genético Animal, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, General San Martín, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Melisa Carolina Monteleone
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologías Reproductivas y Mejoramiento Genético Animal, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, General San Martín, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolas Mucci
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, INTA Balcarce, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - German Gustavo Kaiser
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, INTA Balcarce, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela Brocco
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologías Reproductivas y Mejoramiento Genético Animal, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, General San Martín, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adrián Mutto
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologías Reproductivas y Mejoramiento Genético Animal, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, General San Martín, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Koyama K, Kang SS, Huang W, Yanagawa Y, Takahashi Y, Nagano M. Estimation of the optimal timing of fertilization for embryo development of in vitro-matured bovine oocytes based on the times of nuclear maturation and sperm penetration. J Vet Med Sci 2014; 76:653-9. [PMID: 24430663 PMCID: PMC4073333 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.13-0607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this research was to estimate the optimal timing for
fertilization to achieve proper embryonic development of in vitro-matured
bovine oocytes. First, cumulus-oocyte complexes were subjected to in
vitro maturation (IVM) for 14–22 hr. The timing when 50% of oocytes reached
metaphase II stage was estimated to be 17.5 hr after IVM start. Next, using oocytes
subjected to IVM for 12–30 hr, sperm penetration was examined after 4–18 hr of in
vitro fertilization (IVF). A significant negative correlation between IVM
duration and the timing when 50% of oocytes were penetrated by sperm after IVF start was
observed (P<0.01). Finally, oocytes subjected to 12–30 hr of IVM were
inseminated and cultured for 6 days to examine embryonic development. In the group with 22
hr of IVM, the percentages of cleaved embryos and blastocysts were the highest values in
all groups. According to the regression equation describing the time from nuclear
maturation to sperm penetration (x) and the percentage of blastocysts (y) (y=7.23x −
0.297x2, P<0.01), the blastocyst rate peaked when sperm
penetration occurred at 12.2 hr after achieving nuclear maturation. In conclusion, under
the present IVM/IVF conditions, it was estimated that oocytes acquired their highest
developmental competence at about 30 hr after IVM start, and thus, the optimal IVM
duration was calculated to be about 21 hr.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Koyama
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
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Cagnone GLM, Dufort I, Vigneault C, Sirard MA. Differential gene expression profile in bovine blastocysts resulting from hyperglycemia exposure during early cleavage stages. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:50. [PMID: 22075474 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.094391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
To understand the compromised survival of embryos derived from assisted reproductive techniques, transcriptome survey of early embryonic development has shown the impact of in vitro culture environment on gene expression in bovine or other living species. However, how the differentially expressed genes translate into developmentally compromised embryos is unresolved. We therefore aimed to characterize transcriptomic markers expressed by bovine blastocysts cultured in conditions that are known to impair embryo development. As increasing glucose concentrations has been shown to be stressful for early cleavage stages of mammalian embryos and to decrease subsequent blastocyst survival, in vitro-matured/fertilized bovine zygotes were cultured in control (0.2 mM) or high-glucose (5 mM) conditions until the 8- to 16-cell stage, and then transferred to control media until they reached the blastocyst stage. The concentration of 5 mM glucose was chosen as a stress treatment because there was a significant effect on blastocyst rate without the treatment's being lethal as with 10 mM. Microarray analysis revealed gene expression differences unrelated to embryo sex or hatching. Overrepresented processes among differentially expressed genes in treated blastocysts were extracellular matrix signalling, calcium signaling, and energy metabolism. On a pathophysiological level, higher glucose treatment impacts pathways associated with diabetes and tumorigenesis through genes controlling the Warburg effect, i.e., emphasis on use of anaerobic glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation. These results allowed us to conclude that disruption of in vitro preattachment development is concomitant with gene expression modifications involved in metabolic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaël L M Cagnone
- Département des Sciences Animales, Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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Golbabapour S, Abdulla MA, Hajrezaei M. A concise review on epigenetic regulation: insight into molecular mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2011; 12:8661-94. [PMID: 22272098 PMCID: PMC3257095 DOI: 10.3390/ijms12128661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2011] [Revised: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are responsible for the regulation of transcription of imprinted genes and those that induce a totipotent state. Starting just after fertilization, DNA methylation pattern undergoes establishment, reestablishment and maintenance. These modifications are important for normal embryo and placental developments. Throughout life and passing to the next generation, epigenetic events establish, maintain, erase and reestablish. In the context of differentiated cell reprogramming, demethylation and activation of genes whose expressions contribute to the pluripotent state is the crux of the matter. In this review, firstly, regulatory epigenetic mechanisms related to somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) reprogramming are discussed, followed by embryonic development, and placental epigenetic issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahram Golbabapour
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; E-Mails: (M.A.A.); (M.H.)
| | - Mahmood Ameen Abdulla
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; E-Mails: (M.A.A.); (M.H.)
| | - Maryam Hajrezaei
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; E-Mails: (M.A.A.); (M.H.)
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11
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Expression of apoptotic genes in immature and in vitro matured equine oocytes and cumulus cells. ZYGOTE 2011; 21:279-85. [PMID: 21933470 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199411000554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The gene expression of Bax, Bcl-2, survivin and p53, following in vitro maturation of equine oocytes, was compared in morphologically distinct oocytes and cumulus cells. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were harvested and divided into two groups: G1 - morphologically healthy cells; and G2 - less viable cells or cells with some degree of atresia. Total RNA was isolated from both immature and in vitro matured COC and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to quantify gene expression. Our results showed there was significantly higher expression of survivin (P < 0.05) and lower expression of p53 (P < 0.01) in oocytes compared with cumulus cells in G1. No significant difference in gene expression was observed following in vitro maturation or in COC derived from G1 and G2. However, expression of the Bax gene was significantly higher in cumulus cells from G1 (P < 0.02).
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12
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Cell arrest and cell death in mammalian preimplantation development: lessons from the bovine model. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22121. [PMID: 21811561 PMCID: PMC3141016 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The causes, modes, biological role and prospective significance of cell death in preimplantation development in humans and other mammals are still poorly understood. Early bovine embryos represent a very attractive experimental model for the investigation of this fundamental and important issue. METHODS AND FINDINGS To obtain reference data on the temporal and spatial occurrence of cell death in early bovine embryogenesis, three-dimensionally preserved embryos of different ages and stages of development up to hatched blastocysts were examined in toto by confocal laser scanning microscopy. In parallel, transcript abundance profiles for selected apoptosis-related genes were analyzed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Our study documents that in vitro as well as in vivo, the first four cleavage cycles are prone to a high failure rate including different types of permanent cell cycle arrest and subsequent non-apoptotic blastomere death. In vitro produced and in vivo derived blastocysts showed a significant incidence of cell death in the inner cell mass (ICM), but only in part with morphological features of apoptosis. Importantly, transcripts for CASP3, CASP9, CASP8 and FAS/FASLG were not detectable or found at very low abundances. CONCLUSIONS In vitro and in vivo, errors and failures of the first and the next three cleavage divisions frequently cause immediate embryo death or lead to aberrant subsequent development, and are the main source of developmental heterogeneity. A substantial occurrence of cell death in the ICM even in fast developing blastocysts strongly suggests a regular developmentally controlled elimination of cells, while the nature and mechanisms of ICM cell death are unclear. Morphological findings as well as transcript levels measured for important apoptosis-related genes are in conflict with the view that classical caspase-mediated apoptosis is the major cause of cell death in early bovine development.
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Differential gene expression and developmental competence in in vitro produced bovine embryos. ZYGOTE 2011; 20:281-90. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199411000141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SummaryThe embryonic developmental block occurs at the 8-cell stage in cattle and is characterized by a lengthening of the cell cycle and an increased number of embryos that stop development. The maternal-embryonic transition arises at the same stage resulting in the transcription of many genes. Gene expression studies during this stage may contribute to the understanding of the physiological mechanisms involved in the maternal-embryonic transition. Herein we identified genes differentially expressed between embryos with high or low developmental competence to reach the blastocyst stage using differential display PCR. Embryos were analysed according to developmental kinetics: fast cleavage embryos showing 8 cells at 48 h post insemination (hpi) with high potential of development (F8), and embryos with slow cleavage presenting 4 cells at 48 hpi (S4) and 8 cells at 90 hpi (S8), both with reduced rates of development to blastocyst. The fluorescence DDPCR method was applied and allowed the recovery of 176 differentially expressed bands with similar proportion between high and low development potential groups (52% to F8 and 48% in S4 and S8 groups). A total of 27 isolated fragments were cloned and sequenced, confirming the expected primer sequences and allowing the identification of 27 gene transcripts. PI3KCA and ITM2B were chosen for relative quantification of mRNA using real-time PCR and showed a kinetic and a time-related pattern of expression respectively. The observed results suggest the existence of two different embryonic genome activation mechanisms: fast-developing embryos activate genes related to embryonic development, and slow-developing embryos activate genes related to cellular survival and/or death.
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Rodríguez-Alvarez L, Sharbati J, Sharbati S, Cox JF, Einspanier R, Castro FO. Differential gene expression in bovine elongated (Day 17) embryos produced by somatic cell nucleus transfer and in vitro fertilization. Theriogenology 2010; 74:45-59. [PMID: 20197198 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2009] [Revised: 11/30/2009] [Accepted: 12/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Somatic cloning in cattle is associated with impaired embryo development, caused by inappropriate epigenetic reprogramming during embryogenesis; however, there is a paucity of data regarding gene expression at the critical elongation and peri-implantation stages. The objective of the present study was to identify genes differentially expressed in bovine cloned embryos at Day 17 of development (Day 0=day of nucleus transfer or IVF). Day 7 blastocysts (Hand Made Cloned or IVP) were transferred to recipient cattle and collected at Day 17. The efficiency of recovery of elongated embryos was similar, however cloned embryos elongated less than IVP embryos (91.8+/-45.8 vs. 174+/-50mm) and fewer had embryonic discs (63 vs. 83%). Qualitative and quantitative PCR detected expression of OCT4, NANOG, IFNtau, EOMES, FGF4, SOX2, and CDX2 in all IVP embryos. In most cloned embryos, NANOG and FGF4 were absent (verified by qPCR); NANOG, EOMES, and FGF4 were underexpressed, whereas IFNtau was overexpressed in cloned embryos. Based on qPCRs, other genes, i.e., SPARC, SNRB1, and CBPP22, were down-regulated in cloned embryos, whereas HSP70 and TDKP1 were overexpressed. In bovine microarrays, 47 genes (3.6%) were deregulated in cloned embryos, including several involved in trophoblast growth and differentiation. In conclusion, we inferred that these data were indicative of incomplete epigenetic reprogramming after cloning; this could lead to aberrant gene expression and subsequently early pregnancy loss. There was an apparent association between incomplete morphological elongation and aberrant reprogramming of a subset of genes critical for early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lleretny Rodríguez-Alvarez
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Campus Chillán, Avenida Vicente Méndez 595, Chillán, Chile
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Oliveira CS, Saraiva NZ, de Souza MM, Tetzner TAD, de Lima MR, Garcia JM. Effects of histone hyperacetylation on the preimplantation development of male and female bovine embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2010; 22:1041-8. [DOI: 10.1071/rd09238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichostatin A (TSA) induces histone hyperacetylation by inhibiting histone deacetylases and consequently increasing gene expression. The hypothesis was that TSA supplementation during the in vitro culture (IVC) of bovine embryos would increase the blastocyst rate, particularly in low-quality and female embryos. Oocytes were fertilised separately with X and Y spermatozoa and, 70 h after IVF, the IVC medium was supplemented with 5 nM and 15 nM TSA for 48 or 144 h. Incubation of female embryos with 5 nM and 15 nM TSA resulted in similar increases in acetylated histone H3K9 levels. However, to see comparable effects on acetylated histone H3K9 levels in male embryos, the culture medium needed to be supplemented with 15 nM TSA (as opposed to 5 nM TSA for female embryos). Treatment of male and female embryos with 5 nM TSA for 48 h or female embryos with 5 nM for 144 h had no effect on blastocyst rates, although 15 nM TSA compromised embryonic development. The terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP–digoxigenin nick end-labelling (TUNEL) assay revealed increased apoptosis in female embryos treated with 5 nM TSA for 144 h, as well as in male and female embryos treated with 15 nM TSA for 48 h, but this increase in apoptosis was not observed in low-quality embryos. The results of the present study suggest that TSA treatment promotes histone hyperacetylation, but has no beneficial effects on the in vitro production of male and female bovine embryos during preimplantation development.
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Siqueira LGB, Torres CAA, Souza ED, Monteiro PLJ, Arashiro EKN, Camargo LSA, Fernandes CAC, Viana JHM. Pregnancy rates and corpus luteum-related factors affecting pregnancy establishment in bovine recipients synchronized for fixed-time embryo transfer. Theriogenology 2009; 72:949-58. [PMID: 19709722 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2008] [Revised: 05/01/2009] [Accepted: 06/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to investigate the influence of corpora lutea physical and functional characteristics on pregnancy rates in bovine recipients synchronized for fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET). Crossbred (Bos taurus taurus x Bos taurus indicus) nonlactating cows and heifers (n=259) were treated with the following protocol: 2mg estradiol benzoate (EB) plus an intravaginal progesterone device (CIDR 1.9g progesterone; Day 0); 400 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG; Day 5); prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) and CIDR withdrawal (Day 8); and 1mg EB (Day 9). Ovarian ultrasonography and blood sample collections were performed on Day 17. Of the 259 cattle initially treated, 197 (76.1%) were suitable recipients; they received a single, fresh, quality grade 1 or 2 in vivo-derived (n=90) or in vitro-produced (n=87) embryo on Day 17. Pregnancy rates (23 d after embryo transfer) were higher for in vivo-derived embryos than for in vitro-produced embryos (58.8% vs. 31.0%, respectively; P<0.001). Mean (+/-SD) plasma progesterone (P(4)) concentration was higher in cattle that became pregnant than that in nonpregnant cattle (5.2+/-5.0 vs. 3.8+/-2.4 ng/mL; P=0.02). Mean pixel values (71.8+/-1.3 vs. 71.2+/-1.1) and pixel heterogeneity (14.8+/-0.3 vs. 14.5+/-0.5) were similar between pregnant and nonpregnant recipients (P>0.10). No significant relationship was detected between pregnancy outcome and plasma P(4), corpus luteum area, or corpus luteum echotexture. Embryo type, however, affected the odds of pregnancy. In conclusion, corpus luteum-related traits were poor predictors of pregnancy in recipients. The type of embryo, however, was a major factor affecting pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- L G B Siqueira
- Federal University of Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs s/n, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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