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Bellido-Quispe DK, Arcce IML, Pinzón-Osorio CA, Campos VF, Remião MH. Chemical activation of mammalian oocytes and its application in camelid reproductive biotechnologies: A review. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 266:107499. [PMID: 38805838 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107499] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian oocyte activation is a critical process occurring post-gamete fusion, marked by a sequence of cellular events initiated by an upsurge in intracellular Ca2+. This surge in calcium orchestrates the activation/deactivation of specific kinases, leading to the subsequent inactivation of MPF and MAPK activities, alongside PKC activation. Despite various attempts to induce artificial activation using distinct chemical compounds as Ca2+ inducers and/or Ca2+-independent agents, the outcomes have proven suboptimal. Notably, incomplete suppression of MPF and MAPK activities persists, necessitating a combination of different agents for enhanced efficiency. Moreover, the inherent specificity of activation methods for each species precludes straightforward extrapolation between them. Consequently, optimization of protocols for each species and for each technique, such as PA, ICSI, and SCNT, is required. Despite recent strides in camelid biotechnologies, the field has seen little advancement in chemical activation methods. Only a limited number of chemical agents have been explored, and the effects of many remain unknown. In ICSI, despite obtaining blastocysts with different chemical compounds that induce Ca2+ and calcium-independent increases, viable offspring have not been obtained. However, SCNT has exhibited varying outcomes, successfully yielding viable offspring with a reduced number of chemical activators. This article comprehensively reviews the current understanding of the physiological activation of oocytes and the molecular mechanisms underlying chemical activation in mammals. The aim is to transfer and apply this knowledge to camelid reproductive biotechnologies, with emphasis on chemical activation in PA, ICSI, and SCNT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - César Augusto Pinzón-Osorio
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia e Biotécnicas da Reprodução Animal (FiBRA), Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Farias Campos
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariana Härter Remião
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
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Bellido-Quispe DK, Mujica Lengua FR, Contreras Huamani M, Palomino JM. Effect of chemical activators after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on embryo development in alpacas. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 263:107432. [PMID: 38401395 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Low motility and low sperm concentration are characteristics of alpaca semen. Thus, the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique represents an alternative to improve the reproductive capacity of the male. However, the effect of post-ICSI activation in alpaca is not yet known. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of chemical activators on alpaca embryo development after ICSI. Alpaca ovaries were collected from a local slaughterhouse and transported to the laboratory. Category I, II and III oocytes were matured for 30 h at 38.5 °C. After ICSI, injected oocytes were randomly divided and activated as follows: i) 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min, ii) 7% ethanol for 4 min, iii) 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min, window period 3 h plus 7% ethanol for 4 min, iv) 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min, window period 3 h, a second ionomycin treatment for 5 min, followed by 1.9 mM 6-DMAP for 3 h, v) 10 mM SrCl2 for 3 h. Culture was carried out for 5 days in SOFaa at 38.5 °C. The cleavage rate was the lowest in the SrCl2 group, morula development was the lowest in the SrCl2 and without activation groups, and blastocyst stage was not different between groups (P<0.05). The rates with SrCl2 were lower in total embryos produced, whereas in transferable embryos they were lower with 2Io/6-DMAP and with SrCl2 (P<0.05). In conclusion, alpaca oocyte activation is more efficient with ionomycin and ethanol to produce transferable embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionet Keny Bellido-Quispe
- Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Estación Experimental Agraria Canaán, Laboratorio de Biotecnología Reproductiva, Ayacucho, Peru.
| | - Fidel Rodolfo Mujica Lengua
- Universidad Nacional de San Cristóbal de Huamanga, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Ayacucho, Peru
| | - Mijaíl Contreras Huamani
- Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Estación Experimental Agraria Canaán, Laboratorio de Biotecnología Reproductiva, Ayacucho, Peru
| | - J Manuel Palomino
- Universidad Científica del Sur, Carrera de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnica, Lima, Peru
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Valencia C, Pérez-García F, Aguila L, Felmer R, Arias ME. Combined Exogenous Activation of Bovine Oocytes: Effects on Maturation-Promoting Factor, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases, and Embryonic Competence. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15794. [PMID: 37958778 PMCID: PMC10649646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115794] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte activation via dual inhibition of protein synthesis and phosphorylation has improved in vitro embryo production in different mammalian species. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the combination of cycloheximide (CHX), dimethyl amino purine (DMAP), and anisomycin (ANY) on the activation of bovine oocytes, particularly on dynamics of MPF and MAPKs, embryonic developmental potential, and quality. The results showed that the cleavage and blastocyst rates, as well as levels of CCNB1, CDK1, p-CDK1Thr161, and p-CDK1Thr14-Tyr15, were similar among groups; ANY and ANY + CHX reduced the expression of ERK1/2 compared to DMAP-combinations (p < 0.05), whereas ANY + DMAP, CHX + DMAP, and ANY + CHX + DMAP reduced p-ERK1/2 compared to ANY and ANY + CHX treatments (p < 0.05). The quality of blastocysts in terms of cell counts, their allocation, and the numbers of TUNEL-positive cells did not differ among groups. However, transcript levels of POU5F1 were higher in embryos derived from ANY + CHX + DMAP treatment compared to other groups, while expression levels of CDX2 did not show differences. In addition, the BCL2A1/BAX ratio of the ANY + CHX + DMAP treatment was significantly low compared to the ANY treatment (p < 0.05) and did not differ significantly from the other treatments. In conclusion, oocyte activation by dual inhibition of protein synthesis and phosphorylation induces MPF inactivation without degradation of CCNB1, while MAPK inactivation occurs differentially between these inhibitors. Thus, although the combined use of these inhibitors does not affect early developmental competence in vitro, it positively impacts the expression of transcripts associated with embryonic quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Valencia
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811322, Chile (L.A.); (R.F.)
| | - Felipe Pérez-García
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811322, Chile (L.A.); (R.F.)
| | - Luis Aguila
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811322, Chile (L.A.); (R.F.)
| | - Ricardo Felmer
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811322, Chile (L.A.); (R.F.)
- Department of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811322, Chile
| | - María Elena Arias
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811322, Chile (L.A.); (R.F.)
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811322, Chile
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Muñoz E, Castro M, Aguila L, Contreras MJ, Fuentes F, Arias ME, Felmer R. Standardization of a Sex-Sorting Protocol for Stallion Spermatozoa by Means of Absolute RT-qPCR. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11947. [PMID: 37569324 PMCID: PMC10419253 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm sexing is a technology that can generate great economic benefits in the animal production sector. Techniques such as sex-sorting promise over 90% accuracy in sperm sexing. However, for the correct standardization of the technique, some laboratory methodologies are required. The present manuscript describes in detail a standardized equine sperm sex-sorting protocol using an absolute qPCR-based methodology. Furthermore, the results of absolute qPCR were implemented and validated by generating equine/bovine heterologous embryos by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of presumably sexed equine spermatozoa into bovine oocytes using a piezoelectric system (Piezo-ICSI). Our results indicated that equine sex-sorting spermatozoa had a 97% and 94% certainty for X and Y sperm, respectively, while presumptive female and male equine/bovine hybrid embryos, generated by Piezo-ICSI, had an accuracy of 92% with respect to the desired sex. Therefore, it is concluded that the presented methodology is a reliable, cost-effective, and relatively simple option for standardizing sex-sorting of equine spermatozoa. This is supported by the results of the correct sexing of Piezo-ICSI heterologous embryos generated with the sexed spermatozoa, validating the correct sexing and viability of these gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Muñoz
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, P.O. Box 54-D, Chile; (E.M.); (M.C.); (L.A.); (M.J.C.); (F.F.); (M.E.A.)
- Doctoral Program in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco P.O. Box 54-D, Chile
| | - Macarena Castro
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, P.O. Box 54-D, Chile; (E.M.); (M.C.); (L.A.); (M.J.C.); (F.F.); (M.E.A.)
- Master of Science Program with Mention in Biology of Reproduction, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco P.O. Box 54-D, Chile
| | - Luis Aguila
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, P.O. Box 54-D, Chile; (E.M.); (M.C.); (L.A.); (M.J.C.); (F.F.); (M.E.A.)
| | - María José Contreras
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, P.O. Box 54-D, Chile; (E.M.); (M.C.); (L.A.); (M.J.C.); (F.F.); (M.E.A.)
- Doctoral Program in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco P.O. Box 54-D, Chile
| | - Fernanda Fuentes
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, P.O. Box 54-D, Chile; (E.M.); (M.C.); (L.A.); (M.J.C.); (F.F.); (M.E.A.)
- Doctoral Program in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco P.O. Box 54-D, Chile
| | - María Elena Arias
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, P.O. Box 54-D, Chile; (E.M.); (M.C.); (L.A.); (M.J.C.); (F.F.); (M.E.A.)
- Department of Agricultural Production, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco P.O. Box 54-D, Chile
| | - Ricardo Felmer
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, P.O. Box 54-D, Chile; (E.M.); (M.C.); (L.A.); (M.J.C.); (F.F.); (M.E.A.)
- Department of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco P.O. Box 54-D, Chile
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Yin K, Tong M, Suttapitugsakul S, Xu S, Wu R. Global quantification of newly synthesized proteins reveals cell type- and inhibitor-specific effects on protein synthesis inhibition. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad168. [PMID: 37275259 PMCID: PMC10235912 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Manipulation of protein synthesis is commonly applied to uncover protein functions and cellular activities. Multiple inhibitors with distinct mechanisms have been widely investigated and employed in bio-related research, but it is extraordinarily challenging to measure and evaluate the synthesis inhibition efficiencies of individual proteins by different inhibitors at the proteome level. Newly synthesized proteins are the immediate and direct products of protein synthesis, and thus their comprehensive quantification provides a unique opportunity to study protein inhibition. Here, we systematically investigate protein inhibition and evaluate different popular inhibitors, i.e. cycloheximide, puromycin, and anisomycin, through global quantification of newly synthesized proteins in several types of human cells (A549, MCF-7, Jurkat, and THP-1 cells). The inhibition efficiencies of protein synthesis are comprehensively measured by integrating azidohomoalanine-based protein labeling, selective enrichment, a boosting approach, and multiplexed proteomics. The same inhibitor results in dramatic variation of the synthesis inhibition efficiencies for different proteins in the same cells, and each inhibitor exhibits unique preferences. Besides cell type- and inhibitor-specific effects, some universal rules are unraveled. For instance, nucleolar and ribosomal proteins have relatively higher inhibition efficiencies in every type of cells treated with each inhibitor. Moreover, proteins intrinsically resistant or sensitive to the inhibition are identified and found to have distinct functions. Systematic investigation of protein synthesis inhibition in several types of human cells by different inhibitors provides valuable information about the inhibition of protein synthesis, advancing our understanding of inhibiting protein synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Suttipong Suttapitugsakul
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Senhan Xu
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Ronghu Wu
- To whom correspondence should be addressed:
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Bovine ICSI: limiting factors, strategies to improve its efficiency and alternative approaches. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:749-767. [PMID: 36082429 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an assisted reproductive technique mainly used to overcome severe infertility problems associated with the male factor, but in cattle its efficiency is far from optimal. Artificial activation treatments combining ionomycin (Io) with 6-dimethylaminopurine after piezo-ICSI or anisomycin after conventional ICSI have recently increased the blastocyst rate obtained. Compounds to capacitate bovine spermatozoa, such as heparin and methyl-β-cyclodextrin and compounds to destabilize sperm membranes such as NaOH, lysolecithin and Triton X-100, have been assessed, although they have failed to substantially improve post-ICSI embryonic development. Disulfide bond reducing agents, such as dithiothreitol (DTT), dithiobutylamine and reduced glutathione, have been assessed to decondense the hypercondensed head of bovine spermatozoa, the two latter being more efficient than DTT and less harmful. Although piezo-directed ICSI without external activation has generated high fertilization rates and modest rates of early embryo development, other studies have required exogenous activation to improve the results. This manuscript thoroughly reviews the different strategies used in bovine ICSI to improve its efficiency and proposes some alternative approaches, such as the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as 'biological methods of oocyte activation' or the incorporation of EVs in the in vitro maturation and/or culture medium as antioxidant defence agents to improve the competence of the ooplasm, as well as a preincubation of the spermatozoa in estrous oviductal fluid to induce physiological capacitation and acrosome reaction before ICSI, and the use of hyaluronate in the sperm immobilization medium.
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Castro-Modesto T, Mamani P, Pella R, Bravo Z, Villarreal-Ugarte S, Cancho C, Aguila L, Ratto MH, Valdivia M. Effect of follicle size on in vitro maturation in alpaca oocytes (Vicugna pacos) and the first ICSI in alpaca species. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Orsolini MF, Meyers SA, Dini P. An Update on Semen Physiology, Technologies, and Selection Techniques for the Advancement of In Vitro Equine Embryo Production: Section II. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113319. [PMID: 34828049 PMCID: PMC8614388 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In order to improve fertilization and pregnancy rates within artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization techniques in horses, producers may choose to select the best sperm within an ejaculate. In this paper, we review conventional and novel methods of sperm selection. Abstract As the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) expand in the equine industry, it has become necessary to further our understanding of available semen selection techniques. This segment of our two-section review will focus on the selection of spermatozoa based on quality and sex for equine intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), as well as current and future developments in sperm sorting technologies. Ultimately, novel methods of semen selection will be assessed based on their efficacy in other species and their relevance and future application towards ARTs in the horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan F. Orsolini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Stuart A. Meyers
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Richani D, Gilchrist RB. Approaches to oocyte meiotic arrest in vitro and impact on oocyte developmental competence. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:243-252. [PMID: 34534265 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocytes are maintained in a state of meiotic arrest following the first meiotic division until ovulation is triggered. Within the antral follicle, meiotic arrest is actively suppressed in a process facilitated by the cyclic nucleotides cGMP and cAMP. If removed from this inhibitory follicular environment and cultured in vitro, mammalian oocytes undergo spontaneous meiotic resumption in the absence of the usual stimulatory follicular stimuli, leading to asynchronicity with oocyte cytoplasmic maturation and lower developmental competence. For more than 50 years, pharmacological agents have been used to attenuate oocyte germinal vesicle (GV) breakdown in vitro. Agents which increase intra-oocyte cAMP or prevent its degradation have been predominantly used, however agents such as kinase and protein synthesis inhibitors have also been trialled. Twenty years of research demonstrates that maintaining GV arrest for a period before in vitro maturation (IVM) improves oocyte developmental competence, and is likely attributed to maintenance of bidirectional communication with cumulus cells leading to improved oocyte metabolic function. However, outcomes are influenced by various factors including the mode of action of the modulators, dose, treatment duration, species, and the degree of hormonal priming of the oocyte donor. Cyclic GMP and/or cAMP modulation in a prematuration step (called pre-IVM) prior to IVM has shown the greatest consistency in improving oocyte developmental competence, whereas kinase and protein synthesis inhibitors have proven less effective at improving IVM outcomes. Such pre-IVM approaches have shown potential to alter current use of artificial reproductive technologies in medical and veterinary practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulama Richani
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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Valencia C, Pérez FA, Matus C, Felmer R, Arias ME. Activation of bovine oocytes by protein synthesis inhibitors: new findings on the role of MPF/MAPKs†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1126-1138. [PMID: 33550378 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study evaluated the mechanism by which protein synthesis inhibitors activate bovine oocytes. The aim was to analyze the dynamics of MPF and MAPKs. MII oocytes were activated with ionomycin (Io), ionomycin+anisomycin (ANY) and ionomycin+cycloheximide (CHX) and by in vitro fertilization (IVF). The expression of cyclin B1, p-CDK1, p-ERK1/2, p-JNK, and p-P38 were evaluated by immunodetection and the kinase activity of ERK1/2 was measured by enzyme assay. Evaluations at 1, 4, and 15 hours postactivation (hpa) showed that the expression of cyclin B1 was not modified by the treatments. ANY inactivated MPF by p-CDK1Thr14-Tyr15 at 4 hpa (P < 0.05), CHX increased pre-MPF (p-CDK1Thr161 and p-CDK1Thr14-Tyr15) at 1 hpa and IVF increased p-CDK1Thr14-Tyr15 at 17 hours postfertilization (hpf) (P < 0.05). ANY and CHX reduced the levels of p-ERK1/2 at 4 hpa (P < 0.05) and its activity at 4 and 1 hpa, respectively (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, IVF increased p-ERK1/2 at 6 hpf (P < 0.05); however, its kinase activity decreased at 6 hpf (P < 0.05). p-JNK in ANY, CHX, and IVF oocytes decreased at 4 hpa (P < 0.05). p-P38 was only observed at 1 hpa, with no differences between treatments. In conclusion, activation of bovine oocytes by ANY, CHX, and IVF inactivates MPF by CDK1-dependent specific phosphorylation without cyclin B1 degradation. ANY or CHX promoted this inactivation, which seemed to be more delayed in the physiological activation (IVF). Both inhibitors modulated MPF activity via an ERK1/2-independent pathway, whereas IVF activated the bovine oocytes via an ERK1/2-dependent pathway. Finally, ANY does not activate the JNK and P38 kinase pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Valencia
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Felipe Alonso Pérez
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Carola Matus
- Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Ricardo Felmer
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Department of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - María Elena Arias
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Department of Agricultural Production Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
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Unnikrishnan V, Kastelic J, Thundathil J. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection in Cattle. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:198. [PMID: 33572865 PMCID: PMC7911995 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) involves the microinjection of sperm into a matured oocyte. Although this reproductive technology is successfully used in humans and many animal species, the efficiency of this procedure is low in the bovine species mainly due to failed oocyte activation following sperm microinjection. This review discusses various reasons for the low efficiency of ICSI in cattle, potential solutions, and future directions for research in this area, emphasizing the contributions of testis-specific isoforms of Na/K-ATPase (ATP1A4) and phospholipase C zeta (PLC ζ). Improving the efficiency of bovine ICSI would benefit the cattle breeding industries by effectively utilizing semen from elite sires at their earliest possible age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jacob Thundathil
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada; (V.U.); (J.K.)
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Akagi S, Tamura S, Matsukawa K. Timing of the First Cleavage and In Vitro Developmental Potential of Bovine Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Embryos Activated by Different Protocols. Cell Reprogram 2019; 22:36-42. [PMID: 31895588 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2019.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the timing of the first cleavage and in vitro development of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos produced by different activation protocols. SCNT embryos were activated with calcium ionophore A23187 and further treated with 6-dimethylaminopurine (DMAP group), cycloheximide (CHX group), or anisomycin (ANI group). The proportion of SCNT embryos that cleaved within 18 hours after activation was significantly higher in the DMAP group (20%) than that in the CHX and ANI groups (3% and 2%, respectively). More than 70% of the cleaved embryos were observed within 24 hours in the DMAP and CHX groups, and within 26 hours in the ANI group. The blastocyst formation rate of SCNT embryos decreased gradually as the time from activation to the first cleavage increased in the DMAP group. The blastocyst formation rate of SCNT embryos cleaved at 22 hours (>20 to ≤22 hours) in the CHX group or within 26 hours in the ANI group was significantly higher than that of SCNT embryos cleaved more than 26 hours in each group. These results indicate that the activation protocol affects the timing of the first cleavage and subsequent in vitro development potential of bovine SCNT embryos and that late-cleaving embryos have a low developmental potential irrespective of the activation protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Akagi
- Animal Breeding and Reproduction Research Division, Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Tsukuba, Japan
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Suvá M, Canel NG, Salamone DF. Effect of single and combined treatments with MPF or MAPK inhibitors on parthenogenetic haploid activation of bovine oocytes. Reprod Biol 2019; 19:386-393. [PMID: 31526669 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2019.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In bovine, correct oocyte artificial activation is a key step in ICSI and other reproductive biotechnologies, and still needs to be improved. The current study was designed to compare the activating efficiency of ionomycin (Io) followed by: a 4 h time window and ethanol (4h-Et), roscovitine (Rosc), dehydroleucodine (DhL), cycloheximide (CHX) or PD0325901 (PD), each as a single treatment, and then combine them in novel protocols. Parthenogenetic haploid activation was evaluated in terms of pronuclear (PN) formation, second polar body (2PB) extrusion, ploidy of day 2 embryos and in vitro development. Combined treatments with Io-4h-Et-Rosc and Io-Rosc/CHX increased PN formation (92.2% and 96%, respectively) compared with Io-Rosc, Io-CHX or Io-4h-Et, which were equally efficient at inducing PN formation (82-84%) and 2PB extrusion (62.1-70.5%). Oocyte activation with Io-DhL and Io-Rosc/DhL resulted in higher 2PB extrusion rates (90% and 95.9%, respectively) but lower PN formation (49.4-58.8%) and cleavage rates (36-57.9%), as occurred with Io-CHX/DhL (76.4% and 70.4%, respectively). For the first time, results show that Io followed by the MAPK inhibitor PD induces PN formation and 2PB extrusion, but PD combined with Rosc or CHX resulted in low rates of haploid day 2 embryos. In conclusion, DhL strongly induces 2PB extrusion but leads to poor PN formation and embryo development. PD induces bovine oocyte activation but results in low rates of haploid embryos. In contrast, the improved PN formation rates after treatment with combined Io-4h-Et-Rosc and Io-Rosc/CHX suggest they should be further evaluated in ART, aiming to increase success rates in bovine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Suvá
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. San Martín 4453, P.C. 1417, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natalia Gabriela Canel
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. San Martín 4453, P.C. 1417, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Felipe Salamone
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. San Martín 4453, P.C. 1417, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Salamone DF, Canel NG, Rodríguez MB. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection in domestic and wild mammals. Reproduction 2017; 154:F111-F124. [PMID: 29196493 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has become a useful technique for clinical applications in the horse-breeding industry. However, both ICSI blastocyst and offspring production continues to be limited for most farm and wild species. This article reviews technical differences of ICSI performance among species, possible biological and methodological reasons for the variable efficiency and potential strategies to improve the outcomes. One of the major applications of ICSI in animal production is the reproduction of high-value specimens. Unfortunately, some domestic species like the bovine show low rates of pronuclei formation after sperm injection, which led to the development of various artificial activation protocols and sperm pre-treatments that are discussed in this article. The impact of ICSI technique on equine breeding programs is considered in detail, since in contrast to other species, its use for elite horse reproduction has increased in recent years. ICSI has also been used to produce genetically modified animals; however, despite numerous attempts in several domestic species, only transgenic pigs have been consistently produced. Finally, the ICSI is a promising tool for genetic rescue of endangered and wild species. In conclusion, while ICSI has become a consistent ART for some species, it needs further development for others. The low results obtained for some domestic species, the high training needed and the equipment required have limited this technique to the production of elite specimens or for research purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Salamone
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologia Animal, Facultad de Agronomia, Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICETBuenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natalia G Canel
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologia Animal, Facultad de Agronomia, Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICETBuenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Belén Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologia Animal, Facultad de Agronomia, Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICETBuenos Aires, Argentina
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Parthenogenetic activation and somatic cell nuclear transfer of porcine oocytes activated by an electric pulse and AZD5438 treatment. ZYGOTE 2017; 25:453-461. [PMID: 28712374 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199417000272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We examined the in vitro developmental competence of parthenogenetic activation (PA) oocytes activated by an electric pulse (EP) and treated with various concentrations of AZD5438 for 4 h. Treatment with 10 µM AZD5438 for 4 h significantly improved the blastocyst formation rate of PA oocytes in comparison with 0, 20, or 50 µM AZD5438 treatment (46.4% vs. 34.5%, 32.3%, and 24.0%, respectively; P 0.05). Furthermore, 66.67% of blastocysts derived from these AZD5438-treated PA oocytes had a diploid karyotype. The blastocyst formation rate of PA and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos was similar between oocytes activated by an EP and treated with 2 mM 6-dimethylaminopurine for 4 h and those activated by an EP and treated with 10 µM AZD5438 for 4 h (11.11% vs. 13.40%, P > 0.05). In addition, the level of maturation-promoting factor (MPF) was significantly decreased in oocytes activated by an EP and treated with 10 µM AZD5438 for 4 h. Finally, the mRNA expression levels of apoptosis-related genes (Bax and Bcl-2) and pluripotency-related genes (Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2) were checked by RT-PCR; however, there were no differences between the AZD5438-treated and non-treated control groups. Our results demonstrate that porcine oocyte activation via an EP in combination with AZD5438 treatment can lead to a high blastocyst formation rate in PA and SCNT experiments.
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