1
|
Cheng F, Wang J, Wang R, Pan R, Cui Z, Wang L, Wang L, Yang X. FGF2 promotes the proliferation of injured granulosa cells in premature ovarian failure via Hippo-YAP signaling pathway. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 589:112248. [PMID: 38663484 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Young women undergoing anticancer treatment are at risk of premature ovarian failure (POF). Endometrial-derived stem cells (EnSCs) have demonstrated significant therapeutic potential for treating ovarian insufficiency, although the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully understood. This study aims to further investigate the therapeutic effects of EnSCs, particularly through the paracrine action of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), on POF. The findings show that exogenous FGF2 enhances the survival of ovarian granulosa cells damaged by cisplatin. FGF2 stimulates the proliferation of these damaged cells by suppressing the Hippo signaling pathway and activating YAP expression. In vivo experiments also revealed that FGF2 treatment significantly improves ovarian reserve and endocrine function in mice with POF. These results suggest that FGF2 can boost the proliferative capacity of damaged ovarian granulosa cells through the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway, providing a theoretical foundation for using EnSCs and FGF2 in clinical treatments for POF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feiyan Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Jingyuan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Rongli Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Rumeng Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Zhiwei Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Lijun Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Lihui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Xinyuan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yang G, Wang Y, Hu S, Chen J, Chen L, Miao H, Li N, Luo H, He Y, Qian Y, Miao C, Feng R. Inhibition of neddylation disturbs zygotic genome activation through histone modification change and leads to early development arrest in mouse embryos. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167292. [PMID: 38871031 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Post-translational modification and fine-tuned protein turnover are of great importance in mammalian early embryo development. Apart from the classic protein degradation promoting ubiquitination, new forms of ubiquitination-like modification are yet to be fully understood. Here, we demonstrate the function and potential mechanisms of one ubiquitination-like modification, neddylation, in mouse preimplantation embryo development. Treated with specific inhibitors, zygotes showed a dramatically decreased cleavage rate and almost all failed to enter the 4-cell stage. Transcriptional profiling showed genes were differentially expressed in pathways involving cell fate determination and cell differentiation, including several down-regulated zygotic genome activation (ZGA) marker genes. A decreased level of phosphorylated RNA polymerase II was detected, indicating impaired gene transcription inside the embryo cell nucleus. Proteomic data showed that differentially expressed proteins were enriched in histone modifications. We confirmed the lowered in methyltransferase (KMT2D) expression and a decrease in histone H3K4me3. At the same time, acetyltransferase (CBP/p300) reduced, while deacetylase (HDAC6) increased, resulting in an attenuation in histone H3K27ac. Additionally, we observed the up-regulation in YAP1 and RPL13 activities, indicating potential abnormalities in the downstream response of Hippo signaling pathway. In summary, we found that inhibition of neddylation induced epigenetic changes in early embryos and led to abnormalities in related downstream signaling pathways. This study sheds light upon new forms of ubiquitination regulating mammalian embryonic development and may contribute to further investigation of female infertility pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangping Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Yangzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, China
| | - Yingnan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Saifei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Jianhua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Liangliang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Hui Miao
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Heping Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Engineer of Shanxi Health Committee, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Heping Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Engineer of Shanxi Health Committee, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, China
| | - Hui Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yanni He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yun Qian
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Congxiu Miao
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Heping Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Engineer of Shanxi Health Committee, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, China.
| | - Ruizhi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproduction Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China; Innovation Center of Suzhou Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215005, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pietroforte S, Plough M, Amargant F. Age-associated increased stiffness of the ovarian microenvironment impairs follicle development and oocyte quality and rapidly alters follicle gene expression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.09.598134. [PMID: 38915651 PMCID: PMC11195110 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.09.598134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
In humans, aging triggers cellular and tissue deterioration, and the female reproductive system is the first to show signs of decline. Reproductive aging is associated with decreased ovarian reserve, decreased quality of the remaining oocytes, and decreased production of the ovarian hormones estrogen and progesterone. With aging, both mouse and human ovaries become pro-fibrotic and stiff. However, whether stiffness directly impairs ovarian function, folliculogenesis, and oocyte quality is unknown. To answer this question, we cultured mouse follicles in alginate gels that mimicked the stiffness of reproductively young and old ovaries. Follicles cultured in stiff hydrogels exhibited decreased survival and growth, decreased granulosa cell viability and estradiol synthesis, and decreased oocyte quality. We also observed a reduction in the number of granulosa cell-oocyte transzonal projections. RNA sequencing revealed early changes in the follicle transcriptome in response to stiffness. Follicles cultured in a stiff environment had lower expression of genes related to follicle development and greater expression of genes related to inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling than follicles cultured in a soft environment. Altogether, our findings suggest that ovarian stiffness directly modulates folliculogenesis and contributes to the progressive decline in oocyte quantity and quality observed in women of advanced maternal age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pietroforte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Makenzie Plough
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Farners Amargant
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Azumah R, Hummitzsch K, Anderson RA, Rodgers RJ. Expression of transforming growth factor β signalling molecules and their correlations with genes in loci linked to polycystic ovary syndrome in human foetal and adult tissues. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23174. [PMID: 38894494 DOI: 10.1071/rd23174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Altered signalling of androgens, anti-Müllerian hormone or transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) during foetal development have been implicated in the predisposition to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in later life, aside from its genetic predisposition. In foetal ovarian fibroblasts, TGFβ1 has been shown to regulate androgen signalling and seven genes located in loci associated with PCOS. Since PCOS exhibits a myriad of symptoms, it likely involves many different organs. Aims To identify the relationships between TGFβ signalling molecules and PCOS candidate genes in different tissues associated with PCOS. Methods Using RNA sequencing data, we examined the expression patterns of TGFβ signalling molecules in the human ovary, testis, heart, liver, kidney, brain tissue, and cerebellum from 4 to 20weeks of gestation and postnatally. We also examined the correlations between gene expression of TGFβ signalling molecules and PCOS candidate genes. Key results TGFβ signalling molecules were dynamically expressed in most tissues prenatally and/or postnatally. FBN3 , a PCOS candidate gene involved in TGFβ signalling, was expressed during foetal development in all tissues. The PCOS candidate genes HMGA2, YAP1 , and RAD50 correlated significantly (P TGFBR1 in six out of the seven tissues examined. Conclusions This study suggests that possible crosstalk occurs between genes in loci associated with PCOS and TGFβ signalling molecules in multiple tissues, particularly during foetal development. Implications Thus, alteration in TGFβ signalling during foetal development could affect many tissues contributing to the multiple phenotypes of PCOS in later life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafiatu Azumah
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Katja Hummitzsch
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Richard A Anderson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Raymond J Rodgers
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang M, Zhai Y, An X, Li Q, Zhang D, Zhou Y, Zhang S, Dai X, Li Z. DNA methylation regulates RNA m 6A modification through transcription factor SP1 during the development of porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13581. [PMID: 38095020 PMCID: PMC11056710 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications play critical roles during somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryo development. Whether RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) affects the developmental competency of SCNT embryos remains unclear. Here, we showed that porcine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (pBMSCs) presented higher RNA m6A levels than those of porcine embryonic fibroblasts (pEFs). SCNT embryos derived from pBMSCs had higher RNA m6A levels, cleavage, and blastocyst rates than those from pEFs. Compared with pEFs, the promoter region of METTL14 presented a hypomethylation status in pBMSCs. Mechanistically, DNA methylation regulated METTL14 expression by affecting the accessibility of transcription factor SP1 binding, highlighting the role of the DNA methylation/SP1/METTL14 pathway in donor cells. Inhibiting the DNA methylation level in donor cells increased the RNA m6A level and improved the development efficiency of SCNT embryos. Overexpression of METTL14 significantly increased the RNA m6A level in donor cells and the development efficiency of SCNT embryos, whereas knockdown of METTL14 suggested the opposite result. Moreover, we revealed that RNA m6A-regulated TOP2B mRNA stability, translation level, and DNA damage during SCNT embryo development. Collectively, our results highlight the crosstalk between RNA m6A and DNA methylation, and the crucial role of RNA m6A during nuclear reprogramming in SCNT embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of EducationThe First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Yanhui Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of EducationThe First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Xinglan An
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of EducationThe First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Qi Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of EducationThe First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Daoyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of EducationThe First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Yongfeng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of EducationThe First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of EducationThe First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Xiangpeng Dai
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of EducationThe First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Ziyi Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of EducationThe First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhong Z, Jiao Z, Yu FX. The Hippo signaling pathway in development and regeneration. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113926. [PMID: 38457338 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113926] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway is a central growth control mechanism in multicellular organisms. By integrating diverse mechanical, biochemical, and stress cues, the Hippo pathway orchestrates proliferation, survival, differentiation, and mechanics of cells, which in turn regulate organ development, homeostasis, and regeneration. A deep understanding of the regulation and function of the Hippo pathway therefore holds great promise for developing novel therapeutics in regenerative medicine. Here, we provide updates on the molecular organization of the mammalian Hippo signaling network, review the regulatory signals and functional outputs of the pathway, and discuss the roles of Hippo signaling in development and regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxing Zhong
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhihan Jiao
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Fa-Xing Yu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hu Y, Wang Y, He Y, Ye M, Yuan J, Ren C, Wang X, Wang S, Guo Y, Cao Q, Zhou S, Wang B, He A, Hu J, Guo X, Shu W, Huo R. Maternal KLF17 controls zygotic genome activation by acting as a messenger for RNA Pol II recruitment in mouse embryos. Dev Cell 2024; 59:613-626.e6. [PMID: 38325372 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Initiation of timely and sufficient zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is crucial for the beginning of life, yet our knowledge of transcription factors (TFs) contributing to ZGA remains limited. Here, we screened the proteome of early mouse embryos after cycloheximide (CHX) treatment and identified maternally derived KLF17 as a potential TF for ZGA genes. Using a conditional knockout (cKO) mouse model, we further investigated the role of maternal KLF17 and found that it promotes embryonic development and full fertility. Mechanistically, KLF17 preferentially binds to promoters and recruits RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) in early 2-cell embryos, facilitating the expression of major ZGA genes. Maternal Klf17 knockout resulted in a downregulation of 9% of ZGA genes and aberrant RNA Pol II pre-configuration, which could be partially rescued by introducing exogenous KLF17. Overall, our study provides a strategy for screening essential ZGA factors and identifies KLF17 as a crucial TF in this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Yuanlin He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Maosheng Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Yuan
- Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Ren
- Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiqi Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Anlan He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjie Shu
- Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Beijing, China.
| | - Ran Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Innovation Center of Suzhou Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yang G, Xin Q, Dean J. Degradation and translation of maternal mRNA for embryogenesis. Trends Genet 2024; 40:238-249. [PMID: 38262796 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.12.008] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Maternal mRNAs accumulate during egg growth and must be judiciously degraded or translated to ensure successful development of mammalian embryos. In this review we integrate recent investigations into pathways controlling rapid degradation of maternal mRNAs during the maternal-to-zygotic transition. Degradation is not indiscriminate, and some mRNAs are selectively protected and rapidly translated after fertilization for reprogramming the zygotic genome during early embryogenesis. Oocyte specific cofactors and pathways have been illustrated to control different futures of maternal mRNAs. We discuss mechanisms that control the fate of maternal mRNAs during late oogenesis and after fertilization. Issues to be resolved in current maternal mRNA research are described, and future research directions are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Yang
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Qiliang Xin
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jurrien Dean
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sachs MK, Makieva S, Velasco Gil A, Xie M, Ille F, Salvadori V, Schmidhauser M, Saenz-de-Juano MD, Ulbrich SE, Leeners B. Transcriptomic signature of luteinized cumulus cells of oocytes developing to live birth after women received intracytoplasmic sperm injection. F&S SCIENCE 2024; 5:24-38. [PMID: 38036000 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the transcriptome of human cumulus cells (CCs) from oocytes with different outcomes (pregnancy yes/no, live birth [LB] yes/no), to identify noninvasive biomarkers for oocyte selection as well as new therapeutic targets to increase LB rates from assisted reproductive technologies (ART). DESIGN Retrospective observational study. SETTINGS This study was conducted at a University Hospital in Switzerland. PATIENTS Subfertile couples undergoing controlled ovarian superstimulation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection with subsequent unbiopsied embryo transfer below the female age of 43 years. INTERVENTION(S) RNA sequencing of CCs from oocytes results in a pregnancy, no pregnancy, LB, or no LB. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Differential gene expression (DEG) between CCs of oocytes results in "no pregnancy" vs. "pregnancy" and "pregnancy only" vs. "live birth." RESULTS Although RNA sequencing did not reveal DEGs when comparing the transcriptomic profiles of the groups "no pregnancy" with "pregnancy," we identified 139 DEGs by comparing "pregnancy only" with "live birth," of which 28 belonged to clusters relevant to successful ART outcomes (i.e., CTGF, SERPINE2, PCK1, HHIP, HS3ST, and BIRC5). A functional enrichment analysis revealed that the transcriptome of CCs associated with LB depicts pathways of extracellular matrix, inflammatory cascades leading to ovulation, cell patterning, proliferation, and differentiation, and silencing pathways leading to apoptosis. CONCLUSION We identified a CCs transcriptomic profile associated with LB after embryo transfer that, after further validation, could serve to predict successful ART outcomes. The definition of relevant pathways of CCs related to oocyte competency contributes to a broader understanding of the cumulus oocyte complex and helps identify further therapeutic targets for improving ART success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maike K Sachs
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Sofia Makieva
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ana Velasco Gil
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Min Xie
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Ille
- Center of Bioscience and Medical Engineering, Institute of Medical Engineering, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Obermattweg, Hergiswil, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Salvadori
- Center of Bioscience and Medical Engineering, Institute of Medical Engineering, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Obermattweg, Hergiswil, Switzerland
| | - Meret Schmidhauser
- ETH Zürich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universitätsstrasse Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mara D Saenz-de-Juano
- ETH Zürich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universitätsstrasse Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne E Ulbrich
- ETH Zürich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universitätsstrasse Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Brigitte Leeners
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang T, Lin H, Ren T, He M, Zheng W, Tong Y, Jin B, Xie K, Deng A, Liu S, Chen Y, Xu G, Chen T, Pan W, Xiao Z. ROCK1 is a multifunctional factor maintaining the primordial follicle reserve and follicular development in mice. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C27-C39. [PMID: 37661919 PMCID: PMC11192470 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00019.2023] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The follicle is the basic structural and functional unit of the ovary in female mammals. The excessive depletion of follicles will lead to diminished ovarian reserve or even premature ovarian failure, resulting in diminished ovarian oogenesis and endocrine function. Excessive follicular depletion is mainly due to loss of primordial follicles. Our analysis of published human ovarian single-cell sequencing results by others revealed a significant increase in rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) expression during primordial follicle development. However, the role of ROCK1 in primordial follicle development and maintenance is not clear. This study revealed a gradual increase in ROCK1 expression during primordial follicle activation. Inhibition of ROCK1 resulted in reduced primordial follicle activation, decreased follicular reserve, and delayed development of growing follicles. This effect may be achieved through the HIPPO pathway. The present study indicates that ROCK1 is a key molecule for primordial follicular reserve and follicular development.NEW & NOTEWORTHY ROCK1, one of the Rho GTPases, plays an important role in primordial follicle reserve and follicular development. ROCK1 was primarily expressed in the cytoplasm of oocytes and granulosa cell in mice. Inhibition of ROCK1 significantly reduced the primordial follicle reserve and delayed growing follicle development. ROCK1 regulates primordial follicular reserve and follicle development through the HIPPO signaling pathway. These findings shed new lights on the physiology of sustaining female reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuo Zhang
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center in Guizhou Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Guizhou Institute of Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Lin
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianhe Ren
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Meina He
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Guizhou Institute of Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenying Zheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuntong Tong
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Bangming Jin
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center in Guizhou Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Guizhou Institute of Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaiyun Xie
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ankang Deng
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiyu Liu
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqian Chen
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoqiang Xu
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Tengxiang Chen
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center in Guizhou Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Guizhou Institute of Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Pan
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center in Guizhou Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziwen Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kretschmer M, Fischer V, Gapp K. When Dad's Stress Gets under Kid's Skin-Impacts of Stress on Germline Cargo and Embryonic Development. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1750. [PMID: 38136621 PMCID: PMC10742275 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121750] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence suggest that paternal psychological stress contributes to an increased prevalence of neuropsychiatric and metabolic diseases in the progeny. While altered paternal care certainly plays a role in such transmitted disease risk, molecular factors in the germline might additionally be at play in humans. This is supported by findings on changes to the molecular make up of germ cells and suggests an epigenetic component in transmission. Several rodent studies demonstrate the correlation between paternal stress induced changes in epigenetic modifications and offspring phenotypic alterations, yet some intriguing cases also start to show mechanistic links in between sperm and the early embryo. In this review, we summarise efforts to understand the mechanism of intergenerational transmission from sperm to the early embryo. In particular, we highlight how stress alters epigenetic modifications in sperm and discuss the potential for these modifications to propagate modified molecular trajectories in the early embryo to give rise to aberrant phenotypes in adult offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Kretschmer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Neuroscience, ETH Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (M.K.); (V.F.)
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Fischer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Neuroscience, ETH Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (M.K.); (V.F.)
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Gapp
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Neuroscience, ETH Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (M.K.); (V.F.)
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen B, Pei D. Genetic clues to reprogramming power and formation of mouse oocyte. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 83:102110. [PMID: 37722148 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Oocyte features the unique capacity to reprogram not only sperm but also somatic nuclei to totipotency, yet the scarcity of oocytes has hindered the exploration and application of their reprogramming ability. In the meanwhile, the formation of oocytes, which involves extensive intracellular alterations and interactions, has also attracted tremendous interest. This review discusses developmental principles and regulatory mechanisms associated with ooplasm reprogramming and oocyte formation from a genetic perspective, with knowledge derived from mouse models. We also discuss future directions, especially to address the lack of insight into the regulatory networks that shape the identity of female germ cells or drive transitions in their developmental programs.
Collapse
|
13
|
Pei Z, Deng K, Xu C, Zhang S. The molecular regulatory mechanisms of meiotic arrest and resumption in Oocyte development and maturation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:90. [PMID: 37784186 PMCID: PMC10544615 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01143-0] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In human female primordial germ cells, the transition from mitosis to meiosis begins from the fetal stage. In germ cells, meiosis is arrested at the diplotene stage of prophase in meiosis I (MI) after synapsis and recombination of homologous chromosomes, which cannot be segregated. Within the follicle, the maintenance of oocyte meiotic arrest is primarily attributed to high cytoplasmic concentrations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Depending on the specific species, oocytes can remain arrested for extended periods of time, ranging from months to even years. During estrus phase in animals or the menstrual cycle in humans, the resumption of meiosis occurs in certain oocytes due to a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Any factor interfering with this process may lead to impaired oocyte maturation, which in turn affects female reproductive function. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon has not been systematically summarized yet. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the recently uncovered regulatory network involved in oocyte development and maturation, the progress of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of oocyte nuclear maturation including meiosis arrest and meiosis resumption is summarized. Additionally, the advancements in understanding the molecular cytoplasmic events occurring in oocytes, such as maternal mRNA degradation, posttranslational regulation, and organelle distribution associated with the quality of oocyte maturation, are reviewed. Therefore, understanding the pathways regulating oocyte meiotic arrest and resumption will provide detailed insight into female reproductive system and provide a theoretical basis for further research and potential approaches for novel disease treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenle Pei
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Ke Deng
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Congjian Xu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Telfer EE, Grosbois J, Odey YL, Rosario R, Anderson RA. Making a good egg: human oocyte health, aging, and in vitro development. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2623-2677. [PMID: 37171807 PMCID: PMC10625843 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00032.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian eggs (oocytes) are formed during fetal life and establish associations with somatic cells to form primordial follicles that create a store of germ cells (the primordial pool). The size of this pool is influenced by key events during the formation of germ cells and by factors that influence the subsequent activation of follicle growth. These regulatory pathways must ensure that the reserve of oocytes within primordial follicles in humans lasts for up to 50 years, yet only approximately 0.1% will ever be ovulated with the rest undergoing degeneration. This review outlines the mechanisms and regulatory pathways that govern the processes of oocyte and follicle formation and later growth, within the ovarian stroma, through to ovulation with particular reference to human oocytes/follicles. In addition, the effects of aging on female reproductive capacity through changes in oocyte number and quality are emphasized, with both the cellular mechanisms and clinical implications discussed. Finally, the details of current developments in culture systems that support all stages of follicle growth to generate mature oocytes in vitro and emerging prospects for making new oocytes from stem cells are outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Johanne Grosbois
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Yvonne L Odey
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Roseanne Rosario
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Islam RA, Rallis C. Ribosomal Biogenesis and Heterogeneity in Development, Disease, and Aging. EPIGENOMES 2023; 7:17. [PMID: 37606454 PMCID: PMC10443367 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes7030017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Although reported in the literature, ribosome heterogeneity is a phenomenon whose extent and implications in cell and organismal biology is not fully appreciated. This has been the case due to the lack of the appropriate techniques and approaches. Heterogeneity can arise from alternative use and differential content of protein and RNA constituents, as well as from post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications. In the few examples we have, it is apparent that ribosomal heterogeneity offers an additional level and potential for gene expression regulation and might be a way towards tuning metabolism, stress, and growth programs to external and internal stimuli and needs. Here, we introduce ribosome biogenesis and discuss ribosomal heterogeneity in various reported occasions. We conclude that a systematic approach in multiple organisms will be needed to delineate this biological phenomenon and its contributions to growth, aging, and disease. Finally, we discuss ribosome mutations and their roles in disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rowshan Ara Islam
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Charalampos Rallis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen Y, Wang L, Guo F, Dai X, Zhang X. Epigenetic reprogramming during the maternal-to-zygotic transition. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e331. [PMID: 37547174 PMCID: PMC10397483 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
After fertilization, sperm and oocyte fused and gave rise to a zygote which is the beginning of a new life. Then the embryonic development is monitored and regulated precisely from the transition of oocyte to the embryo at the early stage of embryogenesis, and this process is termed maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT). MZT involves two major events that are maternal components degradation and zygotic genome activation. The epigenetic reprogramming plays crucial roles in regulating the process of MZT and supervising the normal development of early development of embryos. In recent years, benefited from the rapid development of low-input epigenome profiling technologies, new epigenetic modifications are found to be reprogrammed dramatically and may play different roles during MZT whose dysregulation will cause an abnormal development of embryos even abortion at various stages. In this review, we summarized and discussed the important novel findings on epigenetic reprogramming and the underlying molecular mechanisms regulating MZT in mammalian embryos. Our work provided comprehensive and detailed references for the in deep understanding of epigenetic regulatory network in this key biological process and also shed light on the critical roles for epigenetic reprogramming on embryonic failure during artificial reproductive technology and nature fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
| | - Luyao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
| | - Fucheng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
| | - Xiangpeng Dai
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Regin M, Essahib W, Demtschenko A, Dewandre D, David L, Gerri C, Niakan KK, Verheyen G, Tournaye H, Sterckx J, Sermon K, Van De Velde H. Lineage segregation in human pre-implantation embryos is specified by YAP1 and TEAD1. Hum Reprod 2023:7193343. [PMID: 37295962 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which processes and transcription factors specify the first and second lineage segregation events during human preimplantation development? SUMMARY ANSWER Differentiation into trophectoderm (TE) cells can be initiated independently of polarity; moreover, TEAD1 and YAP1 co-localize in (precursor) TE and primitive endoderm (PrE) cells, suggesting a role in both the first and the second lineage segregation events. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY We know that polarity, YAP1/GATA3 signalling and phospholipase C signalling play a key role in TE initiation in compacted human embryos, however, little is known about the TEAD family of transcription factors that become activated by YAP1 and, especially, whether they play a role during epiblast (EPI) and PrE formation. In mouse embryos, polarized outer cells show nuclear TEAD4/YAP1 activity that upregulates Cdx2 and Gata3 expression while inner cells exclude YAP1 which upregulates Sox2 expression. The second lineage segregation event in mouse embryos is orchestrated by FGF4/FGFR2 signalling which could not be confirmed in human embryos; TEAD1/YAP1 signalling also plays a role during the establishment of mouse EPI cells. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Based on morphology, we set up a development timeline of 188 human preimplantation embryos between Day 4 and 6 post-fertilization (dpf). The compaction process was divided into three subgroups: embryos at the start (C0), during (C1), and at the end (C2) of, compaction. Inner cells were identified as cells that were entirely separated from the perivitelline space and enclosed by cellular contacts on all sides. The blastulation process was divided into six subgroups, starting with early blastocysts with sickle-cell shaped outer cells (B0) and further on, blastocysts with a cavity (B1). Full blastocysts (B2) showed a visible ICM and outer cells referred to as TE. Further expanded blastocysts (B3) had accumulated fluid and started to expand due to TE cell proliferation and zona pellucida (ZP) thinning. The blastocysts then significantly expanded further (B4) and started to hatch out of the ZP (B5) until they were fully hatched (B6). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS After informed consent and the expiration of the 5-year cryopreservation duration, 188 vitrified high quality eight-cell stage human embryos (3 dpf) were warmed and cultured until the required stages were reached. We also cultured 14 embryos that were created for research until the four- and eight-cell stage. The embryos were scored according to their developmental stage (C0-B6) displaying morphological key differences, rather than defining them according to their chronological age. They were fixed and immunostained for different combinations of cytoskeleton (F-actin), polarization (p-ERM), TE (GATA3), EPI (NANOG), PrE (GATA4 and SOX17), and members of the Hippo signalling pathway (YAP1, TEAD1 and TEAD4). We choose these markers based on previous observations in mouse embryos and single cell RNA-sequencing data of human embryos. After confocal imaging (LSM800, Zeiss), we analysed cell numbers within each lineage, different co-localization patterns and nuclear enrichment. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We found that in human preimplantation embryos compaction is a heterogeneous process that takes place between the eight-cell to the 16-cell stages. Inner and outer cells are established at the end of the compaction process (C2) when the embryos contain up to six inner cells. Full apical p-ERM polarity is present in all outer cells of compacted C2 embryos. Co-localization of p-ERM and F-actin increases steadily from 42.2% to 100% of the outer cells, between C2 and B1 stages, while p-ERM polarizes before F-actin (P < 0.00001). Next, we sought to determine which factors specify the first lineage segregation event. We found that 19.5% of the nuclei stain positive for YAP1 at the start of compaction (C0) which increases to 56.1% during compaction (C1). At the C2 stage, 84.6% of polarized outer cells display high levels of nuclear YAP1 while it is absent in 75% of non-polarized inner cells. In general, throughout the B0-B3 blastocyst stages, polarized outer/TE cells are mainly positive for YAP1 and non-polarized inner/ICM cells are negative for YAP1. From the C1 stage onwards, before polarity is established, the TE marker GATA3 is detectable in YAP1 positive cells (11.6%), indicating that differentiation into TE cells can be initiated independently of polarity. Co-localization of YAP1 and GATA3 increases steadily in outer/TE cells (21.8% in C2 up to 97.3% in B3). Transcription factor TEAD4 is ubiquitously present throughout preimplantation development from the compacted stage onwards (C2-B6). TEAD1 displays a distinct pattern that coincides with YAP1/GATA3 co-localization in the outer cells. Most outer/TE cells throughout the B0-B3 blastocyst stages are positive for TEAD1 and YAP1. However, TEAD1 proteins are also detected in most nuclei of the inner/ICM cells of the blastocysts from cavitation onwards, but at visibly lower levels as compared to that in TE cells. In the ICM of B3 blastocysts, we found one main population of cells with NANOG+/SOX17-/GATA4- nuclei (89.1%), but exceptionally we found NANOG+/SOX17+/GATA4+ cells (0.8%). In seven out of nine B3 blastocysts, nuclear NANOG was found in all the ICM cells, supporting the previously reported hypothesis that PrE cells arise from EPI cells. Finally, to determine which factors specify the second lineage segregation event, we co-stained for TEAD1, YAP1, and GATA4. We identified two main ICM cell populations in B4-6 blastocysts: the EPI (negative for the three markers, 46.5%) and the PrE (positive for the three markers, 28.1%) cells. We conclude that TEAD1 and YAP1 co-localise in (precursor) TE and PrE cells, indicating that TEAD1/YAP1 signalling plays a role in the first and the second lineage segregation events. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In this descriptive study, we did not perform functional studies to investigate the role of TEAD1/YAP1 signalling during the first and second lineage segregation events. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our detailed roadmap on polarization, compaction, position and lineage segregation events during human preimplantation development paves the way for further functional studies. Understanding the gene regulatory networks and signalling pathways involved in early embryogenesis could ultimately provide insights into why embryonic development is sometimes impaired and facilitate the establishment of guidelines for good practice in the IVF lab. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was financially supported by Wetenschappelijk Fonds Willy Gepts (WFWG) of the University Hospital UZ Brussel (WFWG142) and the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek-Vlaanderen (FWO, G034514N). M.R. is doctoral fellow at the FWO. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marius Regin
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics (REGE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wafaa Essahib
- Research Group Reproduction and Immunology (REIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrej Demtschenko
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics (REGE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Delphine Dewandre
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics (REGE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Beacon CARE Fertility, Beacon Consultants Concourse, Sandyford, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laurent David
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, SFR Santé, FED 4203, INSERM UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, Nantes, France
| | - Claudia Gerri
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Kathy K Niakan
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, UK
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Greta Verheyen
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium, Brussels
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium, Brussels
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Perinatology and Reproduction, Institute of Professional Education, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Johan Sterckx
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium, Brussels
| | - Karen Sermon
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics (REGE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hilde Van De Velde
- Research Group Reproduction and Immunology (REIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium, Brussels
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhu M, Xu M, Zhang J, Zheng C. The role of Hippo pathway in ovarian development. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1198873. [PMID: 37334049 PMCID: PMC10275494 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1198873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The follicle is the functional unit of the ovary, whereby ovarian development is largely dependent on the development of the follicles themselves. The activation, growth, and progression of follicles are modulated by a diverse range of factors, including reproductive endocrine system and multiple signaling pathways. The Hippo pathway exhibits a high degree of evolutionary conservation between both Drosophila and mammalian systems, and is recognized for its pivotal role in regulating cellular proliferation, control of organ size, and embryonic development. During the process of follicle development, the components of the Hippo pathway show temporal and spatial variations. Recent clinical studies have shown that ovarian fragmentation can activate follicles. The mechanism is that the mechanical signal of cutting triggers actin polymerization. This process leads to the disruption of the Hippo pathway and subsequently induces the upregulation of downstream CCN and apoptosis inhibitors, thereby promoting follicle development. Thus, the Hippo pathway plays a crucial role in both the activation and development of follicles. In this article, we focused on the development and atresia of follicles and the function of Hippo pathway in these processes. Additionally, the physiological effects of Hippo pathway in follicle activation are also explored.
Collapse
|
19
|
Bafleh WS, Abdulsamad HMR, Al-Qaraghuli SM, El Khatib RY, Elbahrawi RT, Abdukadir AM, Alsawae SM, Dimassi Z, Hamdan H, Kashir J. Applications of advances in mRNA-based platforms as therapeutics and diagnostics in reproductive technologies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1198848. [PMID: 37305677 PMCID: PMC10250609 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1198848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic led to many drastic changes in not only society, law, economics, but also in science and medicine, marking for the first time when drug regulatory authorities cleared for use mRNA-based vaccines in the fight against this outbreak. However, while indeed representing a novel application of such technology in the context of vaccination medicine, introducing RNA into cells to produce resultant molecules (proteins, antibodies, etc.) is not a novel principle. It has been common practice to introduce/inject mRNA into oocytes and embryos to inhibit, induce, and identify several factors in a research context, while such aspects have also been proposed as potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications to combat infertility in humans. Herein, we describe key areas where mRNA-based platforms have thus far represented potential areas of clinical applications, describing the advantages and limitations of such applications. Finally, we also discuss how recent advances in mRNA-based platforms, driven by the recent pandemic, may stand to benefit the treatment of infertility in humans. We also present brief future directions as to how we could utilise recent and current advancements to enhance RNA therapeutics within reproductive biology, specifically with relation to oocyte and embryo delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wjdan S. Bafleh
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Haia M. R. Abdulsamad
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sally M. Al-Qaraghuli
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Riwa Y. El Khatib
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rawdah Taha Elbahrawi
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Azhar Mohamud Abdukadir
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Zakia Dimassi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamdan Hamdan
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center (HEIC), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Junaid Kashir
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Azumah R, Hummitzsch K, Anderson RA, Rodgers RJ. Genes in loci genetically associated with polycystic ovary syndrome are dynamically expressed in human fetal gonadal, metabolic and brain tissues. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1149473. [PMID: 37223019 PMCID: PMC10201802 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1149473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder, affecting around 10% of women of reproductive age, with infertility, depression or anxiety, obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes as risk factors. The cause of PCOS is not known but there is a predisposition to developing PCOS in adult life that arises during fetal or perinatal life. PCOS also has a genetic predisposition and a number of genetic loci associated with PCOS have been identified. These loci contain 25 candidate genes which are currently being studied to define the syndrome. Although the name PCOS suggests a syndrome of the ovary, PCOS has also been associated with the central nervous system and other organ systems in the body due to the wide variety of symptoms it presents. Methods Here, we examined the expression patterns of PCOS candidate genes in gonadal (ovary and testis), metabolic (heart, liver and kidney) and brain (brain and cerebellum) tissues during the first half of human fetal development and postnatally until adulthood using public RNA sequencing data. This study is an initial step for more comprehensive and translational studies to define PCOS. Results We found that the genes were dynamically expressed in the fetal tissues studied. Some genes were significantly expressed in gonadal tissues, whilst others were expressed in metabolic or brain tissues at different time points prenatally and/or postnatally. HMGA2, FBN3 and TOX3 were highly expressed during the early stages of fetal development in all tissues but least during adulthood. Interestingly, correlation between expression of HMGA2/YAP1 and RAD50/YAP1 were significant in at least 5 of the 7 fetal tissues studied. Notably, DENND1A, THADA, MAPRE1, RAB5B, ARL14EP, KRR1, NEIL2 and RAD50 were dynamically expressed in all postnatal tissues studied. Conclusions These findings suggest that these genes have tissue- or development-specific roles in multiple organs, possibly resulting in the various symptoms associated with PCOS. Thus the fetal origin of a predisposition to PCOS in adulthood could arise via the effects of PCOS candidate genes in the development of multiple organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafiatu Azumah
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Katja Hummitzsch
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Richard A. Anderson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Raymond J. Rodgers
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Pennarossa G, Arcuri S, De Iorio T, Ledda S, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Combination of epigenetic erasing and mechanical cues to generate human epiBlastoids from adult dermal fibroblasts. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1015-1027. [PMID: 36933093 PMCID: PMC10024007 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02773-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study is to develop a new protocol that combines the use of epigenetic cues and mechanical stimuli to assemble 3D spherical structures, arbitrarily defined "epiBlastoids," whose phenotype is remarkably similar to natural embryos. METHODS A 3-step approach is used to generate epiBlastoids. In the first step, adult dermal fibroblasts are converted into trophoblast (TR)-like cells, combining the use of 5-azacytidine, to erase the original phenotype, with an ad hoc induction protocol, to drive cells towards TR lineage. In the second step, epigenetic erasing is applied once again, in combination with mechanosensing-related cues, to generate inner cell mass (ICM)-like organoids. Specifically, erased cells are encapsulated into micro-bioreactors to promote 3D cell rearrangement and boost pluripotency. In the third step, TR-like cells are co-cultured with ICM-like spheroids in the same micro-bioreactors. Subsequently, the newly generated embryoids are transferred to microwells to favor epiBlastoid formation. RESULTS Adult dermal fibroblasts are successfully readdressed towards TR lineage. Cells subjected to epigenetic erasing and encapsulated into micro-bioreactors rearrange in 3D ICM-like structures. Co-culture of TR-like cells and ICM-like spheroids into micro-bioreactors and microwells induces the formation of single structures with uniform shape reminiscent in vivo embryos. CDX2+ cells localized in the out layer of the spheroids, while OCT4+ cells in the inner of the structures. TROP2+ cells display YAP nuclear accumulation and actively transcribed for mature TR markers, while TROP2- cells showed YAP cytoplasmic compartmentalization and expressed pluripotency-related genes. CONCLUSION We describe the generation of epiBlastoids that may find useful application in the assisted reproduction field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pennarossa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sharon Arcuri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Teresina De Iorio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sergio Ledda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Center for Stem Cell Research, Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gassler J, Kobayashi W, Gáspár I, Ruangroengkulrith S, Mohanan A, Gómez Hernández L, Kravchenko P, Kümmecke M, Lalic A, Rifel N, Ashburn RJ, Zaczek M, Vallot A, Cuenca Rico L, Ladstätter S, Tachibana K. Zygotic genome activation by the totipotency pioneer factor Nr5a2. Science 2022; 378:1305-1315. [PMID: 36423263 DOI: 10.1126/science.abn7478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Life begins with a switch in genetic control from the maternal to the embryonic genome during zygotic genome activation (ZGA). Despite its importance, the essential regulators of ZGA remain largely unknown in mammals. On the basis of de novo motif searches, we identified the orphan nuclear receptor Nr5a2 as a key activator of major ZGA in mouse two-cell embryos. Nr5a2 is required for progression beyond the two-cell stage. It binds to its motif within SINE B1/Alu retrotransposable elements found in cis-regulatory regions of ZGA genes. Chemical inhibition suggests that 72% of ZGA genes are regulated by Nr5a2 and potentially other orphan nuclear receptors. Nr5a2 promotes chromatin accessibility during ZGA and binds nucleosomal DNA in vitro. We conclude that Nr5a2 is an essential pioneer factor that regulates ZGA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Gassler
- Department of Totipotency, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB), Munich, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Wataru Kobayashi
- Department of Totipotency, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB), Munich, Germany
| | - Imre Gáspár
- Department of Totipotency, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB), Munich, Germany
| | | | - Adarsh Mohanan
- Department of Totipotency, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB), Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Gómez Hernández
- Department of Totipotency, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB), Munich, Germany
| | - Pavel Kravchenko
- Department of Totipotency, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB), Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Kümmecke
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Aleksandar Lalic
- Department of Totipotency, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB), Munich, Germany
| | - Nikita Rifel
- Department of Totipotency, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB), Munich, Germany
| | - Robert John Ashburn
- Department of Totipotency, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB), Munich, Germany
| | - Maciej Zaczek
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Antoine Vallot
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Laura Cuenca Rico
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabrina Ladstätter
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Kikuë Tachibana
- Department of Totipotency, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB), Munich, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Clark KL, George JW, Przygrodzka E, Plewes MR, Hua G, Wang C, Davis JS. Hippo Signaling in the Ovary: Emerging Roles in Development, Fertility, and Disease. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:1074-1096. [PMID: 35596657 PMCID: PMC9695108 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnac013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Emerging studies indicate that the Hippo pathway, a highly conserved pathway that regulates organ size control, plays an important role in governing ovarian physiology, fertility, and pathology. Specific to the ovary, the spatiotemporal expression of the major components of the Hippo signaling cascade are observed throughout the reproductive lifespan. Observations from multiple species begin to elucidate the functional diversity and molecular mechanisms of Hippo signaling in the ovary in addition to the identification of interactions with other signaling pathways and responses to various external stimuli. Hippo pathway components play important roles in follicle growth and activation, as well as steroidogenesis, by regulating several key biological processes through mechanisms of cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and cell fate determination. Given the importance of these processes, dysregulation of the Hippo pathway contributes to loss of follicular homeostasis and reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian insufficiency, and ovarian cancers. This review highlights what is currently known about the Hippo pathway core components in ovarian physiology, including ovarian development, follicle development, and oocyte maturation, while identifying areas for future research to better understand Hippo signaling as a multifunctional pathway in reproductive health and biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kendra L Clark
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.,Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Jitu W George
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.,Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Emilia Przygrodzka
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.,Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Michele R Plewes
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.,Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Guohua Hua
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - John S Davis
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.,Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mu J, Zhou Z, Sang Q, Wang L. The physiological and pathological mechanisms of early embryonic development. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 2:859-872. [PMID: 38933386 PMCID: PMC11197659 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.08.011] [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: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Early embryonic development is a complex process. The zygote undergoes several rounds of division to form a blastocyst, and during this process, the zygote undergoes the maternal-to-zygotic transition to gain control of embryonic development and makes two cell fate decisions to differentiate into an embryonic and two extra-embryonic lineages. With the use of new molecular biotechnologies and animal models, we can now further study the molecular mechanisms of early embryonic development and the pathological causes of early embryonic arrest. Here, we first summarize the known molecular regulatory mechanisms of early embryonic development in mice. Then we discuss the pathological factors leading to the early embryonic arrest. We hope that this review will give researchers a relatively complete view of the physiology and pathology of early embryonic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Mu
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qing Sang
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lei Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Luijkx D, Shankar V, van Blitterswijk C, Giselbrecht S, Vrij E. From Mice to Men: Generation of Human Blastocyst-Like Structures In Vitro. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:838356. [PMID: 35359453 PMCID: PMC8963787 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.838356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in the field of stem cell-based models have in recent years lead to the development of blastocyst-like structures termed blastoids. Blastoids can be used to study key events in mammalian pre-implantation development, as they mimic the blastocyst morphologically and transcriptionally, can progress to the post-implantation stage and can be generated in large numbers. Blastoids were originally developed using mouse pluripotent stem cells, and since several groups have successfully generated blastocyst models of the human system. Here we provide a comparison of the mouse and human protocols with the aim of deriving the core requirements for blastoid formation, discuss the models’ current ability to mimic blastocysts and give an outlook on potential future applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Erik Vrij
- *Correspondence: Erik Vrij, ; Stefan Giselbrecht,
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wu D. Mouse Oocytes, A Complex Single Cell Transcriptome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:827937. [PMID: 35321242 PMCID: PMC8935041 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.827937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Germinal vesicle (GV) stage is a critical transition point from growth to maturation in mammalian oocyte development. During the following meiotic maturation, active RNA degradation and absence of transcription significantly reprofile the oocyte transcriptome to determine oocyte quality. Oocyte RNA-seq has revealed transcriptome differences between two defined phases of GV stage, namely non-surrounded nucleolus (NSN) and surrounded nucleolus (SN) phases. In addition, oocyte RNA-seq has identified a variety of dysregulated genes upon genetic mutation or environmental perturbation. Historically, due to the low amount of RNA per oocyte, a few (20–200) oocytes were needed for a regular library construction in bulk RNA-seq. In recent years, development of single cell sequencing allows detailing the transcriptome of individual oocytes. Here in this study, different RNA-seq datasets from single and bulk of mouse oocytes are compared, and single oocyte RNA-seq (soRNA-seq) shows higher reproducibility. In addition, soRNA-seq better illustrates developmental progression of GV oocytes, revealing more complex gene changes than traditional views. Specially, an elevated level of ribosomal RNA 5′-ETS (5′ external transcribed spacer) has been shown to highly correlate with SN property. This study further demonstrates that UMI (unique molecular identifiers) based and other deduplication methods are limited in their ability to improve the precision of the soRNA-seq datasets. Finally, this study proposes that external spike-in molecules are useful for normalizing samples of different transcriptome sizes. A list of stable genes has been identified during oocyte maturation that are comparable to external spike-in molecules. These findings highlight the advantage of soRNA-seq, and have established ways for better clustering and cross-stage normalization, which can provide more insight into the biological features of oocyte maturation.
Collapse
|
27
|
Jiang ZY, Fan HY. Five questions toward mRNA degradation in oocytes and preimplantation embryos: When, who, to whom, how, and why? Biol Reprod 2022; 107:62-75. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
RNA, the primary product of the genome, is subject to various biological events during its lifetime. During mammalian gametogenesis and early embryogenesis, germ cells and preimplantation embryos undergo marked changes in the transcriptome, including mRNA turnover. Various factors, including specialized proteins, RNAs, and organelles, function in an intricate degradation system, and the degradation selectivity is determined by effectors and their target mRNAs. RNA homeostasis regulators and surveillance factors function in the global transcriptome of oocytes and somatic cells. Other factors, including BTG4, PABPN1L, the CCR4-NOT subunits, CNOT6L and CNOT7, and TUTs, are responsible for two maternal mRNA avalanches: M- and Z-decay. In this review, we discuss recent advances in mRNA degradation mechanisms in mammalian oocytes and preimplantation embryos. We focused on the studies in mice, as a model mammalian species, and on RNA turnover effectors and the cis-elements in targeting RNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yan Jiang
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Heng-Yu Fan
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Gu B, Bradshaw B, Zhu M, Sun Y, Hopyan S, Rossant J. Live imaging YAP signalling in mouse embryo development. Open Biol 2022; 12:210335. [PMID: 35042406 PMCID: PMC8767199 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210335] [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] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
YAP protein is a critical regulator of mammalian embryonic development. By generating a near-infrared fusion YAP reporter mouse line, we have achieved high-resolution live imaging of YAP localization during mouse embryonic development. We have validated the reporter by demonstrating its predicted responses to blocking LATS kinase activity or blocking cell polarity. By time lapse imaging preimplantation embryos, we revealed a mitotic reset behaviour of YAP nuclear localization. We also demonstrated deep tissue live imaging in post-implantation embryos and revealed an intriguing nuclear YAP pattern in migrating cells. The YAP fusion reporter mice and imaging methods will open new opportunities for understanding dynamic YAP signalling in vivo in many different situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Gu
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 0A4
| | - Brian Bradshaw
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 0A4
| | - Min Zhu
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 0A4.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A8.,Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3G8
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3G8.,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3G9.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3G4
| | - Sevan Hopyan
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 0A4.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A8.,Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Janet Rossant
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 0A4.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A8
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhang L, Li Y, Hu Y, Chen M, Cen C, Chen M, Lin L, Zhou J, Wang M, Cui X, Tang F, Gao F. Somatic cell-derived BMPs induce premature meiosis in male germ cells during the embryonic stage by upregulating Dazl expression. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22131. [PMID: 34985827 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101585r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Although germ cell fate is believed to be determined by signaling factors from differentiated somatic cells, the molecular mechanism behind this process remains obscure. In this study, premature meiosis in male germ cells was observed during the embryonic stage by conditional activation of β-catenin in Sertoli cells. Somatic and germ cell transcriptome results indicated that the BMP signaling pathway was enriched after β-catenin activation. In addition, we observed a decreased DNA methylation within a reduction of DNMT3A in germ cells of β-catenin activated testes and reversed increase after inhibiting BMP signaling pathway with LDN-193189. We also found that Dazl expression was increased in β-catenin activated testes and decreased after LDN treatment. Taken together, this study demonstrates that male germ cells entered meiosis prematurely during the embryonic stage after β-catenin activated in Sertoli cells. BMP signaling pathway involved in germ cell meiosis initiation by mediating DNA methylation to induce meiotic genes expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lianjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yaqiong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yuqiong Hu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Biomedical Institute for Pioneering Investigation via Convergence, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Changhuo Cen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Limei Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Mengyue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiuhong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Biomedical Institute for Pioneering Investigation via Convergence, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
He QL, Yuan P, Yang L, Yan ZQ, Chen W, Chen YD, Kong SM, Tang FC, Qiao J, Yan LY. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals abnormal fluctuations in human eight-cell embryos associated with blastocyst formation failure. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6460826. [PMID: 34904654 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility has become a global health issue, with the number of people suffering from the disease increasing year by year, and ART offering great promise for infertility treatment. However, the regulation of early embryonic development is complicated and a series of processes takes place, including the maternal-to-zygotic transition. In addition, developmental arrest is frequently observed during human early embryonic development. In this study, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on a biopsied blastomere from human eight-cell embryos and tracked the developmental potential of the remaining cells. To compare the sequencing results between different eight-cell embryos, we have combined the research data of this project with the data previously shared in the database and found that cells from the same embryo showed a higher correlation. Additionally, the transcriptome of embryos with blastocyst formation failure was significantly different from developed embryos, and the gene expression as well as cell signaling pathways related to embryonic development were also altered. In particular, the expression of some maternal and zygotic genes in the failed blastocyst formation group was significantly altered: the overall expression level of maternal genes was significantly higher in the failed blastocyst than the developed blastocyst group. In general, these findings provide clues for the causes of human embryonic arrest after the eight-cell stage, and they also provide new ideas for improving the success rate of ART in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Long He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Dong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Si-Ming Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fu-Chou Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Ying Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Guo Q, Liu Q, Wang N, Wang J, Sun A, Qiao J, Yan L. The function of Nucleoporin 37 on mouse oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:107-116. [PMID: 35022896 PMCID: PMC8866631 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02330-x] [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: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Nucleoporin 37 (NUP37) has been reported to activate the YAP-TEAD signaling, which is crucial for early embryo development. However, whether NUP37 is involved in oocyte meiosis and embryo development remains largely unknown. The study aimed to clarify the function of Nup37 in oocyte maturation and early embryo development, and to explore the mechanism. METHODS The expression level and subcellular localization of NUP37 were explored. After knocking down of Nup37 by microinjecting interfering RNA (siRNA), the oocyte maturation rate, aberrant PB1 extrusion rate, and blastocyst formation rate were evaluated. In addition, the effect of the downregulation of Nup37 on YAP-TEAD signaling was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining and real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS NUP37 was highly expressed in oocytes and early embryos; it mainly localized to the nuclear periphery at mice GV stage oocytes and early embryos. Nup37 depletion led to aberrant PB1 extrusion at the MII stage oocyte and a decreased blastocyst formation rate. The reduction of NUP37 caused YAP1 mislocalization and decreased the expression of Tead1, Tead2, and Tead4 during mice embryo development, thus affecting the YAP-TEAD activity and embryo developmental competence. CONCLUSIONS In summary, NUP37 played an important role in mice oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianying Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education Beijing Key, Beijing, 100191 China ,Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191 China ,Research Units of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Oocyte Maturation Arrest, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education Beijing Key, Beijing, 100191 China ,Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191 China ,Research Units of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Oocyte Maturation Arrest, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education Beijing Key, Beijing, 100191 China ,Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191 China ,Research Units of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Oocyte Maturation Arrest, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education Beijing Key, Beijing, 100191 China ,Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191 China ,Research Units of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Oocyte Maturation Arrest, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Andi Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education Beijing Key, Beijing, 100191 China ,Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191 China ,Research Units of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Oocyte Maturation Arrest, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education Beijing Key, Beijing, 100191 China ,Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191 China ,Research Units of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Oocyte Maturation Arrest, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education Beijing Key, Beijing, 100191 China ,Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191 China ,Research Units of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Oocyte Maturation Arrest, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hao X, Wang Q, Hou J, Liu K, Feng B, Shao C. Temporal Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Dynamic Expression Profiles of Gametes and Embryonic Development in Japanese Flounder ( Paralichthys olivaceus). Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101561. [PMID: 34680958 PMCID: PMC8535655 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) is a crucial event in embryo development. While the features of the MZT across species are shared, the stage of this transition is different among species. We characterized MZT in a flatfish species, Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). In this study, we analyzed the 551.57 GB transcriptome data of two types of gametes (sperms and eggs) and 10 embryo developmental stages in Japanese flounder. We identified 2512 maternal factor-related genes and found that most of those maternal factor-related genes expression decreased at the low blastula (LB) stage and remained silent in the subsequent embryonic development period. Meanwhile, we verified that the zygotic genome transcription might occur at the 128-cell stage and large-scale transcription began at the LB stage, which indicates the LB stage is the major wave zygotic genome activation (ZGA) occurs. In addition, we indicated that the Wnt signaling pathway, playing a diverse role in embryonic development, was involved in the ZGA and the axis formation. The results reported the list of the maternal genes in Japanese flounder and defined the stage of MZT, contributing to the understanding of the details of MZT during Japanese flounder embryonic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiancai Hao
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266072, China; (X.H.); (Q.W.); (K.L.); (B.F.)
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266072, China; (X.H.); (Q.W.); (K.L.); (B.F.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jilun Hou
- Beidaihe Central Experiment Station, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qinhuangdao 066100, China;
| | - Kaiqiang Liu
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266072, China; (X.H.); (Q.W.); (K.L.); (B.F.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Bo Feng
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266072, China; (X.H.); (Q.W.); (K.L.); (B.F.)
| | - Changwei Shao
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266072, China; (X.H.); (Q.W.); (K.L.); (B.F.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Goszczynski DE, Tinetti PS, Choi YH, Hinrichs K, Ross PJ. Genome activation in equine in vitro-produced embryos. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:66-82. [PMID: 34515744 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic genome activation is a critical event in embryo development, in which the transcriptional program of the embryo is initiated. The timing and regulation of this process are species-specific. In vitro embryo production is becoming an important clinical and research tool in the horse; however, very little is known about genome activation in this species. The objective of this work was to identify the timing of genome activation, and the transcriptional networks involved, in in vitro-produced horse embryos. RNA-Seq was performed on oocytes and embryos at eight stages of development (MII, zygote, 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, 16-cell, morula, blastocyst; n = 6 per stage, 2 from each of 3 mares). Transcription of seven genes was initiated at the 2-cell stage. The first substantial increase in gene expression occurred at the 4-cell stage (minor activation), followed by massive gene upregulation and downregulation at the 8-cell stage (major activation). An increase in intronic nucleotides, indicative of transcription initiation, was also observed at the 4-cell stage. Co-expression network analyses identified groups of genes that appeared to be regulated by common mechanisms. Investigation of hub genes and binding motifs enriched in the promoters of co-expressed genes implicated several transcription factors. This work represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first genomic evaluation of embryonic genome activation in horse embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D E Goszczynski
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - P S Tinetti
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Y H Choi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - K Hinrichs
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - P J Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Yang W, Ma Y, Jin J, Ren P, Zhou H, Xu S, Zhang Y, Hu Z, Rong Y, Dai Y, Zhang Y, Zhang S. Cyclophosphamide Exposure Causes Long-Term Detrimental Effect of Oocytes Developmental Competence Through Affecting the Epigenetic Modification and Maternal Factors' Transcription During Oocyte Growth. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:682060. [PMID: 34164401 PMCID: PMC8215553 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.682060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is widely used in various cancer therapies and in immunosuppression, and patients can still have babies after CTX chemotherapy. CTX directly causes primordial follicle loss with overactivation and DNA damage-induced apoptosis. Previous studies have shown that maternal exposure to CTX before conception increases the incidence of birth abnormalities and alters the methylation of genes in the oocytes of offspring. Mice were treated with a single dose of CTX (100 mg/kg) at post-natal day 21 and sacrificed 47 days later when primordial follicles surviving chemotherapy developed to the antral stage. Acute DNA damage and acceleration of the activation of primordial follicles after CTX treatment were repaired within several days, but the remaining follicle numbers remarkably decrease. Although partial surviving primordial follicle were developed to mature oocyte, oocyte quality hemostasis was impaired exhibiting aberrant meiosis progression, abnormal spindle and aneuploidy, mitochondrial dysfunction and increased endoplasmic reticulum stress. Thereafter, embryo development competency significantly decreased with fewer blastocyst formation after CTX exposure. CTX treatment resulted in alteration of DNA methylations and histone modifications in fully grown GV oocytes. Single-cell RNA-seq revealed CTX treatment suppressed multiple maternal genes’ transcription including many methyltransferases and maternal factor YAP1, which probably accounts for low quality of CTX-repaired oocyte. In vitro addition of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) to embryo culture media to promote YAP1 nuclear localization improved CTX-repaired embryo developmental competence. This study provides evidence for the consistent toxic effect of CTX exposure during follicle development, and provide a new mechanism and new insights into future clinical interventions for fertility preservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Yang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yerong Ma
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Jin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peipei Ren
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hanjing Zhou
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shiqian Xu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingyi Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhanhong Hu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Rong
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongdong Dai
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinli Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ma Y, Yang W, Ren P, Li X, Jin J, Dai Y, Pan Y, Jiang L, Fan H, Zhang Y, Zhang S. Lysophosphatidic acid improves oocyte quality during IVM by activating the ERK1/2 pathway in cumulus cells and oocytes. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6263839. [PMID: 33944929 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte IVM technology is an option for fertility preservation in some groups of patients, such as those with polycystic ovary syndrome, patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and for patients with cancer. However, the developmental potential of oocytes from IVM still needs to improve. Several previous studies have reported that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) promotes glucose metabolism, cumulus cell (CC) expansion, and oocyte nuclear maturation. However, the effect of LPA on oocyte cytoplasmic maturation, particularly mitochondrial function, has rarely been studied and the underlying mechanism is largely unknown, which impedes (pre)clinical applications of LPA. In this study, cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and cumulus-denuded germinal vesicle oocytes (DOs) were treated with various concentrations of LPA during IVM, in the presence or absence of the oxidative stressor cyclophosphamide (CTX). In both normal and CTX-damaged COCs, the 25 μM LPA group exhibited improved CC expansion capacity, a higher nuclear maturation rate, and superior mitochondrial function, compared to no LPA treatment. When the concentration of LPA was over 40 μM, detrimental effects of LPA on oocyte maturation occurred. Compared with COCs, the addition of LPA slightly improved oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of DOs, but this was not statistically significant. We observed that LPA promotes the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, although this was not statistically significant in DOs. Furthermore, LPA could not reverse the negative effect of CC expansion and mitochondrial function after inactivation of ERK1/2 by U0126. RNA-sequencing and RT-PCR results showed that LPA upregulated several ERK1/2 downstream genes related to CC expansion, such as Areg, Cited4, and Ptgs2. This study demonstrates that LPA improves oocyte quality during IVM through the activation of ERK1/2 pathway CCs and oocytes, which provides evidence for the potential addition of LPA to IVM medium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yerong Ma
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weijie Yang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peipei Ren
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Jin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongdong Dai
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yibin Pan
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingling Jiang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hengyu Fan
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinli Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Saito S, Yamamura S, Kohri N, Bai H, Takahashi M, Kawahara M. Requirement for expression of WW domain containing transcription regulator 1 in bovine trophectoderm development. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 555:140-146. [PMID: 33813273 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.03.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
WW domain-containing transcription regulator 1 (WWTR1) is one of the primary effectors in the Hippo pathway, which plays essential roles in cell differentiation into trophectoderm (TE) and inner cell mass cell lineages at the blastocyst stage. However, little is known about the roles of WWTR1 in preimplantation development. The present study aimed to explore the significance of WWTR1 expression in preimplantation development using an mRNA knockdown (KD) system in bovine embryos. We first quantitated WWTR1 expression at protein and mRNA levels from fertilization to blastocyst stage. WWTR1 proteins gradually shifted from extranuclear localization during the 16-cell stage to nuclear localization by morula stage. WWTR1 mRNA expression was also transiently upregulated at the 16-cell stage. WWTR1 KD efficiently repressed WWTR1 expression at protein and mRNA levels. The WWTR1 KD embryos developed to the blastocyst stage at rates equivalent to those of controls, but TE cell numbers were significantly decreased. Representative TE-expressed genes, including CDX2 and IFNT were also significantly decreased in WWTR1 KD blastocysts. These results provide the first demonstration that WWTR1 expression is responsible for normal TE cell development in preimplantation embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shun Saito
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku, Kita 9, Nishi 9, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
| | - Shota Yamamura
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku, Kita 9, Nishi 9, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
| | - Nanami Kohri
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku, Kita 9, Nishi 9, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
| | - Hanako Bai
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku, Kita 9, Nishi 9, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
| | - Masashi Takahashi
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku, Kita 9, Nishi 9, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
| | - Manabu Kawahara
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Reproduction, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku, Kita 9, Nishi 9, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
He M, Zhang T, Yang Y, Wang C. Mechanisms of Oocyte Maturation and Related Epigenetic Regulation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:654028. [PMID: 33842483 PMCID: PMC8025927 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.654028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is the basis of sexual reproduction. In female mammals, meiosis of oocytes starts before birth and sustains at the dictyate stage of meiotic prophase I before gonadotropins-induced ovulation happens. Once meiosis gets started, the oocytes undergo the leptotene, zygotene, and pachytene stages, and then arrest at the dictyate stage. During each estrus cycle in mammals, or menstrual cycle in humans, a small portion of oocytes within preovulatory follicles may resume meiosis. It is crucial for females to supply high quality mature oocytes for sustaining fertility, which is generally achieved by fine-tuning oocyte meiotic arrest and resumption progression. Anything that disturbs the process may result in failure of oogenesis and seriously affect both the fertility and the health of females. Therefore, uncovering the regulatory network of oocyte meiosis progression illuminates not only how the foundations of mammalian reproduction are laid, but how mis-regulation of these steps result in infertility. In order to provide an overview of the recently uncovered cellular and molecular mechanism during oocyte maturation, especially epigenetic modification, the progress of the regulatory network of oocyte meiosis progression including meiosis arrest and meiosis resumption induced by gonadotropins is summarized. Then, advances in the epigenetic aspects, such as histone acetylation, phosphorylation, methylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination, and SUMOylation related to the quality of oocyte maturation are reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meina He
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Tuo Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zhang H, Yan K, Sui L, Li P, Du Y, Hu J, Li M, Yang X, Liang X. Low-level pyruvate inhibits early embryonic development and maternal mRNA clearance in mice. Theriogenology 2021; 166:104-111. [PMID: 33721681 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Energy homeostasis and accomplishment of maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT), which involves the timed processes of maternal mRNA clearance and zygotic genome activation (ZGA), are essential for mammalian embryogenesis. However, how energy substrates regulate maternal mRNA clearance and the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we found that mouse embryos were arrested at the 2-cell stage when the pyruvate level was reduced to one-fifth of the control level. Moreover, we observed that the mitochondrial contents and ROS levels were reduced. Interestingly, some maternal mRNA, including transcripts involved in the maternal factor-mediated mRNA decay (M-decay) pathway, was vastly degraded from 1-cell to 2-/4-cell embryos when cultured with control pyruvate levels, but the clearance of these transcripts was hindered when the pyruvate level was reduced. In contrast, some transcripts involved in the zygotic factor-mediated mRNA decay (Z-decay) pathway were vastly downregulated by the reduction in pyruvate. This effect was possibly due to a reduction in global transcription, as the embryos cultured with low-level pyruvate had lower transcription activity than embryos cultured with control pyruvate level. In summary, our findings demonstrate that low-level pyruvate inhibits maternal mRNA clearance, possibly by disrupting the M- and Z-decay pathways, extending our current understanding of the energy requirements of embryogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hengye Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Ke Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Lumin Sui
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Pan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Ya Du
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Jiahao Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Mengqi Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Xiaogan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China.
| | - Xingwei Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Pennarossa G, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. "Biomechanical Signaling in Oocytes and Parthenogenetic Cells". Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:646945. [PMID: 33644079 PMCID: PMC7905081 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.646945] [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: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte-specific competence remains one of the major targets of current research in the field of reproduction. Several mechanisms are involved in meiotic maturation and the molecular signature of an oocyte is considered to reflect its quality and to predict its subsequent developmental and functional capabilities. In the present minireview, we focus on the possible role of mechanotransduction and mechanosensor signaling pathways, namely the Hippo and the RhoGTPase, in the maturing oocyte. Due to the limited access to female gametes, we propose the use of cells isolated from parthenogenetic embryos as a promising model to characterize and dissect the oocyte distinctive molecular signatures, given their exclusive maternal origin. The brief overview here reported suggests a role of the mechanosensing related pathways in oocyte quality and developmental competence and supports the use of uniparental cells as a useful tool for oocyte molecular signature characterization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Papageorgiou K, Mastora E, Zikopoulos A, Grigoriou ME, Georgiou I, Michaelidis TM. Interplay Between mTOR and Hippo Signaling in the Ovary: Clinical Choice Guidance Between Different Gonadotropin Preparations for Better IVF. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:702446. [PMID: 34367070 PMCID: PMC8334720 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.702446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most widely used types of assisted reproduction technology is the in vitro fertilization (IVF), in which women undergo controlled ovarian stimulation through the administration of the appropriate hormones to produce as many mature follicles, as possible. The most common hormone combination is the co-administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues with recombinant or urinary-derived follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In the last few years, scientists have begun to explore the effect that different gonadotropin preparations have on granulosa cells' maturation and apoptosis, aiming to identify new predictive markers of oocyte quality and successful fertilization. Two major pathways that control the ovarian development, as well as the oocyte-granulosa cell communication and the follicular growth, are the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and the Hippo signaling. The purpose of this article is to briefly review the current knowledge about the effects that the different gonadotropins, used for ovulation induction, may exert in the biology of granulosa cells, focusing on the importance of these two pathways, which are crucial for follicular maturation. We believe that a better understanding of the influence that the various ovarian stimulation protocols have on these critical molecular cascades will be invaluable in choosing the best approach for a given patient, thereby avoiding cancelled cycles, reducing frustration and potential treatment-related complications, and increasing the pregnancy rate. Moreover, individualizing the treatment plan will help clinicians to better coordinate assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs, discuss the specific options with the couples undergoing IVF, and alleviate stress, thus making the IVF experience easier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki Papageorgiou
- Department of Biological Applications & Technologies, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Division of Biomedical Research, Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Eirini Mastora
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics of Human Reproduction, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Medical Genetics and Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ioannina University Hospital, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics of Human Reproduction, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Medical Genetics and Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ioannina University Hospital, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria E. Grigoriou
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics of Human Reproduction, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Medical Genetics and Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ioannina University Hospital, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Theologos M. Michaelidis
- Department of Biological Applications & Technologies, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Division of Biomedical Research, Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas, Ioannina, Greece
- *Correspondence: Theologos M. Michaelidis, ;
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Argonaute 2 is a key regulator of maternal mRNA degradation in mouse early embryos. Cell Death Discov 2020; 6:133. [PMID: 33298889 PMCID: PMC7691497 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-020-00368-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian early embryos, the transition from maternal to embryonic control of gene expression requires timely degradation of a subset of maternal mRNAs (MRD). Recently, zygotic genome activation (ZGA)-dependent MRD has been characterized in mouse 2-cell embryo. However, in early embryos, the dynamics of MRD is still poorly understood, and the maternal factor-mediated MRD before and along with ZGA has not been investigated. Argonaute 2 (Ago2) is highly expressed in mouse oocyte and early embryos. In this study, we showed that Ago2-dependent degradation involving RNA interference (RNAi) and RNA activation (RNAa) pathways contributes to the decay of over half of the maternal mRNAs in mouse early embryos. We demonstrated that AGO2 guided by endogenous small interfering RNAs (endosiRNAs), generated from double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) formed by maternal mRNAs with their complementary long noncoding RNAs (CMR-lncRNAs), could target maternal mRNAs and cooperate with P-bodies to promote MRD. In addition, we also showed that AGO2 may interact with small activating RNAs (saRNAs) to activate Yap1 and Tead4, triggering ZGA-dependent MRD. Thus, Ago2-dependent degradation is required for timely elimination of subgroups of maternal mRNAs and facilitates the transition between developmental states.
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
It has long been known that glucose is required for the development of pre-implantation mouse embryos, but the mechanism accounting for such a requirement has remained unknown. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Chi et al. dissect the molecular pathways that respond to the state of glucose metabolism to drive the morula to blastocyst transition.
Collapse
|
43
|
Sha QQ, Zheng W, Wu YW, Li S, Guo L, Zhang S, Lin G, Ou XH, Fan HY. Dynamics and clinical relevance of maternal mRNA clearance during the oocyte-to-embryo transition in humans. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4917. [PMID: 33004802 PMCID: PMC7530992 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18680-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal mRNA clearance is an essential process that occurs during maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT). However, the dynamics, functional importance, and pathological relevance of maternal mRNA decay in human preimplantation embryos have not yet been analyzed. Here we report the zygotic genome activation (ZGA)-dependent and -independent maternal mRNA clearance processes during human MZT and demonstrate that subgroups of human maternal transcripts are sequentially removed by maternal (M)- and zygotic (Z)-decay pathways before and after ZGA. Key factors regulating M-decay and Z-decay pathways in mouse have similar expression pattern during human MZT, suggesting that YAP1-TEAD4 transcription activators, TUT4/7-mediated mRNA 3ʹ-oligouridylation, and BTG4/CCR4-NOT-induced mRNA deadenylation may also be involved in the regulation of human maternal mRNA stability. Decreased expression of these factors and abnormal accumulation of maternal transcripts are observed in the development-arrested embryos of patients who seek assisted reproduction. Defects of M-decay and Z-decay are detected with high incidence in embryos that are arrested at the zygote and 8-cell stages, respectively. In addition, M-decay is not found to be affected by maternal TUBB8 mutations, although these mutations cause meiotic cell division defects and zygotic arrest, which indicates that mRNA decay is regulated independent of meiotic spindle assembly. Considering the correlations between maternal mRNA decay defects and early developmental arrest of in vitro fertilized human embryos, M-decay and Z-decay pathway activities may contribute to the developmental potential of human preimplantation embryos. How maternal RNA clearance is regulated in human preimplantation embryos is unclear. Here, the authors show there is a potential correlation between maternal mRNA decay defects and early developmental arrest from in vitro fertilized human embryos, suggesting that M-decay and Z-decay pathways may regulate such early development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Sha
- Fertility Preservation Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, 510317, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, 410008, Changsha, China.,College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, 410006, Changsha, China
| | - Yun-Wen Wu
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sen Li
- Fertility Preservation Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, 510317, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Fertility Preservation Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, 510317, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuoping Zhang
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, 410008, Changsha, China. .,Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China.
| | - Xiang-Hong Ou
- Fertility Preservation Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, 510317, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Heng-Yu Fan
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Sha QQ, Zhang J, Fan HY. A story of birth and death: mRNA translation and clearance at the onset of maternal-to-zygotic transition in mammals†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:579-590. [PMID: 30715134 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammals, maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT), or oocyte-to-embryo transition, begins with oocyte meiotic resumption due to the sequential translational activation and destabilization of dormant maternal transcripts stored in the ooplasm. It then continues with the elimination of maternal transcripts during oocyte maturation and fertilization and ends with the full transcriptional activation of the zygotic genome during embryonic development. A hallmark of MZT in mammals is its reliance on translation and the utilization of stored RNAs and proteins, rather than de novo transcription of genes, to sustain meiotic maturation and early development. Impaired maternal mRNA clearance at the onset of MZT prevents zygotic genome activation and causes early arrest of developing embryos. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our knowledge of the mechanisms whereby mRNA translation and degradation are controlled by cytoplasmic polyadenylation and deadenylation which set up the competence of maturing oocyte to accomplish MZT. The emphasis of this review is on the mouse as a model organism for mammals and BTG4 as a licensing factor of MZT under the translational control of the MAPK cascade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Sha
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jue Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Heng-Yu Fan
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province; Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Wu Z, Guan KL. Hippo Signaling in Embryogenesis and Development. Trends Biochem Sci 2020; 46:51-63. [PMID: 32928629 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2020.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hippo pathway components are structurally and functionally conserved and are notable for their role in controlling organ size. More diverse functions of the Hippo pathway have been recognized, including development, tissue homeostasis, wound healing and regeneration, immunity, and tumorigenesis. During embryogenesis, different signaling pathways are repeatedly and cooperatively activated, leading to differential gene expression in specific developmental contexts. In this article, we present an overview on the regulation and function of the Hippo pathway in mammalian early development. We introduce the Hippo pathway components and major upstream signals that act through this pathway to influence embryogenesis. We also discuss the roles of Hippo pathway in tissue specification and organ development during organogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengming Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kun-Liang Guan
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Zhang PY, Fan Y, Tan T, Yu Y. Generation of Artificial Gamete and Embryo From Stem Cells in Reproductive Medicine. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:781. [PMID: 32793569 PMCID: PMC7387433 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to the great growing need for assisted reproduction technologies (ART), additional solutions for patients without functional gametes are strongly needed. Due to ethical restrictions, limited studies can be performed on human gametes and embryos; however, artificial gametes and embryos represent a new hope for clinical application and basic research in the field of reproductive medicine. Here, we provide a review of the research progress and possible application of artificial gametes and embryos from different species, including mice, monkeys and humans. Gametes specification from adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) as well as propagation of stem cells from the reproductive system and from organized embryos, which are similar to blastocysts, have been realized in some nonhuman mammals, but not all achievements can be replicated in humans. This area of research remains noteworthy and requires further study and effort to achieve the reconstitution of the entire cycle of gametogenesis and embryo development in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pu-Yao Zhang
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Fan
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Tan
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Alda-Catalinas C, Bredikhin D, Hernando-Herraez I, Santos F, Kubinyecz O, Eckersley-Maslin MA, Stegle O, Reik W. A Single-Cell Transcriptomics CRISPR-Activation Screen Identifies Epigenetic Regulators of the Zygotic Genome Activation Program. Cell Syst 2020; 11:25-41.e9. [PMID: 32634384 PMCID: PMC7383230 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is an essential transcriptional event in embryonic development that coincides with extensive epigenetic reprogramming. Complex manipulation techniques and maternal stores of proteins preclude large-scale functional screens for ZGA regulators within early embryos. Here, we combined pooled CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) with single-cell transcriptomics to identify regulators of ZGA-like transcription in mouse embryonic stem cells, which serve as a tractable, in vitro proxy of early mouse embryos. Using multi-omics factor analysis (MOFA+) applied to ∼200,000 single-cell transcriptomes comprising 230 CRISPRa perturbations, we characterized molecular signatures of ZGA and uncovered 24 factors that promote a ZGA-like response. Follow-up assays validated top screen hits, including the DNA-binding protein Dppa2, the chromatin remodeler Smarca5, and the transcription factor Patz1, and functional experiments revealed that Smarca5’s regulation of ZGA-like transcription is dependent on Dppa2. Together, our single-cell transcriptomic profiling of CRISPRa-perturbed cells provides both system-level and molecular insights into the mechanisms that orchestrate ZGA. Large-scale pooled CRISPR-activation screen with single-cell RNA-seq for 230 genes MOFA+ identified 24 screen hits that induced a ZGA-like signature Nine genes were independently validated as regulators of ZGA-like transcription Smarca5 regulates ZGA-like transcription in a Dppa2-dependent manner
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celia Alda-Catalinas
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Danila Bredikhin
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | | | - Fátima Santos
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Oana Kubinyecz
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | | | - Oliver Stegle
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg 69117, Germany; Division of Computational Genomics and Systems Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany; European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Epigenetic regulation of mouse preimplantation embryo development. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 64:13-20. [PMID: 32563750 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
After fertilization, mouse embryos go through preimplantation development to give rise to blastocyst. Two key molecular events, zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and the first cell lineage specification, are essential for the process. Recent advances in low-input epigenomics profiling techniques allow the analysis of these events at a molecular level, which revealed a critical role of epigenetic and chromatin reprogramming in ZGA and the first cell lineage specification. Additionally, the establishment of an in vitro embryonic stem cell (ESC) to two-cell embryo-like conversion system have also contributed to the molecular understanding of preimplantation development. In this review, we summarize recent advances in epigenetic regulation of mouse preimplantation development, point out the remaining questions, and propose strategies to tackle these questions.
Collapse
|
49
|
Vallot A, Tachibana K. The emergence of genome architecture and zygotic genome activation. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2020; 64:50-57. [PMID: 32220807 PMCID: PMC7374442 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The fusion of two transcriptionally silent gametes, egg and sperm, generates a totipotent zygote that activates zygotic transcription to support further development. Although the molecular details of zygotic genome activation (ZGA) are not well understood in most species, an emerging concept is that one or more pioneer transcription factors trigger zygotic transcription. Concomitantly, extensive changes in 3D chromatin organization occur during development. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding when and how genome architecture emerges in early metazoan embryos, how the zygotic genome is activated, and how these events might be coordinated. We also highlight some of the unknowns that may be critical to address in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Vallot
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Dr. Bohr Gasse 3, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kikuë Tachibana
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Dr. Bohr Gasse 3, 1030, Vienna, Austria; Department of Totipotency, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Genomic Structure, Evolutionary Origins, and Reproductive Function of a Large Amplified Intrinsically Disordered Protein-Coding Gene on the X Chromosome ( Laidx) in Mice. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2020; 10:1997-2005. [PMID: 32253194 PMCID: PMC7263670 DOI: 10.1534/g3.120.401221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mouse sex chromosomes are enriched for co-amplified gene families, present in tens to hundreds of copies. Co-amplification of Slx/Slxl1 on the X chromosome and Sly on the Y chromosome are involved in dose-dependent meiotic drive, however the role of other co-amplified genes remains poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that the co-amplified gene family on the X chromosome, Srsx, along with two additional partial gene annotations, is actually part of a larger transcription unit, which we name Laidx. Laidx is harbored in a 229 kb amplicon that represents the ancestral state as compared to a 525 kb Y-amplicon containing the rearranged Laidy. Laidx contains a 25,011 nucleotide open reading frame, predominantly expressed in round spermatids, predicted to encode an 871 kD protein. Laidx has orthologous copies with the rat and also the 825-MY diverged parasitic Chinese liver fluke, Clonorchis sinensis, the likely result of a horizontal gene transfer of rodent Laidx to an ancestor of the liver fluke. To assess the male reproductive functions of Laidx, we generated mice carrying a multi-megabase deletion of the Laidx-ampliconic region. Laidx-deficient male mice do not show detectable reproductive defects in fertility, fecundity, testis histology, and offspring sex ratio. We speculate that Laidx and Laidy represent a now inactive X vs. Y chromosome conflict that occurred in an ancestor of present day mice.
Collapse
|